Fated Marks What if...

FM with an AIMT Twist…

July 1997-

“Hm hm hm.” I hummed as I worked on my word search puzzle. It was movie trivia themed. You had to solve the hint before you could look for the word.

Most four year old’s would be frustrated or bored by puzzles like this. And I had to admit it was a bit boring. Especially because my mom bought me the same puzzle book two weeks ago and I had already solved it. I wasn’t going to complain. Solving the same puzzle again at least helped distract me from the shouting going on down stairs.

It was nothing new but screaming was always the start of things going wrong.

‘What day does Marty travel back to in ‘Back to the Future?’ I thought.

And to this day I can’t believe that was the first thing I said to them. Mostly because it was the easiest trivia question ever and they all got it wrong.

‘Back to the future? That’s the worst time travel movie. Try terminator next time.’ One of them said.

‘Who is this Marty and how does he travel in time? Does he hail from Niflheim?’ Another one with a strange accent said.

‘Is Back to the future the one with the Delorean?’ Another said.

‘You’re a nerd.’ Another deadpanned.

‘That’s a good movie, I know it was 1955 I just don’t know the date.’ The last one said.

I remember dropped my pen and slowly looked behind me thinking some guys that got mad at my mom or Hadrian came to visit again. But there was no one there. I remember I looked under my bed and in my closet and finding nothing.

‘Am I imagining things or am I going crazy like him?’ I said.

‘I’m pretty drunk right now but this is the first time I’ve heard you.’ He said.

‘I can assure you little one I am very real.’ The one with an accent said.

‘Uh… You’re not here...’ The next one said.

‘I’m in your head. Or we can hear each other in our heads.’ The blunt one that sounded like a girl said.

‘You’re not crazy.’ The last one said sounding a bit amused. ‘I know crazy and you’re not even close to that.”

‘Who are you?’ I asked.

‘Me?’ They all said at the same time.

‘There’s more than one of you?’ I asked confused as my head started hurting with all the extra noise.

‘Wait there’s more than one? I just hear you.’ The drunk one said.

‘You hear others?’ The accented one said.

‘I only hear you but you hear others too?’ one said.

‘This is weird.’ The girl said.

‘Wow didn’t even know that was a thing.’ The last one said.

“Ow too loud.” I groaned covering my ears as I noticed the marks that appeared on my wrists. “Indoor voice. I didn’t draw on my hand.”

“Oh shit.” The drunk one said.

“A bird.” The accent one said.

“I need a minute.” One said sounding like he was panicking.

“Vot- dermo” The serious one said in a phrase I was pretty sure I had heard one of my mom’s friends say.

“Oh shit shit shit! You’re a kid and I just said shit. Shit I said it again.” The last one said.

“Uh…” I groaned again.

“Calliope… we need to… What are you doing?” Allison said rushing into the room grabbing my hand and yanking me up.

“My head is too loud.” I said.

“Your head is loud?” She said looking at me like I was crazy before she looked at my wrist and saw a mark. “You have to be fucking kidding me. We don’t have time for this.”

With that she pulled out a suitcase and started shoving things into it.

“We’re leaving. I’ll deal with you later.” Allison said running around the room grabbing things.

“Not again.” I whispered. “The bad man is coming again.”

‘Bad man?’ The voices in her head said making her head hurt again.

“Ow.” She groaned before her mom grabbed her arm and all but dragged her out.

Weeks Later…

The voices in my head didn’t really stop but I was lucky that they didn’t start talking to me all at once. Well not all the time.

‘Uh where am I?’ One asked.

“Don’t know but I’m guessing you’re hungover again.” I said as I pretended to pay attention in class again.

“Uh not you too.” He groaned. “I work hard I deserve to have some fun.”

“It’s not so fun the next morning. At least hearing you complain like this every day isn’t fun.” I said.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in school or something?” he retorted.

“I am, it’s hard to focus with you whining.” I retorted.

“Fine I’ll leave you alone.” He said as my head went quiet.

I don’t know what he did or why he drank so much but it wasn’t the first time we talked like this and now he was going to ignore me for a few days until he got too drunk and forgot I was in his head again.

For the most part everyone else was quiet. The girl who I figured out was speaking Russian only popped in every once in a while. She would ask questions randomly from the weather, my favorite color, what I ate, what was on TV.

The science guy, or the confused and slightly shy guy would talk to me every day at the same time. Mostly to listen to me talk about school, my homework and to answer any questions I had about science. He was the only person who liked to listen to me talk about computers, math or anything else I read about. He would teach me about what he was researching. Or at least give me a simplified version of what he was doing.

There was Thor of Asgard. Well that was what he called himself. He was funny and a bit of a showoff but a great story teller. He would tell me a story of adventures he and his brother would go on with his friends. Though my favorite character in his stories was Lady Sif. She was awesome. He would tell me about the different worlds and the stars. I’d fall asleep listening to him. He was also really sweet, he would call me Princess. He said if he was a prince then I was considered a princess in his kingdom. I didn’t really buy it but it was still nice of him.

And then there was Clint the only one that actually told me his name. Good to know one of the voices in my head was normal. He was probably the only normal thing in my life at that point. Of course then I had a really bad day after I was tired of moving around and another jerk that my mom decided to date hit me and locked me in a closet. Well he threw me in a closet and Hadrian locked me in there. I decided to run away and he told me about how he ran away to the circus and how it was a huge mistake. I’m pretty sure he was exaggerating to convince me not to do anything reckless.

There was never a day he didn’t at least say good morning or goodnight to me.

Of course they never knew what actually went on in my day to day. They knew my mom had really bad taste in men. They knew my brother was a jerk. They didn’t know that my mom and brother did a lot of illegal things, how I rarely used my real name because we moved around after the family business went to shit and we had to leave and start over. The trail of dead bodies we left behind most of the time.

I was pretty good at hiding things from them. Until I couldn’t anymore.

I was six when my mom left me with Marcel, the closest thing to a father I ever had. I had brothers and sister. I had a real family. People who cared about me not because of what I could do for them but because they genuinely cared about me.

And Two Years Later Allison and Hadrian came back and ruined everything.

‘My mom’s back.’ I said one night. She had come over for dinner to discuss things and give dad an ultimatum. I was lying in bed staring at the ceiling crying because she threatened to take me away from dad.

‘That’s great! I told you there was nothing to worry about.’ Thor said.

‘She’s going to ruin everything.’ I said.

‘Why would you say that Princess?’ Thor said.

‘My mom and brother are not good. They hurt people and that’s why we always move because we’re running away.’ I said.

‘What do you mean by bad things?’ The girl said.

I didn’t say anything. I was a kid and I was afraid. I had seen what Hadrian did to people who got in his way. I saw the faces of people my mom literally sold. Girls my age some even younger. And I helped them without realizing it.

“Cal? Honey it’s okay. I know you’re scared but it’s going to be okay. You have your dad and your brothers and sister. Talk to them they can help and if they can’t we’ll figure it out.” Clint said.

“What if there was a way to fix this but it meant doing something bad? Something my mom and brother would do?” I asked.

‘What does that mean?’ Clint said.

‘No matter where you are I will always come and save you if you need me.’ Thor said.

“This isn’t a fairytale Thor.” I said. “You can’t save me from a dragon and take me to your castle to live happily ever after.”

“I can find you.” Clint said. “I can help.”

I just cried harder because if he did I knew Hadrian would kill them. They were better off without me.

“Hey.” The girl said. “The world isn’t just black and white and things aren’t just good or bad. Life is complicated and sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do to survive.”

“I might hurt a lot of people if I do this.” I said.

“Are you going to kill someone?” She asked.

“I won’t.” I said. “but other people might. People are going to get hurt.”

“Will you?” She asked.

“No matter what I do I’m going to end up losing. But if I do this then my family will be okay and my mom and brother are going to have to stop.” I said. “But two wrongs don’t make a right.”

“No but they’ll keep you alive.” She said. “If I have to choose between everyone else and you, I pick you.”

That just made me cry even more.

“You don’t even know me.” I said.

“I know enough.” She said. “I know your favorite color is blue, that you like high views, that you listen to your music at full blast and sing as loud as you can because it makes you feel less alone and I know you’re one of the few good things in my life and I need you to stay alive.”

“I don’t even know your name.” I said sobbing.

“Natasha.” She said. “My name’s Natasha.”

“I really want to meet you one day Natasha.” I said.

“Then you better stay alive.” Natasha said.

“Bloody Fucking Hell.” I said using my brother and sister’s favorite phrase when things went wrong. I got out of bed and quietly went to turn on my laptop. I got to work hacking into the right databases and getting into my mom’s computer through the network. It’s pretty easy to get in when you’re the one that said up the system to begin with and from there I just created a paper trail a certain dirty cop was sure to find. I made it so obvious even a blind person would see it.

‘You’re thinking too loud.’ A very familiar voice groaned in my head

‘I’m kind of busy right now.’ I said not in the mood to deal with a drunk.

‘I don’t know where you live but I’m sure it’s past your bed time.’ He said.

‘Pot meet kettle.’ I retorted as I typed away

‘Touche’ He said amused. ‘How’s Santa going to drop off your presents if you’re still awake?’

“It’s the middle of April.” I deadpanned.

‘Right.’ He said. ‘The boogeyman is going to eat you if you stay up late.’

“I’m almost eight not two.” I said. “I get you’re lonely but my mom finally popped back in after two years and I’m trying to make sure she doesn’t ruin things like she always does.”

‘Oh that sucks and I get it.’ He said.

“I doubt it.” I answered.

“No matter what I did I was never good enough for him.” He said.

“Did he murder your nanny?” I retorted.

‘Uh… if by murder you mean did he sleep with her? Then yes.’ He said. ‘Murder?’

‘Bad joke.’ I said not really wanting to get into it. A trip own past murders lane was not something I had time for right now. Uncovering all the evidence I had helped bury took longer than I expected. Basically all night.

I didn’t even realize how long it had been until Dad knocked on my door the next morning.

“Rise and… shine.” Dad said immediately concerned as he noticed I quickly covered up what I was working on.

“Morning.” I said forcing a smile.

“Hey.” Dad said choosing to ignore what he just saw. “Were you up all night?”

“I couldn’t sleep.” I admitted.

“Cal.” He said with a sigh. “You know you don’t have to worry about anything. Elijah, Nick and I are going to figure it out.”

“You don’t know what they’re like together.” I said. “The things they do…”

“Hey hey it’s okay.” He said hugging me. “Nothing’s going to happen to you. I’m not going to let her take you away. We’re your family and family sticks together. Always and forever. I promise you no matter that’s never going to change.”

“Promise?” I asked.

“Promise.” He said kissing the top of my head. “How about we do something today? Just the two of us?”

“But you have work and I have school?” I said.

“I won’t tell if you won’t.” he said with a smirk.

“Okay.” I said hugging him tight before running to go get ready.

That was the last good day I had in a very long time.

It was that weekend during my birthday party that things got complicated. I was a nervous wreck the entire day. I couldn’t even eat any candy or cake because of how nauseous I felt that day. My birthday always sucked but I have to say that one was by far the worst.

The cliff notes version of it, a children’s birthday party was crashed by the Russian mob, the head of a human trafficking ring, my psychopath older brother, my selfish mother and her debt collectors. The birthday party turned into a wedding for my mother and Stepdad three or four, I lost track. Hadrian had somehow picked up a priest on the way to the party. Then right after they said their I Do’s the party was crashed yet again only this time by federal agents and the crooked cop that would end up in jail before the end of the weekend.

‘This is the worst birthday ever.’ I thought as I watched everyone in the room yelling at each other. Dad yelling at Mom telling her there was no way. I was crying because as everyone was yelling and threatening each other my world was falling apart around me.

‘It’s going to be okay.’ Clint said.

‘No it’s not.’ I said.

‘I know things are bad right now but they will get better.’ The smart one said.

I looked over to the staircase where Rebekah and Kol were hiding as they listened to everything both scared because they had never been up close to the family business and I was the one that dragged them into this mess.

“Dad.” I said walking over and taking his hand.

“Cal why don’t you…” he started.

“It’s okay I’ll go.” I said.

“What? No sweetie you don’t have to this is your home.” Dad insisted.

“You should listen to her. She’s obviously smarter than you.” Mom said with a smirk. “Calliope knows where she really belongs. With her real family.”

“Says the woman that abandoned her for two years.” Nik retorted.

“Shut up. This is none of your business.” Hadrian said.

“Dad She’s not going to stop. He won’t either.” I said giving Hadrian a look. “If I go they’ll leave you alone and you’ll be safe.”

“Sweetheart it’s not your job to worry about us or to keep us safe.” Dad said tearing up.

“It is if I’m the only one that can do it.” I said and he gave me a heartbroken look. “It’s okay. I survived before, I’ll do it again.”

 With that I let go of him.

“Can I have a minute to get my things?” I asked my mom.

“Hurry we have a flight to catch.” She said annoyed.

With that I rushed upstairs quickly started stuffing my things into a bag.

“Cal what are you doing. You can’t go.” Rebekah cried.

“I have to. I’m sorry. This is my fault.” I said.

“No it’s not it’s hers. She couldn’t stay away.” She sniffled. “She ruined everything.”  

“It’s what she does best.” I said.

“Calliope hurry up!” She yelled from downstairs.

“I’m gonna miss you.” I said tearing up and Rebekah hugged me tight.

“So don’t go.” She said crying. “We’re supposed to be sisters.”

“We are. Always and forever right?” I said letting go and grabbing my things. I went down stairs where Dad was still trying to convince dragon lady with no luck.

“About time. Say goodbye you’re not going to see them again.” Allison said.

I hugged my older brothers who told me to be good but with a bit of mischief every once in a while to keep things fun and to never be ashamed of being the smartest person in the room.

Dad was barely keeping it together.

“I didn’t get a chance to give you your present. I had this made for you.” He said taking out a necklace, one that was just like Rebekah’s. It was a Shield with an M on it. “So you never forget your family loves you.”

I hugged my dad one last time as I cried. He hugged me back tight and didn’t want to let go. Hadrian had to pull me away and out of the house.

‘I’m sorry.’ Natasha said.

“Don’t be. I think I’m not meant to be happy. I’m cursed. And it’s name is Allison and Hadrian.” I said as Allison and Hadrian ranted and complained about how everything went wrong.

‘Oh shit it’s your birthday?’ My normally hungover soulmate said.

“Uh.” I groaned.

And just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse…

We ended up at an airstrip with three Asian guys armed to the teeth with very distinctive tattoos on their necks .

“Mom?” I said as we got out of the car.

“In all these years not once has the FBI ever been as close to catching us as today.” She said. “We’re very good at covering our tracks. Well I should say you are. Not once have you slipped up but somehow they managed to find everything we did in Los Angeles. And Houston, Detroit,… Almost as if they knew where all the dead bodies were buried metaphorically speaking.

“And literally.” Hadrian said with his arms crossed as he shook his head.

That was when I knew they figured it out.

‘And just when I thought things couldn’t get worse.” I thought.

“Princess?” Thor said.

“Uh you might not hear from me in a while… or ever. Sorry.” I said.

“Kid?”

“Cal?”

“Sweetheart?”

They all started freaking out and it was like they could feel the panic I was feeling. Their worrying was suffocating me and just made me feel worse.

“That’s something only the three of us knew.” Allison said. “I didn’t say anything and I know for a fact your brother would never do anything that stupid but you… You and your stupid need to be good. You would do something like that.”

“You weren’t going to stop.” I said tearing up and Hadrian punched me in the stomach had knocking me down to my knees as I struggled to breathe.

“You fucking…” Hadrian said as he kicked me. “Useless brat!”

“You made a mistake and now you’re going to make things right. I had to call in a lot of favors to clean up your mess so know you’re going to help me repay that debt.” Allison said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I coughed before Hadrian grabbed me by the hair and pulled me to my feet. “Ah!”

“I’m going to teach you a lesson you should have learned a long long time ago.” She snarled. “Actions have consequences.”

With that Hadrian threw me into a shipping crate and locked me in it.

‘All the times I dreamed about getting shipped off to boarding school I never thought I’d literally get shipped.’ I said as I tried not to freeze to death.

‘She’s sending you to boarding school?’ Clint asked.

“I don’t know but I’m trying to stay positive and warm. So hopefully this school is somewhere warm.” I said groaning as we hit turbulence and everything just hurt. “Ow.”

‘You okay?’ Clint asked.

‘I took a few hits.” I said.

‘What?!” Clint shouted.

‘Someone Hurt you!” Thor growled. “Who dared hurt my most precious…”

They all got louder.

‘Stop Talking!’ I shouted. ‘I’m in enough pain and I really don’t want to add a headache to the things that hurt right now. Not to mention it’s really cramped in this crate and I’m cold so unless one of you has any idea how to make everything hurt less please be quiet until I pass out.’

“Who the hell are you?” A new voice said.

“Which one of you said that?” I asked.

“Me.” He said.

“Who’s me?” I asked.

“I don’t know.” He said.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

“I don’t know.” He said. “I was in the chair and I… I don’t know.”

“My head is way too crowded.” I groaned.

The months that followed were rough and would haunt me for the rest of my life. I was in China and was fully immersed in the culture. Well the culture inside the Triad’s compound.

It wasn’t too bad. I got slapped every time I spoke English, or asked a question, or cried, or basically breathed in any way they didn’t like. There was also that one time they burned someone alive to convince me to hack federal witness protection to find all the witnesses that were going to testify against one of the bosses.

It worked and I was shipped home. Not literally. They were grateful and gave me a seat on a private jet and also gave me a coin and said that if I ever needed a favor from them to find one of their men and show it to them.

That was a favor I was never going to use.

Allison was waiting on the airstrip for me smiling proudly. I just glared at her and didn’t say a single word to her for a year. It annoyed Allison to no end.

Four and a Half Years Later…

‘She’s dead.’ I kept thinking over and over again.

‘Kid I know this is hard but I promise you it’s going to be okay. It doesn’t feel that way right now but it will be.’ My normally drunk soulmate said in one of his rare moments of wisdom.

‘She’s dead.’ I kept thinking. I didn’t know what was going on with me but I was just frozen. I should be sad but a part of me was relieved then I felt guilty for feeling relieved.

‘There’s no right or wrong way to feel. Just let it out.’ The smart one said.

And I did… by laughing.

“Why the fuck are you laughing?!” Hadrian shouted.

“I don’t know.” I said laughing hysterically.

“You’re a fucking idiot!” With that he stormed out.

It didn’t really hit me until I was at the funeral and the casket was being lowered into the ground.

“She’s gone. She’s actually gone.” I started crying.

“Pull yourself together moron.” Hadrian said annoyed and frustrated. As the two stood in the cemetery alone.

