Fated Marks

Date night went great. Nate was funny and charming and as much as I hate to admit he was my type. We exchanged numbers before he walked me to my door where Jake and Will were listening in to everything we were saying.

They both gave me cheeky smiles before I bid them good night. I got dressed into my pjs and crammed in a few hours of studying before calling it a night. I woke up the next morning.

I woke up groaning as the bright sunlight hit my face. I looked over at my mirror and saw that Will had already been in to pick out my clothes for the day. I must have been really knocked out if I didn’t feel him walk in.

I looked over the clothes and saw that it was pretty casual, something I would have picked out. That’s strange, maybe this was his way of compensating for the last minute date. I put on the simple white sweater with the olive utility jacket and black ripped jeans. I put on some brown lace up booties and topped it with a plaid flannel scarf Will had also picked out.

I walked out of my room and went to go grab my laptop and bag.

“Morning sunshine.” Will said. He was wearing boxers and a white t-shirt.

“Morning.” I said.

“Morning Hayley.” Jake said walking out shirtless and wearing just boxers. “I’ll get your coffee right out.”

“Thanks…” I said awkwardly. I turned to Will who was hiding his shit-eating grin behind a mug. So Jake spent the night, those noise-cancelling earphones were worth the price.

“Did you sleep well you look exhausted?” Jake said.

“She probably spent half the time coding.” Will said giving me a look.

“It’s midterms week, got to cram in any practice while I can.” I said.

“Like you don’t do it at work.” Will said.

“What I do is different than what I do on my own it doesn’t count.” I said.

“Uhuh.” He said. “You better get going or you’re going to be late.”

“Shit, I’ll see you tonight.” I said. I grabbed my things and went out the door.

I went to class and during my one hour break in between classes I ran into a very familiar Political Science Major.

“Hayley!” I heard Nate call out.

“Nate, hey.” I said. Now I knew why Will picked this outfit out, it was casual yet cute, perfect for a casual run in.

“You on your way to class?” He asked.

“No just got out of class, I have a gap between classes normally just grab a snack or go study somewhere.” I said.

“You have time for a cup of coffee?” He asked.

“Uh…” I couldn’t come up with one so I went with it. “Sure.” I said.

“I know the perfect place.” He said.

So this outfit wasn’t just perfect for casual run ins, it was perfect for coffee dates.

“What class did you just get out of?” He asked.

“It’s a web design class it’s my easy A. It’s more creative than actual knowledge based.” I said.

“I have a class like that, My English Lit, that’s actually how I met Jake.” Nate said.

“That’s cool, how’d you become roommates?” I asked.

“He put an ad out and flyers everywhere and I couldn’t stand my roommate freshman year so I moved out halfway through the year.” He said. “How’d you end up living with Will?”

“My former roommate and his former roommate set us up on a blind date.” I said.

“But Will’s…” Nate started.

“Oh I know but at the time they didn’t. We ended up becoming friends so when our two friends got married we swapped roommates and that’s how we ended up living together.” I said.

“You two have been through a lot together.” Nate said.

“Yeah, he’s more like an older brother than a roommate.” I said.

“That explains the shovel talk I got when I called this morning.” Nate said with a smile.

“You called this morning?” I asked.

“I called Will asking if he knew when would be a good time to ask you out on a date, you know without chaperones.” He said.

“That explains a lot, like why Will was up before me when normally I have to drag him out of bed.” I said. “And for the record I’m free every other weekend starting next weekend.”

“Good to know.” He said with a smile. “It’s almost time for your class.”

“Wow, time flies.” I said.

“Can I walk you?” He said.

“Sure but it might be a bit out of your way.” I said.

“I don’t have anywhere to be.” He said.

“Sure.” I said not being able to keep the smile off my face.

That smile stayed on my face the entire day. I got to work and went through the usual routine. Espresso and some carboloaded pastry for Tony and Chai tea for Bruce.

I walked into the lab and saw that they were both in their own sides. I put the tea down in front of Bruce who gave me a small smile and a quiet thank you before going over to Tony.

“Put the scotch down.” I said.

“Hayley, you look great.” He started trying to distract me.

“Scotch down.” I said butting the coffee and Danish down in front of him.

“Oh come on.” He said before I took it out of his hand. “Hey!”

“It’s not even five yet.” I said. “Breakfast.”

He dramatically rolled his eyes before taking a bite of the bagel. I took a sip of the scotch. “Damn that’s smooth.”

“I thought it wasn’t five yet.” He whined.

“It’s not but I’ve actually had breakfast and I’m younger meaning my liver still has more to give than yours. I do this because I care.” I said.

“Yeah, yeah.” He said with a smile. “You’re in a good mood today. I take it the date went well?”

I suddenly felt a bit of sadness from the mark on my hip.

“It’s was actually fun, Will picked a good one.” I said.

“What’s he like? No wait let me guess, junior social science major and he plays football.” Tony said.

