Who Says You Can't Go Home
Gibbs House
“Did you decide on going to the hospital or his house?” Bruce asked into his phone as he scrolled through his computer. “I still wish you would have let me come” he added.
“Bruce you know Ross would know the second you were in D.C. This is just a quick visit to make sure he listens to the doctor and doesn’t overdue it, and to check in if anything was salvaged in the house” Jen said.
“You are going to tell him right?” Bruce asked.
“Of course” Jen said. “I decided it would be less stressful if I come here instead of the hospital. But I have been sitting in the driveway for 10 minutes now just staring at the house” she added.
“Why?” Bruce asked.
“I’ve never been inside by myself since before they died” Jen said softly. “The line you can’t go home again keeps going through my mind” she added.
“I am sure he’s redecorated since-wasn’t he married like 2 times since?” Bruce asked with a chuckle.
“3 but I guess your right” she agreed gave a sigh grabbed her bags and climbed out of the car. She climbed to the front door and cautiously tried the door.
“and Of course he leaves the door unlocked” she growled as walked inside and glanced around.
“He leaves the door unlocked?” Bruce asked in amusement.
“Apparently” She sighed as she walked into the kitchen to investigate if he actually had food. “Hmm it’s a good thing I brought supplies-he has no food” she said. She put the phone on video chat as she started putting away the food. She kept glancing at the basement door until Bruce finally commented on it.
“Okay what are you looking at?” he asked.
“The basement door-when I was a kid it was his workshop. He’d always go down there to get away from everyone. I wonder if he still builds boats down there” Jen replied.
“Wait-Gibbs used to build boats in his basement?” Bruce asked amused.
Jen checked the time “I think I have time to sneak down there before he gets home” she replied as she grabbed the phone and opened the door.
“Hon maybe you shouldn’t go snooping around his house” Bruce replied.
“Believe me there’s nothing here. It barely looks like anyone lives here” She replied as she descended the stairs. “Wow he still does” she added and turned the phone to show Bruce the boat hull sitting in the middle of the floor.
Bruce chuckled then got closer to the screen “Is there a door down there?” he asked.
“No” Jen replied.
“How does he get them out?” Bruce wondered.
Jen paused “I have no idea. I don’t think I ever saw him finish one” she said as she stood at the bottom of the stairs and glanced around. Something on his worktable caught her eye and went to get a closer look.
“What’s that?” Bruce asked as the object on the table got closer.
“It’s a model boat” she replied as she picked it up and saw the name chickadee on it. “I think this was Ann’s. Jethro and Uncle Jack built this for her when she was diagnosed” she replied with a small smile.
“And he kept it-that’s nice” Bruce replied.
“No-I bet you anything Jack kept it” Jen replied.
Bruce chuckled “That makes more sense” he agreed.
Jen turned and froze when she saw her card on display on the back table. “Bruce look” she said turning the phone so he could see.
Bruce smiled “Can we take that as he’s happy with the card?” he asked.
Jen laughed “I guess-otherwise I don’t think he’d have it on display” she replied.
The sound of the door slamming shut and footsteps announced someone else was upstairs. Jen looked up “Oops they must be here-I need to get upstairs” she said as she started back up the stairs. “I’ll call you back hon” she said blowing him a kiss and hanging up. She opened the door in time to hear a gruff man talking to a young women.
“Emily you need to get behind me” he ordered.
“Dad-some bad guy isn’t going to drive and park in Uncle Gibbs driveway just to kill him” the young red head replied.
Jen cleared her throat and walked out so they could see her-making sure both hands were in view “That depends on the bad guy” she replied.
The man whirled around reaching for his gun-while his daughter froze eyes widening.
“Who are you” the man barked.
“Genevieve Gibbs” she replied.
“Who?” he barked.
“I am Jethro’s niece” Jen replied.
“I’ve known Gibbs for years-he doesn’t have a niece” the man said.
