Fated Marks

I was having the same dream as always, the yelling the pain the falling into a freshly dug grave when I kept hearing the same annoying ringing. My pillow started groaning.

“Turn it off.” Followed by the arms around me tightening a bit. That’s when I remembered falling asleep in the middle of Die Hard Next to Clint. I opened my eyes and saw that I was laying half on top of Clint and that I was using his chest as a pillow.

I quickly grabbed my phone turned off the ringer and went back to sleep. Maybe I should have been a bit more freaked out at the fact that I was asleep in someone else’s arms but it was so damn comfy. Sure I had a boyfriend but it wasn’t like I was cheating on him or was I. You know what, that’s a problem for another day. I finally slept through the entire night without waking up screaming or in night sweats. I was going to sleep as mush as I can until Clint wakes up or this gets weird, whichever happens first.

I dozed off again next thing I knew I felt someone was looking at me.

“Go away Nat.” Clint mumbled.

“Need to wake up Hayley.” Natasha said.

“I’m awake, what’s going on.” I said without opening.

“You should have answered your phone, Jarvis turn on the news.” Natasha said. That made me open my eyes and sit up. The TV was set to the news and they were reporting from a hospital in Los Angeles.

“Last night the terrorist known as the Mandarin struck again and here in the heart of Hollywood at the Chinese Theater. Among the injured was head of Security for Stark industries and close personal friend of Tony Stark, Harold Hogan.” The reporter. “Early this morning Tony Stark himself sent a message to the mandarin himself.

“Hey, Mr. Stark! When is somebody gonna kill this guy? Just sayin'.” A nosy reporter said to Tony making him turn to face him. I knew that look that was his Pissed off face.

“Is that what you want? Here's a little Holiday greeting I've been wanting to send to the Mandarin. I just didn't know how to phrase it until now. My name is Tony Stark and I'm not afraid of you. I know you're a coward, so I've decided that you just died, pal. I'm gonna come get the body. There's no politics here; it's just good old-fashioned revenge. There's no Pentagon; it's just you and me. And on the off-chance you're a man, here's my home address: 10880, Malibu Port, 90265. I'll leave the door unlocked.” He said before grabbing the reporters phone and throwing it against a pillar shattering it. “Bill me.” Tony said before getting in his car and driving off.

“Oh Fuck.” I said. “What is that idiot thinking?” I got off the couch and grabbed my phone. I looked through the contacts and saw I had missed calls from Pepper and one voicemail from Tony.

“His friends hurt, no matter how much he likes to pretend he doesn’t care Stark cares a lot.” Clint said.

“Yeah and now I have to go make sure he doesn’t get himself killed.” I said.

“What are you going to do?” Natasha said.

“I’m going to do my job and Nag Tony.” I said dialing him.

He answered on the second ring.

“Morning how was your…” he started.

“What the hell were you thinking?!” I yelled.

“So you saw the news?” Tony said.

“You bet your ass I did.” I said. “What the hell Tony? I’m not even gone for half a day before you go against everything you said you weren’t going to do and show up on an every news channel in the world goading a terrorist.”

“Happy’s in the hospital.” Tony said.

“I know but you’re not going to be any help to him if you’re dead.” I said. “Giving him your address really?” I turned to see Natasha and Clint just watching me and enjoying the show. “I’m calling your pilot and having him get the jet ready, you’re going to lay low until this blows over and you’re thinking clearly.”

“Hales I’m on lockdown, I’m perfectly safe here. The house is a fortress.” He said.

“Your house is on a cliff,” I deadpanned.

“Look I have to do this now you can either let me do this on my own or you can help me.” He said and at that Natasha and Clint were glaring at me. They probably heard what Tony said and oddly I felt the marks on my arms burn with protectiveness and anger. “You probably shouldn’t have said that.”

“Why?” Tony said.

“Because I’m standing in front of two highly trained assassins who look like they’re ready to hop on a jet and go strangle you for even suggesting that.” I said.

“You’re with Romanoff and Barton?” He said.

“Yup, I’m putting you on speaker.” I said putting the phone down.

“Morning.” Tony started.

“No.” They said at the same time.

“Oh it’s just some simple hacking, stuff Hayley does all the time.” Tony said and they turned to look at me.

“I plead the fifth.” I said.

“She’s a civilian.” Natasha said.

“She’s not trained for this.” Clint added.

“Can the civilian talk?” I said hearing enough. “I can handle a bit of hacking, it’s essentially programming but in reverse.”

“It’s too dangerous.” Clint said.

