Fated Marks

“This is perfect. It’s flirty and you look great the jacket makes it casual so it goes with the restaurant, you said those boots make you feel confident and go simple for jewelry and makeup.” Natasha said.

“Thanks Nat. I think I’m going to tell Nate to meet me there since it’s closer to the tower than the apartment.” I said.

“Just remember calm and direct. If you need anything we’re a phone call away.” Natasha said.

“Okay. I’m going to sit down. I’m going to wait for the entrée and say Nate you’re great but this isn’t working.” I said. “Explain, let him vent, see if he makes a scene and go our separate ways.”

“That’s about right,” Natasha said.

“I hope Will takes the break up well, he really liked Nate.” I said.

“I think he likes Jake more.” Natasha said.

“That is true.” I said as my phone dinged. “Nate’s downstairs, he didn’t want me to walk alone.”

“He’s very thoughtful.” Natasha said.

“And I still feel nothing for him.” I said. “I better not keep him waiting. See you tomorrow Nat, I’ll bring your clothes back.”

“Keep them they look better on you anyway.” She said.

“Thanks.” I said getting in the elevator.

I went through and Nate was there holding an orchid. Damn he was not making this easy.

“Hey you look amazing.” He said kissing my cheek. “For you.” He said handing me the orchid.

“Nate you shouldn’t have.” I said.

“Well I feel bad for leaving you alone after you got out of the hospital.” Nate said.

“Don’t, I told you to go and I’m glad you did I know you don’t get to see your family that often and I wasn’t going to stop you from your annual traditions.” I said. “Besides I wasn’t alone.”

“How was your vacation at the tower?” Nate said with a smirk.

“It was fun, hung out did some Christmas shopping, Nagged Tony long distance, went to LA to nag him in person, Pretty normal day.” I said.

“Nothing about that sounded normal at all.” Nate said with a chuckle. We walked in the restaurant and sat down. There wasn’t a lot of people and the ambiance was good.

We sat down and since they didn’t offer appetizers we went straight to the entrée. This was going to happen a lot faster than I was expecting.

“So there’s a reason I asked you out.” I started.

“I know.” Nate said. “I dropped a bomb on you and I know its pretty soon and if you’re not ready then I understand I just wanted you to know.”

“Damn you are not making this easy.” I said taking a deep breath. “Nate you’re an amazing funny smart charming guy and these past few months have been great. You’re my first boyfriend and I’m so glad my first relationship is with you but I don’t feel the same way you do.”

“I thought we were doing good.” Nate said.

“I started this relationship thinking that with time I could grow to have feelings for you but I haven’t and I don’t want to lie to you. You’re amazing and any girl would be lucky to be with you but that’s not me. I’m sorry.” I said.

“Wow this is not what I was expecting when you asked to go out today.” Nate said.

“I know, I’ve never done this.” I said.

“No it’s okay. Your honesty is one of the things I love about you.” Nate said.

“I feel really guilty.” I said.

“Don’t be, you told me now before it got more serious and yeah it’s hard to hear but I’ll get over it. And I’d like it if we could still be friends. I don’t have a lot of friends that are willing to help me prep for a debate or go with me to sports games and actually understand what’s going on.” Nate said.

“I don’t have a lot of friends period so yeah that’d be great.” I said.

“So this is the last date we’ll ever be on.” Nate said.

“As a couple, we can still have friend outings.” I said.

“I’d like that.” He said with a smile. “And if it’s all right with you, can we go have dinner at a place we both actually like? I could really go for steak and I’m sure you could too.”

“Yes please.” I said getting a waiter’s attention. We paid for out drinks and went to a restaurant at one of Nate’s friend’s owned and we ate out steak. Then we got into a tug of war over who was going to pay but Nate sneakily slipped the waiter his credit card. I said the next one was on me and he gave me a smug sure as an answer.

He walked me back to the apartment and we stopped at the steps.

“So this is it.” Nate said.

“It is, may I say you were the best first boyfriend I could have ever asked for?” I said.

“You’re the new goal anyone I ever date has to live up to.” Nate said.