“Yes he does” Emily and Jen replied at the same time.
The man stared at his daughter in shock “How the hell do you know that” he demanded.
Emily sighed “Mom” she replied glancing at her father. “I found some old photos once-when mom and Uncle Gibbs were married. I asked who the girl was and she told me. When I asked why I had never met her-mom explained that she didn’t live with Uncle Gibbs anymore. Something bad had happened and Uncle Gibbs couldn’t raise her and she went to live elsewhere” she added.
Jen stared at the girl until it clicked “You’re Diane’s daughter?” Jen asked.
Emily looked up at her “Yes” she said.
Jen smiled “I am Jen, Emily-it’s a pleasure to meet you” she said.
Emily smiled “You too” she said.
Jen turned to the man “And you are?” she asked.
The man just continued to blink at her until his daughter got annoyed, sighed and jumped in.
“Dad” she huffed out, “This is my dad Tobias Fornell. He and Uncle Gibbs are best friends” she said rolling her eyes.
A chuckle from the doorway got everyone’s attention “Doesn’t she sound like her mother” Gibbs replied as he looked at his small welcoming party.
“You bet” Emily said as she went up and hugged him. “That’s why I here to make sure you listen to the doctors and threaten you if you don’t” she replied kissing him on the cheek.
Gibbs hugged her and turned to Jen “If I had known you were coming I’d have made up the guestroom” he replied.
Jen gave him a small smile and went over to hug him “I told you I was coming back when you got out” she said. “But you were doped up so I am sure you don’t remember” she added.
Gibbs looked over at Fornell who hadn’t moved from his spot. “What? Don’t I get a welcome back hug from you?” he teased.
Fornell smiled and shook his head “I ought to punch you” he warned. “You are lucky you just got out of the hospital. Now go sit down or something-you need to rest” he said gruffly.
Gibbs smiled “So is it just you or did Doc come with you?” He asked Jen.
She shook her head “No-I was too worried. The second he sets foot in D.C-he will know” Jen replied glancing discreetly at Fornell. “Let me go get dinner started and then I will come sit down and catch up” she paused then stared at Fornell. “I actually brought a lot of food will you and Emily like to stay?” she asked.
Fornell looked surprised but shook his head “No-no my mother in law is expecting us for dinner. But umm thanks for the offer” he replied.
Fornell waited until Jen went into the kitchen before he glared at Gibbs. “Mind telling me how I’ve never known you had a niece?” he demanded.
Gibbs sighed leaning back “She was dropped off at Dad’s and Shannon fell in love with her. When they died-Jen was already living elsewhere and I just couldn’t deal with it-or her I guess” he said with an uncomfortable shrug.
Fornell just stared at the Gibbs-anyone who knew the man knew how he never talked about that time in his life. He had known somewhat about his first wife from Diane-but it was only the last few years since Gibbs had mentioned either in passing. At first he never understood how the man never spoke of them but in the last year-since Diane’s death-he’s finally starting to understand.
Gibbs cleared his throat “And she’s not my niece” he said interrupting Fornell’s internal monologue.
Tobias raised an eyebrow at his friend “What is she then?” he asked.
Emily gasped “Uncle Gibbs is she your daughter?” she asked.
Tobias’s head swung around to stare at his daughter, then the pieces clicked into place and he looked over at Gibbs. “She is your daughter isn’t she?” he asked in wonder.
Gibbs nodded slowly “I just found out a couple of months ago. When she was in the hospital the first time” he replied quietly.
Jen chose that moment to come back into the living room carrying a tray of steaming mugs. “Everything is in the oven. I brought coffee, tea and my special hot chocolate for us” she said winking at Emily as she set the tray on the coffee table.
“Wow thanks” Emily said as she took a sip. “This is so good” she said with a groan.
Gibbs smiled as he reached for a mug “No that’s not for you-that’s for- I’am sorry do you want me to call you Tobias or Fornell?” Jen asked looking over at Fornell.
