Vacations never go as planned
When they got home all Jen and Bruce wanted to do was go to sleep-but couldn’t. They still needed to pack and Bruce kept getting texts from Tony Stark -they didn’t get to sleep until 2AM. Needless to say by the time they woke up-they were going to get a later start then they had originally planned. As they were sitting at the breakfast table a limo driver appeared at the door handing her an envelope-saying he would be waiting outside whenever they were ready.
“Ready for what?” Bruce asked as he walked up to read behind Jen’s shoulder.
“Tony leant us a driver and one of his planes for our trip as an apology-apparently” Jen said as they read the letter.
Neither wanted to admit they were relieved by the unexpected gift. They were both tired and the thought of the drive ahead was something neither wanted to do.
Bruce sighed and hid his smirk “Well it’ll get us there quicker” he reasoned.
“Bruce you hate to fly” Jen said.
Bruce shrugged “I can deal with that-I’d rather spend more time there with you-then being stuck in a car” he replied. “It’s was nice of Tony to offer” he adds as they go to clean up and get their suitcase.
“He just wants to know where you are at all times” Jen said with a smile. “But let’s call him and thank him on the plane” she added with a smile.
They were sitting in typical D.C traffic on the way to the airport when Bruce’s phone rang.
“Hello” Bruce said as he answered it.
“I just wanted make sure you are ok” DiNozzo said quietly.
“Yeah-umm-we are heading to the airport-Tony gave us one of his planes as an apology-and I hate D.C traffic and planes” Bruce babbled.
Tony chuckled “Perks of having a billionaire as your best friend I guess –but no I meant about last night. Once the two of you left-Dad and I kind of had it out. He’s always doing that-he has different memories of the past and his part in it” He said.
“I have to admit it was a little stressful-but he seems to be trying” Bruce tried.
“Yes I agree he’s trying” Tony chuckled. “But still he had no right so I apologize” he adds sincerely.
“That’s fine-as long as he doesn’t try to date my cousin” Bruce said with a smile.
Tony laughed “I make no promises-but hopefully he won’t –because it will upset you” Tony replied.
Jen had been trying to give Bruce some privacy to talk but started to rub his knee to get his attention-they were pulling into the airport.
Bruce sighed “I have to go T-we are at the airport. I’ll make sure to call you when we get back” he said as he hung up.
“Are you ready?” she asked,
Bruce slowly smiled “yes” he said as they climbed out and headed toward the waiting jet.
Stark Tower
Tony stumbled into the kitchen in search of more caffeine. On his way to the coffee maker he noticed an actual newspaper on the counter-which got his attention.
“JARVIS what is this?” he asked.
“Ms. Potts brought it in this morning. Apparently it was sent to you specifically from Ohio” JARVIS answered.
Tony pulled it across the counter to read it better-scrunching his brow in confusion. ‘Why does that sound familiar?’ he asked himself.
“JARVIS-Do I know anyone in this place?” he asked the A.I.
“Well no sir-you don’t personally know anyone in that establishment-A Dr. Brian Banner has been an inmate there since his incarceration in 1983” The A.I answered.
Tony’s head snapped up at the ceiling “Bruce’s father?” he said.
“Yes sir” JARVIS replied.
Tony was sipping his coffee deep in thought when JARVIS interrupted “Sir you have an incoming video call”
“Put it through” he said.
“Did you receive my gift Mr. Stark?” Hetty asked as she appeared on the projected screen.
“Yes I did-why did you send it to me?” he asked setting his mug down.
“I wanted you to be aware and alert. Something is going on-whatever it is-it’s going to be big” she began.
A man in shorts and glasses walked in the door glancing at the screen and squeaked-interrupting the conversation. Hetty turned and stared as a small red head hid a smile. Stark just raised an eyebrow at the reaction.
“Is there a problem Mr. Beale?” Hetty asked when the man didn’t move-just stood there frozen.
The man continued to stare but managed to shake his head no-finally the red head intervened and cleared her throat.
“He’s fan boying Hetty” She said.
“What?” Hetty asked.
“Geeking out” She supplied.
Hetty rolled her eyes “Later Mr. Beale” snapping the man into action.
“Yes Hetty-Sorry” Eric said as he flung himself into his chair pushing papers into the red head’s direction.
She sighed “Hetty-Eric just found out that Dr. Banner-the original Dr. Banner-has been released 45 minutes ago” she said.
