Fated Marks

“So, is there anything you might have forgotten to mention in our previous sessions?” Kevin asked.

“Uh… Not really anything that was key to our sessions.” I said.

“Uhuh.” He said writing something down.

“For the record you already knew I had trust issues.” I said.

“Yeah just never thought you’d change the names of all six of your soulmates and give me really vague descriptions of them then out of the blue turn up with all six of them and they end up being the avengers, Big fan by the way.” Kevin said.

“Thanks, so how do we do this?” Tony asked. “Do we just lie around and throw out whatever’s bothering us or…”

“Actually we should probably start on why you’re all here, today of all days.” Kevin said. “Are you all having problems again?”

“No, things are going really well.” I said.

“We just need to have a talk about something we’ve put off for a while now.” Steve said.

“And it couldn’t have waited until after my appointment?” I asked.

“Your track record with out conversations speaks for itself.” Natasha deadpanned.

“It’ll be good to have a mediator.” Bruce said.

“Mediator? What’s so bad we need a mediator?” I said.

“We need to talk about what happened last night.” Clint said.

“Our date?” I said.

“You went on a date? Aww, I’m so proud this is a huge milestone!” Kevin cheered. We all just turned and gave him a look. “Sorry, that was unprofessional. But this is good this is progress.”

“Why do we need to talk?” I asked.

“The blonde, the one who talked about the… uh age difference.” Clint said rubbing the back of his neck.

“Right, I kinda forgot about her.” I lied, I totally couldn’t get what she said out of my head.

“Uhuh.” Kevin said giving me a look. “You two want to tell everyone what exactly happened.

“Not much to tell, a blonde tried hitting on Clint while we were on our date. Didn’t want to take no for an answer. Called me his daughter more snide comments then left.” I said.

“How’d that make you feel?” Kevin asked.

“It was kind of funny.” I lied again except this time I could tell no one bought it.

“Clint how’d you feel?” Kevin asked.

“Angry, annoyed and worried.” Clint answered.

“Worried?” I said.

“You’re not the only one that gets feelings from the mark. We get them too. I saw the look on your face when she said those things and I felt how scared you were.” Clint said.

“Why were you scared?” Thor asked.

“I wasn’t scared of her exactly more of who she reminded me of.” I said. “And the fact that she actually raised some good points.”

“What points?” Bruce asked.

“The pretty huge difference between us. I mean Thor’s over a thousand years, Steve’s from the 1940’s, the rest of you are anywhere from ten to thirty years older than me. Not to mention you’re all freaking hot and amazing. You could literally have anyone in the world yet you’re settling for me which I still have no idea why you’d choose me I mean I’m a freaking train wreck. I ignored all of you for a good month before I even gave you a chance and even then I still keep you at arms length. I have nothing to offer you and I don’t think that’ll ever change so why would you even want me around?” I said. “She was right I don’t have any experience in anything, like I’m still a virgin and you’ve all had tons of experience in that department so chances are I’m going to be pretty bad at it and it’s just one more thing I can’t give you all.”

“You are such an idiot.” Natasha said. Normally I’d be offended but when Natasha said it she said it to prove how wrong I was and because she cared.

“Hales were not settling for you in fact in this situation were not the ones settling you are.” Tony said.

“I lost one soulmate and I was frozen for seventy years. I didn’t think I’d ever meet you let alone that you’d give me a chance.” Steve said.

“Like I said last night you’re it for me, if I have to tell you so everyday I will.” Clint said.

“I may have lived many lifetimes but I have never felt the way I do with you before. It is not a flirt as you call it but the truth I speak.” Thor said.

“Hayley I turn into an enormous green rage monster I expected you to run the other way not get to know me. The way your feeling right now is why I was so against telling you. We didn’t want you to feel pressured into anything.” Bruce said.

“I don’t feel pressured I feel lacking like I don’t deserve you guys.” I said embarrassed at how needy I sounded. I hate therapy. It took weeks but now I’ve gotten to the point I’m comfortable enough to open up and let everything out with the omission of a few major details. And now my true feeling are out there and they all heard it.

“If we all got exactly what we deserved we all wouldn’t be here. We all have a past, you know some of it and there’s some that you don’t know that would change the way you look at all of us. But that’s not what matters to us, you matter.” Natasha said.

“And you’re not lacking anything, your smart, funny, kind and drop dead gorgeous. We adore you nothing’s going to change that.” Tony said.

