An Infamous Tony Stark Party
Stark Tower
Tony stood on the landing smiling down as the last preparations were made for tonight.
Bruce chuckled as he walked up next to his friend “You look like a King surveying his people” he teased.
“Kind of excited-I haven’t thrown a party like this since my failed birthday party” Tony replied.
Bruce raised an eyebrow and snorted “I’ve heard stories about that party. I am warning you now-if it ends the way I heard THAT party ended-I will Hulk out” he replied.
Tony stared sideways at him “Don’t worry-I was overcompensating because I figured it was going to be my last birthday. I PROMISE you on fear of death by Hulk smash it will not end the same way. And you have my permission to end the party if it looks like it’s going in that direction” he said.
Bruce chuckled “Well I hope you have fun. I am sorry it’s taken longer for you to actually throw this” Bruce said.
Tony shook his head “Not your fault. We needed you two to move in and life to calm down” he replied glancing at his friend. “Are you going to get ready?” he asked.
“Yes. I had a finish up in the lab. But I am going up to get ready” Bruce replied.
Tony smiled “Good don’t want you to miss anything” he said.
Bruce rolled his eyes “whatever you say” he commented but his phone beeped indicating he had a voice message-he stared at it with a frown.
“Something the matter with your phone?” Tony asked.
“It’s T, excuse me Tony” Bruce mumbled as he walked toward the elevator and took the call.
Tony watched as Bruce called DiNozzo back-and talked for a few minutes.
“Everything ok?” Tony asked when Bruce had hung up.
“No-Umm T and the others aren’t coming. Apparently Abby is in some sort of semi-hostage situation” Bruce replied.
“My god” Tony said.
“I know-he doesn’t seem that worried. I told him to call when she’s back safe” Bruce replied.
“Definitely” Tony answered. “Uh Oh” he replied after a minute.
“What?” Bruce asked.
“Rock, Paper, Scissors on who gets to tell Steve?” Tony asked as they watched the super solider walk out of the elevator.
When Bruce didn’t respond Tony turned and saw Bruce was in the other elevator-leaving him to do the dirty work. “That’s not buddies Banner” he called as the doors closed.
“What’s not Buddies Tony?” Steve asked in amusement.
Tony sighed “Got some bad news for you cap” he said turning toward Steve.
Jen sighed as she tried on another outfit-staring at her reflection in the mirror. Everything was getting tighter. Pretty soon she might not be able to hide the growing bump with bigger sizes.
Bruce smiled as he leaned against the door watching her.
“What?” Jen asked in amusement.
“Just enjoying the view” Bruce said with a smirk.
Jen rolled her eyes and huffed in annoyance “Nothing is fitting” she accused.
“That’s my fault?” Bruce asked.
“Yes” Jen replied
Bruce smiled “Then I fully take the blame” he replied.
“God you’ve been around Stark too long” Jen said throwing a shirt at him.
“So I just got a call from T. They aren’t coming because Abby is in some sort of semi-hostage situation” Bruce began slowly as he folded the shirt.
Jen turned and stared at him “Oh My God is she ok?” she asked.
“He didn’t say. But he didn’t seem all that upset” Bruce replied.
“Is someone going to tell Steve?” Jen asked.
“I sort of left that to Tony” Bruce replied a little guiltily.
Jen snorted then turned to the window as a clap of unexpected thunder rolled through.
“Thor’s here” Jen said with a giggle. “He never misses a party does he?” she asked.
Bruce shook his head “No-I heard he was bringing Jane and Darcy this time” he replied.
“Dr. Banner, Ms. Gibbs my apologies for the interruption but your guest are starting to arrive” Jarvis replied.
“Thank you Jarvis” Jen answered as she grabbed a sweater to finish her outfit and Bruce rushed to get ready.
20 minutes later they were in the elevator heading down to the ballroom. Both were quiet- in their own worlds- when Jen was hit with multiple emotions and visions. She tried to stay quiet but must have made some noise because Bruce was next to her in a second.
“Hon-Jen are you ok?” he asked.
“Yeah-sure I am” she lied.
“Jarvis stop the elevator” Bruce instructed and the elevator stopped instantly. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Emotions and visons” she replied.
Bruce blinked “Your emotions and visions?” he asked.
