Hulk Saves the Day
Gibbs and DiNozzo were waiting to hear from someone after the call from Nell. News travels fast and the rest of the team ended up in the bullpen watching the video on McGee’s computer and waiting. Gibbs cell rang-he looked at who was calling and answered it.
“Tell me you have something Callen” he barked.
“No Gibbs-Hetty just told me- Where do you think he’s taking her?” Callen asked.
“I mean Hulk’s not going to hurt her right-I mean he’s Dr. Banner-so that’s good. It’s not like a murdered has kidnapped her-just an overtly huge emotional man-beast thing-that has killed people” Abby replied trailing off realizing how it sounded.
“The video shows he is protecting her” Ducky agreed trying to help Abby out.
“Whither he is protecting her or not-we’re still back at trying to figure out where he is going?” Callen replied.
Tony just sat there thinking ‘where would he take her? It seems whenever Hulk was scared he ran-ran until people stopped chasing him-just like when Bruce was a kid. So he would go where he felt safe. The last memory of Bruce feeling safe was probably Jen’s house. That had to be where he was trying to take her’.
“Boss I think I know where he’s going-he’s taking Jen back to her house” Tony said as he grabbed for his keys running for the elevator.
“DiNozozo freeze-how do you know that?” Gibbs demanded.
“Whenever Bruce gets scared he runs-has since we were kids. He would go someplace he felt safe. The last place that was-was Jen’s house right” DiNozzo demanded.
“Makes sense Gibbs-might want to go” Callen replied from the phone.
“Go I am on your six” Gibbs said as they both ran for the cars.
“I’ll tell Hetty-she’s been in communication with Stark-maybe she can talk with him-keep me informed. Stay safe” Callen said.
“You too Agent Callen” McGee replied as he hung up the phone.
“Hetty- DiNozzo thinks Hulk is taking her back to her house anyway we can relay the message” Callen said as he walked in the Ops center.
“Mr. Beale” Hetty said.
“Already on it” Eric said keying in some commands.
Static could be heard-Eric looked at Hetty and did a go on gesture.
“Mr. Stark can you hear me?” Hetty said.
“Hetty how did you get this line-did you just hack me?” he asked incredulously.
“Again you seem surprised” Hetty said. “DiNozzo thinks Hulk is taking Jen back to her house-might want to meet them there” she said.
Stark scoffed “How did he come up with that?” he asked.
Hetty rolled her eyes “This not the time for your Stark ego Anthony” she reprimanded. “Think about it-When Bruce runs-or Hulk- where do they go?” she demands.
“Somewhere safe” Tony said as he turned around in the air. “Barton did you hear that?” he asked.
“Yep-still on standby-let us know what’s going on.” Clint said.
“Will do” Stark replied.
Gibbs and DiNozzo raced through the streets and turned into Genevieve’s driveway.
“How are we going to play this DiNozzo?” Gibbs asked as he parked the car.
“What do you mean Boss” Tony asked cringing at the angry roar from behind the house.
“How are we going to confront Hulk?” Gibbs clarified.
Tony sighed as he opened the door “We just talk with him” he said.
“He’s going to just let us-I got the impression he doesn’t like to talk?” Gibbs said.
“Well I just hope he remembers me” Tony said as he entered the house guns drawn- Gibbs following right behind him.
Hulk was on the back deck Jen still in his arms but he was pacing back and forth twitching and growling. He turned when he heard the door open and bristled when he saw DiNozzo. Then gave a quiet roar when he saw they were carrying guns.
“Boss put your gun away” DiNozzo said.
“What” Gibbs demanded?
“The guns are freaking him out-we need him to cooperate-right” DiNozzo said.
Hulk watched intrigued as the two men put the guns away-no one ever put guns away in front of Hulk before.
“Hi” DiNozzo said. “I hope you remember me-we’ve met before-I think. In my tree house- when Bruce and I were kids-right after Aunt Becky died.” Tony rambled as he crept closer.
Hulk was silent for a minute then snorted “T” he rumbled making Tony freeze.
“You do remember me” Tony said in wonder. “Is Jen ok” he asked.
Hulk clutched her closer growling a warning. Tony stopped his descent-but kept talking.
“Is she bleeding? Is she talking? We need to get her to a doctor or a hospital Hulk-can I call you that? Will you let me see her” Tony said.
Hulk stared at him “You said you protect puny Bruce-you didn’t” he said.
