Re: Lab: Gwen/Bruce
You're never going to call me Bruce, are you? [The question was part fond, part exasperation. It wasn't that he minded being called Doctor Banner, it just seemed very formal, and he was feeling less and less comfortable with leaning on the doctor part. It was a relief to be doing science research instead now. As for sir, it reminded him too much of the army, and he wasn't a fan. Still, if it made Gwen comfortable, he'd try to see it as affectionate.] Just remember to ask questions of the people who were there before, they might know what are the places to avoid, where supplies are.
[He rubbed a hand to the back of his neck.] Don't try. You're too good of a person to dwell in those thoughts. [Bruce's father died in prison, and he never saw him again after the trial. He had no regrets about that. He didn't want to visit or face him. He was thankful his father died before the Hulk happened, because he knew exactly what the old man would say. That he was right all along and his son was a monster, now the world would see it too. Those were the type of dark realities a nice person shouldn't need to live with.]
Betty asked me out the first time too. She found my stammering inability to hold eye contact charming, and I was well over eighteen, so Peter can have a pass on the pictures. [He grew somber at the reminder of her death, and he shook his head.] You're not dead here, and here is what matters now. Maybe it won't be as bad as you think. I know you've gone through several of him, but severe situations like this brings people together. It could be the camaraderie is a good ice breaker, unfortunate though it may be.