Fated Marks

So it was official, I had to break up with Nate because I had feelings for Tony, Clint, Thor, Steve, Bruce and Natasha. Was it normal to have feelings for so many people except the one person you’re actually in a relationship with? I felt horrible and to make things worse Tony just had to go and get himself into trouble so I spent most of Christmas watching his big fight which ended up being televised and sure he did kick that creeps ass and save the president but that just complicated things for me because it just confirmed this wasn’t all in my head and I actually had feelings for my boss. Then after the big fight I decided to continue the tradition of watching the Nightmare before Christmas and was joined by everyone. I was siting between Clint and Thor and I was very tempted to cuddle but I promised myself I wouldn’t do anything like that again until I broke up with Nate. I ended up falling asleep on Thor’s lap.

I was still living in the tower since Will was apparently getting introduced to Jake’s parents in Ohio and I was all alone. I spent most of my time in my room or trying to avoid everyone but that didn’t work since they would come over to check up on me and I couldn’t be rude.

After Christmas when Will came back I made the decision to move back to the apartment. I packed my things and went upstairs to say bye. When I got there I was greeted by Tony.

“Hayley!” He cheered.

“Tony!” I said not expecting him.

“Miss me?” He said.

“You do realize I promised to yell at you next time I saw you right?” I said.

“Would it help if I told you I’m getting heart surgery tomorrow?” Tony said.

“What?!” I said. “Are you okay? What happened? Did you have a heart attack? Who do you need me to call? I’ll get Colum…”

“Hayley!” Tony yelled. “I’m okay, I’m not hurt I’m just going to finally get the shrapnel near my heart removed so I can finally stop relying on this thing.”

“So you’re okay?” I said.

“Oh I’m fine.” He said. I slapped his arm. “Ow.”

“What the hell is wrong with you? I was worried sick. You disappear and make everyone think you’re dead. You broke a promise Tony, You looked me straight in the eye and promised you wouldn’t do anything reckless and I turn around for one damn second and you show up on international television giving a terrorist your address. What the hell were you thinking?” I shouted.

“Hayley.” Tony started.

“You think I like waking up on Christmas morning and watching one of my best friends almost get himself blown up and another friend fall to her death! Seriously Tony I love you but you…” I started before he pulled me into a hug.

“You’re right, It won’t happen again.” He said.

“Oh it’ll happen again, just promise that next time you’ll try to be careful.” I said.

“Promise and I love you too.” He said.

“I didn’t say the L word.” I said.

“Uh yeah you did.” Tony said.

“Uh no I didn’t I can’t say the word, trust me drives Will crazy that I don’t say it back.” I said.

“Jarvis?” Tony said.

“Seriously Tony I love you but you…” The recording said.

“You know I meant it strictly platonic right?” I said starting to get flustered.

“Oh yeah, same here.” He said giving me a weird look.

“Well, I’m glad you’re alive but now I’m leaving.” I said.

“What?” Tony said.

“I came up here to say bye I’m going back to the apartment.” I said making Tony.

“Stark you have returned!” Thor cheered.

“Hayley’s leaving.” Tony said.

“What?” Steve said.

“Why?” Clint said.

“Guys I love you but …” I said.

“You said it again.” Tony said.

“Platonically.” I said clearing that up. “You’re all awesome but I’ve been mooching off of you guys enough. It’s time to get things back to normal or in your case relatively normal. It’s time for me to go.” At that I suddenly felt all my marks just get really sad.

“Are you sure?” Bruce asked.

“Yeah, it was always supposed to be a temporary thing and it’s not like you’re not going to see me anymore. I’ll be around all the time.” I said.

“I really liked having another girl here,” Natasha said with a smirk that kind of looked like a pout.

“You can always come over when you want to get away. I live above a bar so there’s that to look forward to.” I said.

“Your mind’s made up.” Steve said.

“Yeah.” I said.

“The apartment’s yours if you change your mind.” Tony said. “We like having you around kid.”

“And I love being around but I need to go.” I said.

“I’ll give you a ride.” Tony said.

“I’ll take your things down.” Steve said.

“We’ll walk you.” Natasha said.

We all squeezed into the elevator and went down to the garage. We loaded up one of the cars and then I said bye to everyone. They all hugged me, even Nat who isn’t really the touchy feely type.