“Hayley anything you want to say?” Kevin said.

“I’d rather not.” I said trying not to cry but my voice cracking.

“It’s okay to cry.” Kevin said.

“I’m good.” I said.

“Since you’re all on the subject of how the past doesn’t change anything you sure there’s nothing you want to say?” Kevin said.

“Past is in the past end of discussion.” I said.

“And as for the sex thing you’re seventeen it’s so normal…” Tony started.

“Tony.” Bruce said trying to get his attention so he would shut up.

“I mean its no secret I’ve slept around…” tony continued.

“Stark.” Steve started.

“And none of them meant anything to me. I was actually happy when they left…” Tony continued.

“Stark!” Clint yelled.

“Point is Hales we don’t care. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” Tony said.

“And the age difference won’t matter after we bond since we shall all stop aging until you reach my age.” Thor said.

“Guys, not the time.” I said gesturing for them to cut it out.

“You’re seventeen!” Kevin said shocked.

“Oh would you look at the time, guess I’ll see you next week Kev.” I said pulling Natasha up with me.

“Hayley...” Kevin said and just stayed quiet trying to process everything. “You’re deflecting.”

“Looks like we have something to work on next week. Oh and what happens in this room stays in this room. You signed an NDA. Have a nice week.” I said. With that the most awkward hour of my life was officially over.

We walked out of there in silence. We got to the car when Tony started talking.

“Anyone up for some schwarma?” Tony asked. I was so annoyed at him but I had to admit, therapy always made me work up an appetite, maybe I was trying to eat my feelings away.

“Kind of hungry actually.” I said as my phone started ringing. “I have to take this.”

“Work?” Tony asked.

“Landlord.” I said. “Hello.”

“Hayley, any chance your close by?” Carl said.

“I just got out of Kevin’s, what’s going on?” I asked.

“Will’s here and he’s drowning his sorrows.” Carl said.

“Did he say what’s wrong?” I asked.

“I asked and he started crying.” Carl said.

“I’m on my way.” I said before hanging up. “Schwarma’s going to have to wait. I have to go get Will.”

“What’s wrong with Will?” Natasha asked.

“Not sure, he’s at the bar before lunch on a Monday.” I said.

“Let’s go get him.” Tony said.

We all got in the car and got to the bar in record time. The place was pretty empty but Will was sitting alone nursing a drink.

I went to the bar to talk to Carl first.

“Hey, how long’s he been here?” I asked.

“Since we opened for lunch, he took a few shots then slowed down before picking it back up again.” Carl said.

“Put his tab on the card. Thanks for calling.” I said.

“Don’t mention it.” He said.

I walked over and slid into the seat in front of him. “Hey Will, you okay?” I asked.

Will looked up and started crying. “Jake’s getting married.”

“What?” I asked.

“Jake ‘I don’t believe a piece of paper means anything’ Cruz is getting married to that whore of a dogwalker… We broke up three weeks ago. How did I mean that little to him?” Will cried.

“Will, Jake’s a douche and you can do better than him. You deserve better.” I said.

“I thought he was my lobster!” He cried.

“You do have a lobster, they’re out there somewhere and when you finally find them they’re going to appreciate you for the awesome human being you are. Fuck Jake.” I said.

“I already did.” He said crying again.

“His lobster?” Steve said confused.

“The singing sea creature from the mermaid movie?” Thor asked.

“It’s from a show from the nineties, I’ll have Jarvis show you later.” Tony said.

“How about we go upstairs and sober you up huh?” I said.

“I don’t wanna.” Will said.

“I’ll make you a grilled cheese, your favorite.” I bribed.

“With tomato soup?” Will pouted.

“Of course.” I said.

“Okay,” Will said standing up and swaying a bit.

We all got upstairs and I made a really strong cup of coffee. I made a bunch of grilled cheese sandwiches and some soup.

“Lunch is served.” I said putting all the plates on the table.

“I’m tired.” Will said.

“That’s the hangover kicking in.” Clint said.

“Go to bed.” I said.

“Okay.” Will said before coming over and hugging me. “You’re the best sister in the whole wide world.”

“I know.” I said. With that he walked into his room.

“You need to keep an eye on him.” Natasha said.

“I would if I could we have that meeting with the CFO.” I said.

“We do?” Tony said.

“The budget for R & D.” I said reminding him.

“Crap that’s right, have to get there early or he’ll try to skimp out on the special projects budget.” Tony said.