“How… what are we supposed to do now?” I said suddenly realizing I didn’t know what to do. “It’s just us and she always. What do we do?”

“We? There is no we.” Hadrian said. “but I will tell you this.”

With that he stabbed me with a knife on my left side.

“Mom’s gone which means I can do whatever the fuck I want and I want you gone so consider this your warning. You have 24 hours to disappear because if I ever see you again. You’re dead.” Hadrian said. He yanked the knife out of me and threw me into the grave.

“Ah!” I gasped putting my hand on my side as I started bleeding. “Oh shit.”

“Cal do you need to talk?” Clint said.

“Uh I think I’m dying.” I said.

“Just breathe. I know you’re going through a lot…” He started.

“I’m bleeding. There’s blood.” I said.

“What? Blood? What happened?” Natasha said.

“He stabbed me. That jerk stabbed me.” I said. “He stabbed me and threw me in a grave. Ew I’m in my mom’s grave.”

“He stabbed you?!” Multiple voices said.

“Yeah and it hurts. And I have 24 hours to leave or he’ll kill me. And I’m bleeding. This is bad.” I said.

“Okay Cal deep breath.” Clint said. “Don’t panic.”

“Telling me not to panic isn’t helping Clint!” I cried out.

“Stop!” Natasha said. “Take a deep breath. Stay calm slow your heart rate. Where did he stab you?”

“Lower left side, above my hip.” I said trying to sit up.

“Okay. You need to press down on the wound. It’ll slow the bleeding until you get to the hospital.” Natasha said.

“No hospitals.” I said. “They’ll call the cops. He basically owns the whole department. I have less than 24 hours to disappear and I can’t waste time.”

“Where are you?” Clint insisted.

“Not telling you.” I said.

“Stop being stubborn and let me help you!” He said frustrated.

“By doing what? Coming over and getting yourself killed? Do I have to remind you he just stabbed me and threw me into my mom’s grave?” I said leaning against a side of the grave to try and get on my feet.

“Let him try, I can take him.” Clint said.

“Cal I swear to you I will slay that horrid beast who ever dared hurt you!” thor growled.

“I’m putting you two on hold because I need someone helpful.” I said. “Nat any ideas?”

“Isn’t one of the other guys a doctor?” She asked.

“Right, I should probably get out of the grave first.” I said. “This is going to hurt.”

It took a few tries but I managed to get out and somehow got home. I blacked out a few times.

“Are you drunk?” The surprising sober at the moment one said.

“No but it’s been a rough day.” I said stumbling into the bathroom. “Hey how’s my favorite doctor today?”

“Hi?” He said confused. “Um… feeling better?”

“Not really. I actually need help. So uh… I sort of got hurt today and need medical advice.” I said.

“Then you should go to the hospital.” He said.

“I can’t. So how would I treat a stab wound?” I asked.

“You got stabbed?” he said.

“Yes and it hurts, lost some blood and have to get moving so what do I do?” I asked.

“Uh go to a hospital.” He said.

“Uh…” I cried out in frustration.

“I’m sorry, I’m not that type of doctor.” He said.

“You said you did biology. That’s normally premed.” I said.

“I was more interested in research.” He said.

“Okay Nat, Apparently he’s not that type of doctor but you took a lot of survival courses when you were a kid. You got anything or can you google what to do please?” I asked.

“Clint.” She said.

“Cal you need to listen…” he started.

“Wait you two can hear each other?” I said.

“Cal focus.” Clint said. “You’re going to need a few things. A threading needle, floss, alcohol, and a lighter.”

“Why do I need a lighter?” I asked.

“Just do it.” Natasha said and I opened drawers and started pulling stuff out.

“I have everything except the lighter. Mom got rid of them all after Hadrian started a fire in the living room when he got in a fight with his girlfriend.” I said.

“You need something that gets really hot.” Clint said.

“Curling Iron.” Natasha said.

“Plugging it in.” I said. “Now?”

“Pour the alcohol on the stab wound.” Clint said. “It’s going to…”

“Ah!” I cried out. “That burns.”

“Yeah. You need to clean it out especially if you got dirt on it. Once you do that dip the needle and floss in the alcohol, thread the needle and sew your skin together.” He said.

“I hate needles.” I said.

“Just wait, it gets worse.” Natasha said.

“You don’t say.” I said. “You two want to tell me how long you’ve been able to hear each other?”

“Since we met.” They said at the same time.

“Which was… ah!” I hissed in pain.

“Not telling. Not until you tell us where you are.” Clint said.

“There’s no point, I’m not planning on sticking around much longer.” I said as I kept stitching my wound closed.

“Let us help you.” Natasha said.

“You can’t.” I said.

“Yes we can. You’re 13. You’re alone and your brother just stabbed you and wants to kill you.” Clint said.

“He’s been trying to kill me my whole life.” I said. “He’s stronger than me but not smarter. I just need to work fast and I’ll be fine.”

“You’ll be faster with us.” Clint said.

“Clint.” Natasha said to him.

“No.” he said.

“She’d understand how we can help her.” Natasha said.

“We agreed she needed to stay away from what we do.” He said.

“She got stabbed and that psychopath wants her dead.” Natasha deadpanned.

“Guys I have no idea what you’re talking about but I’m finally at the part I need the curling iron for and after that I’m going to disappear. I appreciate you helping me and wanting to keep helping me but you can’t and that’s okay.” I said. “I love you guys and you never know maybe we’ll end up in the same city one day. So stop fighting and wish me luck because this is going to hurt.”

With that used a curling iron to cauterize my stab wound. I really hope I never have to do that again.

“Ah!” I cried out tearing up. Once I was sure the wound was closed and bandaged up correctly I got to work. Hadrian knew the usual protocol we always used to disappear so just leaving wouldn’t be enough. I had to slow him down.

That meant taking away as many resources as I could. I donated all the money we had in the bank, liquidated all our assets and even got rid of the accounts he didn’t even know about just to be safe. From there I memorized all the ledgers before burning them in the fireplace. Lastly I unburied some of the dead bodies and made sure the federal agents from Chicago knew where he was now.

He was definitely going to be mad but he was already trying to kill me what more could he do.

I grabbed my bag, all the emergency cash in the house and a ghost ID’s before running away.

I jumped around for the next few weeks. I didn’t feel safe anywhere. I was paranoid and felt like I was being watched constantly even if I knew I really wasn’t.

“Cal please just tell us where you are?” Clint asked for the hundredth time.

“Or telling us where to meet you works too. We can help.” Natasha said.

“Uh…” I groaned as I stared at the ceiling trying and failing to get any sleep.

“That’s like the thousandth time you’ve sighed today. Want to talk?” My surprisingly still sober soulmate said.

“I’m on my own for the first time ever, My brother wants me dead, I’m on the lamb and am probably going to be for the rest of my life, it’s only been a few weeks and I don’t know how long I can keep doing this.” I admitted.

“You’ve been on your own even when your mom and brother were around.” He said.

“But I’ve never felt this shitty about it.” I said.

“That’s probably because you’re not sleeping. The other guys still trying to get you to tell them where you are?” He asked.

“They’ve never stopped.” I said.

“Maybe you should tell them.” He said.

“You do realize I have a huge target on my back, not just my psycho older brother but the Russian mob, Italians, the cartels, the triad… and everyone else mom might have pissed off, I’d get them killed.” I said.

“That’s why I didn’t even try to convince you to come to Malibu.” He said.

“I thought it was because you didn’t want me to ruin your playboy lifestyle?” I retorted.

“That too.” He said. “if you really wanted to though…”

“Nope.” I said right away.

“Forget I asked.” He said. “Just get some sleep and from there take it one step at a time. You’ll figure it out.”

“You make it sound easy.” I said.

“It’s not. That why you pretend you figured it out and make it up as you go. That’s what being an adult is all about.” He said.

“That surprisingly good advice.” I said.

“I have my moments.” He said.

“You’re a good guy, I don’t know why you pretend to be a douche.” I said turning on my side trying to get comfortable on the lumpy mattress.

“Thanks.” He said chuckling. “If things got really bad you’d say something right?”

“Mhmm sleep.” I said drifting off to sleep.

Two Years Later…

He was right, one step at a time makes things easier to manage. I started slowing down, finding ways to keep busy like school, work, learning everything I could about everything and I stayed on the move. I didn’t stay anywhere for too long. Never more than a couple of months. Took jobs that only paid cash in places where they didn’t care about things like how old I was or if the ID I showed them was real.

And for two years it worked… until Flagstaff.

I got comfortable and started slipping up. I built a life for the first time ever I was making long term plans and even thinking about college.

Until I got home one day from work and found a dead bird on my doorstep.

“Shit.” I said.

“Did you miss the bus again?” Natasha teased.

“No there’s a dead bird on my doorstep.” I said.

“Must’ve fallen from it’s nest or a power line.” Clint said.

“Yeah, except I live in a third floor walk up. And there’s a note tied around it’s neck.” I said.

“Shit.” They both said.

“He found me.” I said.

“Where are you?” Clint said.

“No.” I said.

“Look you had two years and it worked but he found you which means he’ll find you again no matter where you go. Tell us where you are.” Natasha said.

“I’m not bringing you into this.” I said.

“We can help.” Clint said.

“Guys I know what I’m doing. He’s going to expect me to leave so I will. At least he’ll think I did. I’ll find another apartment. It’ll be fine.” I said.

“Cal that’s not a good idea.” Natasha said.

“It’s a great Idea. I’m good at what I do remember?” I said. “Stop worrying besides aren’t you two on a work trip?”

“Something like that.” They said.

“You two travel a lot. What do you do?” I asked.

“Work.” Natasha said.

“Stuff.” Clint said.

“Natasha you’re rubbing off on Clint. He used to be a lot more creative with his excuses like the story of when he ran away to the circus.” I said.

“That actually happened.” He said.

“Yeah and Natasha is a Russian spy.” I said sarcastically.

“We believe you. Why don’t you believe us?” Clint said.

“if someone told you they ran away and joined a circus where they were trained to become an assassin and instead of guns they use a bow and arrow would you believe them?” I retorted.

“Fair enough.” He said “But if you tell me where you are I can prove it to you.”

“He can show you the posters.” Natasha seconded.

“Maybe later. I have work to do.” I said getting to it.

I thought it worked. I had set up a fake trail, visited a bus station in case I was being followed. Even stayed at a homeless shelter so they’d think I wasn’t living in the apartment anymore.

So after a week I came back home and found my math teacher’s head on my bed. And as I ran out of the apartment I slipped on a puddle of blood and found the elderly couple next door with their throats slit.

“Ah!” I screamed before a pair of boots stopped in front of my face.

“Miss me?” Hadrian said with a smile. That was the last thing I saw before he kicked me in the head and knocked me out.

I was in and out for a while. I was in a car trunk and I was moving or I felt like I was.

“Cal? Come on say something.” Clint said.

“Kid you okay? Were you screaming or was that someone from the party?” My high functioning alcoholic soulmate said.

“You should wake up. You need to wake up.” Said the not that type of doctor.

“Cal, love please say something?” Thor said.

“Calliope Chauncey Adler wake the hell up. You promise you’d be okay. You promised we’d meet one day so that means you have to be okay and wake up!” Natasha said sounding worried.

When I finally came to… well I was wet.

Hadrian poured a bucket of water over me to wake me up.

“Oh good you’re up!” Hadrian said sarcastically.

“Uh… why?” I asked. “I left you alone, I stayed far away from you.”

“And you took all of my money with you.” He said.

“I don’t have the money.” I said.

“I know you don’t. You donated it all to charity?!” he said before punching me in the stomach.

Five days of torture later I was done. I knew it was the end for me but at that point dying would be a relief. I just wanted it all to stop because I was tired of trying to stay strong, of running and hiding, of living everyday looking over my shoulder.

‘Hey drunky.’ I said.

“Kid?” He answered surprised.

“You need to take better care of yourself. Cut down on the drinking and the partying. Find what makes you really happy. Try listening to your assistant and give her a raise. You don’t pay her nearly enough for everything she does for you.” I said.

“Why do you sound like you’re saying goodbye?” he said.

“Just saw something that reminded me of you.” I said not wanting him to worry before blocking him out.

“Hey Doc, You do amazing things in your lab and you’re going to save the world one day but you should really get out more and enjoy it.” I said.

“Okay?” He said confused.

“Thor.” I called out.

‘Cal?’ He said sounding relieved. ‘Are you alright?’

‘I don’t know why you pretend to be a Viking or what it is you fight in all your stories or who the people you hit with a hammer are but you’re one of the best people I know, so they probably deserved it. The stories you told me were the happiest moments of my life and I’m sorry you got stuck with me. You deserve better and I hope you get that.” I said.

“Cal, love I don’t understand.” Thor said confused. “I…”

I shut the connection off and kept going.

“Hey Soldier? Are you awake?” I tried but got nothing. He was the only one that kept me blocked. It was probably for the best but that only left Natasha and Clint.

“Guys?” I said dreading this.

“Cal, What’s going on?” Clint said.

“Did you get out?” Natasha asked.

“No, and I’m not going to.” I said saying it for the first time out loud.

“Don’t say that.” Clint said.

“Clint. Just stop and listen okay.” I said. “It’s been five days. No one knows I’m missing. No one is looking and even if they were they wouldn’t find me in time. When he gets back he’s going to finish what he started and that’s okay.”

“How is that okay?!” Natasha said.

“I’m tired Nat. I’m so tired of how much it hurts to get out of bed every morning, The pain. Constantly being afraid. I just want it to stop and this is the only way it does.” I said.

“Cal just tell us where you are.” Clint begged. “We can help. Please.”

“We’re assassins. Everything we told you is true so stop being a stubborn idiot and tell us where you are!” Natasha said.

“You won’t get here in time and it’s better if you don’t see…” I started.

‘Tell us!” Clint yelled. “Tell us right now because if you die I’ll be right behind you. You’re not the only one that’s stubborn.”

“Clint.” I said trying to talk him out of it.

“Tell us where you are right now because my life isn’t easy either and you’re one best things that’s ever happened to me. You’re what keeps me going. If you’re gone there’s no point to anything anymore.” He said.

“Nat Don’t let him…” I started.

“Same.” Natasha said. “We’ll crash this jet right now.”

“You’re not crashing a plane.” I said.

“Are you really going to take that chance?” She said.

“Don’t do this. I’m not worth it.” I said.

“You are to us.” Clint said. “We love you dummy, even when you’re a stubborn pain in the butt so tell us where you are already.”

“Fine but if I’m dead when you get here promise me you’re not going to do anything stupid.” I said.

“Promise.” They both said immediately.

“Flagstaff, Arizona. Abandoned clothing factory.” I said. “And there’s a brick building across the street. Saw it on our way in.”

“Got it.” Natasha said.

“Hold on we’re on our way.” Clint said.

“Remember your promise.” I said.

“That’s not happening.” He said just as Hadrian walked in.

“You know in all these years of us going back and forth there’s one thing I never got to try. Figured I should cross it off the bucket list.” He said putting down a car battery and jumper cables before clamping them onto the rust metal bed I was tied to. “Tell me if it hurts.”

“Ah!!!” I screamed.

I blacked out after the fifth or sixth shock. It least that’s when I could still feel pain. I went numb and honestly that was when I thought I was dead.

My ears were buzzing and I felt floaty before I started falling and landed on the ground as the bed frame fell.

“Mhm.” I groaned.

“Clint!” I heard someone yell out.

Everything was really bright and like I was staring at the sun and I saw a woman with fiery hair and there was a halo on her head.

“Are you an angel?” I asked.

“Now’s not really a good time to flirt.” She said with a smirk as she quickly cut my hands free from the zipties holding me down.

“They cleared out.” Clint said rushing over to help Nat. “Is she awake?”

“Delirious.” Natasha said.

“You’re pretty.” I said.

“You sure she’s not flirting?” Clint asked.

“I’m glad I met you guys before I was gone.” I said.

“Hey, you’re not going anywhere except the hospital.” He said.

“No hospital.” I mumbled before I passed out again.

“She’s right we can’t take her to a hospital.” Natasha said.

“SHIELD’s out. Coulson and Fury are going to bury us in paperwork until the end of time for ditching the mission and stealing a quinjet.” Clint said quickly patching up my more serious injuries so they could move me.

“I know a guy, He’s on the way.” She said. “And he owes me.”

“Let’s move.” Clint said picking me up and carrying me to the quinjet.

Days Later…

I was floating. I felt like I was floating but the feeling was starting to fade and I started to feel pain.

I opened my eyes and as the sun poured into the room I was in I groaned. I tried lifting up my hand to shield my eyes but it hurt so bad.

“Ah!” I cried out feeling so sore like… well like I got tortured by a psychopath. I looked around the room and was confused because I had no idea where I was. The walls were green and the wooden bed frame and warm quilts made this place seem… cozy like if it was a real home. Only problem was I didn’t know how I got here.

I sat up and moved to the side of the bed. I was dressed in a pair of dark blue and green flannel pants and a light grey short sleeved tee. That was also when I saw the IV line I was connected too.

“Mhm.” I groaned taking a deep breath as I reached over and carefully pulled it out. Then I straightened up and tried to stand. “Ah!”

As soon as I put some weight on my foot I cried out in pain and fell to the ground.

“Shit.” I said.

“You shouldn’t stand on a fractured ankle, and toe…” Natasha said.

“Your thoughts are really loud.” I groaned.

“Those weren’t my thoughts.” She said as she stood over me while holding a tray of food.

“Wait you’re…” I started before I reached over my head and touched her leg. “You’re real and here.”

“Did you really think I was an angel?” She said.

“I was pretty out of it.” I said. “Also the light with the… Hi.”

“Hi. Need help?” Natasha asked.

“Yes please.” I said Natasha put the tray down before kneeling down and slowly and gently helping me back into bed. “You actually came to get me.”

“We did.” Clint said appearing at the bedroom door. “Told you we would.”

“Clint?” I asked making sure I was getting things right.

“Hey Cal.” He said.

“Is now the part where you say I told you so?” I asked.

“No, but I did.” Clint said placing a glass of water on the bedside table with multiple bottles of pills.

“You’ve been out for a few days.” Natasha said putting a tray of food in front of me. “More like a week.”

“What’s the damage?” I asked.

“A concussion, skull fracture, fractured ribs…” She started.

“Punctured lung, fractured wrist, multiple contusions, Fractured ankle, broken toe, not to mention the needles…” Clint started.

“Ah yeah… that.” I said not needing the reminder of the needles he jabbed under my toe nails. “What’d you tell the hospital?”

“We didn’t take you to a hospital.” Natasha said surprising me. “I know a guy.”

“A guy?” I asked.

