It's Hard Letting You Go
NCIS Las Angles Office
Hetty hung up the phone with a muttered curse.
“Problems Henrietta?” Owen asked.
“Men attacked Genevieve again at Gibb’s” Hetty replied.
Owen nodded “He must be getting desperate” he mused.
“My thoughts exactly” Hetty agreed.
“Where is she now?” Owen asked.
“She is going back to New York to Stark Tower” Hetty replied.
Owen sighed “You want to pull her-don’t you” he replied.
Hetty nodded “This stays between us Owen but she’s pregnant. I don’t want to put her in any unnecessary danger. But she’s too far into this and even if I do pull her she’s still a target” she said. “At least she’s protected on this case” she added.
“Henrietta she lives with superheroes-I think she’d be protected regardless” Owen replied stoically.
Hetty didn’t dignify that with an answer. She knew realistically Owen was right-Jen would have been protected whither she was on this case or not. But she selfishly wanted to see this out to the end.
“Henrietta?” Owen said trying to get her attention. “It’s never good when you go quiet” he added.
“I won’t make her stay but I am not pulling her” Hetty replied stubbornly.
“And if she gets hurt?” Owen asked.
“Then there won’t be a body for them to prosecute” Hetty said calmly.
“I didn’t mean if HE were the cause” He replied.
Hetty blinked at her old friend in surprise, but before she could speak he continued.
“Henrietta I know you are going to see this through to the end no matter what. But be careful. You don’t want to lose your family in the process-take it from someone who knows” Owen replied as he got up and walked away.
Hetty sighed and watched her friend leave. He was right-If something happened to Jen or her unborn children because of her she would never forgive herself. She tapped her fingers against her desk in thought. Maybe she needed to make a trip to New York.
Tony’s Personal Lab
“Thank you again Tony for letting Jenny and Aunt Elaine stay” Bruce replied to Tony’s hunched form.
“I wondered when you were going to speak-you’ve been staring at me for 10 mins” Tony replied as he stood and wiped his hands free of the grease and oil. “Big Guy for the last time stop thanking me” Tony said. “Any family of yours is always welcome in this tower-well any of my homes to be honest” he added in thought.
Bruce gave a small smile “I’ll remember that” he said. “How’s butterfingers?” he asked motioning to the disassembled bot Tony had been working on.
“Good-oh he’s fine just a checkup” Tony said with a smile. “So” He said with no segway. “How’s the little misses?”
Bruce snorted “I am telling her you called her that” he teased.
Tony’s eyes widened in momentary fear. “God please don’t. She scares me worse than Natasha” he said.
Bruce laughed wiping his eyes for a moment before he spoke “We are doing better” he admitted.
“I didn’t realize you two were having issues?” Tony asked.
Bruce stared at Tony over his glasses “We barely have time to talk about anything. Every time we try the shit hits the fan repeatedly” he said.
Tony couldn’t deny that “So you’ve talked since we’ve been back?” he asked.
Bruce nodded as he walked to his desk and sat down “We have. I mean I been busy with Jenny but she cornered me and locked us in the lab and we talked” he said.
Tony scrunched his face in thought then smiled “Is that when no one could get into the end of the floor for 6 hours?” Tony teased with a waggle of his eyebrows.
Bruce could feel the blush creeping in and tried to look anywhere than at Tony.
Tony burst out laughing “Hey man-good for you. I’ve always heard about the myth of pregnant women’s libidos. “Is it true?” he continued to tease.
“Shut up Tony” Bruce said chuckling and left the lab.
Bruce was in the elevator heading to his floor when it stopped suddenly.
“Umm JARVIS?” Bruce asked.
“My apologies Doctor I wanted to tell you you have a visitor-well two visitors to be exact” JARVIS replied.
“Visitors?” Bruce asked. “Who is it?” he asked.
“It’s Agent DiNozzo sir” JARVIS replied.
“Tony’s here?” Bruce asked confused. “Okay I’ll meet him in the lobby” he said hitting the lobby button out of habit.
“I will alert them sir” JARVIS said as he sent the elevator to the lobby.
