Out to get you
Stark’s Plane heading back to D.C
“What are your plans?” Steve asked Jen as they traveled back to D.C.
Jen leaned her head on the headrest with a sigh “I don’t know. Tim still doesn’t think Gibbs will be back until tomorrow. I feel I need to go to NCIS-talk to Ducky. Then I don’t know-maybe I’ll go see James” Jen said.
Steve blinked “Do you feel like company? I could use a change of scenery” he replied.
Sam smirked “Would that change of scenery be the forensic science lab?” he teased.
Jen tried to stifle her giggles at Steve’s flush. “I would love the company Steve” she replied.
Tony smiled clapping his hands “Okay so it’s settled. I have three cars waiting for us at the airport. We split up-do our thing and then we can meet back up after” he said.
Jen glanced over at Steve “Do you want to go with me to see James?” she asked.
Steve thought for a minute before he nodded “I-umm-yes if you don’t mind” he stuttered.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you-How was it? The grave. Jethro just told me about it-but I haven’t seen it yet” Jen asked softly.
Steve smiled “It was great and the fact it was made and that’s survived is swell” he replied.
“I think the only way it HAS survived is because it was kept a secret” Jen replied trying not to chuckle at the word swell.
Steve chuckled “that’s probably true” he amended.
“Want to come with us Sam?” Jen asked looking at the other side of Steve-where Sam sat.
“I’d love to but I need to make an appearance at the V.A.” He replied.
Jen’s phone alerted her of multiple messages she received at one time. She raised an eyebrow at Steve-usually multiple messages weren’t good and gently turned her phone around. She had messages from Hetty, G and Pride asking about any updates on Gibbs.
“Work?” Steve asked. “Umm sort of. They are asking for updates on Gibbs” She replied with a smile.
Bruce walked over and sat down-handing Jen a cup of ginger tea “thought you might want to try and sip this” he said gently.
Jen smiled “Thanks” she said.
Steve couldn’t help but smile at them “Have you two talked about what you want?” he asked suddenly.
Bruce eyed him “You mean wither it’s a girl or a boy?” he asked.
Steve nodded at Bruce, who chuckled before he spoke. “I hate to sound stereotypical but I don’t care as long as they are healthy and don’t have a green tint to them” Bruce said earning a swat and glare for his joke.
“What if they do have a green tint to them?” Jen replied. “Are you saying you wouldn’t love them?” she added.
Bruce sighed “Hon-It was supposed to be a joke” he said gently.
Sam chuckled “Come on man-got to leave the comedy to Clint and I” he warned with a smile.
Jen sighed then shook her head “Bruce that MIGHT be a possibility. That’s something we have to think about!” she said in concern.
Natasha walked up and sat next to Bruce “Possibility of what?” she asked-even though everyone KNEW she had been listening in the co-pilot seat.
“Jen might be carrying a baby Hulk” Bruce replied.
Tony chuckled from his spot then noticed everyone was staring at him and shrugged “Just pictured a little green boy with curly hair picking up furniture” he said before he turned his attention back to his phone.
Natasha stared at the couple “Can’t you figure that out? Don’t most OBGYN’s do ultra sounds?” she asked.
Bruce stared at Jen “True. The real question is who do you want to go to?” he asked.
Jen thought grabbing his hand “I would prefer Hank-but I am not sure if HE would feel comfortable with that” She replied.
“Maybe we call Hank when we get to D.C? He might have options for us to consider” Bruce replied.
“By the way. Can we keep this between us?” Jen replied. “I would prefer not to advertise it-until I can’t anymore” she added unconsciously rubbing her stomach.
Everyone nodded “of course” they said.
NCIS
“I knew you would come” Abby called as she saw Steve and Jen exit the elevator.
“Of course I would come Abby” Jen said gently leaning back as Abby barreled into her with a hug.
“Abby I told you I called her as soon as Tony called me” Tim replied from his desk.
Abby straightened then startled when she realized it was Steve standing next to her.
Steve smiled “It’s nice to see you again Abby” he replied. Abby smiled
“Steve I am sorry I wasn’t here when you came to give me my parasol” she replied stepping back.
Steve shrugged “It’s my fault! I should have called first” he replied.
Jen smiled and slowly stepped back so she wasn’t in-between them. They didn’t notice and continued to talk-unconsciously leaning closer.
“Has anyone heard from Tony?” Jen asked Tim as she walked toward his desk.
“Yes-the Director told him to finish their job there before he will allow them to come back” Tim replied.
“A little birdie told me you were in the parking lot” Ducky replied as he turned to corner walking into the bull pen.
Jen smiled “Ducky” she said walking over to hug him.