“WHAT!” Tony and Hetty exploded simultaneously.
“I thought victims were supposed to be notified if people are released?” Sam Hanna asked as he walked into the room with a women-nodding to Tony on the screen.
“You cannot contact someone you cannot find” Hetty said.
“But he’s been with me for almost two years now” Tony replied-then shook his head. “It’s got to be Ross” he added.
“I agree it’s Ross-but the fact still stands we now need to go on the defensive-try to get the upper hand” Hetty said pacing back and forth in thought. “I am going to have to contact Leon and Gibbs-maybe DiNozzo and give them this new development-do you have time to conference with us?” she asked staring at Stark.
“Of course” he replied.
Hetty nodded “Nell-patch me through to MTAC” Hetty replied.
“Yes Hetty” Nell said.
NCIS
DiNozzio ended the call with Bruce as he walked into the bullpen a frown still on his face.
“Morning Tony” McGee greeted cautiously from behind his monitor.
“Morning” he grunted in response.
“Bad Morning?” Bishop asked from her desk.
“Or bad night?” McGee added from his.
“Dad was in top form last night-he and I kind of had it out once Jen and Bruce left after dinner” Tony admitted.
As if on cue the elevator opened and his dad walked out.
“Junior” Senior called with a troubled look on his face.
“Hello Mr. DiNozzio” McGee said jumping in and extending his hand “Nice to see you again” he added.
Senior looked at McGee then gave a small smile “Yes Tim-nice to see you again” he replied.
“Are you for long Anthony” Bishop asked.
“Hopefully so Eleanor-Junior we have a problem read this” Senior said throwing a paper on his son’s desk.
“How do you have an Ohio Paper?” he asked confused.
“Read it junior” Senior ordered.
Tony picked up the paper and scanned the headlines OHIO ASLUYM TO CLOSE. As he scanned the article he felt his blood start to boil.
“DAMMIT no” he exclaimed throwing the paper on his desk staring at his dad. “They CAN’T do this-they CAN’T let that asshole go free” he raged.
“DiNozzio, McGee MTAC” Gibbs barked as he walked through the bullpen heading for the stairs-nodding at Senior as he went.
McGee glanced at Tony “something must be going on- wasn’t today Gibb’s day off” he said.
Tony groaned “I’ll be right back Dad-Stay here” he said as he and McGee followed Gibbs.
Once they entered-Vance gave to nod and Hetty and Tony Stark’s face appeared on the screen.
“Good morning Gentlemen-thank you for meeting with me” Hetty began.
“What’s going on Hetty” Vance replied.
“I was informed last night that General Ross has been visiting a patient in an asylum in Ohio every month for the last six months” she said.
DiNozzo gasped whispering a curse under his breath.
“Care to share with the class Agent DiNozzo?” Vance replied.
“Brian” was all he could get out.
“Who?” Vance asked.
“Dr. Brian Banner has been incarcerated in an asylum in Ohio for the past 32 years” Hetty replied looking at Vance. “We were informed that Brian Banner has been released an hour ago” she added.
“Where is Banner-Bruce now?” Gibbs asked.
“He and Jen are in route to Alaska” DiNozzo replied. “Anyway we can track them?” he added to the group-nodding at McGee.
“Already done” Stark said before he could move to the computer.
Everyone looked at him confused.
“All my planes have tracking systems in them” he replied with a shrug.
DiNozzo chuckled “Is THAT why you offered them the plane?” he asked.
Stark frowned-ready with a comeback when Gibbs intervened.
“Ok do I need to head slap both of you?” he snapped.
“Sorry Boss” DiNozzo said.
“Questionable intentions aside-As I was telling Mr. Stark we need to get on the defensive. I have a feeling we will be seeing either Thaddeus or Brian Banner-or both- soon enough-and I would like to know what they have planned before we do” Hetty said. “You might not want to hear the next part Leon” Hetty added.
“Hetty if you didn’t want me to hear it-you wouldn’t have invited me here” Vance replied with a smirk.
“Touché Leon-I was just giving you an out” she replied with a matching smirk.
“Is there any way we can track Ross or Banner?” Gibbs asked.
“I would assume that’s why I was invited to this party” Stark replied with an almost shark like smile.
“You would assume correctly-I know you have to capability to track anyone-without the –limitations- the rest of us have” she replied.
He chuckled “I doubt you’ve ever had limitations” Stark replied the looked at the ceiling “Jarvis search for General Ross and Brian Banner-see if you find anything” he commanded.
