Home Sweet Home
Jen was surprised to see one of Tony’s many cars-with his personalize license plate- waiting for them in the NCIS garage. She was expecting a Shield car or something. Tony climbed in the driver seat while Bruce and Jen climbed in the back.
“So unfortunately my house wasn’t expecting us until tomorrow-they are scrambling but I don’t think they are going to have it ready tonight. Do you have enough room for all of us to crash for the night?” Tony asked looking at the couple in the rear view mirror.
Jen looked back at Tony “Sure, it’s got five bedrooms and a pull out” she said shrugging her shoulders. “Let me turn off the silent alarm for them” she said pulling out her phone and clicking an app on her phone.
Tony continued to stare at her “going to need the address Jen” he added with a smirk.
She started to laugh “sorry it’s been a day-“she continued to laugh as she gave Tony her address and leaned on Bruce.
“So do you know who was trying to shoot you?” Tony asked as he drove out of the naval base.
“No I wrote the license plate down” she said digging into her pocket, “damn-forgot to tell uncle J with all the commotion.” She reached for her phone and scrolled down until she found the number she was looking for, hitting the button and listening as it dialed.
“Yeah Gibbs” Jethro said.
“It’s Jen- listen I forgot to give you part of the license plate that I saw J P C 6” she said without preamble.
There was silence for a few minutes “Thanks-How did you get my number?” Gibbs asked.
“Always had it” she replied, “Dammit Tony slow down!”
“Everything ok?” Gibbs asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Yeah just riding with Mario Andretti.” She answered. “I am hanging up now so you don’t hear the crash and listen to me killing a billionaire playboy philanthropist.” She finished and muffled laughter coming from the other occupants of the car.
“Goodnight Genevieve” he said chuckling.
“Goodnight Uncle J” she replied then hung up.
She felt Bruce staring at her. She turned and looked at him and smiled at him with a raised brow.
“You’ve spoken more to him in the last hour than you have in the last twenty years-that’s a step in the right direction-right?” Bruce replied.
She wasn’t sure how to answer that. Yes it’s a small step in the right direction-but as soon as they were alone he had accused her of lying and she had just snapped right back. She wasn’t sure if they would ever be able to be comfortable with each other. But she knew Bruce was trying to be optimistic for her sake (and his love of Uncle Jack) so she pushed her doubts aside for the moment and smiled. “Hopefully” she said.
Her house looked like a beacon with every light on as they pulled into her gated driveway.
Bruce chuckled shaking his head “I guess everyone is here already.”
“Home sweet home” Jen said “How did they get in my house?” she wondered out loud.
“Spare key?” Bruce asked.
“No.” Jen replied as they climbed the steps heading to the front door.
Clint threw the door open “Jen welcome home!” he said loudly.
Jen, Bruce and Tony exchanged looks “Hi Clint-I see you found my liquor cabinet.” She said with a laugh.
“Yes he did-sorry about that” Steve said from behind him nudging Clint out of the way.
“Clint let them in.” Natasha demanded from somewhere behind Clint.
“You got good stuff Jen-Do you know that? Stark you should see her selection.” Clint said.
That piqued Tony’s interested “Lead the way Legolas” he said letting Clint lead him away.
Jen looked at Steve as Bruce closed the door, “How did you get in?” she asked.
Steve looked a little sheepish “well-“
Jen laughed interrupting him “you broke into my house?” she asked looking at Bruce.
“Well can’t exactly brake in when you are landing a huge jet” Sam’s voice came from the next room.
“Besides your maids were already here and let us in.” Steve said with a smirk.
Jen looked alarmed at Steve “I don’t have a maid” she said and started to rush into the living room and stopped short.
“Calm down it’s just me” G Callen said leaning on the door frame.
“G? oh my god!” Jen exclaimed and threw her arms around him hugging him.
G Callen laughed and hugged her back “A little birdie told us you would need the house opened and a bunch of beds made up. Plus we were supposed to bring you a gift.” He said.
“You made the beds?” she asked doubtfully.
“He’s grown up a lot” Sam Hanna said laughing as he stepped out from behind G accepting the hug that Jen gave him, “Hope you guys like pizza? It should be here any minute.”
“Do you want a drink” G asked turning and walking into the living room, “I am the bartender tonight.”
“No wonder Clint is drunk” she replied smiling starting to follow him but looked back at Bruce.
“I’ll be right there-going to make some tea.” He said quietly then when he noticed her worried look. “Just need to minute-his interest has piqued a little more today than usual.” He added referring to Hulk.