When the cab opened and Bruce walked out Tony’s back was to him. Bruce walked over a smile spreading “T welcome” he called.
Tony turned with a smile and Bruce stopped mid step. His old friend was standing there with an infant in a baby stroller.
“Hey B” Tony said sheepishly.
“What-what?” Bruce stammered gesturing at the stroller in confusion.
Tony looked down at the girl who was staring at everything in wonder “This is Tali-can we go somewhere and talk?” he asked.
Bruce nodded his head “Of Course come with me” he said leading the way to the elevator.
Tali started to whine in the elevator, Tony smiled and unbuckled her and scooping her in this arms.
“It’s ok Tali” He cooed. He watched as she took in Bruce. “This is my friend Bruce” he said.
“Friend?” Tali asked.
Tony searched his brain “abba’s chaver” he explained. [Dad’s Friend]
Bruce’s eyes widened “Abba?” he asked shocked. “She’s your daughter?” he added.
Tony smiled “Yes, Bruce this is my daughter Tali” he explained.
Bruce smiled and waved at the little girl who mimicked his wave then hid her face in Tony’s chest. Tony laid her back into the stroller and rolled it back and forth hoping to get her to fall asleep.
“Okay it’s only been 2 weeks since the last time I saw you. How did you get a daughter so fast?” Bruce said as they left the elevator and walked to the room Bruce uses as a study. “Why don’t you lay her on this couch and we can go in the other room and talk” he said.
He waited and watched as Tony laid her down and followed him to the other room. He watched as Tony starting to pace back and forth with restless energy.
“She’s mine and Ziva’s” Tony said.
Bruce cocked his head “Your partner from Israel?” he asked for clarification.
Tony nodded and Bruce continued “How did she-I mean I know HOW but when did she get pregnant?” he asked.
“Apparently Ziva became pregnant when I tried to get her to come home when she left NCIS” Tony said.
“How are you handling everything?” Bruce asked.
“Not good. I can’t believe she gone. AND now I have a daughter. Someone I didn’t even know about until 5 days ago” Tony muttered.
“Why do you think she never told you” Bruce asked.
Tony sighed as he plopped down on the opposite couch “I don’t know” He began. “Probably pride. To show everyone she could do this alone. When Orli dropped off Tali, she sat me down and tried to say Ziva didn’t want to have me choose.” He said.
“Choose what?” Bruce asked. “And who’s Orli?” he asked.
Tony grunted “Orli is now the director of Mossad” He paused before he continued. “She didn’t want me to choose between them or NCIS. But I would have happily gone- To be a family” he said. As he stood up again. “Now I am a single parent and I don’t know what to do” he admitted.
Bruce smiled at his friend “Well keeping her alive is the main objective-or so I am told” he deadpanned.
Tony burst out laughing “God I forgot your sense of humor” he laughed.
Bruce chuckled “T you aren’t some 20 year old who found a carrier on his doorstep” he began.
“No I am a 40 something that had a 2 year old brought to him in his boss’s office” Tony interrupted.
Bruce winced in sympathy before continuing “What I mean is, yes this is a shock and yes you will need a learning curve but realistically this is the best time for this to happen. You don’t have to struggle for money, or a career like most and concentrate on her” he said.
Tony sighed and rubbed the back of his neck “Well I am no longer at NCIS” he admitted.
Bruce looked at him in shock “What” he asked.
“I quit-I wanted to take time and be with Tali” Tony said simply.
Bruce blinked and smiled “Well good for you” he said.
Tony smiled “I realized I had someone to come home to-someone who depended on me. Something needed to change” he replied.
Bruce smiled “That does tend to change one’s perspective” he admitted.
A small cry came from the other room, alerting them that Tali had woken up.
“She’s awake” Bruce replied.
“Tali we’re in here” Tony called.
Tali come barreling around the corner hearing her father's voice-freezing when she saw Bruce standing there.
"Boos" she screamed in excitement running as fast as she could throwing her arms around his leg in a hug.
Tony and Bruce froze staring down at the child clinging to Bruce's leg.
"Did my daughter just call you Bruce?" Tony asked.
Bruce nodded a little shocked "yes she did".