“Told you we could help.” Clint said grabbing one of the pill bottles and opening them. “You need two of these with food, and one of these after.”

“Are we not going to talk about the giant murdering psychopath elephant in the room?” I asked.

“Eat first.” Natasha said handing me a spoon.

I took it and ate the bowl of soup.

“He got away.” Clint said after I finished. “Do you know where he went?”

“No idea.” I said.

“Think you can find him?” Natasha said.

“Why would I do that?” I said. “I’m in the habit of hiding and trying to stay out of his sight not look for him.”

“He needs be dealt with.” Natasha said.

“That’s the worst idea ever.” I said.

“So what you want to just let him go?” Clint said.

“Do you have any idea how many people have tried to kill him over the years and what he did to them?” I said. “Some are in the ocean, some got dissolved in acid and others he cut into pieces and mailed their heads to their families.”

“That’s another reason he needs to be dealt with.” Clint said.

“No that’s the reason you stay as far away from him as possible.” I said.

“Cal he’s not going to stop and you might not be so lucky next time.” Natasha said.

“Then I guess I have to get better at hiding.” I said trying to get up but my body was not feeling it.”

“Nope.” Clint said gently stopping me.

“You’re not going anywhere any time soon.” Natasha said gently pushing me back into bed.

“He’s probably already after us. And if I was out as long as you said I was…” I started.

“He’s not going to find us here.” Clint said.

“That’s what I said in Flagstaff but then he left a dead bird, and severed head on my bed.” I said.

“This is a safehouse. It’s off the grid. The only people that know about it are in this room.” Clint said.

“There are cameras on the highways…” I started,

“We didn’t take any highways.” Natasha said.

“Back roads too.” I said.

“We didn’t drive.” Clint said. “We flew.”

“You flew? You have a plane?” I said.

“It’s a quinjet and we borrowed it.” He said.

“You borrowed a jet?” I said.

“Something like that.” Natasha said.

“Does the person you borrowed it from know you borrowed it?” I asked.

“They do now.” Clint said. “The jet’s not important what’s important is making sure he doesn’t come after you again and the best way to do that is to take him out.”

“No, you go after him you’ll end up dead.” I said.

“We can handle it.” He insisted.

“No.” I said.

“I thought you were going to stop being so stubborn.” Clint said.

“I never promised that.” I said.

“Cal.” Clint said.

“You know what we’ll figure this out later.” Natasha said ending the conversation knowing how stubborn we both can be. “How about a shower?”

“Sure…” I said a bit weirded out a bit at the fact the two of them were having conversations by just exchanging looks.

The next few days were pretty boring. Clint and Natasha took turns babysitting me. Slowly helping me back on my feet. About two weeks later I could finally make it downstairs on my own.

“You did it.” Clint said.

“About time.” I said feeling a bit sore but making it to the kitchen counter. “Don’t have to carry me anymore.”

“I have bows with bigger draw weights than you.” He said.

“Yeah Yeah Mr. hot guy.” I said.

“Hawkeye.” He corrected.

“You know eagles have better eyesight than hawks.” I said.

“Yeah but eagle eye doesn’t sound cool.” He said.

“True. Where’s Nat?” I asked.

“Went into town for a grocery run. She can’t cook to save her life but she can shop.” Clint said flipping a pancake up in the air.

“So I know we’ve been avoiding talking about it but at some point one of us is going to have to say it.” I said.

“Say what?” Clint said.

“What happens now?” I said. “As nice as this place is I know you and Nat have to go back, you know if you don’t get dragged back once they find the quinjet.”

“You don’t have to worry about it. It’s handled. As for what happens next we deal with Hadrian.” Clint said.

“No.” I said.

“Cal we’re assassins we’ve gone after worse people.” Clint said.

“Okay but if you kill him you’d his girlfriend,” I said.

“Fine who is she?” he said.

“She’s the Romani’s golden child assassin. You take her out her entire family will come after you, not to mention everyone that works for them.” I said.

“Then we hide you. Witness protection.” He said.

“I hacked witness protection when I was eight.” I told him. “There isn’t a way out of this.”

“You’re giving up.” He said.

“No, I’m being honest about what the options are here and I want to make it clear that no matter how things go there’s nothing you could have done.” I said and Clint just gave me a look. “I know you, when things go wrong you immediately blame yourself and none of this is on you.”

Clint sighed before turning off the stove and walking over to me.

“Cal if you think we’re leaving you alone to deal with this you’re wrong. You didn’t have a choice and did what you had to, to survive growing up the way you did. You were alone but you’re not anymore.” He said. “You’re stuck with us. We’ll figure it out. I got Natasha out of the KGB, one psychopath is nothing compared to that. Just focus on getting better okay.”

With that he hugged me. It had been years since anyone had given me a hug. I forgot how nice it was. I put my arms around him and leaned against him for a bit.

As nice as it was to meet them, to feel safe again I couldn’t stay. That was never an option. Everyone I got close to ended up dead and I didn’t want to come home one day to find their heads on my bed.

So after another two weeks while my leg finished healing up I left…

I waited until the middle of the night when I knew they were both asleep. I removed the tracker Natasha put on me that she thought I didn’t know about leaving it in my bed.

I had a bag packed for emergencies hidden under my bed not that I had much in it to begin with then I left the note on the counter before walking away and blocking them for a while.

Hey guys,

You’re probably really mad at me right now, especially if you already figured out I left the tracker Nat placed on me in my room. Sorry but not sorry.

As much as I wish I could have stayed with you at the house I can’t avoid my problems forever. I promise I’m not giving up, it’s just not the right time. Taking out Hadrian won’t solve anything right now but who knows in the future. He has more lives than a cat but he’ll run out eventually I just have to out run him until then. In the mean time I have to stay on the move and stay focused on solving this problem and that means I’m going to have to go deep, and disappear where no one, not even I would be able to find me.

It also means I’m going dark for a while and you’re not going to hear from me. I’m sorry I have to go but I’m glad you two found each other, you’re an amazing team and I know you’ll take care of each other.

Next time we see each other it won’t be when I’m on the brink of death. I’ll find you when it’s safe or close enough.

I’m going to miss you every day but know that I’m always thinking about you.

Love you guys,

Cal

The months that followed I was on the move constantly. I even went as far as to start disguising myself. Dyed my hair, got a nose, eyebrow, and multiple piercings in my ears. I worked odd jobs that paid cash. Stayed in motels that rented by the hour and never stayed anywhere more than two weeks at a time.

Of course I could only do that in small towns for so long, after three months my savings were pretty much gone and odd jobs were hard to come by in small towns. So I decided to risk it and try my luck in New Orleans. There were a lot of tourists there all the time so a new face wouldn’t raise any suspicions. It also meant there were a lot of short term jobs.

So I picked up a few from working as a waitress, cashier at a souvenir shop, and cleaning up the streets after the parties ended.

It was great. I wish I could have stuck around longer but I had to go. So I dyed my hair blonde, got rid of the piercings and slipped on the glasses before making my way out of town.

Of course things rarely ever worked out the way I planned.

I was walking down the street early one morning, all of my possessions in my duffle bag as I walked to the bus station when a van stopped in front of me. The door opened and out of the shop I was walking past came two guys who grabbed my arms threw me in the van where someone put a black hood over my head.

“What are you doing? Where are you taking me?” I asked.

“Don’t ask questions.” One of them said. “Just do as we say and you’ll be fine. No one here is going to hurt you.”

“You have me confused with someone else. I’m just a drifter.” I said.

“We know, we just want to talk.” One of them but their accent was strange… almost familiar.

I was fidgeting in my seat and freaking the hell out. I got kidnapped in broad daylight and I don’t even know who’s behind it considering there were way too many people who be interested in doing this.

Eventually the van stopped and I was pulled out before taken in somewhere. I heard running water almost like a fountain.

“Watch your step.” One of them said guiding me rather carefully inside before they sat me down in a chair and yanked the hood off.

“Ow.” I said rubbing where they yanked some of my hair off with the hood before looking around to see that I was in a dining room.

“What the…” I started before I noticed a really familiar painting hung up on the wall.

“That one was always your favorite.” A very familiar voice said.

“That’s cause you let me hide a message in it.” I said.

“You grew up.” Nik said.

“You got old.” I said with a smirk.

“I thought you were your mom until I saw that.” he said pointing down at my necklace.

“It’s the blonde hair.” I said. “It’s good to see you brother.”

“You too little sister.” He said hugging me. “You have been missed.”

“You have no idea.” I said returning the hug.

“There’s someone that’s going to be very happy to see you.” Nik said.

“Is he…” I said.

“They all are.” Nik said just as I heard footsteps.

“Klaus you’re up early, Were you up all night painting again?” Marcel said.

“No actually I was looking for someone very important.” Nik said stepping aside so he could see me.

He looked at me confused for a second before he started tearing up as he recognized me.

“Dad?” I said.

“Cal.” He said before pulling me into a hug before putting a hand on my shoulder to get a better look at me. “Look at you. You got so big.”

“You look exactly the same.” I said.

“I’m still in the room.” Nik said making us laugh.

“Where have you been?” Dad said. “We looked everywhere for you, we never stopped looking for you.”

“That is a long story.” I said.

“Well good thing we have a full course breakfast ahead of us.” Nik said.

And boy was that a very long breakfast. We cried. We laughed. Argued for a second before we cried and laughed again. By the end of it, I think it was just decided I was not going anywhere, not alone anyway.

Honestly it felt like I had never left.

The family had relocated to New Orleans after the mess in Chicago and they essentially ran the city. They did their business without the police interfering and in exchange they kept the city safe from all crime. New Orleans was the safest tourist city in the US for five years in a row.

All bus stations, airports and ways in were monitored and anyone that came in or out was checked out. Any threats were immediately removed. I was safe.

I actually got to have a life again. I went to school, community college since I had already graduated high school.

I made it clear I was staying out of the family business and no one tried to convince me otherwise. They understood and encouraged me to stay out, to start thinking long term. I did pitch in, in other more legal ways. Managing the legal side of the business, making sure everyone’s stock portfolios were as productive as possible.

After a few months at home I started talking to them again. Not Clint and Natasha, I was kind of scared they’d be mad I left and I didn’t want to get their hopes up.

The alcoholic was surprisingly easy to talk to. I talked to him the first time Kol got drunk and Bekah and I were trying to cover for him with Elijah. Considering he let us stay out late to enjoy the festival on our own.

“Hey.” I said.

“Uh Hi?” He said surprised. “You’re not giving me the silent treatment anymore. Finally forgave me?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong. I was just dealing with some stuff.” I said.

“Older brother?” He asked.

“Yeah, things are better now. I’m not alone. I’m with my dad.” I said.

“You found him?” He asked.

“More like accidentally bumped into him.” I said. “So I never thought I’d be asking you this but… hypothetically if I had to sober up someone really fast how would I go about doing that?”

“Are you drunk?” he asked.

“No my brother is and I need to get him sober enough to get through the day so, what do I do?” I asked.

“Is he awake?” he asked.

“No he’s passed out in a bathtub.” I said.

“Perfect. Turn on the shower. Ice cold water. That’ll wake him up. The shower will make him feel a bit better once he’s out get as much coffee and carbs as you can in him.” He said. “That should do the trick, or at least get him through a few hours.”

“That’s all he needs.” I said. “Thanks.”

A few days after that I talked to the not that type of doctor. It was short and to the point. Mostly him bantering about research. He’s never really opened up to me so not that surprising.

Thor though... Thor was loud.

“Cal you are alive! Where have you been?! What has happened to you?!” he practically screamed.

“I’m okay. I got into a tight spot. And I got kidnapped.” I said.

“You were kidnapped!” He said.

“Just once… well technically twice but the second time was by my brother… the good one. Well goodish.” I said.

“What!?” He said.

“It’s complicated but I promise I’m safe and better now.” I said.

“Better?” Thor said.

“I was a bit injured.” I said.

“What?! How dare that savage monster lay a hand on you!” I swear on the Allfather he shall know the wrath of Thor!” He growled.

“Ow, loud, so loud. Good to know some things haven’t changed.” I said.

Once he got over the initial shock and anger we were back to talking all the time. Apparently his brother turned him into a frog once to get back at him for a prank.

One Year After Flagstaff…

On the one year anniversary of my kidnapping and torture session, things changed. Well not for me.

“What do you mean married?” I asked.

“Exactly what it sounds like.” Elijah said.

“Oh who got married?” Rebekah said walking into the dining room and sitting down at the table.

“Apparently Cal’s psycho older brother married his girlfriend.” Kol said.

“What? Who would be stupid enough to marry that sociopath?” Rebekah said.

“Delilah Roman.” I said.

“Roman? As in…” Rebekah started.

“The Romani? Yes.” Nik said.

“So they’re on his side now?” She asked.

“No quite the opposite. Apparently she broke her engagement with a certain Czech arms dealer that was supposed to end a decades old feud. She’s been disowned.” Dad said.

“Wow, never thought that would happen.” I said. “She’s like their golden child. Her Uncle’s favorite.”

“Well considering he’s dead I don’t think that matters.” Elijah said.

“Javi’s dead? When did that happen?” I asked.

“When Hadrian stabbed him to death after Javi tried to kill him.” Nik said.

“Shit.” I said. “He’s been busy. So the two of them are on their own?”

“Looks like.” Kol said and I started thinking.

“Oh no. I know that look.” Dad said. “That’s your idea face.”

“Hadrian has no friends and Delilah… well she’s worked against… everyone at some point. The only person everyone hates more than her is Hadrian.” I said. “Without her family’s protection it’s just the two of them against everyone.”

“Cal you’ve said it yourself going after him is a death sentence. Not to mention he’s impossible to find.” Kol said.

“He has the knowledge the funds…” Nik said.

“Actually he doesn’t.” I said. “I liquidated all the assets in every account mom had, Off shore, shell corps, bonds, everything and got rid of it.”

“The ledgers…” Elijah started.

“Burned them all.” I said. “The only assets he had when I left was the house in Seattle and whatever cash he had stored in his emergency stashed which would have run out years ago.”

“So what your saying is the big bad wolf isn’t so big or bad anymore?” Nik said.

“Cal as much as I would love to tear into him we have a good thing going here. Crossing into other territory is risky.” Dad said.

“We don’t have to.” I said reaching into my pocket and taking out a gold coin with a dragon engraved on it.

“Where did you get that?” Nik said.

“The Head of the Triad gave it to me before they shipped me back. Said they owed me a favor whatever whenever.” I said. “Think it might be time to cash it in.”

“The triad doesn’t work anywhere near here. Their closest operation to here would be…” Dad said before turning to Elijah.

“DC.” I said. “Chinatown. It’s worth a try. I can go call it in and get back.”

“You are not going alone.” Dad said.

“Dad its safer if I go. If any of you are seen with me things would get ugly fast.” I said.

“You shouldn’t be alone.” He insisted.

“It’s a few days. Just because I’m taking the long way back to cover my tracks and I’ll check in every day.” I said.

“I don’t like this.” Dad said.

“Dad it’ll be fine.” I said. “You don’t have to worry.”

Days Later…

Taking the long way to DC was exhausting mostly because I took a bus to Florida, plane to Baltimore and then a train to DC.

I stayed at a crappy motel off the interstate and checked out the next morning. Opting to get straight to business. Chinatown was busy but if you knew what to look for it was easy to know what to do.

For me that ended up being a butcher shop that specialized in fresh pountry. Fresh meaning the killed and prepped chickens on sight. I walked in and went straight to the head butcher.

“Good morning.” I greeted in Chinese.

The butcher looked at me surprised before eying me up and down. My hair was down, and dyed back to my natural light brown hair. Rebekah had taken to picking out all of my outfits. She enjoyed dressing me up and she was good at it. Plus it gave me one less thing to worry about.

He had picked out a pair of dark wash skinny jeans, a red tank top and a black jacket. It was cute, comfortable and casual.

“Morning. What can I get you?” He said.

“I want to talk to your boss.” I said.

“I own the shop. You are talking to him.” He said.

I took the gold coin and put it on the counter.

“I want to talk to THE boss.” I said. He stared at the coin before looking back at me.

He took off his gloves and wiped his hands. Before nodding at me to follow him.

He led me through to the back of the shop and outside before walking five doors down and knocking three times. A slot slid open.

“She wants to talk to the boss.” The butcher said.

“Who’s she?” The man said.

I didn’t say anything just held up the coin. He closed the slot and opened the door letting me in. He pushed me against the wall and pat me down for any weapons or wires before leading me to the back office.

“Who are you?” The boss said.

“I’m a friend of your boss.” I said.

“How do you know Wenwu?” he asked arching an eyebrow.

“I did him a favor a few years ago and he gave me that in return.” I said.

“There’s only one person he’s ever given one of these too. A kid, a prodigy that got him out of jail.” He said.

“Kids tend to grow up.” I said.

“That they do.” He said. “What do you want?”

“I need someone taken out. He’s been trying to kill me for years and I’m tired of running.” I said.

“Easy. Who is he?” he asked.

“Hadrian Adler.” I said he arched an eyebrow but nodded.

“Consider it done.” He said. “With that we are even.”

“Agreed. Send Wenwu my regards and to Madame Gao as well.” I said.

“Of course.” He said. With that I walked away. If everything went according to plan this would be the last time I ever reverted back to my old ways.

I thought about going straight home but there was something I needed to do.

A few subway stops away I got off and walked down the street. I got lost for a bit before I found the right building making my way up to the top floor. Clint’s DC address was surprisingly easy to find. I was definitely going to mention that to him.

The one thing he did right was not leave a key under his doormat. At least he had some common sense there so I easily picked the lock and let myself in.

“Uh boys.” I said looking at all the clothes thrown around and the empty pizza boxes everywhere.

I sighed putting my bag on the couch and getting to work.

It was early in the morning, it wasn’t like master assassins kept regular business hours. So after throwing out all the empty pizza boxes, vacuuming, doing a few loads of laundry, cleaning out the fridge and then getting groceries the apartment looked habitable.

I was in the middle of making lasagna when my phone started ringing.

“Hey dad.” I said.

“Hey just wanted to check in. Make sure everything’s okay and that you didn’t get shipped off to China again.” Dad said.

“I’m still in the country.” I said layering the pasta, meat sauce and three different cheeses on the baking pan. I was still surprised Clint actually owned one. “Just deciding what I’m going to have for dinner.”

“Well we miss your cooking over here. Your brother and sister decided to try and make dinner and almost burned down the compound.” He said.

“That’s why they’re always on salad duty.” I said.

“Should have done that. Alright just call me when you’re done and when you’re on your way back… text…” He started.

“You really have to stop worrying.” I said. “It’s just a few days.”

“I know.” He said. “Love you.”