“Yes Sir” JARVIS replied.
Stark looked back at the screen “We should have their exact locations soon” he replied.
Vance, Gibbs and DiNozzo looked at each other in confusion while McGee looked excited. McGee stepped in to explain to the occupants of MTAC.
“That was Mr. Stark’s A.I sir-umm JARVIS. It’s a talking computer that helps him” McGee replied.
“Like 2001 A Space Odyssey?” DiNozzo asked impressed.
“Well yes-except for the killing people part-I assume” McGee replied looking almost dreamily at the screen.
Stark looked impressed “JARVIS is self-aware artificial intelligence-like HAL- but he’s more of an electronic butler- looking out for my well-being” he said.
“I can assure you-even though I have multiple hard drives and can run numerous functions at one time-seeing that Mr. Stark doesn’t kill himself takes up most of my capabilities that I would have none to kill anyone or for world domination-or any other science fiction plot line that can be thought of” JARVIS replied dryly.
Tony chuckled “JARVIS not in front of company” he replied.
“My apologies sir” came the A.I’s reply.
“Hetty what are your theories on what Ross is planning” Gibbs asked.
“I think he wants to kill Bruce-he’s been trying to for years. Since Hulk seems to be indestructible he’s going to break the man down mentally” she said honestly.
“Bruce said Ross caught up with him early on and captured him until he could escape. I don’t want to think about what happened in there-but anyone who knows his background would know this would be the way to get him” DiNozzo said.
Gibbs nodded “Makes sense-bruises heal-broken bones heal- But to be faced with that man again after all these years-after what he did-how do we stop it?” he asked.
“We have to watch Bruce-we need enough HARD evidence that WHEN Ross acts and we CATCH him in said act and arrest him-he won’t be able to go free” she said darkly.
“Sir” JARVIS interrupted.
“What did you find?” Stark asked.
“Sir it would seem General Ross is back in D.C. Brian Banner does not seem to be with him at this point and time-but I will continue searching” the A.I promised.
“Expand the search to the entire east coast” Stark commanded. “If JARVIS doesn’t find anything I will do the entire United States then the world if I have to-no matter how long it takes” he added.
Hetty smiled “I am sure you will-since you also have eyes on them-keep us informed if something happens in Alaska” she said.
“Of course” Stark said.
“Before you react” she added.
“I can only promise as I act-not before” was his smart ass remark.
Hetty chuckled “In true Stark fashion” she muttered out loud.
Vance cleared his throat “Well I have a meeting to get to-thanks for informing us Hetty. It’s a pleasure seeing you again Mr. Stark” he said and turned and left.
“I am going to get off too-Mr. Stark we need to have a meeting at some point two of my people really would like to meet you” Hetty said.
Stark chuckled “Anytime” he said.
“Here too-McGee will probably chat with you for a second but my forensic scientist would love to meet you as well. She’s already in love with Bruce so I think you’d like her as well” Gibbs said.
McGee looked a little embarrassed for a moment “Yes- umm went to MIT and as I was telling Dr. Banner at the gala-you are a legend there” he said.
Stark smiled a McGee “Sure-I am sure I’ll be down in D.C soon and my place and headquarters for Stark Industries is in Malibu so I can always swing by your place as well Hetty” he said.
“I’ll send you the address” she said as she logged off.
“Before you go McGee I’ve been meaning to ask you-Why did you go up and shake Ross’s hand at that Gala thing we all roped into?” Stark asked.
“Umm well he actually walked up to me-my father was an admiral with the U.S. Navy. He had recently died and the General was giving his condolences” McGee said uncomfortably.
“Or trying to establish loyalties” Gibbs added.
“That’s what I thought too” McGee answered. “But don’t worry Boss you don’t have to worry about me” he added.
“I know Tim” Gibbs said squeezing his shoulder as he walked out the door.
DiNozzo, Stark and McGee just looked at one another “Do you think he’ll try something in Alaska?” McGee asked them.
“Yes” Stark said.
“Furthest away from us-makes sense” DiNozzo agreed.
“But he’d have others do it-no blood on his hands” Stark said thinking out loud.
“Mercenaries?” DiNozzo asked. “How do you even search that?” he added.
“Can’t until they hit-so you get a facial recognition. Most of the time you don’t-because they are that good” Stark replied.
“Weapons? Missiles?” McGee asked.