She nodded and left him alone in quiet to calm himself and the Hulk down. She knew he’d come in when he was ready. Jen sat down on her couch making room for Bruce to sit next to her if he wanted to when he did came in. Natasha was sitting in one of the arm chairs talking with Sam Wilson. Both smiled and waved at her when she came in. Sam Hanna sat down on the other side of Wilson chatting with him,
“Wait are you two know each other?” Jen asked.
Sam Wilson smiled “yeah we are cousins actually.” He replied.
“Yeah we haven’t seen each other in years with our crazy jobs” Sam Hanna added.
“Wow-that’s funny” she said smiling at Bruce as he sat down next to her setting his tea down on the table.
“Who do I thank for the tea” Bruce said after he cleared his throat.
“What?” she asked confused.
“My favorite tea was waiting next a hot kettle.” He said.
G Callen spoke up from another chair “That would be the little birdie.” He continued to look at Bruce for a minute, “Have we met before?” he asked.
Bruce looked at him searching his face “I am not sure-um- “he began when G interrupted him.
“The boys home in Ohio! I punched that kid who stepped on your glasses!” G said slowly.
Bruce’s eyes widened as he finally recognized the man “It is you” he breathed out in awe.
The room became quiet listening to the exchange between the two men.
“You two were in the same orphanage?” Jen asked quietly after a minute.
G looked at her “I had just gotten there-like that day. I was outside with the other boys and just saw this little curly haired boy getting beat up by this kid. So I went up and told the kid to pick on someone his own size. Then I punched him-broke his nose I think. They sent me away the next day” He said once he was done.
“Man that fast?” Clint asked incredulously.
G looked at Clint “I never stayed long at any of them.” He said with a small shrug.
“Any of them?” Steve asked softly.
Sam (Hanna) jumped in realizing G wasn’t liking how the conversation had turned to him. “G was shipped around a lot in the child welfare system.” he said.
Bruce looked down “I went to try and find you the next day. I wanted to talk to you some more. But they told me you weren’t coming back” he said sadly. “How many homes did you stay in?” he asked quietly.
G shot him a small uncomfortable smile “37” he answered. “How many did you stay in?”
Bruce’s eyes widen “two-then I was sent to live with my aunt in California.” He answered.
G got up smiling and extended his hand “G” he introduced himself when he realized he didn’t know the other man’s name.
Bruce looked at his extended hand and then at his face “Bruce” he shaking the extended hand returning the smile.
Everyone was intently listening to G’s story-no one noticed the storm clouds until they heard the thunder that seemed to come from nowhere making everyone jump.
Jen looked outside “Is it supposed to storm tonight?” she asked.
“Don’t worry it’s just Thor” Natasha said knowingly from her spot.
All of a sudden a bolt of lightning illuminated Jen’s back yard and they watched as Thor landed gracefully with Mjolnir in hand. He straightened looked around noticing all of them staring at him from inside the house and smiled.
“My friends! I have come in time for the Midgard celebration tomorrow.” Thor announced loudly.
Steve came and opened the sliding glass door motioning for Thor to come inside “Thor glad you could make it.”
Jen watched in awe as the Norse god walked into her home. The team welcomed him and Steve took it upon himself to introduce Sam Wilson, Sam Hanna and G Callen to Thor.
Bruce smiled when Steve was done “Thor” he said getting the god’s attention, “This is my friend Genevieve and this is her home. We are going to stay the night here.”
Thor smiled warmly and kissed her hand in a regal manner “A pleasure-any friend of Doctor Banner’s or the Hulk’s is a friend of mine. Thank you for allowing us to rest in your home.” He announced.
Jen smiled “Thank you Thor.” She said with a slight blush.
“Are you blushing?” Bruce teased.
She just stuck her tongue out at him.
There was a weird thump at the front door-G being the closes went to investigate the sound. He came back with two boxes of pizza.
“So these were thrown on the front porch. I am assuming the delivery guy must have been the lighting show and freaked out.” G said opening the lid and looking in “some cheese on the lid but still edible” he concluded taking a slice.
Jen looked around “we are going to need more food than that.” She decided.
Tony looked up grabbing his phone “JARVIS you know what to do.”
“Yes SIR” JARVIS responded.
“What’s that?” Sam Hanna asked.
“JARVIS is Tony’s A.I” Clint answered.
“His automated butler” Natasha added.
Everyone decided to use the pizza like an appetizer and ate it as they finished their drinks. The team was catching Thor up on all that he had missed while he was away. Within no time more food was delivered and the group grabbed whatever they wanted and sat back down.
“It seems to have been quite a day for you dear Bruce-both of you.” Thor said nodding to Genevieve as he started to eat.
Bruce paused -his fork half way to his mouth “What do you mean Thor?” he asked.
“From what friend Anthony has told me, you were on a trip-was fired upon-and have met many that you haven’t seen since you were young? A very tiring day indeed.” Thor finished.
