Chapter 30
“Who are you? Where’s my mommy?” Hayley said.
“Jarvis help.” Tony said not taking his eyes off a slightly older Hayley. She was probably about four or five. She her face was a bit longer and she was taller. The pajamas Tony had picked out for her were too snug on her.
“Everyone has been alerted and are on their way.” Jarvis answered.
“Where am I?” She said looking around and visibly getting scared.
“Hayley it’s okay, you’re in New York.” Tony said.
“Who’s Hayley? That’s not my name.” Hayley said.
“Tony what’s going on?” Steve said running in with everyone else behind him.
“Whoa.” Clint said.
“That’s Hayley?” Bruce asked.
“Uhuh.” Tony said.
“Who are you?” Hayley asked.
“She does not…” Thor asked.
“Nope.” Tony said.
“Hayley how old are you?” Bruce asked.
“Why does everyone keep calling me that? That’s not my name.” Hayley said.
“Hayley’s not your name?” Natasha asked.
“Then what is?” Clint asked.
“Mom said not to talk to strangers.” Hayley said.
“Chauncey.” Tony said and that made Hayley turn to look at Tony. “That’s your middle name right?”
“Yeah…” Hayley said awkwardly.
“Your middle name is Chauncey?” Clint said barely containing his laughter.
“You’re mean.” Hayley said running into the bathroom and locking herself in there.
“Shit.” Natasha said.
“Hayley, can you please open up.” Clint asked.
“No!” She shouted.
“Fuck.” Clint cursed.
“Shall I knock the door down?” Thor offered.
“No!” Bruce said. “You’ll just scare her. She needs to come out on her own.”
“How do we get her out?” Tony asked.
Natasha pulled out her phone and started dialing.
“Who are you calling?” Clint asked.
“Back up.” Natasha asked. “We can’t handle this on our own. She doesn’t trust us.”
“Then who does she trust?” Steve asked.
Twenty Minutes Later-
Everyone had given it their best shot but no one could get Hayley out of the bathroom. Then to make things worse Hayley had started crying.
“I want my mom!” She cried.
“Hales I’m sorry.” Clint said.
“What’s going on?” Will said walking in.
“Hayley locked herself in the bathroom and won’t come out. She doesn’t remember us and is asking for her mom.” Natasha explained.
Will sighed. “I got this. Just go upstairs and wait, the attention is just going to make her nervous.” Will said. “If you want to get back on her good side you may want to make waffles, she loves those.”
“Are you sure?” Steve asked.
“Yeah my little brother used to do this all the time when my parents told him we had to move again.” Will said. “I got this.”
Everyone exchanged looks but decided to do as Will said and left. Will waited until the elevator dinged to try and talk to Hayley.
He knocked on the door.
“Go away.” Hayley cried.
“Sweetie they’re gone. It’s just you and me. My name is Will.” Will said. “What’s your name?”
“Mom said not to tell people my name,” Hayley said.
“Okay then how about I just call you Hayley, that okay?” Will said.
“O-okay.” Hayley sniffled.
“Hayley your mom isn’t here, she’s away for a business trip.” Will lied. Hayley did mention they moved around a lot as a kid for her mom’s work, a business trip would sound plausible.
“When is she coming back?” Hayley asked.
“I don’t know sweetheart but she left you a present. I’m going to slid it under the door.” Will said pulling her necklace out from his pocket and sliding it under the door.
“Pretty.” She said.
“Yeah, I know you’re scared but your mom wouldn’t have left you here if you couldn’t trust them. They care about you and they’re worried.” Will said.
“I’m sorry.” Hayley cried.
“Hayley it’s okay. We’re not mad we just want to know you’re all right.” Will said.
“I’m hungry.” Hayley said.
“Clint’s making waffles.” Will casually mentioned.
“I love waffles.” Hayley said.
“I’ll find you some clothes, can you help me pick something out? I have a cute pink top here.” Will said.
“Ew pink” Hayley said.
“Why am I not surprised?” Will said “Do you like grey I have one of your old long sleeves I can turn into a tunic for you?”
