Fated Marks

The following morning everyone was expecting to hear screaming or to wake up to Jarvis saying Hayley had run away again. What they didn’t expect was for her to wake up and go introduce herself.

“Sir, Miss Adams is on her way up.” Jarvis said.

“She’s on her way up?” Tony said surprised.

“Is she back to normal?” Bruce said.

Before Jarvis could answer they heard the elevator doors open.

“Hello? Ceiling guy?” Hayley said. “Uh hi, the guy talking on the speaker said someone would be up here. I’m Hayley, we must have met last night but I kind of don’t remember anything after that sixth round of shots… Aren’t you Tony Stark?” She said noticing Tony.

“Yes I am.” Tony said moving closer.

“So what exactly happened last night because this isn’t my apartment and I have no idea what’s going on?” Hayley said.

“What do you remember?” Clint asked.

“Uh Liam got a promotion at work so Tess and Will thought we should go out and celebrate. I aced my midterm so I said Fuck it lets go…” Hayley started.

“Language.” Steve chastised and Hayley just gave him a look that said ‘really?’

“I put on that skirt and crop top Tess and Will threw at me and we headed down to that club Karma I think it was called or was it Electrotistic? Not sure but they had some bomb ass Margaritas.” Hayley said rolling the R’s. “Then the shots started rolling there was dancing… maybe some loud off key singing. I remember flirting with this guy looked like he walked out of a hair commercial…”

“Haley…” Natasha said trying to get her back on track.

“I mean he was hot. I mean blonde and fit… Not as buff as good looking as him but, Hi I’m Hayley.” Hayley said smiling at Thor.

“Good Morrow my lady might I say this day is made all the more better with your company.” Thor said

“Why thank you.” She said blushing.

“Ehem.” Steve coughed.

“uh, we danced took some more shots and then it gets kind of fuzzy. By the way anyone seen Will? We lost him half way through the night after he… oh right he had a quickie with the foot model.” Hayley said as the elevator dinged and the doors opened.

“Morning all I came to check on… Hales!!! You have bangs!!” He cheered fixing Hayley’s fringe bangs and running his fingers through Hayley’s waist length hair.

“No shit Sherlock, thanks to you I get carded at bars and clubs now.” She said annoyed.

“But it totally works for you.” Will said. “I missed you so much.” He said as he hugged her.

“Will stop hugging me.” Hayley said annoyed.

“Let me love you.” Will said rocking her.

“Go love your foot model.” Hayley said wrestling out of his arms. “Seriously dude we’ve talked about this no hugging.”

“Oh right, I forgot how emotionally stunted you were at this age.” Will said.

“What are you talking about, you’ve only known me for a few months?” Hayley said.

“Yet it feels like I’ve known you forever.” Will said.

“We should probably get going, we’ve put these guys through enough and we should probably check on Tess and Liam.” Hayley said.

“We can’t!” Will said.

“What?” Hayley said.

“Apartment got flooded!” Bruce said.

“What!” Hayley said.

“That’s right, the pipe burst.” Will said.

“Shit, we have to go see the damage.” Hayley said.

“You can’t!” Steve said panicking. “The entire building’s closed off. Inspectors have to go assess the water damage, they’re not letting anyone in.”

“Shit what are we going to do, The four of us can’t stay at your apartment not the way Tess and Liam go at it.” Hayley said freaking out.

“Stay here.” Tony said.

“What?” Hayley said thinking she hadn’t heard right.

“We met these guys last night, they were there when we got the call.” Will said.

“They were?” Hayley said.

“We were, you were having a serious panic attack.” Natasha said.

“That does sound like me.” Hayley said. “You look really familiar, have we met before?” She told Natasha.

“No you’re confusing me with someone.” Natasha said looking away.

“No, We’ve met before… OH! The night Tess hooked up with Liam for the first time!” Hayley cried out.

“Natasha’s the hot redhead! oomph” Will shouted and then winced as Hayley elbowed him.

“He’s talking about this other redhead.” Hayley tried to cover up. “Not that you’re not hot I mean your pretty… I mean beautiful… gorgeous… I should shut up.” Hayley said blushing.

“Not so bad yourself krasivaya.” Natasha said with a smirk. Hayley’s face flushed from pink to red.

“Anyways… Tony offered to let us crash here so we can give the lovebirds some space.” Will said.

“Why would you invite two complete strangers to temporarily move in with you?” Hayley asked Tony.

“We bonded over Jarvis.” Tony said. It wasn’t technically a lie. They had bonded over Jarvis… it just hadn’t happened yet for her. “I have all this room figured why not.”

“That is the dumbest thing…” Hayley started.

