Your Own Worse Enemy
SHIELD HEADQUARTERS
Bruce groaned in his sleep as they pulled up to SHIELD.
“Does he always take this long to wake up?” Jennifer asked.
“It depends on the reason he changed” Jen said.
“There are different reasons why he changes?” Jennifer asked.
“Depends on the situation” Tony replied.
“He changed out of fear-well technically he always changes from fear-but this time it was major” Genevieve replied. “He’s never gotten over what Brian did to him or her and the realization that Brian was HERE sent him into a hulk out” she added.
“So he’s more emotional about today’s-what did you call it-hulk out- and that’s why he hasn’t woke up yet” Jennifer reiterated slowly.
“I think so” Jen said.
“So when I was upset and emotional at the hospital—I was changing too right?” Jennifer asked looking at the other occupants.
“You were” Steve said.
“So why is it so different for him then with me?” She wondered out loud.
“That’s why we are here” Jen said. “They might have to run some test-but we don’t know why it seemed easier for you” she added.
“The only person who truly knows is sleeping beastly over here” Tony said poking his friend.
Jen laughed as she began to open the door but Jennifer stopped her.
“What’s wrong?” Genevieve asked.
“If these people are as bad as you say- Maybe you should wear something to cover your stomach?” Jennifer asked. “You are starting to show” she added.
“Good point” Tony replied as he rummaged around under the seat. “I always have emergency clothes in all of my cars” he added as he handed her a blazer.
“What do you do in cars that you need emergency clothes?” Steve asked.
“God Steve-No. Shut up Tony” Jen exclaimed as she looked at Tony. “I appreciate the offer but I doubt any shirt of yours would have covered me BEFORE I was growing minis in me and NOW there’s no way it will cover anything” she added.
The partition opened “Lucky for you, Boss I have a blazer Jen can use” Happy replied as he passed it back.
“Thank You Happy” Jen said gratefully has she shrugged into it.
Tony still wore a smile that promised mischief but was interrupted when Phil opened the door.
“What do we have here?” Phil asked.
“Agent someone kidnapped Ms. Walters and injected her with Bruce’s blood” Tony replied casually.
Phil turned and took in Jennifer Walters “Come with me Ms. Walters, Captain Rogers can put Dr. Banner near you so he’s less agitated when he wakes up” he said with a pleasant smile.
Jennifer looked at the others “Don’t worry he’s one of the good ones” Jen said. “I’ll be right behind you” she added.
Jennifer nodded and climbed out of the car, Genevieve right behind her. As she straightened Jen stumbled into the side of the car. Phil come over and steadied her.
“Are you ok?” he asked staring at her.
She looked at him “jury’s still out” she replied slowly.
“I can escort you to the lounge” he said.
Jen shook her head “No I am going with her” she replied.
“We won’t hurt her” Phil said gently.
“You won’t hurt her-I can’t say the same for anyone else here” Jen replied.
Phil watched her for a second but nodded knowing that arguing with her wouldn’t end well.
“Fine come with me” he said as he turned and walked down the hall.
Gibbs Car
“Do you think they are ok?” Elaine Walters asked in the quiet of the car finally glancing over at Gibbs.
Gibbs glanced at her for a moment before looking back at the road.
“I hope so” he said.
Elaine nodded as she glanced back out the window.
“Are you ok?” Gibbs asked.
Elaine tilted her head thinking “Not sure” she replied honestly. “Too many emotions for me to pinpoint at the moment”. “But I NEED to make sure my kids are ok-then I can decide if I am ok” she replied.
Gibbs raised an eyebrow at her choice of words but kept his eyes on the road. “It’s a lot to process all at once” he said.
Elaine glanced over at Gibbs before looking back out the window “My sister and I talked after the trial and realized it would be better if Bruce came to live with me-we thought Bruce and Jenny would be good for the other. Morris-my husband-was harder to convince. Don’t get me wrong-he liked Bruce-but he was happy with our little family and wasn’t sure how adding Bruce would change that. But I was determined to give my nephew a better life and I didn’t care what Morris thought and he was smart enough not to fight me.” She said with a chuckle.
Gibbs chuckled as well “smart man” he asked.
“I always tried to treat Bruce like he was part of us. I was so proud when he started to excel in school and he kept going as an adult. Jennifer and I were devastated when we thought he had died-it hurt worse than when we lost Morris” Elaine admitted.
Gibbs glanced over at her “Now you get a second chance” he said. “Most don’t get a second chance” he added.
Elaine glanced over at the man sensing she was missing something-something the man WASN’T saying. All she could do was nod.
NCIS
Tony watched as Brian walked toward the elevator from his desk. Both glared at one another as he passed.
“Breath Anthony” Ducky said calmly patting his arm.
“I hate that he gets to walk out” Tony seethed.
“Vance said there’s no evidence to hold him on” McGee replied from his spot beside Tony.
“I would have thought with FBI involved you’d have enough to hold him” Abby said from her spot next to Ducky.
“So he gets away with it again” Tony mumbled.
“No he won’t Agent DiNozzio. I have one of my people tailing him” Fornell said. “I agree he’s up to something and I think we need to read each other in on our cases” he added motioning back to interrogation room.
“Doctor Mallard needs to be read in too” Vance called from the top of the stairs.