“Love you too.” I said before hanging up before I heard something fall in the living room. It was probably the stack of clothes. I had enough surprises trying to clean up my brother’s messes to know not to open other people’s drawers.

The oven timer dinged and I grabbed the oven mitts to take the lasagna out of the oven. As I was bent over lifting it up.

“Hands where I can see them.” Clint said.

“Seriously?” I said turning around and seeing Clint pointing a gun at me. “You’re going to point a gun at the girl who made you dinner and cleaned your apartment?”

“Cal?” He said surprised lowering the gun.

“Miss me?” I said putting the lasagna down as soon as I did Clint pulled me into a hug. “Oh that’s a tight hug.”

“Clint?” Natasha said before Clint let me go.

“Hey Nat.” I said.

“Cal? Where the hell have you been?” She said.

“A few places.” I said. “Can one of you set the table? I’m going to make a quick salad while the lasagna sets.”

“uh… sure.” Clint said looking at Nat as he moved around the kitchen.

“You left.” Natasha said.

“I did.” I said.

“You left and all we got was a note.” Natasha said.

“Yeah, thought it be better because you two would have tried to convince me not to.” I said.

“Then he’s gone?” She asked.

“Not exactly.” I said. “Things are changing, he’s making moves and there might be an opening to do something. I’m just getting the lay of the land before deciding anything. I put some feelers out and I should hear back in the next couple of days. Thought I’d pop in and check in. What’s new with you guys?”

“You’ve been blocking us for a year.” Clint said.

“I was moving around a lot.” I said. “It was just easier to focus. Stay on guard. You know work.”

“And now? You said you were moving around.” Natasha said.

“I found a place. It’s safe, He won’t get anywhere near me while I’m there.” I said mixing the salad.

“Well you look good.” Clint said. “Better than last time.”

“I was pretty banged up last time.” I said taking the salad to the table.

I crashed at Clint’s place for a few days. Knowing him and Nat I knew they were going to put a tracker on me or try to follow me so I left in the middle of the night and I left another note. Pretty sure next time I stopped by they were going to put a bell on the door so I wouldn’t sneak out. I took a train out of DC, then a bus, rented a car and took another bus to get home.

“Is it done?” Rebekah asked.

“There’s a hit on his head, now we wait.” I said walking in.

“And how were they?” She asked.

“The butcher shop smelled and they weren’t great hosts…” I said.

“I wasn’t talking about the Triad.” Rebekah said.

“They were good. A bit annoyed I left last time but they understood.” I said.

“Well at least you said goodbye this time.” She said.

“Uhuh.” I said and she just knew.

“Oh you’re bloody kidding me. Did you sneak out in the middle of the night again?” She said.

“They were going to try and track me and I’d rather just wait until the Hadrian situation is over.” I said.

“If I met my soulmate I would never let them go.” She said.

“If you had a homicidal brother that wanted you dead you’d understand. Besides our situation is… more complicated.” I said.

“I don’t know how you do it with so many of them.” She said.

“It’s a juggling act.” I said smiling as Thor voice popped into my head.

“Oh I know that smile. Thor again?” She asked.

“He’s flirting or at least I think he is. Sometimes I wish he came with a modern English translation like all of Shakespeare’s plays but honestly I think he would make even that sound romantic.” I said.

“Too bad he’s crazy.” She said.

“He’s not crazy, he’s just very creative.” I said. Rebekah just gave me a look. “Okay it’s a little weird that he thinks he’s a Viking and he calls his hammer that weird name I can’t pronounce right but he’s sweet and caring, and his accent is so hot. I could listen to him talk about anything for hours.”

“You do listen to him talk for hours.” Rebekah said.

“Yeah.” I said smiling.

May 2011-

It was just after my eighteenth birthday that I really started to enjoy life. I started managing the restaurant/bar, Rousseau’s. Elijah thought it would be a good place to help clean some of the money. Mostly because restaurants lost a ton of money and it was a good tax deductible. It also helped us get to know the locals and contribute to the community in some way.

Or at least that’s how Dad pitched it to Elijah.

That kept me busy most of the time but a few weeks after my birthday Elijah surprised Rebekah, Kol and I with tickets to a music festival in New Mexico and Kol was oddly excited about it. I had never even heard of the bands that were playing.

“You want us to go to a music festival in the desert by ourselves.” I said.

“You’re all adults.” Elijah said.

“Okay let me rephrase you want us to go to a music festival in the desert by driving across the country in your newly restored classic mustang and where there’s going to be drugs and alcohol and many people doing said drugs near your car?” I asked.

“We trust you all.” Nik said and I just gave him a look. “We trust you and it wouldn’t kill you to have some fun.”

“Okay…” I said. “But the bar…”

“I can handle anything that comes up with the renovation.” Elijah said.

“Alright I guess I’ll go pack.” I said confused about why they were all acting so weird but in this house I knew better than to ask.

The drive was a lot longer than expected. Kol and Rebekah insisted on stopping at every tourist trap along the interstate. A few of them were awesome but the museum of taxidermy was just disturbing.

By the time we got to New Mexico I was ready to go home. The intense heat. The endless desert. The fact that the music festival ended up being all disco cover bands. I didn’t even know that was a thing.

“The poster said it was going to be like Woodstock but with a Tex Mex twist.” Kol said.

“Well to start we’re not even in Texas.” I said.

“I don’t know what’s more disturbing the fact that we’re the youngest people here or the fact that we’re the only ones wearing clothes.” Rebekah said.

“The clothes. Definitely the clothes.” I said seeing more of the greatest generation than I ever wanted to see.

“We could still have fun.” Kol said.

“I’m going home.” I said.

“I’m going anywhere but here.” Rebekah said.

“Wait wait wait. Let’s take a picture to send to Elijah.” He said pulling us all into a huddle and snapping a photo with a bunch of naked people in the background. “Alright this place was a bust but there’s a small town not to far away from here. They were renting a renovated firehouse for the weekend. That could be fun.”

“Okay what’s going on?” I said.

“What?” Kol said.

“Kol you trying very hard for us to stick around, and you just had to stop at every single tourist trap on the way here, add to that Elijah really wanted us to go. He practically paid us to go.” I said. “So what the hell is going on?”

Kol and Rebekah looked at each other.

“The Russians are trying to get into our territory and they’re in town this weekend. Marcel thought it would be best if they didn’t see you and he didn’t want to worry you.” He said.

“Are you kidding me?” I said. “I thought they didn’t go this far south?”

“Normally but Hadrian and Delilah have been making waves. The triad took the hit you put out on him very seriously and are basically hunting him down to the ends of the Earth. Delilah to get back at them took out some of their guys which forced them into Russian territory which…” Rebekah started.

“Made them put on a show of force by expanding into our territory hence the meeting.” I said. “I’m calling dad.”

“No.” Rebekah said.

“The situation is handled. Nik, Elijah and Marcel know what they’re doing. You just need to stay calm.” Kol said.

“And away for a few days.” She said. “I mean when was the last time we had a vacation.”

“Beks our vacation just turned into elderly orgy.” I said.

“Then lets go somewhere else.” Kol said. “That small town. I think we passed by an ayahuasca retreat a few hours back. That could be fun.”

“Isn’t that illegal?” I asked.

“And?” Kol said with a smirk.

“I think I’ll pass on the drugs, we should just head back. By the time we get back if we make all the same stops as before the meeting should be over.” I said.

“We could but… just to be safe we should stick around.” He said.

My siblings insisted on sticking around New Mexico. I think New Orleans has spoiled me because there was nothing to do.

“I’m so bored.” I said.

“Ayahuasca.” Kol said.

“Kol we’re not getting naked, sitting in a hot tent while we go on an acid trip.” Bekah said.

“Ayahuasca is actually a plant.” I corrected.

“Still no.” She said. “We’re going to a spa.”

“I don’t want a mud bath or a massage unless…” Kol started.

“It’s a spa not a brothel.” Bekah said.

“I’ll skip the spa. Every time we go to a spa we end kidnapped.” I said.

“That was one time.” She said.

“one time too many.” I said. “I’ll stay here, have a staycation. Eat a ton of ice cream, maybe go on a hike. I’ll be fine.”

“You shouldn’t be alone.” Kol said.

“We’re in the middle of nowhere, no one knows where we are except Dad, Nik and Elijah. It’ll be fine.” I said.

“You really want to stick around here?” Rebekah asked.

“I don’t really have a choice. I texted Elijah and Nik and they sent me a list of errands they want us to do on our way back. The first of which involves getting Nik a painting for a local artist for a show he’s doing. Elijah wants us to pass my Dallas to pick up a suit they only have there.” I said.

“Busy work?” She said.

“Pretty much but it’ll keep me busy, and I can go over the remodel from here.” I said. “But I’m going to need the car.”

“Then you’re driving us.” Kol said tossing me the keys.

“I figured.” I said.

It took hours to drive each of them to their separate locations. Throughout the day my head was pounding.

“How dare he!” Thor growled.

“Thor us your words.” I said having no idea what he was ranting about. He had been way to caught up and constantly bragging about his coronation I kind of zoned out a lot on him lately.

“The frost giants invaded Asgard and my father wants to do nothing!” He yelled.

“Okay first off please don’t yell. I know you’re upset that your party was crashed by your biggest nemesis but…” I started.

“They invaded Asgard, there were men killed! They tried to steal the tesseract! If they had gotten their hands on it, they would have destroyed entire words!” he said. “They need to be taught a lesson!”

“Thor you should make any rash decisions.” I said. “Calm down and think it through. You don’t want to start another fight.”

“As the future king of Asgard it is my job to protect the nine realms and that means defeating them once and for all.” He said before blocking me.

“Thor?” I called out but he throwing a tantrum and was not going to listen until he calmed down. I sighed before I got something from my favorite drunk.

“Uh… I thought I’d get used to it eventually.” He said.

“if you hate green juice so much why do you keep drinking it.” I said.

“It’s good for you.” He said.

“A lot of things are good for you. Pretty sure one of those would taste better.” I said.

“It’s fine. How’s the vacation?” he asked.

“Pretty horrible. The music festival ended up being some disco cover band orgy.” I said.

“Disco cover band orgy?” He said laughing. “Sounds fun.”

“Ew no. Drunky I saw things.” I said.

“Drunky?” he said.

“There’s a lot of people in my head and I need names to keep everyone straight and since you won’t tell me your name I picked one out for you.” I said.

“Okay fair enough.” He said. “You know you should come to malibu. I’m throwing myself a birthday party. It’s going to be fun.”

“Yeah I think I’ll pass. I’m really not in the mood for an orgy or to deal with drunk old guys.” I said.

“Hey I am not old.” He said.

“Would you tell me if you were?” I asked.

“Probably not. My friends call me Tony.” He said.

“Tony? Is that your real name or fake name?” I said.

“Is Cal your real name?” He said.

“It’s short for Calliope.” I said.

“Calliope? Who names their kid that?” Tony said.

“Drunk former classics major going through a midlife crisis.” I said. “So now that we’re on a first name basis I have to ask, what’s going on with you lately? You’ve been more… you than usual.”

“I’m fine. You know life is so good right now.” He said.

“Are you having a midlife crisis? I hear that happens to guys at a certain age. You know they dye their hair, get tattoos and piercings where they shouldn’t, maybe a motorcycle?” I said.

“I’m not even going to ask how you know about guys getting piercings down there.” Tony said.

“I work at a bar, I hear things.” I said.

“You’re not even old enough to drink.” He said.

“But I am old enough to sell it.” I said. “And I’m still here if you want to talk about whatever it is that’s bothering you.”

“Yeah I know.” Tony said. “if you only had one day left to live what would you do?”

“Are you dying?” I said.

“What no, it’s a what if.” He said.

“Tony as someone who has been on the brink of death I know that the only people who ask that question are the ones who think they’re going to die or are thinking about trying to die.” I said. “And considering you’ve been giving away your things and living life to the fullest I’d go with the former so…”

“Kid I’m just rambling don’t worry about it.” He said.

“And you just said not to worry. Red flag right there.” I said.

“Don’t over think it. I’m fine.” With that he blocked me.

What the fuck was wrong with people today? Or is it me.

“Hey Doc are you okay?” I tried.

“AHHHH!!!” he growled making me wince in pain.

Damn three for three today, Maybe it is me.

I was going down the highway in the middle of the night after dropping off Rebekah. Her meditation spy retreat was giving me cult vibes and making me rethink leaving her alone there.

I was considering going back when suddenly I got hit by a dusty storm and there was a man in front of the car I accidentally hit.

“Shit!” I screamed slamming the breaks and shutting off the car before jumping out of the car. “Hey Hey.” I said kneeling down to check on the blonde and extremely buff man I hit with my car.

“Uh.” He said immediately trying to get up.

‘Sir you shouldn’t move, you got hit by a car and your spine…” I started.

“Heimdall!” He shouted to the sky. “Heimdall open the bifrost.”

“Heimdall?” I said recognizing those words. “Thor?”

“Yes mortal it is I the mighty Thor.” He said before shouting again. “Heimdall.”

“Thor did you just get hit by a car?” I thought and he froze before turning to me.

“Cal?” he asked.

“Hi.” I said.

“You’re…” he started before out of nowhere he got hit by a van!”

“Jane!” Someone yelled.

“Thor!” I said rushing to help him.

“Get the first aid kit.” One of them shouted.

“He needs a hospital.” I said.

“No hospital.” The short brunette said.

“He got hit by two cars in less than five minutes.” I said. “And you knocked him out.”

“Hospital.” The brunette said. They loaded him into the van and took him straight to the hospital where after a struggle with the nurses and doctors he was knocked out. We were told to leave because since we weren’t family we couldn’t be updated.

I was okay with that. I think.

The following morning I woke up debating whether or not I should check on Thor. I mean he was obviously a little off and I ran him over which is surprisingly not the worst way I’ve met a soulmate. Of course then my phone started ringing and the artist Nik wanted me to buy a painting from called saying she wanted to meet that morning.

I had packed to go to a music festival so the nicest outfit I could put together was a short white dress with a pleated skirt with a light purple print topped with one of Bekah’s asymmetrical jackets and heeled ankle boots.

I drove a few streets down and walked into a garage studio.

Where I had no idea what I was looking at.

“uh…” I said staring at the painting not knowing if Gloria, the artist was being serious.

“Magnificent isn’t it?” She said proudly.

“It’s.. something.” I said.

“I want ten for it.” She said.

“Ten?” I said thinking it was ridiculously over priced. “I think the appraisal was only five.”

“Five? Five is an insult.” She said. “Do you what you are looking at?”

“Well…” I said trying to find a nice way to say her painting was a giant penis.

“This is a masterpiece! People will fight over it, If you auction it off you’ll get double that.” She said.

“I understand how proud of your work you are and you should be. I just don’t know if it would be appropriate to display…” She started.

“Don’t tell me you’re a prude the human form is…” She started.

“I meant because of the wall space in the gallery.” I said.

“Oh.” She said.

“if you can give me a few hours to make some calls and see if move some things around?” I asked.

“Of course but I should warn you have two other interested buyers.” Gloria said.

“Of course.” I said with a smile before walking out and calling Nik.

“Did you get my painting?” Nik asked.

“Uh Have you actually seen the painting?” I asked.

“She was recommended by a friend. Her work is amazing.” Nik said.

“Have you seen her more recent work?” I asked.

“She hasn’t had a show in the last five years why?” he said.

“Well for starters she won’t go lower than ten.” I said as I walked past a diner as I sipped on a coffee.

“Ten? That’s double what she said on the phone.” Nik said.

“Not to mention it’s a giant dick.” I said.

“Language.” Nik teased.

“No Nik the painting is a of a giant penis.” I said.

“You’re joking.” He said.

“I’m sending you a picture.” I said going through my phone and sending it to him. I heard the ding.

“Oh that is a giant dick.” He said.

“Yeah, it’s bigger in person.” I said and he laughed.

“Well I don’t think I can even get that thing in the gallery let alone sell it. Who would even buy that?” he said.

“Not me but if you still want it…” I started.

“I wouldn’t take it even if I was being paid.” He said. “Leave the painting but I still want the one from Prada.”

“As long as it’s not a giant dick.” I said. “I’ll check in later.”

“Stay out of trouble.” He said before hanging up.

I chuckled before putting my phone away.

“Cal!” Someone called out. I turned around and saw Thor running towards me.

“Thor!” I said surprised

“Cal, it is you.” He said.

“Shouldn’t you be in the hospital?” I said.

“Oh that was nothing, I didn’t even bruise.” Thor said staring at me with a smile. “Forgive me, our introductions were interrupted rather abruptly last night. I am Thor son of Odin, at long last I have finally found you Lady Cal.”

He took my hand and kissed my knuckles.

“Hi, It’s great to meet you in person. Sorry about hitting you with the car you just kind of appeared out of nowhere.” I said.

“Fear not my love, you caused me no harm.” He said.

Man that accent, he could read me a dictionary and still sound incredibly hot.

“Are you sure? What did the doctor’s say?” I asked.

“He’s fine.” A brunette said. “Who are you and do you know him?”

“Lady Jane this is my love, My better half, my reason for being. Cal.” Thor said.

“Hi.” I said blushing before pointing my head. “I’m his person.”

“Oh!” Jane said. “That’s… great.”

“Aw lucky.” Another girl wearing a beanie and glasses said.

“So you’re also from Asgard?” Jane asked.

“No I’m from Seattle.” I said.

“Oh.” Jane said. “So you two have known each other long?”

“We have been in each other’s thoughts for years.” Thor said.

“We met in person five minutes before you hit him with your van.” I said.

“Sorry about that.” Jane said. “Thor’s actually helping with our research. I’m an astrophysicist studying Einstein-Rosen bridges which are…”

“Wormholes, portals to the other side of space. I took an astronomy course.” I said.

“We think he came through one.” Jane said.

“Because he said he’s from Asgard?” I asked.

“No because he fell from the sky.” The other girl said.

Normally I would have said he was crazy but considering two of my soulmates are assassins, one was a KGB child soldier and the other ran away to the circus and uses a bow not to mention how crazy my life was I had to consider the possibility.

“Hey Thor?” I asked. “Did you end up fighting the frost giants even after your dad told you not to?”

“There may have been a small fight where father had to intervene.” He admitted sheepishly.

“Yeah thought so. What happened after?” I asked.

“Father banished me and stripped me of my powers before sending me through the bifrost to your realm.” He said.

“You don’t actually believe him do you?” And older man said.

“Stranger things have happened.” I said before I turned my attention to Thor. “Hey, your dad is hard on you because he doesn’t want you to make the same mistakes as he did. You were going to take the throne and your decisions don’t just affect you. Give him some time to calm down and I’m sure he’ll have Heimdall bring you back.”