“Where’s Robert?” Ducky asked. “Is he avoiding me?” he asked with a laugh.
“No-No. There was another meeting at Stark Industries I promise” Jen replied with a laugh of her own. “Plus we are trying not to have him seen in D.C as much as we can” she adds. “Ducky have you meet Steve?” She asked.
“Not in person no” Ducky said smiling.
“Ducky meet Steve Rogers-Steve this is Donald Mallard. Ducky has known Bruce-since he was a kid” Jen said as she made introductions.
“Doctor Mallard it’s a pleasure to meet you” Steve said straightening and shaking his hand.
“Oh the pleasure is all mine young man. It’s not every day one gets to meet a national treasure” Ducky said pride fully.
Steve blushed “well thank you” he stammered out.
Ducky nodded “Come my dear-walk with me to my office for a second. Abigail perhaps Steve would like something to drink after their trip” he subtly replied with a wink.
Abby blushed “Subtle Dr. Mallard” she replied with a smirk. “Steve would you like something to drink? We have a vending machine in the back and a coffee machine” she replied hopefully.
Jen could tell Steve was going to politely decline when she decided to intervened. “Steve I’ll be right back-15 minutes at the most. I am feeling a little puckish-you know how I am on planes now” Jen said with a sweet smile as she dug inter pocket for money. “Will you get ME something?” she asked.
Steve smiled nodding “I would love something to drink Abby-Thank You” he replied and followed Abby down the hall.
Ducky chuckled “I see what you did there” he observed from where he was holding the elevator for them.
Jen smirked at him “He needs a push” she replied with a shrug as she entered.
Ducky nodded as he pushed the button for his floor “So Loretta said you received my results” he commented without preamble.
Jen nodded “I did” she replied.
“AND-?” Ducky started to ask.
“I am and I am keeping it” she replied interrupted him.
Ducky chuckled “Well I am glad but I was talking more about how the two you feel about it” he said.
“Oh” Jen said with a snort of embarrassment “guess it would help if I let you finish” she added.
Ducky reached over and patted her hand “that’s fine dear” he said and waited for her to speak.
“I think we are both still in shock” She began slowly. “Neither one of us thought we could have kids. Bruce thinks that procedure I had a few months ago-the one that regrew the tissue? That it regrew organs as well” she said. “We’ve talked with a doctor that we trust with Bruce’s-condition. But I don’t know if he would be willing to be my OB. I-we-want to keep it quiet for a long as we can-for protection” she continued finally running out of steam and just stared at Ducky.
Ducky nodded “That makes sense. I was worried about what you were going to do for a doctor. But I am glad you have options” he replied.
Abby walked in a few minutes with Steve following behind her.
"I would have come up there" Jen said with a smile.
Steve smiled “That’s fine-Abby was nice enough to give me a tour of the building” he replied.
Abby smiled “Dwayne called me. He is coming up to see Gibbs and was making sure you had been told” she replied.
Jen smiled “He’s always looking out for me” she said.
“Are you ok?” She asked looking at Abby-knowing she and Jethro were extremely close.
Abby frowned “I hate that the kid shot him. But everyone assures me-he’s going to be okay” she replied.
Jen frowned “Wait a KID shot him!” she exclaimed.
Abby eyes widened when she realized she had said too much.
Ducky stepped in before it could escalate,“There was a boy that was helping Gibbs-he was being brainwashed by a terrorist organization. Gibbs thought he was getting better-but apparently wasn’t” Ducky said gravely.
Jen frowned “That poor kid” she mumbled.
“Poor kid” Steve replied in confusion.
Jen sighed, looked at the others then focused on Steve "I was one of those brain washed kids. Nat was one of those brain washed kids. Believe me-at the time-we THINK we are doing the right thing. It’s only after we get out-if we are lucky enough-that we realize how wrong we were” she said sadly.
There was silence –no one knew exactly what to say to that.
“Ms. Scuito I was hoping you could run by something for me” Director Vance said as he walked into autopsy. Then paused when he saw there were other people there. “I apologize-I didn’t realize you had company” he replied with a friendly smile.
“Director Vance this is Genevieve Gibbs and Steven Rogers” Ducky said making introductions.
Vance smiled and extended his hand “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you Ms. Gibbs” he said. Then he turned to Steve “Captain It’s a pleasure” he said with a huge smile.
Jen looked around when a shrill noise was heard. “Whose phone is that?” she asked.
Steve blushed “Sorry-Clint was helping me and haven’t changed the ring yet-excuse me” he said politely as he answered his phone.
“I assume you will be there when Gibbs gets transferred back?” Vance asked turning to Jen.