“Of course” Fornell said. “Follow me gentlemen” he said.
Tony and Ducky shared a look but silently followed Fornell into one of the interrogation rooms.
SHEILD
Bruce blinked as he slowly came to. He immediately knew he was at SHIELD and that alone was a problem. Nothing good happened when he woke up here. He looked around and saw Steve sitting in the corner. “Why am I here?” he asked.
“What do you remember” Steve asked instead.
Bruce sighed as he tried to think of the last thing he remembered. He was at Gibbs joking about meditation when the man had told him he had seen his father. He didn’t remember much after that although he kept getting flashes of Jennifer in green.
“Did I see him?” he asked instead.
Steve shook his head “No we never let you” he said handing the man some clothes.
Bruce nodded “Good-thanks” he said as he quickly put them on.
“Bruce I am sorry but we need to get down to the labs. You are the only one that can run the experiments and can make sense of the results” Steve said cryptically.
“The experiments and results of what?” Bruce asked.
Steve froze when he realized what he said.
Bruce stopped and stared at the other man “Steve results of what?” he asked again.
Steve sighed “Your cousin was injected with your blood-and it changed her. Of course SHEILD wants to get a hold of her blood-but both Jen and Jennifer won’t let them” he said.
“w-what? Jennifer was injected with my blood? Ch-changed her how?” Bruce said as he stumbled back. His back hit the wall and he sled down to the floor.
Steve came toward him “Bruce calm down please” he said. “I am sorry I shouldn’t have told you that, she’s ok-but she did turn into-a version of herself” Steve continued slowly.
Bruce blinked at him “A version of herself?” he asked in confusion.
Steve sighed rubbing his hand through his hair “I am not saying this right. Come with me and I’ll show you-Please” he said.
Too many thoughts were going through Bruce’s head. He could feel his heart rate rising again-he knew he couldn’t change again. But he was too weak to fight it. He shook his head no and stayed in his spot on the floor.
“Damn it Steve-Why did you tell him that” Tony’s voice snapped from the doorway-distracting Bruce.
“Tony?” Bruce said in relief.
“I am here buddy-everything’s fine” Tony said as he stood between Bruce and Steve. “You need to breathe and come with me. They are fine-but I know you both will feel better when you see Jennifer-and Jen of course” he added with a smirk.
Bruce shrank away for a second “Is she ok?” he asked.
“Jennifer? Yes she’s fine” Tony said.
“Is she-Steve said she’s changed” Bruce said quietly.
Tony sighed “She was turning slightly green and getting larger when we found her” Tony said hesitantly. “But it didn’t last long—and she was herself the entire time” he added-hoping to peak Bruce’s attention-which it did.
“What?” Bruce asked.
“She was herself—well I only spoke with her briefly-but she seemed to be herself” Tony said again. “She and Jen are down with Phil. Don’t worry-Your cousin isn’t speaking to anyone until she sees you and her mother. No blood has been taken-no TEST have been done-everything is waiting on you” he added.
Bruce nodded leaning back against the wall in thought. “Good” he said quietly.
Tony stared at his friend “So you ready to go down?” he said.
Bruce stared back at Tony “No-this is so messed up. She shouldn’t be here to begin with! That’s the main reason I stayed away from them” he growled as he pushed off of the wall and stared to pace.
“It’s not your fault she was shot Bruce” Steve commented slowly.
“No but it’s my fault she was kidnapped and injected with my blood. It’s MY fault she’s can possibly turn into Hulk-or A Hulk-whatever” Bruce spat back as he continued to pace.
“What do we call her- She Hulk?” Tony asked out loud-earning incredulous looks from the other two. “We can decide that later” he said with a wave of his hand once he noticed the looks.
Bruce started to pace again “Where’s Aunt Elaine? Does she know?” he asked.
“She was brought to NCIS-she was out there when Hulk showed-“ Steve began when Bruce interrupted him.
“Did she see him?” he asked.
Steve shared a look with Tony before he answered truthfully “Yes”.
The color started to drain from Bruce’s face-not wanting another Hulk out Tony intervened-grabbing his friend’s shoulders so they were eye to eye.
“Ok stop. Here’s the deal. Your cousin is downstairs with your girlfriend/baby mamma. Yes it sucks at the moment. But we need your expertise. We need you to look at the blood and run all the test to see what is going on here. MAYBE we can find a cure for HER. But if we CAN’T she has plenty of people who can help her deal. And who knows we could always use another Hulk on the team” Tony said with a smirk and a shrug.
Bruce stared at Tony then slowly nodded “okay” he mumbled.
“Okay” Steve asked.
“I don’t want to but I’ll go down-see them. I will take her blood and then we can go to the lab and see what’s going on” Bruce decided.
Tony smiled “Let’s go down then” he said.
Jennifer glanced over at Jen as she tried to situate herself in a more comfortable position.
“Why don’t you go-I’ll be okay” she said.
Jen shook her head “I am okay” she lied.
“I am a lawyer-I’ve been in scarier places than this by myself. You really need to go rest” Jennifer replied.
Jen stared at the other women realizing she was right. Jennifer Walters knew her rights and wouldn’t let anyone do anything without her agreement.
“You’re right you can deal with this by yourself” Jen said. “But I still think you should have backup”
“Has someone told mom?” Jennifer asked.