“It’s not that simple. Father will fall into the Odinsleep shortly and Asgard as well as the nine realms will be defenseless I should be there. I need to be there.” He said.

“And how would you do that? Another Einstein-Rosen bridge?” Jane said.

“The Bifrost but first I need my hammer. It can help me call out to Heimdall and regain my powers.” Thor said.

“Did you bring it with you?” I asked.

“I am unsure. Father was holding it before I was sent here.” Thor said.

“how can a hammer help you get back?” jane said.

“It’s a magic hammer.” I said.

“Mjolnir was forged in the heart of a dying dwarf star…” Thor started.

“Could someone have taken it?” jane said.

“No no, no mortal can lift it. Only those it deems worthy can lift Mjolnir. Mortals are not capable of that. No offense Milady.” Thor said.

“None taken.” I said.

“We need to get back to the lab.” Jane said.

“And I must continue my journey. Thank you for your assistance, Lady Jane, Lady Darcy.” He said before turning to me and taking my hands in his. “Cal I have waited all 1500 years of my existence to find you and while I wish I could remain at your side I have a duty to…”

“You need to get home.” I said. “I understand and I’ll help you find molnir.”

“Mjolnir.” He said. “And it is too dangerous.”

“Thor It’s probably in the middle of the desert. I can give you a ride.” I said.

“Milady I appreciate your concern but this is for the best.” Thor said. I crossed my arms and stared at him.

“What are you…” he said looking at me confused. I kept a blank look and continued staring him down.

“Is this a Midgardian custom of some sort?” he asked. “Cal?”

“Okay you can go by yourself.” I said knowing that wasn’t happening.

“Thank you and I swear to you I shall return to you when all is well.” He said.

“Sure.” I said with a smile. He kissed my forehead before walking away. I let him walk for a few seconds. “Thor?”

“Milady?” he asked.

“You’re going the wrong way.” I said opening the car door.

“Oh I knew that.” he said.

“I’m sure you did.” I said.

“Perhaps you may show me the way so we might be able to spend some time together.” Thor said.

“I’ll do you one better.” I said getting him into the car before driving him to the fire house I was staying at.

“This is your home?” He asked.

“No I’m just staying here for a few days. It’s a mini vacation.” I said taking out my laptop while Thor just watched me

“You can sit if you want.” I said.

“Aye, I was just admiring your beauty.” Thor said.

“You’re not so bad yourself.” I said smirking.

“I always thought you did not believe my stories.” He said.

“I didn’t.” I said. “Not for a while anyway but that was before I realized how crazy the world actually is. The last few years have been crazy.”

“You mean because of your brother?” He asked.

“That and I met two of the others.” I said.

“You mean.” He said looking at my wrists. “Those others?”

“Yeah. Besides if monsters can destroy New York and people can fly around in suits of armor, I think Aliens and other worlds being real doesn’t sound so impossible.” I said typing away on my computer.

“Will that mirror show us the location of Mjolnir?” Thor said.

“It’s not a mirror. It’s a computer. It’s connected to a virtual library of information and with it we can get into these things called satellites which have camera’s looking down and watching the planet.” I said. “If you came through the Bifrost if might have been seen that and picked up on the energy signature. Molnir would have had a similar energy signature so once we find that we can track where Mjolnir landed and go straight there instead of having to wander around the desert looking for it.”

“That’s brilliant.” Thor said.

“I try.” I said. Finding the feed when Thor landed and only a few minutes later a few miles away there was another one. “There it is.”

“Where is it?” Thor said.

“It entered the atmosphere there so… it would have landed here.” I said pointing at the map.

“I shall leave at once.” Thor said standing up.

“Wait.” I said. “Just let me check if I got it right.”

I checked current satellite images and saw that it wasn’t there. I rewinded it and saw that it was there hours ago.

“Thor how sure are you that Mjolnir can’t be moved?” I asked.

“It’s impossible.” Thor said. ‘Why?”

“Because it’s not coming up on the feed anymore but the hammer can’t be moved it means someone’s trying very hard to hide it.” I said.

“Someone found Mjolnir.” He said.

“Yeah we need to go.” I said grabbing the keys.

Of course Thor busted in and got arrested. I had to fake an ID and convince Selvig to bail him out. By the time he got back Thor was feeling very down.

Thor was quiet. Which was concerning considering he rarely stayed quiet.

By the time we got back to the firehouse he still hadn’t said anything.

“Thor? Are you okay?” I asked.

“My father is dead.” He said.

“What?” I asked.

“He died. He was so disappointed in me, it was too much for him to take.” He said.

“I’m sure that’s not true.” I said.

“My brother told me so.” Thor said.

“Is this the same brother that shapeshifted into a snake and bit you?” I said.

“Loki would not dare lie about something so serious.” Thor said.

“Maybe not but he would exaggerate. I never met your dad but no matter how upset your dad was with you he didn’t stop loving you. I mean some of the things I’ve done and not once has my dad ever held it against me. And my mom adored Hadrian and we both know he’s insane.” I said. “You can’t change what happened because the past is the past but you can decide how you move forward. You can keep feeling sorry for yourself or you can be the man your father always knew you could be.”

“You make it sound so easy.” He said.

“It’s not, but you don’t have to do it all in one day.” I said. “And for what it’s worth, I think you’re worthy.”

“You do?” Thor asked.

“Of course I do. You’re not perfect, no one is and you have made mistakes but when it really matters you always do the right thing.” I said.

“Thank you.” Thor said hugging me and kissing my forehead and pressing his forehead against mine looking into my eyes. I smiled at him and slowly he leaned in for a kiss.

It was my first kiss and wow was it good. I kissed him back gently cupping his cheek before he broke the kiss.

“Was that alright?” he asked.

“More than alright.” I said kissing him again. He smiled and put his arms around me lifting me up effortlessly and putting me on his lap. I took off my jacket and kissed him again. I don’t think I will ever get tired of doing that.

Thor pulled me close as I put my arms around his shoulder, threading my fingers through his hair just as he started kissing down my neck.

“Ah.” I moaned out as he moved his hands lower to my hips and then my thigh.

“Cal.” He groaned into my neck when I rocked my hips against his. I kissed him as I did it again and again as he moved his hands under my dress putting his hands on my ass. “Is this alright? We can stop?”

“Do you want to stop?” I asked.

“What I want doesn’t matter.” He said. “I will only go as far as you wish to go.”

“And if I don’t want to?” I asked.

“Are you sure?” He asked.

“More sure than I’ve ever been.” I said Thor kissed me as he stood up carrying me effortlessly to the bedroom and putting me down on the edge of the bed. He kneeled down between my legs and as he hovered over me.

He kissed me slowly as he slowly moved my dress up until it was bunched up around my hips while I pulled at his tee shirt up. Thor sat up and pulled off his shirt. I sat up and pulled my dress off over my head throwing it aside.

“You. Are.” Thor said kissing my neck as one of his hand held my leg behind my knee. “So. Beautiful.”

“So are you.” I said and he chuckled as he kissed me again. I reached down and started undoing his belt to take off his pants when he pulled my hand away.

“No.” he said. “Tonight is all about you.”

“Really?” I asked.

“Aye, you are my everything.” He said kissing me. Before slowly trailing kisses down my body. When he got to my hip he stopped and pulled my knee onto his shoulder while he kissed up my thigh. His soft lips and the rough stubble of his beard added to the sensation. “If you want to stop just say it. Your words are my commands.”

“I know.” I said as Thor pulled my white lace panties down my legs and kneed at the edge of the bed pulling me closer he kissed up my thigh slowly, teasing me before he kissed my mound before licking up and down my slit. I bit my lip to stay quiet trying not to shriek as Thor sucked on my while his tongue pressed on it up and down.

I put my hand over my mouth and Thor stopped, taking my hand.

“Do not quiet your moans. I want to hear your cries of pleasure. I want to hear everything.” He said.

“Where have you been this whole time.” I said. Thor chuckled before picking up right where I left off.

“Ah…” I moaned running my fingers through Thor’s hair and he picked up the pace working more enthusiastically. “Ah Thor…. AH!”

It felt like my body was seizing the blood was rushing to my head and my heart was beating out of my chest. Thor slowed down as he worked me through it.

“That was amazing.” I said.

“You are amazing.” He said kissing my stomach as he cupped my breasts, his thumb rubbing circles on my nipples I put my hands over his pressing his hands more firmly on my chest pinching my nipples as I moan.  Thor got the idea and kept going while I reached behind me and undid my bra slipping it off. Thor lowered his head and sucked on my clit again as he kneaded my breasts, teasing my nipples while he started working me up again.

“Ah yes…. Yes…” I moaned as he moved his tongue in circles slowly in and out of me as he rubbed my clit with his thumb holding me down as I felt the knot in me start to build

“Thor!” I cried out as I came for the second time. He didn’t stop replacing his tongue with a finger as he sucked on my clit while curling his finger in and out.

As I started coming down panting I felt him push an other finger into and pressed them against the perfect spot that made me clench around them. He moved faster sucking my clit harder as his fingers moved faster.

“Ah….” I cried out as I felt Thor moan against me when I came for the third time. I felt my back arch up as he continued working non stop as I screamed in name, my legs shaking around his head as my toes curled so hard I thought I was cramping up.

“Thor!” I screamed out before falling back and panting. Thor pulled his fingers out of me and kissed my thigh as he panted.

“You are incredible.” Thor said standing up and leaning over to kiss me.

“I know people say sex is amazing but that is beyond….” I said.

“I love seeing you writhe in pleasure my love.” He said. “The way you cry out in pleasure, scream out my name. There is no more beautiful sign than that to me.”

He kissed me pressing himself against me so I could feel how much he liked that. I wrapped my legs around his waist pulling him closer.

“Do you want to stop?” He asked?

“No. I want you.” I said.

“Say it again.” He said.

“I want you Thor.” I said. “Take me.”

He kissed me passionately. Desperately. I held him as close as I could focusing on this moment. Trying to memorize everything about him.

As he pressed in, I didn’t feel any pain or burn. I just felt pleasure. I wanted all of him he was big and I was stretched to my limit but it felt amazing.

“Uh.” Thor groaned into the kiss as he pushed in. “You feel so tight. So good. Made for me.”

“Thor.” I moaned lifting my legs higher letting him get in deeper.

“Ah!” We cried out together. He slowly rocked his hips slowly letting us adjust as he slowly started moving more. pulling out a bit before moving back in then more and more until he was pounding into me hitting all the right spots while he grabbed onto the headboard with one arm around my back as I clung to him nails digging into his back feeling my climax about to hit me again.

“Thor.” I groaned.

“Yes, yes.” He said “Cum for me. Let me feel you love.”

“Ah Fuck… fuck.” I moaned as I felt it hit me while Thor moved faster and harder making it even more intense.

We collapsed into the bed panting and laughing in bliss.

“Not once in my entire life have I experienced pleasure like that.” Thor said.

“I’ve never been drunk or high before but I don’t think it can beat this.” I said smiling.

“Aye.” Thor said smiling trying to move off of me when I felt him in me still very aroused. I stopped him pulling him into another kiss as I rocked my hips against him. “Cal.”

“Sh.” I said rolling us over so I was on him. He was on his back surprised as I pressed my hands on his chest and rocked my hips.

“You’re insatiable.” He said with a smirk.

“When I said I want to feel you I meant all of you.” I said rocking my hips faster. Thor sat up and pulled me into a rough kiss grabbing my hips as he helped me bounce up and down on his lap while I clung to him. Thor held me close as he thrust up into me.

“Gods yes.” Thor moaned as he moved faster.

“Thor please.” I said. “I want you.”

“Tell me what you want my love and it is yours.” He said.

“I want you I want to feel you. I want you to feel as good as you made me feel.” I said. “I want to feel you cum.”

Thor smiled as he kissed me reaching down to rub my clit as he kept going.

“Cal… Cal…” he moaned. “Ah!”

“Yes yes… oh yes! Thor yes!” I cried out as I came just as I felt Thor cum and fall back panting as he held me against him while we both caught our breath.

“Was that everything you wished it would be?” He asked.

“More and even better.” I said kissing his chest feeling utterly blissed out.

“You deserve nothing less.” He said putting a hand over mine when I noticed my mark on his arm.

“Was it good for you?” I asked.

“Just being able to hold you in my arms is more than I could have hoped for.” Thor said.

“Good because I don’t think I can go again right now.” I said making him laugh.

“I doubt I can either.” Thor said. “You really tired me out.”

“Let me move.” I started but he held me against him.

“Stay.” He said. “I wish to hold you as long as I can.”

“Okay.” I said pulling the covers over us before falling asleep.

After the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had I woke up to the sun pouring into th room. Whoever designed this firehouse really liked their light. The patio door connected to the bedroom was blinding.

“Hm…” I groaned.

“Morning.” Thor said.

“Morning.” I said smiling.

“Sleep well?” He asked.

“Very well.” I said kissing him. Of course that quickly got heated and just as we were about to start up again... there was a thud on the glass.

“Thor!” Someone called out and as I turned I saw there were guys pressed up against a glass and one woman in armor. Then I remembered I was naked and on top of Thor.

“Ah!” I quickly pulled the covers over my head to hide.

“Friends… we need a moment.” Thor called out. “Cal.”

I started laughing.

“Your friends walked in on us.” I said.

“We should probably let them in.” He said.

“You want to do that. I need a minute.” I said.

“Of course.” He said kissing me before I rolled off of him and he quickly got dressed. He walked out and I decided to give them a few minutes to catch up. I showered and got dressed before walking out to face Thor’s friends.

“Cal.” Thor said smiling and lighting up. “Come and meet the fiercest warriors in Asgard.”

“This is Fandral, Hogun and Volstagg and as you probably already guessed this is Lady…” Thor started.

“Sif.” I said smiling.

“You know of me?” She asked.

“Thor’s told me stories about all of you since I was a kid but you were always my favorite. No offense guys.” I said. “My room was filled with drawings I made of what I thought you’d look like. You were my hero growing up.”

“Thank you.” Sif said surprised.

“My friends it is good to see you all but why are you here?” he said.

“Thor you must come back to Asgard.” They said.

“My friends I wish I could but I cannot. My father is dead and I must…” Thor started.

“Thor your father is not dead. He is alive.” Sif said.

“But Loki…” he started before it clicked. “Loki.”

From there things got weird. Like a giant suit of armor destroying half the town weird. Thor almost dying and his hammer flying in after he was deemed worthy after sacrificing himself.

“Milady I believe I made you a promise.” Thor said.

“Promise?” I asked and he smiled. “You mean?”

“Hold on tight.” He said putting his arm around me before swinging his hammer and we flew off.

“Ah!” I screamed in joy. So glad I chose to wear jeans today. When we landed on a patch of burned rock with some interesting markings. “We are so doing that again.”

“Aye.” He said. “Cal I must return to Asgard. Loki…”

“Needs to be stopped.” I said. “I know. Go save the nine realms but be careful.”

“I will return for you. I want you to see Asgard and meet my mother and father. I want to show you the stars.” He said.

“I’m looking forward to it.” I said. “Now go be the hero I know and love.”

“I love you.” He said kissing me just as his friends arrived. Then a bunch of cars showed up.

“You might want to go now.” I said.

With that he stepped forward and raised his hammer before a stream of light beamed down and pulled them up.

I stood there for a while waiting.

“Cal forgive me.” Thor said.

“Thor?” I asked.

“Loki has opened the Bifrost and will destroy Jotenheim and the nine realms. I must destroy the bifrost.” Thor said.

“Then do it.” I said.

“If I do that I will not be able to return to Midgard.” He said. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” I said. “You’re going to save a lot of people. You truly are worthy and we’ll be okay. We found each other once, we’ll find each other again.”

“I love you Cal.” He said.

“I love you too.” I said looking up and trying not to cry. Of course that was when my phone rang. “Hello.”

“Hey sis.” Kol said.

“Kol, how’s the retreat?” I asked.

“It’s good there was just one tiny snag…” He said.

“How tiny of a snag?” I asked.

“I’m in jail.” Kol said.

“Fucking hell. Where are you?” I asked walking back to town.

So after bailing my brother out and then getting Rebekah out of the cult spa before any lasting damage could be done we headed home.

“You’re different.” Bekah said.

“You’re very happy.” KOl said.

“I’m just happy we’re going home.” I said.

“No this different. You seem relaxed. You’re never relaxed.” Kol said.

“And you’re giddy… practically glowing.” Bekah said. “You had sex!”

I spat out the water I had on my mouth.

“What?” I said not being able to help the fact that I was smiling.

“You had sex.” Rebekah said. 

“Fucking hell you did!” Kol said.

“We were gone less than a day Cal. How? Who? I mean what?” She said.

“I uh… I met Thor.” I said.

“Thor the crazy guy who thinks he’s a viking?” Kol asked.

“He’s actually not crazy. And he’s an alien. Long story but uh… yeah.” I said blushing.

“So how was it?” Bekah asked.

“It was nice.” I said not being able to stop smiling.

“That good huh.” She said.

“I mean…” I started before giggling. “Five.”

“Five?” She asked.

“Five.” I said.

“Five what?” She asked.

“Five times.”

“Uh! Cal no! I don’t want to hear my sister tell me about how she hooked up.” Kol said.

“Did you use protection?” Rebekah said.

“It was spontaneous but I grabbed a morning after pill at the pharmacy on my way to pick you both up.” I said.

“Smart. So tell me how did he…” She started.

“No, no sex talk.” Kol said.

“Don’t be a prude.” Bekah said.

Boy did out conversations change after that.

For starters when I saw Thor I could see him and in a way feel him. Which made our conversations different. Long distance make out sessions were fun. Stargazing with his arms around me also amazing thought it was a bit hard to explain when someone walked in. That happened more than once. Weirdly.

I missed him but it was what it was.

Hadrian, last I heard had been chased to Europe. That was the last place anyone had spotted him. The bar kept me busy but I did visit Clint and Natasha as often as I could. Or well I stopped by Clint’s apartment and cleaned and stocked his freezer since he was apparently away on a mission.

2012 was a crazy year. Al lot of things happened. To start Hadrian found me. Caused. Mess in the city but we caught him. Then we traded him to the Russians to get them to leave the us alone which they were more than happy to do.

Of course the fact that they sent his served head to us with a thank you note was overkill.

“He’s dead.” I said opening up the connection to Natasha and Clint for the first time in years and they appeared in front of me.

“Cal?” They both said.

“Who’s dead?” Clint said.

“Hadrian.” I said. “He’s.. dead.”

“Really?” Natasha said. “How?”

“He found me again. We caught him traded him to the Bratva and they sent me his head with a thank you note attached.” I said. “He’s dead. Like really dead.”

