Later, he might reflect on this moment and consider the fact that the Hulk would have never had the place of mind to even reach out for anything resembling gentle contact - the one exception to that in the past had been Betty, and even then it hadn't been a scene he'd remembered himself, only heard about later.

It'll be proof that he's still retained enough of his own control to think of something other than the transformation when it all finally leaves him and he starts slipping towards the darkness, closing his eyes in resolute acceptance.

Every breath is a deep rumble in the Hulk's chest when he lifts his head, almost like a dog scenting the air. There's a pause, a brief jerk of hesitation, and he pulls his hand away before reaching out to nudge at the crumpled frame on the ground in front of him.