Fated Marks

I woke up early yet again and went out on my morning run. When I came back Will was already getting started on breakfast before heading to class.

“What are you doing all day?” Will asked.

“Cleaning and cooking.” I said.

“You nervous?” He asked.

“No, why would I be?” I said.

“Are you like Jason Bourne and won’t talk about his past because you don’t remember it?” Will proposed out of the blue.

“No I still remember my brother unfortunately.” I said he had decided to think his guesses through and including them randomly in conversations to see if he could catch me off guard. So far he was way off.

“That’s good to know. I have to get going. I have class then I have to get to work. See you later. Child prodigy that ran away from fame?” He said.

“Bye Will.” I said.

As soon as he left I got to work. I started by prepping everything. I made the batter for the fried chicken that I had to let set for a bit before I started making the cookie dough when there was a knock at the door. That’s weird. I dried my hands before going to open the door. There was someone holding a giant bouquet of roses.

“Hi I have a delivery for a miss Hayley Adams?” He said.

“Uh, that’s me.” I said. “Oh come in please. Put them down here.” I said directing him to the table.

“Can you please sign here?” He said handing me a clipboard.

“Here you go.” I said.

“Have a nice day.” He said before leaving.

I looked at the bouquet of roses. It must’ve been one hundred of them. They were the traditional red and at the center white roses formed a heart. There’s only one person who would have sent this monstrosity of an arrangement. I took my phone out and dialed Tony.

“Hayley how’s the day off going? Miss me already?” Tony greeted.

“Why is there a bouquet of one hundred roses on my dining table?” I said.

“Oh you got them? What do you think? Should I just get all red next time?” Tony said.

“We talked about this, no gifts, and especially no flowers.” I said annoyed.

“But it’s Valentine’s Day. It’s our first one, I need to go all out and since you wouldn’t let me buy you that sapphire or ruby necklace I figured...” Tony said.

“They’re nice but seriously, no gifts.” I said.

“Spoil sport.” He said.

“Spoiled brat.” I said.

“You’re no fun.” Tony said.

“I’ll see you at dinner. And thank you, they’re beautiful.” I said hanging up before he started teasing me.

Third Person’s POV-

Tony hung up the phone and couldn’t take the smile off his face.

“Was that Hayley?” Steve asked. The entire team was in the common room having.

“Yeah.” Tony said smiling. “She liked the flowers I sent her. Even if she won’t admit it.”

“You sent her flowers?” Clint said.

“Yeah, she called to lecture me but she did like them.” Tony pointed out again.

“Tony she did make it clear that she didn’t want any gifts.” Bruce said.

“She also said not to bring anything.” Natasha said.

“I also got Hayley a gift.” Thor said and that made everyone turn to look at him.

“What?” They all said.

“Aye, it is a ring.” Thor said and everyone froze.

“Can we see it?” Natasha asked.

“Here.” Thor said pulling out the ring from his pocket. It was a small thin gold band that was molded to appear like tree branches tat intertwined and held a small peridot stone. “I obtained it during my last visit to Asgard, it reminded me of Hayley’s eyes.”

“Big guy it might be a bit too soon for a ring.” Clint said.

“Why is that?” Thor said.

“Rings here on earth can be taken as a marriage proposal.” Steve explained.

“On Asgard as soon as the bond between two mates is completed you are married.” Thor said.

“May want to ease Hayley into that one.” Tony said. “Tell her just you know…tactfully.”

“Say in no way is she obligated to do anything.” Bruce said.

“Of course she is not.” Thor said. “I would never force Hayley into anything.”

“It would probably just be good to clear thing up.” Natasha said.

“But now that means the rest of us need to get her something in under ten hours, on Valentine’s Day.” Clint said.

“We should get moving then.” Steve said.

“I’ll come too. I know which necklace she’s going to like now.” Tony said.

“No!” They all said.

“Oh come on.” Tony said.

“We’re implementing price limits. Nothing over the top. No diamonds, no sports cars. Keep it reasonable.” Steve said.

“Aww.” Tony said but relented.

“I’ll be in the lab.” Bruce said.

“Aren’t you going to get Hayley a gift?” Tony asked.

“I have something in mind.” Bruce said with a grin.

“Actually, I think I know just the thing too.” Steve said walking out of the common room.