“Hayley don’t look a gift horse in the mouth!” Will said shutting her up.

“I guess you’re right. Thank you Mr. Stark.” Hayley said.

“Just Tony.” Tony said.

“So any chance we can get some of my clothes out of the apartment?” Hayley asked.

“You can just take some clothes out of the closet in your room. They’re about your size.” Natasha said.

“I’ll pick out your outfit.” Will said dragging her out.

“Sure.” Hayley said following him along to the elevator.

“I wasn’t expecting that.” Bruce said.

“What happened in two years to make her flip a switch like that?” Tony asked.

“She seems happier.” Thor said with a smile.

“You’re just saying that because she flirted with you.” Clint pointed out.

“I didn’t think she’d remember me.” Natasha said.

“You left an impression.” Clint said. “Hot red head.”

“Even without having a full conversation she could feel the pull.” Steve said.

“The healer did say it was a special case because of the number of marks she possessed.” Thor reminded him as the elevator dinged again.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Hayley said.

“It wasn’t important and I didn’t want to ruin everyone’s night.” Will said.

“It does explain why you were extra slutty.” Hayley said.

“Hey I have a healthy sex drive.” Will said.

“If that’s what you want to call it then by all means go for it but dude keep it in your pants your ‘healthy sex drive’ almost got us banned from Karma.” Hayley said as she walked in wearing a black skirt and mauve colored sweater top with a white collar and some black boots.

“He left me for a dog walker Hales.” Will said breaking down.

“Will I don’t do touchy feely crap, stop crying.” Hayley said.

“It’s not fair.” Will said.

“Would it help if I baked you some cookies?” She asked.

“Chocolate chip?” Will asked.

“Sure. Would you mind if I…” Hayley asked looking towards the kitchen.

“Make yourself at home, mi tower es su tower.” Tony said.

“Gracias.” She said going into the kitchen and starting to take pans and ingredients out of the cabinet. “Guess I’ll make breakfast while I’m at it, the dough’s going to need to chill. Any requests?”

“Stuffed French toast!” Will said before anyone had the chance to answer.

“I think we got everything, can anyone make some coffee I have no idea how to work that thing.” She said.

“I got it.” Clint said.

“So this is Hayley at fifteen?” Steve said.

“Yeah, she sucks at dealing with feelings but really good at taking care of people.” Will said.

“Is this when she started cutting the crusts off your sandwiches?” Tony said.

“She told you about that?” Will said annoyed.

“It came up in the conversation.” Tony said.

“Whatever I’m not the one that has her wash their underwear and who basically depends on her to run every aspect of their life. Speaking of how have you been dealing with everything the past week?” Will asked and the elevator dinged.

“Tony!” Pepper came in yelling.

“That answers that question.” Will said.

“Pep, what brings you all the way up here?” Tony said playing the innocent card.

You haven’t been to a single meeting this entire week!” Pepper said annoyed.

“Coffee?” Hayley offered.

“Thank you.” Pepper said before doing a double take. “Is that?”

“Yeah she’s fifteen now. They grow up so fast.” Tony said.

“Tony I know you’ve been busy but you have a department to run. Meetings with the legal team about the patents for your inventions, the Gala coming up… You can’t keep postponing it all.” Pepper said.

“I know, I’ll get on it. I just couldn’t leave Hayley she couldn’t take care of herself.” Tony said.

“She looks fine to me.” Pepper said.

“You don’t know the half of it.” Tony said.

“You have a meeting in an hour, be there.” Pepper said handing him back the mug before heading out.

“Stuffed French toast with nutella drizzle and fresh berries, dough’s in the freezer, am I missing something?” Hayley asked.

“Nope sit down.” Will said pulling out a chair.

“Mh what is this delicious cream inside?” Thor asked.

“Cream cheese, helps balance all the flavors.” Hayley said.

“Uh this is so good.” Clint said.

“Wait until you try the cookies.” Will said.

“He ate the entire batch on his own last time.” Hayley said.

“I regret nothing.” Will said.

“Shit I’m going to be late for work.” Hayley said looking at the time.

“No, Tess told Kate what happened and she gave you and Tess the day off.” Will said.

“Seriously? How come I don’t remember any of this?” Hayley said.

“You have a low tolerance, at one point you started beat boxing.” Will said.

“I would have remembered that.” Hayley said.

“Well after two Irish carbombs, six shots of tequila and that Yeager bomb I wouldn’t remember much right now either.” Will said.

“Oh yeah.” Hayley said smiling. “I hate Yeager.”

“You drank all of that?!” Steve asked in shock.

“Not one of the best choices I’ve made but it was a pretty epic night, at least I think it was. We should call Tess, she probably had twice as much as I did. I think she was crawling at one point.” Hayley said.