“We have a briefing with Fury.” Steve said.

“I think I know who can help.” I said taking my phone out. Ten minutes later there was a knock on the door.

“Hey.” Nate said.

“Hey, thanks for coming.” I said letting him in.

“Hi.” He said when he realized I wasn’t alone.

“Hey.” Everyone said. My Ex seeing me with the six people I broke up with him for, Not awkward at all.

“How is he?” Nate asked.

“Passed out in his room. He ate already so if he wakes up he should be fine I just don’t think he should be alone.” I said.

“Yeah Chuck told me the news.” Nate said.

“What do you mean Chuck told you?” I said.

“Yeah, I’ve been crashing at his place since I found out what happened. He kicked me out so Leslie could move in.” Nate said. “It’s cramped but it’s better than having to commute from Staten Island everyday.”

“Wait, the dog walker’s name is Leslie?” Tony said. “Ow.” He yelped after Natasha who was also annoyed by his outburst during the session elbowed him in the ribs.

“Nate I’m sorry.” I said.

“Don’t be it was a long time coming.” He said. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

“Thanks, There’s tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Help yourself to anything.” I said.

“Okay, bye.” Nate said as we left.

We all got to the tower and Tony and I went straight to the conference room. I was taking notes while Tony essentially told them how much he wanted and annoyed them as he always did. They didn’t argue they gave him his budget and went on to sign the paperwork. It was essentially an hour of them going back and forth over something they already knew they were going to have to give him.

By the time we were out it was time for dinner.

“You and Nate are still on really good terms.” Steve said.

“Yeah, we started off as friends and decided not to let our failed relationship end that.” I said. “He’s a great guy, been through a lot lately.” Tony Clint and Thor gave me a look.

“What?” I asked.

“Oh nothing.” Tony said. I started getting feelings of jealousy from all of them.

“Do I have to remind you I broke up with him? And that I did that because I had feeling for all of you and felt nothing for him?” I said and that eased some of the tension out of the room.

“You know how the age difference makes you think you can’t offer us anything? Well watching you with Nate does the same thing to us.” Clint said.

“You’re joking right?” I said.

“We watched you go out on dates with him and talk about how great he was for months.” Natasha said and I got feelings of guilt and anxiety.

“Well who’s fault was that?” I said. I realized how petty that sounded. “I’m not mas anymore I’m just saying what I said earlier applies here. The past is in the past besides I am very happy in our… what are we again?”

“Uh… I don’t think there’s a specific term for It.” Bruce said.

“In Asgard our interaction would be called courtship.” Thor said.

“Courtship… Old school but unique. Fits the situation.” I said.

“I think we just put a label on it.” Tony said. “I’m in a courtship.”

“I still feel guilty about the Nate thing. He’s had a really bad string of luck since we broke up.” I said.

“Hales there’s nothing you can do.” Clint said.

“Actually I think there is.” I said.

A Few Hours Later-

I got home and Nate was on the couch watching a soccer game.

“Hey.” Nate said.

“Hey, how’s he doing?” I asked.

“He got up, showered and went back to bed. I don’t think he even realized I was here.” Nate said.

“That’s hung-over Will for you. Next time just wave food around, he won’t ignore you then.” I said.

“Don’t think there’ll be a next time.” Nate said.

“I’m not so sure… I have an idea and before you say anything hear me out.” I said.

“Okay?” Nate said confused.

“You know, the guys set up an apartment at the tower for me back when I crashed there after I got out of the hospital. It’s still there for me whenever I want to use it and I know that Chuck’s place is cramped and that his couch isn’t exactly comfortable.” I said.

“It’s not.” Nate said.

“I figured, you’re game’s been off. How would you feel about moving in here? Rent’s cheaper than your old place and you’d be living above a bar. You could save up money and take your time finding a new place.” I said.

“Hayley I can’t do that what about Will?” Nate said.

“Will adores you and he’ll understand. Besides he’s never asked when he has people over or kicks me out.” I said. “The room’s yours for as long as you need it Nate.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Nate said tearing up.

“Say yes and thank you.” I said.

“Thank you.” He said hugging me.

“That’s what friends are for.” I said. I got up and pulled the extra keys from the desk. “Keys, Will will tell you about all the apartment’s quirks. I’m going to grab some things. Natasha’s waiting downstairs.”

“You knew I was going to say yes.” Nate said.

“I wasn’t going to take no for an answer.” I said.

