Checking In
SHEILD HEADQUARTERS
Fury stood and glared at Coulson, Romanov, Hill and Stillwell as they sat around the table and Henrietta Lange who was on a screen at the head of the table.
“I called you all here because I want to know what happened yesterday” Fury demanded at the group.
“There was an incident while Genevieve and Bruce were on vacation Sir” Coulson replied.
“An Incident?” Fury said.
Hetty sighed “my cabin blew up while they were inside” she replied. “That would cause anyone to Hulk out” she added.
“We are supposed to be alerted the second an incident happens” he barked in return.
“I don’t know what to tell you Nicolas” Hetty said.
Fury huffed then looked at Hill “What is this about Brian Banner being released two days ago?” he asked.
“The institution he was in shut down and he was released instead of wasting time trying to place an old man in another institution” Hill replied.
“And?” Fury asked.
“He disappeared without a trace” Hetty interjected.
“How do you know that?” Hill asked.
“I looked for him” was Hetty’s reply.
“Why?” Coulson asked.
“My informants told me an older General visited Banner for the last six months before the place closed. When someone who never got visitors-for obvious reasons-suddenly gets them-it triggers interest” Hetty said.
“What why am I just finding this out now” Fury yelled.
“I suggest you get better informants Nicolas” Hetty said.
“Do you think either of them will try to contact Bruce?” Natasha spoke up for the first time interrupting the beginnings of a standoff.
Everyone turned and looked at her-surprised that she spoke at all.
“Yes I do-Ross is planning something. Why else would he visit the man repeatedly? When he does we will be dealing with something far worse than an upset Hulk” Hetty answered.
“How do you know it was Ross visiting Banner?” Fury asked.
Hetty turned and stared at the man with a raised eyebrow “We all know the kind of man Thaddeus Ross is. How obsessed he is with Bruce- I have no doubt that he was the man my informant was speaking about” She said.
Fury nodded “Yes we do but Henrietta there isn’t any proof to back up whatever you are planning” he said staring at her-challenging her to deny it.
“Then we need to make him give us proof” she replied cryptically. A cough outside of the frame caught Hetty’s attention-she looked then nodded at whoever it was. “I am sorry-I need to go. Crime never stops” Hetty said with a chuckle-then the screen went black.
“How does she seem to get information before we do?” Hill asked looking around the table.
“What you should be asking is why are we getting this information last? We need to try and see if any of what her information is correct.” Fury demanded. Looking around “Go” he barked when no one moved right away.
The room was silent for a few minutes after everyone had left- Fury groaned and shook his head.
“What are you thinking sir?” Coulson asked-who hadn’t left with the others.
“Henrietta is usually right whenever she has a theory” Fury said. “She should have stayed a SHIELD agent-she would be running this agency instead of me” Fury said with a slight smirk.
Jen’s House
Jen curled up and the end of the couch sipping her coffee. “Well I must say Natasha can make a good cup of coffee” she said with a smile.
Bruce looked over at her then he noticed the bandages and slight bruising from yesterday’s activities. He leaned over and lightly ran his fingers over the bandage over her wrist. Jen moved her hand and intertwined their fingers.
“I am ok” she said staring at him.
“Are you sure? You just drank coffee given to you by an assassin without blinking an eye” He replied teasingly. “I can’t believe I was so out of it last night I didn’t even notice any of these bandages when you got back” Bruce added.
“You were strung out from everything-you would have noticed them otherwise. They just gave me a mild sedative-tended to my burns-that’s all. They didn’t give me any medicine to take home with me. Jethro drove both ways-I am fine” she said leaning over to kiss him. “Are you ok though? I mean DiNozzo shouldn’t have sprung that on you in the state you were in last night” Jen replied.
Bruce leaned his forehead against hers and sighed “No-all he said was they caught up-it sort of snow balled from there. I am not sure. I-we-probably need to talk to him again-later-when I can process this better” he said.
Jen threaded her fingers in his hair and kissed him “Want a little-distraction” she whispered in his ear.
Bruce looked at her and slowly smiled “What do you have in mind?” he asked.
