Chapter 12

Bruce's POV

 Tonight is one of the best nights I've had in a very long time. Honestly, I can't believe I built up enough confidence to do that dorky little routine I did for Liz. I'm no Gene Kelly but I think I did okay. We're all currently playing that game of trying to lift Thor's hammer once again, for old times sake. Once again, the only two people to get that hammer to budge are Steve and Vision. I got a little bit further this time around because somewhere along the way Tony pissed me off enough to Hulk out. That startled everyone but Liz was able to calm me down pretty quickly.

   Speaking of Liz, I've noticed quite a few of my friends looking her over... including those who aren't single. Tony has been looking at her the most... which is wrong because Pepper is supposed to be coming back tomorrow. Thor and Sam have been looking her over a lot too. Thor has been single for quite some time now and misses the dating life. As for Sam, I think that he simply sees her a hot piece of ass. I'm going to talk to Tony right now before Hulk makes another appearance. 

     I notice Tony standing by the bar and pull him by his sleeve out into the hall. He looks at me in confusion for a moment before anger begins to wash over him. "What the hell Bruce? I was really in the moment there." I sigh. "Tony, be honest with me. Have you or have not been checking out and possibly flirting with my girlfriend?" He looks down at the floor before sighing and looking back up at me. "Yes Bruce I have. I'm so sorry man. I know Pepper's coming home tomorrow and I'm so happy. God, I've missed Pepper so much, but there's just something about Liz that's really special."

    I nod in agreement before sighing. "Yes Liz is very special but she's my girlfriend. You're married to a wonderful woman Tony. Don't screw it up or most of us, including myself may not forgive you." He puts his hands up in surrender. "I swear to you that I am just one of Liz's bosses and friends, nothing more." I nod in satisfaction and allow for him to head back to the party. I take a moment to calm myself down before doing the same. 

     For the rest of the night, Tony keeps his distance from Liz. That seems to bother her a bit but she's doing her best not to show it. "Bruce, is Tony mad at me?" I look at her tiredly. "No he's not mad at you. He did something he regrets a bit and is keeping his space from everyone a bit." She pouts. "Can I go see if he's okay?" My eyes flicker to green a bit, causing Liz to jump back. "N-Never mind Bruce. I don't want to make you or Hulk upset. I'll just wait for him to come to me." My eyes shift back to their normal color and my heart breaks. For the first time ever, Liz looks truly afraid of me. 

      Apparently my actions have been noticed by Nat because she comes over to Liz, wraps an arm around her, and looks at me with frustration. Guilt washes over me immediately. Liz is clinging to her awfully tight. It takes everything in me not to punch a wall or pry Liz out of Nat's hold. Instead, I back up a bit and watch Nat calm my girlfriend down. That's supposed to be my job, not hers. I really hope Liz isn't afraid of me...

A little while later...

   Liz has calmed down enough to come back over to me. She gives Nat a hug before doing so, thanking her for being a friend in a time of need. Nat nods and gives me one last look before disappearing back out into the crowd. "Liz, I'm so sorry. I don't know what's come over me. I've never been a jealous man... I don't know why I've started to be one now. I'm just so afraid you're scared of me. I love you so much and if you were afraid of me, I wouldn't know what to do."

   A tear slips down Liz's cheek and I wipe it away with my thumb. "I'm not scared of you or Hulk, just startled by the sudden shift in mood. I have an odd request. Can we go outside to a quiet area... I need to talk to Hulk." "Are you sure that's a good idea?" She nods. "I'm positive. I've talked to you Bruce but I think Hulk needs a bit more reassurance. Please do this for me." I sigh. "Okay." We take the elevator down and find a dark alley for me to Hulk out.

    I look at Liz. "I need you to say something that will piss me off enough to Hulk out." She smirks at me, channeling her angry persona. "Tony tried to make out with me while you were in the bathroom a couple hours ago. Within a minute, Bruce is gone and Hulk has appeared. Liz softens once he's standing before her. "Hulk, I'm sorry to have made you angry but that's the only way we can talk. Can we talk?" 

    I nod as Hulk. She sits down on the ground and I sit across from her. "Hulk, I don't love Tony or anyone else, just you and Bruce. Well Bruce and you are the same person technically but still. I know Tony can be a flirty jerk but please try not to take it to heart okay. I'm going to have a talk with his wife when she gets back tomorrow. Pepper will be sure to put him in check. Okay?" I gently pull her over onto my lap and hold her in my arms. "Hulk love Liz." She smiles. "Liz love Hulk too. Is Hulk okay now?" I nod and begin to shift back into my normal self.

    I smile softly at her. "That actually went really well. Good job love." She blushes and takes a hold of my arm. The two of us head to my room at the tower to crash for the rest of the night rather than back up to the party. It's safe to say that we're all partied out tonight. 

Hoped that you guys liked this chapter!  By the way, I try my best to find scenes, videos, photos, etc that best capture the mood of each particular chapter. :) -Mary