“I’m not going out into the field and you two can watch me the entire time. If it makes you feel any better you can keep an eye on me anytime I leave the tower until this all blows over.” I said.

Nat and Clint looked at each other and nodded. “One of us is with you at all times.” Clint said.

“And you have to tell everyone else.” Natasha said.

“No problem. Jarvis tell everyone I’m helping Tony hack into government servers to help him take down a terrorists. I’ll be down in the lab if you need me.” I said.

“Not what you had in mind is it?” Clint asked.

“I’ll take first watch.” Natasha said following me.

We got downstairs and I had Jarvis Video call Tony. About two minutes Later Steve, Thor, and Bruce walked in.

“Hayley what are you doing?” Bruce said.

“Hey guys.” Tony greeted.

“Tony.” Steve said. “What are you thinking?”

“It’s just hacking, I’d do it myself but Hayley’s faster.” Tony said.

“Really?” Thor said kind of proud.

“And I’m in to the Pentagon, forwarding you everything they’ve got, I’ll get started on the CIA.” I said.

“Don’t forget SHIELD.” Tony called out.

“Dude do I look like a newb to you?” I said typing away.

“How did you get in that fast?” Steve said “Aren’t they supposed to be impossible to crack?” That made Tony and I laugh.

“Nothing’s impossible to crack.” I said.

“It’s all a matter of inputting the right code.” Tony said.

“CIA, Shield, I think Interpol or MI6 would be good too. They all have essentially the same info.” I said.

“There’s something we’re missing.” Tony said.

“How many hits has the mandarin made so far?” I asked.

“Five only three that everyone actually knows.” He said.

“Type of explosives used?” I said.

“Untraceable.” Natasha said.

“No residue? Casings?” I asked.

“Nothing.” Clint said.

“Unique heat signatures?” I said.

“No.” Steve said.

“Then we got nothing.” I said. “I’ll keep hacking but by the looks of it everyone’s in the same boat.”

“I’ll work on things from my end keep your phone on you I may need some help later.” He said.

“Okay.” I said with that the video call ended.

“You are not getting involved in this mess.” Steve said.

“Aye.” Thor said.

“Guys I’m just hacking. I’m not going into the field or getting on a plane to California. I made a promise, I’m under 24 hour supervision.” I said.

“Good, Tony is in way over his head.” Steve said.

“Speaking of…” I said. I called Tony.

“What?” He answered.

“You’re plane’s ready get your ass on it.” I said.

“I’m your boss you can’t talk to me like that.” Tony said jokingly.

“I’m on vacation and off the clock. Pepper’s going to be at you’re house in a bit I suggest you start packing.” I said before hanging up. “Okay now I’m done.”

“A bit harsh don’t you think?” Natasha said.

“He broke a promise and I’m a bit mad.” I said. “So what’s the plan for today?”

“I’m going out to buy some last minute things for Christmas, You want to come?” Steve asked.

“Sure,” I said. “I love last minute shopping.”

“What do you but for this Christmas?” Thor asked.

“That’s right, you don’t celebrate it on Asgard. Essentially you fight to get parking then every store is packed so you have to find a way in… It’s easier to explain if you’re there.” I said.

“Then we shall go.” Thor proclaimed.

“You’re going to need to change, armor isn’t really the norm.” I said.

“Aye.” He said going to the elevator.

“You should probably…”Natasha said.

“Right, meet you in the garage?” I asked Steve.

“Okay.” He said.

Third Person’s POV-

“Smooth.” Clint said.

“What?” Steve asked.

“You were trying to get alone time with Hayley.” Natasha said with a smirk.

“No I… Was it that obvious?” Steve said.

“You started blushing when you asked her if she wanted to tag along.” Clint said.

“You could always ask if she wants to go to the movies, She’s a big fan.” Bruce said.

“Isn’t that too date like?” Steve said.

“Men and women can be just friends you know.” Natasha said. “Or just play Star Wars here. She loves that movie.”

“Or anything on my movie list.” Clint added.

“Natural History Museum or the Met she’s been meaning to go.” Bruce said.

“You’ve all given this a lot of thought.” Steve said.

“We know Hayley.” Natasha said. “Don’t keep her waiting and don’t let her out of your sight.”

Hayley’s POV- Two hours later

We were at the mall, Steve was having a hard time finding what to get Natasha for Christmas. I got her some cute ankle booties and a matching jacket. I told Steve he should get her a purse or that he could never go wrong with a gift card. Then he went on a rant about how impersonal that was and I said that’s what I’d gotten him even though it was a lie and he blushed and stuttered out an apology and said he loved it.