Tony stopped in shock and guilt “I tried H-Hulk-I really did-we were just kids- there’s only so much an eight year old can do” he said quietly. “Believe me-it’s probably better Bruce went to live with Jennifer. My dad wasn’t fit to be MY father much less raise TWO boys. But I always kept an eye on him-and was really upset when I thought he died” Tony rambled-as if that was going to make a difference. Tony took a deep breath and continued to talk “I work with her father-the man right here-his name is Gibbs. We just want to make sure she’s ok-that you both are ok. Will you let me just see if she’s ok-you can keep a hold of her-just let me make sure she’s ok” Tony said.
Hulk looked at Tony then looked down at Jen then looked over at Gibbs before he made his decision. He nodded and slowly lowering Genevieve gently on the ground so Tony could get closer. He walked up and crouched next to her-there was no sign of blood that he could see and she was breathing-which was always a good sign.
“Jen can you hear me?” he asked softly.
She twitched slightly at the sound of her name but didn’t make a sound.
Hulk watched them for a few minutes before he spoke “Hulk protect Jen” he said.
Gibbs looked up at the man “Thank you” he said.
Hulk continued “Gi-ibbs” he said testing out the name.
Gibbs looked at him and nodded “Yes my name is Gibbs” he said.
Hulk looked at him “are you good or bad father” he asked.
Gibbs kept his composure as he contemplated the question. “Not sure exactly. I never knew Jen was my daughter until recently and my younger daughter died a very long time ago. So I am not sure what kind of father I am” he said honestly.
Hulk looked at him “Hulk protect Banner from bad father-Hulk will protect Jen from bad Gibbs” he warned.
Gibbs couldn’t help his eyes widening slightly at the threat-but a small smirk appeared anyway “Understood” he said as he heard the sound of Iron Man approaching.
“What’s going on- is she ok” Stark asked as he landed taking in the scene. “Found him” he added to whoever was listening over the comms.
Hulk snorted “Hulk protect Jen” he said looking annoyed at Stark.
Stark smiled “no I know you would Big Guy-but you scared us-sending us across the country. Why would you come back here of all places? Why not New York?” Stark asked.
Hulk shrugged “Jen feel safe here” he said as an explanation.
“But Bruce hates D.C” Stark replied.
“House not D.C” Hulk answered.
“DiNozzo what is going on” Gibbs said realizing Tony had been quiet too long for his liking.
“I think she’s waking up-there’s no blood from what I can see-she has a few slight burns but nothing that seems overtly bad” DiNozzo said. “And if Bruce hates D.C so much why is he still here?” he added looking toward Hulk.
“Jen and T” Hulk answered with a shrug.
As if on cue Jen groaned quietly as she regained consciousness. She tried to move but DiNozzo leaned down and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Shh Jen it’s Tony-try not to move” He ordered quietly.
She opened her eyes blinking up at him in confusion. She noticed Hulk, Gibbs and Stark in his suit behind him-all staring at her.
“Tony? What happened?” she asked in bewilderment.
DiNozzo smiled down at her “Since you are looking at me-I am assuming you mean me-this might get confusing” he said glancing back at Stark with a smirk. “Well you and Bruce were in a cabin that blew up-do you remember that?” he asked.
Jen looked at him then looked over at Hulk as bits started to come back to her “I was fixing us breakfast-Bruce threw himself on top of me-that’s all I remember” she said.
“We need to get you to the hospital-to make sure you are ok-maybe treat those burns” Gibbs said. Then he glanced at Hulk “Are you ok?” he asked.
“Hulk fine” Hulk said.
“The big guy doesn’t really get hurt-result of the gamma we think” Stark said. “Although is everything ok Big Guy? Usually you are turning into Brucie by now” he adds.
“I am ok sweetie-they are just taking me to treat some of these burns-I’ll be back soon. Thank you for protecting me. Can you please stay here with Tony and well-Tony” Jen said asked as Gibbs helped her up.
Gibbs nodded “Ok how about I take her to the hospital. The two of you stay here and make sure Hulk-and Bruce are ok” Gibbs said.
All three nodded-although DiNozzo and Stark looked least than thrilled at the idea. Gibbs smiled and looked Hulk.
“Hulk keep them from killing each other ok” he said as he helped Jen up and out the front door without looking back.
DiNozzo and Stark just stared at one another then at Hulk-not knowing what to do. Hulk looked between the two with a confused look on his face.
“Tin man quiet-tin man never quiet” Hulk said confused.