“Senior, Political Science major and he plays lacrosse but close.’ I said.

“What the hell’s lacrosse?” Tony said.

“I don’t know the one with the upside down hockey stick with a net attached, a triangle soccer goalie and a ball.” I said.

“They call everything sports now.” Tony said.

“They do, So what’s the plan for today.” I said.

“Need to get everything ready for the move, so I need you to plan out how everyone’s floors are going to be decorated. You might want to start with Thor considering he’s in the gym.” Tony said.

“Okay how am I supposed to get in touch with everyone else?” I asked.

“Jarvis will put in their contact info on your phone. He already has their personality profiles and can give you a suggestion on it just need you to get them all to okay it.” Tony said.

“Sounds good. I’ll get on it and forward the approved plans to the contractors.” I said “Anything else?”

“That’s it for now.” He said.

“Cool, I’ll bring lunch down later, I owe you after your surprise meeting yesterday.” I said.

“I’d appreciate it.” He said. With that I was on my way. I went up to the common room and started looking through the personality profiles.

“Jarvis Can you please tell Thor to come up when he has the chance please?” I said.

“Yes Miss Adams.” Jarvis answered.

“Okay, Ladies first.” I said Clicking on Natasha’s profile. The file was basically empty. I decided to go with my gut.

“Jarvis, what do you think would be better, should I call Text or email?” I asked.

“A Text and Email would be the best in case Miss Romanoff or anyone else is currently occupied.” Jarvis answered.

“Good call.” I quickly took the proposed plans and emailed them to Natasha along with a quick text letting her know what was going on.

I got started on Steve’s room when Thor came in. Lady Hayley, The voice in the ceiling said you wanted to see me. Might I say you look radiant today.” He said.

“I bet you say that to every girl you meet.” I said.

“I may have before but that was before I met the one that outshined them all.” He said.

“Wow, you really raise the bar for pick up lines.” I said blushing. “So the reason I interrupted your work out was because I’m working on the remodel for all the floors. It’s a rush job so the contractors need to know what to do on each floor and I needed to know how you want your floor done.”

“My room is fine as it currently is.” Thor said.

“I’m sure it is but I know you’d probably want to make it a bit more homey? More you. I know the guest room is a bit plain.” I said.

“Is there anything you may recommend?” Thor asked.

“I’m not sure, What’s your favorite color?” I asked.

“Red.” He said.

“Okay so maybe some red curtains to block out the sun in your room so you can sleep in and in your living room.” I said.

“I have some of those in my room in Asgard.” Thor said.

“Hey, we have something. So maybe that and some marbled flooring?” I offered.

“Aye, in the same color as the great hall!” Thor cheered.

“And what color would that be?” I asked.

“Gold.” He said.

“Okay, So red curtain and some throw pillows, big comfy couch, maybe a table to put the hammer on so no one keeps tripping or hitting themselves with it. Some gold accents to personalize it a bit.” I said bringing up an image. “Something like this but a bit more you.”

He looked them over and nodded. “It is a perfect.” He said with a smile. Why are all these guys hot?

“These are just rough plans, we can do more or adjust once the room’s set up.” I said.

“I am sure they will be perfect.” Thor said looking deep into my eyes. I didn’t get to see how blue his eyes were. Thor’s were more of a cerulean blue while Steve’s were a bit lighter with tiny flecks of green and what the hell is happening? Shit I’m hitting with my boss’s superhero teammates. Then again tony isn’t bad looking… Fuck!

“I’m sorry?” Thor said looking concerned.

“Oh nothing, just realized I haven’t had anything to eat and I’m starting to get hangry. I’m craving a pop tart, you want one?” I said.

“Tarts of pop!” He cheered.

“Oh you know them.” I said.

“They are the best tasting sweets in all the nine realms.” Thor cheered.

“I’ll make sure Jarvis keeps them stocked.” I said.

I quickly got back to work and got started on Steve’s room. He was from the 1940’s and thrust into the modern world. That was probably a huge shock and he was probably home sick. So not something really modern. Hard wood flooring was a must. The kitchen could have wooden cabinets and it would be an open floor plan so it would be connected to the living room.

I quickly sent another email to Steve.

“Miss Adams I believe a phone call would be a more appropriate form of communication for captain Rogers.” Jarvis said. “He is not yet well versed in forms of modern communication.”

“Okay then.” I said, “Would you dial him please?”

“Forwarding the call now.” Jarvis answered.

I heard the dial tone followed someone picking up.

“Rogers.” He said.

“Hi Steve it’s Hayley.” I said.

“H-hi.’ He said.

“Hi back, so listen I’m sure you’re super busy so I’ll make this quick. I’m working on the remodel for you’re new apartment and I need your approval for the plans and to decorate it. I emailed you a few ideas. Can you take a look at them when you get a chance and let me know if they’re okay or if there’s something else you want?” I asked.

“Yes, I’ll take a look at them. Thank you for doing this especially on such short notice.” He said.