She shook her head and cleared her throat before she spoke. “I think they are other guest’s emotions and visions” she replied.
Bruce looked confused for a minute “How are you seeing other people’s emotions and visions?” he asked.
Jen looked down at the floor “I-In think I am getting new powers” she mumbled quietly.
Bruce startled “new powers? Since when?” he asked.
She placed a hand on her stomach. Bruce’s eyes flew wide and he back away until his back hit the other wall of the cab.
“Are-Are they your powers or theirs?” He asked after taking a few deep breaths.
“I am not sure” she said slowly as she walked towards him. “Every women’s body goes through changes. Maybe this is just my body’s version of it?” she replied quickly.
“But there is the possibility that the powers you are getting are theirs?” Bruce asked unconsciously rubbing her stomach.
“Yes” Jen said. “I’ve been keeping a journal-making notes” she replied.
Bruce had closed his eyes but they popped open at that.
“Notes? Like research?” He asked with a small smile and a sparkle in his eye.
Jen turned and laughed at the look on his face.
“Really? That’s all I need to say research?” she teased.
“I am a scientist” he replied with a wink. Then shook his head, “No-we need to call Hank-maybe he will be free tomorrow?” he asked.
“That sounds like a good plan” Jen replied as she leaned toward him for a kiss. It started out as a simple kiss that was starting to turn into something else when Jarvis intervened.
“My apologies again Dr. Banner, Miss. Gibbs but sir is starting to be worried and others do need to use the elevator” the A.I replied.
The two pulled away and giggled. Jen tried quickly fix her makeup-and rearrange shifted clothes. “Thank You Jarvis” she replied. “Now that I know what to say-we will continue this later” she whispered as the doors opened to the ballroom. Tony was standing there with a dirty smirk.
“Shut up Tony” Jen said as she stepped out.
“I am not saying a word. Think I haven’t had to stop an elevator before” Tony answered with a waggle of his eyebrows.
Bruce softly groaned “Seriously Tony-stop” he said.
Tony laughed but held out his hands “Okay-okay I am just teasing” he said. “You might want to check a mirror buddy that shade doesn’t go with your complexion.” He added as he walked by them toward the bar.
Bruce started to rub at his lips and rushed to find a mirror. Jen was trying not to laugh but couldn’t hold it in when Tony turned back around and winked at her.
“Maybe you should see if your guest have arrived?” Bruce replied dryly.
“Which one of us are you talking to buddy?” Tony asked amused.
“Either” he replied earning a laugh from Tony as well.
Chris, Meri, Sonja and Loretta walked into the lobby of Stark Tower and paused taking in the sights.
LaSalle took off his glasses and whistling low “Jen really had found herself with a whole new group of people” he muttered out loud. He looked around and for a boy from Alabama who very rarely got star struck-this was one of those times.
“Wow look at all these people” Merri said in wonder.
Sonja just smiled “So what do you want to do first? Find Jen or mingle?” she asked staring at the others.
“Mingle?” Meri asked.
Chris rolled his eyes “Isn’t that what you are supposed to do at a party Brody?” he teased.
“You guys made it!” Jen called rushing over hugging each of them. “I am so glad you came” she added.
“Wouldn’t miss an infamous Stark Party” LaSalle said with a wink.
Jen laughed “Well if you came for that-might be disappointed. He’s not as wild as he likes to think he still is” she said.
“Still it’ll be a great story” Percy said.
“You look great” Loretta replied smiling.
Jen laughed “Thanks- I’ve had to start buying the next size up” she replied as she ran her hand down her outfit.
Meri smiled “You do look great-but you can’t tell” she replied.
Jen sighed “I am not going to be able to hide it much longer” she commented.
LaSalle cleared his throat “Not that I am against hearing this-I am in need of refreshments” he replied.
Jen laughed “Of course-please go down-get something to drink and mingle” she said shooing them down the stairs.
“Don’t mind if I do” Chris said.
“Remember country mouse-we have to report in the morning” Sonja warned.
“Don’t worry City Mouse I got this” he called back.
“Famous last words” Brody called back.
Steve was standing at the bar talking with Sam-who got Sam’s attention when he noticed Mari walking toward them.
“Meri! You made it!” Sam called with a smile when he turned and saw them.