“Nate, don’t ever settle for less than you deserve.” I said.

“You two and I expect to know if you ever start dating again so I can give them the shovel talk.’ Nate said.

“There’s a pretty big line for that but I’ll let you know.” I said. “And the same goes for you.”

“We still on for Monday night football nights?” he said.

“Wouldn’t miss them for the world.” I said.

“Bye Hayley.” He said hugging me.

“Bye Nate.” I said. He pressed a lingering kiss to my forehead before letting go. I went up the stairs and went inside.

Third Person’s POV-

The entire team was in the common room for movie night waiting for one of them to get a message from Hayley. They were watching one of the Rush hour movies Tony had picked out but no one was really paying attention. As soon as Natasha’s phone rang the movie was forgotten and everyone waited for her to say something.

“She did it.” Natasha said.

“So she’s single?” Tony said.

“Not in a committed relationship?” Clint said.

“Not being courted by another?” Thor said.

“Yes, she’s not in a relationship anymore.” Natasha said.

“So how are we doing this?” Tony said.

“Should we give her some time?” Steve suggested and everyone glared at him. Then there was another ding.

“Will says that we better tell her soon because the longer we wait the more ‘pissed off she will be’” Natasha said reading the message.

“So tomorrow.” Tony said.

“Invite her to dinner.” Bruce said.

“We sit her down and we tell her everything.” Steve said.

“Apologize for not telling her.” Clint added.

“Humbly beg for forgiveness and tell her we wish to court her.’ Thor said.

“On thing we are forgetting, if she does end up giving us a chance she is only seventeen.” Bruce said.

“We’re not waiting to tell her.” Tony said knowing what Bruce was going to suggest.

“I think he means we should take it slow.” Steve said.

“That’s a given she turns eighteen in April.” Clint said.

“We do have to be open to the possibility she might not want anything to do with us after she finds out.” Natasha said.

That made everyone freeze. Could they really go back to life without Hayley? She was there go to for almost everything.

“That’s a risk we’ll have to take.” Steve said.

“I’ll start setting everything up.” Tony said grabbing his phone and making some calls.

Hayley’s POV- The Next Day-

I woke up and the next morning with a huge smile on my face. Today was going to be a good day, I could just feel it. I woke up and decided to wear a cute dress Will had gotten me as an apology for the show he and Jake put on and for kicking me out of the apartment. It was a long sleeve blue print A-line dress that I wore with black tights and some black suede knee high heeled boots.

I decided to treat myself and everyone to some treats from this small bakery close to the apartment and everyone’s usual coffee orders. I walked in whistling “Anything Can Happen” By Ellie Goulding after someone was playing it out loud on the subway and I couldn’t get it out of my head.

“Hayley you are more radiant than all the stars in the galaxy.” Thor said.

“Aww thanks Thor, I brought coffee and pastries.” I said setting them on the kitchen counter.

I heard a whistle and turned to see Tony walking in. “You look nice, crap do we have a meeting I forgot about?” Tony said.

“No just felt like dressing up. Today’s going to be a great day.” I said grabbing my coffee and looking what was on the agenda for the day.

“I’m guessing the talk went good last night?” Natasha asked.

“It went great, we decided to stick to being friends then we ditched the Moroccan place and went for steak.” I said. “So you’re all free until tonight, you actually marked a team dinner on your calendar, that’s weird. You guys going out?”

“Actually we’re all staying in the caterers are going to be here around six thirty.” Tony said.

“You’re staying right?” Steve asked.

“It’s a team dinner so I think I’m sitting this one…”

“No!” Thor cried out making me raise an eyebrow. “You are a part of this team, you must come. I brought my favorite ale from the royal reserves.”

“Well I am free… and Will’s helping Jake deal with the break up. You guy’s don’t mind right?” I asked.

“No.” they all said.

“I’ll be here then.” I said.

“Great, Oh Cannoli’s.” Tony said grabbing his usual espresso and a cannoli. “These are amazing.”

“I know, new bakery down the street from the apartment, their tiramisu is to die for.” I said.