Jen smiled and pulled Bruce down on top of her kissing him. Bruce softly groaned and kissed her back. He cupped her head with one hand and slowly ran his hand down to settle on her hip-careful of the bandages and bruises-when she suddenly pulled away with a gasp.
“Steve” she said breathlessly.
Bruce blinked down at her panting “ok I have an issue with you calling out Steve’s name while I am kissing you” he said with a slight twitch in his lips.
Jen chuckled “No-Steve is coming” she said.
“No Sam I am going to talk to Fury-I think Bucky needs to be let out” Steve said as he and Sam walked into the room seconds later.
Both froze as they took in the couple entwined on the couch- Steve immediately blushing as Sam gave them a wink.
“Bruce, Genevieve-I-umm-good morning” Steve stammered out.
“Are we interrupting anything?” Sam asked innocently.
“Umm No-No Sam-not-not interrupting” Bruce stammered feeling himself blushing as well.
Jen just smiled and rolled her eyes “Good morning Steve and No not interrupting Sam” she said.
The four just stood there staring at one another-not sure what else to say.
“I was just about to make breakfast” Steve blurted out. “I see you two have had coffee but have you eaten yet?” he asked.
Bruce smiled “No Steve-we haven’t eaten yet. The coffee is from Natasha-she came in this morning to check on us before some supposed meeting at SHIELD” he replied as he got up and helped Jen off of the couch.
“Supposed meeting?” Sam asked as they all walked into the kitchen.
Bruce shrugged as he sat down at the table “I don’t doubt she was checking in-she is my friend. But since Steve is still here-it seems too convenient” He replied.
Steve hummed as he turned on the stove “I get that Bruce-I do. But Natasha does go on solo missions-without any of our knowledge. If there WAS a meeting at SHEILD I wasn’t asked because I am not on good terms with Fury at the moment” he commented as he cracked eggs into a pan-keeping his back to them.
Jen’s phone beeped breaking the silence. She picked it up seeing it was a text from DiNozzo. “Jethro and DiNozzo are on the way” She said with a puzzled look.
Bruce nodded “They did say they would come back in the morning” Bruce said.
“They did? Man I was out of it” Jen replied.
Steve smiled “I am glad the two of you are ok. Tony sent out a group text after he figured out where Hulk was taking you-well apparently Agent DiNozzo was the one who figured it out-but still” He replied as he portioned eggs onto plates for everyone.
“Thanks Steve” Jen said as he passed out the plates.
“You’re welcome” Steve replied as he sat down. He looked at his plate and sighed “I think this is the first time I’ve sat down for breakfast in four days” he added.
“Have you been visiting Barnes every day?” Bruce asked.
“Yes he’s there every day he’s allowed to” Sam interjected.
“Fury actually bans you some days?” Bruce asked with an amused smile.
“Certain days I might take out some frustration out on the new trainees” Steve replied to his plate.
Sam snorted “After that Fury told him he could only come certain days” he replied.
“Has James gotten any better?” Jen asked.
“Yes? I don’t know-There are days he’s almost the old Buck-which is great. Most days he’s him-the winter solider-which I can even deal with. Then there are days he just sits there and stares at the wall-he gets upset and violent over something and they have to subdue him” Steve says as he looks away. “I was hoping he would be able to leave his cell-get some fresh air-exercise-something” he adds.
Sam looked over at his friend “Man no self-respecting therapist is going to allow that with anyone in Barnes’s condition. This is going to take more time” Same said as he forked some eggs in his mouth.
“Steve SHEILD therapist are the best in their field-they have to be” Jen replied. “I wonder what their plan for James is?” she asked after a few moments of thought.
“What do you mean?” Steve asked.
“They have therapists that specialize in every field-in order to help all of their different agents. There are a few who are there for a specific reason-they help jar the memories of those who go deep undercover. But it’s not going to work on James-since their method is what caused him to be in the condition he is in” Jen replied.
Bruce sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose “Are you saying they gave you some form of electroshock therapy?” he asked incredulously.
Jen shrugged her shoulders “At the time I needed it-believe me” she answered as she rubbed his hand reassuringly. “All I am saying is there has to be some other reason they are keeping James around-I doubt it’s because of my threat” she added-then cringed when she realized what she had said.
