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Hey Big Guy, how you doing?

[The Hulk smiles and reaches out to hug Clint.]

BIRD MAN.....you play with Hulk?

[Clint groans at how hard Hulks hugs are and just hopes his ribs survive.]

Sure buddy, what do you want to do?

[Hulk does his best not to crush Clint's ribs because puny Banner doesn't like having to patch him up.]

You teach me basketball, puny Banner like that game.

Basketball, okay we can do that, stay right here alright, I'm going to grab a ball.

[Clint pops inside and grabs his basketball before coming outside.]

Remember how we talked about being gentle? Be gentle with the ball because it's puny. Try and do this.

[He dribbles the ball a few times and holds it out to Hulk.]

Be gentle and bounce it up and down.

[The Hulk bounces the ball carefully a few times beaming as he manages it without popping the ball.]

Good?

Very good. Perfect, good job big guy! Okay, you want to throw the ball really soft and try and make it go in the hoop.

[Hulk was a lot taller than the hook so it would be more like dropping it.]

If you drop it through the hoop, then you get a point. Then it's my turn and we go back and forth.

[The Hulk studies the hoop for a second then very, very carefully drops in the ball. He grins at Clint, picks up the ball and offers it to his friend.]

You are going to be awesome at this game. We're gonna have to get the team to play with us. You're on my team of course, because we're buds, right?

[Clint dribbles the ball a few times and takes a shot. He grabs the ball and looks at Hulk.]

Catch! Remember, gentle! [He tosses the ball to Hulk.] Take another shot!

[The Hulk catches the ball trying his hardest not to get over excited. It doesn't quite work as the rim of the basket bends almost to the snapping point when he puts the ball in the basket.]

[Clint cringes but relaxes when the hoop snaps back up, shaking the whole backboard.]

Good job, not so hard next time we don't want to break the rim, toss me the ball buddy, my turn.

[He gives Hulk an encouraging smile and holds out his hands.] Just remember, I'm not like Thor or Steve, so you have to throw it soft. Having fun?

[The Hulk tosses the ball very, very gently drawing out the word careful as he tests out his voice, Bruce's voice encouraging him in his head.]

Hulk be careful, no want to hurt friends.

You're doing great, Big Guy, you haven't hurt me at all and we're having fun, right? [He grins at Hulk and takes another shot, missing it this time.]

Oops, you're winning now because I missed! Your turn! [He tosses the ball to Hulk.]

Do you like basketball? Are you having fun?

Hulk like fun.....make Hawk man happy to play so it make Hulk happy too.

[Hulk bounces the ball twice then very gently tosses the ball in the basket.]

Nice shot! And yes, you're making Hawk very happy by playing basketball with me. Come over here, I'll show you something.

[Clint walked to the three point line.] If you can make a basket from behind this line, you get 3 points. It's kind of hard though, so don't feel bad if you don't make it okay. I only make it once in awhile.

[Smiling he gives the ball to Hulk who immediately gives it back.] Hawk turn.

Right, sorry, I forgot. [Clint shot from the three point line and the ball bounced off the backboard right back to him. Your turn now big guy.

[Hulk studies the hoop and tried to toss the ball gently but it bounces hard against the backboard and he just barely manages to catch it handing it to Clint.]

Hulk threw too hard....ooops.

No problem buddy, it takes most people a long to learn how to shoot with the right amount of power. As soon as you find that zone for yourself, you'll be on your game!

[Clint shoots and hits the backboard, swirls around the rim and rolls out.]

Damn, thought I had that one.

[He gets the ball and tosses it to Hulk.]

[The Hulk makes another toss smiling a little as it sinks right into the basket.]

Hulk make it this time.

Next time the team plays basketball, you're on my team! [Clint grins. He truly loved the Big Guy. Without people shooting at him, or fearing him, he's just like a big kid, curious about the world. And wanting to play. Clint had to admit to himself that he loved both sides of Bruce Banner.]

You're pretty damn awesome, you know that right, Hulk?

[Hulk smiles again.]

Hawk man and Hulk make good team...

The best team, Big Guy! We'll have to play again the rest of the team and show them how good we are! What do you think?

[Clint thought it would be good for the team to get to know Hulk like he has, but he'd have to clear it with Bruce first.]

Blonde hairs and Star Man would be there too, you like them right?

[Hulk thinks for a second then nods. He likes the idea of becoming as much a part of the team as Bruce is.]

Hulk would like to play with blonde hairs and Star Man, they as strong as Hulk so I not worry about hurting them.

Aww that's great that you're worried about hurting people buddy. We'll put them on the other team to make it fair, and you and me will kick their asses in Basketball. What do you think?

Puny Banner no like it when Hulk too rough so Hulk trying not to hit too hard anymore.

[Hulk tries a smile which still feels a bit odd to him.]

Hulk like play basketball again with Hawk Man.

Anytime, bud, I like playing basketball with you too. And you're doing really good with not hitting hard. I know Bruce is really proud of you, Big Guy.

Do you think you could do something for me? Do you think you can call him Banner, instead of Puny Banner? I know he's small, but so am I and you don't call me Puny Hawk right?