Will heard the door to the bathroom unlock and Hayley peer out.
“What do you think? Want to watch me work some magic?” Will said and that made Hayley smile a bit.
Will looked around and found Hayley’s sewing kit. He had picked up a few tricks over the years. He tucked it in a bit and by the time he was done Hayley had a new dress.
“I think these shoes and these socks match, want to try them on?” Will asked.
“Okay.” Hayley said slipping them on and then taking the dress Will made.
“How’s it look?” Will asked.
“Pretty.” Hayley said coming out of the bathroom and twirling around.
“You’re so cute.” Will said snapping a picture with his phone.
“I’m hungry.” Hayley said.
“That’s good there’s probably a mountain of waffles waiting for you.” Will said. “Everyone’s waiting.”
“They’re mean.” Hayley said.
“What do you mean?” Will asked.
“They laughed at me.” Hayley said.
“Why did they do that?” Will asked.
“Because my middle name is Chauncey.” Hayley said. Will barely held back a laugh.
“I’m sorry it’s not funny its just… you caught me by surprise.” Will said. “Hales you have to admit its kind of a funny name.”
“He laughed at me.” Hayley said tearing up.
“He didn’t mean it to be mean. The past few days have been…weird for everyone but trust me when I say they are the last people who will ever try to hurt you.” Will said.
“Promise.” Hayley said sticking up her pinky.
“Pinky promise.” Will said linking his finger with hers. “Ready?”
“Mhm.” Hayley nodded.
“Come on.” He said taking her hand and leading her out. They got in the elevator and made their way up.
When they got there everyone was sitting around waiting.
“Look who finally made it.” Tony said.
“Hi you hungry?” Steve asked and Hayley nodded.
“Let’s sit down.” Will said pulling out a chair for Hayley.
“I made your favorite.” Clint said as he put the plate in front of her. “Chocolate chip waffles with chocolate syrup with whipped cream.”
“Thank you.” She said quietly.
“I’m sorry about before Hales. I shouldn’t have laughed.” Clint said.
“It’s okay.” Hayley said hugging him taking him completely by surprise. “I forgive you.” He hugged her back and kissed the top of her head.
“Eat your breakfast before it gets cold.” Clint said.
“Okay.” Hayley said before digging into her waffles.
“Sweetie, you said your name isn’t Hayley so what do we call you?” Bruce asked.
“Mom said not to tell strangers my name.” Hayley said.
“So do we keep calling you Hayley?” Natasha asked.
“Mhm.” Hayley nodded as she stuffed her mouth with another piece of waffle.
“We should probably get you some more clothes.” Tony said noticing the stains her new outfit already had.
“No pink.” Hayley said.
“Jarvis you heard her.” Tony said.
“Clothes will arrive shortly.” Jarvis said.
“Who’s that?” Hayley asked.
“Jarvis? The AI?” Bruce said.
“Like a computer?” Hayley said her eyes lighting up.
“Exactly like a computer.” Tony said.
“Cool.” She said.
“You like computers?” Steve asked.
“Uhuh.” Hayley said.
“Hey kiddo how about after breakfast we go out and get you some toys?” Tony asked.
“Really?” Hayley asked.
“Yeah, I don’t think the toys we got for you yesterday are going to work today.” Tony said. “Then she’ll be all yours Bruce.”
“Right.” Bruce said looking nervous.
“I finished.” Hayley said standing up. She walked over to the sink and puts her dishes in. She dragged a chair closer to the sink and started washing her dishes.
“Sweetie you don’t have to do that.” Steve said.
“I got it.” She said rinsing the dishes. She grabbed a cloth and started drying her dished. The bigger plate was more slippery than the others and Hayley couldn’t hold onto it. It fell to the floor and shattered.
“Hayley!” Everyone jumped out of their seats. Thor who was closest to her picked her up to make sure she wouldn’t cut herself.
“I-I’m sorry I’m sorry!” Hayley cried out.
“It’s okay little one it was an accident.” Thor said noticing how Hayley was shivering. She was terrified.
“I’ll grab a broom and clean it up.” Steve said.