We got in the car and drove to the apartment. Everything looked the same and it felt good to be back even though I already missed everyone like crazy. I didn’t want to leave but I needed to figure things out without constantly being around them, I needed objectivity. Then I’d need to figure out how to approach this. It wasn’t like I could just flat out and tell them that I had not so platonic feelings for all six of them.

“You know I could have brought it upstairs on my own right?” I asked.

“No heavy lifting until you’re all cleared.” Tony reminded me.

“Aren’t you supposed to be taking it easy, you’re getting heart surgery tomorrow.” I said.

“It’s potentially my last day on earth, I’m spending it how I want.” Tony said.

“Two things, one that’s really morbid and honestly that’s really worrisome and two if it’s you last day on earth you really want to spend it carrying my luggage?” I said.

“No ideally but the company’s not so bad.” He said.

“After I get my stuff in how about we go do something? Get your mind off things?” I offered as I put the keys in.

“I pick?” He said.

“I’ll even go with you to a strip club if that’s what you want.” I said pushing the door open. “AHHH!”

“What the Fuck?!”

“Jesus fucking Christ Hayley!” Will yelled.

“You’re supposed to be in Ohio!” I said.

“We decided to have a staycation.” Will said.

“I can’t do this, I need eye bleach.” I said grabbing my keys and taking Tony outside.

We went down to the bar and I took a shot of bourbon but could not get the image of my best friend and his boy friend… uh.

“Well that was…” Tony started still a bit in shock himself.

“I didn’t know the human body could bend that way.” I said taking another shot.

“I was not expecting that.” Tony said just as my phone buzzed.

“Will says they’re off until after New years and are staying in until then. Their going out for more condoms so if I need anything I should go get it now.” I read. “I think I just got kicked out of my apartment”

“Lucky for you, you have one waiting for you at the tower.” Tony said. “Let’s go grab whatever you need.”

“Are you sure?” I said.

“I could always just buy you whatever you need.” Tony said.

“You know that’s not what I meant.” I said.

“Hales we set up an apartment for you, we’re sure.” Tony said. “Now come on, I can’t drink and I’m very tempted to.”

“Just need a few more outfits and I’ll be good until Will and Jake clear out the place. I’m going to have to bleach every possible surface in there before I’ll ever be able to sit down anywhere.” I said as we went upstairs.

We walked in and I went into my room and packed a few more things while Tony looked around.

“Are those two sabers?” Tony said.

“Yeah, found them at a garage sale and we thought the were cool. We wanted to recreated that scene from the princess bride.” I said.

“When’s this photo from?” Tony asked.

“Which one?” I asked.

“The one on the mantle.” Tony said.

“That’s the first time I went out to Coney Island after I moved to New York.” I said. “Some guy at the pier was taking photos and I bought it as a souvenir.”

“So two, three years ago?” Tony said.

“Yeah, why are you asking?” I asked.

“Just curious, you look really young.” He said.

“I’m ready to go whenever you are.” I said.

“Come on everyone’s going to be happy to see you again.” Tony said.

“Like it’s been that long.” I said.

The rest of the day went by pretty quick and the next morning I went With Tony, Rhodey and Pepper to the hospital. The Operating room was set up with the magnet Tony made to make it possible to remove the shrapnel. After a few hours he was in recovery and we were all good.

By New Years Eve he was in the clear. No strenuous activities for a few more weeks but doctors were confident he’d live to snark another day.

Speaking of New Years, Since I was still living at the Tower and Nate was still somewhere in Europe with his family I was alone for the holiday. That is until Will showed up.

“Hayley.” Will called up.

“Yeah?” I said as I watched TV in the common room.

“Why are you still in PJ’s?” Will said.

“It’s called staying in you know like a normal person does on a staycation.” I retorted.

“Well get your ass up, we’re going out.” Will said. “Do it for me?”

“Will it’s packed outside.” I said.

“Then do it for me.” Tess said.

“AHHHHHH!” I shouted running over to hug her.

“AHHHHHH!” She shouted as we were hugging and jumping.

“What’s going on?” Everyone said running in.

“You’re here!” I cheered.

“I ran away from Jersey!” Tess cheered.

“Yes!” I cheered. “I missed you!”

“I missed you too!” Tess cheered.

“What’s going on?” Steve asked.