“Hey Sam!” Meri said hugging him. “I want to introduce you to someone-this is Sonja Percy” she said introducing her friend. “Sonja this is Sam Wilson” she added.
“It’s a pleasure” Sam said extending his hand.
Percy turned and stared at Brody “You never told me you knew an Avenger” she accused lightly.
Meri laughed “I’ve known Sam for years-his best friend dated Emily” she began watching as Sonja face change. “No-it’s ok. We lost touch after Reilly died-honestly. Saw each other when LaSalle picked up Dr. Banner” she added. Meri smiled and moved her head to look at Steve “Hello Captain Rogers it’s a pleasure to see you again” she said smiling pleasantly at Steve.
“Agent Brody it’s great that you all could make it” Steve replied politely.
Sam snorted “Agent Brody-come on man where off the clock” he teased. “Come on let’s get you two a drink and I’ll give you a tour” he said. “You coming man?” he asked Steve.
“No-you all go ahead. I’ll catch up” Steve asked flashing what he hoped was a genuine smile.
Sam frowned “are you sure?” he asked.
“Yes Sam-go play tour guide” Steve teased.
Callen smiled as he watched Wilson leave “Beer please” he said to the bartender. “Steve” he said nodding.
“Agent Callen-I didn’t see you come in” Steve answered.
“That was my plan” Callen replied “and it’s G” he added.
“Excuse me?” Steve asked.
“You can call me G-or Callen if you prefer” he said with a shrug.
Steve nodded “Callen-I must admit I am surprised to see you here” he admitted.
G shrugged “Sam-well everyone really-tells me I never relax. Decided to try it” he said with a smirk. “Bruce doesn’t look as uncomfortable as I thought he would” Callen added when he noticed Bruce.
Steve chuckled “I would assume Jen has something to do with that-and the fact we all gave him permission to leave when he needs to” he said.
Callen nodded “I would guess crowds must make him nervous. He was a small shy thing as a kid” he replied.
“I understand that-I never was very popular as a child. Too thin and sickly. Then there was the war and then the serum and well-I guess deep down I might still be that small boy who couldn’t go anywhere” Steve added with a flush. “I don’t think I’ve told anyone that” he added quietly.
Callen turned slowly and stared at Steve “Your secret is safe with me” he commented as Bruce walked up.
“G it’s great you made it” Bruce said with a smile.
“Yeah-couldn’t pass up an invite to a party at Avenger’s Tower” he replied with a chuckle.
Bruce chuckled “Yeah another moniker to add to Tony’s already long list” he said.
“Billionaire, playboy, Iron Man, party planner?” Steve said with a chuckle.
“Please don’t say that where he can hear it-his ego is big enough as it is” Bruce deadpanned.
“I wouldn’t dream of it” G replied.
Bruce looked around “Is it just you? I believe Pride’s people are here too umm LaSalle, Meri and Percy” he replied as he searched the crowd.
“Yes Meri and Sonja went off with Sam a few minutes ago” Steve supplied. “Have not seen LaSalle though” he admitted.
G laughed “Yeah just me. Sam and Michelle went off on a small family vacation while we are here. Deeks and Kensi had to stay in LA” he said.
Bruce gave a thin smile “Well that’s too bad” he replied.
Callen gave a bark of laughter “Man you are a bad liar” he replied.
Bruce looked embarrassed “No that’s not what I mean. I know Jen was hoping to get everyone here” he replied. “I am sorry Abby couldn’t make it Steve” he added.
Steve nodded with a small frown “I just hope they call as soon as she is safe” he replied.
G cocked his head “Is Abby in trouble?” he asked.
“Tony called me-she is in some sort of semi-hostage situation” Bruce replied.
“That women always seems to get into something” G replied at the two others stare he continued. “She got kidnapped when she came to our office a few years ago. Don’t worry she can take care of herself” he replied.
Bruce sighed “I hope so” he replied then raised an eyebrow as Jen, Loretta and Christopher came toward them.
“G you made it” she said with a huge grin throwing her arms around him.
“Wouldn’t miss it” Callen replied with a warm smile and tight hug.
Jen’s eyes widened as she noticed something at the other end of the room. Bruce happen to notice a look on Jen’s face “Uh Oh” he said softly.
