Fated Marks

Two weeks before Thanksgiving Will got a call from someone he never thought he’d hear from again. His younger brother Xander. I didn’t even know Will had a brother then again he doesn’t know about…

“I DON’T CARE XANDER!!!” Will shouted for the fifth time in the past three days. “Dad made it very clear that he never wanted to see my face again.”

I heard some shouting on the other end before Will sighed.

“I need to think about it.” Will relented.

There was more shouting.

“He waited four years he can wait a few days!!!” Will shouted before throwing the phone against the wall.

“What the hell Will?” I asked.

“Xander wants me to go to Charleston for Thanksgiving. With my family. apparently nana wants one last thanksgiving with all of us… together.” Will snarled.

“I thought you said your nana was dead?” I asked.

“My mom’s mom is dead this is dad’s mom.” Will said.

“Is she sick?” I asked.

“She’s like a hundred.” Will said.

“Oh, well what are you going to do?” I asked.

“Not go that’s for sure.” Will said.

“Will, I get your dad’s an ass but you really want it on your conscious that you turned down what could be your grandmother’s last dying wish?” I asked.

“I said I’d think about it!” Will shouted as Natasha and Clint came in.

“Wow, what’s going on?” Clint asked.

“I need to go help sue someone.” Will said storming off.

“What was that about?” Natasha asked.

“He got a call from his brother asking him to go to Charleston for Thanksgiving with his family who kicked him out when he was seventeen for coming out to them.” I said. “He’s got some things to work through.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him angry.” Clint said.

“Neither have I, it takes a lot to get him to that point.” I said worrying a bit.

“So what are you doing for Thanksgiving?” Natasha asked changing the subject. She was really good at knowing when I didn’t want to keep talking about something.

“Normally Will and I go to Tess and Liam’s house for Thanksgiving and we make dinner but this year Liam’s parents finally forgave them for eloping and invited them to Ohio for the week so we’re probably just staying in small dinner maybe just takeout.” I said.

“Why don’t you…” Clint started before Will came marching in.

“You know what fuck them, I am going to rub in how well I’m doing in that homophobic jerks face. Pack your bags Hales we’re going to Charleston.” Will said determined.

“We?” I said.

“You really think I’m going alone?” Will said.

“Well we do have nothing planned and this way we don’t actually have to cook.” I said resigned. “What should I wear?”

“I got that covered.” He said with a smile.

“If I don’t come back assume I didn’t survive.” I said.

Clint and Natasha just smiled.

The two weeks that followed were spent mostly just helping everyone get ready for the holidays. Steve wanted to cook dinner and Tony just wanted to hire a caterer. Steve got sent on a last minute mission so he had to relent.

“I know you two said you had it handled but if anything and I mean anything comes up call and just in case take this.” Tony said handing me a credit card.

“Tony we have money, you pay us enough.” I said.

“Then borrow it and give it back on Monday.” He said putting it in my hand.

“Thank you.” I said.

“Which tie screams I’m gay I’m proud and you can go fuck yourself dad?” Will said holding out two ties.

“Didn’t know they made ties that could talk, the rainbow one does make a statement though.” Tony said.

“Rainbow it is.” Will said.

“Will we’re going to see your nana, do you really want the first time she’s seen you in four years to end in a screaming match?” I asked.

“Hayley it’s thanksgiving, its tradition to have a screaming match.” Will said.

“What am I walking into?” I said.

“You know it’s not too late for you two to join us at the tower for dinner.” Tony said.

“Thank you but I already promised and they’re expecting us.” Will said.

“I’m keeping the GPS on in my phone, if I send a text saying 911 call and fake a work emergency.” I said.

“I’ll have my phone on me.” Tony said. “If you’re so nervous about this why are you going?”

“For Will, whether he wants to admit it or not he still has things to deal with.” I said.

“You know where I’ll be if you need me.” He said before going down to the lab.

We left the Monday of Thanksgiving week. We were taking a flight down there and getting there around noon. Will didn’t stop bouncing his knee the entire flight. He was already dressed in slacks and a dress shirt under a sweater.

He picked out my outfit as well. I would have preferred some sweats or something comfy instead Will had taken it upon himself to pick out outfits for the entire week. Two outfits per day. Why I would need to change so often I didn’t know but I just went along with it.

