Fated Marks

I woke up the next morning and for the first time in what seemed like forever I actually slept more than four hours. I got up and decided to dress up for the day in a simple blue midsleeve t-shirt dress and some flats.

I checked my phone and saw that Rebekah had texted me to tell me they were picking me up after work and that we were going out. I packed my heels and the back up dress I had for last night. I could change at the tower later. I walked out to the living room and saw Will passed out on the couch. I decided to have a little fun. I grabbed a post it note and wrote down. “I’m an idiot” and stuck it to his forhead.

Then I took his phone and programmed it to go off at every ten minutes of the next hour with heavy metal or someone screaming. By the time I was done it was time for me to go. I took the last brownie and headed out the door. I slammed it extra hard to wake him up.

Classes were pretty normal and I ended up getting out early. I stopped by for the usual coffee orders before making my way to the tower. I swiped in and got in the elevator.

“Good morning sunshine.” Jarvis greeted.

“What did you just call me?” I said.

“Your designated nickname as inputted by Mr. Stark.” Jarvis said.

“Jarvis override it and just stick to what you normally call me please.” I said.

“I am unable to do so miss as it would contradict my programming.” Jarvis said.

“Remind me to hack you later.” I said as we arrived at the common room. “Morning, anyone else annoyed by being called horrible nicknames in the elevator?”

“I got Robin Hood what’d you get?” Clint asked.

“Sunshine, Really hate that nickname.” I said.

“Well Nat got itsy bitsy spider and she almost stabbed Tony so…” Clint said.

“I guess keeping him alive does fall under my responsibilities just need to get into the system and override it… there we go, everything’s almost back to normal.” I said.

“Almost?” Clint said.

“Hayley why is Jarvis calling me crybaby?” Tony said coming in.

“Espresso and you know how many times I’ve told you I hate being called sunshine. Don’t do it again.” I said before going to hand out the rest of the drinks.

“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.” Steve said.

“I’m actually in a great mood. Americano.” I said handing Steve his coffee “I actually got some sleep last night, got revenge on Will and it’s a great day.”

“Before I forget you have a meeting with the head of marketing in an hour and lunch with the event planners for a gala the Stark foundation’s throwing.” I said. “And before you even suggest I go in your place Pepper requested you show up personally.”

“Are you free tonight?” Thor asked.

“No I have plans with Rebekah and Kol. They’re picking me up here.” I said.

“The old friends from last night?” Natasha asked.

“Yeah, they took care of Will and we didn’t get a chance to talk so we’re doing something tonight.” I said.

“Sounds fun.” Tony said.

“It’s probably dinner and a few drinks nothing too crazy.” I said. “We should get going.” I told Tony.

“Right you have the…” He started and I handed him his phone. “It’s like you read my mind.”

Third Person’s POV-

Natasha watched as Hayley and Tony walked out before giving Clint a look. He looked at her confused.

‘I found something’ Natasha signed.

‘About what?’ Clint responded

‘Hayley’s friends.’ Natasha answered and by the look she gave him he could tell it wasn’t good.

“What did you find?” Clint asked.

“Find on what?” Steve asked.

“I looked up Hayley’s friends.” Natasha said.

“Kol and Rebekah?” Thor said.

“Nat we can’t do this, we just got Hayley to open up if we do this…” Clint started.

“You really want to see this.” Natasha said offering him her phone.

“No Clint’s right. If Hayley trusts them it must be for a reason.” Steve said.

“Aye, they seem very fond of our soulmate I doubt they mean any ill will.” Thor said.

“They might not but that doesn’t mean…” Natasha started.

“Nat, She’s starting to trust us, do you really want to risk losing her?” Clint said.

Natasha thought it through and she knew they were right, but what Hayley didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her.

Hayley’s POV- Later that day

After about three different meetings that just seemed to drone on and on, I was finally free to go. I went to the empty apartment and got ready. I changed into my black skater dress with sheer long sleeves and my heels. My hair and make up were good to go.

I quickly went upstairs to let everyone know I was heading out and to remind them of the meeting they had with Director Fury. I got out of the elevator and walked into the common room where they were all getting ready for movie night.

“Hey I’m on my way out, just a reminder you have a meeting with Fury tomorrow morning so don’t stay up too late.” I said.

“Wow.” Tony said.

“You look beautiful.” Steve said.

“Aw thanks guys, well I have to get going Rebekah’s downstairs, see you Monday.” I said.

“Have fun.” Clint said.

“Be safe.” Thor said.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Tony said.

“There’s nothing you wouldn’t do.” I said before stepping in the elevator.

“Just make good choices.” Bruce corrected.

“Always do.” I said as the doors closed. I walked out of the lobby and there was Rebekah sitting in the front seat of an Aston Martin.

“What happened to the low profile?” I asked.