“Everyone meet Tess, my long lost former roommate who moved to Jersey.” I said.

“Also known as the reason Hales and I met and became roommates.” Will said.

“Where’s Liam?” I asked.

“Still in Jersey, he said he’d meet him later so lets hurry so he doesn’t catch up to us.” Tess said.

“Holy crap, I need to change. I’ll pack dollars, pesos and whatever they use in Canada. Give me ten minutes.” I said.

“I’ll pick your outfit.” Tess said running after me.

Third Person’s POV-

Will smiled as Tess and Hayley got in the elevator.

“Explain.” Natasha said.

“Okay so I haven’t been around as much as I should have so I brought in reinforcements to make up for it.” Will said.

“Why is Hayley packing different currencies?” Clint said.

“Last year we got so hammered we ended up in Toronto… funny story actually those Mounties were hilarious.” Will said.

“You want to take our soulmate on a bender that might end in a different country.” Steve said.

“It’s a possibility what are the odds it happens twice. Guys it’s Hayley. She’s had a rough couple of weeks she needs a release. We don’t get to see Tess often and who knows when the next time we see her will be. It’ll be fine.” Will said as the elevator dinged.

Hayley’s POV-

Tess and I ran through the apartment.

“Your boss set this place up for you?’ Tess said astonished.

“Yeah, It’s just temporary until Will can keep it in his pants again.” I said.

“Dare I ask?” Tess said.

“You’re better off not knowing.” I said.

“Let’s get you dressed.” Tess said going through my closet. “Wow, your tastes have changed since we lived together.” She said looking at my more trendy tops and my heels.

“Most of that is Will and natasha. A few were Tony and Pepper since I needed something a bit dressier for events.” I said.

“And pricier, are those Jimmy Choos? Louboutin”” She said looking at my heels.

“Those were Christmas presents.” I said.

“Well here’s what I’d wear.” She said pulling out a knotted dress I was planning on wearing to the Gala before I got stuck in the hospital and the Jimmy Choos Natasha had gotten me for Christmas.

“Perfect.” I said getting dressed.

I grabbed a clutch with all the necessary fake ID’s and currency before grabbing a coat and heading back upstairs for Will.

“How do I look?” I said as I walked out of the elevator. Everyone was speechless. “Too much?”

“You look beautiful.’ Thor said.

“Thanks buddy. I have my phone on me if you need me so please try not to need me. Night guys.” I said.

“Night.” They all said.

We got outside and it was hectic. We went to MacLaren’s and started the night off with a few shots before we went up to the roof and Ate some of Tess’ special brownies.

“So what’s the deal with this Nate guy?” Tess asked.

“He’s great. Funny Charming handsome.” I said.

“Not to mention loaded.” Will said.

“Loaded as in below the belt or loaded dolla dollar bills?” Tess asked.

“I’m not sure about below the belt but I know he’s well off.” Will said. “How’s Nate below the belt Hayley?”

“Wouldn’t know.” I said taking a shot.

“What do you mean? You guys have been dating for almost two months you’ve gotten past second right?” Tess asked.

“Is second making out?” I asked. “Cuz that’s all we’ve done.”

“Seriously?” Will said. “Why?”

“I don’t know. It’s like we get into it and it feels great but I feel nothing for him. Then Nate goes and says the L word and I freeze. I’ve never been able to say the L word. I mean Will drops it all the time and all I can say is Kay. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” I said.

“Have you talked to Nate about it?” Tess asked.

“He’s in Europe, don’t think this is really a conversation you have over Skype.” I said.

“So you don’t feel anything for Nate does that mean you have feelings for someone else?” Will asked.

“Don’t know.” I said.

“It’s a yes or a no Hales.” Tess said.

“There is no one.” I said putting emphasis on the word. That made them quiet.

The rest of the night Tess and Will decided to keep me distracted from my inner turmoil. We went clubbing and drank some more. I name dropped Tony and got us into a rooftop bar where we counted down the New Year. I woke up the next morning in the Tower common room with will and Tess.

Steve was up and making breakfast. “Morning.” He said.

“Morning. Happy New Year.’ I said hugging him from behind making him chuckle.

“Happy New Year. How are you feeling?” Steve asked.

“Okay actually. I remember last night. I know we took a taxi back here. I feel slightly headachey but that French toast actually looks good.” I said.