We were looking at some more clothes for Thor when I got this weird feeling from the mark on my hip. Then I felt my chest tightening and it got really hard to breathe, it felt like I was drowning.

“Those are good what do you think Hayley?” Steve asked.

I tried to answer but instead I started coughing up water and collapsed.

“Hayley!” Thor and Steve said rushing over to me.

“Take a deep breath.” Steve said. I tried to but instead I ended up coughing up more water.

“We need help.” Thor said and then I blacked out.

When I finally came too I was in a hospital room with Thor and Steve on either side of me.

“Not again.” I groaned.

“How are you feeling?” Thor asked.

“My throat’s sore and so is my chest. What happened?” I asked.

“We don’t know. You were fine one minute and the next you were choking and coughing up water.” Steve said.

“It felt like I was drowning.” I said.

“Miss Adams, I’m Doctor Hunt. Your tests came back clear and so did your X-rays. As far as we can tell you’re perfectly healthy.” Doctor Hunt said.

“So what caused it?” Thor asked.

“As far as we can tell it wasn’t physical. Have you been under any stress lately?” he asked.

“I’m on vacation.” I said.

“Then it was probably a manifestation of an empathic feeling you may have received from your soulmarks. It’s not unheard of for people with multiple marks to experience physical symptoms such as what you did.” Doctor Hunt said. “Here are your discharge papers try to take it easy and get some rest.”

“Thank you.” I said.

“We’ll give you a minute.” Steve said. They both walked out and I stood up. I was a bit lightheaded but nothing I couldn’t handle. I got dressed in my black jeans, white knit sweater and tan boots. I put on my necklace and grabbed my bag and coat before going to meet Thor and Steve in the waiting room.

“That totally ruined the day.” I said.

“You’re okay that’s all that matters.” Steve said gently squeezing my hand.

“Has this happened before?” Thor asked.

“No, I mean I get feelings from my marks but nothing like that. Whoever they are they must have had a really bad day.” I said putting my hand on my hip.

“Let’s get back to the tower, Everyone’s waiting.” Steve said.

“You told them?” I said. Great, they’re going to be mothering me again. Just when things were starting to get back to normal.

“We didn’t have a choice,” Thor said. “You fainted and we were concerned.”

“I’m sorry, You guys were worried. I get it.” I said. I was surprised when Thor pulled me into a non bone crushing hug.

“You are well that’s all that matters.” He said giving me a reassuring smile. That made me feel oddly giddy. Oh shit, I really was screwed. When Thor let me go I hugged Steve which took him by surprise.

“Thanks for caring Steve.” I said.

“Anything for you Doll.” He said returning the hug. He gave me a nickname, a nickname I didn’t actually hate. I am so fucked.

We got back to the tower and of course I was given another scan by Jarvis to reassure Everyone that I was indeed okay. I asked if they had heard from Tony and they said no. I decided to actually follow the doctor’s orders and get some rest except when I finally got to bed I couldn’t get any bed and I decided to check on Nate.

Hey it’s me just wanted to say hi.

Instead of texting back he video called me.

“Hayley.” He said with a huge smile.

“Hey, was just thinking about you. How was your day?” I asked.

“It was good, I hit the slopes went into tow and did a bit of caroling, wish you were here for it. How about you?” he asked.

“I had an okay day, I did some shopping. Traffic right now is worse than normal I didn’t think that was even possible. It snowed for a bit. Never realized how beautiful the city looks when it snows. I did some shopping, I shipped your gift so you should be getting it any day now.” I said.

“You didn’t have to.” Nate said.

“I wanted to.” I said.

“You’re the best. I love you.’ Nate said and I froze. “I know it’s soon but when you know you know. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, my cousin’s being an ass and teasing me for saying it. Good night.”

“Good morning.” I said with a tense smile.

“Fuck me.” I said.

“Is everything alright Miss, your heart rate is elevated?” Jarvis said sounding a bit concerned.

“Nate said he loved me and I can’t say it back because I feel nothing for him and I feel like a total bitch because I thought I that if I give him time I could grow to have feelings for him but instead I led him on. Any advice?” I asked.

“I do not believe I am qualified to help with this situation. May I refer you to someone who may be able to help?” Jarvis suggested.

“Nevermind can you call Tony?” I asked.

“Mr Stark is not available at this time, he did leave a message for you on the secure server.” Jarvis said.

“Play it please.” I said.