“I’m on vacation, besides Nik and Elijah aren’t here don’t be a buzz kill.” She said.

“Wouldn’t dream of it. Where we going?” I asked.

“Dinner to talk first and drinks after. Kol’s meeting us at the restaurant I hope you’re in the mood for sushi because that’s what we’re having.” Rebekah said.

“Sounds good.” I said.

The drive through midtown was slow because of all the traffic but it wasn’t boring. A few sing alongs in the car and time flew by.

“Hales!” Kol cheered, “About bloody time you both showed up.”

“Traffic.” Rebekah and I answered.

“I ordered us all a round of drinks and some appetizers now liz-hayley would you care to explain how it is the avengers spent valentine’s day in your apartment?” Kol asked.

“Or why you’re taking anxiety medication?” Rebekah added.

“They’re both kind of related. So as Bekah already figured out they’re all my soulmates.” I said.

“Those bloody wankers are the ones that lied to you for months?” Kol said.

“Yeah, hence why I’ve been extra stressed out and decided to go see a shrink to deal with everything. The added strain is causing some issues but I’m working through them. And that’s everything.” I said.

“Not everything, how’d you go from wanting to strangle them to having them over for a romantic Valentine’s day dinner?” Rebekah asked.

“My therapist said I should try spending ore time with them and work towards opening up to them. Hence dinner. You two and Will showing up kind of forced me to open up a bit more than planned but it all worked out in the end so thank you. And thank you for taking Will out last night, he would have been strangled if he had stayed.” I said.

“Not a problem it was actually fun to get to know your flatmate, he’s quite the character.” Kol said. “Might bring Josh with us next time we come to town.”

“I’m sure Will would appreciate that.” I said.

Eventually we finished dinner and moved to a bar where Kol and Bekah proceeded to fill me in on what I had missed.

“So Nik’s ex showed up.” Kol said.

“Which ex?” I asked. After a couple of years with them looking kind of similar they all kind of blurred together.

“Aurora.” Kol said.

“Excuse me I need to take this call.” Rebekah said. Her phone was probably on silent considering I didn’t hear anything.

“Aurora crazy almost burned your old house down Aurora?” I asked.

“Aurora insane bitch who did burn our house down and forced us to relocate Aurora.” Kol said.

“Wow.” I said.

Third Person’s POV-

Rebekah first noticed her when they were having dinner. The red head was easy to miss unless you were looking out for anyone that may be following you. At first she thought she was being paranoid but them she recognized the woman from the night before.

“Excuse me I need to take this call.” Rebekah said stepping away for a minute. She signaled to Kol to keep Hayley distracted while she dealt with their stalker.

She made sure that Hayley was sufficiently occupied before going to the table at the back of the bar where the redhead was sitting down.

“You know if you wanted to join us you could have just asked.” Rebekah greeted.

Natasha was surprised the blonde managed to spot her and get close to her without realizing it.

“I wasn’t here for you I was…” Natasha started.

“You’re here to watch Hayley? Given everything that’s happened you really think spying on her is the way to go about this?” Rebekah asked.

“I’m doing this for her own good.” Natasha said.

“You looked us up.” Rebekah said.

“I knew you two looked familiar just didn’t know from where. Gun running, assassinations, drugs, the Geneva incident that was all you and your family, The Mikaelson’s.” Natasha said.

“Your ledger isn’t much better is it Natalia?” Rebekah said making Natasha a bit nervous.

“If you hurt her…” Natasha started.

“She’s family, we’re not the one we have to protect her from.” Rebekah said making Natasha.

“Then who do we have to protect her from?” Natasha asked.

“You already know the answer to that.” Rebekah said “Come on, you’re having a drink with us.”

“Not a good idea.” Natasha said.

“Yes it is, you two need to spend time together to bond. Tell her you had a job close by, she’ll buy it.” Rebekah said.

“Thank you.” Natasha said.

“Don’t thank me, you hurt my sister again and what you did to Alexei will be nothing compared to what we do to you and your friends.” Rebekah said making Natasha’s blood go cold at the mention of her deceased husband. “Come on.”

Hayley’s POV-

“There she is.” Kol said looking towards the door. I saw Rebekah and she wasn’t alone, Natasha was with her.

“Nat?” I said.

“Look who I ran into.” Rebekah said.

“Hi, sorry for barging in.” Natasha said.

“Oh it’s no trouble, the more the merrier I always say.” Kol said.

“I thought you had a movie night planned?” I said.

“Last minute work thing, had to meet a contact for some intel.” Natasha said.

“Well, today’s your lucky day. It’s time to get the party started. Barkeep four Irish carbombs please.” I ordered.

“Ah I haven’t done this in a while.” Rebekah said smiling.

“Last time was Christmas a few years back right?” Kol asked.

“Yes… I still don’t remember half the night.” Rebekah said.