“So this means things are going good with you and…” Nate said.

“Yeah, were still adjusting and working through some things but over all things are great.”

“I’m happy for you Hales, you deserve it.” Nate said genuinely meaning it.

“Thanks Nate, tell Will to call me when he wakes up.” I said.

“I will and thanks again.” Nate said.

I went into my room and grabbed my bags and all my books before heading downstairs where Natasha was waiting by her car.

“How’d it go?” She said.

“Good, gave him the spare key and told him to stay as long as he needs to.” I said.

“You’re too sweet.” Natasha said.

“I have my days.” I said.

“Just so you know, Tony will probably try and talk you into making this a permanent thing.” Natasha said.

“And you?” I asked. Natasha answered with a smirk. “Thought so.”

The drive back was pretty short. We parked in the garage and headed upstairs. My apartment was just the way I left it. Natasha helped me unpack.

“Hey Nat, who’s clothes are these?” I asked looking at all the clothes that were hanging in the bedroom closet.

“Yours, I’ve seen your closet you needed to update your wardrobe.” She said.

“You shouldn’t have.” I said.

“You wouldn’t have let me if I had asked. I have to spoil you somehow.” She said.

“You don’t have to spoil me.” I said. “But thanks anyway.” I pulled her into a hug, which caught her by surprise. She returned the hug when we broke apart she looked at me for a minute before leaning and kissing me. I smiled and returned the kiss. We didn’t break apart until I started getting lightheaded from lack of oxygen.

“We’re all going to watch a movie upstairs if you want to join us.” Natasha said.

“I’ll just change into something more comfortable. Meet you up there.” I said.

“I’ll save you a seat.” Natasha said as she got into the elevator.

I quickly picked out my red flannel pajama bottoms and my Gryffindor t-shirt.

https://i.pinimg.com/236x/a9/e4/54/a9e454bb12b05975ae87c34684d1ef40--lounge-wear-lounge-pants.jpg

I slipped on some slippers and headed upstairs.

“Hayley!” Thor cheered picking me up into a hug.

“Thor it’s only been a few hours.” I said returning the hug.

“You settling in okay?” Steve asked.

“Yeah, I just finished unpacking.” I said.

“How’d things go with Nate and Will?” Tony asked.

“Will was still passed out and Nate took a bit of talking into but I didn’t take no for an answer.” I said.

“it’s good to have you here.” Tony said pulling me into a side hug and kissing my cheek.

“Thanks for having me.” I said. “So what are we watching?”

“The Hobbit, Capsicle is insisting on going in order.” Tony said.

“Really Steve, did you not learn anything from Star Wars?” I said. “Going in order is not always a good thing.”

“I read the book when it came out I want to see how the movie matches.” Steve said. “And it had some pretty good reviews.”

“It won’t really matter how you understand Lord of the rings.” Bruce said.

“It’s my turn to choose.” Steve said and that ended the argument.

We all sat down. I was next to Natasha. Clint was sitting alone on the recliner. Steve was next to me Thor was on the other recliner and Bruce and Tony were on the other couch.

About halfway through the movie Natasha moved to rest her head on my lap and without thinking about it I started rubbing he head. I heard her hum. I stopped and moved my hand but she just grabbed it and put it back on her head. I guess it didn’t bother her.

I felt some sort of anxiety from Steve. His arm was twitching. Oh, he was debating whether or not to wrap his arm around my shoulders or not. I decided to put him out of his misery. I took his hand and lifted it so I could slip under.

“Uh…” Steve started.

“Sorry, I got cold.” I lied.

“It’s not a problem.” He said with a smile and a blush on his face.

We continued to watch the movie. I think at one point Natasha actually dozed off.

“That was a good movie.” Steve said.

“Good for a prequel.” Clint said.

“I’m going to bed. I have an early morning.” I said. I gently grabbed a pillow and stuck it under Nat’s head. She didn’t even stir. “Someone’s a heavy sleeper.”

“Yeah.” Clint said looking surprised.

“Good night.” I said.

“Night.” Everyone answered

Third Person’s POV-

As soon as Hayley left Clint went to check on Natasha. His partner was the lightest sleeper he had ever met it was hard to believe she was in such a deep sleep.

“She’s really knocked out.” Tony said.

“Looks that way.” Clint said as Natasha let out a soft snore.

“Looks like Hayley isn’t the only one that sleeps better when we’re together.” Bruce said.