“Fornell is fine” he replied with a smile.
“Why does Fornell get coffee and not me? Gibb asked.
“Because for all intents and purposes you just had open heart surgery. AND you haven’t gotten the all clear from Taft yet to go back to your regular diet” Jen said as she pointed to the tea.
“How do you know that?” Gibbs replied then rolled his eyes. “You’ve talked with Taft?” he replied reaching for the mug.
“Yep” she replied as she sat down.
“So you’re here to make sure I listen to him? Check up on me?” Gibbs asked in annoyance.
“I think that’s why we are all here Gibbs” Fornell replied earning a chuckle from Jen.
“Part of the reason for my visiting is that, but I also have a meeting with the insurance people in the morning about the fire” Jen said. “Two bird’s one stone” she added with a shrug.
“What fire?” Fornell asked.
“Her house was the one that exploded three days ago” Gibbs commented as he sipped his tea. “Listen I am on desk duty for a while-I’ll come with you” he added.
Jen looked over at Gibbs surprised “That’s sweet-but they actually come to me-so I gave them this address” she said.
Gibbs nodded in agreement “sounds like a plan” he said.
Fornell looked at her “Do you live elsewhere?” he asked.
“At the moment New York” Jen replied.
Emily sighed “I’d love to live in New York” she gushed. “Is it in the city?” she asked.
Jen smiled as she nodded “Yes it is” she replied.
“You seem to be doing fine even though your home burned down” Fornell commented lightly.
“Fine? Not sure about that” Jen said with a small laugh. “I have always bounced around-living a few months one place then going to live a few months in another place- So the concept of “home” is a little different for me” Jen added.
Gibbs straightened “Oh no what about your photos?” he blurted out.
Jen smiled “Don’t worry I have negatives in a safe deposit box” she replied.
Fornell frowned “Who puts negatives in safe deposit boxes?” he asked. “And what photos?” he added.
“I have a few precious phots-some of Kelly and me, Shannon and me-a few photos I got from Uncle Jack. I learned that when you work undercover or have to leave in a moment’s notice-or something gets damaged or destroyed. The only place to put what’s truly valuable is in safe deposit boxes” she said then got up to go check on dinner.
Fornell turned and raised an eyebrow at Gibbs in silent question.
“She was raised by two of the most paranoid people alive” Gibbs replied as if that explained everything.
The sound of the oven opening and the smell of food wafted into the living room. Then cabinets opened and closed as Jen tried to find platters and plates for serving dinner with.
“Do we need to leave?” Fornell asked as Jen came back in.
“Oh no-I just didn’t want to burn it. It can sit and worst case scenario I can reheat it No big deal” Jen said as she sat back down.
“By the way she sends her love and I will probably be bringing food back” Fornell replied to Gibbs.
“She was always my favorite out of my ex-mother in laws. I won’t have to cook for a month” Gibbs replied with a smile.
Jen laughed “Okay I have to ask-what pictures did Diane have of me?” she wondered.
Emily scrunched her face in thought “It looked like some party?” she replied.
Jen looked over at Jethro “That birthday party she threw for you-your 35th?” she said laughing. “She showed up at Xavier’s and somehow convinced him to let me go with her-I have to remember to ask him about that” she added with a chuckle.
Emily looked between the two “I take it wasn’t good?” she asked.
“Well you know how much I HATE surprises” Gibbs said. “And you know how your mom was-it was an interesting birthday” he added vaguely.
Jen looked over and saw the sheepish look on Tobias’s face then a memory flashed in her mind of Tobias and Diane kissing in a coatroom in that party. That made her pause-that wasn’t her memory! She didn’t have to look to know it was Tobias’s memory. ‘This was new’ she thought to herself. She needed to keep an eye on this. She didn’t have time to deal with new powers.
“Dad look at the time” Emily said. “We are going to be late for dinner” she added.
