Fated Marks

“Jarvis? Anyone? Help?” Hayley said grabbing a tablet and checking systems while taking a few steps back. “Camera’s aren’t working, communications down, Why is it that a building that houses the biggest tech company in the world has the shittiest tech in the building?!”

“Birdy.” Hulk groaned.

“Okay, I can figure this out.” Hayley said. “Hey big guy, sun’s getting real low.”

“Rrrr.” Hulk growled.

“Asking a giant green guy that broke half of Harlem about the weather, smart move Hayley.” Hayley mumbled to herself. “Okay, you’re hulk right?”

“RAH!” Hulk roared.

“Dumb question. I’m pretty bad at this whole small talk thing but I’ll give it my best shot, please don’t kill me.” Hayley said. “I’m Hayley don’t know how the whole situation is with you and Bruce. Don’t know if you see what he sees or he sees what you do, I kinda woke up here after a night of partying, never realized he was the same Bruce Banner as well… your other guy.”

“Birdie.” Hulk said.

“Huh?” Hayley said confused. Hulk slowly started to walk towards her. Hayley stood her ground after realizing she didn’t really have anywhere to run to. Hulk slowly lifted his hand making Hayley wince. She felt one of his fingers gently touch the pendant on her chest. “Oh my necklace. Yeah it’s a bird.”

“Pretty bird.” Hulk said.

“Thanks it was a gift.” Hayley said.

“Hm.” Hulk said.

“You hungry?” Hayley asked. “I’ve got cookies and brownies. Since we’re stuck in here, think I should get started on dinner?”

“Food?” Hulk asked.

“Yeah, I was thinking of making pizzas what do you think?” Hayley asked.

“Pizza good. Hulk like.” Hulk said.

“I’ll get started then.” Hayley said picking up her wine glass.

“Mhm.” Hulk said looking annoyed.

“What, it pairs well with all the taste testing I’m going to do.” Hayley argued.

“Birdie too small.” Hulk said.

“You too? Dude I’m old enough to make my own choices besides it’s just a glass.” Hayley said.

“Sad.” Hulk said.

“What makes you say that?” Hayley asked.

“Eyes.” Hulk said.

“You’re not the first person who’s said that to me.” Hayley said finishing her glass and pouring herself another one. “We all have our way of coping with things. Will’s a perfectionist and a bit of a control freak. Bruce is really soft spoken, I’m guessing turning into you is his outlet. Me? I guess my outlet is distracting myself from the inevitable.”

“Hm?” Hulk said confused.

“What happens here stays here. No one ever finds out, not even Bruce got it?” Hayley said.

“Pro…mise.” Hulk said slowly raising his pinky finger. Hayley cracked a small smile she gently pus a hand on his finger and softly rubbed it in a soothing manner.

“I’ve been on my own since I was thirteen. It’s been two and a half years and it doesn’t matter how far I go or how well I hide, he always finds me. My mom used to say that life is a giant circle that we all end exactly where we begin in one way or another. I came into this world with an older brother who hates my guts and wants me dead and that’s exactly how I’m going to end. I can’t fight him and I’m tired of running so next time he finds me that’ll be the end of it. And I figure whether it’s today tomorrow or months down the line I may as well live it up while I can.” Hayley said taking a sip of wine.

“Hulk smash.” Hulk offered.

“Tempting but if I let you do that it’d be stooping down to his level and he’s not worth it.” Hayley said sadly. “Mind spreading this dough out?”

“Mh.” Hulk groaned before taking the dough and doing as Hayley asked.

“I’m making a meatlovers and pepperoni.” Hayley said.

“More.” Hulk said.

“You don’t think two pizzas are going to be enough?” Hayley asked and Hulk responded with a look down at himself then up. “Yeah I should probably make more. I’ll just pop these in and get started on the other ones.”

“Cheese?” Hulk said.

“Cheese pizza it is.” Hayley said. “Don’t know why everyone’s so afraid of you. You’re actually a pretty cool guy, you know when you’re not smashing stuff.” That made him crack a grin.

“Birdie should talk more.” Hulk said.

“You think I should tell someone? I did that once, my nanny ended up committing suicide by slitting her throat.” Hayley deadpanned. “Last time my mom hired someone to watch me.”