“Agent Gibbs is bringing her” Phil replied as he stepped into the room.
“Oh good” Genevieve sighed.
“Who’s Agent Gibbs?” Jennifer asked.
Genevieve smiled “Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs-he’s an NCIS agent and a—relative of mine” Jen replied. She closed her eyes then opened them “Bruce and Tony are coming down” she said quietly rubbing her stomach.
A knock at the door was their only warning before Tony threw it open and walked in followed by Bruce and Steve.
“How did you know that?” Jennifer asked looking over at Genevieve.
Tony and Bruce stopped looking between the two women-instantly knowing they missed something important.
“What’d we miss?” Tony asked.
“She knew you guys were coming in before you knocked” Jennifer replied.
Jen sighed looking at Jennifer “Would you believe it was a feeling I had?” she said.
“No” Jennifer replied.
Genevieve opened her mouth but before she could speak another door opened and Gibbs and Elaine Walters walked in. Suddenly all the noise became white noise, Genevieve had to close her eyes as she tried to block the rush of emotion that hit her. Happiness, Sadness, guilt and anger all swirling around her. It wasn’t working-she could feel each one of those emotions and it seemed to be intensifying by her pregnancy. The room began to spin and she knew somewhere in the back of her mind she was going down.
Gibbs stayed in the back keeping one eye on the reunion but most of his attention was on Genevieve. She hadn’t looked good when he met her at the plane and if it were possible she looked worse now. He remembered back when Shannon was pregnant-their doctor had said not to get her too upset-that some intense negative emotion could affect her and the baby. From the way Jen looked the past few weeks were affecting her too. A movement caught his eye and he realized she was swaying-no one else in the room had noticed. He strolled across the room-catching Coulson’s attention.
“Agent Gibbs?” Coulson asked.
“She’s going down” Gibbs barked quietly, quickly catching Jen as she dropped.
He glanced up noticing that Coulson had kept everyone back-except Bruce who was next to them in seconds.
“Oh god” Bruce mumbled. “Is she ok” he added reaching out to touch her then pulling his hand away at the last minute.
“My guess is she shouldn’t be in this room right now” Gibbs said glancing at Bruce.
“She shouldn’t be here at all” Bruce mumbled.
“She didn’t want me to be alone Bruce-I should have made her leave” Jennifer replied.
Bruce smirked “Jenny-Genevieve Gibbs doesn’t let ANYONE make her do ANYTHING against her will anymore” he said softly.
Gibbs snorted then glanced at the door “She’s not going to leave here unless you are with her is she?” he said.
“Probably not” Bruce replied. “I-can’t leave yet. I need to check Jenny’s blood. I need to see what’s going on” he added.
“We can take Genevieve down to the medical floor-until Dr. Banner is ready to leave” Coulson replied from his spot.
“She doesn’t like many medical personnel” Bruce said staring at Jen.
“Loretta Wade is still on the premises-Genevieve would be ok with her correct” Coulson replied.
Gibbs head snapped over at Coulson “Why is Loretta Wade here?” he asked his eyes narrowing at the other man.
Coulson stared unflinching at the other man before another door flung open and Fury and Loretta Wade walked in.
“What the hell is going on here?” Fury bellowed staring at the group.
Everyone froze for half a second before Tony rolled his eyes “what’s it look like Nick we are having a party” he said.
Fury glared at Tony before he looked over at Coulson “Please explain to me what is going on Agent” he barked.
“Ms. Walters was taken from the hospital and was injected with blood sir” Coulson replied.
Fury stared at Phil “Okay and why is she here and not a hospital?” he asked.
Gibbs sighed “While you all are discussing that-Loretta-I need your help here” Gibbs commanded from his spot-making everyone’s head turn toward him.
“Oh my god Gibbs is she ok?” Loretta ran over-ignoring the look Fury gave them.
“Fainted” Gibbs said watching as Loretta felt her pulse.
Loretta glanced at Gibbs then at the door “We need to get her somewhere comfortable-where we can elevate her feet and be out of the way” she replied glancing over at their audience.
Fury stalked over staring at the prone women on the floor. “And what do we owe this pleasure Agent Gibbs” he asked.
Gibbs gently handed Jen off to Bruce-ignoring the panicked look on the other’s face. “Well I heard about the party and came to join” he replied.
Tony snorted from his spot “I am starting to like him” he said.
Fury rolled his eyes but kept staring at Gibbs.
“I brought Mrs. Walters here to see her daughter and nephew” Gibbs said.
Fury blinked glancing over at the group and nodded “Captain Can you help Doctor Wade move Miss. Gibbs to med lab?” he commanded.
Steve nodded and crouched down until he was eye to with Bruce. “Don’t worry-She’ll be okay” he mouthed-so Fury wouldn’t hear.
“I’ll be with her” Gibbs added as he walked to the door. Glancing back over his shoulder he decided to wait to mention anything about Brian Banner. They had more pressing matters to deal with.
Steve carried Jen down the hallway and gently laid her on the cot in the first available room he saw.
“Thank you Steve” Loretta said smiling.
“You’re welcome ma’am” he replied.
“Not that I don’t want you here-but can you go back in case they need you?” Gibbs asked.
“Yeah I need to get back there” Steve said and left without another word.