“That’s good right?” Clint said.

“Yeah. I just never thought this would actually happen.” I said. “I’m free. No more running, no more hiding. I can have life now. Is it horrible I kind of want to have a drink and celebrate this?”

“Are you kidding?! Yes you should celebrate.” Clint said. “He’s gone.”

“He’s fucking gone.” I said.

“Da svedanya asshole.” Natasha said.

“So what now?” Clint asked.

“I don’t know. Never thought this far ahead.” I said.

“Well you’re finally talking to us again. Does this mean you’re going to tell us where you are?” Clint asked.

“New Orleans.” I said. “I’ve been here for a few years. Found my dad. If you’re ever in the area go to Rousseau’s Bar. I’ll buy the first round.”

“I’m holding you to that promise.” Clint said. “And as soon as this assignment is over I am there.”

“Where are you anyway?” I asked.

“In the middle of nowhere.” Clint said.

“Somewhere.” Natasha said.

“Is this payback for blocking you two all these years?” I asked.

“No.” Natasha said.

“Yes.” Clint said. “I’m in New Mexico, some NASA lab babysitting scientists.”

“Sounds boring.” I said.

“It is.” He said. “I don’t even have wifi.”

“Uh that’s horrible.” I said. “Well the line’s open. Want me to watch a tv show and narrate it for you?”

“The walking dead.” Clint answered immediately.

“Perfect I haven’t seen the season premiere yet.” I said setting it up on my laptop.

Weeks after that Aliens invaded New York. Like actual aliens.

I was also a bit mad at Thor for not telling me he was on earth and finding out he was when he showed up on the news.

“Love I am truly sorry I could not…” Thor started.

“Thor I’m not mad you showed up on Earth to fight aliens and saved my planet. I’m mad I found out you came back to Earth when I saw you get stabbed by your brother.” I said.

“It all happened rather fast and I can assure you it was nothing but a scratch.” He said.

“Remember when I told you all my brother did to me was just a scratch?” I said.

“But in this case it was.” Thor said.

“Thor.” I said.

“I’m sorry but I did not want to worry you.” He said.

“I’m a big girl. I can handle bad news. I’ve had 19 years of bad news. If you’re going to walk into danger I just want a heads up.” I said.

“You are right I should have told you and I promise I will try to do better.” Thor said.

“Okay. I’m glad you’re all okay.” I said.

“I believe Clint and Natasha are some of the others?” He said.

“They are. We’ve been talking more.” I said.

“They are good people.” He said.

“I know, they saved my life.” I said. “Well I got to go. My distributor is coming in this morning and it a new delivery guy. I need to make sure he didn’t screw up the order.”

Hours Later…

I was at the bar going through the books and making sure everything was in order.

“Hey boss, Danny says family meal is almost ready.” He said. “Are we eating here or in the kitchen?”

“Josh in here, you know how Danny is about having people in his kitchen.” I said.

“Don’t remind me.” He said, “I had a slight sniffle one time and he made me stay until 2am cleaning the tile grout.”

“Any clue what we’re having?” I asked.

“Lemon herb chicken.” Josh said.

“Yum.” I said. “Also what days are your exam next week. I know your econ final is on Wednesday but I can’t remember the other one.”

“Also Wednesday.” He said.

“Two in one day, brutal.” I said. “Tuesday and Wednesday off, early shift Monday work?”

“You don’t have to…” Josh started.

“You need sleep and a day to cram. You can make it up to me on the weekend.” I said.

“You’re awesome.” He said.

“I try.” I said before he left to go set up the tables with the rest of the wait staff. I was sitting at the bar finishing up the books when the front door opened and the bell by the door rang. “Sorry folks we’re not open yet.”

“Really? I was kind of hoping to cash in that free drink you promised.” A familiar voice said.

“Well I think I can make an exception for one of Earth’s mightiest heroes.” I said closing the book before standing up and going to hug him.

Clint put his arms around me and hugged me tight resting his head on my shoulder.

“I didn’t know you were coming.” I said.

“You’re not the only one that can make surprise visits.” He said. “So this is the place?”

“Welcome to Rousseau’s” I said before turning to Josh. “Hope you’re hungry. Josh can you set an extra place at the table?”

“Sure boss.” He said.

“Boss?” Clint said.

“Manager.” I corrected. “I just run the place.”

“Come on, I’ll introduce you to everyone.” I said.

After one amazing meal I called it an early day. Josh could handle anything that came up so I decided to show Clint around.

“Do you know everyone?” He asked.

“They all work for or with the family, and I’ve been around for a while.” I said as we munched on some beignets.

“I can see that. You look good. Happy.” He said.

“I am. It’s nice, almost normal.” I said.

“So he’s really gone?” he said.

“He’s gone gone.” I said. “But what about you. You fought aliens?”

“I’m a guy with a bow and arrows and I fought aliens.” Clint said. “The world is crazier than I already thought it was.”

“Well you met Thor.” I said.

“I did. Heard you got mad at him.” He said.

“A little heads up would have been nice.” I said. “I have a feeling it might be a while before I see him again. Apparently the nine realms are in chaos.”

“He had his hands full dealing with his brother.” Clint said suddenly tensing.

“Speaking of how are you dealing with everything?” I asked.

“I’m fine.” He said.

“Clint, this is me you’re talking to. I’ve been in your head for years.” I said. Clint sighed and took my hand in his.

“Let’s just not talk about work, at least for today.” He said.

“You’re going to have to talk about it at some point.” I said.

“I will but I haven’t seen you in a while. I want to see what your life is like now.” Clint said.

“It’s pretty boring.” I said.

“After everything that’s happened, boring sounds nice.” He said.

“Okay.” I said taking him to all of my favorite spots in the city. For dinner we got take out and I took him back to my apartment.

“I thought you’d be living with your dad and the rest of your family.” Clint said.

“I was but once Hadrian was gone I kind of want my own space, one where I didn’t have to stay at a hotel when they brought work home with them.” I said.

“That’s probably a good idea.” Clint said.

“So they bought the building across the street and gave me an apartment.” I said. “I’m still have breakfast and dinner everyday with them, Bekah and Kol are over all the time. It just works.”

“And safer.” Clint said.

“That too even if that’s no longer an issue.” I said. “Plus real estate is a good investment.”

It took a few days for Clint to stop avoiding the subject. It wasn’t until we both fell asleep watching a movie on the couch. I fell asleep leaning against him when he started having a nightmare that shook me awake.

“Clint.” I whispered as he started talking in his sleep.

“No… no…get out of the way…” He started. “No…”

“Clint.” I said gently putting my hand on my shoulder. That made him snap grabbing my wrist and firmly grabbing me pinning me to the couch. “Clint!”

He was panting before realizing it was me.

“Cal?” he said before letting me go.

“I think you had a nightmare.” I said rubbing my wrist.

“I… sorry.” He said walking away and locking himself in the bathroom.

‘Clint.’ I thought out.

“I-I’m fine just need a minute.” He said looking at me.

“You’re not fine. Talk to me.” I said.

“I… I killed people. When Loki… when he was in my head he pulled me out but I could still see what I was doing I just couldn’t stop it. And now I don’t know what’s me and what’s him and what he made me do.” Clint admitted.

“I don’t know what that’s to brainwashed but I do know what it’s like to not be in control of your life and to be put in situations where you have to do things you don’t want.” I said. “You didn’t have a say and I know for a fact that you fought back as hard as you could.”

“I didn’t.” he said.

“That’s not what Natasha said.” I said.

“She doesn’t know.” Clint said.

“I also read the file.” I said and he stared at me. “Light hacking, I was worried when you shut me out. When he took over and you left that Facility where Loki appeared you could have killed your boss easily. One headshot which you could have easily made. You never miss which can only mean that you weren’t aiming to kill him.”

“I still killed people.” He said.

“Did you? That guard you took out in Germany he’s still alive. He lost a lot of blood but he’s still alive. You missed his heart by two inches.” I said. “Not something the world’s greatest marksman would have done. And on the helicarrier those goons you hired to help Loki? They’re not exactly the best of the best. You would have been better off with stormtroopers. Don’t get me wrong you kicked a lot of ass and gave Nat a hard time but you weren’t giving it your all.”

“It doesn’t feel that way.” Clint said.

“Of course it doesn’t. The fact that you feel any guilt is a sign that you’re you. Clint aliens invaded New York. You were brainwashed by the Norse god of mischief. He leveled an entire town in New Mexico because he wasn’t his dad’s favorite.” I said. “This is way beyond anything anyone could have ever expected to come up. You did better than anyone could have expected you to do and no one holds what happened to you against you and I’ll remind you of that every day if I have to.”

“It still feels shitty.” Clint said.

“You crashed through a window and got hit on the head really hard. Of course you feel shitty. Now are you going to stay in the bathroom all night or are you going to come out?” I asked.

Clint didn’t say anything but I heard the bathroom door open and he walked back into the living room.

“Did you really hack SHIELD to check up on me?” He asked.

“It was pretty easy.” I said getting up and hugging him.

“What was that for?” He said hugging me.

“I needed a hug.” I said looking up at him. He smiled and hugged me again. “Come on, it’s late. Let’s get some sleep.”

“I should…” he started.

“Nope.” I said leading him to my room where we got into bed and cuddled before falling asleep.

Clint stuck around for a while. Almost two months. He never talked about work or even Natasha. He would come with me to work at the bar, or he’d just stay at the apartment and cooked dinner which he was actually really good at.

It was nice, he ever went to dinner with the family which was interesting. It had always been a rule to never discuss business at the table. Something that was never said out loud but just agreed upon.

Clint fit in really well with everyone.

One night after dinner as we were getting ready to go to bed reality popped it’s head in.

“Nat called today.” He said.

“Really?” I said brushing my hair. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah they just want me back at work.” Clint said.

“DC?” I asked.

“Yup.” He said.

“The vacation had to end at some point.” I said. “Do you feel ready for that?”

“I guess.” He said. “But I sort of don’t want to go back.”

“You love your job.” I said.

“I do but the past few months have been great and I don’t want to lose what we have because there’s something here right?” He asked.

“I’d like to think there is something here. At least on my part there is.” I said.

“There is?” he said as he started grinning.

“Yeah, I kind of love you.” I said.

“Yeah?” He said smiling putting his arms around me.

“Yeah.” I said looping my arms around his neck as he bent down and kissed me. I smiled as I kissed him back.

Slowly he moved us to the bed kissing me as he put me down holding himself up over me as he held me and kissed me.

“I love you too.” He said kissing me again.

We spent the rest of the night exploring each other’s bodies, holding each other just loving each other. It was different than when I had been with Thor but just as amazing. It was slow trying to make ever second count.

Be talked in between rounds just goofing off laughing, being honest about how we were going to make it all work.

“We talk. No shutting each other out, no trying to keep each other safe.” I said.

“That goes for you too.” He said. “I don’t care if it’s being handled or how you do it, how messy it is. I want to know when it happens.”

“I’m not shutting you out again.” I said. “I missed you.”

“You’re not the one that woke up every day wondering if you were still alive.” He said.

“Point made.” I said. “I’ll visit when I can.”

“Me too.” Clint said. “And the family business… I don’t need to know about unless you’re in danger.”

“If you get hurt on the job I better hear it from you and not Natasha.” I said.

“Promise.” He said. “One last thing?”

“Yeah?” I asked.

“You’re taking a week off from work.” He said.

“I am?” I asked.

“We’re going on a real vacation. A nice white sandy beach somewhere. Just the two of us. Clothing optional.” He said.

“I think I can do that.” I said smiling as I kissed him again moving over him as I reached down and slowly grinded over his length feeling him get hard again. Clint put his arm around me and rolled over so he was on top of me and pulling my leg up so it was on his shoulder as he slid all the way in. “Ah!”

“Fuck.” Clint moaned grabbing onto the headboard as I wrapped my arms around his neck pulling him down to kiss him while I wrapped my legs around his digging the heels of my feet into his ass cheeks taking him in deeper.

He pounded into me hard and fast not slowing down. He let go of the head board and wrapped his arm around my waist and the other around my back as he clutched onto my shoulder.

“Clint!” I moaned digging my nails into his back as he kissed me deeply.

“Cal, so good baby. Feel so amazing. Even better than I imagined. I don’t want to stop. Don’t want to let go. I love you. I love you.” He panted out.

“I love you too.” I said. “I love you so fucking much. I want everything with you.”

“Yes… yes fuck I want everything with you.” He said kissing me as I cried out as I came hard squeezing him tight as I felt him release into me. ”Ah!”

Clint panted pressed his forehead against mine smiling.

“I…” He started.

“Ah.’ I panted falling back as he fell on me not letting go.

“I’ll move in a sec just…” he started.

“It’s okay. I like this. You’re warm. Makes me feel safe.” I said kissing his cheek.

“I meant what I said.” Clint said. “This isn’t just… you’re not just a vacation. I love you and I want a life with you and all the crazy that comes with it. Assassins, Aliens, multiple soulmates, the organized crime family, everything. You’re it for me.”

“You’re it for me too.” I said. “I know I hurt you when I blocked you but I did it because I can’t lie to you. You know me better than anyone, including the six other guys in my head”

“You had your reasons, whatever happens next we’ll figure it out.” Clint said.

“We will.” I said.

At the time I had no idea how soon we would have to keep that promise.

One week after I got back from out vacation in Aruba and a week since Clint had gone back to DC everything was going great. I was on cloud 9 enjoying coming home to a long distance ‘skype’ dinner with Clint.

Things at work and with the family were great. Rebekah was in London handling business and Kol was… somewhere.

Then one night as I was closing up the bar someone hit me over the head and I blacked out.

When I woke up I was locked in a car trunk and with my hands and legs zip tied together.

“Shit.” I cursed. The car was moving so even if I wasn’t tied up I don’t think I was getting out. “Clint?”

“Cal, you’re up late, or early. What time is it there?” He asked obviously still in bed.

“No Idea but I got kidnapped.” I said.

“What?” he said instantly sounding more awake.

“I was locking up the bar got hit over the head and I just woke up locked inside a car trunk.” I said.

“Who was it?” Clint asked.

“No idea, they hit me from behind.” I said.

“Shit, stay calm I’m my way.” He said.

“Clint they have a head start on you. Call Dad or Elijah and tell them to check the bar security cameras and the street cameras. They’ll be able to identify whoever it was that grabbed me and you can work from there.” I said.

“What about you?” He asked.

“I’m going to stay calm, and try to figure out a way out of this car or at least slow them down.” I said. “But first I need to get these zipties off. My foot fell asleep.”

“Hang tight. I’m on my way.” He said. “Keep talking to me.”

“Hold on there’s something under me.” I said trying to reach with my arms that were tied behind me.” I think… Score. I found a nail file.”

“Newbs.” Clint said dialing his phone and going quiet for a moment while he talked to one of them.

I kept working with the nail file but it was kind of hard to do when I couldn’t press down as hard as I needed to.

“Cal your brother wants to know what your security system password is.” He said.

“It should be logged in.” I said.

“It’s not.” He said.

“Fine it’s… Hawkeye4EVA exclamation mark.” I said.

“What?” He said with a grin.

“Hawkeye, capital H, the number 4, Capital E, capital V, Capital A, exclamation mark.”  I said.

“Got it and uh… 4 EVA huh?” He said

“Clint babe not really a good time.” I said.

“Right.” He said. “I’m going to head to New Orleans should be there in a few hours just don’t get hurt or…”

“Not my first kidnapping.” I said before I felt the nail file break. “Shit.”

By then the zip ties around my wrists snapped apart.

“Yes!” I cheered. Before feeling around. I could tell it was an older car before of how easy it was to access the wiring to the lights. Of course that’s when I saw a road flare. “That’s better.”

I took a few deep breathes before activating it. The back filled with smoke but it drifted into the front of the car. The car abruptly stopped.

And I heard a door open. A few seconds later the trunk popped open and there in front of me was the last person I ever expected to see.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?!” She said.

“Get away from me.” I said jabbing her neck with the side of the road flare that was lit up before kicking her as hard as I could.

‘Clint tell them it was Delilah.’ I said.

“Delilah?” He asked. “Isn’t that your…”

“Brother’s crazy Romanian assassin wife. Yes.” I said before she tackled me and we got into it only for her to knock me out again.

I woke up hours later tied to a chair.

“About time.” She said.

“You’re such a bitch.” I groaned.

“Takes one to know one.” Delilah said. “Your brother’s dead.”

“I’m aware.” I said.

“And so is the rest of my family.” She said.

“Sorry to hear. I still don’t see why you kidnapped me.” I said. “I’m not really involved in that sort of thing anymore.”

“I’ve heard yet somehow after everything no one has ever come after you and everyone is after me.” She said.

“What can I say, I don’t piss everyone I meet off or try to kill them.” I said.

“Maybe but you know too much. You had your nose in everyone’s business just like your mom.” Delilah said. “She had those books with everyone’s dirty little secrets in it.”

“Too bad I burned them all.” I said.

“You burned one of the copies.” Delilah said. “We lived with you and your mother long enough to know that neither of you ever lay all your eggs in one basket. Or in this case those ledgers. Knowing Allison she hid more of them somewhere else as an insurance policy in case anyone tried anything. I need those books.”

“Delilah it doesn’t matter how many of those books you have, that’ll never make anyone not want to kill you.” I said.

“Not if I threaten to leak it or trade that intel in for a nice set up in witness protection.” She said.

“There’s no way that’s going to happen.” I said. “For starters you don’t even know for sure if there’s another ledger or where it even is.”

“I have no idea where to start, but you, I’m sure you can figure it out or at least tell me where to start.” Delilah said.

“She’s been dead for years, and believe it or not I didn’t know everything about her.” I said.

“Oh I know but I also know you. And I know you’re a shitty liar. You’re always a step ahead of everyone, that’s why it took me so long to find you. What you really thought Hadrian could track you that easily?” Delilah said.

“Fat load of good it did him. He’s dead.” I said. "And you, for the first time ever, you’re all alone in the world. No family to have your back, no Hadrian to help you take out anyone that comes after you, No Javi to keep you in line and bail you out.”

“I’m not the one tied to a chair.” She said.

“For now.” I said. “Good luck trying to find something that doesn’t exist.”

“You’re a shitty liar Cal.” Delilah said before storming out and leaving me alone.

I closed my eyes and Clint appeared in front of me.

“Cal? Are you okay?” He said immediately looking me over.

“I’m fine, heard hurts a bit but nothing serious.” I said.

“We got her on camera and we ran her plates. It was a stolen car from a town a few hours out of New Orleans. Do you have any idea where you are?” He asked.

“No clue. We’re at some abandoned house, pretty run down by the looks of it.” I said. “There’s nothing to really go on.”