She nodded “I will. It’ll be interesting if they’ll let me back there right away though” she replied.
“But they let family back there?” Abby replied.
“Yes they let immediate family back. Not sure if they’ll let his niece back there” she replied-not knowing how much Gibbs had told them about their newly found “connection”.
Ducky shook his head “Since you are is only living relative AND a NCIS agent-they shouldn’t give you any problems” he replied.
“I am sorry we need to go” Steve snapped in his “Captain America voice”.
Everyone turned and stared at him in various degrees of shock.
“I am sorry. But that was Phil-they have an emergency and need our help” He said looking at Jen in worry.
Jen knew it wasn't Phil but decided to play along, "That was Phil? That’s not good-ok let’s go” Jen said turning toward the door. “I am sorry-I was hoping to invite you two out to coffee or something” she added staring at Ducky and Abby.
“Don’t you worry my dear. We will see you tomorrow-go make sure everything is ok” Ducky said with a nod.
“I’ll call you if Gibbs comes in sooner” Abby said as she came over and hugged her.
Jen smiled “Thanks” she said-giving Steve a “talk to her look”.
Steve flushed “Thank you again for the tour Abby” he said. “Next time I promise to bring my sketchbook” he adds with a smile.
“I hope you do” Abby said with a small smile watching as the two left.
The two men watched as Captain American and Gibbs hurried out of the naval yard. They smiled at one another and pulled into traffic a few cars behind them. The passenger reached into his phone and dialed a number waiting patiently as his call was answered.
“They just left out of NCIS in quite a hurry” he replied to the person on the other end.
“Banner?” the man asked.
“No Captain America and the Gibbs women” the other answered.
“We are following them-we think they are heading to SHIELD” he added.
“Banner I am sure is with Stark-they were inseparable before SHE came into the picture” the man on the other end chuckled.
“The SHEILD cyber unit must have seen our hackers” he added in thought.
“Okay once you are sure they go inside SHEILD-head to her house” he instructed.
“AND once we are there?” the man asked.
“Make sure this time she doesn’t survive the blast” the man growled and hung up before the other could respond.
Jen stared out the window as Steve drove through D.C lunch traffic.
“What’s the real reason we left?” she asked finally looking over at him.
Steve looked over at her then chuckled “Sam’s right. I can’t lie to save my life” he muttered.
“No you can’t-which is hysterical since you were an actor before you were a soldier” Jen commented.
Steve smiled “That wasn’t Phil-it was Nat. Apparently they have someone trying to get into SHIELD and they think Buc-umm James is the target” he replied. “I don’t know all the details yet-Nat was talking fast” he added.
Jen looked out the window “What are WE supposed to do?” she asked.
“Drastic measures” He replied.
Jen turned back to Steve “Drastic measures? Such as?” she asked.
“Fury wants him disposed of” Steve said darkly.
“So we’re breaking him out?” Jen asked.
Steve stared at her out of the corner of his eye “Yes that was my plan” he replied.
Jen nodded “Ok. Next question-where are you taking him? Don’t you think SHILED will come to my house first?” she commented.
Steve frowned “I haven’t thought that far ahead” he admitted.
Jen nodded “Might want to. I am not saying I won’t help-but you are going to go against a secret government agency that has numerous ways of tracking-capturing AND disposing of someone” she replied.
Steve nodded as he pulled into the parking lot “Let’s see what’s going on first-then I might just improvise” he muttered as they walked toward the door.
Jen laughed “Stark’s rubbing off on you” she commented.
“After 80 years and two Starks-it was bound to happen” he replied with a smile.
Natasha was leaning casually against the front desk-waiting for them. She motioned with her head-indicating they were to follow her. She turned and ushered them into an empty room.
“Sorry to cut your visit short” Nat replied. “But I knew both of you should be here for this” she added.
“So what’s happening exactly?” Jen asked.
“Phil was informed by our cyber team that someone keeps trying to hack into our systems” Nat said.
Clint called from the rafters “Are we sure it’s not Stark?” he asked.
Jen chuckled looking up “stop” she chided.
“Stark isn’t as subtle at his snooping as these people are” Nat replied with a ghost of a smile.
“How do you know James is the target?” Jen asked.
“The hack is in the cells and all the information we have on The Winter Solider” Natasha replied.
Steve cleared his throat “Are we sure Fury is going to dispose of him?” he asked.
Natasha paused “If I were him I would” she replied.
Jen nodded “At this point he’s of no use to him or SHIELD in general. Why keep someone around that is of no benefit to him” She replied. “Are they able to search the hackers?” she added.
Clint was staring at Jen-trying to figure out how to voice his statement without blowing their mission.
