Telling the Team
Avengers Tower-Stark Industries Floor
Conrad was going over forms at his desk when his phone rang.
“Hello” he said sharply annoyed at the interruption.
“I need a report” the voice on the other end replied simply.
Conrad tensed rolling closer to his desk and lowering his voice “You can’t call me here-that’s not part of the plan” he said into the phone.
“You forget-I make the plans therefore I can change it at any time I choose-Is that understood” he said sternly.
Conrad straightened and turned his chair to look out the window “Of course-Of course. It’s just these lines can be traced” he stuttered out.
“Let me worry about that” The man said. “Have you seen Banner in the last few days” he asked.
“No-No sir. Saw on the news the Avengers had some battle two days ago. But I expect to see him soon” Conrad said.
“His girlfriend with him?” the man asked.
“Banner has a girlfriend?” Conrad said.
The man on the other end sighed “If you want to continue with us Conrad I suggest you become more alert.” He threatened.
Conrad looked out the window “Of course sir” he stuttered.
“Contact me when you do see Banner” the man said then hung up before Conrad could respond.
Conrad stared at the receiver than slowly placed it back on the cradle, shaking his head. He had always been greedy-it was why he agreed when he was approached about this. But it wasn’t happening the way they had presented it to him-and that was worrisome. If this falls through and it somehow was traced back to HIM-there was no doubt he would spend the rest of his life inside a cell. He turned and looked at his computer in thought-he might need to construct a contingency plan to present to the authorities IF that happened. He checked the time and deciding he had time before his next meeting and deciding to make a call.
Bruce smiled over at Jen as he pulled into Stark Tower garage.
“What?” she asked with a smirk.
“What’s with the cards?” Bruce asked motioning to the bag in her lap.
Jen looked down then smiled.
“I had this cute idea-sending a grandma and grandpa card to Hetty and Jethro” she replied.
Bruce laughed as he turned off the car “Well that would take away the stress of telling them” he said.
Jen laughed “True-I was thinking more of untraceable” she said.
“Untraceable?” he asked.
Jen shrugged “I don’t want EVERYONE to know-for safety reasons. I just the people that count to know-the team-Hetty-Jethro” she said looking at him.
Bruce stared at her “Do you want to hide it-I thought you were okay with this?” he asked confused.
Jen grabbed his hand and squeezed it “I am honey I am! But I keep thinking about what we talked about at Xavier’s-and I think the safest thing to do is keep this quiet to MOST until I can’t deny it anymore. I don’t want to give someone like Ross more fuel to feed their obsession” she commented.
Bruce sighed “I guess you’re right” he agreed. “Are we telling both of our teams?” he asked as they climbed out.
Jen paused in thought “The Avengers-yes. As for NCIS –I don’t know-I mean I trust G and Sam with my Life-DiNozzo too. But to be honest I might be on a need to know bases with most of them too-for all of our sakes” she replied.
Bruce just stared at her with a raised eyebrow “A need to know bases?” he asked with a chuckle.
Jen smirked “Well do YOU trust everyone who work with?” she replied.
“Welcome Back Doctor Banner, Ms. Gibbs” Jarvis greeted interrupting them.
Jen smiled “Thank you Jarvis” she replied.
“Hello Jarvis” Bruce greeted the A.I.
“Would you like me to alert Sir of your arrival?” The A.I asked.
Bruce looked up “Tony usually knows the second someone is inside his building?” he replied.
“I am afraid sir hasn’t been as alert as he usually is Doctor” The A.I answered.
Bruce sighed “Has he been drinking the entire time I’ve been gone?” he asked wearily.
“No sir-I am afraid there was a call to assemble after you left-Colonel Rhodes was called to help- has helped distract sir” JARVIS answered honestly.
“They could have called you” Jen replied to Bruce as they walked into the elevator.
“I believe the consensus was Hulk wasn’t going to be needed for this particular mission” Jarvis answered.
“Where is everyone?” Bruce asked as the elevator rose.
“They are eating in the living room-I have alert them of your impending arrival” Jarvis replied.
When the elevators opened the entire team as well as Rhodney were sitting on the couchs watching a ballgame-eating.