“It’s alright. It narrows it down. I had to call in a favor with Tony to track the car.” Clint said. “Nat’s out chasing leads on your sister in law.”

“She’s the worst.” I said.

“What does she want?” He asked.

“It doesn’t matter. I can’t give it to her. No one can.” I said. “Which means she’s really desperate.”

Hours Later…

I heard someone upstairs. Just what I needed someone coming to kill Delilah and killing me just for being here.

“Cal?” I heard Clint.

“Clint.” I said

“Hey.” He said quickly cutting me free and hugging me tight. “You okay?”

“Yeah. How did you find me?” I asked.

“Ran into your sister in law.” Clint said. “She’s gone.”

“Good riddance.” I said. “Let’s get out of here. I’m starving.”

“It’s like you read my mind.” He said.

That night I had just gotten out of the shower and had walked out to see Clint sitting on the bed talking to someone on the phone. He ended the call when he saw me.

“Everything okay?” I asked.

“Just letting Tony know he can call of the search.” He said.

“He really came through.” I said looking over at the fireplace in my room. I had never used it and mostly just put stuff on the mantle but there was something about it that seemed off to me. “And you did too. Like always.”

“I just glad you’re okay.” He said kissing the top of my head. “So what was she after? I mean why did she come all the way here.”

“She wanted the ledgers. My mom’s black mail book.” I said.

“But you burned them all before you left Seattle.” He said.

“I did but those weren’t the only copies.” I said standing up and walking to the mantle. “The ledgers were always the family insurance policy. One book was good to prove you had it but it wouldn’t stop anyone from killing her. Having multiple copies in different locations where if anything happened they would be used to take everyone down at once…”

“Okay but you said it yourself, you don’t know where the others are.” Clint said.

“No I said I don’t know where they all are.” I said pressing my fingers along the wood feeling that they were different. “There was the one in Seattle and I know that one other one is…”

I pulled out the rock expecting to see the key I had hidden back there but unfortunately there was nothing there.

“Shit.” I said.

“Cal? Please tell me you didn’t have them all in there.” He said.

“No, I had the key that opened the box to one of the others in there. And now Delilah has it and knows where to go.” I said.

“But it’s okay right?” Clint said. “Right?”

“No this is bad. This is really bad.” I said. “That insurance policy only kept me safe from everyone my mother ever pissed off and all of Dad’s enemies because I was the only one that had it. Now that Delilah has it and plans on leaking it or even worse turning it in to get into witness protection there’s no reason to keep me alive.”

“that’s not going to happen.” He said.

“No it’s not because I’m going to find her and get it back.” I said going to my closet to take out my suitcase.

“Cal take a second, and breathe.” He said.

“She already has a head start.” I said.

“But you have no idea where she is.” He said.

“No but I know where she will be” I said piling things into my suitcase.

“Where…” he started before his phone rang. “Nat this is really not a good… Shit. No things just got complicated. Just give me a minute.”

With that he hung up.

“A mission just came up and they need me.” He said.

“Then go.” I said.

“Cal you’re not going after an assassin by yourself.” He said.

“I’m not okay. I’m going to try and get the ledger before she does and if that doesn’t work I’m going to track her down before she does something stupid.” I said. “I’ll have Rebekah and Kol with me, I promise not to face her alone or without you and Nat.”

“Promise?” He said.

“Pinky promise.” I said sticking out my pinky.

“Okay.” He said hugging me.

Two Days Later…

I was in Switzerland doing something I really wished I never have to do again. I was dressed up like my mother with my hair dyed blonde. People always said our voices were very similar and mom had a habit as pretending to be French along with the accent so I did that too. I got the chills just thinking about how much I looked like her when I saw my reflection in the mirror.

“Madame, we just need to confirm a few details if you wouldn’t mind answering a few questions?” The bank manager asked.

“Of course.” I said.

“Who is your favorite Roman Emperor?” The teller asked.

“Hadrian.” I answered.

“Who is your muse?” He asked.

“Calliope.” I said.

“And last question, What’s your favorite animal?” He asked.

“Sparrow.” I said.

“Alright, everything looks to be in order. If you’d follow me.”

With that I was taken to the room where all the boxes were kept and the one I needed was taken out. They opened it for me and left me to do whatever I needed to do.

I opened it and saw that it was indeed empty.

“Shit.” I said. I wasn’t exactly surprised but now it was confirmed how screwed I was. I closed the box and walked out.

From there every single moment was spent tracking down that moron. Of course Delilah in the meantime decided to pay back every one by screwing them over, making a mess and putting all of them on her trail and mine.

It had only been a week and I had to leave three countries because everyone was on edge.

“We’re not getting anywhere.” Kol said. “She’s fast and we’re just trailing behind her.”

“That’s all we can do…” I started before my computer started going off.

“I didn’t do anything.” Rebekah said.

“I know, I set up an alert if some of the more sensitive information on the ledgers got leaked to any federal agents and US Marshals were tagged in the alert we’d get notified and it just happened.” I said.

“She’s talking to the feds now?” Kol said. “She’s just asking for it now.”

“Yeah, but at least we know where she is.” I said. “And I may not be able to slow her down but the marshals, that’s easy. Just lose some paperwork and we can get to her before she does anymore damage.”

“Where is she?” Rebekah asked.

“New York.” I said. “Small town upstate.”

“There’s no way we can get close to her is she’s being guarded by the marshals.” Kol said.

“We can if she realizes they can’t protect her and she runs.” I said.

“You mean…” Rebekah said.

“Yeah, We’re going to let everyone know where they can find her.” I said.

“Cal hold on do you really think this is the best way to go about this. You know what they’ll do to her.” Rebekah said. “Don’t get me wrong the bitch deserves it but you’d essentially be signing her death sentence.”

“I know that Beks but if we don’t do this everyone will go down. Everything that happened in Chicago, and before that. Everything Dad, Nik and Elijah have ever done is in there too.” I said. “If I have to choose between Delilah and them I choose family every time. Always and forever right?”

“Right.” She said. “Let’s go get the bitch.”

But like always things went wrong. Specifically us not finding Delilah. We returned to New Orleans to regroup and figure out what we were going to do in the worst case scenario which was half the family went to jail.

“No You are not taking the fall for this.” Rebekah said.

“We’re all in this together.” Kol said. “If you go we all do.”

“No. The only information in the ledgers are the things the three of us have done. They have nothing on you three.” Elijah said. “If we get ahead of this we may be able to work out a plea deal to get out early or at least have. A chance of getting out before we die.”

“Or we could run.” Nik said.

“Run where? They wouldn’t just be looking for us here.” He said.

“You couldn’t just leave it alone.” Someone said and Nik and Kol immediately took out their guns only to see a bloodied and beaten Delilah limping in with a baby in her arms as well as the hard drive the ledgers were kept in.

“You were the one that started leaking everyone’s secrets.” I said. “Those ledgers were an insurance policy. A last resort. Using them just to be petty and get revenge only made things worse.”

“No shit.” She said collapsing against the fountain as the baby in her arms started crying. “Sh sh”

I kneeled down next to her and took the ledger she offered me back.

“I should have listened to you.” She said crying before panting in pain. “I should have run away when I had the chance. But I couldn’t leave him. I loved him and I thought I could change him.”

That was when I saw the wounds on her abdomen and how badly she was bleeding.

“You said it yourself. You loved him.” I said looking at the baby. “He’s his isn’t he? That’s why you wanted the ledgers and to go into witness protection.”

“Drogon is your nephew.” She said.

“You named him Drogon?” I said.

“Shut up Chauncey.” Delilah said groaning in pain as she tried to move her son. “Hadrian hated him. Said he was a monster because he’s like you.”

“Like me how?” I asked.

“He has more than one mark.” Delilah said. “And he didn’t think he was his son. I thought he would change his mind until I saw him smothering him with a pillow. I had to take him away and run but I’m not you. I can’t live on the run. I tried.”

“Delilah, I need you to calm down. We’re going to take you to a hospital and after that I’m going to get you two somewhere safe.” I said.

“It’s too late.” She cried handing me the baby before grabbing one of my hands. “I… can’t breathe and I lost a lot of blood. I’m going to die but my baby doesn’t have to. Please. Take him. Take care of him and raise him to be better than his parents were. Raise him to be a good man and tell I loved him more than anything. Please Cal, keep him safe.”

“Delilah?” I said as she let go of me and she gasped out her last breath. “Delilah!”

“Cal, she’s gone.” Kol said and the baby in my arms started crying.

I don’t exactly remember what happened next.I was kind of in shock, the baby was screaming in my ear and I think he puked on me at one point.

“Cal.” Clint said appearing in front of me. “Rebekah called. She told me what happened to Delilah.”

“That actually happened.” I said.

“Honey, I know it’s a lot to take in but you need to snap out of it. There’s damage control to be done and there’s…” He started.

He kept talking but I wasn’t hearing anything I think I was still in shock. Then the baby started crying and I got up to go take care of him.

Rebekah had made him a makeshift pillow crib on the bed.

“Hey Hey.” I said picking him up and holding him. He looked up at me with his bright green eyes and he smiled like really smiled at me. “You look just like you dad.”

I sat on the bed watching the baby sleep trying to figure out exactly what I was supposed to do. If there was anything the last few weeks had proven to me it was that old habits never really died. As much as I wanted to say I was different than Hadrian and Allison, I wasn’t. I left my nephew an orphan because I was just thinking about me.

I was the byproduct of being raised by two narcissists and now there was a baby.

When we finally regrouped and the blood was finally cleaned up from the fountain and courtyard we finally addressed the elephant in the room.

“The body has been taken. She’ll be cremated and dealt with.” Elijah said. “Have you considered what is going to be done about the child?”

“What do you mean what is going to be done about him? He’s staying.” Rebekah said.

“I don’t know.” I said.

“Cal?” Dad said.

“Delilah wanted him to be raised to be a good man and I’m not sure I’m the person to do that.” I said.

“That’s ridiculous.” Nik said.

“Is it? In the past two weeks I have black mailed, I have hacked for my own personal blame, framed someone for a crime they didn’t commit, oh and let’s not forget and I’m the reason the kid’s an orphan.” I said. “All it took was a tiny push and I slipped right back into my old habits.”

“You did what you had to.” Dad said.

“Did I? Because I’m not so sure anymore.” I said. “I was raised by a sociopath, his father was a psychopath, his mom was an assassin and add to that my issues. I’m the worst option for this kid because I will screw him up. I don’t even know how to change a diaper.”

“Cal, no parent knows what the hell they’re doing we just act like we do and you are nothing like your mom and brother. You’re selfless, you’re loyal, you put everyone before yourself. If there is anyone that can do this, it’s you. You know everything Allison did wrong, you know what not to do and that’s half of it” Dad said. “Delilah chose you for a reason.”

“I was her only choice.” I deadpanned.

“She knew that you would feel guilty about her dying and that you would spend the rest of your life trying to do right by her baby to make up for that.” Rebekah said.

“You take care of us.” Kol said. “I’m sure a baby will be easier.”

“This is crazy. I’m 19.” I said.

“We weren’t that much older than you when we had to take care of Rebekah and Kol.” Elijah said. “And you’re more prepared than we were.”

“You’ve already made up your mind because I know for a fact you’ll never be able to give him away.” Nik said.

“It’s insane.” I said.

“No more insane than the family business.” Kol said.

“Guys this will change everything.” I said. “If I do this I have to be out of the business completely.”

“You already are.” Nik said.

“I meant completely. No more money laundering, hacking, blackmail, tracking people down. Delilah was right because the past few weeks I was all Allison and that can’t happen again.” I said.

“Cal if that kid turns out horrible it’ll be more about who his parents were than anything.” Kol said.

“I don’t think that’s true. My mom was the worst, Hadrian even worse and Delilah she made mistakes but at the end she tried to do right by her son. No one is born evil life makes us that way.” I said. “Maybe this is our second chance to get it right, to break the cycle and do better.”

“Looks like the family just got a bit bigger.” Nik said.

“How’s it feel grandpa?” Rebekah teased Dad.

“That’s going to take some getting used to.” Dad said. “But we’re changing his name right?”

“Oh definitely.” I said. “Just have to think of a good one. Oh and I have to tell Clint.”

“Man you guys have only been official for like a month and you’ve already been kidnapped and had a kid.” Kol said.

The following morning I was in DC because I decided that there were some conversations that were handled better in person. I knocked on Clint’s door and he opened it.

“Cal?” He said still half asleep.

“Hey.” I said hugging him.

“Are you okay? What happened?” He asked.

“Uh well. You might want to sit down.” I said. I told him everything that had happened and how I had somehow ended up adopting my nephew.

“So you’re a mom now.” He said.

“Yeah that’s still so weird to hear out loud.” I said. “Honestly I’m still freaking out about it. I mean a kid is.. a tiny human I’m not in charge of.”

“That’s big.” He said.

“Huge.” I said. “I also changed his name. Drogon is a horrible name for a kid.”

“What did you decide on?” Clint asked.

“Connor.” I said. “Connor Gerard.”

“Do you… I mean you don’t have to but would you consider making it Connor Barton?” Clint said.

“Uh… Barton as in your name?” I asked. “Like a…”

“Like a dad. I know we haven’t exactly been official for long and…” he started.

“It’s crazy?” I said.

“And fast but I meant it when I said I was all in.” Clint said. “And I mean I always thought kids were in our future, you know down the line.”

“And it doesn’t bother you he’s his kid?” I asked.

“Blood doesn’t make a family. Love does and I’m going to love our kid just as much if not more than I love you.” He said and I started crying. “Cal it’s okay.”

“I’m sorry I just totally expected you to dump me when I told you the news.” I said. “Cause it’s a lot and it’s only been a month.”

“We’ve known each other for years. So technically more than a month.” He said. “I’m all in. Now I’m going to pack a bag because I’m going back with you so I can meet our son.”

“I love you.” I said.

“Love you too.” He said kissing me.

And that was how we went from being together to having a family together and also how we ended up getting married after only a month.

Clint split his time between New Orleans and DC thought he was home more often after asking to only be sent on ops if it was absolutely necessary. I kept my word and stayed out of the business and did not fall back into old habits. I had a son to think about and a family there was no way I would ever put in danger.

Connor was the sweetest kid ever. He was smart, funny, kind, he was a joy to be around. Everyone adored him.

I continued working at the bar managing it and managing Clint and I’s personal investments. We could both definitely afford to retire early if we wanted to.

It was three years later in 2015 where the bubble we lived in burst. It all started when SHIELD ended up being Hydra, my amnesiac soulmate appeared on the news and was on the run.

“We should move.” Clint said one night. He had been here for a few weeks since he was out of a job and he was enjoying it.

“What?” I asked. “I thought you liked the apartment?”

“I do but I think it’s be nice to live in a house, with a yard for Connor to run around in. Maybe get him a dog or for any mini Barton’s that might be around.” He said.

“That would be nice. We could look around see what the market is around here.” I said.

“Or we could move to the house I already have.” He said.

“I wouldn’t call your place in DC a house.” I said.

“I meant the other one. The safe house.” Clint said. “I’ve done some work on it since the last time you were there. We could go check it out or find somewhere else.”

“A new place would be nice.” I said. “Especially if there are going to be any more mini Barton’s running around.”

“And when do you think they’d be coming around?” he asked.

“Is there someone thing you want to tell me?” I said.

“No just seeing Connor all grown up kind of makes me miss the days when he was tiny and kept us up all night.” Clint said.

“You mean when he was a little terrorist and wouldn’t let us sleep?” I said.

“That and listening to you sing him to sleep, taking naps. The first steps…” he said. “First word.”

“You’re still mad he said mama before dada.” I said.

“No but maybe the next one will say it first.” He said.

“That’s still a long way away.” I said straddling his lap.

“Yeah.” He said.

“So we better get started.” I whispered in his ear as I started kissing his neck. Clint stood up and carried me to bed kicking the bedroom door closed.

Of course like always we couldn’t stay in our bubble forever and eventually reality had to come knocking at our door. It started with Natasha stopping by for a visit which came with a job offer. The Avengers were getting together to find Loki’s staff something Clint personally cared about getting back and getting off the planet.

“You sure about this?” I asked him.

“More than anything. I’ll sleep better once I know that thing is off the planet and locked away on an Asgardian vault.” Clint said.

“True just be careful okay? I know you’re good at what you do but you’re still human and I want you to come home in one piece.” I said.

“I always do. Besides I have a lot of reasons to want to come home.” He said.

“Daddy!” Connor said running in.

“Hey buddy.” He said picking up Connor. “What have you got there?”

“You.” Connor said handing it to him.

“For me?” Clint said taking the paper to see a drawing Connor had made of him with his bow. “That’s awesome Connor. You even put in my quiver. I’m going to take this with me and look at it every day.”

“Go with you?” Connor asked making me frown.

“Not this time buddy. I have to work but how about when I get back the three of us take a vacation.” Clint said.

“That sounds fun right?” I said. “We can go to Disneyland.”

“Mickey?” Connor said as his eyes lit up.

“Yeah you’ll get to meet mickey.” Clint said.

“Okay.” Connor said hugging Clint. “Love you.”

“Love you more.” Clint said kissing the top of Connor’s head. “Take care of your mom for me okay?”

“Okay.” Connor said walking over for me to pick him up as Clint headed out.

The next couple of months were tough. Clint visited when he could but he didn’t really have a specific schedule for when another Hydra base would pop up.

Months Later…

“Please tell me you got something.” Clint said walking in with Natasha and Thor after another dead end.

“We’ve been working on the hard drive for over a week and Jarvis can’t crack it.” Tony said.

“He’s a super computer.” Steve said. “He hacks stuff all the time.”

“First off, he’s an AI not a super computer and Jarvis can get into most systems but the encryption on this thing is above his level. We’ll get through it eventually it’s just going to take some time.” Tony said.

“How much time?” Steve asked.

“A few weeks or months.” Tony said.

“It’s been almost a year.” Thor said.

“Hydra’s hydra. We take out one base and another pops up somewhere else.” Tony said. “And the encryption on this thing… the only thing more secure than this would be the US marshal secret database for their witness protection program which even yours truly couldn’t get into.”

At the mention of witness protection Natasha and Clint exchanged looks both having the same idea.

“Do you two know something?” Steve asked recognizing the look.

“Nat.” Clint said warning her not to say anything knowing what I would say on the matter.

“We might know someone.” Natasha said.

“We know someone who used to do stuff like this.” Clint said.

“She’s the best at this…” Natasha said.

“And she made it very clear that the last time was the last time.” He said.

“Maybe we can talk to her.” Steve said.

“Or I can make it worth her while. Besides anyone who can get into that thing, I want to meet.” Tony said.