“You threatened Fury?” Steve asked.
Bruce gave her a sympathetic smile and squeezed her hand-making her smile. “I might have told him if James disappeared he’d make an enemy out of you” Jen replied.
Steve blinked at her and looked down opening his mouth to speak when the door flew open with a bang making everyone at the table jump. Jen’s hand instinctively reached under the table for the hidden gun until she realized it was Abby.
“Abby-don’t do that!?” Jen exclaimed then gave a surprised squeak as Abby rushed toward her and pulled out of her seat and into a hug.
“I am sorry- I was so worried when Gibbs told me what happened yesterday-I begged Gibbs and Tony to let me come” Abby said.
“Demanded was more like it-Morning” Gibbs replied with a smile as he come in a few seconds later carrying drink carriers and DiNozzo followed with a box of bagels. “Easy Abs she might be sore” Gibbs added as he set everything down on the table.
Abby gasped as she pulled away “Oh god I am so sorry are you ok?” she asked then noticed Bruce had stood up. She smiled and threw her arms gently around him as well “Are you ok?” she asked smirking at the man’s automatic blush when she pulled away.
“umm-yes-yes I am ok Abby thanks” Bruce stuttered with an embarrassed smile.
Jen smiled as she guided Abby toward Steve and Sam “Abby let me introduce you-this is Ste-“ she began but was interrupted by Abby.
“Oh my god-it’s you” Abby said with a gasp. “My brothers are going to be so jealous of me” she said with a smile and thrust out her hand. “I am Abigail Sciuto-it’s a pleasure” she replied.
Steve always the gentleman stood up and gently grabbed her hand “It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss. Sciuto” he said with a smile.
“Abby please” she replied.
“Then you can call me Steve” he said.
Sam smiled and extended his hand as well “I am Sam Wilson-I used to work at the VA. I think you might have sat in on a few of my sessions” he replied. “I remember you- the hair-the boots-the tats” he added with a flirty smile.
Abby stared at Sam’s face as she shook his hand-her eyes widening when she made the connection. “Oh yeah-I really enjoyed sitting in on those sessions” she said with a smile.
“Not to interrupt but we brought food-well bagels- and coffee and tea-because well I wasn’t sure who drank what so dig in” DiNozzo said as he grabbed a cup and a bagel.
“Might be more comfortable if we move to the living room” Jen said.
“So what do you do now?” Abby asked Sam as everyone moved to the other room.
Sam chuckled “Well at the moment I am a sometimes super hero part time side kick” he said with a smile.
Gibbs smiled “How are you feeling?” he finally softly asked Jen.
“I am fine-not sure what they gave me. Bruce and I slept on the couch all night” Jen said as she sat down.
Gibbs sat down and tested the couch “feels better than mine” he replied causing Abby to smile and DiNozzo to snort.
Jen look at them with a raised eyebrow “Ok what did I miss?” she asked causing guilty expressions to appear on their faces. Gibbs cleared his throat
“I sleep on my couch too” he replied. Jen cocked her head at him then her eyes widened when the pieces connected
“Still!-Jethro it’s almost been 25 years?” she said with a shocked expression.
“I know how long it’s been” he replied slowly-trying not to snap at her. “Bedroom was ours-doesn’t feel right” he added sheepishly.
Jen opened her mouth to make another comment then realized that they weren’t alone. “I’ll drop it for the moment-but I WILL be bringing it up again” she replied.
Gibbs snorted “I don’t doubt it” he said.
“So I have to say I expected more media attention after yesterday” he added looking at Bruce.
“Well Tony might have something to do with that” Bruce replied “Or SHEILD. The public doesn’t seem too interested in Hulk unless he’s destroying property or Manhattan” he added with a small smile.
“Seriously you-he-you speed across two continents?” Abby asked.
Bruce shrugged his shoulders “I am not saying they love him-but at least I am not a wanted man anymore” he replied.
“Well someone is out to get one of you” Gibbs said.
“Do you have anyone who would want to hurt you?” Tony asked as he stuffed half a bagel in his mouth.
Jen snorted into her coffee while Bruce tried to hide his smile.
“I guess that’s a yes” Sam replied with a chuckle.
