004 :: Text

[hulkbusted]

Crowdsourcing this one since I haven't found the answer myself.

My mother was a tree and a needle, as well as being who she was. My father was lightning and a thread. Who am I?

[ooc: Someone might be a tad retributive, in a very low-key way, about someone else's intrusive interest in his lack of a sex life. ]

Comments

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[hulkbusted]

Then accept that when I want help, I'll ask for it.

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[infernoandhearth]

You'll never want it, or ask for it. It doesn't mean you need it less.

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[hulkbusted]

I've sent you running all under the City and now you're off to the ocean. I've asked for your help.

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[infernoandhearth]

That's different. That's not about you, really.

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[hulkbusted]

And if I volunteer at the hospital, that's not about me, either?

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[infernoandhearth]

Doing all of these things for other people is lovely, really, but it's just prolonging the problem. [He smiles, sunnily.] It's alright. If I have my way, you can keep doing all of your guilt things you seem to really relish in, and the only difference is that it should all be related to older list items.

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[hulkbusted]

[He's going to close his eyes and count to ten. Really, Luke, last nerve.]

What do you think you're going to do? Take away the gamma radiation suffusing every one of my cells?

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[infernoandhearth]

No, you said you wanted to keep him. Something more like a magical wall with a mental trigger switch you can use when you need to release him.

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[hulkbusted]

You'll understand why I don't want to put my trust in magic, and if you don't, work on that.

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[infernoandhearth]

[This is a little sarcastic:] I'll let you study it first.

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[hulkbusted]

[Snerk.] Good call.

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[infernoandhearth]

I can't change you back once you've changed yourself, so someone else's magic will have to do. I'll look for someone who doesn't mind being studied.

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[hulkbusted]

So what you're saying is that what you'd work up would be all or nothing anyway? And you wonder why I don't leap at the opportunity.

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[infernoandhearth]

No, I'm saying I can't do it personally, or else I would. I can't change people unless they're willing to be changed, and I doubt the Other Guy wants to change back into you.

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[hulkbusted]

[Bruce isn't going to disabuse Luke of that notion because he isn't positive he's right or wrong, and it's a roadblock to this ridiculous plan. He does, however, remember what Betty told him about the Hulk's behavior after he took her off the Culver University campus. He seemed so sad.]

You should find people who want your help and work with them. It would be a win-win all around.

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[infernoandhearth]

[Luke looks mournful. It's only halfway an act.]

There's no one else as interesting who needs my help. No one I like half as much as you, anyway.

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[hulkbusted]

But first you're going to have to find someone who doesn't mind being studied anyway.

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[infernoandhearth]

Yes. I shall relish the challenge.

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[hulkbusted]

Go on then, have fun. [Leave me alone for a while.]

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[infernoandhearth]

I have your sensors to place anyway. [He shakes the box under his arm.] I don't expect I'll find anyone right away. We'll see.

[And then he walks out the door, and leaves the building without passing by security again. He really only did it in the first place to alert Bruce.]