Today’s flight outfit was tan fitted slacks, a white flowy button up with a black collar and cuffs that covered my soulmarks and a pair or maroon heels.

“Will I know you’re nervous but I need you to stop bouncing your leg you’re making me nervous and one of us has to be calm.” I said.

“Sorry, it’s just… its been a long time since I was in Charleston. There’s this amazing barbeque place that has the best ribs, I can’t wait to show you all my old hangouts.” He said.

“I’m looking forward to it.” I said.

“Ladies and Gentlemen please fasten your seat belts we are beginning our descent into Charleston.” The captain said.

Less than twenty minutes later we were getting our bags and going to rent a car. Will’s brother Xander offered to come and pick us up but Will wanted to drive around and stop by for something so we didn’t show up empty handed.

We parked downtown by some of the shops and grabbed a bottle of wine and some flowers. Will got some for his mom and I picked out an extra one for his Nana.

We drove down the streets to a winding road that ended in a pretty huge Victorian house. It looked very kept up.

“The house has been in the family for four generations. It was passed on father to firstborn son. Looks like Xander gets the house now.” Will said bitterly.

“Can you imagine yourself living anywhere but New York?” I asked.

“No, I really can’t. Everything happens for a reason right?” He said looking up at the door.

“Right, You ready?” I asked.

“As I’ll ever be.” He said we walked up the steps of the house and knocked on the door.

A man about Will’s height but slightly younger opened the door. He had brown eyes and dark short hair.

“Will.” He said smiling.

“Hey Xan.” Will greeted. They both stood there awkwardly before they hugged.

“I was starting to think you changed your mind.” He said with an awkward chuckle.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Will said. “Xan this is my best friend, roommate, and practically my sister Hayley.”

“It’s nice to meet you Xander.” I said with a small smile.

“The pleasure’s all mine, here let me help you with that.” Xander said taking my bags.

“Oh thank you.” I said.

“Please come in.” He said ushering us in.

We walked in and I looked around. There were photos of the family around the house. I took a look at the closest one. It was a boy holding a fish he had just caught. I couldn’t help but smile.

“Where’s everyone?” Will asked.

“Xander who is it?” I heard someone call out.

“It’s Will mom.” Xander answered.

We heard footsteps and a middle aged woman with sandy blonde hair and kind hazel eyes walked in.

“Will?” She said.

“Hi mom.” Will said. She practically threw herself at Will. She held him and I heard her sob and Will started crying as well.

“My baby boy, look at you.” She said.

“I’m fine mom, I promise.” He said.

“Of course you are my handsome boy.” She said.

“Mom, not in front of Hayley.” Will said blushing.

“Oh, I’m sorry sweetie.” She said. “You must be Hayley, you are beautiful darling.”

“Ah thank you.” I said as she pulled me into a hug. I can see where Will gets it from now.

“Thank you for bringing my son back to me.” She said.

“I didn’t do anything ma’am.” I said.

“Oh none of that ma’am thing call me Monica or Mom.” Monica said.

“Of course Monica.” I said. ‘These are for you, thank you for welcoming me into your home.”

“Pretty and polite, she’s a keeper Will.” Monica said taking the flowers and wine.

“Keeper?” I mouthed to Will and he just looked confused.

“Mo I’m home.” Someone called out.

“We’re in here. Bill look who came back.” Monica said cheerfully.

“What are you talking about?” Bill said walking in. Apparently Will’s dad was a cop. Oh boy.

“Hi pop.” Will said.

“My boy” he said happily before pulling Will into a hug, which he wasn’t expecting. “Look at you my Ivy league educated lawyer.”

“I-I’m still in law school.” Will said awkwardly.

“For now, I always knew you’d make something of yourself. My boys, my lawyer and future police officer. I’m beyond proud.” Bill said. Now I was really confused. “And here’s the woman responsible for it all. You fixed my boy.”

“Huh?” I said confused.

“I don’t know what you did but you took the queer out of my boy and turned him into a man!” Bill cheered hugging me. Wow not even one hour into the weekend and it was all going to shit.

“I didn’t…” I started.