“Why would they need him there?” Loretta asked from her spot next to Jen.
“It might get intense in there” Gibbs replied staring at her.
“Why are you staring at me?” Loretta asked sensing the other man’s eyes on her.
“Lucky she’s passed out right now doc” Gibbs replied with a smirk.
“What do you mean?” she asked turning to stare at Gibbs.
Gibbs chuckled “You know she would have flipped if she watched you walk in with Fury just now” he said. “When did that happen?” he added.
Loretta stared at the man then chuckled herself “You are right-she would” she said. “We met at Stark’s Party” she added.
Gibbs stared at the women for a minute “I am not judging-I know you are an adult and can take care of yourself. Just be careful” Gibbs said.
Loretta stared down at Jen then glanced at the cameras in the corners of the room and tugged the jacket down trying to conceal Jen’s bump. “It was just lunch-but thanks” she said.
Jen groaned as she started to wake up. “Oh what happened?” she mumbled.
“You apparently passed out dear” Loretta said keeping her from sitting up.
“I passed out?” Jen asked confused.
“Do you remember where you are?” Gibbs asked.
Jen blinked over at Gibbs “I am at SHIELD-I was in a room with Jennifer Walters” she replied slowly. “Then you brought Elaine Walters in and the emotions were too much” she added.
Gibbs nodded but kept silent letting Loretta work. His phone rang so he excused himself to answer it in the hallway.
“Here drink some water” Loretta said handing Jen a bottle, watching as she sipped it.
Jen started to drink when her eyes snapped at Loretta “Loretta why are you here?”
Loretta smiled “I had a lunch date” she answered truthfully.
“Your lunch date was here at Shield?” Jen asked.
“No” Loretta replied.
Jen frowned at her “Loretta” she said.
Loretta held up her hand to stop Jen “Sweetheart- You have enough to worry about. You don’t need to worry about me” she said.
Jen opened her mouth then closed it. She didn’t have it in her to argue with Loretta right now. But she made a mental note to call Pride later-just in case.
Loretta looked at the door “I wonder where Gibbs is?” she asked out loud.
Outside NCIS
The smirk stayed on Brian’s face until his eyes landed on the ominous black car waiting for him outside of the navy yard. The back door opened and Brian knew to climb in. Sitting beside him was the man who he had been his contact since he had been freed.
“Hello Mr. Banner” the man said.
Brian nodded “Hello” he said.
“We decided you would need a ride back” he replied.
Brian nodded looking out the window. “Did you know NCIS would be there?” Brian asked.
“He expected that yes” the man replied.
Brian scowled “Why didn’t you tell me?” he demanded.
“Did you see him?” the man asked ignoring the other man’s question.
“See who?” Brian asked.
“Your son” the other replied.
Brian blinked “What do you mean? Robert’s dead” he said.
The other man sneered at him “Why do you think you were picked Banner? You are the last link that could send the beast into a mindless rage” he said showing clips of Hulk.
“What does he have anything to do with Robert?” Brian asked.
The man rolled his eyes “And here I thought you were a smart man Mr. Banner” he said. “That and your son are the same being” he said.
“Impossible” Brian said.
The man shrugged “your son was part of a government experiment to recreate something and it went horribly wrong” he said.
Brian stared at the other man “so he turns INTO that?” he asked.
“Yes when he is angry and provoked” the other replied.
“Glad to know I was right when I used to call him a monster” Brian muttered to himself.
The other man raised an eyebrow at the older man “Boss wants to get to your son-and nothing he’s tried has worked” he said. “That is where you come in” he added.
“How?” Brian asked.
“You are going to see him-that he is certain will set the monster off to set off the rest of his plan” the man replied.
“And what am I supposed to do walk into Stark Tower?” Brian asked as they neared the abandoned building he had been holed up in.
The other man smirked “That’s not a bad idea Mr. Banner. We will be in touch” he said as the car stopped.
“I don’t like being someone’s pawn!” Brian snapped angrily. “What if I say no and disappear” he added smugly.
The man turned and gave an evil smile “Where would you go? The Only reason you are here is because HE though you could be useful in his plan. If you try something you won’t like the outcome” the man replied calmly.
“I am a free man” Brian snapped.
“No a free man is someone who is given clemency or parole” the man replied.
“I was set free” Brian said stubbornly.
“Only because they didn’t want to waste space on an old man like you. We will be in touch. Good day Mr. Banner” the man said opening the door signaling the end of the conversation.
Brian nodded and climbed out of the car and stood on the sidewalk watching the car pull away.
SHIELD
Gibbs hung up the phone as Loretta opened the door.
“Gibbs I need to go. She isn’t going to rest here-do you think she’ll rest at your house?” Loretta asked.
Gibbs shrugged and chuckled “Maybe-we will see. Do you need a ride” he said.
She smiled and hugged him “No I am fine” she said as she walked down the hall.
Gibbs turned to watch her and noticed Fury standing at the other end of the hall-waiting for Loretta.
“Remember what I said” he called.
Loretta flashed him an amused smile “Good bye Gibbs” she said chuckling as she walked out the door Fury held for her. He shot a glare at Gibbs-who stared right back.
“Good day Agent Gibbs” Fury said as he walked out the door.
He opened his mouth to reply then decided what was the point, sighed then he pushed the door open looking at Jen sitting on the cot.