“I thought you might need something to soak up whatever you drank.” Steve said.

“Morning.” Natasha and Clint said as they came in.

“Happy New Year.” I said.

“You’re not hungover?” Clint asked.

“Nope.” I said sitting down.

“Good Morrow everyone!” Thor shouted making my head hurt.

“Nevermind.” I said.

“Uh, everything hurts.” Tess groaned.

“The light burns.” Will groaned.

“There’s coffee.” I offered and that woke them both up.

“How the hell are you so functional this morning?” Tess said.

“Don’t know I just feel great, I have a really good feeling about this year.” I said.

“Aren’t you just a ball of sunshine this morning.” Tony said as he walked in.

“I hate that nickname.” I said.

“Oh come on, you brighten up a room.” Tony said and I glared at him. We were interrupting by a phone buzzing.

“That’d be the ball and chain.” Tess said. “It’s time for me to go back to purgatory.”

“If you hate Jersey that much why’d you move there in the first place?” Will said.

“Cheaper rent, closer to Liam’s parents, it’s not as crowded. A whole bunch of other things that sounded really good at the time. Well this is goodbye for now. Will, Hales if you’re ever in Hoboken stop by.” She said pulling us each into a hug before leaving.

“So that’s what married life does to you, One drunk wedding and you end up in suburbia.” Will said.

“She’s living the dream isn’t she?” I said.

“Yeah she really is.” Will said.

“This got depressing really fast.” Tony said.

“Yeah. I’m gonna head downstairs and shower.” I said.

“Kay, by the way Jake and I got everything out of our system and are in the post honeymoon phase so you can come back to the apartment.” Will said.

“You sure?”

“Yeah Will you sure?” Natasha said.

“Yes, you won’t be traumatized again you prude.” Will said.

“Dude I saw parts of you I could have spent my entire life without seeing.” I said making everyone chuckle.

“Well you’ll never see them again now can you move back in? Jake’s been feeling guilty we kicked you out.” Will said.

“Sure, I’ll pack after my shower.” I said heading to the elevator.

Third Person’s POV-

“What the hell happened while I was gone?” Will said.

“Nothing.” Steve said.

“Well I took down a terrorist.” Tony started.

“I fell asleep cuddling Hayley.” Clint said.

“She fell asleep on my lap.” Thor said with a find smile.

“We hugged.” Natasha said.

“The drowning episode at the mall.’ Bruce said.

“She said she loved us.” Tony said.

“What?” Will said shocked.

“She was leaving and she said she loved us platonically.” Steve said.

“that is total bullshit.” Will said. “If you don’t have romantic feelings for someone you’re friends with you don’t specify it’s platonic.”

“What do you mean?” Thor asked.

“I’ve known Hayley for almost three years, you want to know how many times I’ve heard her say love in any context?... None.” Will said.

“Then why’d she say it now?” Bruce said.

“You guys have been spending a lot of time together, you feel the pull of the bond chances are she feels it too even if she doesn’t know who you are.” Will said. “You have to tell her.”

“Not while she’s with Nate.” Bruce said.

“It needs to be her choice.” Steve said.

“How is she going to choose you all if she doesn’t know there’s another choice on the table?” Will said.

“He does have a point.” Clint said.

“I almost told her a few days ago,” Tony said.

“If we do this it has to be together.” Natasha said.

“Whatever happens we’ll do whatever she needs us to do.” Steve said.

“And if she doesn’t want anything to do with us?” Thor asked.

“Then we do as she asks.” Bruce said.

Hayley’s POV- Monday Morning-

I woke up feeling happy and excited. For the first time in a long time I feel like I do have a future and control in said future. I got dressed in some black jeans and a white open tulip back sweater with some black knee high leather boots.

I had a quick breakfast before heading to work. Classes didn’t start for another two weeks and I was ready to jump right back in. I locked up and walked downstairs. To my surprise Nate was standing at the bottom of the steps holding a cup of coffee and a bagel in a bag.

“Morning.” He said.

“Morning when did you get back?” I said as we hugged.

“Yesterday, I wanted to surprise you.” Nate said. He was giving me the cute smile and I had to force myself to return it. What is wrong with me?

“Well I’m surprised.” I said.

“Caramel Macchiato extra shot of Espresso.” He said handing it to me. “Whole wheat bagel.”