“She’s probably still passed out.” Will said.

“True.” Hayley agreed. “So looks like I’m free for the rest of the day, what are we doing?”

“I have to go meet up with a study group and work.” Will said.

“We were going to watch a movie later if you want to come with us?” Natasha offered.

“Sounds fun.” Hayley agreed. “Time to put the cookies in the oven.”

“I’ll start cleaning up.” Steve said.

“No I’ll do that, it’s only fair considering I was the one who made the mess.” Hayley said.

“You made us all breakfast, It’s the least I can do doll.” Steve said making her blush.

“Fine but I’m helping you.” She said.

“I’ll wash you dry.” Steve said.

“Okay.” She said.

“I have to get going,” Will said.

“Wait, I made you a snack.” Hayley said. “Turkey sandwich.”

“Did you cut off the crust?” Tony teased

“I’m a grown man, I take off my own crusts.” Will said before giving Hayley a look which she answered with a nod. “See you all later.”

“You cut off his crusts didn’t you?” Clint asked.

“The poor guy just went through a break up, cut him some slack.” Hayley said in his defense. “Now who wants cookies?”

“Aye!” Thor shouted.

“What movie are we watching?” Hayley asked. “If it’s the new twilight movie I’m sneaking in a flask. I’m not sitting through that sober. I did that once I’m not making that mistake again.”

“I’m going to have to take a rain check, Pepper threatened bodily harm if miss another meeting.” Tony said.

“I have work.” Bruce said.

“Guess it’s just us then.” Hayley said.

“I’ll see what’s in theaters.” Clint said “You feeling sci-fi, action or a Wizard of Oz remake?”

“Wizard of Oz?” She asked.

“Oz the great and powerful, it’s supposed to be a prequel.” Clint said.

“The wizard of Oz is one of my favorite stories from when I was a kid, sounds fun.” Hayley said.

“They have a showing in about an hour.” Steve said looking at the paper.

“I’ll buy the tickets.” Natasha said. “Jarvis?”

“Already being printed Miss Romanoff.” Jarvis answered.

“How much do I owe you?” Hayley asked.

“It’s on Tony.” Natasha said.

“Are you sure I have money. I think my wallet’s downstairs.” Hayley said.

“Hayley, Tony can afford a few movie tickets.” Clint said.

“And snacks.” Thor added.

“We have an expense account, it’s our treat.” Natasha said.

“You sure?” Hayley said.

“Yes.” They all agreed.

“Okay, thanks guys, ceiling guy can you tell Tony thanks for me?” Hayley said.

“Yes Miss Adams.” Jarvis said.

“We should start heading out.” Steve said.

“Lead the way.” Hayley said.

“Of course doll.” Steve said taking her hand and feeling Hayley tense before slipping her hand away. He frowned but shook it off. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine, just not a touchy feely type.” Hayley said.

“Here, this coat should fit you.” Natasha said handing Hayley her coat.

“Thank you.” Hayley said putting it on.

The five of them piled into one of the cars in the garage and drove to the movie theater downtown. They all filed in and got their treats. After a bit of silent arguing about who was going to sit next to Hayley. Natasha sat down during the fighting and Then Clint moved around Steve and Thor to take the other seat. It wasn’t until the lights started flickering that they noticed and sat down. The movie was entertaining. It had a good plot and it did add up to the story they all knew.

By the time they got out it was time for a late lunch.

“What are you craving?” Steve asked.

“I could go for anything.” Hayley said.

“Sushi?” Natasha suggested.

“Nah burgers I know a place close by that has great bacon cheeseburgers.” Clint said.

“Yes.” Hayley and Thor agreed.

“Burgers it is.” Steve said.

Another quick drive and they were munching on their burgers before heading back to the tower. As soon as they arrived the alarms went off.

“What’s that?” Hayley said covering her ears.

“That’s work.” Thor said.

“What are you guys firemen? Oh shit are you?” Hayley asked.

“Something like that.” Clint said. “Let’s get upstairs and figure out what’s going on.”

“You can just drop me off at the common floor, it seems important. I mean you have bright red flashing lights and an alarm.” Hayley said.

“Sorry about this.” Steve said.

“It’s fine, besides I’ve totally been eying that game system since this morning.” Hayley said.

“Turn on the surround system makes it feel like you’re right there.” Clint said.

“Sounds fun.” Hayley said. “Good luck.” She said as she stepped off the elevator.

As soon as the doors closed they all got serious.

“This is not an appropriate moment to be called upon.” Thor said.

“No but at least Hayley can take care of herself now.” Natasha said.