“You didn’t miss much.” Kol said.

“Cheers.” I said clinking glasses.

By the end of the night we were all sloshed. Even Natasha who had a pretty high alcohol tolerance was pretty tipsy. Kol and Rebekah called a cab and we walked the block to the apartment.

“Hayley, I have to go…” Nat said.

“Stay… sleep over, I want to cuddle.” I slurred.

“I have a meeting with… with… what’s his face?” Natasha said.

“Patchy and deputy valley?” I said.

“uh… he’s gonna be mad.” Natasha whined.

“I’ll write you a note.” I giggled. “Home sweet home.” I said as we walked into the apartment.

“I like the swords.” She said.

“I know, decorative and pointy best combo eva!” I cheered as I let myself fall on the couch.

“Come on, bed.” She said. “I need sleep and your hogging the couch.”

“No come cuddle.” I said pulling her with me.

“Hayleeeeee.” She whined.

“Please Natty.” I said pouting.

“Okay.” She said giving in surprisingly quick.

“No getting handsy.” I warned.

She just gave me a smirk. Her mark started heating up. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

We walked into the room and closed the door before crashing on the bed. I grabbed a blanket and covered us both before cuddling against Nat’s side.

“Nat?” I said.

“Mhm.” She hummed.

“You didn’t just run into Rebekah did you?” I asked. “There was no contact was there?”

She was quiet for a minute before she finally said something. “No.”

“Okay, next time can you just tell me instead or just tag along.” I said.

“I’m sorry.” Natasha said.

“I know. You were worried just be honest next time. Night.” I said kissing her cheek before lying back and going to sleep.

It was quiet for a minute before Natasha said something.

“Hayley?” Nat said.

“Mhm.” I hummed.

“Are you ever going to tell us what happened to you?” Natasha said.

“When hell freezes over.” I said hugging her a bit tighter.

The Next Morning-

I woke up feeling very warm, like almost uncomfortably warm. I was resting my head against something very soft and it smelled good. I opened my eyes and saw I was resting my head on Natasha’s chest. I slowly moved off of her and realized the she was holding me to her. I slowly moved to try and get up without waking her up. I got up and went to change out of my dress. I looked around my closet and saw I really needed to do some laundry. I took off the dress and slipped on my Columbia shirt. I didn’t have any shorts and I didn’t feel like wearing jeans so figure the shirt was long enough.

“Morning.” Natasha said.

“Morning.” I said blushing.

“Shit, I need to go.” She said.

“You sure?” I said. Wow I sounded really needy. “I was going to make coffee and breakfast.”

“I need to shower before the meeting.” Natasha said.

“Grab some of my clothes and shower here, save yourself some time while I get breakfast ready. Will’s probably still out so now’s your chance.” I said.

“You sure?” She said.

“Go for it.” I said.

She moves closer and kisses my cheek. “Thanks.” She whispers into my ear making my face go red.

She got out of the bed and takes off her shirt and jeans before going over to the closet and pulling out a black knit sweater and some jeans since some guy at the bar had spilled something on her jeans the night before. The entire tie I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She was gorgeous.

“See something you like?” She said looking at me over her shoulder.

“Uh, I … uh.” I said suddenly really nervous.

“It’s okay, I don’t bite… unless you want me to.” She said with a smirk and I felt myself get even more flushed than before.

“I should uh… I should go make coffee.” I said not taking my eyes off her.

“Mhm.” Nat hummed.

“Coffee and uh breakfast. Yeah I’ll go do that.” I said getting up and walking away from a smirking Nat.

I walked into the kitchen and took a deep breath. My heart was racing and I was flushed. I was really turned on… I was going to need a cold shower.

Nat walked through the living room and gave me a smirk before walking into the bathroom.

“She’s going to be the death of me.” I said. I snapped out of it and quickly set the coffee maker before getting started on the batter for some French toast.

Before I knew it Will was up.

“Morning.” he said.

“Morning.” I said.

“You okay? You seem a bit jumpy this morning.” Will said.

“Oh no I’m fine just a bit hung over.” I said.

“Is it laundry day already?” Will said looking down and noticing I wasn’t wearing pants.

“Yeah, What a horrible way to start off a Saturday.” I said. “But after last night I think I can bear it.” Then Natasha walked out of the bathroom.

“Morning.” She greeted.

“h-hi.” Will said his jaw dropping to the floor.

“It smells great in here.” She said smirking as she saw Will’s reaction.

“The first slice is out if you want to sit down.” I said.

“I actually have to go, Clint just texted that Fury and Hill showed up early.” She said annoyed.

“I’ll get you a travel mug for the coffee.” I said.

“Thanks.” She said. I quickly got everything ready and handed her a mug and a slice of French toast to go. “Bye.” She said kissing my cheek before leaving.

The door closed and Will snapped out of his shock.

“You lucky bitch.” Will started.