DiNozzo smirked at that earning a glare from Stark.
“Tin man’s quiet because he doesn’t like me” DiNozzo finally said.
Stark stepped in front of DiNozzo about to let him have it when Hulk growled.
“Stop” he said loudly.
Both froze with looks of shock and confusion at Hulk-waiting for him to continue.
“Banner had no friends. T was Banner only friend. Tin Man Banner new friend. Banner be sad if friends fight. Bring bad memories and make Hulk mad-don’t want Hulk mad-Play Nice” Hulk said to the two of them.
Both men looked around guiltily- Not many can say they were chastised by the incredible Hulk.
“Banner scared” Hulk said causing the two men to look at him again.
“Why is he scared?” DiNozzo asked.
“He loves Jen-when Banner love someone they always get hurt- mother- Betty-Jen” Hulk said.
DiNozzo looked at Hulk “Hulk does Bruce actually believe that? That’s not true-Aunt Becky died protecting him-not because of him. I don’t know who Betty is-but Jen has just as many people after her as the rest of us-it comes with the job” DiNozzo said. “Do you know what happened in Alaska?” DiNozzo asked him.
Stark looked thoughtful at the last question “That’s a good question-I’ve never been able to get a real answer from Bruce if they know what’s going when the other is in control” he commented to DiNozzo.
Hulk looked between the two men-thinking. “Hulk sometimes knows-remember pretty trees-and water-and mountains. Laughing- Puny Bruce and Jen sitting by the fire- talking-Banner feeling good then Banner fear then explosion and fire” he finished missing the look DiNozzo and Stark gave each other.
Stark smirked “wonder what happened in Alaska” he wondered waggling his eyebrows.
DiNozzo tried to hide his smirk-but failed. Hulk started to sway-which meant he was getting tired.
“Getting tired-make Puny Bruce stay” Hulk said smiling as he closed his eyes and slowly shrank back into Bruce.
“Does that mean Bruce is going run?” DiNozzo asked Stark.
“We won’t let him” Stark replied looking down at his unconscious friend then bent down to drag him inside.
Bruce groaned as he come too and immediately was on alert.
“Calm down big guy-your fine” Stark replied distractedly from somewhere beside him-knowing Tony he was probably on his phone.
“Hey just talked with Gibbs-Jen is being released and he’ll be here soon-Is Bruce awake?” DiNozzo asked as he walked into the room.
“Yeah he’s playing possum” Stark replied still on his phone.
Bruce could feel both of them staring at him even with his eyes closed while his brain tried to remember what happened.
“Two questions” he croaked out-still not opening his eyes.
“Shoot” DiNozzo asked.
“Is she ok?” he asked.
“Yes-Gibbs took her to the hospital. Just some minor burns” DiNozzo replied.
“Next question?” Stark asked.
“Did I wake up in an alternate universe?” Bruce asked with a small smile.
“What do you mean?” DiNozzo asked.
“He means because you and I aren’t at each other’s throats” Stark replied with a smirk. “I will only answer your question if you look at me” he added waiting.
Bruce smirked and slowly opened his eyes looking at Stark “Happy” he said.
Stark just chuckled “We are trying to play nice” Stark said earning a laugh from DiNozzo.
Bruce just stared at them Yes this is an alternative universe he thought to himself.
“When you are chastised by Hulk-you tend to try and change your attitude” DiNozzo supplied.
Bruce blinked until it processed in his brain-his eyes widening and he shot up from the couch.
“What!” he yelled then stumbled when the world spun in front of him.
Instantly both Stark and DiNozzo were on either side of him-catching him and forcing him to lay back down.
“Banner lay back down-it’s fine!” Stark snapped.
“Did he hurt you?” Bruce asked worriedly.
“No Bruce -we just caught up” DiNozzo said waiting for their reaction-both heads turned so fast DiNozzo was sure they had whiplash.
“What?” they both said.
DiNozzo sighed trying to figure out what to say. “I met Hulk one other time-we were kids. Up in my treehouse-after-well-after Aunt Becky” he said. “I was trying to hide you up there-you finally fell asleep-so I put one of mom’s quilts on you and started reading my latest comic book. You started to growl and talk in your sleep-talking about protecting you and smashing those who hurt you. We had this whole conversation-you-he-made me promise I would protect you-then your eyes opened- you seemed confused and had no memory of what just happened-I just thought it was because of what had happened” DiNozzo replied with a shrug.