"B she barley speaks English-she can't even call dad grandpa yet-and she calls you Bruce" DiNozzo said in wonder.
Tali looks up at Bruce and lifted her arms asking to be picked up. Bruce smiled leaning down and gently picking her up.
"Hello Tali" he said gently.
Tali smiled and patted Bruce's cheek giggling as his facial hair tickled her. She laid her head on his chest listening to his heart and slowly rubbing his cheek. DiNozzo smiled and tried not to laugh.
"Aba might need to grow a beard. Apparently she likes them" DiNozzo chuckled.
"Well you can now that you have free time. But who knows Aba-she might not like a beard on you" Bruce replied with a smile.
Tony chuckled "probably right" he said.
Bruce smiled and stared at his friend. "What are your plans?" He asked.
"I need to find answers B. This doesn't seem right-something isn't clicking to me. I am going to Israel-then Tali and I are going to France-Ziva loves Paris." DiNozzo said.
Bruce turned and looked at Tony worriedly. "You just said Loves not loved. You think she's still alive don't you?" He asked.
DiNozzo looked at Bruce and sighed "yes I do. I probably always will until I see a body" he replied.
Bruce smiled as he looked at the toddler in his arms "Be careful ok? Don't let this consume you. You've been given something great-something wonderful. She needs you-Enjoy this time-bond with your daughter-anger and grief is not something she needs to realize at this age" Bruce replied.
Tony smiled "I will-I promise. I just- I want to SEE the rubble or see her grave-a body-SOMETHING to make myself start to heal. I thought killing Cort would have been enough-but it wasn't." DiNozzo replied.
"What if you don't find what you need?" Bruce asked.
"Then we go to Paris" DiNozzo said with a shrug.
Bruce nodded "Do you KNOW people there? Will they even help you?" He asked.
DiNozzo frowned in thought "I honestly haven't thought that far ahead. HMM” he paused. “Anyone I know in Isreal is associated with mossad and Ziva" he admitted.
"Let me talk to Jen. She might know someone who could help you. If not I'll try Nat-or Clint. See if maybe I can get you some contacts in case you need them" Bruce replied.
"B" DiNozzo said.
"T you don't have that badge to help you anymore. Just for back up ok?" Bruce commented staring at his friend.
DiNozzo nodded "ok" he concluded.
Bruce smiled "good" he replied. He smiled at the girl in his arms.
Tony smiled staring at them. "Are you getting excited" Tony asked.
"Yes I am" Bruce said quietly. "Come on Jen's going to flip when she sees you" he added as he turned and walked toward the elevators.
Once they were inside Bruce gently shifted Tali in his arms and hit a button on the panel. At Tony's raised eyebrow Bruce shrugged smiling at him.
"Good evening Doctor Banner and may I say welcome to Stark Tower Agent DiNozzo" Jarvis replied quietly.
Tony startled while Bruce chuckled "thank you Jarvis-where is she?" He asked. "Ms. Gibbs wasn't feeling well so she is resting in the media room with Mr. Odison's help." The A.I informed them as the cart moved upward.
"Mr. Odison's help?" DiNozzo asked raising an eyebrow.
"Thor always helps people when he can. He is very nice to snuggle with and I have been told he can give a very good foot massage" Bruce said.
Tony chuckled "if you say so" he replied.
The door opened and they stepped out into living room to see Jen cuddling next to Thor as they watched something on television. As they got closer Bruce couldn't help but laugh
"Are you watching something about Norse mythology?" He asked softly.
"Aye" Thor replied.
"Thor thinks it's funny to see what we believe" Jen replied with a smirk turning and realizing Bruce wasn't alone.
"Look who came for a visit" Bruce said.
"Tony" Jen exclaimed trying to jump up. "Hold on give me a sec” she laughed as she finally got up. “I am so glad you came" she said rushing to him with her arms open.
DiNozzo laughed "Look at you-you were barley showing two weeks ago. I had to come see and the famous Avenger Tower" he said returning the hug. "Besides you two had to meet Tali" he said gesturing to the child in Bruce's arms.