“Where are my manners, William Joseph Turner at your service Miss…” he started.

“Hayley Adams, sir.” I said shaking his hand.

“Well I’m sure you and Will are tired from your flight why don’t you go upstairs, you’re both bunking in Will’s room. It’s not like were under any pretenses you two don’t live together.” He said making Will and I tense.

“Pop you’re embarrassing them.” Xander said. “Let’s get you two lovebirds settled.”

“Lead the Way.” I said with a tense smile.

We followed him upstairs to Will’s room. When we got in I closed the door and Will slammed Xander against the wall.

“What the hell is going on Xander?!” Will snarled.

“I can explain.” He said.

“Start talking.” I said.

“So I kind of left out a couple of things when I told Mom and dad you were coming. I mentioned Hayley was coming with you and they asked who she was. I said she was your roommate and they just kind of assumed… you two were a thing and I didn’t correct them.” Xander said.

“So they think I’m what cured?” Will said.

“More like Hayley fixed you.” Xander said.

“What the fuck?” I said.

“I’m going down there and I’m setting the record straight.” Will said.

“Will don’t please okay. I asked you to come down for a reason.” Xander said.

“There better be a damn good reason.” Will said.

“I’m dropping out of the Police academy to go to art school.” He said.

“What? Then why the hell am I here?” Will said.

“I need help telling dad. You have experience disappointing him what do I do?” Xander said.

“You go down there, you tell him, and hope the only thing he does is yell.” Will said.

“Help me.” Xander asked.

“Did Nana even ask about me?” Will asked.

“Well she kind of passed a year ago…” Xander said.

“Jesus fucking Christ Xan!” Will yelled.

“Will I’m sorry but I just can’t do this on my own and I don’t know who else to turn to.” Xander said.

“Get the hell out of my sight, we’re leaving.” Will said.

“Will.” Xander said.

“Will stop.” I said.

“Hayley, he lied to us.” Will said.

“I know and he’s an ass for doing it but he’s afraid just like I’m sure you were when you came out to them. There’s probably a reason he’s so afraid are you really going to be okay with leaving him to face them alone?” I asked.

Will was quiet for a minute before grunting. “You’re telling them tonight and then we’re on the first plane out of here. And you’re running interference. Hayley and I are not spending a second alone with mom and dad is that clear.” Will said.

“I promise, I’ll tell them. Thank you thank you thank you.” He said pulling us into a hug.

“Now get out.” Will said. And Xander left. “Why are you helping him?”

“I’m not helping him, I’m helping you get closure.” I said.

“I don’t need closure, I said what needed to be said and I got punched and kicked to the streets. Pops made his point fairly eloquently.” Will said.

“You’re accents slipping out.” I said. “I didn’t even know you had an accent Will. Over the past week you’ve been bitchy and angry. Two days ago you snapped at the sweet old lady down the hall for asking you what time it was. Will something’s bothering you and it has to do with your parents. We’re here we may as well try to figure things out.”

“I don’t want to figure things out. I want to go home and lounge around in my underwear and pretend my parents are loving and supporting people. You don’t know what it’s like to have your own family turn their backs on you for something you were born with.” Will said.

“Yeah I really don’t.” I said sarcastically.

“I mean the instant those two realize I’m not ‘cured’ their going to kick my ass out.” Will said.

“Then we don’t tell them right away. We stay and enjoy the holiday and we try and figure things out.” I said.

“You want to lie to my parents?” Will said.

“You do realize the instant Xander tells them they’ll be too busy yelling at him to notice us.” I said.

“Oh, I love the way your brain works.” Will said.

“Yeah, so considering neither of us is tired you want to go out and show me the sites?” I said.

“I thought you’d never ask.” He said.

The rest of the day we went out to see the sights. We ate… a lot. We got back just in time for dinner.

We all sat down and said grace… well Will’s parents and brother said grace while we sat there waiting for them to finish.

“So Hayley how did you and Will meet?” Monica asked.

“Uh we met through mutual friends. They set us up on a blind date and when they got married we swapped apartments and became roommates. The rest is history.” I said.

“How long ago was this?” Bill asked.

“About two years now?” Will asked and I nodded.

“Seems like yesterday.” I said.

