dear_mun | (no subject)

I dunno, Big Green, is anyone ever really too old to have a crush?

[He can't help but smirk a little, though he's careful to take a somewhat gentler tone as he continues. Seems like this might be a bit of a sore point. ~~Though that isn't to say he's not mentally keeping the option for a little friendly teasing open if won't cause an issue.~~]

So what's this all about? And who's the "she" in question?

[Hulk sputters, not expecting Rex to appear so suddenly. He's definitely, definitely not blushing. Look away, kid!]

Nothing!

I-I mean, no one.

It... yeah.

[He coughs. ~~SMOOTH, HULK.~~]

[Oh ho~ he sees that blush, buddy. As a result, that smirk becomes a full on amused grin.]

Uh huh. Suuuuure it isn't.

C'mon, Hulk. Whoever she is, she must be pretty awesome to have gotten your attention.

[Ooh great. There'll be no getting out of it now, judging by the kid's expression. Hulk groans and covers his face with a hand.]

Remember that lady I told you about when I got turned human again...?

[Uh oh. Well, this suddenly took a bit of an awkward turn. Rex's smile fades, one eyebrow quirked in question.]

Yeah, I do.

Is she the one you mean or someone she knows or...?

[Hulk's shoulders sag and he shrugs helplessly.]

It's her... But it's not her? It's... complicated.

She's from another world, but... It's Betty.

[And Hulk has it bad.]

But... she doesn't know it's me. Or, she does, but it's different in her world. I'm... I'm him but she doesn't know.

[Hulk realizes he isn't making much sense but he doesn't know how else to explain it. He shoots Rex a helpless look.

He's definitely in trouble if he's asking the kid for advice.]

["Complicated" is definitely a good word for that. Fortunately, as Rex has been in situations where he's both met alternate versions of people he knows and even become alternate versions of himself (thank you reality storms of Nautilus, only not), this thing with Betty isn't difficult to wrap his mind around.]

So, like from an alternate universe, basically.

How different do you mean, exactly? Is she from a version of Earth where Bruce never became the Hulk or am I totally getting that wrong?

[While Rex isn't an expert on relationships, he's been in a few by this point and does have some experience to fall back on. So hey, keep talking, Big Green. Your EVO friend here may or may not have advice for you, but at least either way he's listening and starting to take your problem here more seriously.]

[Hulk nods, relieved that the kid was familiar with the concept. That sort of thing happened in his world a lot, meeting alternate universe versions of yourself, evil future versions of yourself, timeline shenanigans, all of that is old hat to Hulk by now. Which really probably says something about how crazy his life is as a whole, but I digress.]

In her world, Bruce Banner became the Hulk, but not permanently. He changes back, tries to look for a cure himself. Not like me.

Ever since the accident I've been like this, no going back to being human until Betty cured me... and that only lasted a few days.

She loves Bruce Banner. The Bruce Banner that is human most of the time, not... Not stuck like this.

[Hulk takes a steadying breath.]

I remember nearly everything from...before. I couldn't, not at first, but the more time spent as Hulk the more I remembered, regained pieces of Bruce Banner. But... my thoughts are still clouded, I'll never be as smart as I was. I can't be the man she fell in love with.

[This is the most he's explained about his... situation... to anyone, ever. Feel special, Rex. He doesn't even like thinking about it--too much he can't change, so what's the use? But being around Betty has dredged up a lot of issues.]

[Rex listens in silence, a frown creasing his features as the overall picture becomes clearer. This something he can only relate to partially, unfortunately. The closest he's come to something like this is being concerned about his brother fully accepting him as his current self versus who he was becoming when he was younger, before the Nanite Event. Before several blank outs robbed him of his memories and extreme circumstances altered him as a person. Still, it's what he's got and he'll take hold of that, using it as best he can to empathize with Hulk's situation.]

[Still, there are a couple of other vital pieces of information missing here Rex would like to know. He does get that sense that all of this isn't something Hulk would tell just anyone, though, so yes. Rex is grateful for the level of trust being shown.]

Well... Can she go home to that other Bruce? I mean, is this one of those situations where her being around you is short term or long term temporary? Or is it permanent?

