Emotions all around
DiNozzo and Bruce were waiting outside of Shield as Genevieve and Gibbs walked out.
“Was that him?” Bruce asked quietly coming up and hugging her.
“Looks like him to me-Jethro?” she asked looking at Gibbs.
He just raised his eyebrow at her “well he does look like the photos I’ve always seen of him-I am still not convinced though” he said.
“What do you mean Boss?” DiNozzo asked.
“It was too easy” Gibbs answered with a shrug.
“Too easy?” Bruce asked with a snort.
“I am sure Tony would disagree with you Jethro” Jen said with a small smile. “How are you by the way?” she added.
“I am fine thanks-just got a major bump on my head is all” DiNozzo said.
“Tony if you are that used to head trauma-maybe you need to actually see a neurologist” Bruce said exasperated.
“Don’t worry B-I have to go get a complete physical every year. I am fine” DiNozzo said.
“Physicals don’t always touch on all the other problems that could arise.” Bruce continued to say.
Tony looked across at his friend and smiled “No I have to go to a real doctor-I almost died of the plague about 8 years ago now-so I go and make sure everything is ok-Bosses orders.” He said.
Bruce rolled his eyes assuming Tony was exaggerating his illness until Genevieve interrupted him.
“You are telling the truth aren’t you? You actually had the honest to god plague?” She exclaimed.
Bruce looked back at Tony and realized he was telling the truth “T I am sorry I thought you were just exaggerating” he stuttered out-not really sure on what to say.
“It’s ok-I get it-if I were in your shoes I would assume people were exaggerating too” DiNozzo said with a smirk.
Gibbs had stayed quiet through their exchange. Usually it annoys him to watch DiNozzo with someone he knew when they were on a case. But this was different-this was a man that he had stayed quiet about in all the years he had worked for Gibbs. The time spent was so precious that he protected it-and Bruce-by not speaking about it. The rest of Gibbs musings was shattered when a horn blew alerting them to the car as it drove up.
“Stark or Clint?” Jen asked Bruce.
“Neither- it looked like Coulson” Bruce said as the car stopped in front of them.
Jen opened the door and looked inside with a raise eyebrow “was the horn necessary Phil?” she asked.
“I needed to make it look like regular D.C driver-now get in and I can get all of you back to Genevieve’s house.” Phil said as everyone climbed in.
“I figured you would be interrogating Buc-um- the winter solider” Jen asked.
“Too many people wanted in-Fury says he’ll send me tapes and I can watch and determine for myself later” Phil answered.
“Are Natasha Sam and Thor ok?” Bruce asked as he unconsciously started rubbing Jen’s fingers
“Natasha is shaken-Sam is mad and Thor-I don’t think he truly understands” Phil replies.
“What doesn’t he understand?” Tony asked.
“A mighty Asgardian can’t possibly be affected by anything a mere Migardian can make” was his exact quote Phil said dryly.
Bruce got a thoughtful look and stopped his ministrations “Could that be a possibility?” he asked.
“Can what be a possibility?” Phil asked.
“Could they have had help from someone? Like Loki maybe?” Bruce asked.
Phil was quietly thinking as he drove “we might need to ask Thor about that” he finally concluded as they pulled into the driveway.
“Thanks for the ride” Tony said as he climbed out.
Gibbs nodded and climbed out after Tony while Bruce and Jen climbed out the other side.
“Would you like to come in?” Jen asked them.
“No we need to get going-but we’ll see you tonight” Gibbs said with a smile.
Then he and DiNozzo climbed into his car and drove off. Phil chuckled from where he was leaning against the car.
“Not much of a talker is he?” he asked.
Jen shook her head “No he’s not” she said. “Are you coming in Phil?” she asked as she climbed the stairs heading toward where Bruce was waiting for her.
“I’ll come in for a few minutes to check on Natasha-if she’ll let me.” Phil said and followed Genevieve inside.
The house was quiet-Natasha, Clint and Sam were sitting in the kitchen table staring off into space. The tension in the room was thick-making Jen pause in the doorway. She’s walked into hostage situations that felt less tense-she just prayed her house would be left standing when the dust settled.