“Things must be getting serious. You better put a ring on that finger son, pretty, smart and funny, she’s a catch.” Bill said.

That made both Me and Will cough.

“Oh hush now, they’re both still in school there’ll be plenty of time for that later.” Monica said.

“Hey Xan didn’t you say you had something to tell Mom and Pop.” Will said.

“Oh it can wait, I don’t want to distract from the conversation.” Xander said.

“No I insist it’s pretty big news.” I said.

“What is it Xander?” Bill asked.

“Well Pop, I know that being a police officer is your life’s work and it’s all you ever dreamt of but it’s not my dream. My dream is to go to art school and I applied a few months ago. I sent them my work and well I got in and I want to go.” Xander said.

“Well son if it’s your dream then well I’m not going to stand in your way. I know I’ve been hard on you on both of you but I’m proud of you boys.” Bill said. Maybe people do change.

“The family’s back together.” Monica said. “Let’s toast. To Family.”

“To family.” Everyone said.

“And friend.” I added.

“You’re family suck it up.” Will said.

After that Will decided not to tell off his parents at least not until lunch the day before Thanksgiving. He was right, having a screaming match was tradition at least in his parents house. As it turns out Will had come out to his parents on thanksgiving four years before. But this time it wasn’t Will that started the argument, it was me.

It all started off with Will asking about some neighbors and friends from high school.

“Hey Mom how’s Mrs. Hill doing?” Will asked.

“Oh honey she moved in with Frannie on the other side of town. She asked about you the other day.” Monica asked.

“Can you pass the potatoes Xan?” I asked.

“Here you go?” Xander said passing them over. As I reached for them the sleeves of my shirt rode up showing both my soulmarks.

“Those are some interesting tattoos.” Xander said.

“They’re not tattoos they’re soulmarks.” I said and suddenly it got quiet.

“Soul...marks?” Bill said.

“Yeah." I said serving myself.

“As in multiple?” Monica asked.

“Yes, I’ve had them since the day I was born. All seven of them.” I said.

“You have seven soulmarks?” Xander said shocked.

“I know, why I have so many I don’t know.” I said.

“You’re an abomination.” Bill spat out. “I want you out of my house Now!”

“Pops calm down.” Will said.

“No first you disrespect me and shame our family with that joke about being a queer and then you come back and you bring that into our home. That’s unacceptable William.” Bill said.

“Me being gay was not a joke. I’m gay, I like men hell I’m dating a man and hell we’ve slept together and he makes me very happy!” Will shouted and at that Bill slapped him.

“Will!” I shouted.

“I won’t have you come into my home and disrespect me like that.” He said grabbing Will by the collar.

“Let him go!” I shouted. Everything after that became a blur.

Next thing I know it’s the Morning of Thanksgiving day and I woke up next to Will in a room I didn’t recognize that had a great view of New York City. My head was pounding and I felt gross. As I stood up I felt really nauseous I quickly grabbed the trash can and threw up.

“Uh,” I groaned. I tucked a lock of my hair behind my ear and it stung. “Ow.”

I got up to look at my reflection in the mirror and saw that I had a barbell through my ear. When the hell did I get an industrial? Ow I felt something on my arm burn. I took a closer look and I realized that I had gotten a tattoo on my inner left bicep. In neat writing it said ‘Will’. What the hell?

“Uh it’s too bright.” Will groaned. “OW.” He said flexing his arm. “Oh fuck.” There on his inner left bicep, in neat writing was ‘Hayley’.

“Oh no.” I said.

“Good Morning Vietnam!” Tony’s voice sounded over the rooms audio making Will and I grimace in pain.

“OW!” WE shouted.

“Oh good you’re up.” Tony said coming in.

“Tony?” I said confused. “What are you… How did we get here?”

“You don’t remember?” He said.

“I remember having lunch with Will’s parents, then it gets kind of fuzzy.” I said.

“Oh right my parents hate me again.” Will said. “Uh I think I’m gonna be sick.” He ran to the adjoining bathroom and closed the door.

“My head is killing me.” I said “Ow.” I said as I accidentally touched my ear. “Do you have any idea how I ended with a barbell through my ear and a tattoo?”