“What?” Steve asked amused.
“I know that look-that’s her meddling look” Bruce said with a smile.
“You do realize I can hear you Dr. Banner?” she asked.
“I would hope so-otherwise I will drag you down to Helen” Bruce deadpanned.
Both Jen and Callen laughed at Bruce. Jen grabbed a beer from one of the bartenders and had it extended to Chris- Which of course made him realize he had missed something.
“What’d I miss?” LaSalle asked.
Jen just smiled and took his hand-dragging him across the dance floor.
“Come with me-I want you to meet someone” Jen said.
As they neared a corner that had a tall blonde and two women she pointed out one couple “Thor-Dr. Jane Foster-This is Agent LaSalle” she said.
Then she turned toward another women “Christopher LaSalle this is Darcy Lewis. Darcy this is Christopher” she said making introductions.
Chris shook his head and extended his hand “Nice to meet ya” he said.
Darcy raised an eyebrow at him but then smirked “likewise-hopefully” she said.
Jen rolled her eyes but smiled “Okay you guys mingle-have fun. I’ll be over there” she said pointing back to where Bruce, Callen and Steve were staring at them.
“Jenny wha’ cha doing” LaSalle said.
“It’s called meeting new people Christopher” she snapped back with a smile then turned around to leave. “And don’t call me Jenny” she yelled behind her as she walked away.
LaSalle turned around and rolled his eyes “Sorry bout that. She thinks I need to meet new people” he replied sarcastically.
Darcy laughed “well I am glad she did. Come on I’ll give you a tour” she said as she linked her arms with his and dragged him off.
Bruce was shaking his head as Jen came back “I don’t know him that well but I DO know her. DO you think that’s wise?” he asked.
“Why-he needs to meet people” Jen replied.
“True but Darcy? He asked.
Jen laughed “I know she stresses you out sometimes. But she’s not looking for anything serious and they’d be good together-even if it’s just tonight” she replied.
“I am going to keep quiet on that one” Bruce replied.
Jen gave him a smile “That’s why you are a genius” she replied with a quick peck.
“LaSalle lost his girlfriend not that long ago-it’s nice you are forcing him to meet people” Loretta replied with a smile, earning a chuckle from the others and a “see” look from Bruce.
Jen sighed as she rolled her eyes “I think they’d be good together that’s all” she replied.
G smiled “Just because you are happy and blissful” he replied motioning vaguely to her, “Doesn’t mean you need to force everyone together” he ribbed good naturally earning a middle finger from Jen.
Clint came over to the group “OOH Jen’s using her middle finger what’d I miss?” he asked.
Jen rolled her eyes “they don’t think I should have introduced LaSalle to Darcy” she replied.
Clint laughed “Well if he can handle it more power to the both of them” he replied with a shrug.
“Loretta you remember Steve and Clint” Jen began. “I am not sure if you’ve ever met G Callen” she finished the introductions.
Loretta smiled “No I’ve heard a lot from Dwayne though. It’s a pleasure” she said.
G smiled “likewise Loretta” he said.
“Well would one of you nice gentleman point me to the dancefloor?” Loretta replied with a smile.
“Of course ma’am let me” Steve said leading her toward the designated dance floor.
“Umm should we be worried?” Clint asked as he watched them go.
Jen laughed “You don’t have to worry about Loretta-although if she wanted to I bet she’d break him” she replied.
“Or teach him a thing or two as she was breaking him” Clint replied.
“Hey guys-having fun?” Tony replied as he pushed into the middle of the group.
“It’s a great party Tony” Jen replied.
“Yeah Stark having a blast” Clint said.
“Good-Good. Mind if I steal your date for a few Jen. I have a bet with Galaga over there and I need Brucie to back me up” Tony said.
Bruce looked over at Jen with a raised eyebrow.
Jen glanced at Tony then over at the other agent in question. Neither seemed drunk yet-but both seemed to be heading down that path. “Up to you” she replied with a shrug.
“Umm sure Tony” Bruce replied and was promptly pulled away.
“Well he lasted longer than I thought he would” Clint replied.
“What’d I miss?” G asked.
“Stark can’t be away from Banner for very long” Natasha replied as she appeared out of nowhere.
“How’s that effect your relationship?” G asked with an amused smile.