Tony turned, eyes brightening when he saw Bruce “Buddy, Jen Welcome back! We are watching the game-came sit and help us eat all of this” he said waving his arm at the impressive spread he had on the coffee table.
“You could have called me you know” Bruce replied as they walked in.
“Don’t worry-you didn’t miss much-very boring” Natasha said with a smile.
Rhodney smiled “Besides I was in the area-so they called me to come in case they needed help” he said with a laugh.
“So” Clint said glancing at them from his spot next to Natasha “How was Xavier?” he asked.
“Fine” Jen replied smiling.
Clint nodded “Find out what you were looking for?” he asked cryptically.
Jen looked over at Bruce smiling “yes” she said.
Clint smiled “good” he said as he turned back to the screen.
Tony looked between the three of them suspiciously “what was that?” he asked.
“What?” Clint asked.
“That” Tony said motioning between the two of them.
Bruce glanced over at Tony barely suppressing a smile “that?” he asked.
Tony glared “That” he said again motioning more wildly “You know I don’t like not being in the loop” he said glowering.
Rhodney raised an eyebrow in amusement “Come on man-you don’t need to know everything that goes on” he said.
“Yes I do” Tony demanded.
“Tony” Steve admonished from his spot next to Sam.
Bruce smiled “Thank you Rhodney-maybe with the two of us telling him that-he will listen” he replied.
“Don’t count on it” Tony snapped back.
Bruce chuckled “Tony stop-we are just teasing you” he said then glanced at Jen again. “We are-I mean Jen is-pregnant” he said.
The room was silent except for the television. They looked at one another in confusion and trepidation not knowing how to proceed. Luckily Jarvis spoke up interrupting.
“I am sorry Ms. Gibbs there is an Agent McGee on the phone for you-he sounds urgent” the A.I replied.
Jen looked worried “Why is he calling here?” she asked.
“It would appear you forgot your cell in the car after you and Doctor Banner returned-If you would pick up the hand held that is right by you” Jarvis instructed.
Jen nodded her head “Thank You Jarvis-excuse me” she said and left the room.
“Jen can you hear me?” Tim asked quietly.
“Yes Tim-what’s wrong” she replied.
Tim sighed “I wanted you to hear it from me-Boss and Tony were searching for a terrorist organization and he was shot by-um-someone and he is in on the U.S.S Daniel Webster” he said in a rush.
“He’s been shot? It must be bad if they’ve transferred him” Jen replied.
“Ducky says he’s under good care there but that’s my initial thought as well” Tim replied honestly.
“When will he get back to D.C?” Jen asked.
“It would depend on the doctor on the ship-but I would assume a few days max” Tim replied.
“You said Tony was with him-Is he ok?” she asked.
“He says he’s fine-but-well he’s going to feel responsible for this” Tim replied.
“Was he the lead on this case?” Jen asked.
“No-but Tony always feels responsible when others are seriously hurt on cases he’s on” Tim said.
“Thanks for calling me Tim. I’ll be in D.C by the time he gets back” Jen vowed.
Sam looked around “Okay I’ll bite-what did I miss” he asked looking around once Jen left the room.
“I was wondering the same thing” Bruce said testily from his spot.
“Did McCoy do a DNA test?” Tony asked staring at Bruce who sat up straighter.
“Damn it Tony is that what this is about? Genevieve tells me its mine and I believe her” Bruce growled.
“How is it yours-Neither of you should be able to reproduce” Tony replied loudly.
“Tony she’s in the other room” Steve said in warning.
Bruce took a deep breath-blowing it out before he spoke “We need to do more research-but the theory is Helen’s procedure-it grew back organs as well as tissue” he replied slowly.
Everyone looked at one another in confusion until Natasha cleared her throat.
“She didn’t have the organs before?” Natasha asked from her spot.
“No” Bruce replied.
“And the procedure in D.C regrew them?” she asked quietly.
Bruce paused looking at Natasha then seeing Clint slightly tilt his head in a barely there nod-making Bruce realize there was more to Natasha’s sudden interest then he knew.
“That’s the theory Nat-but again we have to do more research” Bruce commented.
“Well I guess I’ll be the first –Congrats Doc” Rhodney said as he got up to shake Bruce’s hand.