“Looks like it’s just us three.” Tony said.

“You bought her flowers you’re good.” Clint said.

“But flowers die.” Tony whined.

“Should have thought of that before.” Natasha said grabbing her car keys.

“Better luck next time.” Clint said following Natasha.

“Damn.” Tony said but then he remembered what Hayley had said and he cheered up. “I know just the thing to put a smile on that face.”

Hayley’s POV- Later that day

Everything was almost ready. The pie was in the oven along with the mac and cheese. I had just finished curling my hair and was getting dressed when Will walked in.

“It smells amazing in here.” Will said.

“It should there’s pie in the oven cookies and brownies are all cooling down.” I said.

“Hales they’re enough food here to feed an army.” Will said.

“Have you seen how much Thor can eat?” I said.

“True. Is there by chance anyway I can get some of that for later?” Will said batting his eyelashes.

“I got you a bit of everything packed up in tupperwares. They’ll be in the microwave while they finish cooling down.” I said.

“You’re the best. Which shirt?” Will said showing me two button ups.

“Red, match with the holiday.” I said.

“Good choice.” Will said. “How’s the dress look?”

“See for yourself.” I said stepping out of the bedroom. I was wearing a simple maroon tunic dress with a slit down the back and the knee-high lace up brown boots. My hair was parted to the side and curled.

“Wow, their eyes are going to pop out of their sockets when they look at you.” Will said. “What time they getting here?”

“Told them seven so they should be here any minute.” I said.

“I was going to ask, what’s with the giant bouquet of roses.” Will asked.

“Tony, he really can’t take no for an answer.” I said as I finished setting the table.

“That’s sweet, why are you so against them showing you how much they care about you?” Will said. “I mean most people would be flattered someone sent them flowers or consider themselves lucky they even found their soulmates.”

“Because happiness and this run of good luck you think I’m on won’t last, it never does. And when it ends I refuse to be wrecked over them. Now I say this as someone who does care about you and has gotten kicked out of this apartment before, get the hell out of the apartment so I can get ready for my date.” I said.

“So it is a date.” He said.

“Out.” I said pointing to the door.

“No glove no love.” He called over his shoulder as he walked out.

I finished up the last few setting and brought the food to the table. It was two minutes before seven when there was a knock at the door. I opened it and there was Tony, Bruce, Steve, Clint, Natasha and Thor.

“Hey guys, come on in.” I said opening the door. They all hugged me or kissed my cheek on the way in. Not awkward at all.

“It smells amazing in here.” Tony said.

“That’s a lot of food.” Natasha said.

“Aye it is a true feast.” Thor cheered.

“I know how much you guys eat so I made a bit of everything.” I said and there was another ding. “And that’d be the pie. Just a sec.”

“What type of pie did you make?” Steve said.

“Apple.” I said taking it out of the oven. “Sit down get comfortable and why are you all holding present?” I said finally noticing what they were each holding.

“Happy First Valentine’s Day!” Tony cheered.

I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms.

“He started it.” Clint said pointing at Thor.

“Stark sent flowers.” Thor said.

“You did say you liked them.” Tony said.

“Guys,” I said before taking a deep breath to hold in the angry part of me. “I appreciate what you were trying to do but it wasn’t necessary.”

“We wanted to.” Bruce said.

“You didn’t have a problem accepting our Christmas presents, how is this different.” Natasha said.

“Christmas is an actual holiday and this isn’t.” I said, “We should sit down and eat before the food gets cold.” I could feel the tension. I said I was going to give this a chance so as long as I held it in we’re good.

We sat down and everyone served themselves.

“Oh my gosh, this is amazing.” Clint said.

“I didn’t know you could cook.” Tony said.

“You never asked and you always order in.” I said

“What dressing did you use on the salad?” Bruce asked.

“Just a bit of lemon and olive oil.” I said.

“How are things with Will?” Natasha asked.

“They’re good.” I said.

“This Chicken, I like it!” Thor proclaimed.

“Good to know, leave some room for dessert.” I said. “How was everyone’s day?”

“Good.” They all said.

“Got this new arrow that splinters off into smaller arrows, works great.” Clint said.

“I finished Jarvis’ new update he’s now extra snarky and calls people by their nicknames.” Tony said.