“Shut up G” Jen replied with a smile.
G laughed “well I am going to go mingle” he replied.
Jen turned to him “mingle?” she asked.
“I do enjoy to socialize on occasion” G teased as he turned and walked away.
Steve leaned against the wall surveying the crowd. He smiled when he saw Sam dancing with Meri and Sonja, Clint was dancing with Nat-which was surprising-even Jen had dragged Bruce out on the floor for a slow dance. He felt the dull ache he always gets in these situations. He willed his mind not to go to Peggy and all his missed opportunities. He needed to stay in the present, it was no use living in the past. He sighed and hoped he could sneak down to the gym now that everyone was otherwise occupied. He made it to the gym before he heard Bruce clear his throat.
“Just needed a breather Bruce” he replied.
“We know” Jen replied making him turn around. “You ok?” she asked.
“Of course” Steve replied automatically.
The couple shared a look “You don’t have to be” Bruce replied.
“What?” Steve asked.
“It’s ok not to always be ok Steve” Jen said.
“Parties have never been my thing. I don’t dance, I can’t get drunk. I guess I still feel like the small wallflower who no one paid attention to” Steve said uncomfortably.
“You were excited about this yesterday” Jen replied.
“Well Sam was-but now he’s spent the entire time with Meri and Sonja. Which he should-he should enjoy himself with same dame and not have to be my shadow” Steve replied then froze when he registered what he just said.
Jen’s eyebrow rose “Okay one PLEASE stop saying dame-It’s kind of annoying. Two-“she began when Bruce stopped her.
“Hon” he warned seeing where she was going.
“Bruce” she replied back which he just sighed and made a go on gesture.
“Steve are you jealous?” she asked as gently as she could.
“Jealous of who- Sam?” Steve asked.
“Or of Meri and Sonja” Jen answered.
Steve just stared at her mouth open and blinking. His brain knew what she was implying but he didn’t know how to respond.
“It’s ok to be jealous of Meri and Sonja” Bruce replied after it seemed Steve wasn’t going to respond. “Or of Sam” he added gently.
“Or all of them” Jen added.
Steve looked at Jen then turned to look at Bruce “I-I I don’t know how to answer that” Steve finally stuttered out.
“I know you don’t Steve” Bruce began. “We just want you to know that you are allowed to have conflicting feelings. I can give you some websites to look at if you are curious-just promise me you don’t research anything on your own” he added earning a chuckle from Jen.
“Or open any websites Tony sends you” Jen said.
Steve snorted “Oh I learned that the first week I moved in here” he replied with a smile. Then he sobered up and cleared his throat “I’d um-like to see those websites Bruce” he said not looking at the man.
“You don’t have to say yes right now-think about it. We just don’t like seeing you uncomfortable. I know we kind of ambushed you-and we shouldn’t have” Bruce began. “We just want you to be happy. And if that’s with someone of the same gender-with someone of the opposite sex or with no one at all then that’s ok. But I want it to be YOUR decision-not because you are saying something you think we want to hear” he added.
Steve nodded and deflated with relief. “Thanks let me think about it” he said.
“Ok-and don’t worry we won’t tell anyone” Bruce said.
Steve looked with gratitude “Thanks” he said.
Jen smiled “We might need to get back upstairs” she said.
“Stark might start sending out a search party for Bruce” Steve teased.
Bruce smirked but rolled his eyes at the super solider.
Callen happened to be searching for the restroom when he noticed a familiar face at the main doors.
“What are you doing here Nate?” G asked his friend.
“Dr. Ross was invited and needed a date” Nate replied as he extended his hand.
G shook his hand then turned and smiled at Betty “Dr. Ross, my name is G Callen it’s a pleasure” he replied.
“Do you work with Nate” she replied with a pleasant smile.
G keep the smile and decided on the version of the truth “We used to. There is a bar over there, the food is next to it and the dance floor is at the lower level. I’ll tell Stark you arrived” he said.
Betty smiled “Thank you” she replied missing the looks the two men were giving each other.
“Come on Betty let’s get a drink” Nate replied as he steered the women toward the bar.
G turned and scanned the crowd until he saw Tony, standing with Sam and Clint.
“We have a problem” he said as he approached the group.