“Are you alright?” Bruce asked checking over Hayley who had a death grip on Thor’s arm. “Hayley?” Bruce said coming closer and Hayley just buried her head in Thor’s chest.
“Why don’t we go down to the lab and get you checked out kiddo?” Tony suggested and Hayley nodded. Thor put her down and Hayley followed Tony and Bruce to the elevator.
“Anyone else see that?” Clint said.
“Yeah, creepy flash back to my childhood on an army base with my drill sergeant of a father yelling at me for spilling spaghetti.” Will said.
“What do you mean?” Steve asked.
“She looked like she was ready for us to snap.” Natasha said.
“What are you trying to say?” Steve asked.
“There’s a lot about Hayley we don’t know.” Will said.
Meanwhile Downstairs-
“Okay kiddo anything hurt?” Tony asked.
“N-no.” Hayley said.
“You sure?” Bruce asked and she nodded.
“Jarvis can you get us a scan?” Tony asked. Jarvis scanned Hayley and an image appeared on screen in front of them.
“Is that me?” Hayley asked.
“Yeah, Jarvis scanned you to see if have any cuts or bruises.” Tony said.
“Does he do X-rays?” Hayley asked.
“Oh yeah hold still.” Tony said.
“Tony I don’t think…” Bruce started but it was too late and Jarvis was already scanning Hayley.
“Ooooh.” Hayley said.
“No broken bones, you are clear for a trip to the toy store.” Tony said.
“Yay!” Hayley said. “Let’s go.” She said grabbing Tony’s hand.
“Wait up I need to grab my wallet.” Tony said. “No wait got it.”
With that Bruce was left alone in the lab. He took a look at the scans Jarvis took and smiled as he thought about Hayley’s enthusiasm. He looked at her x-rays and saw something that caught his attention.
“Jarvis can you room in here?” He said pointing toward the x-ray of the wrist.
“Yes Doctor Banner.” Jarvis said.
“Is that want I think it is?” Bruce asked.
“I believe you are referring to the healed fracture on Miss Adam’s wrist.” Jarvis said.
“There’s another one on her upper arm.” Bruce said. “Any other ones I’ve missed?”
“There are two other healed fractures on her ribs and another one on her other arm.” Jarvis said.
“Are those what I think they are?” Bruce asked.
“These injuries are commonly seen in children who are victim of abuse.” Jarvis said.
“I was afraid of that.” Bruce said.
Meanwhile-
Tony had a hard time dealing with a two year old Hayley since she pretty much needed help doing everything and he quiet frankly could barely take care of himself most days. Four-year-old Hayley was a different story. She was polite and very independent. She insisted on doing almost everything on her own. She kind of reminded him of himself at that age the only difference was that behind that independent front she was terrified.
“What kind of toys do you want kiddo?” Tony asked. “Do you want dolls?”
“Ew no Barbie’s are dumb.” Hayley said.
“Really want about play dough?” Tony asked.
“It’s okay but Legos are easier to clean up.” Hayley said.
“Legos? Really? I was expecting you to want to finger paint or want one of those play ovens.” Tony said.
“That’s boring, I like building stuff or video games. Mario is awesome.” She said.
That made him chuckle. “We have a Wii and pretty much every game system you could ever want back at the tower, you can play with them later but for now let’s go check out the Lego sets.” Tony said leading her to the Lego section of the story.
“Okay.” She said happily.
“Legos, legos… here we are.” Tony said.
“Whoa.” Hayley said amazed.
“They have some pretty neat sets.” Tony said.
“AH!” She shouted in excitement after she found the star wars section. “It’s a Death Star… the Millennium Falcon! Cinderella Castle!”
“You really like Legos.” Tony said noticing how Hayley kept picking out Lego sets. “So you want these?”
“Yeah yeah yeah!” She said jumping around.
“Okay we’re just going to have to take off the age suggestion, you know how Capsicle is about safety.” Tony said and Hayley just gave him a confused look. “You actually don’t remember. Let’s just keep this between us.”
“Okay.” She said picking up one of the sets.
“You want to get something other than legos?” Tony asked.
“Uh… no.” She said.