“Good to know.” I said. Just as I was about to take a bite there was a knock at the door. “That’s weird, probably just Will he probably forgot to grab Jake’s present before I kicked him out.”

“You kicked him out?” Natasha asked.

“I refer you to the two weeks I was kicked out so he and Jake could have their staycation.” I said as the knocks on the door got louder. “I’m going already!” I opened the door and two of the people I last expected to see.

“Lizzie!” Kol said as he let himself in.

“Kol, Bekah, what are you doing here?” I asked freaking out a bit.

“We were in the area and decided to check in, so put on your shortest and tightest dress because we are going out. Oh hello” Rebekah said.

“Hi.” Tony was the only one to speak.

“Liz why are the avengers in your apartment?” Kol asked.

“Liz?” Steve asked.

Oh fuck, think quick. “Middle name. Can you give us just a sec?” I asked.

“Oh no stay.” Tony said.

“There’s plenty of food. You’re more than welcome to join us.” Steve said.

“Actually…” Rebekah started.

“We’d love too, I’m Kol, and that’s my sister Rebekah, we’re big fans of you all.” Kol said turning on the charm. Now if only he could keep his mouth shut.

“I’ll go grab extra place settings, Beks can you give me a hand?” I asked.

“Course.” She said knowing what the look I was giving her meant.

We walked into the kitchen and spoke in hushed tones.

“How’d you meet them?” She whispered with a huge smile. She was totally starstruck.

“Yeah I’m kind of Tony’s intern slash personal assistant.” I said.

“Then why do you look like you’re about to have an aneurysm?” Rebekah said and I gave her a shut it look when she looked at my arms and saw my soulmarks. Then she looked back at the table and then back at me. “They’re your… Those bloody wankers!” She shouted and I covered her mouth but they had all heard us.

“Those heels, total bitch to break in.” I said trying to play it off.

“Ok here’s the rundown, They don’t know anything and I don’t want them to know so whatever you do don’t say anything about… well anything.” I said.

“Okay Liz?” She said as a question.

“Hayley,” I cleared up handing her the dishes. “And make sure Kol doesn’t, you know.”

“I’ll handle him but tomorrow we are sitting down and you are explaining everything.” She said.

“I’ll buy the first round.” I said.

“There she is.” Kol called out.

“Here I am.” I said setting up the plates.

“I was just telling the story of that one time we almost burned down the house as kids.” Kol said.

“The fireworks indoors, classic.” I said.

“How long have you three known each other?” Natasha asked

“We go back a ways.” Rebekah said.

“We were almost siblings.” Kol said.

“So close.” I said.

“What happened?” Bruce asked.

“We moved.” The three of us said at the same time.

“What do you two do for a living? Or are you also students?” Steve asked.

“We manage the family business. Imports, exports.” Kol said.

“We travel a lot and as you already know move a lot.” Rebekah said.

“So neither of you are computer geniuses like Hayley?” Tony asked.

“Oh no that’s all Hayley, I have no bloody clue what she’s talking about half the time.” Kol said with a chuckle.

“If you’ve known each other so long then you must also know Hayley’s brother.” Natasha said.

“Looks like it’s time for dessert.” I said quickly before Kol or Rebekah could answer. Just as I was about to walk into the kitchen there was another knock at the door. I turned to look at Rebekah and Kol to see if they knew who would be at the door but they just gave me a shrug.

I opened the door and there was a disheveled and obviously drunk Will.

“Will?” I said.

“Jake cheated on me.” He cried. Oh boy. “On me with the dog walker!”

“Come inside, You need to sober up.” I said. Walking him to his seat. “I’ll make coffee, eat a biscuit.” I put it in front of him before giving everyone an apologetic look and going to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. I came back with coffee for everyone and brought out the pie, cookies and brownies.

“Will I need you to eat something, you’ll feel better.” I bribed him with brownies.

“No it’s not. I’m all alone.” He said.

“No you’re not, you’ve got me.” I said. Even if he does piss me off.

“No I don’t you have all six of your soulmates and whoever you two are. Who are you?” Will asked.

“Old friends of Lizzie.” Kol said.

“Lizzie?” Will said.

“Middle name.” Everyone said.