Jen smiled "God I know pretty soon I won’t be able to do that” she said then glanced at Tali “She's beautiful Tony" she whispered.
"Thank god she looks like Ziva" DiNozzo replied.
"Come on T she has your eyes" Bruce replied gently.
"She does” Jen agreed.
"Yeah-they are Definitely DiNozzo eyes" DiNozzo answered.
"Ok I need to sit back down-come on" Jen said as she went and sat back down next to Thor.
"So this Ziva was she your love?" Thor asked.
DiNozzo looked taken aback from the question. He looked over at Bruce and Jen trying to form some short of answer. "We were partners-she worked at NCIS. But yes I loved her" DiNozzo replied.
"But you were not in a relationship or together with young Tali was born?" Thor asked.
"No Thor unfortunately Tony didn't know Tali existed until Ziva's death" Bruce replied jumping in the help his friend.
Thor looked sad "well I am saddened to hear that but this is a wonderful time for you to connect with your daughter in this time of mourning. And you can rejoice that young Tali will have playmates when Bruce and Lady Genevieve have their young ones" Thor announced.
"I apologize for interrupting but Dr. Foster is calling to talk with you Mr. Ordison" Jarvis announced.
Thor nodded "Aye she said she would try and call today-please excuse me" Thor said as he got up to take the call in his room.
Jen chuckled "Thor still surprises me" she mused.
"He generally looked upset about Ziva and he never met her" DiNozzo commented.
Bruce chuckled "Thor has a big heart-full of compassion and loyalty to those he loves and that usually spills over to his loved ones friends" he admitted looking at DiNozzo.
"Has he always been this way do you think? Or is it something that came with age?" Jen asked out loud.
"I think it's come with age. He'll be the first to tell you he was a bit of a hot head when he was younger" Bruce commented.
Jen smiled then looked at DiNozzo " what are your plans now Tony?" She asked.
Tony sighed and relayed the travel plans as well as his suspicions to her. Jen nodded to him then grabbed her phone and sent a text to Natasha.
GG: Hey I need you to go into our room and go in my safe for the black burn phone.
NR: there's no way anyone in this tower will let you do a mission right now
GG: no it's for DiNozzo. He's going to go to Israel and since he no longer is an agent I want him to have connections.
NR: I thought David died? What's left in Israel?
GG: he thinks she's still alive
NR: be down in ten
Jen glanced at her phone then turned her attention back to DiNozzo.
"If your theory is correct-you realize there is a REASON Tali was sent to you. You might be endangering her by taking her back there" Jen replied then held up a hand to stop Tony's reply. "I get it-I do. BUT Tony-I seriously don't think you are going to find anything there. Do you honestly think Massad will have not checked every last spot? We both know Ziva won't be found until she WANTS to be found" she added reaching for her water.
"I found her before" DiNozzo replied somewhat stubbornly.
"From what you told me-she basically lead you to her. This is different-Have you seen an undercover agent go underground before-especially someone with Ziva's background?" Jen asked.
"Okay I need to interject and remind BOTH of you there is no proof that she IS alive" Bruce reminded them gently.
Jen sighed "You're right. Go to Paris Tony. There's nothing for you in Israel right now. Maybe send a message to whoever the director is now and inquire on anymore of Ziva's possessions. Leave it at that" Jen said.
Tony sat there staring off between the space between Jen and Bruce. They both made good points-part of his brain reasoned. But there was still a large part screaming for some short of proof that Ziva was dead. "If I don't at least see the site-where it happened-I'll always wonder. I am hoping that this will help me heal. I don't want to be consumed by anger and grief anymore" Tony admitted quietly.
Natasha walked through nodding at DiNozzo handing Jen a black phone. "We added a few names ourselves" she replied.
Jen glanced at the phone smiling "thanks Nat, thanks Clint" she called. "Welcome" Clint called from the other room.
Tali sat up when Natasha walked in and smiled. Jen glanced between the toddler and the women to see what happens. Tali waved and smiled at the redhead. Natasha smiled and waved back at her.
“Tali this is my friend Natasha” Bruce said as he noticed the interaction.
“Na-ta-sha” Tali parroted back slowly.