“Hey” She said with a raised eyebrow as he just stared at her.
“When are you going to take care of yourself” he said.
She rolled her eyes “I am” she replied.
“No you’re not” He said holding up a hand stopping her from replying. “I get it-its not in our DNA to slow down. I get your job doesn’t give you a chance to be calm. But these children need to be your first priority. Not HIM, Not YOU or ME-them” he said.
Jen sighed and nodded “Maybe I need to tell Hetty she needs to get someone else to finish the job” she replied as she rubbed her stomach.
Gibbs sighed “Why don’t you come to the house. I get the feeling Bruce will be here for a while and you won’t rest here” he said. “You can’t decide on anything until you rest” he added.
Jen looked over at the door then at him “Yeah that sounds good” she said quietly. “I should go check on Bruce” she said and tried to stand up.
Gibbs stopped her “Let me-Elaine Walters might need a ride back” he said.
Jen nodded “Okay” she said. “I’ll wait here” she said.
Gibbs walked down the hall toward where he had left Bruce and the others. He had expected to see a few agents or armed guards in the halls and it unnerved him that the halls were empty and quiet. He wasn’t even sure if they were in the same room that he had left them in, but it was the best place to start. He neared the door and was relieved when it opened to him, and it wasn’t empty.
Steve looked up and politely smiled when he saw Gibbs.
“Hello Agent Gibbs” he replied.
Gibbs nodded back “Captain” he answered. He took in the scene for a few minutes before he spoke again. “Find anything interesting?” he asked mildly.
Bruce didn’t look up from the microscope, too busy scribbling onto a pad of paper. Jennifer rolled her eyes from where she laid on a table and lightly threw her shoe at Bruce-who nearly jumped out of his skin.
“What?” Bruce asked.
“You were asked a question dear” Elaine replied from where she was sitting against the wall.
Bruce looked around and noticed Gibbs for the first time “Oh-hello Agent Gibbs” he replied blushing. “I am sorry what was your question?”
“Find anything interesting?” Gibbs asked again.
Bruce sighed “I don’t know” he replied honestly. “I-I don’t know” he said.
“So I guess you will be here the rest of the night?” Gibbs asked.
“Oh probably” Bruce said.
“Well Jen needs to rest-so I am taking her to the house” Gibbs said.
Bruce froze “That’s a good idea” he replied after a minute.
“Mrs. Walters would you like to come with us? I am not much of a host-but I can guarantee a clean bed” Gibbs asked.
Elaine opened her mouth to refuse but Jennifer jumped in. “Mom why don’t you go? You’ve got to be tired and really there’s nothing to see here. Bruce and I are safe and all he’s going to do is keep taking blood from me-right Bruce” Jennifer replied.
Silence from Bruce.
“Bruce” Jennifer snapped, startling him again.
“Jenny you HAVE to stop doing that” he snapped back.
“Then stay in the conversation and I’ll stop” she shot back.
“She’s trying to convince your aunt to go back with Gibbs” Tony replied.
Bruce looked over at Tony then at his aunt “Aunt Elaine please, you will be more comfortable at Gibbs” he said.
“Are you two sure?” Elaine asked.
“If you are worried about them getting into fights that’s what Steve and I are her for” Tony replied.
Bruce snorted “You mean that’s what Steve is here for-you would just let Jen and I-or him-duke it out” he replied.
Tony smiled and shrugged his shoulders neither agreeing or denying the statement.
Jennifer gave a sigh “Please mom, at least one of us will be comfortable tonight” she replied.
Elaine nodded “I’ll be right there Agent Gibbs” she replied.
“You can call me Gibbs if you like” he replied.
Elaine smiled “Ok Gibbs” she replied. She walked over and hugged her daughter, giving her a kiss and moving her hair out of her eyes. Then she turned and hugged Bruce tightly. “I will be back first thing in the morning” she announced. “Please try to rest some” she added as she and Gibbs left the room.
Bruce turned back to Jennifer and noticed she was glaring at him.
“What?” he asked.
“You didn’t even ask how she was” Jennifer snapped.
Bruce sighed “I can only deal with so much at one time Jenny. Jen knows that. Gibbs will take care of her-even if she doesn’t want it-until-until I calm down some” he added running his hand through his hair.
Jennifer opened her mouth to argue but a small shake of Steve’s head made her stop. They weren’t kids anymore-she had no right to jump down his throat because she didn’t approve of his reasoning. She had no idea what he had been through since they thought he had died. She could barely process the last 24 hours herself-and thoughts of her future makes her heart beat sky rocket and everyone in the room on edge. She could only imagine what he must be thinking and feeling right now. So for the moment she’ll leave it alone.
“Bruce could we maybe hurry this along” Steve said. “I’d hate to overstay our welcome” he added.
Tony laughed at Steve’s choice of words “I am with Cap. I say do whatever you need til tomorrow-then we move the operation back to the tower” he said.
Bruce stared at Jennifer “Are you ok with that? Going to New York for a bit? Until we figure this out” he said.
Jennifer smiled nervously “Sure” she said.
“What will you tell your boss?” Bruce asked.
She shrugged “I have enough vacation and PTO time” she replied. “If they have a problem with that, hopefully someone will hire a lawyer who may occasionally turn green” she added in an attempt at humor.