“Oh not really it’s not like you recorded yourself throughout the night and that’s how I tracked you down.” Tony said.

“How bad?” I asked.

“For now just shower and change, you’ll feel better. Just a heads up Cap and Bruce are probably going to give you some pretty disappointing looks and maybe a bit of a lecture.” Tony said.

“Oh joy.” I said. Then we heard crying coming from the bathroom.

“Is he okay?” Tony asked.

“He’s fine Will’s hangovers make him very emotional that’s why we never get this drunk we stick with getting buzzed.” I said. I knocked on the door. “Will, you okay?”

“Why do they hate me hales, we were doing so good.” Will cried.

I sighed. “Buddy, open the door.”

“This isn’t fair, they accepted Xander dropping out of the academy to go to art school, I’m still the person they raised why is it so hard to accept?” Will cried.

“People don’t like what they don’t understand, Will and they’re idiots for it. You’re awesome and it’s their loss. Come on open up.” I said. I heard shuffling and the door opened. Will opened up with red rimmed eyes.

“I fucking love you sis.” He said pulling me into a hug.

“I know, come on we need to shower.” I said.

After we both showered we decided to keep it causal and stick to comfortable clothes. I wore an oversized teal knit sweater that fit me a bit off the shoulder with a black cami under. I paired it with some black tights and tan knee high boots. I kept my necklace on and I left my hair down. It was getting longer. It starting to pass my shoulders now it might be time for a haircut.

I walked out of the bathroom and went to go check on will. He was sitting on the bed looking at a picture of him and his parents that we took a few days ago.

“Come on, let’s go get some breakfast or coffee, I think that’s the only thing I can stomach right now.” I said.

“Yeah, you’re buzzed while you were in the shower.” Will said handing it to me.

It was a text message from Tess and Liam saying Happy Thanksgiving followed by a video message from Nate.

“Hey Hayley I know you’re probably busy helping out with cooking or whatever Will’s parents are doing right now but I wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving from me and Oscar.” He said turning it show a giant Turkey. “He got saved this year. See you soon.”

I couldn’t help but smile.

“I know that look.” Will said.

“It’s a message from Nate, he saved a turkey.” I said showing him the video.

“Where is he?” Will asked.

“Somewhere upstate at his grandparents.” I said.

“How are things going with you two?” Will asked.

“They’re good we’ve been on a few dates.” I said.

“And?” Will asked.

“And what? That’s it.” I said.

“Really? No feelings or anything?” Will asked.

“We’re taking things slow.” I said.

“But you don’t feel anything for him? Are you absolutely sure because you talk in your sleep and you were having a really good dream?” Will asked.

“Uh first of all I have no control over what happens in my dreams or sleep.” I said blushing “and if you have to know Nate wasn’t in them.”

“Then who was?” Will asked. Thankfully the elevator doors opened and I didn’t answer.

“Look who’s finally up.” Clint said.

“Wow its bright in here.” Will said.

“That’s the hangover talking.” Natasha said handing us

“Pancakes” Steve offered and at the thought of it I felt queasy.

“I think I’ll stick to coffee.” I said pouring myself a cup.

“You need to eat something Hayley, it’ll make you feel better.” Bruce lectured.

“Of course you could have avoided all of this if you hadn’t gotten drunk.” Steve said.

“I know you’re right but the barbell in my ear and the tattoo are enough punishment. I don’t remember anything from last night, I don’t even remember how we got here.” I said.

“Which is why I put together this video.” Tony said playing it on the TV. “You left the GPS on your phone on so I tracked all your movements. Will happened to take pictures and a few videos maybe that’ll jog your memory. So Wednesday you two stayed in, it wasn’t until after lunch that you left and by the looks of it you left in a rush.”

“I remember we were having lunch. You were asking your mom about one of your neighbors.” I said. “I asked Xander for the potatoes, then there was yelling.”

“The soulmarks, dad saw them.” Will groaned. “Ow he said touching his cheek.”

“Then he said you coming out was a joke.” I said.

“After he called you a disgusting abomination.” Will said.

“He did what!” Thor yelled.

“My family’s very conservative, like insanely conservative.” Will said rubbing his temples.