“Very good” Bruce said with a smile.
“Hello Tali” Nat replied.
“Shalom” Tali said quietly. [Hello]
Nat smiled politely “Well I’ll let you all catch up” she said and turned to leave.
“Thanks Nat” Jen replied.
“You’re welcome” Nat said. “Bye Tali” she said and smiled as the toddler waved back before she left the room.
Tony looked confused “She usually isn’t so intrigued with new people” he replied staring at his daughter.
“Maybe it was the red hair” Jen teased, keeping her first thought to herself. "Take this" she ordered handing the phone to DiNozzo.
"What is it?" DiNozzo asked.
"It's one of my burn phones-it has the names and numbers of people I know in that area that can help you if you need it. Nat and Clint added some names as well-that way you will be protected on this crazy journey you are determined to take" Jen replied. Tony looked like he wanted to argue but took the phone.
"Thanks" Tony said.
Tali smiled and rubbed Jen’s stomach “tinoq?” she asked. [baby]
Bruce smiled “Yes Tali there is a baby in there” he answered her.
Tony smiled “Min tinoq tali” he replied. [many babies]
Tali gasped in childish glee “min tinoq boos?” she asked. [many babies Bruce]
Bruce chuckled “Yes there’s more than one baby in there” he replied.
Tali pointed to Bruce “Abba” she said, then turned to Jen and said “Ima” then she patted Jen’s stomach “min tinoqs” she finished. [dad/mom/many babies]
Tony smiled “Very Good Tali” he praised.
Stark stumbling through the room in the direction of his room, he was so out of it he hadn’t noticed anyone was in the room. He finally noticed them and stopped confused.
“Bruce are you holding a baby and are you speaking Hebrew?” Stark asked.
Bruce glanced over at Stark “Yes Tony, when was the last time you slept?” he asked.
“Umm not sure –Jarvis?” Stark asked.
“Sir has been up for 72 hours and has maxed the hours he is allowed in his lab without supervision therefore I have locked him out for 24 hours” Jarvis replied.
Tony rolled his eyes “Yes since you’ve turned my AI against me. I will go sleep” he groaned.
“Before you do sir I wanted to remind you about your talk with Miss Potts about Miss. Genieivie” Jarvis replied.
“Oh right” Tony said. “Pep knows about all that’s happened in the last few days and says they’ve replaced you ay SI until you are ready to come back” he replied staring at Jen then stumbled again.
“Thank you Tony” Jen replied. “But don’t change the subject you need to sleep” Jen said.
“And if we didn’t program that into Jarvis you would stay up until you dropped” Bruce continued sparing a quick glance at Jen indicating he noticed her not subtle change of subject.
“But I don’t want to sleep” Tony whined, not realizing DiNozzio was there.
Tali climbed down and walked to Tony grabbing his hand and pulling him to the couch.
“shenah” she said pointing to the couch. [sleep]
Stark stared at her, glancing at DiNozzio “Yours?” he asked.
“Yep” DiNozzio said. “She said sleep” he added.
“I know-I speak hebrew” Stark replied.
Tali pulled a pillow over, patting the couch “shenah” she commanded again. [sleep]
“Bossy thing isn’t she” Stark replied as he sat down.
DiNozzio smiled “She gets that from her mother” he said quietly.
Tony smirked then laid down on the couch “Ok I am laying down” he replied.
Tali looked over at him then nodded and climbed back up on Bruce’s lap.
“Tali this is Bruce’s and my friend Tony” Jen said pointing to Stark.
Tali shook her head “Abba” she said pointing to DiNozzio.
“Very good Tali, Abba’s name is Tony. I have two friends name Tony” Bruce said.
Tali looked at Bruce “Two Ton-es Boos” she asked in a tone that was almost accusingly.
DiNozzio smiled “Bruce can have two friends name Tony” he said.
Tali looked at her father then at Stark then at Bruce and nodded.
Bruce chuckled “I am glad you approve” he said.
Stark chuckled from his spot “I must be tired, that was cute” he mumbled as he turned around facing the back of the couch and promptly passed out.
The elevator opened and Elaine Walters walked in.
