[There it is. That's the reaction he's been waiting for from himself-- all of the many conflicting emotions that come with seeing Betty. He'd known it was her, but hadn't really known, not until she's suddenly looking so much like what he expects and giving him a smile that's even more familiar.
Some part of him is taking mental notes on the smoothness of that transition, looking for clues on how it seems to work for her, but Bruce isn't listening to it. Because she's here and maybe she isn't that much different, when she's not a Hulk.
It's hard to sort out his feelings, the pain and longing from the relief and simple happiness, the confusion and anger over her circumstances and how she isn't his Betty. Bruce can't imagine he'll ever see her, though; and he can't help but think of Tony's identity crisis over being the 'wrong' one. He resolves not to make her feel like a replacement.
His expression seems to crumble, all of his defenses torn down, leaving him vulnerable and struggling to breathe-- and somehow shy, the way she always makes him, watching her because he can't bear to look away but slightly hunched over.] Hey, [he says back, acknowledging the awkwardness, even as he offers a returning smile. Clumsy and slight as ever on him, lined with sadness, but a smile.]
It's... nice to see you. [The pained sincerity in his voice can't be doubted.] I, can't be glad you're trapped here, but I am, a little. [Very soft, like a confession,] I missed you.
no subject
Some part of him is taking mental notes on the smoothness of that transition, looking for clues on how it seems to work for her, but Bruce isn't listening to it. Because she's here and maybe she isn't that much different, when she's not a Hulk.
It's hard to sort out his feelings, the pain and longing from the relief and simple happiness, the confusion and anger over her circumstances and how she isn't his Betty. Bruce can't imagine he'll ever see her, though; and he can't help but think of Tony's identity crisis over being the 'wrong' one. He resolves not to make her feel like a replacement.
His expression seems to crumble, all of his defenses torn down, leaving him vulnerable and struggling to breathe-- and somehow shy, the way she always makes him, watching her because he can't bear to look away but slightly hunched over.] Hey, [he says back, acknowledging the awkwardness, even as he offers a returning smile. Clumsy and slight as ever on him, lined with sadness, but a smile.]
It's... nice to see you. [The pained sincerity in his voice can't be doubted.] I, can't be glad you're trapped here, but I am, a little. [Very soft, like a confession,] I missed you.