“Thank you, are you going to work?” I asked.

“No I just thought I’d walk you. I missed you.” He said.

“Yeah?” I said with a small smile.

“Yeah.” He said kissing my cheek.

We spent most of the time talking about his trip and some of the misadventure he and his cousin got in. Before I knew it we were in the lobby of the Tower.

“Hey are you free tonight?” I said.

“For you always.” He said.

“I was thinking we grab dinner and we talk.” I said. “I’ll set everything up.”

“Sounds good.” Nate said. “Want me to pick you up here or at the apartment?”

“The apartment, just in case I get held up you can wait inside.” I said.

“Sounds good. Have a good day at work. I love you.” He said.

“kay see you later.” I said passing through security only to be met by Tony.

“Morning.” He said. “How’s lover boy?”

“He’s great. Got back from vacation so he’s great. He’s a fun charming considerate handsome guy who keeps saying he loves me so he’s great.” I said kind of panicking.

“Say he’s great one more time and I’ll believe you.” Tony said.

“He’s great.” I said

“Great.” Tony said as the elevator closed.

“Can I get some advice?” I said.

“Shoot.” Tony said.

“How do you break up with someone?” I said as the elevator doors opened to the common room.

“Come again.” He said walking after me.

“How do I break up with someone?” I said and Thor dropped his pop tarts and Steve dropped a mug.

“You’re going to need to give us a bit of background here.” Natasha said.

I sat down and I told them everything.

“So you know I’ve been seeing Nate for a while now and he’s great. He’s everything anyone could ever want in a guy. He’s charming, smart handsome, compassionate… etc. When we started I liked him and we had a lot in common and it was good but romantically I thought that if I gave it time it would all work itself out but it hasn’t.” I said.

“How’s the sex?” Natasha asked. I started feeling a hug wave of discomfort from all my marks.

“I’ve never had sex so it never came up.” I said blushing.

“Literally apparently.” Tony muttered making Steve elbow him and me chuckle.

“Yeah, I mean we’ve made out and he’s a great kisser but I felt nothing for him. Still don’t which makes it worse considering he keeps dropping the L bomb and all I can say is Kay. So how does one go about breaking up with someone?” I asked.

“How’ve you done it before?” Steve asked.

“I’ve never dumped anyone, I’ve always been the dumpee not the dumper.” I said.

“Hayley you just have to sit him and be honest with him.” Natasha said.

“How? I almost did it on the way here but every time I looked him in the eye I just felt so guilty.” I said.

“You’re going to feel worse if you keep leading him on.” Clint said.

“So what do I say?” I asked.

“You take his hand,” Thor said taking my hand and looking me in the eyes. Wow his eyes really pop with that color shirt. “and say, Nathaniel our time together had been wonderful and I am sorry it must come to an end, My heart can not return your affections and it is not worthy to waste your time on a further pursuit of this tragic romance.” Thor said.

“Thor I’m trying to break up with him not get hypnotized by your gorgeous eyes. Wow they twinkle.” I said and he smiles.

“The point Thor is trying to make is that you have to be direct. Don’t embellish just tell him what you told us.” Natasha said.

“So I should tell him I never felt anything for him?” I said.

“Maybe leave that part out and say you don’t return his feelings and that you only see him as a friend.” Steve said.

“And have tact. He’s probably going to be upset so let him vent. Give him closure.” Bruce said.

“Where should I do it? I asked him if he was free for dinner since I figured it’d be better to do it in public.” I said.

“Do it where you’re comfortable.” Clint said.

“Public is good since he’s less likely to make a scene.” Tony said.

“Though it may back fire and if he does make a scene you’ll never be able to show your face there again so don’t choose a restaurant you like.” Natasha said.

“Hot dog stand?” I suggested.

“No. Be considerate you’re breaking up with him.” Steve said.

“Somewhere neither of us has gone and probably won’t go to ever again.” I said. “Moroccan food place down the street from the schwarma place. It’s always empty and probably about to go out of business.”

“Fairly sure it’s a money laundering front.” Clint said.

“Even better.” I said “So be direct, do it during the entrée, do it in a restaurant you’re okay with never going back to, let him vent and have tact. One last question what do I wear?”

“Let’s go raid my closet.” Natasha said standing up and I followed after her.