“And who knows-maybe you might have a career change in your future” Tony replied.
“Tony” Bruce warned.
“I am just saying” Tony said holding his hands in a calming matter.
Jennifer looked between the two men “You’d let me be on the team? What would I do?” she asked.
Steve intervened before things could escalate “Ms. Walters” he began.
“Jennifer” she interrupted.
Steve blinked “I am sorry- Jennifer” he corrected. “It would be up to you, but if the opportunity came we would train-teach you-to” he stopped trying to find the right word.
“Fight?” she suggested.
Bruce sighed as he pulled his glasses off and rubbed the bridge of his nose “We all have a skill set-we would see what yours would be-if this-stays” he mumbled, as if she had caught a disease.
Jennifer nodded at the three men “thank you” she said.
GIBBS HOUSE
Elaine walked down the stairs in search of tea. She had never been able to sleep in someone else’s house on the first night. Plus the events of the last 24 hours kept running through her mind not letting her rest. She stopped in the doorway seeing Genevieve sitting at the table, cradling a mug.
“Shouldn’t you be asleep dear” Elaine replied, alerting the women of her presence.
Jen turned and tried to smile “Couldn’t sleep” she replied.
Elaine smiled in understanding “Me either” she replied. “I came down to make some tea but it looks like you beat me to it” she added.
Jen motioned to the cupboard “A made a pot I don’t mind sharing” she said.
“Thank You” Elaine replied as she grabbed a mug and sat down across from Jen.
The room lapsed into silence as the women sipped from their mugs.
“You can ask” Jen finally replied, waiting for the inevitable questions.
Elaine set her mug down “Do you love him?” she asked.
Jen stared at her in surprise, she was not expecting that question.
Elaine chuckled “I have no right to give you a shovel talk when I thought he has been dead for years” she replied. “So I figured I’d ask the one question that matters” she added.
“Yes I do” Jen finally said. “I umm we met years ago and kind of saw each other every few years” she paused and rubbed her stomach. “This wasn’t-planned-wasn’t expected- so we haven’t figured out everything yet” she added.
“No first time parents do” Elaine replied with a kind smile.
“But no first time parents have jobs like we have-lives like we have” Jen replied. “I don’t even know if I will be a good mother” she whispered then barreled on not allowing Elaine to respond. “I wasn’t raised in a traditional household. I was shipped between three different people-well four to be honest. I don’t have many good examples to pull from” she said finally coming to a stop.
Elaine nodded “Are-Are you worried about Bruce?” she asked.
Jen glanced at the other women “No I am not-but he is” she mumbled.
“How do you know that?” Elaine asked.
Jen sighed “I can feel it” she said honestly. At Elaine’s blank stare she continued to explain “I have powers-I’ve always had them. I’ve developed new ones since the pregnancy. He is terrified of being a father-because of his association with that word. I doesn’t help that Brian is here escalating his fears and now Jennifer being injected with his blood” she paused trying to catch her breath “I am just waiting for him to run” she finished.
“You think he’ll leave you?” Elaine asked alarmed.
“He does run when he thinks he is in danger-or a danger to others” Jen said. “We both get twitchy if we are in one place for a while-for different reasons obviously-but I’ve told him as long as he comes back-I-I am okay if him leaves” she said.
Elaine came over and hugged her “Morris always said he was his own worst enemy” she mumbled. “If he does leave-you will have others to help you” she vowed.
Jen smiled “Thanks” she whispered.
The sounds of a faint cell phone interrupted them. They then heard Gibbs answer.
“Where is he?” Elaine asked glancing around.
“Down in his shop” Jen replied.
They heard him barreling up the stairs and threw the door open freezing in his tracks when he saw them in the kitchen.
“What are you two doing up?” he demanded then shook his head. “I have to head back to the office-something has come up” he said as he grabbed his keys.
“That’s fine” Jen replied. “Is everything ok?” she asked.
He stopped as he shrugged on his blazer “Not sure yet” he replied. “I should be back in enough time to take you back to SHIELD” he said as he walked out the door leaving the two women alone in his house.
Elaine walked up and locked the door behind him, turned back and smiled at Jen “I think we need to try to sleep” she replied.
Jen sighed “I’ll try” she said. “Umm Elaine?” she asked uncertainly.
“Yes dear” Elaine replied as she collected the mugs and put them in the sink.
“Thank You” Jen whispered.
Elaine smiled “You are welcome” she replied.
SHIELD HEADQUARTERS
“Mom!” Jennifer exclaimed when she saw her mother the next morning. “I thought you said Agent Gibbs probably couldn’t bring you this morning” she replied.
“Good morning honey” Elaine smiled as her daughter ran up and hugged her. “No he’s still at NCIS-but there’s a little invention called a taxi” she said. “I called it and brought coffee and breakfast for everyone” she replied as she set the basket down on one of the tables.
“Did Jen come with you?” Jennifer asked.
“No-I told her she needed to stay at Gibbs. It would be calmer for her there” Elaine replied.
“I can’t believe you called a taxi-one of us could have come and gotten you” Steve replied.
“Steven I am a grown women and was married to a police chief. I know what I am doing” she replied.
Everyone laughed and converged on the table grabbing coffee and food. Elaine glanced around noticing Bruce was missing.