The rest of the day was pretty normal. I did the usual errands, made sure everyone ate on time then Tony sent me to go pick up a few things around town and let me borrow a car.

By the time I finally made it back the caterers had already gotten there and had finished setting up. They were gone and the entire common floor was decorated with flowers. What the hell is going on?

“You’re back!” Thor cheered.

“Yeah what’s going on?” I asked.

“We need to talk.” Steve said.

“Whatever it is I didn’t do it.” I said and everyone just gave me a weird look. “Sorry reflex.”

“Hayley, you’re not in trouble.” Bruce said.

“Come on sit down and eat.” Clint said pulling out a chair.

“Okay?” I said sitting down and looking at them all waiting for one of them to say something. They all looked kind of nervous. What do they want to talk about? Did they find out? No that’s impossible, I covered my tracks.

“Anyone want a drink? I’m having one.” Tony said going to the bar and serving himself a scotch.

“So how was everyone’s day?” I asked hoping some small talk would help make things less awkward.

“Good.” They all mumbled.

“Food looks good, same catering as before?” I asked.

“Yeah, usual service.” Natasha said.

“Potatoes are good.” Clint said.

“Can we all cut the crap and get to what’s making you all sweat bullets because you’re making me anxious.” I said.

“Whatever happens just know we care about you a lot.” Steve said.

“Okay?” I said not liking where this was going.

They all looked at each other until finally Tony swallowed his drink in one go and said. “You have seven marks right?”

“Yeah…” I said confused about where they were going with this.

“The six of us bare the same mark.” Thor said removing his arm bracers to show a mark on his arm. It was identical to the pendant on my necklace. Steve lifted his right arm and the same mark was on his bicep. Tony lifted the sleeve of his shirt up and it was on his left arm. Natasha stood up showed me the mark on her hip. Then Clint pulled his shirt up and showed the mark that was on his ribs. I looked to Bruce and he kind of blushed.

“My marks on my…” he said looking uncomfortable.

“I’ll take your word for it.” I said. “Is it too late to have that drink? You know what I’ll just grab it myself.” I said standing up and walking to the bar.

“Hales, you doing alright?” Clint asked.

“uhuh.” I said swallowing my scotch in one go.

“Can you say something?” Steve said.

“How long?” I whispered.

“What?” Thor asked.

“How long did you all know?” I said raising my voice.

“We figured it out the day Fury showed up to tell us the team was moving in. You wore that low cut top that that showed off the necklace. Will said to thank him for that… ow!” Tony yelped as I’m guessing someone kicked him under the table and I glared at him.

“You knew for three months? Will knew for three months!?” I yelled. “I am going to fucking kill him.”

“Way to go Stark.” Natasha said.

“Hayley please just calm down.” Bruce started and I started pacing.

“I need some time to think figure this out.” I said grabbing my clutch and coat. “I’m going to take tomorrow off.” I said. And walked to the elevator and it opened. “Actually I think I’ll take the week, you know mental health.” I said pressing the button constantly but the door wouldn’t close.

“Hayley.” Natasha said.

“You know what, I’m just gonna come back when I don’t feel like pulling a hulk and smashing you all.” I said as the door closed and the elevator stopped. “Jarvis get me out of here.”

“Protocols have been halted.” Jarvis said.

“What?” I said.

“Hayley can you please come back so we can talk?” Steve said.

“Not in the mood.” I said taking my phone out and hacking into the system. Tony had foreseen that and was trying to stop me but he was too slow.

“Hayley please.” Clint said.

“Should have thought of that when you lied.” I said locking Tony out and getting the elevator moving and shutting off the intercoms.

I marched out of the lobby and made my way back to the apartment. I was mad, my best friend lied to my face for months. He was in cahoots with the six if them and didn’t once mention anything. Hell he introduced me to Nate and he even encouraged me to go out with him.

I marched into the apartment and saw that it was empty. I sat on the couch for a few minutes until my phone started going off. It was everyone sending me text messages asking if I was okay. I threw the phone against the wall and shattered it. That was it I couldn’t be here. I went over to the chimney and moved the fireplace screen and reached in for my hidden stash. I pulled out the stack of fake ID’s and flipped through them until I found my spare identity.

