"Will this really work?"
Banner pinched his face in the mirror, looking utterly incredulous.
"I can't even recognize myself, and you call this makeup?
This is basically plastic surgery!"
"No, this really is makeup."
Oaks was putting away the bottles, jars, and various small tools on the table. He looked rather pleased as he replied:
"You should know that the Benevolence Society's makeup techniques can turn elves into murlocs... Ahem, I mean, this is only a temporary change in appearance achieved with a special formula.
If you turn into the Hulk again, Dr. Banner, it'll stop working once you change back."
"...Fine, as long as it isn't one of those human-skin masks from novels and movies.
And honestly, there's no way I could miss the feeling of transforming—
It's like someone poured a liter of hallucinogens into my brain.
If I could keep my consciousness unchanged like you do when you transform, maybe I wouldn't resist that power at all."
Banner patted his face thoughtfully, then suddenly changed expression as he realized something very serious.
"Wait, does this mean I can't wash my face from now on?!"
"Uh... it's only a minor inconvenience. I'm sure you can overcome it—
Oh, right. You can use moisturizing face masks in moderation to keep the coating comfortable, but don't leave them on for too long."
Oaks rubbed his chin with an odd expression and stuffed the packed-up makeup supplies and tools into a cabinet.
"Don't worry. Even the world's most advanced facial recognition systems won't be able to identify you now."
Banner shrugged, stepped away from the mirror, and returned to sit on the sofa with a sigh.
"Thank you so much, Oaks. Without you, I really wouldn't be able to go anywhere, much less find a place to live."
"How about joining