“What is it Clint-I can feel your eyes” Jen said in exasperated.
“We have a meeting with Hill about rumors-maybe we can see if all of this is connected?” Clint replied.
“Rule 39 Clint” Jen replied then another thought popped into her head. “And it sounds a little like rule 40” she added.
Clint dropped down rolling his eyes “Are these rules even written down?” he asked.
“Apparently” Jen replied with a shrug.
Steve looked between the two in confusion “Care to share with the rest of us” he replied.
Jen smiled “Rule 39 is there is no coincidences. 40 is if it seems like someone is out to get you they are” was all she said.
Steve nodded “I was actually speaking about this meeting with Hill” he replied dryly.
“A shared mission” Jen replied.
“Does Bruce know about this shared mission?” Steve asked.
Jen turned slowly staring at Steve “Yes he does” she replied.
Steve frowned "I am only looking out for you Genevieve" he began when Clint jumped in.
"Don't worry Cap-she’s only to collect information and report to her boss. I can be the go between without having to divulging anything to any unwanted parties” he said with a wink-knowing both her and Bruce’s feeling on SHEILD. His watch beeped alerting him-he looked down then looked over at Jen apologetically “We are supposed to meet with Hill in a few minutes” he replied.
Jen nodded smiling at Steve and giving him a kiss as she passed “Thank you for being concerned Steve” was all she said.
“Of course” he replied watching as they left.
He cleared his throat ignoring the smirk Nat was giving him “What do we do with James?” he asked trying to change the topic.
Natasha’s smirk fell as she just blinked at him-without speaking.
“He needs protection from others as well as from himself. He obviously isn’t going to get it here” Steve continued.
Nat smiled “You feel he would be better off somewhere else?” she asked.
“Yes-especially if Fury’s going to kill him” He replied loudly-then realized his volume and muttered an apology.
“You know as well as I do Steve that he needs professional help. He’s still not stable enough to interact with the outside world” Natasha said staring at him with her hands on the desk. She slowly pushed them toward the edge of the desk accidently pushing a file across it and knocking it off. “Sorry Steve-I have a meeting with Fury and Coulson-would you mind picking that up for me?” she asked as she got up and walked out the door.
Steve sat there in confusion-staring at the door. He knew Nat was trying to subtly tell him something. He looked down at the file and papers at his feet-crouched down to pick them up. As he did he scanned the top of one of the pages-making him pause. He picked up the rest and realized it was Bucky’s file. It had everything they had on him-as well as the guard timeline. Steve smiled sharply-he now knew when he could sneak James out of SHEILD without anyone knowing. He glanced at the clock noticing the time and frowned. He didn’t have any time to plan something-he could come back tomorrow-but it could be too late. He sighed as he headed for the door deciding that he needed to improvise-like he told Jen he would.
Clint and Jen were walking toward the door after their meeting with Hill when alarms started going off making them pause.
“What the hell is going on?” Clint asked one of the agents running past him.
“Prisoner’s escaped” he yelled not pausing his momentum.
Jen shook her head and discreetly grabbed Clint’s arm “we need to get out of here” she said.
Clint raised an eyebrow but let her lead him out toward their car. He kept silent as he started the car and drove out into the highway.
“Which way am I going?” Clint asked finally.
“My house for the moment. I need to pack a few things and figure out what to do” Jen said.
“Was it Barnes that escaped?” Clint asked.
“Yes” Jen said.
“Who did it” Clint asked next.
Jen cut a look at him “Who do you think?” she replied.
Clint smiled “Didn’t know he had it in him” he replied as he turned off of the highway.
Jen rolled her eyes “He’s always defended the underdog. This is no different-especially when it’s James” she commented.
“Where’s he going to take him?” Clint wondered.
Jen sighed “I am not sure” she replied.
“Does he know anything about going on the run?” Clint asked.
Jen chuckled “He was a solider Clint-Remember?” she said.
Clint chuckled as he turned into Jen’s driveway “So are you going to move to New York permanently?” he asked.
Jen snorted at the 180 Clint took the conversation “We’ve kind of talked about it-but I think I am. I mean I need to see if Tony WANTS me to move into the tower-but Bruce’s safer there then he is here” she replied.
Clint nodded “Good” he said with a smile.
The curtain fluttered and a shadow flashed by the window in the living room catching both of their attention at the same time.
“Expecting company?” Clint asked as he pulled out his gun.
“No” Jen replied checking her own gun.
“I’ll take the back you get the front” Clint said as he climbed out with fake casualness.