“Now THAT I can search” Stark replied as a holographic keyboard appeared in front of him.
“That’s so cool” McGee whispered. “He has capability of having holographic keyboards and computer access in his kitchen” he adds.
“Every room actually” Stark replied with a smirk.
DiNozzo rolled his eyes at McGee’s dream like expression “Will this take long to search?” he asked Stark.
“Usually does” came Stark’s preoccupied reply.
“Listen call us back when you find something-I am going to pull elf-lord out of here before he has a geek-gasim or something” DiNozzo said.
Stark chuckled “Sure thing” he replied distractedly with a flap of his hand toward the screen and signed off.
ALASKA
The plane ride itself was uneventful-Jen making sure to keep Bruce distracted as much as possible so he wouldn’t dwell on the fact he was on a plane. They read, watched some movies, napped, and talked-whatever was needed. It wasn’t surprising that there was a truck waiting for them to use when they touched down or that the quaint little cottage was well stocked and had an exceptional views from very window.
“What do you want to do first?” Jen asked as they stood on the back porch looking out over the trees.
Bruce smiled turning to her “Let’s go explore” he said excitedly.
“Sure” she said taking his hand and letting him drag her toward the steps.
After a few days of sight-seeing and excursions-they were both exhausted and just wanted a night in. They cuddled by the fire-enjoying each other’s company. Bruce leaned down to kiss Jen behind her ear making her sigh. His hand reached around her and started to unbutton her shirt wanting to get his hand inside-but his fingers were cooperating with him. He growled softly making Jen giggle. He turned her around trying to figure out the problem but was a rougher than he meant and sent buttons in all directions when he ripped the shirt.
“Hey! I LIKED that shirt” she mock complained.
They looked at each other than burst out laughing until Jen decided turnabout is fair play taking his shirt tails and pulled-sending his buttons in all directions as well. Bruce leaned down shrugging out his this shirt as he kissed her- trailing soft kisses down her neck and across her collarbone- making Jen moan softly. He could feel his heart rate skyrocket in excitement while his blood began rushing to other parts of his body-freaking him out. He laid his forehead on her stomach-taking gulping breaths-trying but failing to calm himself. Jen automatically stopped and started to run her fingers through his hair-until they were both calmer.
“We can stop” she said quietly.
He groaned as he pushed his face into her stomach “Shit-I should be able to do this. I WANT to do this” he said as he pulled his hair in frustration.
“Okay stop” Jen said rolling them so she was on top looking down at him. “I won’t have you getting upset or hurting yourself over this” she admonished gently. “Sex is a process in any relationship-we just have to take it slower than most” she added.
“If we can’t ever?” he asked bitterly.
“Then we can’t-or we try something else” Jen said smiling leaning down to kiss him again-taking the lead.
“You’re safe with me” she whispered in his ear as she kissed down his neck then found his lips again.
Bruce moaned into the kiss and ran his hands down her back and just decided to try and enjoy it. ‘Enjoy yourself for once’ he thought to himself.
STARK TOWER
Pepper was worried -she hadn’t seen Tony all day-she decided to go see what was going on. She walked into his lab and was greeted with hundreds of hologram charts-maps-and blue prints. Tony was hunched over a keyboard mumbling nonsense that only JARVIS would understand. As Pepper stood there studying everything-she noticed one of the maps had two dots-one in Alaska and the other in D.C. She knew he had sent one of the planes to fly Bruce to Alaska this morning-was he actually tracking him?
“Ok you bastard where are you?” Tony asked out loud.
“Tony what’s going on?” she demanded.
Tony jumped so engrossed he didn’t hear her come in.
“Geeze Pep-scared the hell out of me” he snapped clutching his chest.
“What is that?” she snapped pointing to the map.
“Had a meeting with NCIS today-Ross is up to something and I am keeping an eye to make sure Ross doesn’t go anywhere near him” he explained as he turned back to the screens.
“Who else are you searching for” she asked.
“Apparently Brian Banner was released earlier today” he replied.
“Why?” she asked.
“Why was he released? Not sure-the place they locked him up in closed” he said.
“And JARVIS can’t find him?” Pepper asked.
“Not yet-but we will” Tony said with conviction.
Pepper frowned-wanting to explode about boundaries and his increasing obsession with Bruce. But if NCIS thought there might be a problem-she’ll let it drop for the moment. It wasn’t Bruce’s fault- and he shouldn’t be hurt because she has a growing problem with Tony’s newest obsession.