G and Sam (Hanna)’s head shot up “You were shot at?” G exclaimed looking at Jen.
Jen tried not to roll her eyes “Yes Bruce and I spent a nice hour or so at NCIS-being interrogated by Uncle J. Guess we are lucky he happened to drive by-anyone else we’d be in baaad shape.” she said drawing out the word bad for enfaces. Then a thought occurred to her- looking at Bruce “It is interesting how we seemed to know the same people.” She added with a smile.
Bruce snorted softly “I was thinking the same thing.” He said.
“Good coincidence?” Steve asked.
“Rule 39.” Jen, G and Bruce all said in union the all started to chuckle.
Steve looked surprised while everyone else looked amused “I am sorry Rule 39?” he asked.
“There’s no such thing as coincidences” Jen said.
Clint smirked “do you have a rule for everything?” he asked.
“Everyone needs a code they can live by. But there not MY rules.” She answered.
“Whose are they then?” Tony asked from where he was sitting near the back.
“Started out as hers but then he tweaked them.” Jen answered then realized no one knew what she was talking about. She sighed and said “They were Shannon’s then Gibbs tweaked them.”
She surveyed the occupants of her house when Bruce excused himself and left in search of the bathroom. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. She forgets from time to time how much she enjoys having friends and family over.
“G are you and Sam spending the night?” Jen asked trying to see if she need to hunt for the air mattresses.
“No -No we need to get going.” Sam said checking his watch and standing up.
G nodded in agreement “It was nice meeting everyone. I guess we will see you Friday then?” he said looking at the group who nodded in agreement.
Jen got up and walked G and Sam to the door “Thanks for your help.” She said as she hugged them.
“Be careful on Friday” Sam said, “Oh and make sure to call the little birdie tomorrow if your gift doesn’t fit.” He added.
“Oh good lord what did she do now!” Jen said with a laugh. “Same to you about Friday.” Jen added.
G kissed her cheek as he walked out “I like him” he whispered to her referring to Bruce.
She smiled “so do I” she said softly watching them drive away.
Jen walked back inside and realized she was exhausted. “Ok I am exhausted. I have four bedrooms and the couch pulls out.” She announced as she walked into the living room sitting down on the couch.
Everyone looked at one another and shared an evil smirk. Natasha dragged a not quite passed out Clint into one room, Tony took one, which left Steve, Sam and Thor. Sam rolled his eyes and dragged Steve into one room leaving the other one for Thor.
“Good night” Thor said winking as he went into his room.
Jen just sat there a little stunned “I think I was just played.” She said to an empty room.
“What was that?” Bruce said as he come back from the bathroom pausing when he saw the empty room “How long was I in there?” he asked with a chuckle.
Jen just smiled “I told them there were four rooms and the pullout and they scattered” She said.
Bruce laughed then looked around fidgeting causing Jen to smile. “Not the end I wanted today.” She said quietly.
“Not for me either” Bruce said sitting down next to her again.
Jen smiled as he stared at her. Should she just ask if he wanted to share her bed? She was usually a take charge person-had to be with her life. But Bruce was one of the VERY few if not the ONLY person who made her feel she didn’t have to be in charge all the time. She became a shy school girl around him-which both annoyed her and made her smile. It meant she wasn’t letting her past rule her present. She must have been staring at him for a while because he gave her a slow smile and waved his hand across her face.
“Earth to Jen. You still with me?” He said with a laugh.
She shook her head and smiled “do you want to come upstairs with me?” she asked quietly. “We’ve both had quite an emotional day and well I think my bed might be more comfortable than this couch.” She added softly.
Bruce smiled reached up and pushed a piece of her brunette hair behind her ear “I’d love to” he said shyly.
She led Bruce up to her room and started opening drawers on search of pajamas. A pair a man’s sleep shorts and t-shirt were laying on her bed. Bruce just shot her an amused look.
“Not my doing I swear” she said.
“Could it be the same person who left that” Bruce said motioning to the garment bag hanging from her closet.
She turned and jumped “Damn how did I miss that?” she said. “Yes probably-why?” she asked.
Bruce laughed “Because if it was Clint there would be condoms on top of these shorts- for “inspiration” he said air quoting causing Jen to laugh.
Bruce was about to climb into bed when Jen stopped him “Can I um do something real quick?” she asked shyly.
“Of course” Bruce said automatically.
Jen walked around leaning in and softly pressed her lips to Bruce’s. He froze in shock-which she expected. What she wasn’t expecting was for him to softly kiss her back. Part of her REALLY wanted to continue but she knew (one) she was too exhausted-she wanted to really ENJOY it when it happened and (two) she needed to let Bruce decided when he was ready-she would NEVER push him into something he wasn’t ready for yet. She started to slowly pull away causing Bruce to softly whine and chase her lips. She cupped his face and kissed him again with a little more heat.