“Did I hear Bruce and Jen come in?” Tony asked as he walked into the room holding a class of amber liquid.
Bruce sighed and rolled his eyes “Tony you can’t use all of Jen’s liquor” he said as he walked toward the stove to make himself some tea.
Tony froze “No problem buddy just used a little bit-see-first and only glass I swear” he said looking around. “So Agent DiNozzo didn’t stay?” he asked with an almost sneer.
“Stark” Clint said warningly.
“No Tony, Tony did not stay. He has a job to get back to. I can’t believe you are acting this way” Bruce snapped at him. “You need to stop-it isn’t funny and quite frankly I am getting little upset. I am allowed to have other friends-as rare as it is.” he adds.
Tony was at a lost on how to respond to that. He honestly had no answer to why he was acting like this. He should be happy that Bruce’s childhood friend was back in his life. He realized everyone was staring at them waiting to see what was happening next-which irked him.
“Buddy I am sorry if I am upsetting you. You know how I am with new people-I’ll try to be nicer” Tony said. “Sorry Kids you don’t get to see my party trick today” he added and went to sit on the counter trying to ignore everyone.
Bruce smiled and chuckled-of course Tony would use the first line Bruce used defuse a tense situation in front of most of the team. He noticed Jen smiling at him and of course he couldn’t stop the smile he gave her in return. He watched as something out the window caught her attention then a slight frown formed on her face.
“What are you looking at?” Bruce asked.
“Steve just pulled up and he looks pissed” she said.
They watched as Steve stormed up the front steps-throwing open the door and slamming it-shaking the house in the process. Jen winced-reminding herself that Steve had been through a lot today. Steve froze when he noticed Phil leaning against the doorframe of the kitchen looking at him. He slowing turned his gaze to the kitchen seeing everyone in there staring at him.
“What” he snapped much to everyone’s surprise.
“Well I was afraid you were going to knock my house down” Jen said dryly.
“How did you get here? Did you steal a car?” Tony asked amused-looking out the window.
“He just borrowed it-right Steve?” Natasha said quietly with a small smirk.
Steve looked at her-his body had been tense then just deflated “I am sorry- I shouldn’t have snapped-it’s been a long day” he said softly.
“Why don’t you sit down Steve” Bruce said quietly.
Steve nodded and sat down in an empty chair. Bruce placed a mug in front of Natasha and Steve.
“Thank you Bruce” Natasha said with a small smile.
“Does anyone else want any tea while I am making it?” Bruce asked.
Everyone declined but thanked him. Bruce shrugged and made two more mugs-coming over and placing one in front of Jen and sat close to her. She smiled then noticed Phil still lurking in her doorway.
“Phil you can sit down” she said.
Phil checked his phone “I need to be getting back-I’ll see everyone tonight. Fury apparently has called a meeting an hour before the Gala tonight to go over last minute details” Phil said then slipped out the door.
Jen raised an eyebrow at Bruce silently voicing her opinion on that-he smiled and nodded.
“God I really don’t want to go to this thing tonight” Jen whined and leaned her head on Bruce’s shoulder.
“Maybe it won’t be so bad” Bruce said rubbing her back-trying for once to look on the bright side.
“I hope you are right” Jen said. “I think I need a nap-before I explode and kill someone” she added looking around the table.
Everyone chuckled but agreed and went to their rooms. Bruce stayed seated finishing his tea-looked around making sure the coast was clear then pulled Jen close and kissed her-letting himself and the Hulk know she was ok.
“What- brought that on?” she said once he let her come up for air.
“We really were worried today-I was seconds away from letting him out when we heard Jack over the com” Bruce said leaning in to kiss her again.
Jen hand came up to stop him “You heard him?” she asked leaning back to look at him in surprise.
Bruce looked at her with a strange look “Yes we all heard him-even Fury” he said.
Jen just looked at him shocked- not knowing what to say. Bruce just smiled and kissed her softly “Come on let’s go take that nap” he said in her ear. Bruce pulled Jen up and they left the kitchen-luckily they didn’t notice Tony had come in the other way to ask a question –or the resentful look on his face.