“It is good to have her close.” Thor said.

The Next Morning- Hayley’s POV

I woke up the next morning feeling relaxed and surprisingly energized. I actually slept in… I never sleep in.

I took a quick shower before getting dressed and going upstairs to the common room.

“Morning everyone.” I said serving myself some coffee.

“Morning sunshine.” Tony said.

“Still hate that name.” I said in a sing song voice.

“No class today?” Bruce asked.

“I don’t have class Tuesdays or Thursdays that’s why I always come in earlier.” I said.

“You look radiant.” Thor said.

“Aww thanks buddy.” I said kissing his cheek before grabbing a piece of bacon off his plate. Thor gave me a big toothy smile. “You have dimples.”

“Morning.” Clint said.

“Morning.” We all answered.

“Nat had a last minute mission.” Clint said.

“So she’s gone for the day?” I asked.

“looks that way.” Clint said.

“Anything on the agenda for today?” Tony asked.

“Another lunch meeting with the event planner at eleven which I’m sure you’re going to ignore so that’s actually my meeting…” I said.

“It’s like you read my mind.” Tony said.

“Other than that your day’s clear.” I said.

“Sounds good. We can spend the day working on Veronica.” Tony said.

“I’ll stop by after running a few errands.” I said.

“What errands?” Tony asked.

“Dry cleaning, have to pick up your suit from the tailor’s and other things.” I said.

“Can’t you send one of the interns to do it?” Tony asked.

“I would except last time I did they picked up the wrong person’s dry cleaning and none of them have clearance to be up here.” I said.

“Right, well do that and take the day.” Tony said.

“You sure?” I asked.

“It’s all design and engineering right now.” Bruce said.

“Right the nitty gritty. Well if you need me just let Jarvis know.” I said.

“Course.” Tony said and with that they were off.

“I have been summoned to return to Asgard.” Thor said.

“Oh… that’s… how do you get summoned?” I asked curiously.

“The signs are in the sky. Do not worry I shall return for our date.” Thor said.

I had almost forgotten about our date.

“I’ll walk you out.” I said.

“I would be honored.” He said offering me his arm. I took it and we walked out of the kitchen to the balcony. “I shall count the seconds until I am able to return to your side. I will spend every instant we are apart thinking of you.”

“I’ll miss you too Thor, stay out of trouble.” I said.

“It is not I who pursues trouble but trouble that follows me.” Thor said.

“Sure it is.” I said and he pulled me closer.

“I shall not find trouble but if anyone gets in the way of my return to you I can not promise their survival.” Thor said very seriously. I put my hands on his shoulders and slowly got on my tiptoes and gently kissed him. The kiss was short and sweet. When we broke apart Thor looked at me like I was the most precious thing in the entire world. “You are the center of my existence Hayley.” With that he let go and took a few steps forward. There was a bright beam of light and Thor was gone.

I walked inside and could see Nat and Clint looking at me with giant grins.

“What?” I said. “Do I have something on my face?”

“Besides that giant smile? No.” Clint answered and I blushed.

“What’d Thor say?” Natasha asked.

“Oh nothing.” I said blushing again. “I should get going the sooner I get started the sooner I get back.”

“We should go too.” Clint said. “Training the new recruits today.”

Natasha grinned. “Let’s go break them in.” She said.

“Why do I get the feeling you aren’t talking figuratively?” I said

“Have a good day.” She said kissing my cheek before walking to the elevator.

“See you at dinner.” Clint said kissing my other cheek before following after Natasha.

I laughed. I loaded the dishwasher before heading upstairs for Lucky and going on my errands. It was then that I realized I hadn’t seen Steve all morning I hadn’t gotten any feelings from him and when I tried to focus on him he just felt sad.

When I got back and was done with all my errands I decided I needed to check on him.

“Jarvis, Is Steve in the Tower?” I asked.

“Captain Rogers arrived this morning from a late night mission. He is currently in his apartment and asked to not be disturbed.” Jarvis said.

“Is he okay?” I asked.

“Captain Rogers does not show any signs of physical distress.” Jarvis said. I noticed how he specifically said physical.

“Has he had anything to eat?” I asked.

“No ma’am.” Jarvis said.

“Tell him I’m heating him up something to eat and that I’ll be downstairs in a bit.” I said.

I heated up some of the pasta he had made last night and I made a side salad before heading downstairs. I walked into Steve’s apartment and saw that the place was dimly lit.

