Natasha kept her word, and never left Belle's side.
She took the charge of watching over the little girl for Bruce more seriously than any other security job she'd ever had, and did her best to keep Belle's mind occupied so she wouldn't focus and dwell on the incarceration of her father. But because she was so focused on Isabelle's safety, Natasha found herself to be more on edge than normal.
It didn't really become a problem until the following Thursday, when Natasha had Isabelle down on the commons floor, helping her through her history homework, when the elevator doors opened.
Natasha prided herself on knowing everyone who was supposed to be in the Tower, the sound of their feet, the way they coughed or cleared their throats- Natasha knew it. Today, however, the sound of heels on the hard, cold marble floor were unfamiliar, and Natasha silently put a finger to her lips, indicating to Isabelle to be quiet, and she stood and drew her pistol from her belly band holster. She moved silently, having slipped her slide on shoes off at the table where she and Belle had been sitting, the gun held low by her thigh. She rounded the corner and found herself face to face with a quite lovely woman, perhaps in her mid-thirties, who looked quite a bit like an older version of Isabelle, but with bright hazel eyes which were amplified by thick, purple cat-eye framed glasses. She was dressed in a black pencil skirt and blouse with a matching blazer over it, and looked as if she might be on her way to a board meeting or court with her dark wavy hair pulled up into a clip on the back of her head, a few curls falling to frame her face.
"Uh-" Natasha greeted, adjusting the grip on the gun just to call the other woman's attention to it.
"Agent Romanoff, I assume?" The woman greeted with a smile. She seemed to not mind the weapon between them.
"Yes." Natasha confirmed. "Who are you?"
"Oh! Of course!" the woman offered her hand to Natasha in greeting, her smile never faltering. "I'm Jennifer Walter's. Tony called me."
"Aunt Jen?!" Natasha heard Belle exclaim from around the corner, and the sound of her bare feet slapping hard as she sped over and she slammed into Jennifer so hard the two fell over, causing them both to burst into a fit of laughter.
"Aunt Jen?" Natasha ask, arms crossed over her chest and an eyebrow arched high. She replaced her weapon into the holster hidden under her t-shirt.
"Well, not biologically. My mother adopted Bruce when he was ten and I was four, we're actually first cousins, but legally and emotionally, we're siblings. We don't typically tell people about the adoption part, just leave it simple. So in that aspect, I'm his little sister, so Belle's aunt." She explained as Belle pulled the woman back to her feet.
"I missed you!" Belle cried as she snuggled back into the waist of the woman, who still seemed to stumble back under the small child's strength.
"I missed you, too, Bella-Boo!" Jennifer assured her, stroking her hair. Natasha watched as the joy on Isabelle's face fell and turned to fear, and she let go of her aunt and stepped back toward Natasha.
"You're not going to take me away again, are you?" Isabelle peeped, and she grabbed Natasha's hand and held on tightly. Natasha looked from Belle to Jennifer and back, squeezing Belle's hand back in both a comforting and protective fashion.
"Oh..." Jennifer's face also fell, and a look of remorse took her over. "No, sweetie. I'm not here for anything like that. I'm here for work things. Mr. Stark ask me to come join your father's legal team." Jennifer explained.
"Promise?" Isabelle pleaded, her large brown eyes swelling full of tears.
"I do." She agreed with a nod. "I'm just on my way up to speak with him, but the driver that picked me up from the airport suggested I might catch you here, and I wanted a hug."
"Oh, okay." Isabelle nodded. "Are you going to help me get daddy back?"
"I'm going to do my best." Jennifer nodded again.
"I miss my daddy..." Belle stammered out, her voice giving away how distressed she'd become over the situation.
"Me too, kiddo. I'm sorry I haven't seen you guys in a while." Jennifer said with a sigh. "Work keeps me busy, which isn't a good enough excuse to stay away from my big brother and favorite niece."
"I'm your only niece..." Belle corrected with a small laugh.
"Well, you're my favorite out of everyone else's nieces, too. You're the best one." Jennifer assured her. "Gimme another hug before I go meet with the rest of Bruce's team, yeah?"