“You have a middle name? How do I not know that? We’ve been friends for years, Years and not once did I ever hear you say your middle name, or the fact that you had friends other than me and them.” Will said getting angry.

“Will calm down.” I said.

“No Hayley! You keep so many secrets I hardly know you. You hardly sleep anymore and You didn’t even tell me you were taking anxiety medications!” Will yelled.

“What!?” Everyone yelled.

“I think that’s our cue, Will why don’t you come with us?” Rebekah said.

“Come on mate, we’ll go grab a pint and we can plot how to get back at that arse.” Kol said helping Will up.

“Wa-“ Will started but Kol and Rebekah dragged him out before he could say anything.

The room was quiet and I could feel the inner turmoil they were all feeling. They had no idea what to say.

“You know what’d go great with that pie? Some ice cream why don’t I…” I started.

“You’re taking anxiety meds?” Clint asked.

“Yeah.” I said avoiding eye contact.

“How long?” Steve asked.

“About a month, My therapist prescribed them.” I answered.

“What’s a therapist?” Thor asked.

“You’ve been seeing a therapist? Why?” Tony asked. “You could have just talked to us.”

“That’s just it I can’t.” I said.

“Why not?” Steve asked.

“Because I don’t trust you!” I yelled and everything went quiet. I felt fear and worry coming from all my marks and then I felt guilty. “When I came back I decided to give this… us a shot but I was having a hard time dealing with everything that I found out. One minute I was happy the next I was crying and the rest of the time I wanted to strangle you all starting with the jackass I call my best friend. So I went to a bar and started talking to Carl…”

“Who’s Carl?” Bruce asked.

“The bartender, Anyway he referred me to a therapist. We talked turns out that when I acknowledged the bond I opened myself up to it and well now instead of just getting only the strong emotions you guys have I get everything.” I said.

“When you say everything…” Thor said.

“Tony’s insomnia and tenaciousness to get a project finished, The rage Bruce feels from the Hulk and worry, Thor’s random bouts of excitement and pride when he takes one of you down in a spar, Steve’s chills when he remembers the ice and the sadness when he remembers he’s no longer in the 40’s, Clint’s mischievousness and kid like behavior or when his focus in the field or Natasha’s coldness at work but how she tries to hide how happy she is when we’re all together at dinner. That and everything in between.” I said.

“This has been happening for over a month? What the hell Hayley?” Tony said.

“Again I was dealing with it. You guys seriously broke my trust I wasn’t going to pour my heart out to you after everything. The meds help and I’m a lot more grounded now and It’s making it easier being around you guys.” I said.

“That’s why you invited us over for dinner.” Steve said.

“Well that was actually Kevin’s idea…”

“Who is this Kevin?” Thor asked.

“Therapist, he’s actually pretty good at his job.” I said.

“So you didn’t even want to have us over?” Natasha said.

“I was skeptical but I have to say I’m glad I gave in though things really didn’t go according to plan.” I said.

“And Rebekah and Kol?” Clint asked.

“They really are old friends just wasn’t expecting to see them tonight.” I said.

“We need to fix this, if we’re actually going to do this we need to find a way to get your trust back.” Steve said.

“Then we need to even the playing field. We got to see Hayley be vulnerable let’s open up.” Natasha said.

“What does that even mean?” I said.

“I grew up in the Red Room, it was a KGB program that raised girls from an early age to be spies, the perfect spy. When I was sixteen I was given a job that ended with me getting married. My husband was my mark, I killed him but I didn’t know I was pregnant. I found out after the graduation ceremony where they sterilized me.” Natasha said.

“I-I’m sorry.” I said. Was that the right thing to say? I just felt really guilty now. She just nodded.

“My dad was a drunk and he beat me and my brother as well as my mom which is how I ended up deaf. He and my mom died in a car accident he caused when I was four. Two years later my brother and I ran away from our foster home and joined the circus. He and another guy betrayed the rest of the crew and left me for dead. After that I was a mercenary until SHIELD sent Phil Coulson to recruit me. I later found out he was supposed to kill me.” Clint said.

“My father once turned Loki into a toad when we were children for bringing in one from the garden. He threatened to turn me into a bilshnipe if I ever told mother.” Thor said.

“How is that you being vulnerable?” Natasha asked.