“I am sorry” she whispered- his face still in her hands when she pulled away again. “I’ve wanted to do that since yesterday.”
“Why’d you stop?” he asked slightly out of breath.
She smile “I don’t want to push you” (kiss) and I am too exhausted to really enjoy it (kiss).” She said in between kisses. “Besides” she added “I don’t have any “inspiration” at the moment” she whispered in his ear causing him to start laughing.
He continued to laugh and flopped back on the bed pulling her with him. She just leaned over him and watched him laugh until he was crying. He just laid there still chuckling and wiping the tears from his eyes watching her.
“You always make me laugh” he said in wonder- making Jen smile.
“I am glad” she said reaching down and wiping a stray tear away.
“Come on let’s try to sleep.” He said softly swatting her to make her get up so he could also get up.
They changed into pajamas and wash up for bed. When Jen got out of the bathroom Bruce had dimmed the lights and was already under the covers. Jen climbed in and cuddled close to him. Bruce pulled her closer to him and kissed her head.
“Thank you” he whispered tiredly into the semi-dark.
“For what?” she asked just as quiet.
“For being patient with me.” He said. “For coming back” he added.
‘Ok banner stop talking. You must be exhausted if you thanking her for coming back.’ He reprimanded himself.
She smiled shushing him “shhhh it’s ok. Honey close your eyes and try to sleep.” She said trying to comfort him as she was falling asleep. Her last conscious thought was reaching up to comb her fingers through his curls.
Jen ended up short of petting/tapping his head and sliding her hand down the side of his face. Bruce reached up and kissed her hand and placed it on his chest while muffling his laughter with his other hand. He kissed her head again closed his eyes and to his surprise actually fell asleep.
The smell of cigarettes woke her. She opened her eyes looking over Bruce’s sleeping form to see him leaning against the dresser staring at them.
“What the hell are you staring at” she said raising to her forearm with a smile.
“You and doc huh?” he said gruffly.
She looked down at Bruce “maybe-I don’t know Mike.” She said.
“I like ‘em” he said nodding “always did”.
“You are here to state your approval?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.
He laughed “naw-you don’t need mine.” He said.
“Whose do I need?” she asked catching on.
“Well honey that’s for you to find out.” He said vaguely.
Suddenly the sound of children’s laughter rang up from downstairs. That made her sit up. Why were there children in her house? Whose children were they?
“Mike whose children are downstairs?” she asked.
He just looked at her and smiled. “Watch your ass darlin’” he said. “You’ve always trusted your gut. Damn Gibbs trait you inherited from probie. Just remember some of these people can’t die.” He said.
“Everyone can be killed Mike. No one is immortal.” She replied then looked at him again “Is someone going to die Mike?”
He just stared at her turned and walked out of her room. She went to throw the blankets up to follow him and they wrapped around her and wouldn’t untangle no matter how much she kicked.
She must have been thrashing in her sleep and rolled off the bed. Her eyes flew open on the impact with the floor. She blinked looking around noticing she was on the floor-looking up and realizing Bruce was still asleep on the bed. He was a light sleeper so he REALLY must have been tired. She slowly got up reached for her robe and went into the bathroom-making sure the door was closed before she cut on the light. She was leaning over the sink splashing water on her face then looked at her reflection thinking. Her premonitions had come in many forms over the years-from dreams to actually speaking to the dead. She knew Mike was trying to warn her about something she just wasn’t 100% sure what yet. Was someone going to die? Would she get herself hurt protecting someone? She smirked at herself-sounds like something she would do. And what about the children she heard? Suddenly a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.
“Jen?” Bruce asked.
“You can come in Bruce” she said.
Bruce slowly opened the door and looked at her back and reflection. His hair was a mess-curls in every direction and eyes still not all the way opened-he obviously was still half asleep.
“Are you ok?” he asked groggily.
Jen turned and stared at him instead of his mirror image. She knew she should tell him-but she knew she didn’t know all the facts yet. What was the point of worrying him until she knew exactly what was going on.
“Just a weird dream that’s all.” She said.
Bruce just stared at her for a minute-either taking in her mood or waiting for her to elaborate. When nothing else was said he finally had to ask “Do you want to talk about it?”
She thought it over then shook her head “No its fine-lets go back to bed.”
Bruce turned and crawled back in bed-watching her shut off the lights in the bathroom and climb in next to him. He pulled her close to him humming as she snuggled to him. He almost instantly fell back to sleep-Jen sighed and tried to push the worry out of her head. She concentrated on Bruce’s warmth and smell and to her surprised fell back to sleep.