“This should be good for now right? Your clothes are probably at the tower by now.” He said picking her up. “Let’s go pay and head home.”
“Kay.” She said not taking her eyes off the box. When they finally paid and on their way out she hugged Tony taking him by surprise. “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it kid.” He said hugging her back. He buckled her in before getting in and driving back to the tower. “Looks like it’s Bruce’s turn to watch you.”
“When is my mom getting back?” Hayley asked.
“Uh not sure kiddo, you sick of us already?” Tony asked.
“No just miss her, she’s been gone a really long time.” Hayley said getting sad.
“I’m sure she misses you too. She’s really busy but I’m sure as soon as she’s done she’s going to hurry back.” Tony said.
“Is Haddy with her?” She asked.
“Haddy your brother?” Tony asked and she nodded. “Yeah he’s with her.”
“Good, he’s mean.” Hayley said.
“That’s one word for it.” Tony said helping her out of her seat.
“Is Will staying?” Hayley asked.
“Uh I think he has class but he should be back later.” Tony said as they got in the elevator.
“He’s nice.” Hayley said.
“Jarvis take us to wherever Bruce is.” Tony asked.
“Doctor Banner is currently in the lab sir.” Jarvis asked.
“Think you can stay out of trouble while Bruce finishes up?” Tony asked.
“Can I play with my legos?” Hayley asked.
“Sure it’s not like I’m going to play with them.” Tony said. The elevator dinged and the doors opened. “Let’s see, let’s move that over and here, coffee table is now a shorter work desk. Which one do you want to start with?”
“Falcon.” Hayley said.
“Knock yourself out kid.” Tony said putting the box in front of her. “We’re going to be over there if you need anything.”
“Okay.” She said not bothering to look up at him as she got started.
“Got her something to keep her busy?” Bruce asked.
“Yeah she picked out a few Lego sets that will probably keep her busy the rest of the day.” Tony asked. “You still going over her scans? I thought they came up clear.”
“They did she’s not hurt but I saw something on her x-rays.” Bruce said.
“What’d you see?” Tony asked and Bruce pulled up the scans.
“No broken bones but it you look here, here, and there, those are healed fractures.” Bruce said.
“So she’s broken bones before.” Tony said still not catching what would make Bruce so nervous.
“The fractures and the locations of where they are they’re seen in child abuse victims.” Bruce said.
“You’re telling me that someone purposely hurt her.” Tony said.
“Looks that way.” Bruce said “And it would explain her reaction earlier.”
“Who would want to hurt her, she’s just a kid.” Tony said.
“A kid who’s mom told her to never tell anyone her name.” Bruce pointed out.
“That is weird.” Tony said. “Maybe you could get her to open up.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Bruce said. “She’s smaller… I was worried about a grown up Hayley getting hurt four year old Hayley is more… fragile.”
“I don’t know I think she might be good for you besides you used to think the same about a grown up Hayley and she managed to stop you from going green.” Tony said.
“Ony? I wanna watch TV.” Hayley said tugging on Tony’s pants.
“Sure kiddo. Bruce will set that right up for you.” Tony said and Bruce gave him a look.
“Would you like to watch some cartoons?” Bruce said.
“No thank you. Can we watch animal shows?” Hayley asked.
“Animal shows like documentaries?” Bruce asked.
“Yes please.” She said.
“Okay that should be channel 260.” Bruce said changing the channel. “There it is.”
“Thank you.” Hayley said sitting back down and going back to work on her Legos.
It was hours before Hayley moved. It wasn’t until Thor came in that Hayley bothered to look up.
“I was told it was my time to watch Hayley.” Thor said.
“Good luck trying to get her away from those Legos.” Tony said.
“Hayley it is time for a snack would you like to accompany me up to the kitchen?” Thor asked.
“Snack?” She said.
“Yes, Natasha also told me your new clothes have arrived and that you should change.” Thor said.
“Can I bring my Legos?” I said.
“Maybe you should take a break?” Bruce suggested and Hayley pouted. “They’ll still be here later.”
