Bruce Isn't Here Right Now (Open)

[Bruce Banner/The Hulk/The Prof]

(May 9th. Morning.)

The Professor walked into the lab. No one had noticed that after the rescue Bruce and Hulk were no where to be seen. Bruce had made a brief appearance greeting new members but that had appeared to be too much as it was now a week later and neither Bruce or Hulk had emerged since that day. Sometimes he hated their father for their abuse and the abuse they'd gotten at facilier's army had reopened those wounds and the memories. He just would have to remain in control until one of them was strong enough to take over. He just hoped it wasn't too long this time. He wasn't sure if the others would accept him especially Tony. Like Bruce and Hulk he had fallen for the man but they hadn't even spoken to each other, held each other, or kissed. And Tony already had two boyfriends. Surely he didn't want another. He sighed as he got to work trying to distract himself. He then looked up hearing voices and sighed. He hadn't expected to be discoverd so soon.

"I'm not Hulk. Or Bruce either. I'm well The Professor. I've always been here helping them when they needed me most. Like a last resort. Usually when they were by themselves. We were split long before the gamma accident that gave Hulk and myself powers. Hulk was pure rage but without the strength he has now he could only do so much. But I still cleaned up the messes back then as best as I could." said the Professor.

XXXX

Carly walked out still in awe of her new powers. She'd only had them for about two months and was slowly adjusting to having them. It was then she spotted Hulk in the lab but he was dressed in clothes and had glasses on. Puzzled she walked forward.

"Hulk?" asked Carly.

Carly was stunned to hear of a third personality but it made sense. And hearing they existed before the gamma radiation made her sympathize and wonder what could have happened to him.

XXXX

Iron Liz arrived next looking puzzled at seeing what she thought was Hulk standing next to Carly. But the clothes and glasses also threw her off.

"Is that Hulk? What happened to him?" asked Iron Liz.

Iron Liz frowned hearing what he said and sighed.

"It sounds like you went through something awful to split up like that." said Iron Liz.

XXXX

Nella walked out next overhearing voices and seeing Hulk.

"What's with the clothes and glasses? You trying a new look Hulk?" asked Nella.

Hearing partially about what happened she also felt sympathy.

"I'm sorry to hear that Professor. Is there anything we can do to help you, Bruce and Hulk?" said Nella.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Tony had tried desperately to connect with the professor. Thankfully, Sherlock managed to find the professor for him. Tony heard about the professor but never seen him like Sherlock had the chance to the other day. Sherlock noticed the crowd and helped Tony get in. Sherlock looked around, turning to the professor and replying "Ah, professor, there you are. I know we only met briefly. But a friend of mine really wished to speak with you" Sherlock turned to see Tony there and Sherlock insisted "I know you are getting used to the work here, but as a new member, we all wanted to welcome you here. Including Stark"
XXXX

Steve went downstairs, wanting to find Carly and was dumbfounded by the situation. Steve looked over and replied "So. We have a new member somewhat. Sorry, couldn't help but enter the fray on this" Steve turned to the professor and replied "I thought you were the hulk at first. But I couldn't help but overhear you're a new guy" Steve smiled assuringly "If there's anything I can do to make you feel welcome just let me know" Steve turned to see Tony and smirked "Looks like you're getting all cozy with our new friend" He knew Tony cared for the professor since he was a alter ego of Bruce so he couldn't help but tease.
XXXXX

Tony finally found him. It was a bit interesting to finally see Professor in the flesh. The professor avoided him, for countless reasons but all Stark wanted to do was be in the same room with him. He had Hulk's body but Bruce's mind. It was quite literally the combo of the two. As much as he wanted Bruce and Hulk back, he did feel a strong bond and love for Professor. Tony allowed Sherlock to speak for him before stepping forward. Tony waved with a gentle smile, replying "Hey there. Do you mind if we talk for a quick minute? I just want to catch you before you're too busy" Tony smiled to Steve before replying "What if I am? He's good looking. I'm allowed" He turned to Professor, sitting beside him "You don't mind me being here do you?"

[Bruce Banner/The Hulk/The Prof]

Professor paused looking up as others arrived confused.

"These are the first people I've met since we came back here. Bruce was in control the first day but afterward we've been shut away in our room. This is the first day I've come out. Aside from sneaking out to grab some food late at night." said Professor.

He knew who Sherlock was but was puzzled to how he knew him. He then saw Steve accept him and he felt tears come to his eyes. He'd known them all for years but this was their first meeting and he wasn't treating him any differently.

"Thank you. I knew there was a chance I'd be found today but I was getting bored of sitting in that room all day meditating and theoreizing. I was also afraid you guys would hate me for taking Bruce and Hulk away. They're still in here but just hurting." said the Professor.

He then froze seeing Tony arrive as he backed away slowly. The one person's rejection he was afraid of the most until he saw Tony wanting to speak to him.

"Alright. We can talk." said the Professor, nervously.

His shoulders slumped a little at that. And then he was shocked as Tony said he was good looking.

