Protective Thor
Bruce hated code greens. If it were just up to him, he would never hulk out. There are far too many things that could go wrong. But he knew if he didn’t, a lot more people would get hurt. So every time someone called for a code green, he did it. Thankfully, Tony and Peter had been working overtime in the lab to find a formula or a pill that would help Bruce change back to himself a lot easier and quicker. So as the most recent battle wound up, Bruce stumbled into the nearest alley, changing back into himself. He found the bag he hid and quickly pulled on some clothes. He announced over the comms that he was back to Bruce, and was a couple blocks away. Someone replied saying they were going to clean up the mess a bit and check for injured civilians. When they were done, someone could come to pick him up. Bruce agreed, and sat down against the alley wall, closing his eyes. After hulking out, Bruce was always really exhausted, as well as jumpy. So when he heard a loud noise right next to his ear, he jerked up and looked around for the cause of the sound. A group of 6 or 7 people stood at the end of the alley, glaring at him.
One of them threw another soda can, but this time it hit him in the shoulder. Bruce started to get a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. He knew how this situation ended. He had been here before. Another one of them threw a rock, but Bruce ducked just in time. They started yelling, “Get out of here! The hulk is a monster. We don’t want you!” Bruce knew he wouldn’t be able to run. At least not without hulking out, and he would do anything to avoid that. So instead, he put his head between his knees, covered his neck and head, and started counting his breaths, trying to stay calm. He knew they would go away eventually, he just had to wait it out. For the next couple of minutes, he was hit by soda cans, rocks, and even a beer bottle at some point. Bruce just curled tighter into a ball, trying to force himself not to cry. The continued to yell insults, calling him a coward and a monster. Just when Bruce thought it would go on forever, the assault stopped. A familiar voice sounded, a threatening tone obvious, “I suggest you leave him alone.” Bruce looked up from the ground, seeing Thor standing in between Bruce and his attackers.
A brave soul stepped forward, obviously drunk, “Why should we? He deserves this, he’s a monster!” Thor didn’t move from his stance, but somehow, his entire body language changed. Thor grabbed his hammer tighter, tensed up in case he needs to fight, and made eye contact with the person who had spoken, “If anyone is a monster here, it is you. Now leave, for this man is under my protection,” Bruce was surprised enough that Thor was threatening someone for Bruce’s sake, but what really surprised him, was that Thor seemed to mean it. He was in defensive position, ready to fight at a moments notice. He wasn’t bluffing. He would actually fight these men to protect Bruce. Ant that’s something Bruce wasn’t used to. The group of people made the smart decision, and stalked away, muttering angrily, but not foolish enough to pick a fight with a god. Thor stayed in the fighting stance until they were completely gone, before turning to Bruce. Bruce was a mess. His eyes were watery, and he was physically hurt as well. There were scratches on his arms and legs, as well as pieces of glass and rock in his hair and clothes.
All the same, Bruce attempted to smile at Thor. But it’s hard to smile after an incident like that. Thor seemed to understand, and sat down next to Bruce, placing his hammer to the side. Bruce tried to speak, but his throat was dry, and he couldn’t seem to get his words out. So instead, Thor reached down to Bruce’s shaking hand and put it in his own. After Bruce didn’t resist, Thor moved a bit closer. Because of the height difference, Thor was able to see Bruce’s hair, and slowly and carefully make sure there were no more pieces of glass or rock in it. After a couple minutes, Bruce became more comfortable even going so far as to lean on Thor for support. Bruce’s hands eventually stopped shaking, but neither of them wanted to let go. So they sat together until the rest of the Avengers asked where they were. And then they stayed for another ten minutes, just holding hands and appreciating the other's presence.