“Okay.” She said sadly. She got up and took Thor’s hand as they left the lab. They went up to the common room and Thor sat her on the counter as he moved around the kitchen.
“Would you like a sandwhich?” Thor asked.
“PB and J!” She cheered.
“Uh Jarvis?” Thor asked.
“I believe Miss Adams is referring to a peanut butter and Jelly sandwich.” Jarvis said.
“Yeah!” She cheered.
“Whatever my lady wants is hers.” Thor said making Hayley giggle.
As Thor was busy making her sandwich Clint came in with a furry friend.
“Puppy!” Hayley cheered as she jumped off the counter to go pet Lucky.
“Woof.” Lucky barked before tackling Hayley to the ground and licked her face.
“Lucky no!” Clint said but Lucky didn’t listen. Hayley laughed as she hugged lucky.
“You so cute!” Hayley said scratching his ears.
“Looks like someone recognizes Hayley.” Clint said.
“Aye, her scent must still be the same.” Thor said.
“I love dogs.” Hayley said. “Aren’t you so cute.”
“Woof.” Lucky barked.
“Do you have any pets back home?” Thor asked.
“I had a puppy but mommy’s friend sent him to live on a farm.” Hayley said and Clint knew that ‘farm’ was a metaphor for something else.
“I was just about to take him on a walk if you want to come?” Clint offered.
“Can we go please?” Hayley asked Thor.
“After you finish your snack.” Thor said.
“We’ll wait.” Clint added.
“Okay.” Hayley said pulling out a chair and sitting down. Hayley ate her sandwich and again washed her own dish with out being asked to except this time Thor dried the dishes after they were rinsed out.
“We’re almost ready to go just need to get the little one changed.” Thor said.
“Nat put her clothes downstairs.” Clint said.
“Elevator.” Hayley said running to the elevator with Lucky running after her. After a quick trip to Hayley’s room where she dressed in a long sleeved dark red dress with embroidery and a pair of back tights and shoes.
“Ready!” Hayley said.
“Let us go.” Thor said. They left the tower and ended up at Central park. Hayley was over joyed to be out of the tower. She couldn’t stop running around. She would climb on all the rocks. Thor had to hold her back from jumping into the lake.
By the time they got to the playground Clint and Thor were more tired than Hayley and lucky were.
“She’s a really happy kid.” Clint said slightly out of breath.
“Aye starting to wonder how much grief I put mother through at that age.” Thor said.
“Hey Thor I just realized if she keeps aging we’re going to have to deal with her going through puberty.” Clint said.
“That is a problem for another day.” Thor said. “And maybe we shall get lucky and she’ll just skip to her normal age.”
“What are the odds of that happening?” Clint asked.
“Not very likely.”
“AHHH!” Hayley cried.
“Hayley!” The said standing up quickly. They found her on the ground crying.
“What happened?” Clint said.
“What beast dared to hurt you?” Thor said.
“I-I fell from up there.” Hayley cried.
“It’s okay Hales. What hurts?” Clint asked.
“My knee.” She said.
“It’s a small cut.” Thor said.
“We should get that cleaned up.” Clint said. “Time to go home.”
“Okay.” Hayley said with a pout.
“Come now little one, we shall fly home.” Thor said.
“Really!” Hayley said.
“Yeah really?” Clint said giving Thor a look.
“Of course.” Thor said picking Hayley up and putting her on his shoulders. “Hold on.”
“Whee!” Hayley said.
“She has you wrapped around her finger.” Clint said.
“You have pretty hair.” Hayley said.
“I don’t think I mind.” Thor said. One short walk later they were back at the tower. They went straight to the lab.
“Bruce we could use a hand over here.” Clint said.
“What happened?” Bruce asked concerned.
“I fell.” Hayley said looking worried and a bit terrified.
“Let’s take a look.” Bruce said pulling out the first aid kit. Thor lifted Hayley up to a chair and she folded up her tights. The entire time she didn’t stop shaking. “Doesn’t look too bad just a small scrape. I’ll clean it up and bandage it up.”
“You’re not mad?” Hayley said.