Jen nodded as she casually headed to the front door, reaching for her key. She didn’t sense any danger but you can never be too careful. She opened the door stepping inside and slowly getting her gun out of her pants. She crept toward the living room to see if someone was in there. She took a deep breath when she got to the doorway swinging into the room when her gun drawn to an empty room. She heard her back door bang open-realizing whoever was making a run for it. She almost ran after him when a click made her pause and a bomb exploded sending a wall of fire and sending Jen against the wall her last thought was 'Damn it Rule 40' before she blacked out.
Steve and Bucky were walking through the woods-heading toward Genevieve’s house.
“I have to ask why you came with me.” Steve asked Bucky.
Bucky shrugged “someone says come with me someone is out to kill you-you follow them” he replied.
The sound of someone barreling through the bush at them-made them stop.
Steve immediately froze-thinking they had been followed and caught.
Then sounds of gunfire and an explosion a few feet in front of them jolted him into what the others called “Captain America mode”.
“Bu-James stay here-I’ll be right back” he yelled as he sprinted after whoever was running.
Bucky watched Steve jump into action and for some reason he felt the urge to roll his eyes. He looked toward the house they had been heading to. He could feel the heat from the explosion from here which meant it was a huge fire. He looked back at where Steve had run then back at what he assumed was the house in flames. He wondered if anyone was inside. For some reason he needed to go see-and if he waited for Steve if anyone WAS in there-they wouldn’t survive. James decided he needed to go see-he figured Steve would find him when he came back. He crept near the edge of the woods-trying not to make any access noise in case someone was waiting. He crept through the woods and into the yard when he saw a figure laying on the ground-he recognized him as he got closer. He leaned down and checked for a pulse-the man flinched-cracking an eye open when Bucky touched him.
“Jen’s inside” he whispered at Bucky.
Bucky frowned looking up at the house-then back down at the man.
“Steve’s on the way-I am going in” he said then headed to the house.
Bucky eased in cautiously scanning the area. He needed to be careful where he stepped-one wrong move and the foundation might crumble. He had no idea where to look for Jen so he needed to sweep each room to check.
“Over here Buck” a voice called from the living room.
Bucky raised an eyebrow-he didn’t recognize the voice but didn’t have time to be cautious.
He sprinted into the room freezing when an older man standing there over Jen’s unconscious body. The man looked up and smiled-even though he was 60 years older than the last time he saw him-his blue eyes were the same.
“Hey Jackie” Bucky said.
“Hey Buck” Jackson Gibbs said.
“What are you doing here?” Bucky asked.
“I didn’t want her to die” Jackson said motioning to Genevieve. "Figured you'd listen to me" he added.
Bucky reached down and gently picked her up. He glanced back over at Jackson. “I have one question” he asked.
Jackson tilted his head “You’re in a burning building and you want to ask me a question?” he replied.
“Why am I still alive?” Bucky asked. “Wouldn’t it have been simpler if I had died when I fell from the train?” he added.
Jackson laughed “Buck when is life ever simple?" he asked. "Most of us don't get a second chance-you do. Just accept it-and don't waste it" he said with a smile.
“JAMES” Steve yelled from somewhere outside. “The whole place is about to collapse-GET OUT OF THERE” he yelled.
“Go" Jackson urged.
Bucky’s eyes widened and he clutched Jen close to him and sprinted toward a space where a window used to be and jumped. He landed gracefully and kept jogging into the woods for a few feet before he slowed and laid Jen down. Rustling leaves caught his attention and he twirled only to be met with Steve.
“Whoa-just me” Steve said in a calming manner.
Bucky nodded and glanced back just as everyone heard a loud boom and the foundation finally crumbled. Sirens could be heard coming closer-Bucky looked at Jen then back at Steve.
“What do we do now?” Bucky asked.
Steve reached down and gently picked up Jen “I am going to go lay Jen by Clint then we can go” he said.
“You aren’t staying?” Bucky asked.
Steve shrugged “Tony and Bruce are on their way-I am sure Natasha is on her way too. I don’t need to be here” he said.
Bucky glared at him “You’re about to leave your injured friends ALONE by a raging fire?” he asked again.
Steve sighed “James if I stay they will start asking questions, and what are you going to do?” he asked.
Bucky thought about it “Are you sure they are on the way?” he asked.
“Yes” Steve said.
“Okay” Bucky said.
“Okay?” Steve parroted back in confusion.
“Let’s go. I am assuming you have a plan?” Bucky teased.
Steve gave him a small smile, "How do you feel about going home to New York?” he asked.
Bucky blinked “Might be good” he replied.
Steve smiled “Good-now let’s go before anyone sees you” he said.
Bucky nodded and followed Steve-away from the burning remains of Jen’s house.