Tobias looked at his watch and winced “You’re right we need to go” he said getting up as Emily hugged Gibbs good-bye.
Suddenly the door opened and Abby, McGee, Jimmy, Ducky and Bishop walked in. That led to more hugs before Tobias and Emily left.
“What’s going on?” Gibbs asked once the door shut.
“We brought food and a little birdy told me Jen was here” Abby said.
“Does your birdy carry a shield?” Jen asked with a smirk.
Abby smirked back “Maybe” she teased.
Jen laughed “Well let’s go put the food in the kitchen” she said helping Abby and Bishop with the food.
“So Gibbs” Jen called. “I want to ask-Did you get that model boat downstairs from Jack?”
There was silence for a second before he chuckled “I wondered if you had snooped. Yes I did. I pulled it out because I thought I could make one as a toy that I could play with my grandchild” he said quietly.
Jen sucked in a quiet breath seeing her chance-she walked back into the living room “well you will have to build two” she said.
Gibbs blinked at her in shock-everyone else in the house had the same look. Until Abby couldn’t stand it anymore and squealed in delight.
“Twins-I am so excited” she screamed running up and hugging her hard.
“Genevieve congratulations” Ducky said coming up and hugging her.
“Congrats Jen” McGee said.
Bishop smiled and came up to her hugging her softly “Are you excited?” she asked.
“Don’t know yet. I am kind of scared actually” Jen admitted softly.
“Every first time parent is nervous. I know I was” Gibbs replied as he slowly stood up coming over to stand in front of her. He stared at her and slowly smiled “But once you hold those little ones you will be fine” he added. “I am going to be a grandpa” he said smiling. “I think I like the sound of that” he said.
Jen smiled and threw her arms around him as the tears started to flow. Gibbs smiled and hugged her rubbing her back soothingly. He reached over for the napkin Ducky was handing him and wiped Jen’s tears.
“This is going to get old fast” Jen laughed as she took the napkin and dabbed at her own eyes.
“I wish Tony was here to hear this” Abby said sadly.
“He will be Abs and he will be just as excited as you” Bishop replied.
“Well maybe not AS excited as Abs” McGee teased.
“When IS Tony coming back?” Jen asked.
“Director Vance says by tomorrow” McGee supplied.
Gibbs nodded “Good I’ll get to see him before my trip” he said making everyone look at him in confusion.
“You going somewhere Boss?” McGee asked.
Gibbs nodded “Yes-I have a friend who’s in trouble-needs my help. Since I am going to be on desk duty I decided to take a few days off and see if I can help him” he said as he went as sat back down.
“That’s nice Jethro. Who’s the friend?” Ducky asked.
“His name is Luis Mitchell” he said as the sound of glass breaking caught everyone’s attention. They turned and saw Jen hand was shaking and her cup was at her feet.
“Are you ok?” Abby said guiding her to sit next to Gibbs.
Jen ignored Abby and just stared at Gibbs. “He-it’s his son right?” she asked brokenly.
Gibbs nodded “Yes” he said.
“Wait who is Luis Mitchell?” Bishop asked.
Gibbs looked at her “He’s the son of the Agent -Mike had watching Shannon” he said simply. “He asked about you-well his mother asked about you. Making sure you were ok. She knew you had some rough years-after” he added staring at Jen.
No one knew what to say to that. Especially since everyone knew the last person to see the man alive was sitting on the couch.
“I-I think that’s sweet she asked about me” Jen said brokenly.
Gibbs nodded “I thought so” he commented.
The smell of smoke made everyone look around. Jimmy yelled and pointed out the window at the driveway- Jen’s car was in gulfed in flames.
“My car!” Jen yelled as she ran to the door.
When she threw the door open a man was there and punched her throwing her backward. Suddenly his neck was snapped and Bucky Barnes was looming over her.
“Jesus James! What the hell” she hissed.
“Get down” James yelled at the crowd hitting the light switch at the same time.