“So the Hulk is what-a manifestation of a multiple personality?” Stark asked looking between the two. “hmm-makes sense-mutations don’t just happen-it can’t mutate what’s not there” he added.
DiNozzo looked uneasy “I am not sure-at the time I thought you were just talking in your sleep. Although honestly it wouldn’t surprise me-with all the shit that man put you through” he said.
Bruce was trying not to go into a full blown panic attack from what he was hearing. This can’t be true-even though the physicist part of his brain nagged that Stark was making sense. Some of his memories from his childhood were fuzzy-he had just assumed it was from age. He knew he had created imaginary friends as a child as most kid’s do. He vaguely recalls one night after his father was done and left the house he wished there was a monster-bigger than Brian-that would protect him-protect them. Tremor ran through his body from physical and mental exhaustion of the day and this new information DiNozzo was telling him.
“What the hell is going on?” Gibbs demanded from the doorway with Jen next to him-making both Stark and DiNozzo jump. “He looks worse now than when I left!” he added looking at Bruce.
DiNozzo looked down “I just told him about meeting Hulk as a kid-it probably could have waited” he said.
Jen looked between the three men-she should be worried-or upset. But the medicines they gave her in the ER were making her loopy and all she wanted was to sleep. “Sorry I am tired and you all need to leave until at least tomorrow-when I can think straight-and maybe yell at someone” she said as she walked toward the couch. She leaned down and kissed Bruce as she laid next to him- not caring who was watching.
Gibbs came over and threw a blanket over them “we will come back in the morning-we do need to ask some questions” he said.
“Ok see you in the morning” Jen said with a loopy smile.
Gibbs, DiNozzo and Stark chuckled as the let themselves out.
Jen laid there and watched Bruce “what happened when Gibbs and I left?” she asked.
“T told me he met Hulk when we were kids-after mom died. Tony thinks he’s a manifestation of a multiple personality. I-I can’t process any of that right now” he replied.
Jen slowly rolled on top of him hugging him “This ok?” she asked quietly.
Bruce’s tremors slowly stopped “Yes” he sighed.
“Let’s sleep-we’ve had a hard day-we can deal with the rest tomorrow” she said behind a yawn.
Bruce smiled as he softly kissed her “yes dear” he said as they both fell asleep.
They slept through Sam and Steve coming back from a session at the VA. They knew what happened and was expecting them. It wasn’t until early morning when the sound of two mugs being set down on the table in front of them woke Jen-who groggily looked up to see Natasha standing there staring at them.
“Good morning” Jen said in confusion.
“hmm Good morning” Bruce slurred.
She smiled “I wasn’t talking to you- I was talking to Natasha” Jen replied.
Bruce cracked an eye “Hello Nat-what can we do for you?” he asked.
Nat smiled and sat down “I had to come for some SHIELD business and wanted to make sure the two of you were ok” Nat replied waiting as Jen and Bruce untangled from each other and sit up.
“Huh what did they give me at the E.R? I can’t believe we slept on the couch all night-I am getting too old for that” Jen moaned as she stretched. “Thank you for the coffee” Jen said as she reached for the cup.
Natasha smiled “You are welcome” she said sitting there staring.
Bruce stared right back raising an eyebrow then reached for the mug “What’s the real reason you are here” he asked.
Natasha smirked at him knowing there was no way she was going to admit she was going to meet with Fury about the new development with Ross and Brian Banner “I am here for SHEILD business Banner-Clint told me what happened yesterday so I wanted to see how you were for myself.” She replied. “I would have made you breakfast but the kitchen is Clint’s territory” she said with a shrug.
Jen smiled “I am a little sore-but I am ok. Bruce?” she asked.
“I am ok-physically. Mentally not so much-but I am sure I’ll get over that too” he said.
Natasha raised an eyebrow waiting to see if he elaborated.
“Found out some interesting information about Hulk last night and I still can’t digest it” Bruce said.
Natasha’s phone beeped interrupting them. She glanced down and scowled cursing softly in Russian.
“They’ve moved my meeting up-I have 45 minutes to get to SHEILD-I have to go I am sorry” she said as she got up gracefully and walking out-without saying another word.
Jen turned and looked at Bruce when she was gone “She was lying to us” she commented to him.
“Yes she was-but we will find out sooner or later we always do” Bruce said.
“Yeah it’s been my experience if “friends” are omitting information-it is for our own good” Jen said.
“I wonder what is going on” Bruce wondered out loud.