Gibbs smirked “Maybe we should ask is there any NEW people after you? Has anyone been following you?” he asked taking a sip from his coffee.
Jen thought for a minute “Not that I noticed-have you noticed anything?” she said looking at Bruce.
Bruce shook his head thinking “I don’t remember anything out of the ordinary” he replied. Gibbs phone rang seeing that it was Leon he excused himself to take the call.
“So Abby what do you do?” Steve asked once Gibbs had left.
“I am a forensic scientist at NCIS” she said proudly.
The door flung open Stark walking in without knocking “Morning” he called.
Steve frowned and sighed “Tony why would you bust into someone else’s house?” he chastised.
“Oh come on I knocked-hey there Falcon-Jen-Big Guy” Tony said and nodding to DiNozzo-then he turned and blinked at Abby. “Why hello I don’t believe we’ve met-I am Tony Stark” Tony said flashing his trademark grin.
Abby smiled “oh believe me Mr. Stark any geeky child from the last 30 years knows who you are. I am Abby Scuito” She said as she extended her hand.
Tony paused and stared at her than at her hand while the others tried to unsuccessfully hide their laughter.
“Wow I don’t know whether to be honored or offended” he finally said with a chuckle as he took her hand.
Abby’s eyes widened as he hands flew to her mouth “Oh god-I didn’t mean that” she exclaimed.
Tony held his hand out to stop her “No-it’s ok. I’ve been called worst-believe me” he said.
“He really has” Bruce replied cleaning his glasses with a smirk.
“Wow Big Guy nice one” Tony answered with a smirk of his own.
“I-I just meant I have been a fan for years” she said through her fingers.
Tony laughed “It’s ok-really I am flattered. What brings you here? Are you a friend of Jen’s?” Tony asked.
Abby smiled “Well I hope so-with Bruce too. But I actually work at NCIS—so I only met her a few months ago” Abby gushed making both Jen and Bruce smile.
“Do you want some coffee and bagels Mr. Stark” Abby said as she picked up the box of bagels and extended it to Tony.
Stark looked at her and then the box “sure thanks” he said as he reached inside and snagged a bagel. “it’s Tony-Mr. Stark is for my employees-so what did I miss?” he asked as he sat down and pulled apart his bagel.
“Just started asking them questions-had they noticed anyone following them-seeing if we can get a lead somewhere” DiNozzo replied.
Tony nodded but then his phone rang-making him curse under his breath. “Damn I was hoping I could get home before she realized-excuse me“ he mumbled out loud as he walked out the front door to answer the call.
“What was that about?” Abby asked.
“I would assume Pepper just realized he was gone” Sam said.
Bruce sighed and rolled his eyes “Tony” he mumbled-shaking his head.
“Who’s Pepper?” Abby asked.
“Tony’s girlfriend” Bruce supplied.
“Wow-he left without saying anything to her?” DiNozzo asked.
“Tony tends to have a-one track mind. He gets protective and everything goes on the back burner” Bruce explained.
Abby went to set her coffee on the side table and knocked over a sketch book in the process. Papers scattered the floor as the book landed. “Oh crap-I am so sorry” Abby said as she crouched down and started to pick up the papers.
Steve jumped up to help “No-No Abby it’s my fault. I always put my sketchbook away when I am done” he replied.
“This is your sketchbook?’ Abby asked impressed.
Steve stared at her with a slight blush “Yes Ma’am” he said.
“Maybe-maybe I can see your work sometime?” Abby asked shyly-causing DiNozzo to raise an eyebrow at the uncharacteristic side of Abby.
“Sorry to cut this short-DiNozzo we need to go-Abby want to come to the crime scene with us?” Gibbs asked as he strode inside to grab his coffee.
“Sure Gibbs I’d love to” Abby said as she and Steve stood up. “umm-it was nice meeting you-maybe-maybe we can have coffee again sometime and you can show me some of your work?” she added to Steve.
Steve gave her a small smile “I’d like that a lot” he replied.
Gibbs looked over at Bruce and extended his hand “Well it was nice seeing you again” he replied.
“Sorry I couldn’t be more help” Bruce said as he shook Gibbs hand. “Maybe you need to ask Hulk if he remembers anything” he added jokingly.