“Of course not. It was an accident it happens.” Bruce said and Hayley just gave him a cautious look like she was waiting for him to snap. “This is going to sting a bit.” Bruce gently rubbed a bit of antiseptic but Hayley didn’t even flinch.
“All done.” Bruce said. “You want Iron Man band aids or Hulk band aids.”
“What’s an iron man and a hulk?” She asked.
“Uh what do you like better red or green?” Tony asked.
“Red so it matches.” Hayley said.
“Iron man it is.” Bruce said putting on the band-aid. “You’re good to go.”
“Thank you.” Hayley said jumping out of her chair and hugging Bruce.
“Uh your welcome.” Bruce said awkwardly returning the hug.
“I’m hungry.” Hayley said.
“Let’s go see what we can whip up.” Clint said. “And by we I mean let’s go see what Cap made.”
“Who’s Cap?” Hayley said.
“Blonde number three.’ Tony said.
“Tony I don’t think…” Bruce said.
“I know who.” Hayley said.
“Come on Hales.” Clint said.
“Wait.” She said running over to grab the Lego set she started earlier. “Okay now we can go.”
“Would you like some help with that?” Thor said as she watched Hayley drag the box.
“No thank you.” She said walking into the elevator.
The rest of the day was pretty quiet. Thor wasn’t the only one that was wrapped around Hayley’s finger. Natasha may have let her take the DVD player apart so she could see how it worked. In her defense Hayley did put it back together and it was working better than before. Clint took Hayley out for Ice cream… and on a trip to Sprinkles. Steve well Steve essentially made her whatever she wanted to dinner which ended up being fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes with gravy. He even let her get away with not eating her string beans.
It was during the weekly movie night where they decided it would be a good idea to watch one of Hayley’s favorite movies, well the prequel to one of Hayley’s favorite movies.
“They made more Star Wars movies!” She exclaimed.
“Yeah but they’re not the best.” Tony said.
“It’s Star Wars of course they’re awesome.” Hayley said.
“Wait until you meet Jar Jar.” Clint said.
Twenty minutes into the movie Someone’s phone rang.
“Romanoff.” Natasha answered just as Clint and Steve’s phones rang.
“Barton.” Clint answered.
“Rogers.”
“On my way.” The three of them said.
“We have to go. We have a hit on our ghost.” Steve said.
“Is it an all hands on deck situation?” Tony asked.
“Nope we’re just tracking him for now.” Natasha said.
“Nothing we can’t handle.” Clint said.
“Are you guys leaving on a job like mom?” Hayley said.
“Yes sweetheart, Natasha Clint and I have to go but we should be back soon.” Steve said. “Be good for Tony, Thor and Bruce okay?”
“Okay.” She said hugging Steve. Steve hugged her back and kissed the top of her head before leaving to get his gear.
“See you soon krasivaya.” Natasha said kissing her cheek.
“Enjoy the movie.” Clint said kissing her other cheek. With that they both ran out of the common room.
“You okay kiddo?” Tony asked and she nodded. “They’ll be back soon, it’s just an easy mission.”
“They are some of the best warriors in all the nine realms.” Thor said.
“Okay.” Hayley said. “Are they going to work with mom?”
“No Hayley they’re going to another job.” Bruce said.
“Oh… Mom’s not coming back is she?” Hayley said her eyes watering.
“Hayley, why do you think that?” Bruce asked.
“She’s never around and she blames me for Jack going away.” Hayley said tearing up.
“Who’s Jack?” Tony asked.
“Mom’s special friend. He was mean but Haddy and mom liked him.” Hayley said.
“What do you mean?” Bruce asked.
“He didn’t like it when I tried to fix the video player so he slapped me.” Hayley said.
“What did your mom say?” Tony asked.
“Nothing, Jack and Haddy told her I fell.” Hayley sniffled.
“Hayley it wasn’t your fault. Jack was a total douche and your mom was better off without him. If she can’t see that then she’s an idiot.” Tony said.
“Then why does she keep leaving and taking Haddy with her?” Hayley asked.
“Haddy’s older than you correct?” Thor asked.
“Mhm.” Hayley nodded.