“Jarvis can you brighten the place up a bit?” I asked and he untinted the windows a bit.

I hadn’t been in Steve’s apartment since the day he moved in. Everything was exactly the way I had set it up. I looked around and the only thing I found that I hadn’t put there was a framed photo of a skinny Steve, probably from before the serum and of who I recognized from the other photos as Bucky Barnes.

“That was from summer of thirty nine, we saved up money from the odd jobs we worked and spent the day at coney island.” Steve said.

“Sounds nice. He was a looker.” I said putting the photo down.

“He was,” Steve said sadly.

“I brought you lunch.” I said. “It’s just heated up leftovers but you haven’t had anything to eat all day and I know your metabolism is four times as fast as normal so you need to eat up.”

“Thank you, I’m sorry I wasn’t at breakfast I just wasn’t feeling up to it.” Steve said.

“No it’s fine. Jarvis said you had a late mission come up.” I said.

“Yeah it was nothing just another dry lead.” Steve said looking distracted.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“It’s nothing.” He said but I wasn’t buying it.

“Eat up and then go get dressed we’re going out.” I said.

“Hayley I’m sure you’re busy and have other things to do.” Steve said.

“I’m actually done for the day and Tony and Bruce are having a marathon lab session so I’m free for the rest of the day.” I said. “Clint and Natasha are breaking in the new recruits and Thor got called back to Asgard. I’m all yours.”

“I don’t know what… I don’t have anything planned.” Steve said.

“Leave that to me.” I said.

By the time he finished eating and was dressed I had everything planned. I knew the food I made for Steve didn’t fill him up so I was thinking we’d take a walk through his old stomping grounds.

“Helmet.” Steve said handing me a helmet.

“Wouldn’t it be easier to just take a car?” I said feeling a bit nervous about riding on a motorcycle. They weren’t exactly safe.

“It’ll be faster. I promise I’ll be careful.” He said giving me a reassuring smile.

“Just remember I’m not built like you are.” I said.

“I know.” he said putting the helmet on and adjusting it. “Hang on tight and move with me.”

“I gave Jarvis the address so he’ll tell you where to go.” I said hesitantly hopping on.

I softly put my hands on his waist. He slowly moved his hands to mine and moved them so I was hugging him. He started the engine and we were off. The ride over was one of the most exhilarating and nerve racking experiences of my life. I may have screamed a few times but we made it in one piece.

“This is Brooklyn.” Steve said recognizing the area.

“It is. I do on occasion visit outside of Manhattan.” I said. “Come on I’m starving.”

“We could have gotten something to eat closer to the Tower.” Steve said in a grumpy and slightly depressing mood.

“We could but this is more fun and you’ll see why in a minute.” I said as we walking into Barcade. It was a bar and restaurant that was styled to look like an arcade. They had vintage games set up everywhere. I came here once with Nate but I was going to leave out that minor detail.

We sat down and ordered food. It was quiet and Steve just kept fiddling his thumbs. I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong with you today? You’re in a mood and you’re the least moody person I know. “ I said.

“It’s nothing.” Steve started.

“If it’s not nothing then why are you in such a bad mood?” I said.

He sighed. “It’s Bucky’s Birthday.” And just like that I felt like a total bitch for being on his case.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t…” I started.

“No it’s okay, I know I should be past this but…” He started

“Steve you were frozen in ice for seventy years before being thrust into a brand new crap storm. Bucky died almost seventy years ago but to you it’s only been a few months. There’s no time line for how long you’re supposed to grieve.” I said.

“I miss him. Every time I see how much the world has changed I just think about how much he’d love it. He loved science, actually dragged me to the first Stark Expo. Our first date was the Natural History Museum.” Steve said.

“I love that place.” I said.

“And then I think about how much he wanted to meet you and how he’ll never get the chance and I feel guilty for pushing you away.” Steve said starting to tear up. I got out of my seat and slid over to the other side of the booth and pulled him into a hug.

“It’s okay Steve. You’ve been through a lot and you’re adjusting we all are.” I said.

“I just ruined our date didn’t I?” He said.

“No, the point of a date is to get to know each other and build trust. Opening up is part of it and at least this time we didn’t have to go to therapy to do it.” I said.

“Progress.” He said giving me a small smile.

“So you going to show me all those alleys you fought in?” I said teasing him.

“You sound just like him when you start teasing.” He said.

“What was he like?” I said.