Genevieve walked into the ballroom taking in the grand ambience of the building and slipping the earpiece into her ear. Fury had wanted to talk specifically to the team after the meeting-so she decided she would meet them at the Gala. It would be easier to sweep the room if she came by herself anyway. As she stepped inside noticing Ducky off to the side with a tall dark haired women and decided to go say hello.
“Ducky, How are you” She said as she walked up.
“Genevieve you look wonderful.” Ducky said kissing her on the cheek, “Abigail Scuito met Genevieve Gibbs, Abby is our resident forensic scientist.” Ducky said as he made introductions.
Jen stuck out her hand “Abby it’s a pleasure-“ she cut herself short as Abby threw her arms around her in a hug.
Ducky chuckled “Abby is a hugger” he warned.
Jen smiled “Great” She said.
Abby released her and smiled down at her “I am so happy to finally meet you. Jack used to talk about you a lot. I am just so excited.” She gushed hugging her again.
“Oh thank you Abby” was the only thing Jen could say being slightly emotional hearing that Uncle Jack had talked about her.
Abby nodded taking in her dress “I love that dress-where did you get it?” she asked.
“No idea-Hetty left it for me at the house. She does have wonderful taste though.” She agreed fussing with the gown.
“Where’s your date?” Ducky asked.
“Hopefully he’ll show up in a minute-if he hasn’t chickened out.” She answered with a smile waving at DiNozzo as he walked up.
Tim and Tony were on their way over to them when Tim tripped over a loose corner of the rug and stumbled into Genevieve hands groping her as he clumsily tried to catch himself.
"Whoa there Timmy boy watch where you are going man." Tony teased "hands to yourself."
Jen smiled "what a way to say hello Tim".
When McGee realized who she was he turned beet red "oh Ms. Gibbs-I am -I am so sorry I didn't mean - the rug" he babbled.
Jen laughed "Tim its ok, I am teasing you." She said with a smile.
He sighed "I am still sorry."
She smirked at him “its fine."
Tim finally stopped hyperventilating and started to return to his normal shade and realized Tony was staring at Jen with a weird look. "How do you know Tim?" Tony asked.
" I met him when I was called when Gibbs was in the hospital." Jen replied.
Gibbs gave a small smile as he walked over handing a glass of champagne to her and Abby.
“Who called you when I was in the hospital?” Gibbs asked.
“Who do you think called me?” she asked.
He chuckled “Mike right” he said “You look nice” Gibbs added
“Where’s Bruce?” Tony asked.
“Not 100% sure at the moment.” Jen answered.
"He and Tony are in the bathroom.” Pepper said walking up to the group, “I am sorry Jen-as soon as they get out I will make sure to rescue your date-and kill mine. I swear it’s like they are dating each other instead of-” She froze realizing what she was about to say.
“Science boyfriends instead of just Science bros?” Jen teased with a small laugh.
Gibbs raised eyebrow looking at her.
Pepper laughed relieved that Genevieve was joking and not upset with her almost slip of the tongue.
“Tony won't let him out of his sight" Jen said in way of explanation. “This is Pepper Potts by the way she is the CEO of STARK Industries.” She added looking at Ducky, Abby and Tim.
"Did something happen after we left?" Gibbs asked with a tilt of his head-after Pepper shook hands with everyone then slipped away.
“No-sometimes Tony can be-territorial” Jen answered choosing her words carefully.
“Wait a minute Tony as in Tony Stark?” McGee asked with a slight blush.
“Yes” she replied with another amused smile.
McGee got an excited smile on his face “I went to MIT-he-he’s a LEGEND there” He said excitedly.
“Remind me when this is all done-to introduce you.” She said with a smile knowing his earpiece wasn’t in yet or else he would have magically appeared-as he usually does when people are gushing about him.
Jen looked around when she noticed Bruce making his way over to her.
“There you are! Broke free I see” she said with a smile leaning in and kissing his cheek.
Bruce immediately became flustered and red but laughed “yeah-um-yeah” was the only thing he could say.
“Before this starts let me introduce people -this is Tim McGee and Abby Scuito-this is Bruce Banner.” Jen said.