“Bilshnipes are horrendous creatures.” Toad I mean Thor said.

“It was my fault Bucky died. I should have seen that shot coming and been more careful. I was so close but the railing fell. It was my fault you won’t meet your seventh soulmate.” Steve said tearing up.

“What are you talking about?” I asked.

“Bucky wasn’t just my best friend, he was my soulmate. He also had your mark on his right arm. It’s my fault you won’t get to meet him I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Steve said sobbing. I felt like someone had punched me in the gut when he said that. I didn’t know what to say I just felt a heartbroken. I got out of my chair and walked over to Steve. He looked at me through his tear filled eyes. I slowly wrapped my arms around him and hugged him. “I’m sorry.” He sobbed.

“Hey, Steve look at me. It wasn’t your fault. It was an accident and I know that if you’d known what was going to happen you wouldn’t have let him go with you. Bad shit happens to good people that’s life. You’re not alone and I’m glad you told me, Thank you.” I said. He pulled me into another hug and kissed the top of my head.

“I’m afraid the Hulk’s going to take over and not let me back again. That one day I’m not going to be able to hold him back and he’ll…” Bruce didn’t have to finish for us to know what he meant.

“I wasn’t alone in that cave in Afghanistan. There was this doctor, Yinsen, the ten rings kidnapped him from his town after they killed his entire family. When we were in the cave he asked me who I had back home and I said I didn’t have any family. When I asked him he said he would see them when he got out of there. While I was busting out he died in my arms and he said they had been dead the entire time. My weapons killed his family. That’s why I got out of the weapons business.” Tony said.

“I don’t know what to say to any of that.” I said.

“Does this make us even?” Natasha asked.

“Beyond even.” I said.

“That’s all we need to hear.” Natasha said.

“Just as a heads up I may need a place to hide out at the tower after I kill Will tomorrow.” I said.

“You’re not going to kill Will because you know he has a point.” Tony said.

“Yes but there’s a time and a place.” I said. “Don’t get me wrong I’m glad we talked I just wished it happened another way and that it didn’t ruin dinner.”

“You didn’t ruin dinner, it was great.” Clint said.

“And now that we got that out in the open you want to open presents?” Tony said holding up the gifts bag.

“I’m still not okay with this.” I said.

“Make it up to us on our birthdays.” Tony retorted.

“Fine but if it’s something that’s ridiculously overpriced I’m making you return it.” I said.

“Not a problem.” Natasha said handing me over a small box. It was wrapped in red wrapping paper with a small black bow. I opened in and inside were peridot studs.

“They’re gorgeous Nat, thanks.” I said hugging her.

“Mine next.” Clint said handing me his gift. I opened it and it was a simple arrow necklace.

Thor then handed me a silk pouch. I opened it and I pulled out a simple ring. It was gold and looked like branches formed around a peridot stone.

“It’s gorgeous.” I said.

“It in no way implies that we are betrothed or that you are obligated to be at my side.” Thor said.

“Okay? That was random.” I said.

“I was told to tell you that.” Thor said.

“There’s more to that story.” Bruce said.

“In Asgard soulmates that have completed their bond are considered husband and wife.” Thor said.

“Oh.” I said internally figuring out how this would come up in a conversation.

“Not that we have to be husband or wife or complete for that matter… not that I wouldn’t want to…” Thor said fumbling with his words.

“Thor, it’s a great gift and this is a conversation for down the line. As long as this ring isn’t meant for my left ring finger we’re good.” I said.

“You can wear it on eye of hawk’s chain of you wish.” Thor said.

“Right hand, thank you.” I said. Poor guy was freaking out about how I was going to take it.

“Here you go.” Steve said handing me his. “It’s not much but…”

“Steve stop I’m sure it’s fine.” I said as I unwrapped the frame. “Wow this is beautiful. Did you draw this?”

“It was just a quick sketch.” Steve said.

“It’s amazing.” I said. “Thank you.”

“Looks like we had the same idea.” Bruce said handing me another frame.

“Didn’t know you were an artist Bruce.” I said as I opened it.

“Not exactly.” He said.

“Is this?” I asked.

“Jarvis kept a record of it… I just put it together.” Bruce said.

“What is it?” Clint asked.