“What do you mean?” Steve asked as he walked up to the group overhearing Callen.
“Betty Ross just showed up-she said she was invited” Callen replied as all the men scanned the crowd trying to find the women.
Tony furrowed his brow in confusion “That’s a lie-why the hell would I invite Bruce’s ex” he replied.
“Who’s the man with her?” Clint asked.
“He’s one of my guy’s” Callen replied. “One of Hetty’s ideas” he added.
“So she was invited? By whom?” Steve asked.
“I would say everyone needs to be on alert-something is going to happen tonight” Callen replied.
“Umm should we warn Bruce?” Clint asked.
“Warn Bruce about what?” Bruce asked worriedly.
“Where’d you come from?” Tony asked startled.
Bruce glared at his friend “I have eyes Tony and when I see everyone conspiring in the corner I start to get worried. Especially when I hear my name mentioned.” Bruce said.
“Any particular reason why Nate and Betty Ross just showed up?” Jen asked.
“Nate says she was invited” Callen replied.
“I didn’t invite her-but we wanted to warn you big guy” Tony replied quickly.
Bruce smiled “I would hope you would at least run it by me” Bruce agreed. “But its ok-it’s not like I haven’t seen Betty in last few months.” He added.
“You have?” Natasha asked out of nowhere.
“Seriously” Tony yelled startled. “You people have to stop doing that” He said clutching his heart.
“She and Nate were at the seminar I spoke at a few months ago” Bruce replied.
Jen turned and looked at Bruce “I told you I met Nate there” Bruce said in response to her strange look.
“You neglected to mention Betty Ross was there” Jen replied slowly.
The others had enough training to keep a straight face-except for Tony. But for once he kept quiet-since he didn’t want to upset his friend.
“You have nothing to be worried about. Let me introduce you-she already knows about you” Bruce said trying not to fidget. “At least you can say hello to Nate” he added as he slowly reached across her hand.
She allowed him to grab her hand and walk her over toward where Nate and Betty were. This wasn’t the time or place to cause a scene. She logically knew she shouldn’t be upset and just chalked up her irrational thought to hormones. Betty turned and smiled when she noticed Bruce coming toward them.
“Bruce I am so glad you are here” she said hugging him.
“It’s good to see you Betty. I want to introduce you to someone. Genevieve Gibbs meet Elizabeth Ross” he said.
Betty smiled and extended her hand “It’s a pleasure Miss. Gibbs” she said politely.
“Likewise Dr. Ross” Jen replied.
“Hey Jen” Nate said as he came up to her.
Jen cocked her eyes to him “Hey Nate” she said smiling and hugging the man.
“You look great-congrats” he whispered into her ear.
Jen smiled when suddenly the room changed color. She frowned and glanced around frantically. There was a red dot on Betty’s chest.
“Snipper” Jen screamed as she lunged for Betty.
A bullet shot through the window and Betty gasped and pitched forward into Jen. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Nate go for his gun and Bruce stumble to the side turning a slight shade of green. Jen grabbed Betty and drug her over behind a pillar. She leaned down grabbing a couple of napkins and applied pressure to the wound-trying to stop the blood. She could barely hear the screams of the others through the ringing in her ears. She glanced around briefly trying to assess the situation but it was just a blur of people running around and screaming-one roar in particular overshadowed the others. She assumed the team was going after the sniper but her focus was on Betty, who was gasping and blinking up at her.
“Keep your eyes open-Betty Please” Jen demanded.
She raised a shaking hand and brushed Jen’s stomach “thank you for loving them” Betty said as she closed her eyes and took her last breath.
“No-No” Jen voice cracked as she leaned down. “Betty Please wake up” Jen said as she crouched down and started CPR-after a few minutes she stopped when she realized it was useless. She leaned over to check her pulse-tears flowing and gently closed Betty’s eyes
“Sweet Betty?” Hulk asked from behind Jen. “Why sweet Betty not moving?” he demanded.
Jen turned and looked at Hulk her vision blurry from her tears and just started to sob. “She’s gone sweetie-I am sorry” she said brokenly.
Hulk looked at Jen then at Betty. He didn’t understand why Jen was crying-and why sweet Betty wasn’t moving. Gone-Jen said Gone-like-like mother was gone. Hulk shook his head and roared his anger. Hulk didn’t want to be here-with crying Jen and gone Betty-his head hurt. He turned and jumped out of the broken window.