“He punched you then he grabbed you by the collar. Xander and Monica didn’t do anything so I tried and he pushed me.” I said.

“Your head slammed against the wall, actually cracked the dry wall.” Will said.

“Oh that explains the bump on the back of my head.” I said wincing as I touched it.

“He threw you against the wall!” Steve yelled angrily.

“Apparently.” I said feeling the mark on my ribs burn angrily.

“You need an MRI,” Bruce said.

“I feel fine.” I said.

“Hayley you took a blow to the head and can’t remember what happened yesterday.” Clint said.

“I did get really drunk.” I pointed out.

“Don’t bother apparently you both went to the ER yesterday.” Tony said bringing up the medical records. “Mild concussion no skull fractures, Will just had bruising no fractures either.”

“See totally fine.” I said.

“Okay so we both took hits, there was some more yelling. Dad started choking me then you… oh.” Will said.

“What?” I asked.

“You remember that vase on the dining room mantel?” Will said.

“Yeah the antique, with the flowers and gold accents.” I said.

“That one, well you kind of took that one and smashed it over pop’s head.” Will said.

“Wow.” Clint said.

“Wasn;t that….” I said.

“My nana’s urn yeah.” Will said.

“I am so sorry.” I said freaking out.

“Let’s just say my mom doesn’t think you’re a keeper anymore.” Will said.

“I desecrated someone’s remains, ah.” I groaned.

“That’s around the time you both ran like hell.” Tony said. “You went to the hospital and then you went to eat. There’s a video.”

He played it and it was Will and I standing behind a twenty ounce steak each.

“Who the hell needs turkey when you have steak!” I shouted.

“Steak!!!” Someone shouted in the background.

“Who the fuck needs family? Friends are the family we choose.” Will said.

“To friends.” We cheered.

“So we’re still sober there.” I said.

“The hospital gave you two some strong pain killers. Mixed with alcohol…” Bruce started.

“Please tell me we didn’t drive.” Will groaned.

“Considering your rental got towed I think you’re good.” Clint said.

“Next video.” Tony said.

“Welcome to the Worsteshire steakhouse with a record of eating or monster steak in ten minutes, give a round of applause for Hayley!” They cheered.

“Free steak for a year!” Will cheered.

“I just want to say to everyone who said I couldn’t do look at me now bitches!” I shouted.

“I feel gross.” I said.

“There’s more.” Tony said playing another one.

“Y-you know what, if there is anyone I would ever go straight for it’d be you or Natasha.” Will started. “I fucking love you.”

“You’re fucking awesome.” I said kissing his cheek before giving him a raspberry.

“Fuck the Turners.” Will said.

“Fuck them all well except you you’re name’s still Turner.” I said.

“Let’s fix that.”

Then the video cut off.

“What did you mean fix it?” I said. “Will?”

“I think we went to the court house.” Will said.

“What!?” Everyone shouted.

“You did.” Tony said tracking our phones again.

“I swear Will if we got hitched last night I will…” I started.

“You didn’t get hitched.” Tony said. “You filed paperwork for a name change.”

“I changed my name?” Will said. ‘To what?”

“I’m bringing it up now.” Tony said.

“William Alexander Turner is now know as William Alexander… Aw.” I said tearing up a bit. “You took my last name? Why?”

“You’re more family than my actual family has been. You may not be my sister by blood but you’re my sister in everything else that matters, I couldn’t think of a better way to honor that.” He said.

“You’re gonna make me cry.” I said. Probably not a good time to mention that it wasn’t actually my real name. You know what if I ever get to go back to mine I’m changing it to match Will’s.

“That’s where the night gets really crazy.” Tony said. “You two went clubbing, a place called the lounge?”

“Oh it’s my old stomping grounds, I met my first one night stand there.” Will said.

“They actually had a disco ball and cage dancers.” I said looking at the pictures Jarvis had brought up. “We took shots, you said you could do it hands free.”

“Then that guy what was his name Miguel came over and tried to put the moves on you.” Will said.

“He wanted a threeway.” I said. I suddenly felt a wave of possessiveness and jealousy coming from all of my soulmarks.

“He was hot.” Will said.

“You made out with him.” I said.

“We did more than that.” Will said with a cheeky grin. “You missed out Hales.”