Not permanent. She can leave any time. But... she wants to stay. For some reason. Hulk didn't ask why.

[Hulk's vocal capabilities slip as his emotions get stronger.

Maybe it's out of pity, or she feels like staying with him will fix something she left unfinished. He doesn't know. He's afraid to know.]

I almost hurt her, Rex.

[His voice and expression are distraught. He had been under the influence of a rage inducing stimulant, but in his eyes it's still his fault.]

But I left my Betty, and that hurt her, too. Promised her I wouldn't leave this time, but...

How do I stop hurting the people I care about?

[Having talked to the Hulk as many times as he has, Rex is able to recognize that slip for what it is, his frown deepening a fraction. This isn't just about the big guy having strong feelings for someone. It all wraps back around to his overall issues with getting close to people, period. To being the Hulk and all that comes with it.]

[Unfortunately, this also seems to be one of those situations where there are so many variables, there's likely no real right answer.]

I realize you want to take responsibility for your actions, but... Even what you are isn't something that was under your control from the start. It's come with a lot of challenges and you've gotten better at them over time.

Still, I think you blame yourself for too much.

[Stepping closer, he sets a hand on one of Hulk's arms in a gesture of reassurance.]

The people close to you - the ones that know you - are aware of what they're getting into. Maybe it seems like the right thing to push them away so they won't get hurt physically, but it's like you said... It's just a different kind of hurt that ends up happening, instead. And it's not just with them, it's with you, too.

You're not going to get anywhere good by isolating yourself from anyone who isn't on your level, physically. And you're probably more likely to gain the control you want in the long run when you've got others around you to give you reasons to work on that.

I don't know why Betty is sticking with you now and I don't know if you'll ever be as smart as you were before... But I do know that, at heart, you're a good person. Maybe you aren't entirely safe all the time, but who you are at your core makes you worth sticking by despite the risk.

[Being the Hulk is sometimes a blessing but mostly a curse, on all mankind and on himself. He never asked for this power, never got a manual or training. Being the strongest one there is means that you have the power to protect yourself, but also the power to destroy without effort. All of his mistakes are catastrophic, his learning curve sharp and every outlier devastating.

No, he never asked for this, but he was given it regardless, and despite Hulk's wish to do good, to be good, such immense power always comes with an equally heavy price.

When he only had to worry about himself, life was easy. Stay away from civilian populations, come fight when needed, leave. He locked himself in a bunker to keep himself from losing control and hurting others in the beginning, and it's hard to not keep going back to that fail-safe when he's worried he might hurt someone again.

Now she's with him, and he's terrified. He knows she made the choice of her own free will, and she would stick with him despite everything. But... can he in good conscience allow her to make such a dangerous decision? He's a bomb that's waiting to go off and she has no means of protection. So the struggle goes 'round and 'round...

Still, some good things come with this power--getting to help people, save lives, and meeting others who aspire to do the same.

Meeting people like Rex, who has suffered and struggled so much, in such similar ways...and yet he still is so good, kind to the core. For the kid compassion came naturally, but he also bears the kindness that comes with empathy borne from pain.

Hulk wished, for the kid's sake, that Rex hadn't learned such kindness and wisdom this way, but the world would be poorer without him. People like Rex are what make Hulk want to keep fighting the good fight. He's grateful the kid reached out to him again, and that he opened up. It was similar to things that Rick and Jen have told him in the past, but they didn't have the perspective that the kid did, and Hulk heeds his words carefully.

Hulk places the hand Rex isn't touching on top of his arm, giving him a silent, sincerely grateful look. You're a good one, Rex Salazar.]

Kid...

[Hulk is at a loss for words now. It's impossible to argue with that kind of sincerity. And although Hulk still has some issues regarding the whole thing, Rex's words have eased the majority of his inner turmoil.]

...Thanks.

[Hulk blinks, withdrawing his hand.]

Oh, wait, I'm not supposed to call you that any more, right? Heh.