“To be fair-we kind of figured it out in New Orleans-but it’s great that it’s official” Clint said smiling from his spot.
Steve came up shaking Bruce’s hand “I am still a bit confused Bruce-but if you’re okay with it-then so am I” he said.
“Thanks Steve” Bruce said.
Bruce turned and the smile on his face hearing Jen come back into the room but it immediately fell when he saw her face.
“Hon-what’s wrong? What did Tim say?” Bruce said rushing over to her.
“Jethro’s been shot-he’s being transferred to a ship-Tim-Tim wanted me to hear it from him” Jen said quietly.
Bruce leaned over rubbing her back “You ok?” he asked.
Jen nodded “Not sure” she replied honestly.
“What ship was he transferred to?” Rhodney asked.
“Daniel Webster” Jen replied.
Natasha cleared her throat “Do you have any idea what he was working on?” she asked.
She shook her head “No-I’ve tried not to ask if I can help it-out of habit” Jen replied with a small smile.
“When is he getting back to D.C?” Steve asked.
“Tim wasn’t sure on that either-but he figured a couple of days” she replied.
Bruce sighed “I know its hard-but come sit down-try to eat” he said gently dragging her to the love seat.
Jen sighed “Yeah-I guess I need to since I am eating for two now” she said with a smile.
Natasha smiled and handed her a plate as she sat down-surprising everyone.
“Thanks” Jen said.
“You’re welcome” Natasha replied.
Clint cleared this throat “I can get the plane ready to leave in an hour” he commented.
Jen sighed “No-you guys just fought a battle-go rest! I’ll be okay for a few days” she said. “But thanks” she said.
She took a deep breath inhaling the aroma of the food- she normally loved Shawrma. But suddenly her stomach turned and she groaned barely getting the plate on table before Jen ran for the bathroom.
Everyone looked at Bruce who shook his head “So it begins” he said as he got up and rushed to see if he could help Jen.
After Jen was done retching into the toilet-Bruce gently lead her to his room and had her lay down.
“I am going to get you some ginger tea and some toast-maybe make some sandwiches. Will you be ok?” Bruce asked.
“Hon I am not sick-just pregnant” Jen replied.
Bruce sighed “If you go back in there the smells will probably make you sick again-just stay in here for a few minutes-at least until they are done with the food out there” he said.
Jen sighed “Fine” she replied.
Bruce smiled and kissed her temple “Love you-I’ll be right back with the tea” he said as he got up and left the room.
Jen laid down with her back to the door looking out the window at the New York skyline. She hated being sick-but this came with the territory of being pregnant. Oh good lord she was actually pregnant! How did this happen? This was something she’s never dreamed of-even as a child before Shannon and Kelly died-she didn’t remember even playing house with them. Would she BE a good mother?
The sound of the door closing broke Jen out of her thoughts, she turned expecting Bruce but was startled to see Natasha standing in the doorway with a plate.
“Hello” Jen said.
“Tony has cornered Bruce-so I took it upon myself to bring you food” Natasha said still at the doorway.
Jen smiled and sat up in the bed “Thanks-You can come in Nat-I won’t bite” she said.
Natasha stared at her-of course she was going to come when SHE wanted to-not because Jen asked. Jen smiled and waited until Natasha decided to come over placing the plate on the bedside table. Jen patted the spot next to her.
“Want to sit down?” she asked-at Natasha’s blank look she snorted. “Don’t worry-I am sitting on Bruce’s side” she added.
Nat smiled and gracefully sat down on the other side of the bed-not right NEXT to her-they weren’t that close yet-but within an acceptable distance to Jen AND the edge of the bed-in case a quick movement was needed.
Nat watched as Jen slowly picked up a cracker taking a small-hesitate bite.
“Want some?” Jen asked motioning to the plate.
Nat took a cracker “Congratulations” she finally said quietly-looking anywhere else but AT Jen.
“I wondered when you were going to say whatever it was you wanted to say” Jen chuckled. “But thanks-since you were the first one” she added in annoyance.