“I already did-last night” DiNozzo said as he came and hugged his friend.
Bruce blinked at him “You asked the Hulk what he remembered? I-I don’t think anyone’s ever done that before” he replied.
“He remembered quite a lot-you don’t give him enough credit” DiNozzo said as they threw the trash away on their way in the kitchen.
Stark walked in and laughed “Maybe if we both keep telling him that-he’ll believe us one day” he replied.
Gibbs checked his watch “Ok we really need to go” he commanded ushering Abby and DINozzo out the door. He turned around and briefly hugged Jen “I’ll try to check in later. You might want to think about going to LA and groveling” he added with a smile then walked down the stairs to his car and heading toward the crime scene.
Jen’s head shot up in shock as Bruce shut the door “Oh god! Hetty told me not to blow up this one-and look what happened!” she exclaimed.
“Well you didn’t actually blow it up-I don’t think Ms. Lange will be too upset” Steve supplied as he headed to his room with his sketchbook.
“Well if you were planning on going to LA that might be helpful. We apparently have a R&D committee meeting there in two days-Pep kind of sprung it on me” Tony replied.
“She didn’t spring it on you- she told you repeatedly and you forgot” Bruce said. “I was under the impression that my presence wasn’t a necessity so that’s changed-but seriously Tony this meeting has been on your calendar for months” he added.
Jen sighed “Well it would kill two birds with one stone regardless-I can go see Hetty and you can go to the meeting that your presence may or may not be needed for-if you don’t mind me tagging along” she added glancing meaningfully at Tony.
“Of course not-why would we travel separately?” Bruce asked preoccupied -not seeing the looks Tony or Jen were giving one another.
“So the three of you are going to Malibu?” Natasha said as she suddenly coming down the stairs making everyone jump.
“Really Natasha-why can’t you use the front door?” Jen exclaimed gesturing to the door.
“You had guest” Natasha replied.
“So?” she replied.
“I didn’t feel like socializing this morning” Natasha replied honestly.
Steve came back from his room with his work out gear on-giving Natasha a smile as he passed her-obviously overhearing their conversation since he didn’t comment on her sudden presence.
“Going for a run?” Jen said asking the obvious.
Sam walked in and rolled his eyes “Let me get my shoes” he replied.
“You don’t have to come” Steve replied to Sam’s back.
“Like I am going to let you have all the fun” Sam replied as he laced up his sneakers.
Steve chuckled and opened to front door doing some warm up stretches on the front porch then paused when something caught his eye. “Jen do you own a black parasol?” he asked as he walked back in carrying it in his hand.
Jen looked at Steve in confusion “No I don’t-you know what-I bet you that’s Abby’s” she replied.
Bruce smiled “That does seem like something she would carry” he added.
“Do you think you might be able to run it to her at some point?” Jen asked trying not to be obvious. “Since I am going to LA I need to pack-not enough hours in the day” she added.
Steve looked at the parasol “If you don’t think you’ll be able to” he replied.
Sam smiled as he walked out the front door “maybe you can bring your sketchbook too” he said with a chuckle and started off jogging down the road.
Steve glared at him than smiled and laughed “maybe” he said setting the parasol against the wall and jogged after Sam.
“Hey shut the door behind you!” Jen yelled after Steve-when he didn’t come back she got up to shut the door herself. She turned and noticed the sly looks the others were giving her. “Think I was too obvious?” she asked.
“No it’s Steve-you weren’t” Natasha replied.
“Think he got Sam’s little jibe though” Bruce replied with a chuckle.
“Oh come on Cap and her?” Tony replied with a roll of his eyes.
“What is that supposed to mean? Abby is a sweet women. Don’t judge her just because of the clothes she likes to wear” Jen snapped. “She extremely smart and funny-Even if he just goes there once-it’ll be good for him” she added.
“Woah- sorry I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I just meant he’s never been interested in any other women except for Aunt Peggy” Tony answered.
Jen thought for a minute “Do you think he’s interested in Sam?” she asked them as they lingered in the kitchen.