“I think I’ll live.” I said. “Someone else came up to us.”

“Well, Right that couple with the tattoos and piercings.” Will said.

“Aly and AJ like the…” I started right.

“Right she had the dragon thing in her ear. We took shots and she said if she beat you you’d get a piercing and if you won she’d let you give her a tattoo.” Will said.

“That explains the Barbell, doesn’t explain the tattoos.” I said.

“Good thing you also recorded that.” Tony said bringing it up.

“It’s not gonna hurt right?” I asked.

“Sweetheart, I’m a professional it’ll be over before you know it.” Aly reassured me, she was also pretty drunk but she did wash her hands, put on gloves and sterilized everything.

“You’re so nice.” I said.

“You’re not gonna think that in a minute.” She said and I heard a crunching sound.

“Oh wow.” I said my eyes watering.

“Just need to pass the earing through and you’re done.” She said.

Steve came closer and took a look at my ear, he looked a bit pale.

“It doesn’t hurt Steve, as long as I don’t touch it and I keep it clean it’ll be fine.” I said.

“Or you could always take it off and it’ll close up.” Natasha suggested.

“It’s kind of starting to grow on me.” I said. “I might leave it for a while. I saw this really cool one on pinterest that makes it look like an arrow is going through it. I might get it.” I felt the mark on my arm feel happy and with a bit of pride when I said that. The timing on these things is weird.

“There’s another one.” Natasha said.

“I love the writing of this script.” Will said looking at the samples on the wall.

“You want to get something done?” AJ asked Will.

“I don’t know what to get though.” Will said.

“Get something that matters. My first Tattoo was the name of my mom and Sister.” AJ said showing him the tattoo.

“I don’t really have a good relationship with my family.” Will said.

“I thought you and Hayley were siblings?” AJ asked.

“Not by blood.” Will said.

“Then?” AJ said.

“You know what fuck it I want Hayley’s name on me.” Will said.

“Okay.”

“You’re getting a tattoo? Let’s be twins!” I said.

“You serious?” Will said.

“Totally I am on top of the freaking world right now, nothing can stop me I’m invincible” I cheered.

“We do have a two for one deal.” Aly said.

“Do It!” We cheered.

“That explains the tattoos but that doesn’t explain how we got here.” I said.

“We’re getting there.” Tony said.

You went to grab dinner but you were both pretty drunk at that point. You walked into Karakara.” Tony said.

“Karaoke.” Will and I said at the same time.

“Another video!” Thor cheered.

“It’s karaoke what’s the worst that could have happened.” I said.

“It was bad enough for you to send me that 911 text.” Tony said.

“Wait I didn’t send you a text after leaving Will’s house, or at the hospital or while getting a tattoo but karaoke was an emergency?” I said.

“Just watch.” He said.

We were sitting down drinking some more when they called our names out.

“What song are we doing?” I asked.

“You’ll see.” He said pulling me on stage.

“Ooh, you make me live
Whatever this world can give to me
It's you, you're all I see
Ooh, you make me live now honey
Ooh, you make me live

You're the best friend
That I ever had
I've been with you such a long time
You're my sunshine
And I want you to know
That my feelings are true
I really love you
You're my best friend

Ooh, you make me live

I've been wandering round
But I still come back to you
In rain or shine
You've stood by me girl
I'm happy at home (happy at home)
You're my best friend.

Ooh, you make me live
Whenever this world is cruel to me
I got you to help me forgive
Ooh, you make me live now honey
Ooh, you make me live

You're the first one
When things turn out bad
You know I'll never be lonely
You're my only one
And I love the things
I really love the things that you do
You're my best friend

Ooh, you make me live.

I'm happy, happy at home
You're my best friend
You're my best friend
Ooh, you make me live
You, you're my best friend.” We sang.

“You’re the best.” He said.

“No you’re the best.” I said.

“Will.” Xander said coming up to us.

“Fuck you Xander I’m disowning you.” Will slurred.

“You’re a jerk.” I said.

“Will get off the stage.” Xander said.

“Make me.” Will said. Xander went on the stage and tried to pull Will off. Will pushed him and then a bar fight broke out. I saw myself on the phone before I saw someone going towards will and I jumped on them and made them fall. At the end we were all arrested.