“Don’t think you were going to come and not say hello to me Anthony DiNozzio ” Elaine demanded.
Tony froze “Aunt Elaine” he said. “I didn’t realize you were here” he replied.
The women smiled “I figured as much” she said with a chuckle. “And who is this sweet child?” she asked as she noticed Tali.
“Aunt Elaine this is my- daughter Tali” Tony said.
“Since when do you have a daughter?” Elaine asked in surprise.
“Two years apparently—but I just met her a week ago” Tony replied.
Elaine glanced at him “Come on-let me make you all some coffee in our place. Jenny’s going to want to see you too” Elaine said motioning for them to follow her. “That way we can talk and Tony can sleep” she said motioning to the man at the end of the couch.
Tony glanced over at Bruce “Jenny’s here too?” he asked.
Bruce looked visibly uncomfortable for a moment “A few things have happened since D.C” he admitted.
“Shit I didn’t even realize they were here—didn’t even THINK of to ask. I-I am sorry” Tony admitted looking at Bruce.
“Tony you’ve had A LOT thrown at you in a weeks’ time-I understand” Bruce said.
Elaine smile down at the two men “Are we done-good- now come on” she said turning and heading toward the elevator. “Tony could you help Jen since Bruce has your daughter” she said.
Tony chuckled “Yes Aunt Elaine” he said as he stood and extended his hand to Jen.
Jen rolled her eyes and tried to ignore the grunt he gave as he tried to pull her up.
“Okay over there?” Steve asked as he walked through the room noticing them.
“Tony’s trying to help me up” Jen replied.
“Need a hand?” Steve asked.
“No No-I got this. Thanks though” Tony replied and pulled again, successfully getting her up on the second attempt.
Steve nodded and left the room. Tony rolled his eyes, smirking as Jen lightly hit him.
“Stop-he was just trying to help” she said with a chuckle.
“What-I was fine-I didn’t need help” he said.
“Annoying isn’t it” Stark replied from his spot on the couch.
Both Jen and Tony turned their attention to Stark, expecting him to be staring at them.
“Is he awake?” Tony asked when seeing Stark’s eyes closed.
Jen stared ‘I don’t think so” she replied. “We think he’s conducted meetings asleep” she added.
“Abba” Tali called from the elevator.
Tony snorted “Coming” he called quietly and led Jen toward the elevator.
THE WALTERS APARTMENT
The group walked in and was greeted with a meditating Jennifer Walters-a green Jennifer Walters.
“Sweetie we have guests” Elaine called as she moved toward the kitchen to make tea.
Jennifer slowly opened her eyes and smiled. “Tony DiNozzio-It’s about time” she said as she jumps up and rushes to hug him.
Tony’s eyes were huge, glancing over at Bruce over Jennifer’s back. “Hey –yeah um-sorry. I’ve been busy-but apparently so have you” he replied.
Jennifer laughed as she pulled away “Yes I have” she replied.
“The shade’s-a-good look on you” Tony stuttered out.
Jennifer snorted “It’s starting to grow on me” she replied.
Tony glanced at the three adults in front of him “Okay what did I miss?” he asked.
“Let’s sit down before this discussion” Elaine replied as she set down a platter with a tea pot and mugs for everyone. “It tends to stretch out” she added then smiles at Tali. “And what would Miss Tali like to drink?” she finished.
Jennifer looked puzzled, finally seeing the child in her cousin’s arms. “Who’s this?” she asked with a pleasant smile.
Tony smiled “This is my daughter” he introduced.
Jennifer looked shocked at the man “You have been busy” she replied.
“Tali shota tea?” Bruce asked as Tony went into a quick version of the past week. [Tali do you drink tea?]
Tali scrunched her face in thought then smiled nodding “Bevakasha” [please]
“She would like some tea Aunt Elaine” Bruce replied watching as his appear next to him with a small teacup.
“I figured she’d want to be included in whatever she drank” Elaine replied.
“Tali do you want to sit with me?” Tony asked as he watched Elaine hand a small teacup to his daughter and Bruce expertly pour her some tea.
“No Abba Boos” she replied.