[Even though he can empathize with Hulk's situation, there still so much about what the big guy goes through that Rex will never quite be able to get...and he understands that. Both of them have struggled with controlling their strength and abilities, working toward the point where they're more of a help than a hindrance. Both of them have also come up against resistance to their very existences, forced to deal with people who believe they'd be better off dead for the sake of humanity. Rex has just been fortunate that his inner "monster" only ever shows when his life is truly threatened, though even then the level of devastation he's capable of in full EVO mode is not on par with the destruction the Hulk can cause.]

[The lives both of them lead aren't something Rex would wish on anyone else, even though on his end he's come to both accept and enjoy it for what he can get out of it. But really, these aren't the kinds of situations just anyone can handle mentally and emotionally. There's also a good deal of responsibility involved with this kind of power. This is part of why Rex doesn't worry too much about his friend, however. Hulk feels a level of responsibility for himself to a near fault. He cares so much that even when he does go off the rails and lose himself to rage, it seems he'll do whatever he can to try and make things right. And maybe while intent isn't everything, it does count for something.]

[Hulk is a good person, and if there's any justice in the world, things will work out for him in the long run.]

[Rex offers Hulk a fond smile, glad he could do something to lift some of the weight from his friend's shoulders. After all, just because Hulk's the strongest of them all doesn't mean he should have to bear it all alone. Rex's own hand lingers a moment longer before he takes it back, tucking both hands into his jacket pockets.]

You're welcome.

And technically? Well, no, but I'll take it from you since I know you mean it in the best way. Family gets certain privileges like that.

[Yep, he sure did just go there.]

Listen, I don't even know you but-

Aww!

[Indignant Hulk is indignant! The last thing he needs is for strangers to make fun of him. Or think he's cute! He has a reputation as a rage monster to uphold.]

Hey, hey! Don't go around sayin' stuff like that.

Sorry, I just couldn't help myself.

[She chuckles just a little to herself.] It's not really any of my business anyway.

But wow, heh...you're a big guy and uh green, REALLY green.

[Hulk grumbles a bit but he's not going to threaten what appears to be a young girl for teasing him.

He crosses his arms and smirks slightly at her excited comments, much more used to this line of inquiry than people commenting on his ~~lack of~~ love life.]

That's usually the first thing people notice about me.

That's okay, I'm used to that kind of thing too.

[No really.]

Though it often takes a while for people to notice when I'm looking a little different.

[The girl extends her hand.] Saft, by the way.

[Hulk gives her a curious once-over before extending a large green hand, enveloping hers gently. Huh, maybe she was not as delicate as she seemed.]

Hulk.

['Delicate' wouldn't be the word to describe her that's for sure. Try 'Troublesome' and possibly some more colourful words like that and you'd be close.]

So, I'm taking it you're pretty happy about your new Lady-friend, Huh?

Not me I mean because yeah I'm a lady and I guess we're friends and everything but wow...I just made this way more awkward than it needed to be.

[Hulk chuckles a bit at the odd girl. She reminds him a bit of Rick.]

It's... complicated.

[No Hulk, that doesn't cut it with her. Brain Surgery? That's complicated. Learning magic is complicated. Trying to convince the entire world that you and others like you aren't blood thirsty monsters that breathe fire and think evil thoughts is super complicated.

But falling in love? No, that should be the most natural and happy thing to do. Or so says the kid who's still a hatchling in her elder's eyes.]

Who says it has to be?

[Hulk sighs, not equipped to explain this to a young girl.]

No one says it has t' be, just is.

Oh...

[She looks offways. It can't be easy for someone like him to be in a relationship she supposes. So she can kind of understand why there may be some complications at least.]

But she likes you right? And you like her...? So you should at least try.

Wish it was that simple.

[Hulk sighs, expression morose.]

I'm... I'm not the man she fell in love with. Not anymore.

[Poor guy, she wish she knew how to help out more.]

Well hey, I only just met you and I happen to think you're great.

[Hulk cracks a small smile at the girl, a large green hand coming down on top of her head to ruffle her hair.]

Heh. You're alright, kid.

Edited 2015-12-05 19:52 (UTC)

[Gah, no - not hair ruffles! They're so not easy to fix up.]

That's what they tell me!

...Or at least what I wish more people told me. Where I'm from I kinda don't have the best reputation around.

