When the Hulk reaches over and hauls him over unceremoniously, Ned is a little startled. Okay, a lot startled. But it's clear that the Hulk doesn't mean him any harm. He is just as careful with Ned as he had been with the zinnias, so Ned knows he isn't in danger.
Nevertheless, Ned is tense for the first minute or so, sitting stiffly within the Hulk's hold, hands curled into fists at his sides. But as the Hulk continues to stoke his hair - as if he were a pet - and not hurt him, Ned begins to relax. His hands loosen and he leans back against the Hulk's side, acclimating to the contact gradually. He is much more willing to accomodate this level of proximity, in his current state. All of the same reasons and instincts are still there, but muted; it doesn't seem as monumental, as difficult, as terrifying to be touching someone.
Soon enough, he stops worrying entirely. He just enjoys the companionable silence, becomes calm enough and relaxed enough to let his mind wander down into the plants, to get lost in the hazy trance of their growth.
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Nevertheless, Ned is tense for the first minute or so, sitting stiffly within the Hulk's hold, hands curled into fists at his sides. But as the Hulk continues to stoke his hair - as if he were a pet - and not hurt him, Ned begins to relax. His hands loosen and he leans back against the Hulk's side, acclimating to the contact gradually. He is much more willing to accomodate this level of proximity, in his current state. All of the same reasons and instincts are still there, but muted; it doesn't seem as monumental, as difficult, as terrifying to be touching someone.
Soon enough, he stops worrying entirely. He just enjoys the companionable silence, becomes calm enough and relaxed enough to let his mind wander down into the plants, to get lost in the hazy trance of their growth.