“Okay Tony I’ll come check on you later” she said and left the lab-Tony never noticed.
Alaska
Bruce woke up feeling satisfied-a feeling he hadn’t felt since Betty. He knew he had a shit eating grin on his face and thank god there was no one here but Jen to witness it-although she was the reason the look was even ON his face in the first place. Jen was still asleep her bare back exposed to his eyes and the elements. He smiled and leaned down deciding to kiss down the exposed flesh-and the scars- seeing how far he could go before she woke up.
She hummed as she stretched “Good morning” she whispered.
“It is” he mumbled against her back.
She turned her head so she could kiss him and chuckled as she laid her head back to let Bruce continue “Don’t you have a prideful smile on your face Doctor Banner” she replied.
“I didn’t think I had anything resembling male pride left-if I had any at all- but you should know you put it there” he said as he continued to kiss her exposed skin.
“The smile or the male pride?” she teased-giggling as he touched a ticklish spot.
“Yes” he said.
She turned smiling at him “That’s all those unused endorphins still running through your system talking” she teased but pulled him into a kiss.
“I love you” he said against her lips.
“I love you too” she said-that’s when both their stomachs rumbled killing the mood.
“Let’s go eat” she said putting on her pajamas and robe on.
“Bashful now? Bruce asked.
“One I would bet this house has hidden cameras in every room and two I am freezing” she answered as she walked out toward the kitchen.
Bruce scanned the room uneasily then reached for his sleep pants following Jen into the kitchen. “In every room?” he asked.
“Probably” she said pulling out food from the fridge. “What do you feel like for breakfast?” she asked pulling out sausage and eggs.
Bruce just shook his head-realizing if she wasn’t worried he shouldn’t be either. He watched as she turned on the gas stove to start breakfast. It was only then that he smelt it-the rotten egg smell that comes from a gas leak. He reacted before his mind could process everything-pulling Jen back and throwing himself on top of her knowing Hulk would protect her as the cabin exploded around them.
50 miles away two men in snowmobiles watched as the cabin exploded. Then the Hulk roared as he climbed out of the ruble clutching a women gently in his hands. He looked at the women-touching her face with a finger when nothing happened the monster roared louder in anger and leaped off.
“It’s done sir-the cabin was destroyed and the monster showed himself like you predicted” the man said into a burn phone.
“The women?” the man on the other end asked.
“The monster was clutching her-she seemed unresponsive and he leaped off clutching her” the man answered.
“I was hoping she would die in the blast” he sighed. “But otherwise the first part of my plan is working nicely. Your payment is in the usually place gentlemen thank you” then hung up.
Stark Tower
“Sir” JARVIS said jolting Tony awake from a nap that he didn’t realize he was taking.
“What?” he asked confused.
“I am sorry sir but it would the cabin that Dr. Banner was at exploded 10 minutes ago” JARVIS said.
“WHAT!” Tony yelled.
“I am pulling satellite footage and calling Ms. Lange as we speak” JARVIS informed him.
“Did you find anything Mr. Stark?” Hetty asked.
“JARVIS just said” Tony began only to be interrupted.
“Yes I know the cabin exploded” Hetty said.
Tony was stunned “How?” he asked.
“Do you think with all my years with numerous undercover government agencies that I don’t have the surveillance knowledge to be informed the SECOND something peculiar happens with one of my properties?” she asked incredulously.
“You are right-sorry” Tony said. “What did you see?” he asked.
“The only surviving video is from inside the house-all the ones outside were cut” she admitted.
“JARVIS are you finished pulling up the video?” Tony asked annoyed.
“Yes sir” JARVIS said and played the video.
“Where is Hulk taking her?” Hetty asked after the video ended.
“JARVIS?” Tony asked.
“I am pulling surveillance satellite feed-I can’t pinpoint and exact location-he seems to be zig zagging across the continent and fast” JARVIS said.
“JARVIS get my suit ready and tell the team” Stark bellowed running for the garage-Hetty already forgotten.
“Eric notify Mr. Callen I want to see him in my office immediately-and keep an eye on Hulk and notify me the second something changed understood” Hetty said.
“Yes Hetty” Eric said.
“Nell Notify Gibbs and DiNozzo about this-they will want to know” Hetty replied as she turned to leave.
“Right away Hetty” Nell said.
Once Hetty got to her desk she sat down and sighed “I TOLD her not to blow this one up” she muttered.