“Where’s Bruce?” she asked.
They all looked around in confusion, Tony frowned after a few seconds.
“He must be back in the lab” he muttered. “He said we should get some sleep and he’d be right behind us. Damn I think we fell asleep as soon as we got in here” he added.
“I’ll go check on him” Elaine replied. “You stay here and eat” she said motioning for Tony to sit.
“Are you sure?” Steve asked.
“If I can deal with my father and Brian until I was 18-I can deal with Bruce” she replied with a smile and heading toward the lab.
Elaine wasn’t sure what to expect as she slowly walked through the lab door. She glanced around until she noticed Bruce huddled in the corner.
“Bruce?” She said trying not to scare him.
He didn’t respond.
“Bruce talk to me” Elaine tried.
“I-I-I can’t fix her” he stuttered through his tears.
“You can’t fix who-Jennifer?” Elaine asked.
“I-I’ve spent all night looking at her blood-running all the test I can think of” he began. “I-I don’t think I can fix her. I-I can’t even fix myself-why did I think I could fix her—I am so sorry” he stuttered through his tears.
Elaine gently lowered herself to the floor and leaned against the wall next to Bruce. She reached over and gathered him in a hug-because they both needed it. She wanted to ask so many questions but didn’t know a way to ask. So she asked the one question any parent would ask in this situation.
“Will this kill her?” Elaine asked.
Bruce’s head shot up as he leaned out of her embrace. “What?” he finally asked.
“Will this kill her?” She asked again.
“I don’t know” Bruce replied honestly as he hugged his knees. “It hasn’t killed me yet-despite” he stopped momentarily glancing at Elaine guiltily before he continued. “It hasn’t killed me-but-but I don’t know how this will affect her” he added.
“What do you mean?” Elaine asked.
Bruce sighed “When the hulk takes over I turn into a 7 foot giant. Then afterward I somehow end up back to my normal size” he said. “It takes a toll on my body and mind-there have been times I didn’t think I would come back” he added.
“And times you wish you hadn’t?” Elaine asked.
Bruce’s silence was her answer.
“So what will happen now?” Elaine asked.
Bruce sighed as he straightened and leaned back against the wall. “We will need to see what happens to Jenny as she changes” he stated.
Elaine nodded “Here?” she commented.
Bruce shook his head “I think it will be easier on everyone if we go back to New York” he said. “Jenny says she has plenty of vacation time so it shouldn’t be an issue-for the time being” he added.
Elaine sighed “And when it does become an issue?” she asked.
Bruce shrugged “You will need to ask her. I mean I am sure she could claim discrimination. But-if-she needs a change, Tony and Steve have already offered her a place on the team” he said.
Elaine straightened in alarm “She would become an Avenger? What would she do?” she asked. “Do you all need a lawyer?” she added.
Bruce chuckled “Now THAT’s an idea I hadn’t thought of” he replied. “Now there are a time or two where we needed legal representation. But I think they were thinking of using her brawn not necessarily her brain” he added.
Elaine chewed her lip in thought. She didn’t know what to say. Her silence must have worried Bruce because after a few minutes he spoke up.
“Are you okay Aunt Elaine?” Bruce asked quietly.
She shrugged “I don’t know honey. I haven’t been able to process the last 48 hours yet. So much has happened-I don’t even know where to start” she began. “First Jenny gets shot-then I find out you are ALIVE and going to be a father-and now THIS. I-I am not sure how I am” she stopped and took a breath.
“I never meant to lie to you. I was trying to protect you-by staying away” Bruce mumbled softly.
Elaine turned and stared in his eyes “I know you would never intentionally hurt us Bruce” she said. “But we were devastated when we got the message you had died. All of us. Now we have a chance to start again” she added.
“You should hate me! I am the reason Jenny is like this now. ME” Bruce reiterated frantically.
“Robert Bruce Banner I could never hate you. Unless you physically hurt Genevieve or your children-there is NOTHING else you could do that could make me hate you. You didn’t shoot Jennifer or inject her-they did. If you weren’t here these people would keep Jennifer here and do god knows what to her-don’t think I didn’t realize that from the beginning. You and your team are the only people who can help her now. So stop blaming yourself for this” Elaine said.
Bruce sat there then slowly shook his head “that’s easier said than done” he whispered.
“I know it will be hard. But we are all here to help-with everything” Elaine replied.
Bruce sighed “So you talked with Jen last night?” he asked.
“Yes I like her” Elaine said with a smirk.
Brice chuckled “I do too” he said quietly. “Did she come with you?” he added.
Elaine smiled “I would hope so dear” she teased. “No-No I thought it would be easier for her to stay at Gibbs. She needs to rest” She replied. “Now I am too old to be sitting on this floor. So help me up, you go eat some breakfast and we decide what to do next” she ordered.
Bruce laughed “Yes ma’am” he said as he stood and helped his aunt up.
GIBBS HOUSE
Jen sighed as she threw the remote back on the table in annoyance. Part of her wanted to be at SHIELD but she knew she needed to rest. She glanced at the pad next to her on the couch warily. She had started writing names that she liked for kicks-Kelly, Rebecca, Jackson, Michael. They hadn’t talked about names yet but she had to admit they all had a nice ring to it. Suddenly the hairs on the back of her neck stood up and she glanced around trying to sense any danger. She was about to have company-and not the good kind. She grabbed her phone and tried to dial Gibbs but he didn’t pick up. So she dialed Stark’s number hitting the speaker button and grabbing two guns and waited.