Isabelle hesitated at first, but then stepped forward and gave Jennifer another tight hug before she turned and headed back to the elevator, with assurance that she would come and see Belle again later on. After the elevator doors closed, Natasha turned and looked at Isabelle.
"I feel like there is a story there, huh?" She ask gesturing for Belle to follow her back to the table.
"When daddy had his accident, the government took me away." Belle admitted quietly. "I was so scared, and I stayed in a foster home for three days, but then I guess they found out dad's next of kin was Aunt Jennifer, so they called her and she came and got me. I stayed with her in DC until he got the deal for Doctors without Boarders and we went to India."
"Oh." Natasha whispered. "Belle, I'm so sorry. But like Uncle Tony said, nobody is taking you from your home again."
"I know." Belle nodded.
"Promise you know? I will never let that happen to you." Natasha said, her voice hard and eyes firm. Belle nodded.
"I do know." Belle agreed. "I saw the gun."
"Well, old habits die hard, and I'll keep you safe no matter what." Natasha shrugged. Isabelle simply smiled and hugged tight into the spy.
Jennifer walked into the room she was told would house their meeting, noting that she already knew who a few of the attorneys in the room where, not that she was surprised that the famous Tony Stark would have a world class legal team on speed dial. She smiled brightly and shook hands as she made her way through the room toward a table that had an assortment of snack and finger foods, as well as files with each lawyer's name across the front.
She didn't see Mr. Stark anywhere just yet, so she simply grabbed a plate and a muffin before finding the folder with her name on it and taking a seat. She flipped open her folder to find inside were copies of complaints against General Ross for several different things from both soldiers under his command and other civilians who were under contract for government research he was overseeing, like Bruce had been.
Where were at least a dozen cases, maybe more if she took the time to separate them, which she planned to do later on. Behind all of the notes and copies she found a small, hand written note.
'Hey Jen-
Always planning ahead, I have been keeping up with Ross' missteps, just like you suggested.
I hate we haven't been in touch, but things have been a little weird- I'm sure you've seen the news-
Plus, I know how busy the political elite are keeping you... Big shot. Proud of you, by the way.
If you're reading this, it became necessary for Tony to call you in, and I'm sorry about that.
But you're also the best lawyer I know, and I guess you'll never be free of my neediness. Sorry about that, too.
Hold Belle extra tight for me, until I'm back again.
Thanks Baby Sister-
All my love,
Bruce'
Jennifer felt herself frowning too deeply as she re-read the note, so she placed the reports back on top of it and began to skim over one of the first cases. She jumped when the doors swung open hard and Tony Stark himself strolled in. He smiled brightly, removing his trademark Aviator style sunglasses and placing them in his lapel pocket of the Tom Ford suit he wore.
"Well good afternoon to the dream team!" Tony boomed, making his way in, shaking hands and thanking each person for coming as he did. He saved Jennifer for last, and held to her hand a bit longer as he introduced himself. "You really do look like an all grown up Belle." Tony complimented. "Or Bruce in a skirt."
"What a nice compliment for Bruce." Jennifer replied with a wink. "Glad to meet you, Mr. Stark. Thank you for caring so much for my family."
"They're my brother and niece now, too. Afraid you have to share." Tony replied with a grin. "Thanks for coming to fight."
"Anytime." Jennifer nodded, retaking her seat. Tony settled himself down beside her and motioned for the others to all be seated.
"Alright, team." Tony addressed, slapping at the table. "I know none of you are wondering why I called you here, because CNN hasn't talked about anything else in days. You're all here because you're the best at the type of defense you provide, and we're going to need it. Ladies and gentlemen, first off, I'd like to introduce the councilor who will be leading our representation, Jennifer Walters. She's not only a world class attorney, she's also Dr. Banner's younger sister."
Jennifer gave an awkward wave and small 'hello' as Tony gestured her way.
