[audio, backdated to sunday]

[stretchy_pants]

I... uh. I just want to say thank you to everyone who helped me out last week. You didn't have to do any of that, but....

Thank you.



If you're in my physics class, I've arranged for Professor Xavier to substitute for the next couple of weeks. He'll be covering the rest of the material I have and also administering your final exam. I'll still be available to answer questions if you have any.

Comments

[billionairephilanthropist]

Glad to have you back.

[So many fewer words than he wants to say but that is all that is going to happen. Bruce. Bruce. Are you staying in the tower again yet? Bruce. Let's do science and talk about pointless things. Freckles missed you.]

[stretchy_pants]

It's good to be back.

[Understatement.

He is indeed back in the tower, not that it took much effort to move from the room he'd been inhabiting in the hotel. He's never been one for material possessions.]

[calmyourmind]

Take as much time as you need, Dr. Banner. I assure you, your class will be in good hands until your return.

[stretchy_pants]

Thanks again. I'm sorry that I left you with finals week. If there's anything I can ever do for you, don't hesitate to ask.

[veryproud]

It's quite a relief seeing you communicating with people again, Doctor Banner.

[stretchy_pants]

[He's still not sure whether that is such a good idea, now that pretty much everyone on the island who's been paying attention knows about the other guy. It's not like he has much of a choice in the matter.]

I suppose it's a relief not having to hide... [Though he doesn't sound so sure of that, either.]

[veryproud]

There aren't many places to hide around here anyway.

[stretchy_pants]

No, that's one more thing I've had to get used to around here.

[vdova]

Bruce. [ Does she sound a little sheepish. ] I'm sorry for punching your Shadow.

[stretchy_pants]

He deserved it. Sorry he.... Hulked-out on you... [He really does sound sorry, considering Natasha's past experience with the Hulk.]

[vdova]

It's fine. I kind of deserved it, too. [ Yes, she's terrified. But she's gotten to know Bruce, gotten to understand his control, and now this? She can't hold it against him. It's just simply not the right thing to do. ] How are you feeling?

[perseverant]

Welcome back. I'm glad you're feeling better.

[stretchy_pants]

Souji... thanks. If you ever need help, just let me know?

[perseverant]

I might, eventually. What matters now is that you're still in one piece.

[stretchy_pants]

I'm doing all right. [Mostly, maybe. But he's always been good at pretending.]

Private.

[badnewsboy]

I have something to give you. A gift! I'm feeling quite generous today.

Private.

[stretchy_pants]

...Oh? [Should he be worried?]

What is it?

Private

[badnewsboy]

An early Yuletide gift. One to cherish for the ages!

Private

[stretchy_pants]

Is it... Thank you? What is it, Loki?

Private.

[badnewsboy]

The best gifts are given in person.

Private.

[stretchy_pants]

Uhh... Would you like to meet somewhere, then?

Private.

[badnewsboy]

Since you asked, you can pick.

Private.

[stretchy_pants]

[Well, even if this Loki isn't evil, he's still the God of Tricks, and they hardly need more pranking going on in the tower than what Clint and Tony already get up to. So Bruce thinks of something more practical.]

How about the ice cream parlor? ...Robbins Baskin or whatever it's called here?

Private.

[badnewsboy]

It sounds passable.

Private.

[stretchy_pants]

[....."Passable". Really, Loki.] Would you rather Starbox?