Everyone hit the deck-not even asking who the strange man with a metal arm was. Suddenly there was the sound of tires and a car’s headlights ran across the wall as it passed the house. Everyone tensed as the sound of opening doors could be heard.
“How many?” Jen whispered.
Bucky held up three fingers as he put his other finger to his mouth. The first man walked in and Bucky knocked him out without making a sound. A second man came in when Bucky was busy and Jen jabbed him with her elbow and drove him to the ground, then a well-placed punch and he was lying next to the first man. No one else came through the front door so the other men seemed to be going around to the back. Bucky nodded and slowly crept into the house, staying in the shadows.
“Wait James” Jen hissed going after him.
By the time she got to the back she witnessed James knock each man out without making any sound and tied up in a matter of minutes.
“You ok?” James asked barely breathing hard.
“I am fine” She said.
“Liar” he replied with a smile.
“I almost walked into another trap-this pregnancy is making me stupid” she groused.
Bucky chuckled and turned to leave pausing when Jen gently touched his arm.
“Why are you here?” she asked.
“You need protection” he replied with a shrug.
“Excuse me?” Jen replied sharply.
“Jackie said he didn’t want you to die, there are people trying to kill you. You need a shadow” he replied matter of factly.
“One when is Uncle Jack say that? Two people are trying to kill You too. You need to concentrate on yourself-not another mission” Jen replied.
James shook his head-too many questions make his head hurt. “I need quiet. Time to think-to decide. Couldn’t do that in New York” he replied.
“Then why did you leave with Steve?” Jen asked.
Bucky rolled his eyes “Like I told him someone comes to you and tell you follow them or you might die-you are going to follow them. I might not remember much-but I remember he never lies” he replied softly.
Gibbs cleared his throat as he and McGee came into view. Bucky stiffened at the new people eyes cutting between the three of them.
“McGee get these guys out of here” Gibbs replied.
“Sure thing Boss” McGee said.
“McGee” Gibbs replied.
“Yeah Boss” he answered.
“You didn’t see this extra man here-okay?” Gibb replied.
McGee turned slowly and smiled at Gibbs “What other man Boss?” he said-as he drug the man around the house.
“What about the two in the house?” Jen asked.
“Bishop’s on it” Gibbs replied.
“Sorry” Jen said softly as she felt Gibbs next to her. “It seems everywhere I go lately something is happening” she added.
“It’s not your fault” Gibbs said as he looked behind her. “He didn’t stay” he added glancing around when he realized James had snuck out while they were distracted.
She shook her head “Damn I guess not” she said.
“Was that him? James?” Abby asked as she came outside.
“Yes” Jen said.
Ducky nodded “Perhaps you need to call Robert and Henrietta Lange-make sure they both knows about this” he said to Jen as he appeared next to them.
She nodded “You’re right” she sighed as she turned to go back inside.
“Let’s go inside Gibbs” Abby said as the three of them headed back in the house.
Ducky looked over and noticed a deep frown on Jethro’s face “Jethro I know that look. She is a grown women who has dealt with worse” he reminded his friend.
“Right but she is carrying my grandchildren now” Gibbs snapped. “And she shouldn’t be out in the field” he added.
Ducky smiled “How would you feel if she moved in here to take care of you?” he asked. “You would love her being here I am not saying that. But you would hate your routine broken. If you start babying her now you’re going to damage the fragile relationship you two are trying to create” he said.
Gibbs deflated “You’re right. I hate being babied and she does too” he agreed.
“I think with you, Robert and everyone else-she will start realizing she needs to slow down” Ducky said. “But she was part of whatever this case is before she found out. None of us like being denied to finish what we start-especially not a Gibbs. You just need to trust that she will get the job done without harming herself” he said.
Jen sighed as she walked back in “Hetty is flipping out. She’s sending G here to interrogate these guys. I called Clint as well and apparently Fury is sending Coulson here to talk to them ASAP. SO someone might need to get back to NCIS to talk to them BEFORE SHEILD gets here” she warned.