Jen ran to the window watching as Hulk bound away. “Hulk” she yelled.
“Do not worry Genevieve. I will follow Hulk and make sure he is ok” Thor said as he took off after Hulk.
Jen shook with suppressed anger and range “He wants Bruce THAT bad he would actually KILL his daughter?!” Jen screamed gesturing to Betty’s body.
“It would seem that way” Natasha said grabbing her hands and rubbing them.
Jen looked at Natasha then down at their hands- her hands were glowing.
“That’s new” she mumbled looking back up at Natasha.
“You’ve never had this power before?” Natasha asked.
Jen shook her head then glanced back down at her bump “I really need to talk to Charles” she muttered quietly.
“We can take you tomorrow” Clint replied as he came up behind Natasha.
Jen shook her head “I can’t think about that right now” she muttered.
Nate walked over and knelt down next to Betty. “I knew he sent the invite-that this might happen. I tried to persuade her not to come” he said quietly. “I am so sorry Betty” he whispered.
G walked towards her “Are you ok? Were you hit?” He asked as he checked her over.
“I don’t think so” Jen said.
“Who’s blood is that” Natasha asked tugging her shirt.
Jen looked down her face paling “Betty’s” she muttered.
G stared at her then pulled her into a hug “Bruce will be okay won’t he?” he asked.
Jen shook her head “I don’t know” she said.
Thor followed the path of destruction as he tracked Hulk. He knew from Bruce that Hulk tended to go to wooded areas with lots of trees. He glanced down and noticed there were no more downed trees-meaning Hulk must have stopped. He began to land cautiously-not knowing what mindset his friend was in. When he landed Hulk was just huffing and staring into a cave.
Thor placed Mjolnir down and went to stand next to Hulk. “Hello Hulk” he said.
“Why here?” Hulk asked.
“I am worried about you-we all are” Thor said.
“Sweet Betty gone?” Hulk asked.
Thor nodded his head gravely “I did not stay to see but if Genevieve says it then I believe it is so” Thor said. “I am sorry my friend” he added.
“Sweet Betty dead because of me” Hulk growled.
“We will take down the man who is responsible for this. That I vow to you” Thor said. “We need to head back-Genevieve will be worried” he added.
“No Hulk needs to stay away-Jen will end up like Betty” Hulk said. “Puny Banner right” he added sadly.
“Do you not want to go back or is Bruce telling you not to go back?” Thor asked.
“Hulk decide this-Banner too upset” Hulk replied.
Thor looked over at his friend in surprised “You cannot leave her” he said simply.
“Why?” Hulk demanded. “Don’t want Jen to end up like Betty or mother” he said.
Thor’s eyes widened when he realized they had yet to tell Hulk their good news. “My friend you or Bruce cannot abandon Genevieve right now” he said. “She is with child” he added.
Hulk turned and looked at Thor in confusion. Thor sighed and looked at the sky in thought.
“She has Bruce’s children growing inside of her” Thor said.
Hulk gasped turning and staring at Thor “Jen has babies inside her?” he asked.
“Yes” Thor said relieved he didn’t have to elaborate into more detail with Hulk.
“Banner’s children?” Hulk asked.
“Yes my friend they are Bruce’s” Thor replied. “If you leave now-they will grow up without their father” he added.
Hulk looked across the top of the trees “Father bad” he growled.
Thor immediately cursed his bad wording “My friend-every man is afraid of becoming their parent. I believe Bruce will be a kind, loving parent” he said.
“Like mother?” Hulk asked hopefully.
Thor smiled sadly “I know if I am ever blessed with children I will try to be like my mother-not my father” he said.
Hulk looked at Thor then out at the top of the trees “Need to go back” he decided.
“I think that is a valiant plan” Thor said then he looked around. “I must ask Hulk why did you came here?” he asked.
Hulk looked back at the open cave “This last place Hulk saw Sweet Betty” he said sadly.
“You have my word Hulk we will make sure whoever killed her will pay” Thor vowed.
Hulk nodded “Jen needs Hulk and Banner home now” he said.
“Yes my friend lets go back” Thor said.