“Yes” Stark answered in amusement.
“I have a situation at Gibbs” Jen replied as she extended her arms out to each door and cocked her gun.
“Bored huh?” Stark replied with a chuckle. “Jen are you there?” he asked when she didn’t reply right away.
“Give me a minute” She replied calmly.
Suddenly the main door and the back door bust open and a men busted in with guns drawn. She didn’t hesitate and fired dropping both men. James came out of nowhere and gently tackled her to the ground pulling a gun of his own and fired dropping the second tier of men. The sound of squealing tires could be heard and then silence.
“Jen, Jen” Tony could be heard yelling from her phone.
“What’s going on?” Steve’s voice was next.
Jen laughed as she replied “It’s taken care of” she called. “James can you get off of me please” she said.
He laughed “Yeah Sorry” he said as he climbed off of her.
“Bucky’s there with you” Steve called.
James rolled his eyes “Yeah” he said loudly so they could hear him.
“What just happened” Bruce’s anxious voice was the next they heard.
“Well I had unexpected visitors” Jen replied calmly. “Shit I really wish he’d stop. Gibbs is going to kill me” she mumbled as she looked around at the multiple bodies.
James walked over and glanced at the doorway “wow no bullet holes” he used out loud.
Jen chuckled “oh please I don’t miss” she semi boasted.
“Not something to boast about dear” Bruce replied dryly from the phone.
Suddenly Gibbs burst through the door, Jen swung on instinct and drew her gun.
“Whoa-Whoa” Jen warned.
James looked between the two “Are you that jumpy?” he asked in amusement.
“Shut up” she warned with a roll of her eyes. “I didn’t hear him” she added.
Gibbs glanced at the men then pulled his phone “Tobias. I have bodies at my house. No Genevieve did. Well what did you expect her to do let them shoot her? Yeah ok I’ll be here.” Then he hung up and glanced at his watch. “You have 15 mins. Please come pick her up before she blows up my house next” he teased loudly so the others could hear.
“Hey” Jen laughed.
“We are on our way Agent Gibbs” Steve replied and Tony could be heard saying “Cap get your hands off my” before the line went dead.
He walked over and sat on the couch. “Fornell is on his way” he said stating the obvious.
“So FBI has the lead now?” Jen asked.
Gibbs sighed “No but we have something else going on right now” he said glancing down.
“What happened” she asked.
“Eli David’s house in Israel was blown up. There were casualties” Gibbs commented.
“Casualties? Jen asked. “I thought he and all of his family were dead?” she added.
“Up until yesterday he still had one child left. Ziva. She worked here for us for years as a type of liaison. But about four years ago she became an American citizen and an NCIS agent. She was DiNozzo’s partner” he finished.
Jen blinked “A Mossad liaison? They have those?” she replied.
Gibbs rolled his eyes with a chuckle “Not normally-but she and Jenny had history and one asked a favor of the other-and she never left” he replied sadly.
“So they identified her body?” James asked unexpectedly.
“No-not yet” Gibbs answered.
“I am sorry for you and Tony” Jen replied softly.
Gibbs nodded “You headed back to New York?” he asked.
“Yeah” she replied.
“Be careful. I will come visit when I can” he replied.
Jen smiled “That would be nice” she replied.
“Do you think Jennifer will be ok?” Gibbs asked. “Will you two please sit or something?” he added.
Jen sighed as she sat down on the other end of the couch. “I don’t know. I don’t think this is something that is curable. But Bruce is the only one who can teach her how to handle-it.” She said.
Gibbs nodded “Yeah your right” he admitted. “You going back to New York with them?” he asked looking at James.
“Yeah-I. I figured I need to stop running. The answers I need are in New York anyway so” James shrugged. “If they’ll have me that is” he added.
“It’s up to them” Jen replied. “But if you’re honest I am sure it won’t be a problem” she added.
All three turned when they heard a car pull into the driveway. Seeing it was Tony, Jen hugged Gibbs and grabbed her coat and headed for the door. Tony was at the door glancing at her and then past her to the two men behind her. “I am supposed to get Jen before a certain Doctor has another hulk out. And” he glanced past her “Steve was supposed to get here before me for you-he must have gotten lost” he added.
James nodded and smirked. “Some things never change” he replied. “He always got lost” he added.
Tony nodded “Umm If you are going back to New York-I-I can get you a place to stay. I can’t guarantee it would be in the tower yet-but um yeah I can get you a place” Tony stammered uncharacteristically.
James eyes widened in shock “Thanks Stark” he said.
Tony nodded and turned back to the driver seat-waiting for Jen to follow. Steve showed up at the same time and parked waiting for James.
“I’d better go and jump in so the doesn’t have to get out” James said with a laugh and headed for the car.
Jen began to slowly walk to Tony’s car when Gibbs called her making her stop and turn around. He was jogging to her and hugged her placing a folded piece of paper in her hand “My vote is Kelly and Mike” he said. “Although I like Jackson too” he added with a wink and turned walking back inside.
Jen smiled as she placed the paper with the names in her pocket and climbed into Tony’s car.