“Hales, it's me. I know you’re probably mad and if you when we see each other you want to yell, go for it but for now I've got a lot of apologies to make and not a lot of time. So first off, I'm so sorry I put you in harm's way. That was selfish and stupid and it won't happen again. Also, it's Christmas time, And I'm sorry in advance because...I can't come home yet. I need to find this guy. You gotta stay safe No matter what happens stay in New York with the rest of the team. That's all I know. I just stole a poncho from a wooden Indian and you were right, I’m not okay. I was okay with you there but when you’re not I fall apart. I need to find a way to stay put together on my own, I can’t keep putting that on you kid. I’ll see you when all this is over.” Tony said and the message ended.

“When was this message delivered?” I asked.

“Approximately two hours ago.” Jarvis answered.

“Why is he apologizing?” I asked.

“The Mandarin destroyed Mr Stark’s Manor in Malibu. Everyone believes he had perished in the collapse.” Jarvis said.

“IS that why everyone was so nervous when I got home?” I asked.

“Yes Miss, they did not want to worry you considering the episode you had today.” Jarvis said.

“Jarvis have I ever mentioned how much I hate people making decisions for me or keeping secrets?” I asked. Maybe I was the pot calling the kettle black here but Whenever someone else has made decisions for me it never turned out well.

“No Miss but one can assume.” Jarvis said.

“Yeah, are they this overprotective with all of their friends?” I asked.

“Sir has been known to be very protective of those he cares about but he doesn’t have many friends and neither do the rest of the team.” Jarvis said.

“I figured, Thanks Jarvis and if we could keep this chat between us that’d be great.” I said.

“Privacy protocols will be enforced.” Jarvis said.

I grabbed my tablet and opened up Google. It had the answer to everything so lets try to find some answers.

How do you know when it’s time to break up with someone?

-You’re not happy

I’m a pretty indifferent person. I’m not sure when I’m genuinely happy or doing it because it’s social norm. Will does say I’m emotionally stunted.

-You’re heart’s not in it anymore

I don’t think my heart was ever in it to begin with. Nate’s great, he’s charming, handsome and funny. He cares about me and apparently loves me. I think he’s great but when it comes down to it I feel nothing when I’m with him. That’s the reason we never got past making out. He’s a good kisser but I don’t feel that spark.

-You can’t stop thinking about breaking up with them

Well I’m googling when it’s time to break up so that’s a definite yes.

-You have feelings for someone else

I’m not romantically involved with anyone. There’s a few people I’m attracted to but I mean look at who I work with. Then again most people don’t cuddle with their boss or their friends, start having very intense dreams about a certain redhead that make you question your sexuality, or I get the urge hug them and imagine what it would be like to kiss them…

Okay might need to dig deeper with that one.

How do you know if you have feelings for someone?

-You constantly think of them when you’re not together

I see them constantly and we have a lot of the same interests.

-Every little thing reminds you of them

They all happen to be my best friends so yeah.

-They make you feel like you can do anything

I went on a ten-mile hike with Clint even though I knew I probably wasn’t going to make it and I did. Bruce got me to take an advanced chemistry course and I aced it. Natasha taught me how to knock down Steve.

-Life just seems better

Life is better with them around. I feel safe and confident

-You’re discovering parts of yourself you didn’t know existed.

Intense dream I have on occasion about Natasha.

-You hang out with them during prime weekend time

I keep my weekend free so I can hang out at the tower and go on group activities with them.

-All other romantic interests lose their luster.

I’m not into Nate.

-You make a mental list of everything you’re going to catch them up on next time you see them.

I have a giant list of things I’m going to tell Tony next time I see him.

-Something about them feels like coming home

The tower is my home away from home and I feel at peace when I’m around them.

Is it even possible to have feelings for six people at once? What is wrong with me?

I was interrupted by a knock at the door.

“Come in.” I said.

“Hey, Steve made dinner and I’m on my way up and I wanted to check up on you.” Bruce said.

“I feel fine, it was probably just a one time thing. I’ll head up with you.” I said locking my tablet.

“Okay.” Bruce said giving me a small smile. I got out of bed and followed him to the elevator. We walked in and everyone was setting the table.

“Hayley, you feeling better?” Clint asked.

“Yeah.” I said. “Took a nap and I feel fine.”

Natasha walked over and put a hand on my forehead. “You don’t have a fever but you look a bit pale. You probably need to eat something.” She said.

“I am hungry.” I said.

“Sit down I made your favorite lasagna.” Steve said.

“Looks great.” I said smiling.

“We have the cake made out of Cheese you favor as well.” Thor said moving said cake closer to me.

“Thanks guys, you’re the best.” I said.

Yeah I was really screwed.