“Bru-ce” Tony corrected.
Bruu-cce” Tali mimicked back.
"toda Bru-ce" Tali said. [thank you bruce]
“So Tali understands english too? Wow impressive” Jennifer replied.
Tony smiled “Her mother spoke MANY languages Jenny-so it doesn’t surprise me” he replied.
“Tony are you sure she can’t speak English too?” Jen asked.
Tony shrugged “She knows some but I pretty sure-Hebrew- was the main language spoken while she was little” Tony replied. “Bruce tell me if you need a break ok?” he added.
“It’s okay dear, as long as neither mind-Bruce does need the practice” Elaine teased with a wink.
“Those are very nice tea sets Aunt Elaine” Jen replied with a smile trying to redirect the conversation.
The women sat down at the empty seat and smiled “This set was left over by my mother-the one good thing that-survived” she paused glancing at Bruce. “The smaller one is just something I picked up recently” she replied vaguely. “Jenny loved playing tea party when she was little-I hope one of them do as well. This might be my only chance at sudo- grandkids” she added.
Jen gave a watery smile-once again hating the wild emotions that came with this pregnancy. Jennifer rolled her eyes at her mother’s not so subtle nudge.
“Thanks Mom” Jennifer replied dryly.
“Tali this is Elaine and Jennifer Walters. Bruce’s Aunt and cousin” Tony replied.
Tali looked between the two women “Doda and Ben Doda?” she asked. [Aunt and female cousin]
Tony smiled “Very good” he praised. “Dad and I keep trying to broaden her English-although I don’t want her to lose the Hebrew entirely” he admitted. “Ziva wouldn’t want that” he added.
“Ima?” Tali asked hearing her mother’s name.
Jen could see Tony freeze in shock, so she jumped in “Very good Tali-Ziva is Ima’s name” she praised taking a sip of her tea and watched as Tali mimicker her.
“She’s never reacted that way to Ziva’s name before” Tony replied soflty.
“Someone’s getting tired” Elaine replied watching the infant yawn.
“Can I lay her in the other room?” Tony asked.
“Why don’t we all go in there” Elaine replied. “It’s more comfortable then at the table” she replied.
Everyone settled more comfortable in the other room, Tali still clutching to Bruce. Jennifer quickly explained what happened to her and what she had been doing here at the tower.
“Wow so you’re going to be part of the team?” Tony asked.
“Possibly” Jennifer replied.
“Boos lev roesh” Tali wined from her spot napping, patting her hand against Bruce’s chest. [your heart is loud]
Bruce looked down “Sorry Tali-I’ll try to keep it quiet” he whispered.
“What did she say?” Elaine asked.
“My loud heartbeat is apparently keeping her awake” Bruce whispered.
“I’ve told you we will discuss it before that happens Bruce” Jennifer said. “I would never do anything to purposely upset you-unless it was to save you” she added.
Bruce sighed “You shouldn’t be in this situation at all” he said for the thousandth time.
“I am not having this argument with you again” Jennifer replied calmly. “What’s done is done and we can’t go back and change that” she added.
“Everything happens for a reason” Tony replied unconsciously then grimaced. “Sorry mom always use to say that” he replied.
Jen glanced over “Well that’s the same as rule 39-there’s no such thing as coincidences” she suggested.
Bruce sighed “So this was supposed to happen-I can’t believe that” he said.
“Why?” Tony asked.
“Because that would mean” Jen paused seeming to find the right word “Hulk was meant to be” she replied.
“Do you not believe Hulk was always there?” Tony asked-then froze remembering there were others in the room.
Elaine sighed as she set her cup down on the table next to her “This is something we aren’t going to resolve here today” she replied. “Am I happy this has happened to either one of you-no. Do I want to believe this has happened for some ulterior purpose-no. But the fact is it has happened and now we need to plan on what to do next” she said.
Jen tried not to laugh as the other three looked as if they were chastised-which she supposed they had. Her attention was averted as she watched Tali climb off of Bruce’s lap and walk toward her. She smiled as the little girl stood in front of her uncertainly.