“Why?” Gibbs asked.
“I don’t trust SHIELD much” Jen replied with a shrug.
“Yet you are working with them?” Gibbs asked.
Jen sighed “It’s complicated. They saved me-numerous times. But secret government agencies have their own moral code. So I am always wary” she said.
“What did Robert have to say?” Ducky asked.
Jen sighed “He’s upset-luckily Tony is there and can talk Hulk down. So we won’t have to worry about an angry Hulk showing up” she said. “An angry captain America is another story-he was pretty upset when I told him James was here then left. I wouldn’t be surprised if he shows up with them tomorrow” she added.
“You both have had a rough couple of days. I am going to make us some tea then you both are going to go upstairs and sleep. I know where the sheets are so I can make up the guest room” Abby ordered marching into the kitchen to make tea.
“Abby” Gibbs warned.
“Gibbs there’s nothing you can do right now-either of you” Abby said. “So you need to calm down-because if either one of you end up back in that hospital you will be dealing with me. AND you will WISH you had an angry Hulk in front of you” she warned.
Jen burst out laughing “yes ma’am” she replied as Gibbs chuckled and kissed her on the cheek.
NCIS
The men weren’t speaking and had no traceable features that would allow in finding out either’s identities. Jen sat with Natasha in the observation room watching during Coulson’s interrogation.
“Why are they even here-it makes no sense?” Natasha asked.
“What do you mean?” Jen asked.
“Well they obviously failed their mission-why did they allow themselves to get caught?” Natasha mumbled quietly.
“Natasha I don’t think they allowed themselves. If it wasn’t for Barnes they’d have gotten away” Jen replied.
“I am with her though- it’d would be better if they did talk-since they will probably be killed by their bosses” G replied from his spot against the wall.
“Hasn’t that always been the point of mercenaries? They are dispensable” Jen replied.
“But they are usually sloppier than this” G replied.
Jen nodded “True” she agreed.
“So are you saying this was part of their plan?” Natasha asked looking over at Callen.
“Well if I was the boss that’s what I would do-to give a false sense of security” G replied.
“So how do we figure out who’s the boss?” Jen asked.
“That might take some time” G said.
“Which means I’ll be here for a few days” Jen surmised.
“Might want to warn Banner” Nat teased.
A Week Later
Jen video chatted with Bruce via JARVIS a couple of times that day-for both of their sanities. Neither expected her to be away as long as she had and talking to one another calmed them.
Jen smiled when she saw Bruce’s face “Hi Hon” she said.
Bruce smiled and adjusted his glasses “Hi yourself” he said quietly.
She raised an eyebrow “Did I wake you?” she asked.
“I might have done something-I hope you like it. Tony and I stayed up all night finishing up. He has movers coming in three hours.” Bruce began with a yawn.
“Movers?” Jen asked.
“You will be moved in by the time you get back” Bruce said.
Jen gave a surprised laugh “really wow! And I don’t have to lift a finger” she said.
Bruce smirked “nope” he said then looked embarrassed. “Tony wanted to design the nursery too-but I put my sizeable green foot down” Bruce said. “I know that is something we should do together” he added with a smile.
“AWW Bruce” Jen said with tears in her eyes.
Tony whistled as he entered “Hey Jen” he yelled.
“Hi Tony” she called. “I hear you got the place done. Thanks” she said.
Tony looked startled “No problem” he said. Then clapped his hands “SOOO I was thinking we need to throw a party once you’ve settled in” he announced.
Jen and Bruce shared a look “A party?” Jen asked.
“Yeah invite as many people as you want-we can call it a house warming party” Tony said.
“A house warming party? Bruce asked.
“Yeah it’ll be fun-we’ll invite some people in SHIELD-maybe some NCIS people” Tony began.
“Tony what brought this on?” Bruce asked.