“Yeah, that’s something.” Steve said.

“Anyone worried we’re leaving a teenager with a high alcohol tolerance in a room with a fully stocked bar?” Clint said. Everyone thought about it for a minute.

“Jarvis.” Steve said.

“Bar security protocols shall be enforced.” Jarvis said.

“Don’t think that’ll really stop her.” Clint said.

“But it’ll slow her down.” Natasha said.

They walked to the conference room where they where Fury, Tony and Bruce were sitting down already.

“So good of you to join us.” Fury said sarcastically.

“Got caught up in traffic what’s going on?” Clint said.

“We have news on our ghost. He was spotted here in New York.” Fury said.

“Where exactly?” Natasha asked.

“The U.N.” Fury said.

“Did he attack anyone?” Steve said.

“As far as we can tell he was just scouting the area.” Fury said. “But the Czech Prime Minister is in town and is planning of addressing the United Nations about his country’s increasing problem with human Trafficking. Specifically that of enhanced individuals. You guys are now in charge of security. We need to keep attention away from our ghost if we want him to disappear again so you’ll be watching from the shadows.”

“Our guy’s a sniper, Barton where do you think he’d set up?” Tony asked.

“The way the room’s set up he’d have to be close, probably in the same room.” Clint said.

“This is our chance.” Natasha said.

“How much time do we have?” Thor asked.

“The Speech is in an hour.” Fury said.

“Not really much of a heads up.” Tony said.

“We just got a hit a half hour ago, it’s what we got now go out there and catch the bastard.” Fury said.

“I don’t think this’ll call for a code green.” Bruce said.

“That’s good. Hayley’s upstairs.” Steve said.

“How’s she been?” Tony asked.

“She is not as… affectionate as she normally is.” Thor said.

“She was barely affectionate to begin with.” Tony said.

“Well now it’s like when she had just found out who we were but without the passive aggressiveness.” Clint said.

“Don’t you all have somewhere to be instead of gossiping about the intern?” Fury said.

“Right.” Steve said. “Keep an eye on her.”

“Shouldn’t be too hard.” Bruce said. “Will said he’d be by after work.”

“That should be fine.” Tony said.

“Let’s go catch this guy so we can get back to Hayley.” Clint said.

An Hour Later-

Hayley had been playing video games while enjoying a glass of wine from Tony’s reserve. Jarvis had told her that he was enforcing the same protocols he did when Tony drank which essentially meant that she couldn’t drink anything that he had set aside for a special occasion. It pretty much meant she had access to everything. She was on her third grand prix when Bruce came in to check on her.

“Hey just came to see how you’re doing?” Bruce said.

“I’m good, kicking ass on this consol. Tell whoever uses Hawkeye as his screen name that I just bet his record time! Ha!” She cheered.

“Is that wine? Aren’t you a bit young for that?” Bruce said.

“You’re right, I should have gone for the tequila, hell I should make margaritas.” Hayley said.

“No I meant you’re not twenty one yet.” Bruce said.

“Age is just a number, my step dad used to say if you’re old enough to commit a felony you’re old enough to drink.” Hayley said. “Besides didn’t you all meet me at a bar? This can’t really surprise you.”

“No it’s just…” Bruce started before Jarvis interrupted.

“Doctor Banner I hav… call…” Jarvis said before it cut out to static.

“Is that normal?” Hayley asked.

“No.” Bruce said picking up a tablet. The lights shut off before they turned back on. “That’s not supposed to happen.”

All of a sudden there was a gun shot and the room started filling with smoke.

“It was a distraction, run!” Bruce said as they tried to make their way to the stairs they heard the locks engage and the railings appear on the windows.

“What’s going on?” Hayley asked.

“It’s a security system Tony installed.” Bruce said coughing.

“A security system is supposed to keep…” Hayley started before coughing. “Thieves out, Why is this one keeping us locked in?”

“Not sure.” Bruce said coughing. “Oh no.”

“What oh no?” Hayley said.

“Hayley… you need to…” Bruce said coughing. “get away.”

“If you haven’t already noticed we’re locked in!” Hayley shouted getting anxious.

“Ah,” Bruce said starting to change green.

“Bruce you’re turning green.” Hayley said. “And not queasy green this is full body green.”

“Get aw-AH!!!!” He said stumbling away and turning into the hulk.

“Oh Fuck.” Hayley said. “Bruce just turned into Shrek.”

“Ah!” Hulk growled.

“Bruce just turned into a bigger angrier version of Shrek!” Hayley said freaking out.

“AH!” He growled until he saw Hayley. He started taking slow steps towards her.

“Jarvis? Anyone? Help?” Hayley said