“Oh boy.” Will said.

“I’m guessing we’re banned.” I said.

“So banned, you’re blacklisted from most of Charleston.” Clint said.

“Aww.” I groaned. “Please tell me that’s it.”

“Here are your mug shots.” Natasha said bringing them up.

“Whoa.” Will said. “I kind of what to frame them and put them up in the apartment, it’s a good conversation starter.”

“Don’t you dare.” I said.

“Here’s when I picked you two up at the drunk tank.” Tony said swiping through the pictures. “Here’s when Will puked on Rhodey’s shoes, oh you met Rhodey.”

“I met your best friend when I was sloppy drunk, ah that’s so embarrassing.” I said.

“It was kind of hilarious.” Clint said.

“You’re tolerance for alcohol is quiet impressive for someone of your stature.” Thor said.

“I think I’m just going home and never show my face again.” I said

“Yeah, you’re staying. You’re really dehydrated and I’m not exactly sure your concussion is as mild as the doctors at the ER said.” Bruce stated.

“You’re spending the giving of thanks with us!” Thor cheered as he pulled Will and I into a bone brushing hug.

“UH too loud.” We groaned.

“Pancakes are ready.” Steve said.

“I’m never drinking again.” I said.

“Give it time.” Clint said with a chuckle.

The rest of the day flew by. We watched the game and baked a few pies. I kept an eye on Will who looked a bit distracted.

It wasn’t until the third quarter of the game that he finally snapped.

“What the hell is wrong with them? I’m an Ivy League educated student soon to be lawyer working for one of the biggest companies in the world and they can’t get their heads out of their Asses and accept the fact that I pitch for the other team. Do you have any idea what it’s like to have your own family turn their back on you?” Will finally snapped.

“My brother tried to kill me and invaded Earth.” Thor deadpanned.

“My dad ditched me in boarding school and avoided having anything to do with me.” Tony said.

“Brother tried to have me killed and left me for dead.” Clint said.

“Dad was abusive.” Bruce said.

“Orphan.” Steve said.

“Same.” Natasha said then they all turned to look at me.

I turned around and lifted my hair up so they could see the three cut marks on the back of my neck. “My older brother did that when he saw I had more than one soulmark. I’m lucky he only saw three instead of seven.” I said. I felt a lot of anger coming from all my marks.

“You have a brother?” Will said shocked.

“He’s nothing worth mentioning.” I said putting my hair down. “Moral of the story just because they don’t want anything to do with you doesn’t mean you’re on your own and maybe you’re better off.”

“Is that what happened with you?” Will asked.

“Friends are the family we choose right?” I said and with that we dropped the subject.

We ate dinner and sat down to watch a movie. I sat down and at some point Natasha put her head in my lap and Clint sat down at my other side. I thing we were about half way when I knocked out.

Third Person’s POV-

Clint and Natasha looked at Hayley who was sound asleep and couldn’t help but smile. They thought back to everything they learned today and couldn’t help feeling a bit sad. There was so much they didn’t know about her. Hayley was a private person, Clint and Natasha knew from experience everyone had their secrets, but after today they couldn’t help but wonder what else she was hiding.

“Anyone else want to talk about the elephant in the room?” Tony said.

“Which part, the brother or what he did?” Steve said.

“Both, did anything come out when you did her background check?” Natasha asked.

“No, it was clean.” Tony said. “Moved from a small town in Colorado, worked two jobs and went to community until she transferred to Columbia. No other family.”

“What about back in Colorado?” Bruce asked.

“Nothing just school.” Tony said.

“High school? Who’d she live with?” Natasha asked.

“Uh… Jarvis?” Tony asked.

“No address is listed.” Jarvis said.

“What do you mean?” Tony asked.

“The only thing listed is the school Miss Adams attended.” Jarvis answered.

“There’s got to be something, a paper trail?” Natasha asked.

“Nothing listed before Miss Adams graduated high school.” Jarvis said.

“No one has that clean of a background.” Clint said looking down making sure Hayley was really asleep. She was curled into his side.

“So what is she hiding?” Thor asked.

“That’s the million dollar question.” Tony said.