[Oh, don't say that. Hulk has a penchant for adopting misfits into his family. Rex is a prime example. His expression softens a bit.]

You're the only one who gets to decide what kinda person you are. Don't let what others say about you affect you, just keep doin' good until they see who you really are.

You're a good kid, Hulk can tell.

[Too late, Saft likes you too so as far as she's concerned every new friend she makes is a member of her own mixed up misfit family. It seems very likely that if Rick and Saft ever met it would be best for everyone to run...things would either end up smashed or set on fire. Or both at the same time.]

That's actually really good advice, Hm. [She beams at the giant and brushes some of her bangs behind her ears.]

I guess the good thing about being half-dragon means I'm going to have plenty of time to try and prove that to them.

[That gives Hulk slight pause. The only dragon he knew was Fin Fang Foom, who looked nothing like the girl in front of him, to say the least.]

Half-Dragon? That's a new one to me.

[Which is really saying something, since Hulk has seen some weird shit in his time.]

Edited 2015-12-05 21:44 (UTC)

[To quote one huge green dude from earlier...]

It's complicated.

[Like major daddy-issues serious. And believe me, if there's one person that ever deserved the smash treatment. It would have been Ravus.

But hey at least there's no chance of that ever happening.]

[Hulk chuckled.]

Didn't you just say things shouldn't be complicated?

[Still, he won't press. Hulk knows a lot about keeping secrets. And you might want to keep the Ravus business to yourself. Hulk is... very sensitive when it comes to cruel father figures.]

You don't gotta explain. I've heard of stranger. I met a talking planet one time. Kind of a punk, that one.

Edited 2015-12-05 21:51 (UTC)

T-That's totally different!

[How very dare-!]

...A talking planet? Is that really possible? I mean...how do you even talk with a planet and wow. I mean I don't think I'd blame t for being a punk, Have you seen what some people step in? Ewwww...

[Hulk chuckles openly at her scrambling.]

That's...an interesting way of looking at it.

[He stifles his laughter, though his smile persists.]

Ahh, I shouldn't say that about 'im. He came back to help us like he said he would when we needed it. It's not so bad.

[Though it's hard to have positive memories about someone when you've been trapped in their planetary snot before, ugh.]

"Us"? ...So you're not alone then?

[That's Saft code for "omg I need to meet them."]

Heh, yeah. I make a lot of interesting friends. Avengers, sentient planetoids, the Fantastic Four, the list goes on.

My family is like me, though. Hulks. Rick, Jen, Skaar, and Red.

[Hulk preens a little, he's proud of his family.]

And then I have the friends I make in this place too, like Rex. And you.

[He smiles.]

Sounds great.

My family's made up from dragons, books, giants and basically anyone I find.

[And possibly Hulks too. That is if he lets her hang out with him a little more because who knows what'll come their way.]

And hey, My mun's grinning super mad over this whole thing, she thinks we'd make a pretty good team if there were any big bads to fight or anything like that.

She also says if you ever wanna hang out more she's happy to head over to that Bakerstreet place or even over to her musebox.

[Hulk loves team ups, but he's a little concerned over this tiny girl getting herself in danger. He's not sure what she's capable of, or what damage she's capable of taking. Still, he grins a bit more sharply, cracking his knuckles (and maybe showing off a bit, shh).]

Anytime you need back up, gimme a call.

Sure thing, Hulky!

[Giving a thumbs up and a wink]

[Hulk chuffs a bit at the nickname, going in to ruffle her hair again.]

Alright, Sparky.

[You give him a ridiculous nickname and he'll do the same to you, tiny.]

"Sparky"?

Oh come on! That's not even a smart nickname. Sounds more like something you'd call a pet dog or something.

[Hulk huffs, bemused.]

Yeah, and Hulky is any better?

You're half-dragon right? Dragons breathe fire, sparks. Makes perfect sense.

[She frowns for a moment and then sighs. The big guy does make a pretty convincing argument.]

Fine, Sparky it is.

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gdit here come the feels... THANKS A LOT

/rolls around in tl;dr/ I REGRET NOTHING

your tl;dr is some of the best tl;dr... /lays on side

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