"Each of you has a folder and notes on what part of the case we need you to build. Each of you will report to Jennifer about any and everything you find, witnesses, the whole works. I've got a sectioned off place upstairs you'll be working, computers and log-in information provided, again, in your folders. If anyone has any issues with their accommodations, please let myself or Ms. Potts know."
There was a murmuring through the group of collective understanding.
"Ms. Walters, anything you'd like to add?" Tony ask, sitting back.
"Yes, actually. I know how tempting it is to use the sympathy angle, being Bruce is a single parent. However, if I know anything about the man it is that he doesn't want Belle drawn back into anything to do with Ross. So using her on the stand, or even in the audience as a prop is out of the question. Character witnesses that know them personally are fine, but Isabelle is not going to be drawn into this. Understood?" She questioned, scanning the crowd. There were many nods and mumbled agreements. She gave a small, halfhearted and tight lipped smiled and sat back.
"I love that. Completely agree." Tony said. "Otherwise, let's get to work." He clapped his hands and gestured, and the group all began to gather their things so Tony could show them to where they would be working. Jennifer leaned over and cleared her throat.
"Uh, Mr. Stark?" She ask, catching his attention.
"Tony." He corrected.
"Tony." Jennifer repeated. "I hate to be a pest, but..."
"You don't have accommodations yet?" he guessed. The lawyer nodded. "Yes, well. I sort of thought you might want to stay here."
"Here?" She gasp slightly, then attempted to go back to her straight, no nonsense face. "Here in the Avenger's tower?"
"Yeah. Bruce and Belle live here. They have an apartment. You could stay in it, if you'd like. Or you can have your pick of any hotel in the city." Tony replied simply. "I assumed you'd want to stay with Belle, but she's well cared for, if you'd rather not."
"Oh, no!" Jennifer exclaimed. "No, thank you, Tony. I'd much rather be with my niece, please. I'm afraid I haven't really gotten to see her in quite some time."
"Great. I'll show you to their place after we get you all settled into where you'll be working." Tony gestured toward the door. "Follow me?"
Bruce was growing impatient.
The growling in the back of his mind was a constant, dull roar; he had to keep a constant dialogue reminding his larger half that they had to remain calm, for Isabelle's sake if nothing else. But captivity was not suiting him well.
He'd been pacing the floor of his cell, waiting for Ross to come and make his demands for the day, as he had each afternoon for the past week, since they'd taken him.
The first two days were simple, stay calm and relaxed enough to allow a very frightened young phlebotomist to come and draw a few vials of his blood.
The third day, it was some sort of bizarre psychological assessment.
The fourth, he'd been given a list of things we'd like to be more comfortable; books, pillow type, meal preferences. Bruce decided to make them a bit more extravagant than he normally would, just to be a pest. To his surprise, they met them all with no argument or even comment. He'd even managed to get a record player and several classical albums brought in.
The fifth day, he was taken from his cell and shown a laboratory where Ross explained he would be expected to work when ask, and he was allowed to move around and explore the set up and machinery.
Today, on day six, he was not sure what to expect. But he did know he wanted a phone call. He could hear the General's overly polished boots coming down the hall, right on schedule, and he stopped his pacing.
"General Ross." Bruce grunted as the older man stopped on the other side of the glass before him.
"Good afternoon, Dr. Banner." Ross replied with a grin that Bruce wanted nothing more than to beat off his face.
"Before you make your usual demands, I have one of my own." Bruce growled, his eyes narrowed.
"Oh, is that so?" Ross scoffed, rolling his eyes.
"I want to speak to my daughter." Bruce explained.
"No." Ross barked immediately.
"What?" Bruce roared, slamming his fists against the thick glass between them.
"I just don't think it's the best idea, that's all." Ross replied with a casual shrug.
"Why the hell not?" Bruce snapped back through gritted teeth.
"Temper temper." Ross laughed. "I just think, for the little one's best interest, of course, that you speaking to her right now might be more stressful and upsetting than anything."
"Fuck you." Bruce said, spitting at the glass.
The General gave a self-satisfied smirk and shook his head.