“Perhaps it was something you were not old enough to be there for.” Thor said.
“That’s not fair.” Hayley said.
“It’s not but that’s just how it is and I’m sure as soon as your old enough you’re going to go too.” Bruce said.
“Besides if you had gotten to go with your mom you would have missed out on all the fun today.” Tony said.
“And if you had gone with your mom you wouldn’t be having Ice cream.” Thor said.
“Chocolate ice cream?” Hayley said.
“Rocky road.” Thor said.
“My favorite!” Hayley cheered.
“Really?” Thor said picking Hayley up and carrying her to the kitchen.
“Mhm.” Hayley nodded.
“That explains the x-rays.” Tony said.
“And why she was practically waiting for us to snap at her all day.” Bruce said.
“Don’t know who I want to hunt down and strangle more right now Haddy or Jack.” Tony said.
“We’re one big reveal short of a code green.” Bruce said.
“Well it’s almost bed time and Hayley can never stay awake through an entire movie, don’t think she had any left to say.” Tony said.
“Can we keep watching the movie?” Hayley asked.
“Of course kiddo.” Tony said playing the movie as Thor and Hayley each came back with bowls of ice cream. Sure enough by the end of the first encounter with Darth Maul Hayley was out for the count.
“I’ll take her to her room.” Thor said picking up Hayley.
“Should one of us stay on her floor in case she… grows up again?” Bruce asked.
“No Jarvis can monitor her and let us know if anything changes.” Tony said.
“And if she gets older I am sure she’ll let us know.” Thor said walking out with Hayley in his arms.
“She has him wrapped around her finger.” Tony said.
“Yeah and he wasn’t the one who bought her every Lego set she even looked at.” Bruce said.
“Sir I have an urgent message from Captain Rogers. His strike team was ambushed and they will not make it to the nearest SHIELD Base they have rerouted to the Tower.” Jarvis said.
“Let the Medical Team know.” Tony said.
“We need to prep the lab.” Bruce said.
“Jarvis let Thor know.” Tony said.
“The Quinjet will be arriving in two minutes.” Jarvis said.
“Better run.” Tony said.
As soon as the quinjet landed it was chaos. Medical personnel was running around the Strike team was dealing with protocol.
“What happened?” Tony asked.
“He knew we were coming. Took out the buyer along with us.” Natasha said keeping pressure on Clint’s shoulder.
“This guys good.” Clint groaned.
“Helen’s downstairs. Says the prototype to her new cradle can fix you up in about an hour.” Bruce said.
“So I’m going to be a guinea pig?” Clint said.
“Yes but it also means you don’t have to go to the hospital.” Bruce said.
“I can live with that.” Clint said.
“Where’s Hayley?” Natasha asked.
“She fell asleep in the middle of the Star Wars.” Thor said.
“Good to know some things don’t change.” Steve said.
“Cap, Fury’s on the line for you.” Rumlow said.
“I’m going to go fill him in.” Steve said.
“Let’s get you patched up.” Tony told Clint and he and Natasha wheeled him into the lab. The medical floor was filled with nurses and staff patching up inured agents.
Meanwhile a few floors above them-
“You’re a useless brat I don’t know why your mom keeps you around. Everyone would be better off if you were dead.” The man said before pushing the girl down the stairs.
“AHH!” The girl screamed. “MOMMY!”
“MOM!” Hayley woke up screaming.
“Miss are you alright, scans indicate you are in distress.” Jarvis said.
“Jarvis where is everyone?” Hayley asked.
“They are all on the medical floor.” Jarvis said.
“Can you take me there?” The four year old asked.
“If you would follow the lights.” Jarvis said and a sleepy Hayley followed the lights to the elevator. She got in and was taken down to the medical floor. Everyone was so busy they didn’t notice a four year old walking around.
“Is that a kid?” One of the agents finally said noticing Hayley.
“Yup hi there sweetheart what are you doing up here.” One of them said making Hayley very nervous.
“I-I had a n-nightm-mare.” She stuttered.
“What’s a kid even doing here?” Another one asked.
“Hayley?” Bruce said walking toward them.