Nat raised an eyebrow at Jen in amusement “The others congratulated Bruce-if that helps. We don’t know what to do in awkward situations like this. Now if Pepper were here-she would have been giving hugs and rubbing your stomach” Nat said with a smile.
Jen looked uncomfortable at the thought of people coming up and touching her “How IS Pepper?” she asked.
Nat chuckled “good I guess. She’s been staying away for obvious reasons” she replied.
“Do you know what the breaking point was?” Jen asked.
Natasha stared at her “you want Gossip?” she asked.
Jen cocked her head to the side “No-I am worried it has something to do with Tony’s reactions to me and Bruce” she admitted.
Nat nodded in understanding “I think it has more to do with Tony then either of you-but yes she said she was sick of being the LAST person to know things” she said. “She was his girlfriend-not is assistant and I think he was forgetting that” she added.
Jen smiled “I always liked how close they became-I was around when they first became friends. I hope this hasn’t ruined that” she replied.
Nat shrugged “I am sure it will be uncomfortable for a while but I am sure it will eventually work out” she replied.
“Talking from experience?” Jen teased.
“I think both of us know what that’s like” Natasha replied.
Jen laughed “true” she said.
Nat stared for a second “Have you and Bruce talked about this-parenthood?” she asked.
Jen sighed and looked at Natasha “No-not yet. I wasn’t expecting this-I was told I wasn’t going to have children-after-the surgery. We were taking precautions-but I guess this was one of the times they fail” she said.
“You seem calm for someone who never thought they’d be a mother?” Natasha commented in thought.
“Nat when Ducky first told me I screamed at him and had a panic attack” Jen said with a laugh. “Did I ever WANT this-honestly up until this point I would have said no-for thousands of reasons. Even as a kid I don’t remember playing house with Kelly and Aunt Shannon.” She added.
“Are you afraid?” Nat asked quietly.
“Yes-I was raised by soldiers and spies-which aren’t nurturing by nature” Jen said with a smirk. “I am not sure how I will BE as a mother. But-but I know what I lack Bruce will fill in. I KNOW without a doubt he will be a good father” she finished with a genuine smile.
Nat smiled “I’ve seen him with kids-back in Calcutta. I think he will be a great father” she agreed.
Bruce cleared his throat gently from the door-alerting them of his presence. Jen smiled and watched as Nat became more alert, yet stayed in her position.
“Were your ears burning love” Jen asked staring at Bruce-smiling when he blushed.
“Yes-and I realized I hadn’t brought the tea” Bruce replied.
Nat smiled at the exchanged then got up “Well I am going to leave-thanks for the food” she replied.
“Nat you don’t have to leave” Bruce replied with a small frown.
Nat shook her head “Jen needs to rest-and there is only so much girl talk I can take” she replied.
Jen snorted “went over your daily quota” she asked.
“Yes” Nat said smiling as she walked toward the door.
“Thanks Nat” Jen said.
Nat paused by Bruce looking over her shoulder “You’re welcome” she said softly then walked out the door.
Bruce stared at the door for a few minutes then looked back at Jen “girl talk?” he asked.
Jen shrugged “I was kind of surprised too” she replied.
“I think-I have a suspicion- that Nat might have had something similar happen to her as well” Bruce replied placing the mug down and stretching out on the bed.
Jen looked at Bruce in thought “Makes sense-ANY short of secret agency doesn’t want their people to leave-and will stop it from happening” she replied.
Bruce nodded reaching over and gently rubbed her stomach with a smile “I think you’d be a good mother-no matter what you think” he said changing the topic.
Jen blushed “we will see won’t we” she said leaning over and kissing him.
“Tony has a meeting tomorrow-back in D.C-and he all but begged me to come. It’ll help him as well as you-he’ll have a buffer and that way you can be there when Jethro comes back” he said.
Jen nodded “I think that sounds like a good idea” she replied.
“How much longer will this assignment Hetty gave you last?” Bruce asked.
“I don’t know-I promise you-if it gets too dangerous-I’ll have her assign someone else” Jen said.
Bruce smiled nodding his understanding-but keeping silent. Jen cuddled close to Bruce enjoying the moment. She needed to try and rest if they were heading back to D.C in the morning. They were smiling as they drifted off to sleep thinking about their future.