“That’s not a good idea.” Clint said.

“Clint we need her.” Natasha said.

“She made it very clear she was done.” Clint said. “She hasn’t done it in years for a reason.”

“And now there’s a really good reason for her to do it again.” Natasha said.

“Nat.” Clint said.

“Clint.” She said back.

“Okay I don’t know who this person is but how about we pay her a visit and explain the situation to her or maybe I can pick her brain bounce some ideas off of her.” Tony said.

“She’s not going to be happy about this.” Clint said.

“It’ll be fine. She’s always happy to see me.” Natasha said.

“I’ll get the jet ready.” He said walking out.

Hours Later…

It was one of my favorite days of the year. Living in New Orleans everyday is a party, especially in the French Quarter but the Casket Girl Festival was my all time favorite. From the costumes the decorations, to the message of women empowering women and sticking together.

I was on a cloud all day as I got ready. Rebekah and I had gone shopping for this specific day and I had opted for an off white off the shoulder high low dress. I kept my hair down curled into beachy waves with a few strands pinned back to keep them out of my face.

I dropped Connor off at nursery school before going to run errands, and to drop off a few things at the charity auction the local church for dad as well as some clothes Connor had outgrown. It was a pretty busy morning but I was killing it.

I walked into the bar and took my spot as I worked on the books while the rest of the staff did prep.

“No little monster today?” Josh asked.

“He should be here any minute. Kol’s picking him up from nursery school.” I said.  “He said he needed guy time.”

“You do realize that probably means he took Connor out of school early and spent the day playing video games and eating ice cream.” Josh said.

“Yeah honestly sometimes I don’t know who takes care of who.” I said making him laugh.

“Well Danny wanted me to bring these out for you.” Josh said placing a plate of beignets in front of me.

“Best day ever.” I said.

“You never get this happy for Mardi Gras.” Josh said.

“Mardi Gras is over rated.” I said biting into a beignet before getting back to work. I heard the front door open and assumed someone left it open again. “Sorry guys we don’t open for another hour.”

“not even for me?” Clint said.

“Hey you.” I said going to hug him and kissing him. He held onto me tight and kissed me almost desperately.

“I missed you.” He said.

“Missed you too. You didn’t say you were coming back.” I said.

“Uh yeah it wasn’t really planned.” He admitted awkwardly.

“You made us come all the way to new Orleans to visit a bar?” Someone said.

“You brought friends?” I asked.

“Yeah. Don’t be mad.” Clint said.

“Why would I be mad?” I asked.

“Guys this is…” Clint started.

“Cal?” Thor said.

“Thor, it’s been a while.” I said.

“I… you know Clint?” Thor asked.

“Wait you know her?” Tony asked.

“Of course I do. This is Cal, my other half, the light of my life…” Thor started.

“His soulmate that he hasn’t seen in almost four years even though he’s been back on earth for two years and hasn’t bothered to check in.” I said.

“Uh… Well you see the Dark Elves were after Lady Jane because she became infected with the Aether…” he started.

“Thor. Stop talking.” I said.

“But I…” Thor started.

“Pointbreak you just admitted you visited another girl that wasn’t her. Don’t make it worse.” Tony said.

“As I was saying this is…” Clint started.

“Some sort of agent from your super-secret past.” Tony said.

“I can see why you said don’t be mad.” I whispered to Clint.

“Nat insisted.” He whispered back.

“Ma’am I do apologize for intruding I’m sure you’re very busy and…” Steve started.

“Mommy!” Connor called out running in from the kitchen.

“Incoming.” Clint said with a smile. 

“Mommy Unc…” He started before he gasped when he saw Clint. “Daddy!”

Connor jumped into Clint s arms and hugged him tight.

“My little man, you’re getting so big.” Clint said ruffling his hair. “And look at that mustache what is that? Is that chocolate.”

“Uncle bought me a brownie.” Connor said.

“I bet he did.” I said trying to wipe off some of the chocolate from his face.

“And that’s a tiny agent?” Tony said confused before he eyed me up and down and when his eyes landed on the bird charm on my necklace. “You… you’re…”

“Guys this is Cal, my wife. And this is Connor our son.” Clint said.

“Son?” Thor said staring at Connor.

“Wife?” Steve said.

“Miss me?” Natasha said finally popping in.

“Auntie Nat!” Connor said jumping out of Clint’s arms to her.

“Is that chocolate? I want some.” Natasha said taking Connor back to the kitchen.

“We’re dealing with a thing and we think you might be able to help us.” Clint said.

“What type of thing?” I asked already not liking where this was going.

“We retrieved a hard drive from one of the Hydra bases. When SHIELD fell they took…” Steve started.

“Loki’s scepter which can brain wash people.” I said.

“We’ve been looking for it but every base we’ve taken out have been dead ends. The hard drive was the only thing we were able to get before they deleted everything. It’s our one chance to put an end to Hydra once and for all.” Steve said.

“Sounds like you’ve got your hands full.” I said.

“Robin hood and Natashalie said you’re the best at the best when it comes to getting through heavily encrypted firewalls and we thought maybe you could take a crack at it.” Tony said.

“Sorry guys I can’t help you.” I said.

“You won’t be in any danger if that’s what you’re worried about.” Steve said.

“I’m sure you think that but I got out of that life for a reason.” I said.

“What did you get caught by the NSA because I have connections, I can get your record cleared.” Tony said.

“It’s a little insulting you’d think I’d get caught.” I said.

“We understand that you retired but this would only be the only time…” Steve started.

“And that’s what everyone says but one favor turns into another and another and next thing you know I’m blonde wearing glasses and hiding in a small town in the middle of nowhere hiding from people who want to kill me.” I said.

“That wouldn’t happen. You’d be working for the right side.” Steve said.

“You thought SHIELD was the right side and they turned out to be Hydra. And yeah that’s a low blow but it’s also true.” I said. “It took a lot to get to this point and I’m not falling back into old habits.”

“It’s one time, what’s the worst thing that can happen?” Tony said.

“The last time I fell back into old habits I orphaned my nephew and I became a mom at 19. I love my kid more than anything in the world and I made a promise to make sure he grew up to be a good man. I can’t do that if I drag him into my old life.” I said. “So it doesn’t matter what you promise me or if I’m the only person in the world that can do it the answer’s still no.”

“Love I understand…” Thor started.

“Nope. You don’t get to do that.” I said shutting him up. “Now if you excuse me I have a three year old I promised to take to a festival. Feel free to order anything you want on the house.”

“Can I come with you?” Clint asked.

“Your best friend just loaded our kid with sugar, you better come.” I said taking his hand and leading him out.

We were at the festival watching Connor load up on ice cream when Clint finally brought it up.

“For the record I told them you weren’t going to do it but they insisted.” Clint said.

“I know.” I said.

“But…” he started.

“Clint…” I whined.

“Cal I know you said you were done for good but this could help a lot of people.” He said.

“But it also puts me on the radar when I’ve spent a lot of time trying to get off of it.” I said.

“I know.” He said.

“And we have Connor.” I reminded him.

“Connor will be fine.” Clint said.

“If I go dark again? You know there is going to come a day where I’m going to have to explain to him where he really came from. What happened to his dad and him mom?” I reminded him “And when that day comes he is going to hate my guts and I’ve accepted that but until that day comes I am going to do my best to keep him safe and good and that means not exposing him to that side of me.”

“What happened to Delilah wasn’t your fault.” Clint said. “You did what you had to. You said it yourself, the information on those ledgers would have hurt more people that would get hurt in the crossfire when everyone tried to get even with each other. There was no place Witness protection could have hidden her that someone wouldn’t have found her.”

“Her blood is on my hands and at one point it literally was.” I said. “The problem isn’t that I can’t do it, it’s that I don’t trust myself. I don’t want more blood on my hands. I don’t want yours.”

With that my phone started buzzing.

“That’s Josh. The usual festival madness.” I said. “I need to go. Connor.”

“I’ll take him home.” Clint said.

“You can leave him with Dad if you have to head back.” I said.

“No, I’ll stick around for a few days. I feel like being home.” He said. “I’ll see you at home.”

“Yeah.” I said kissing him. “Love you.”

“Love you too.” Clint said before I left.

Festival nights were my busiest days managing the bar. Mostly because I had to make sure the staff was doing their job and that the customers stayed drunk but not so drunk they started puking. When Josh rang the bell for last call I was relieved.

“Hey boss, guy at the bar asked to talk to you.” Josh said.

“Did you tell him last call was non-negotiable?” I asked.

“No he’s one of Clint’s… coworkers.” Josh said.

“Coworkers?” I said before sighing. “I’ll be right out. Are they the only one’s left?”

“Yeah, the bar’s clear and clean up’s done.” Josh said.

‘Alright, tell everyone they can go home. I’ll lock up.” I said.

“You sure?” Josh asked.

“Yeah, go get some sleep you look tired.” I told him.

“Yeah well moonlighting for your dad and brothers is exhausting.” Josh said. “And Law school is expensive.”

“Yeah it is.” I said. “Go get some rest.”

“See ya tomorrow.” He said before leaving. I decided to bite the bullet and walked out to see what they were going to try to do to convince me.”

To my surprise it wasn’t just one of them. It was Tony, Steve and Thor.

“I’m pretty sure they have last call in New York.” I said.

“Not at my at home bar.” Tony said. “You know I was thinking about hiring a bartender.”

“I’m not a bartender, I just run the place.” I said. “And is it really a good idea for a high functioning alcoholic to have his own bar?”

“Alcohol in moderation is not unhealthy.” He said.

“Tell that to your liver.” I said.

“Cal, I understand you’re upset but… the child…” Thor started. “How old is he?”

“Connor? He’s about three and a half.” I said. “Wait why do you want to know how old my kid is?”

“Uh well do you remember about four years ago in Puente Antiguo where we met and spent a night in each other’s company…” Thor said and Tony snorted choking on his drink and Steve blushed.

“You think Connor is…” I started before I started laughing. “Thor don’t you think if I had at any point in the last four years if I had been pregnant I wouldn’t have said anything? He’s not yours.”

“He’s not?” He asked visibly relieved.

“No. He’s adopted.” I said.

“Oh that’s great. Really? Adoption… you know my brother loki was adopted.” Thor said.

“Comparing my son with an evil demigod that invaded Earth. As if I didn’t have enough to worry about.” I said

“We understand that you don’t want to help and that you have a lot on your plate but taking out Hydra…” Steve started.

“Is your responsibility.” I said.

“You’re the only one that can do it.” He said.

“Don’t you have two super geniuses on your team?” I reminded him.

“Yeah we tried.” Tony said. “Can’t do it. Romanoff swears you can and considering I can’t find anything on you anywhere I’d say she’s right.”

“Did you seriously google me?” I asked.

“Google, FBI, CIA, Homeland, even the DMV. It’s like you don’t exist.” Tony said. “Not everyone can pull that off so I know you’re good.”

“Flattery gets you nowhere.” I said. “Look I get that you guys are desperate and I understand but I can’t help you. I’m sure you’ll figure it out eventually. Now I don’t want to be rude but it’s late and I want to get home to my husband and kid.”

“Sure, thanks for everything.” Tony said standing up. “If you’re ever in New York feel free to stop by the tower.”

“Sure.” I said taking his hand to shake when suddenly it hit me.

“So it is you.” He said.

“Fucking hell.” I said.

“Tony?” Steve asked.

“Capsicle meet my soulmate.” Tony said.

“You’re going to start popping up everywhere now aren’t you?” I said.

“No… but I won’t stop trying to convince you to help. Pretty please?” he said.

“Okay I’m going home. It’s been a long day and I’m in a wedding dress and heels.” I said.

“Sure. How about we walk you? It’s late. You shouldn’t walk home alone.” Tony said.

By the time I got home I was ready to just get into bed.

“Hey you.” Clint said.

“Hey, is Connor asleep?” I asked.

“Yeah he crashed hard.” Clint said with a smile as I fell onto the couch. Clint took off my heels for me and rubbed my feet making me moan.

“Best husband ever.” I said. “Oh by the way I shook Tony’s hand and he knows.”

“He’s never going to shut up.” He said.

“I noticed. Also for some reason Thor thought Connor was his son.” I said. “He then told me adoption was great and his brother Loki was also adopted.”

“Uh.” Clint groaned.

“I know.” I said as he let go and I moved closer to cuddle. “Is it really that bad.”

“Hm?” He asked.

“Hydra? Are things really that bad?” I asked and Clint sighed.

“They’re using weapins modified with chitauri tech, experimenting on people and… Just the usual bad guy stuff…” Clint said.

“I have to help don’t I?” I said.

“You don’t have to do anything. We can figure it out.” Clint said.

“But the longer they’re out there the more people they hurt.” I said.

“That is true.” He said making me sigh.

“If I do this, you need to promise me you’re not going to let me go dark.” I said.

“You didn’t go dark because you were hacking.” Clint said.

“But that’s how it always starts. It’s a slippery slope. One day I’m hacking to get out of paying my parking tickets that I know for a fact I did not deserve because that meter maid was being a dick.  And then the next day I’m manipulating people, I’m causing turf wars, I’m framing people for things they didn’t do, and there’s decapitated heads showing up on my doorstep.” I said.

“Cal, none of that was your fault and I know for a fact the people you framed were horrible people who did way worse than the things you framed them for.” Clint said.

“That’s not the point.” I said.

“If it. You’re good, you’re amazing. You have been put in bad situations over and over again but you always do the right thing… or the best possible thing considering the situation.” He said. “but if it makes you feel better and you want to do this, I will make sure that as soon as you’re done to keep you away from any computers, mob bosses, hired assassins, or anything remotely close to something that will make you go dark.”

“Promise?” I asked him.

“Pinky promise.” He said sticking out his pinky as he smirked.

“Really?” I said.

“You can’t break a pinky.” He teased and I playfully smacked his arm before kissing him. “Have I mentioned how beautiful you look in that dress?”

“I’m in your head Clint, I know exactly what you were thinking when you saw me in this dress.” I said. “Just say when and where.”

Clint kissed me and he stood up carrying me to our room.

The following afternoon after leaving my baby with Dad, flying back to New York and getting the grand tour I was finally lead to the lab Where I met Bruce and we both realized he was one of the seven in my head. After he snapped out of his shock Tony told me where I would be working and I got to it.

After an hour of trying a few things just to see exactly what we were dealing with I finally said something.

“Huh.” I said.

“Huh what? Did you crack it?” Tony said surprised.

“No but this thing is incredible. It’s basically a virtual rubix cube black box if each of the rubic cube squares was another rubix cube.” I said impressed and amazed by what I was seeing. “If I met the person that came up with this I would give him a high five.”

Bruce and Tony just stared at me.

“You know if he wasn’t working for Nazis.” I said.

“So you can’t so it?” Tony asked.

“I never said that.” I said looking at the time it was about 7pm. “I’m going to need all the free servers you have on hand, a better key board, I don’t like the sound this one makes when I type, a chair with good lumbar support, a triple shot espresso over ice with two pumps of hazelnut and tons of sugar delivered to me every three hours, a lab with good speakers, a chair with good lumbar support and I should have this things cracked wide open in about… 14 hours.”

“14 hours?” Bruce said.

“I’m giving myself some wiggle room.” I said.

“Okay, Jarvis you heard the lady.” Tony said. “Get her everything she needs.”

“Do you want to get some dinner?” Bruce asked. “Steve’s making spaghetti.”

“No, I’m just going to jump right in. Clint will bring me a plate later.” I said sitting down on the chair an intern wheeled up and putting my hair up into a ponytail. “Jarvis play my clean up playlist at full blast please?”

“Of course.” Jarvis answered before the loud screech of an electric guitar blasted through the speakers making Bruce cringe and Tony smile.

“We’ll just leave you to it!” Tony said but I could barely hear him.

“Kay.” I said waving them off.

Thirteen and a Half Hours Later…

After an all nighter I was sure was going to give me carpal tunnel I walked into the common room and went straight for the coffeepot lint was drinking straight out of.

“Morning.” I said kissing him as I took the coffee pot away from him and poured myself and him in a mug.

“Morning… We were just about to send down a rescue party.” Tony said.

“I would have said something if I needed help.” I said.

“No you wouldn’t.” Natasha and Clint said at the same time.

“I wouldn’t but it’s done.” I said.

“Fourteen hours exactly.” Tony said.

“Well it was actually twelve but it was bugging me that they were out of order so I made an algorithm to sort them out by day then another one to have Jarvis sort through the intel you already have to flag anything that might be connected and then I started looking at shoes and got distracted.” I said.

“Cal are you feeling okay?” Bruce asked.

“Yeah why?” I asked.

“You just seem a bit… jumpy.” He said.

“It’s probably the lack of sleep mixed with the four triple espressos. I can’t do all nighter’s like I used to.” I said.

“Okay, It’s time to cut you off.” Clint said trying to take the coffee mug out of my grip but I held onto it tight.

“Cal.” He said giving me a look. I sighed and let go then taking his bacon. They started talking about their next steps and Tony was going through the videos. I fell asleep standing up leaning against Clint. I woke up when Clint lifted me up to carry me to bed.

“Wha…” I started.

“It’s just me. Time to go to bed.” He started.

“Mm not tired.” I mumbled.

“Of course you’re not. But how about we watch TV in bed for a bit.” Clint said.

“Mhm…” I said drifting off to sleep.

Hours Later…

I woke up hours later not knowing if it was day or night but I was hungry so I got up and walked back to the kitchen of course as I walked out of my room a tripped over a stack of boxes and packages.

“What the… Jarvis tell the interns they delivered their packaged to the wrong floor.” I said.

“Actually Miss those are for you. Sir ordered all the items you looked at this morning as well as a few other recommendations as a thank you.” He said.

“That was nice of him.” I said.

“Hey.” I said appearing in front of Tony.

“Oh shit… “ He said.

“Yeah it takes a while to get used to the thought projection thing.” I said. “Thanks for the shoes and stuff you didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to it’s the least I can do.” He said. “Hey listen I was actually just about to go out for a bite. Have this craving for burgers. Do you want to…”

“Are you asking me out on a date?” I said.

“What no… yes… maybe?” Tony said.

“You have a girlfriend.” I said.

“Pepper and I are on a break.” He said.

“And I’m married.” I said.

“Really? I hadn’t noticed. How does the multiple soulmate thing work?” He asked.

“Well before three days ago I had only met three of you, one spent three days on Earth we banged and I didn’t see him for three years. The other is a very attractive Russian spy that I adore but I don’t think she sees me like that and then there’s the love of my life, father of my child and husband Clint.” I said.

“So Hypothetically…” Tony started as my phone started ringing.

“Got to go my son’s calling.” I said cutting him off and answering the call.