“It’s a karyotype chart of my chromosomes. It’s essentially my DNA except it looks pretty, This is going above my bed. Thank you.” I said.

“I’m glad you like it.” Bruce said.

“Okay open mine.” Tony said.

“I thought the roses were my gift?” I said.

“Flowers are a requirement for Valentine’s day, this is the actual gift.” Tony said handing me a gift bag.

“If it’s overpriced…” I said.

“It’s not I promise.” Tony said. I opened it and pulled out a Def Leppard T-shirt and an album.

“That’s…” I couldn’t help but laugh and Tony had a shit eating grin on his face.

“What’s so funny?” Steve asked.

“It’s a Def Leppard T-shirt.” I said.

“When we first met and I was interviewing Hayley for her job she refused to say yes.” Tony said.

“In my defense you didn’t really explain why you wanted to talk to me. You just said I was a genius and that I should come work for you. I thought you meant after graduation but as it turns out he had no idea what he was offering.” I said.

“So I tried wining and dining her. I took her for burgers then for a tour of the labs at the tower but she was still on the fence about it.” Tony said.

“He was driving me home when Pour Some Sugar On Me played on the radio and I said that it was a total stripper song.” I said.

“It is a stripper song.” Clint said and Natasha nodded in agreement.

“I said it wasn’t and then I forgot who, said you want to bet on it? I said if we went to a strip club and if in ten minutes of us getting there it didn’t play then she’d come work for me but if it did play she could get a look at Jarvis’ programming.” Tony said.

“We drove to the closest strip club, which ironically was named the Lusty Leopard. Ten minutes later I had a new job.” I said.

“You took our soulmate to a strip club for your first date?” Steve asked incredulously.

“Yes.” Tony answered at the same time I said “No.”

“No?” he said.

“Yes?” I said.

“You don’t consider it a date?” Tony said.

“No it was a job interview, there was no romance whatsoever. Hence not a date.” I said.

“I felt sparks.” Tony said.

“That might have to do with our topless waitress.” I said.

“Before the strip club.” Tony said.

“When?” I said.

“We were in the lab and we were talking about that one project, the one that ended up being a dud and we kept bantering back and forth until we ended up laughing.” Tony said. “Sparks.”

“Really? I snorted, there’s nothing spark like about that.” I said.

“There was for me.” He said and I felt my face heat up at that comment. “Guess now we know why.”

“How did I not notice sooner?” I asked.

“You’re kind of oblivious to any emotions.” Natasha deadpanned.

“I’m working on it.” I said.

“It’s getting late.” Steve said.

“Wow I didn’t even notice how late it is.” I said.

“I’ll help you wash the dishes.” Clint said.

“Actually, Will’s going to wash them. We made a deal and his drunk ass is keeping it. I don’t care if he is hungover tomorrow.” I said.

“Go easy on him Hayley, he had a rough night.” Tony said.

“He almost caused us to have another fight.” I said.

“Don’t let him off easy but don’t give him the silent treatment.” Clint said.

“Oh with how hungover he’s going to be tomorrow, I’m going to be far from silent.” I assured him. “You guys want to take some of this to go? I have a ton of food.”

“Yes please.” They all said. I packed it all up and handed Steve the pie.

“Don’t you…” He started.

“I made it for you, you’re the only person that thinks brownies are too chocolaty. As if that could ever be a thing.” I scoffed.

“thank you Hayley, for everything.” Steve said.

“Don’t mention it, I look forward to some of those stories you promised.” I said.

“Over a cup of coffee?” He offered.

“Sounds like a date.’ I said and he blushed.

“If spangles get’s a date so do we.” Tony called out.

“Aye!” Thor said.

“We’ll talk about that later, night guys.” I said as they walked out.

“See you tomorrow Hayley.” Clint said.

“Good night.” I said before closing the door. I was really looking forward to tomorrow. I grabbed the framed sketch Steve gave me and walked over to the fireplace. I took off the weird painting Jake made for Will and hung it up. Then I grabbed the rest of my things and went to my room. I put up the karyotype Bruce made for me and hung it over my bed. I laid down and looked at it. They may have their faults and drive me crazy sometimes but I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

I wonder where Rebekah and Kol took Will? If he ended up handcuffed to a flagpole in Toronto again he deserved it.