“What nothing—I need to get back out there-right? Meet people-socialize. She’s moved on so why can’t I?” Tony rambled.
“Pepper’s moved on?” Jen asked worriedly watching Tony deflate.
“I may or may not know that she may or may not have been out with Happy last night” Tony mumbled to the floor.
“Do we want to know how you may or may not know this?” Bruce asked.
Tony looked anywhere but at them “Probably not” he replied quietly.
“Tony I-we-can’t stop you from throwing parties-it is your house after all. But if you were serious I wouldn’t mind inviting some people. It might be nice to socialize-before I can’t move” she teased.
Tony smiled “See I knew you’d be on board. It’ll be great” he said flashing his customary smile as he went to his end of the lab making plans with JARVIS.
Bruce glanced at Tony and then back at Jen “Are you sure this is a good idea?” he asked.
Jen smiled “If it gets too bad you can always put down your sizeable green foot and make everyone leave” she said.
Bruce rolled his eyes “That’s an idea” he deadpanned.
Jen turned to look behind her “Pride just came in” Jen said.
“Pride’s there?” Bruce asked.
“He came down to check on Gibbs. I have to go. I’ll see you later” she said blowing him a kiss as she signed off.
“How’s Dr. lover boy” Pride asked as she came into the kitchen.
She rolled her eyes “Bruce is fine” she said.
Gibbs laughed as he forked food into his mouth. “Might not want to piss her off” he warned.
“Like Linda wasn’t moody when she was pregnant” Pride replied.
“Linda threw a skillet at you” Gibbs reminded him.
“And Linda didn’t have powers to accompany her mood swings” Jen warned.
Pride raised an eyebrow at her “Are these the same powers?” he asked casually.
Jen looked uncomfortable “I don’t know if it’s my body changing-my hormones or if it’s them” she said as she touched her stomach.
Gibbs looked over at her in alarm “How do you figure that?” he asked.
“I may have seen a memory that wasn’t mine. But I haven’t had anything else since. If it continues I’ll call Charles and ask him” she said.
“What was the memory?” Pride asked.
“Fornell and Diane kissing” Jen replied slowly.
“In the coatroom at my birthday” Gibbs replied.
Jen looked over at him in mild surprise “You knew?” she asked.
Gibbs laughed “Why do you think I was so pissed at that party?” he replied.
“Because you hate surprises” Jen replied. “I thought it was Fornell’s memory but was it your’s?” she asked.
“Hell if I know” Gibbs laughed. “You going to tell Bruce” he added.
“Yes I will” Jen replied.
Pride chuckled “So did I hear something about a party?” he asked changing the subject.
Jen laughed “Yeah Tony wants to throw a party-trying to rope us in by making us think it’s about us” she said.
Pride shrugged “Why don’t you? You’ve always liked to socialize-and it’s better to do it before you get too big” he said.
“You guys want to come?” she asked.
“Naw I am out-thanks though” Gibbs said.
Pride shook his head “I am supposed to meet up with Laurel. But I’ll see if the others want to go” he said.
Jen smiled rolling her eyes “It’s not THIS weekend-it’ll be once we get settled in” she said.
“What’s not this weekend?” Callen asked as he walked in.
“Party at Stark Tower” she said.
“I am in” he said smiling. “Just let me know when” he said as he rubbed her stomach as he walked by.
“Stop that” she said in annoyance. “I think that’d be great. He said I can invite anyone” she added.
G laughed “Well thanks” he deadpanned. “Are his parties anything like they say in the media?” he added.
Gibbs chuckled “Media? How would YOU know?” he teased.
Jen laughed “I was at one of Tony’s parties-back when I first worked there. I didn’t know anyone there-actually I don’t think HE knew anyone there. I think enough years have passed that it won’t get so out of hand” she said.
“If it does?” Pride asked.
“We’ve already decided Bruce will put down his sizable green foot and make everyone leave” Jen said with an innocent grin.
Callen laughed “This I HAVE to see” he said.