“He didn’t look it but he was the biggest nerd, great with numbers really helped him in sniper training. He got promoted to Sergeant fast because of it. He had this way about him, he could just make you trust him and make you do some pretty crazy things. It’s how he talked me into riding the cyclone. He was loyal to a fault, he was by my side through the best and worst of times. Even when I had nothing I had Bucky.” Steve said sadly.

“Sounds like a great guy. I’m sure he loved you just as much you love him.” I said.

”I’m sorry I shouldn’t…” Steve started.

“Stop.” I said taking his hand, “I asked and I want to hear more about him. Learn about who he was from the person who knew him best and not some history book.”

“He would have loved you. You’re more than we ever imagined you’d be.” Steve said.

“And you said Bucky was the flirt.” I said.

The rest of the date went pretty well we ate and then went for a walk. I had lunch delivered to Tony and Bruce so they’d actually eat something. By the time we got back it was time for dinner.

“There you are. Where have you two been?” Tony asked.

“Date.” Steve and I answered at the same time.

“Seriously? When am I going to get a date?” Tony whined.

“When you ask me out.” I said.

“I haven’t asked you out?” Tony said.

“No you haven’t.” Bruce said.

“Hales, would you like to go out on a date sometime?” Tony said with exaggerating sweetness.

“Let me check my calendar.” I said. Tony started pouting. “Saturday work for you?”

“I can spring it, pick you up at six?” He asked.

“Sure.” I said chuckling a bit.

“Nat and Clint still breaking in the new recruits?” I asked.

“Probably, They haven’t gotten back yet.” Bruce said.

“Thor back in Asgard?” Tony asked.

“He got called back.” I said smiling as I thought of the kiss we shared. I probably had a dopey look on my face right now. Just as we were about to dig into dinner Will walked in.

“Hey stranger.” I said.

“Hey when were you going to tell me you were moving out?” Will said.

“I’m not moving out, I’m staying here for a while so Nate has a place to crash in while he finds a better place to live.” I said. “How long did it take you to notice I was gone?”

“How long have you been here?” Will said.

“You didn’t notice until Nate said something didn’t you?” I said.

“No.” Will answered a bit to fast.

“You jerk, you didn’t notice I was gone.” I said. “I feel so under appreciated. This is the thanks I get for cutting the crusts off your sandwiches all these years.”

“It’s okay Hales, you can stay here forever.” Tony said hugging me.

“You already have five other roommates give me mine back.” Will said.

“Will relax, it’s only temporary and besides you adore Nate. I swear you were more upset after the break up than either of us were. I’m only a phone call away and we still work and go to school together so you’ll still see me all the time.” I said.

“I’m still gonna miss you.” Will said.

“Aww come here.” I said hugging him.

“Did you just initiate a hug?” Will said.

“I know, I’ve gone soft.” I said making him laugh.

“I should go, Nate’s making dinner.” Will said. “He better not burn down the kitchen.”

“Don’t worry when Nate cooks it just means he’s going to order in and put it on plates so it looks like he cooked.” I said.

“Yay, Steak.” Will said.

“Text me when you get home.” I said.

“I will, love you.” Will called out.

“Kay.” I answered.

“You cut off the crusts of Will’s sandwiches?” Tony said just waiting for the chance to taunt Will with this later.

“It’s the little things that show I care.” I said.

“This is priceless.” Tony said.

“I should probably call it a night too, I have class early tomorrow and I need to cram in a few hours of studying.” I said standing up.

“I’ll walk you.” Steve said.

“Night.” I said.

“Night.” Bruce and Tony said.

Steve and I walked out of the common room holding hands.

“Thank you for getting me out of my room today. I probably wouldn’t have made it out of bed if you hadn’t stopped by.” Steve said.

“Next time can you just talk to me about it? It’s okay to wallow just don’t keep it all bottled in.” I said and that made him laugh. “What?”

“Isn’t that what you do all the time?” Steve said.

“That’s different and I’m learning to manage that.” I said as the elevator dinged. “That’s my stop.”

“Good night Steve.” I said.

“Night Hayley.” He said and I stepped out of the elevator. The doors close and I took a few steps before they opened again. “Sorry forgot to do this.” He said pulling me close before kissing me. Steve caught me by surprise but it was nice anyway. “Haven’t done that in seventy years.” He said letting go and stepping into the elevator.

“Wait seventy years?!” I said and I saw him blush before the elevator doors closed.