“It’s no trouble. It’s actually a nice change of pace.” I said. “Well I’ll let you get back to whatever you’re doing.”

“I’ll call you back when I get a look at them.” He said.

“Okay then.” I said before ending the call. Last but not least I had to do Clint’s room. I looked over his personality profile and all I could figure out was that he liked heights and he was bringing Lucky to live with him.

“Jarvis dial Clint please.” I said and he dialed.

“Barton.” Clint picked up.

“Hey it’s Hayley.” I said.

“Hayley, what can I do for you?” He asked sounding surprisingly cheerful. I felt the mark on my left arm feel giddy and excited.

“Are you busy?” I asked.

“Not at all.” He said.

“So I’m working on getting your apartment ready and I have no idea what to put in your room.” I admitted, “Tony gave me your personality profile and all I got was your name, and what I already knew which was that you have a dog. So Clint please help me help you and tell me, what do I put in your man cave?”

That made him laugh. “Uh, I’m from Iowa, My favorite color is purple, like dark purple. What else, I like heights so if you could put a birds nest in the apartment that’d be great. Oh and a giant flat screen with a really good couch.”

“So theater system in your living room. You like heights so maybe elevated spaces make it look like a loft. Open spaces so you can see your surroundings at all times. I’m thinking grey for the walls and purple accents or drapes.”

“That sounds exactly like my dream man cave.” He said making me laugh.

“I’ll make out some plans so you can get a better picture of it and send them to you. Let me know if you think of something else.” I said.

“Thanks Hayley.” He said.

“That’s what I’m here for, speaking of, I have to go make sure Bruce and Tony eat lunch.” I said.

“I’ll see you this weekend.” He said.

“Yup, bye.” I said hanging up. I quickly made Tony, Bruce, and Thor sandwiches and salads. I took Thor his lunch which he thanked me profusely for before going down to the lab and giving Tony and Bruce their lunches.

“You know you could have just ordered in right?” Tony said.

“I know but a home cooked meal every once in a while wouldn’t kill you two.” I said.

“Thanks Hayley.” Bruce said.

“You’re acting very mom like today.’ Tony said.

“Mom like? You do realize you essentially pay me to be your nanny right? I pick out your clothes, make sure you sleep, make sure you eat something, handle your tantrums, do your homework for you…” I started listing off my responsibilities.

“I know that’s your job but you go beyond the expectations.” He said.

“Is that a bad thing?” I said.

“No just an observation.” He said.

“I can smell the silent judgment Tony.” I said.

“I’m not saying anything but are you always like this, How about with your roommate?” Tony asked.

“You want to meet Will?” I asked.

“You talk about him often and he’s you’re you…” Tony started.

“He has been asking what I do here…. I’ll bring him this weekend, we could probably use all the help we can get with the move, and you can bring your bestie.” I said.

“Rhodey? I’m sure I can get him here.” He said.

“It’s a deal then.” I said as my phone started ringing. “Tony Stark’s Nanny’s line.”

“Nanny?” Someone said.

“It’s the unofficial job title.” I said.

“It’s Natasha, I got your plans.” She said.

“DO you hate them? I pulled it together out of what I read in your personality profile which was mostly blank.” I said.

“I like the color scheme but I want to change up the living room.” Natasha said.

“What’d you have in mind?” I asked.

“You ever seen once upon a time? The mayor’s office?” She said.

“The black and white forest theme wall paper and pops of red around the room.” I said liking the idea.

“Exactly.” She said.

“I think I have an idea, mind if I put some thing together and send the new plans to you after.” I said.

“I’ll be waiting.” Natasha said before hanging up.

“Design plans going well?” Tony asked.

“Yeah. I have a few plans made just waiting for everyone to get back to me. I actually have to go redo Natasha’s plans. If everything goes well I should have them forwarded to the contractors by the end of the day.” I said.

“Better get to it then.” Tony said.

“Okay then, you know where I’ll be if you need me.” I said walking out.

Third Person’s POV-

Tony and Bruce watched Hayley walk out of the lab before saying everything.

“You gave her this job on purpose.” Bruce said.

“I did say she was in charge of the move.” Tony said.

“You didn’t have to ask her to personally make sure each room was set up to each of their tastes.” Bruce said.

“We agreed not to tell her but we did say we’d get to know her.” Tony said.

“And this has nothing to do with the fact that she went on a date last night?” Bruce said.

“Why would that be an issue? We all had lives before we met and knew about her it’s just good to give everyone to work as close toher as we have the past few months.” Tony said.

“And you want to meet her roommate why?” Bruce said.

“Aren’t you curious?” Tony said.

Bruce stayed quiet. “You might want to give everyone a heads up, and you may want to give Rhodes the whole story.”

“I did.” Tony said. “Okay I may have left out a few things. I’ll call him later.”

“And everyone else to give them a heads up.” Bruce said.

“Where’s the fun in that?” Tony said.

“Tony…”

“Fine, I’ll let them know.”