"You think I'm good-looking?" asked Professor.

This time his green skin was turning a shade of red as The Professor was blushing.

"I could never turn you away. Bruce and Hulk weren't the only ones who fell in love with you. But I didn't think you'd want me." said Bruce.

The one person who he expected to figure out he was here was Tony. You never could keep secrets from Tony. And before he realized it he was leaning forward and kissing Tony on the lips. Only after a few moments did he realize what he was doing and pull back.

"I'm sorry. I should have--"

He trailed off running away only instead of going out the exit he accidentally went into an adjoining lab. And didn't realize it at first as he tried to calm his fast beating heart as he stared in a mirror on the side of the wall.

"You're so stupid. He's never met you. He loves Bruce. He loves Hulk. Why would he want me? Why would anybody?" said The Professor.

Furious he smashed the glass and winced at the feeling. Thankfully he wasn't hurt as his strength was still enhanced. Just not as strong as Hulk's powers were. He paused realizing where he was and sighed sitting down in a chair.

"What a mess I've made of things." said The Professor.

XXXX

Carly smiled as Steve came to join them.

"Hello, Steve. Feels like ages since we got to hang out. I've missed you." said Carly.

She paused leaning over and giving him a quick kiss on the lips. She then watched the scene unfold as Sherlock and Tony somehow who knew Professor was but he'd never met them. At least not as the Professor. And after kissing Tony, the Professor bolted from the room as she looked after him sadly.

"I guess that didn't go well." said Carly.

XXXX

Iron Liz watched the scene puzzled as Tony, Stark, and Sherlock arrived. She was silent and at the kiss and Professor's leaving she could only agree with Carly's statement.

"Poor guy. I can only imagine being in love with someone for years and not saying anything afraid of rejection." said Iron Liz.

XXXX

Nella watched him run off as she looked to Sherlock and Tony and glared at them both.

"Great. Now you upset him. You better fix this. He's a member of this army no matter if he's Bruce, Hulk, the Professor, or if he grows ten heads and turns into a Hydra." said Nella.

She stormed off in a huff leaving the lab to get some things and returning a few moments later with some snacks and wine.

"I don't know if he can get drunk but maybe he needs some of this." said Nella.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Sherlock understood why the professor was confused. The professor briefly interacted before going to work. Sherlock explained quickly "I was one of the people who was aware of your arrival through a member named Camie. She told me about you" Sherlock then watched the interaction between Tony and Professor go about poorly. As Tony apologized and went to find professor, Sherlock blushed. He didn't expect such a awkward reaction. But he supposed that was Nella's point, that he didn't think this through. Sherlock blushed more, replying in shame "I never wished to upset him. I simply wanted to assist Stark in getting a interaction with the professor. Stark wished to--" Tony shushed him and owned up to the mistake and Sherlock turned to the area professor hid in and replied "We never meant to harm him emotionally. We wanted him to feel accepted"
XXXXX

Steve softened his gaze as he saw how timid and nervous Professor was. He smiled warmly to Carly, happily kissing her back. He pulled her in close, replying gently "I missed you too, Carly, believe me" Steve whispered in her ear "I'll make up for lost time soon. I promise" Steve then turned to the Professor, insisting "Professor. You're just as important to this team as anyone else. I'd love to be friends with you if I can" He then watched as the drama between Tony and Professor unfolded. Sadness went through him, feeling empathy for the lost soul. He turned to Nella, replying gently "I get why you feel this way Nella, but I don't think anyone meant to scare him or upset him. He's just new and feels frightened of being seen as a replacement. I get that feeling. He's just scared of rejection. That's all this is" Steve turned to Tony "But Nella has a good point. You should've been a little less public, Tony. This probably wasn't the right time" Steve listened as Tony intended to solve this and fix it himself. Steve nodded, approvingly "Good. See that you do"
XXXXXX

Tony smiled, relieved Professor wanted to talk. The truth was he wanted to make his sincere feelings known. As much as he wanted Bruce and Hulk back, he would love his time with the Professor. He knew the professor through Bruce's interactions but this was the first time they met face to face. He nodded, assuringly as he playfully commented "Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?" He then insisted gently as Professor admitted to fearing rejection "Professor, listen, I want you just as equally that's why I wanted to see you. To clear the air between us" Then, suddenly, he was kissed. He enjoyed it immensely but it was done too quickly. Tony saw the man bolt away and he shouted worriedly "Professor! Wait! Come back!" Tony blushed and felt guilt as Nella rightfully chewed him out. As Sherlock explained Tony replied "Don't, Holmes. Nella is right" Tony looked sadly to Nella "I never wanted to hurt him. I just wanted him to feel welcome. I wanted to tell him that I care about him" He then saw Nella bring snacks and wine. He took them, replying to Steve "You're right Steve. I'll go find him. I'll fix it" He then rushed to where Professor was and insisted, gently knocking the door "Professor. It's me, Tony. Can we talk? Please? I didn't want to upset you. I didn't mean to upset you, I promise"