“Will.” I said warning him to stop.

“I can’t freaking believe It.” he said.

“Will.” I said trying to get him to

“My sweet innocent little sister…” He started.

“Will…” I said knowing he was about to yell out his big revelation.

“…Finally got laid!!!” Will yelled.

“We didn’t have sex!!!” I yelled out before realizing the entire building probably heard us and covering my mouth.

“What!?” He yelled.

“We went out for drinks and got wasted. It was too late to walk back to the tower so she slept over. That’s it. That’s all that happened. My virtue is still in tact.” I said.

“Oh, you bitch! You got me excited for nothing.” She said tackling me into a tickle fight.

“Ah… Will… stop….” I choked out in between my laughs. “breakfast is burning.”

“no!” He said pushing me up to go check on the French toast. “But seriously, nothing happened?”

“Nothing happened. We slept, woke up cuddling and she kissed my cheek.” I said.

“Wow, you know you wearing nothing but a shirt and underwear gives people the wrong idea.” Will said.

“I do actually have to do laundry.” I said.

“Can I…” he said.

“If you wash the dishes I’ll put in your whites with mine.” I said.

“Deal.” He said.

Third Person’s POV- Avengers Tower

Natasha walked into the building barely containing the smile she had the entire way back to the tower. She couldn’t get the look on Hayley’s face out of her head.

She walked into the conference room, the picture of coolness and poise but on the inside she was brimming with joy.

“Nice of you to join us Romanoff.” Nick Fury said making everyone turn to look at her.

“Elmo doing the walk of shame, kids turn your heads.” Tony said.

“Not a walk of shame if there’s nothing to be ashamed of.” Natasha said giving them a smirk. She shared a look with Clint and he grinned.

“Can we get back to the mission please?” Hill said annoyed.

“Right, As I was saying all of these jobs have the same criteria. High level target, ballistics were inconclusive. Three slugs were found in the bodies. No rifling, completely untraceable...” Fury said.

“Soviet made.” Natasha finished for him. And just like that her good mood was ruined.

“Exactly.” Fury said sharing a look.

“The ghost?” Clint said.

“Ghost?” Everyone said.

“Tell us about the shooter.” Steve said.

“He’s fast and strong.” Natasha said flashing back to Odessa.

“And best of all he has a metal arm.” Fury said.

“Metal arm?” Tony said perking up at the update.

“Why’d you call him a ghost?” Bruce asked.

“Most of the intelligence community doesn't believe he exists, the ones who do call him the Winter Soldier. He's credited with over two dozen assassinations in the last fifty years.” Natasha said.

“So he’s a ghost story?” Thor asked.

“I used to think so.” Natasha said standing up. “Five years ago I was escorting a nuclear engineer out of Iran, somebody shot out my tires near Odessa. We lost control, went straight over a cliff, I pulled us out, but the Winter Soldier was there. I was covering my engineer, so he shot him straight through me.” She pulled up her shirt and showed them the scar that was right above her soulmark. “Soviet slug, no rifling. Bye-bye bikinis.”

“Yeah I bet you look terrible in them now.” Tony said.

“He’s your mission. Romanoff searched for him for a year after Odessa and found nothing. Why he’s suddenly out in the open after so long means someone out there is planning something big. Your job is to find him and find out what.” Fury said.

“Where do we start?” Steve asked.

“The security camera from his last hit saw him talking to this man. Mitchel DuPont, international black market middle man. When someone wants to hire someone without doing it themselves they call him. He delivers the hits and the payments to his associates. Sources said he’s going to be in Prague next week for the opening of the Opera.” Fury said.

“He’s a fan?” Tony said.

“He’s meeting a pretty high profile client. Guess who also happens to also be attending the opening?” Fury said.

“A king of some sort?” Thor guessed.

“Close but no. The Czech prime minister and half of his cabinet.” Hill said.

“This mission is high priority. Low profile for all of you, especially you Stark.” Fury said. “You have a week to prep. With that you’re dismissed.”

“Technically you’re dismissed. We all live here.” Tony said.

“Right.” Fury said annoyed but knowing that Tony was right.

Once they were alone, they all focused on the one thing that had been rattling in their heads the entire meeting, Where did Natasha spend the night?

“So where did the walk of non shame start?” Tony asked not beating around the bush.

“Natasha was not present at movie night.” Thor said.

“That’s right.” Steve said.

“Any bodies I need to help you hide?” Clint teased already knowing the answer to everyone’s questions. Only one person could put a smile like that on any of their faces.

“None yet.” Natasha said. “Found out when Hayley’s going to tell us about her past.”

“What?! When?!” They all demanded.

“In her words, ‘when hell freezes over’” Natasha said getting up and walking out of the conference room.

They were all quiet until Thor finally said something.

“Hellheim is actually very cold.” Thor said.