Elizabeth Forbes

I grabbed the ID, driver’s license and credit cards before going to my room. I grabbed my go bag and checked if I had the right clothes. I changed a few things before I noticed something in there. I hadn’t used this bag since we went to New Orleans for Mardi gras. It was the black card with the silver crest on it.

New Orleans is safe and you’re always welcome here –M

Who the hell was M? Well I had two weeks, I had time to figure it out. I quickly got my spare scrambler phone and started checking flights. I purchased a ticket for a flight that left in a bit over two hours. I quickly changed into a light blue chunky knit sweater and some jeans and white converse before topping it all off with a navy jacket and grabbing a base ball cap and scarf.

I grabbed my laptop bag and get ready to go. I walked into the living room and took off my necklace and placed it on the framed photo of Will and I at our house warming party when we moved into the apartment. It was what I did every time I went out of town.

I locked up and walked to the curb to call a taxi. I passed through security and made my flight just in time.

Third Person’s POV-

Will was out with Jake when he got the call.

“Yellow.” Will greeted.

“Where are you?” Natasha said.

“Out with Jake how’d it go?” Will said.

“She stormed out.” Clint said.

“You have me on speaker?” Will said.

“We’re all here.” Thor said.

“I did warn you guys, Hayley is bad with emotions and secrets.” Will said. “She’s probably at the apartment stress cleaning or something.”

“That’s actually why we called.” Steve said. “Someone may have let it slip that you knew.”

“What?” Will said.

“I thought she was taking it pretty well she just needed a moment to process it.” Tony said.

“Fuck, I’ll go check on her.” Will said.

“We’re outside.” Bruce said.

“Course you are.” Will said hanging up. “I have to go, roommate drama.”

“Is it drama you interfered in or Drama you’re helping with?” Jake said.

“It’s a bit of both.” Will said.

“Tell Hayley I said Hi.” Jake said.

“Love you.” Will said kissing Jake before grabbing his coat and going outside. Everyone looked concerned and possibly like some hits were thrown.

“Wow.” Will said.

“Upstairs.” Natasha said and everyone made their way up. The door was locked and it was quiet.

Will stopped for a second.

“What is it?” Bruce asked.

“Normally when Hayley’s upset or starts stress cleaning she starts listening to rock versions of Disney songs, mostly Marilyn Manson’s version of This is Halloween. And you hear that?” Will said.

“It’s quiet.” Steve said.

“Oh no.” Will said opening the door. He walked in and walked to the table behind the couch. There on the picture of him and Hayley was her necklace. “She’s gone.”

“What do you mean gone?” Tony said.

“She does this at least once a year or whenever she needs time to herself to deal with things.” Will said. “She grabs a bag and disappears off the face of the earth for a week or two and comes back like nothing happened.”

“Where does she go?” Clint asked.

“I have no idea.” Will said. “Every time she does this she leaves the necklace right there and when she comes back the first thing she does is put it back on.”

“I’ll start tracking her down.” Tony said. “I’m sure a security camera somewhere must have caught her.”

“Check airports and bus terminals.” Natasha said taking her phone out.

“Well she broke her phone so that might make things tricky.” Will said picking it up.

“Street cameras saw her take the subway after leaving the tower.” Tony said.

“Maybe we should give her some space.” Bruce said.

“It’ll give her time to cool off.” Will said. “She does tend to come back a lot more level headed and very zen.”

“She’s done this before?” Thor asked.

“At least once a year.” Will answered and everyone gave him a look. “Hey we all need an out. I tried telling you guys New Years eve but you were all a bit busy trying not to drool when you saw her in that dress. She does it once a year sometimes twice. I have no idea where she goes but she’s a big girl she can take care of herself.”

“There’s something you should probably see.” Steve said and Natasha played the video from the hospital.

“Two things, One what the hell guys, invasion of privacy and two we need to find her.” Will said.