"I can see you're not in the best mood, Doc. I'll give you some time to cool off. See you tomorrow." Ross turned on his heels to leave, and Bruce ran back up and banged on the glass with both fists.
"Wait!" He called after Ross. "Please!"
"Yes?" Ross replied, looking over his shoulder.
"I know she's scared. I just want to tell her I'm okay and I love her." Bruce begged. "Please."
"We'll see if that might be a possibility soon, Dr. Banner. But for now, I think you need some time to relax." The general marched off, Bruce begging and screaming after him until he heard the large steel door buzz open and shut once more. He had been banging loudly on the glass after Ross as he walked away, and upon hearing the door shut he slumped against it and slid down to the floor, curling himself into a ball.
He allowed the tears to flow down his face, hot and angry. He looked at his hands, which were curled into tight fists and had turned totally green, the color creeping up his wrists, almost to elbow level. He released the fists and flexed his hands, breathing deep. He looked up to where he knew the camera was on him and shook his head.
'LEAVE' the voice in his head growled.
"We can't." Bruce replied aloud.
'We can. Hulk can.' Hulk grunted.
"They're take Belle." Bruce reasoned.
'Not from Hulk.' Hulk snorted.
"Can't risk it." Bruce replied, looking at the ceiling. "We're between a rock and a hard place, Big Guy."
'Smash both' Hulk grunted again, and Bruce smiled in spite of it all.
"Wish we could." He agreed, tapping the back of his head lightly on the wall. "Wish we could."
The intercom on the ceiling crackled for a moment, then the voice of the General came on.
"Dr. Banner." He addressed, and Bruce groaned.
"Sir." He replied, his teeth clenched. He did not look to the camera.
"I will deliver her a letter, if you'd like." He replied. "I know this isn't ideal, but, I get it."
"Yeah, you fucking should." Bruce reminded him, knowing he was also a single father.
"Stationary will be delivered with your evening meal." Ross replied before shutting off communication.
"Well, better than nothing." Bruce shrugged.
He stood from where he'd fell to the floor and dusted himself off. They'd taken his clothes from him and forced him to wear scrubs, similar to the ones prisoners wear, but in a dark blue. He moved over to his bed and laid down, staring up at the blank white ceiling. He tried to think of words of comfort he could give his child to help to not be afraid, and to know that even though this situation was terrible, he was safe and alive, so she didn't need to worry. He knew her well, and how she worried, and it scared him to think he had no idea how she was, though he trusted Tony completely. Ross had denied him communication with everyone he'd requested thus far, so he had not been able to talk to his friend, either. But he knew Tony had Belle safe and loved, and he was sure both he and Pepper were doing everything they could to keep her distracted.
He found his mind wondering to their neighbor, the spy.
Natasha was a enigma, to say the least.
She was a very guarded and cold woman when you first met her, though Bruce had began to notice she was very warm and loving once you chipped away at the harsh, reinforced exterior. She was beautiful and witty, and she had a bond with Bruce's daughter that he couldn't explain but he did adore. She had taken to Belle, and Belle had almost as fast grown very attached to her in return.
Natasha had been very kind to both of them from the start, and Bruce was not used to. She'd lacked any sort of judgement with either of them, although Bruce knew she had SHIELD's files on him and had more than enough information to form an opinion.
He wondered if Natasha was helping with Belle, and he found himself hoping she was safe and happy, too. It almost caught him off guard, and he shook it off, bringing himself back to the drafts of the letter he was preparing to write later in the evening. The fact that a teammate was fond of his very adorable and lovable child shouldn't give him butterflies this way- Bruce scolded himself. He knew better.
Or maybe it was the sly smiles he occasionally caught from the redhead.
Bruce groaned and rubbed his face roughly with his palms and forced himself to sit up.
Being alone with his thoughts was harder than he remembered.
Hello everyone! If you recognize the name Jennifer Walters- its because yes, she is She-Hulk (not yet, of course) but she is a great lawyer, and as we all know, Bruce needs one.
I hope you're all well, and thank you so much for reading. Be sure to follow for updates and please, leave a review!