Abby started jumping up and down in excitement “Oh my god Dr. Bruce Banner! I LOVE your work! I always tried to get to one of your lectures at Culver! You are one of the reasons I wanted to become a scientist!” she gushed running over and shaking his hand enthusiastically.
Bruce was shocked at Abby’s excitement and enthusiasm. “WOW-um-thank you.” He stuttered out.
McGee smiled and shook Bruce’s hand. “It’s a pleasure Dr. Banner.”
Bruce nodded “Thank you” he said flustered.
The ballroom was filling up fast and except for Bruce next to her so hadn’t seen anyone else from the team. She was a little surprised-she thought she’d at least have seen Tony making the rounds.
“Someone might need to start a scene soon” came Fury’s voice over the com
“Bored already Nicholas” came Hetty’s voice.
“Of course not Henrietta-but it would liven up this party that is for sure.” Fury said.
The string quartet started playing classical music for couples to dance to. They watched as couples came and went on the dance floor dancing to songs they liked and leaving when either there was a song they didn’t like or the floor became too crowded.
“Come dance with me Bruce” she whispered.
“What?” he asked surprised.
“Come on-come dance with me.” She asked again.
Bruce took a minute to think-he didn’t want people watching them-but the thought of slow dancing with her had it’s obvious appeal. He hasn’t been able to keep his eyes off of her since he walked in tonight.
He nodded “ok” he said taking her hand and pulling her to the edge of the dancefloor.
Jen couldn’t believe she had convinced Bruce to dance with her. She placed her hand on his shoulder and he pulled her into his arms as another slow song began. She smiled looking into his eyes and she couldn’t help it-she kissed him right there in front of everyone.
“Don’t think that’s what Fury meant” came Clint’s amused voice.
Bruce smiled and chuckled as he pulled away but continued to dance. Jen glanced over Bruce’s shoulder and saw Tony watching them. He was at the other corner of the dance floor dancing with Pepper and glaring at Jen. That made her pause and raise an eyebrow at him. He flinched when their eyes met-knowing he had been caught. ‘Hmm maybe Pepper wasn’t joking ‘she thought to herself. The song ended and Bruce pulled away his smile dropping slightly when he noticed her face.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
She shook her head “nothing honey” she said softly kissing his cheek “Thank you for the dance.” She added sweetly.
Bruce smiled and glanced around “hmm-I would have thought Tony would be dancing-he loves this song” he said.
“Oh he’s right over there with Pepper” she said pointing in their general direction.
She looked and saw Tony DiNozzo coming up to them “want to cut in?” she asked with a smirk.
DiNozzo laughed “no-no. Tim is distracting someone-we need to get out of here.” He said quietly.
Both Jen and Bruce scanned the crowd zeroing on Tim shaking General Ross’s hand. She sighed as Bruce paled slightly.
“How do you know about Ross?” Bruce asked.
“I did some research when we got back” DiNozzo said with a shrug.
“Go with Tony-I’ll meet up with you” Jen said.
“Wait no-we aren’t leaving you here” Bruce began.
“You are safer with a NCIS agent-someone Ross doesn’t exactly know-he can protect you. We will see what’s going on and give you the ok if it’s nothing.” Jen replied.
“Might want to listen to her Doc” Clint replied from his perch-wherever that was.
Bruce wanted to argue-but knew she was right. He didn’t need to give Ross anymore ammo to use toward him.
“Come on-follow me” Tony said taking his elbow and disappearing toward the back somewhere.
“What’s going on?” Gibbs asked.
“General Ross has been after Bruce for years now” Jen whispered “How does Tim know him?”
“His father was an admiral” Gibbs said with a shrug.
She laughed “totally different fields there wouldn’t you agree Gunny” she said.
Steve’s voice come over the com “Anyone see Banner?” he asked tiredly-noticing Ross for the first time.
“Don’t worry he’s safe” Jen said.
“How is he safe-where did he go?” Stark snapped.
Jen rolled her eyes and elected not to comment until they all heard one of the Shield agents grunt and the sound of muted gun fire
“And the night truly begins” Jen muttered as all hell broke loose.