“I think he’s never figured that out. He was a skinny sick kid who no one paid attention to-except for two people-then he was turned into- well what he is-and had women and probably men-throwing themselves at him. With the war, the ice and the avengers I don’t think he’s ever taken the time” Bruce answered.
Tony shook his head “Never thought of it like that” he said out loud.
Natasha smiled “so how long will you be in Malibu?” she asked.
Jen blinked at her than at Bruce “Well I don’t know-a couple of days-maybe?” she replied.
Bruce shrugged his shoulders “That’s up to you. This meeting will only be a day-so we can stay as long as you want” he replied.
Natasha rolled her eyes with a smile “nauseating” she teased.
Jen laughed as Tony checked his watch “Well I can get one of my planes ready by 4pm if that’s ok with the two of you” he said.
“I am ok with that-how about you?” Bruce asked Jen.
“Sounds fine with me” she replied.
“Good-so-umm-I’ll have the car come pick you two up by 2 ok?” Tony asked as he headed for the door.
“Where are you going? Why don’t you stay here for a bit?” Bruce asked.
“Well I figured you would be busy packing” Tony replied.
“Tony I’ve basically been living out of my suitcase since I’ve been here-it won’t take me anytime to pack” Bruce replied.
Jen and Natasha shared a smirk “Yeah I am the one that will take a while-plus I need to warn Hetty I am coming’ she replied. “You know I haven’t even heard from her through all of this?” she added with a frown.
“She and I were in communication a lot yesterday-plus I think I heard her call Gibbs when we left here last night. She might be busy-or trying to let you rest or something” Tony replied.
“You and her were in communication? Why?” Jen asked in confusion.
“JARVIS alerted me when the cabin blew up and she called-well-hacked-into my suit when DiNozzo realized where the big guy was taking you” Tony answered smoothly easily.
Jen laughed “that doesn’t surprise me at all” she said. “Ok I am going upstairs to shower pack and change-not necessarily in that order-I’ll be back” she replied as she left them and headed up to her room.
“Not going up to help her? She might need help with her bandages” Natasha replied with a raised eyebrow and a smirk at Bruce.
Bruce snorted “subtle-fine maybe I’ll go up and see if she needs help” he replied dryly and turned and followed her.
Once she was sure Bruce and Jen were out of hearing range Natasha turned to Tony with a raised eyebrow.
“What?” Tony asked feigning innocence.
“Hetty told you about his father getting out right?” Natasha asked.
“Yes she did” he replied.
“Has JARVIS found him yet?” she asked.
“Not that he’s told me” he answered.
“Do we have a plan?” She asked.
Tony shrugged “Protect Bruce” he replied.
Natasha rolled her eyes “That’s obvious. Are we going to tell him? He might start getting suspicious if you continue to add him to meetings he’s not supposed to be in-he is a very smart man” she added.
Tony raised his eyebrow and Natasha stared right back-silently challenging him. Tony looked away first and sighed.
“I haven’t gotten that far yet” he answered.
“You think about it-Clint and I will put our heads together and think about it. Between all of us we will come up with something” Natasha decided.
Bruce walked in to the bedroom watching with a smile as Jen undressed.
“What are you staring at” she teased with a smile.
“You” he replied.
“I thought you were going to hang out with Tony?” she said.
“Natasha thought you might need help-I think she wanted to talk to Tony” he answered.
Jen looked strangely at Bruce “ok what the hell is going on? What are they keeping from us? Those two are NEVER chummy” she replied.
Bruce exhaled slowly “Not sure-it can’t be good. But let’s just take a shower-pack-try to clear our heads. If I have a problem in an experiment I can usually see a way to fix it if I clear my head and see if from the outsider perspective” Bruce said. Jen walked up and slowly kissed him leaning into him and running her bandaged hand in his hair. “Let’s go clear our heads” she said making him groan and kiss her agian.
“Have you contacted Hetty yet” he mumbled into her lips.
Jen sighed “No let me do that-can you get the shower started?” she asked.
“Yes Ma’am” he replied with a light pinch as he walked past her-making her jump and squeek.
She chuckled as she sent the text
GG: I am on my way-I should be there by 6pm.
She rushed into the shower not waiting to see Hetty’s response-which came a few seconds later
HL: I’ll be waiting.