“Bruce!” Hayley said running and hiding behind him while hugging his legs.
“Sorry we didn’t know she was…” One of the agents said looking very nervous.
“She’s a friend’s. She must have woken up and gotten scared when she saw she was alone. She’s not normally this shy.” Bruce said.
“It’s okay my kid sister was the same way.” One of the agents said bending down to Hayley’s height. “She’s going to be a looker when she grows up.”
“That’s nice of you to say. Come on Hayley you can go hold Clint’s hand while Helen finishes fixing him.” Bruce said.
“They’re back?” Hayley asked.
“Yeah. Come on.” Bruce said taking her hand. Hayley followed him down the hall where everyone was sitting around Clint’s bed where the machine was finishing up. “Look who came to say hi.”
“Hey, I thought you were asleep?” Clint said.
“I had a nightmare.” She said in a low voice.
“You want to talk about it?” Natasha asked.
“It was about Jack.” Hayley said. Tony, Bruce and Thor clenched their fists.
“Who’s Jack?” Clint, Natasha and Steve asked at the same time.
“A vile creature that deserves to fed to a bilgesnipe.” Thor said picking up Hayley into a hug.
“We’ll fill you in later.” Tony said.
“Hayley you need to get to bed.” Natasha said knowing the tantrum they would have to face if she didn’t get enough sleep.
“I don’t wanna.” Hayley said.
“What about if I read you a story?” Natasha offered.
“The wizard one?” She asked. Steve had read her a few of the first chapters from the Wizard of Oz before he had to go to a meeting.
“Sure.” Natasha said.
“Okay.” She said letting Natasha pick her up.
“I’ll be back.” Natasha said carrying Hayley out. As they left all the agents couldn’t take their eyes off Natasha and the girl she was carrying.
“Is that…” One of them said.
“Widow has a kid?” another said.
“I bet you Hawkeye’s the dad I always knew they had a thing.” Another one said. Natasha ignored them as they got into the elevator and went upstairs.
“Hayley you want to tell me about your dream?” Natasha asked.
“I-I was at the old house and J-Jack was yelling at me. He said everyone would be better off if I was d-dead and then he pushed me down the stairs.” Hayley said sobbing.
“Sh, it’s okay he’s not here and no one’s going to hurt you.” Natasha said. ‘Why isn’t it this easy for you to open as an adult?’ she thought.
“That’s when I woke up.” Hayley said.
“No one here is going to hurt you. I promise.” Natasha said. “Now let’s get you into some pjs and to bed.”
“No story?” Hayley said.
“One chapter until you fall asleep alright?” Natasha said.
“Okay.” Hayley said. Natasha quickly got her into some pajamas before getting Hayley in bed and reading her a story. She was three pages in when Hayley started snoring. Natasha quietly put the book down and made sure Hayley was tucked in before slipping out. She went to the common room where everyone minus the Shield agents were relaxing.
“Who’s going to tell me who the hell Jack is and why he pushed our soulmate down a flight of stairs?” Natasha said.
“What?” Steve and Clint said.
“You guys may want to sit down.” Tony said.
“Who pushed Hayley down a flight of stairs?” Clint said.
“Who’s Jack?” Steve asked.
“Jack is Hayley’s mom’s ex boyfriend.” Tony said.
“The animal hurt our soulmate.” Thor said through clenched teeth.
“He was also very close to her older brother.” Bruce said. “They ended up breaking up but not before he did some lasting damage.”
“What type of damage?” Steve asked.
“He pushed her down a flight of stairs.” Natasha deadpanned.
“Shit.” Clint said.
“That matches up with the x-rays.” Bruce said.
“You took X rays?” Steve said.
“Hayley saw the scans and asked about Jarvis doing x-rays so I took some.” Tony said.
“So we have a four year old who won’t tell us her real name because her mom told her never to tell anyone her real name. That same mom also went out with a guy that liked to hit kids but apparently got along with her older brother who to this day she’s still afraid of.” Clint said.
“That is everything.” Thor said.
“What are we dealing with here?” Tony asked.
“Whatever it is, it’s not good.” Steve said.