“Is Bruce’s loud heartbeat keeping you awake?” Jen said with a smile and a wink. “Would you like to come up here?” Jen asked patting the space beside her.
Tali smiled and nodded as she climbed up beside her and immediately started rubbing her stomach. Then she put her head on Jen’s stomach as if she was listening for something.
“What are you listening for?” Jen asked.
“Tinoq lev” Tali replied. [baby heart]
“The baby’s heartbeat?” Jen asked.
“Ken” Tali replied. [yes]
“How many heartbeats do you hear?” Jen asked amused.
Tali scrunched her face then tapped her finger on the side of her stomach before she answered. “Arba” [4]
Jen glanced at the others her eyes wide “Four heartbeats?” she asked.
Tali nodded her head “ken” she said. [yes]
Tony started to laugh “oh man if she’s right you all are in trouble” he said.
Bruce got up to sit on the other side of Tali “Four heartbeats Tali –are you sure?” he asked rubbing Jen’s stomach.
Tali nodded “ken” she replied with authority. [yes]
“Are they boys or girls?” Jen asked.
“Babe she’s just making a statement, you’re acting like she’s having a premonition” Bruce replied.
Jen chuckled and rolled her eyes “Bruce doesn’t believe you Tali, but I do” She stage whispered.
“Bruce is trying to stay level headed because the thought of four children is terrifying at the moment” Bruce replied sweetly.
Tony laughed “Okay why are you referring to yourself in third person” he asked.
Bruce stopped and snorted “Who knows” he replied.
“I am sorry for the interruption but I wanted to remind you of your training session with Captain Rogers Miss. Walters” JARVIS replied from the ceiling.
Jennifer looked at her watch “Oh God-he’s been waiting for a while. God I have to go” she replied as she jumped up. She went to Tony and hugged him hard making him grunt “Be careful wherever you go” she whispered. “And being a father suits you” she added with a smile and waving goodbye to Tali and left the apartment.
Tali waved but looked around trying to figure out where the voice was coming from.
“Tali that is JARVIS” Bruce replied, “He runs the house” he added.
“Hello Miss. Tali welcome to Avengers Tower” he replied.
The little girl looked at the ceiling and waved at voice.
Tony checked his watch and sighed “It’s getting late-we need to probably get going” he replied.
“You two can stay here for the night-there’s plenty of room” Jen replied.
“We’ve already checked into a hotel and Dad is planning some semi family reunion for dinner or something” Tony replied.
“I need to make a few calls want to walk my to the apartment as you leave” Jen said.
Bruce smiled “Sure then I’ll walk them out” he said.
Jen smiled as Tony helped her up and Tali jumped in Bruce’s arms and they headed for the door. Elaine walked with them to the door hugging each person as they walked out.
“Now don’t be a stranger” she replied to Tony.
Tony nodded as he hugged her “Don’t worry you’ll hear from me” he said.
“Good” she replied and watched them as they walked to the elevator.
Jen smiled as the elevator opened and the three walked to their door.
She hugged Tony “Be careful” she said.
“I will” Tony replied.
“Goodbye Tali” Jen said and was surprised when the toddler reached over and hugged her.
Bruce smiled and kissed her cheek “I’ll be back in a few minutes” he said.
Jen smiled “ok” she said as she walked through the door.
Bruce smiled as the two walked back to the elevator and hit the button for the lobby.
Tony smiled “I will be back ok” he replied.
Bruce nodded “I never doubted you would” he said.
“I am not going to miss you two being parents” he replied.
“I can’t wait to see you parent either” Bruce said with a smirk.
“Think Thor was right? Our kids are going to grow up together and be friends and play together like we did?” Tony asked.
“I hope so” Bruce replied.
The door opened and Bruce walked Tony and a passed out Tali to the front doors. Tony pulled Bruce into a tight hug and Bruce hugged back.
“Call on occasion and show us you are ok” Bruce replied. "If you I'll send Hulk on you" he added.
Tony laughed nodded “ok” he replied.
“Bye T” Bruce said softly.
“Bye B” Tony parroted back.
Bruce watched as Tony walked out and as corny as it sounded walked towards his new life. Then Bruce turned and took the elevator back to his new life.