Hulk just raised an eyebrow.

“I just realized how that sounded. Just to be clear I didn’t slit anyone’s throat Ha-“ Hayley started when suddenly the door started banging.

“Hayley we’re going to get you out!” She heard someone call out.

“Sounds like they’re back.” Hayley told Hulk as the oven started beeping. “Pizza’s ready. Want to watch a movie while we eat to drone out whatever’s going on outside?”

“Hm.” Hulk said with a shrug as he walked to the sofa. He sat down and the couch was crushed.

“The floors comfy too?” Hayley said giving him a small smile.

Meanwhile outside the common room…

“Damn it Stark get that door open!” Steve shouted.

“What’s it look like I’m doing Capsicle?! All the failsafes are in place… oh no.” Tony said.

“What?” Natasha said.

“All access to the security system in the common room is shut down by the Hulkbuster protocols.” Tony said.

“Meaning?” Clint said not liking where this conversation was going

“The door won’t be unlocked until Hulk turns back into Bruce.” Tony said.

“Our soulmate is stuck in there with the Hulk!” Steve shouted.

“AH!” Thor said hitting the wall with Mjolnir.

“Thor that door is hulk proof.” Natasha said through clenched teeth.

“We must do something, Hayley is trapped in there probably fearing for her life.” Thor said hitting the wall again.

Back inside the room…

“So I had to rewire the power outlet and hotwire the entertainment system but I think I have it working again.” Hayley said. “Bad news though the only movies we have to choose from are Tron Legacy or Marley and Me.”

“Dog Movie.” Hulk said.

“You a dog person?” Hayley asked.

“Bad sounds.” Hulk said.

“It was the eighties what did you expect.” Hayley said putting the movies in. She grabbed two pizzas and set them on the coffee table before grabbing the bottle of wine. “Man that banging is annoying.”

Two Hours Later-

“Doggie no!” Hulk cried.

“I know big guy.” Hayley said gently patting his arm. “Life isn’t fair.”

“Hayley!” She heard them all yell as they ran in.

“Took you long enough, pizza’s getting cold.” Hayley said.

“But you were…” Tony said looking at her.

“And he…” Steve started.

“Yeah, your security system sucks.” Hayley said standing up and carrying the empty wine glass and bottle back to the kitchen.

“So you’re okay?” Clint said.

“Hulk did not smash?” Thor asked.

“Of course I’m fine, and this guys a big softie on the inside.” Hayley said.

“He is?” Tony said.

“Yup.” Hayley answered.

“Hales, it’s Friday I’m off work and I’m ready to par-tay…” Will said as he walked in and took in the sight of Hulk standing in the middle of the living room.

“Sweet, I’m done pre-gaming just need to change and we can go.” Hayley said.

“Right…” Will said still in shock at seeing the Hulk.

“You’re going out?” Tony said.

“Yeah it’s Friday and Tess is waiting for us downstairs.” Will said.

“Sure that’s a good idea, especially after yesterday?” Steve said giving Will a pointed look.

“Please, if we can survive Halloween we can survive anything. I’ll help you pick out an outfit.” Will said.

“See you later guys, I promise we won’t wake you up.” Hayley said as she pulled Will out of the common room.

“Anyone else think this is a bad idea?” Steve asked.

“It’s a horrible idea but we can’t exactly stop her from going.” Natasha said.

“Birdie leaving?” Hulk asked.

“Yes she is leaving with Will.” Thor answered.

“Hm.” Hulk hummed as suddenly he crumpled to the ground and turned back into Bruce.

“That takes care of that problem.” Tony said.

“Mh, What happened?” Bruce said as he grabbed the blanket off what was left of the couch to cover himself.

“The UN was a distraction. They got in here and wiped anything we had on the winter soldier case off our system. They trapped you in here with Hayley and you Hulked out.” Tony said.

“What? IS she okay? Where is she?!” Bruce said panicking.

“She’s fine, more than fine actually she thinks the other guy is a big softie.” Clint said.

“Come again?” Bruce said.

“You guys were sitting down on the floor watching Marley and Me.” Natasha stated.

“They were?” Bruce asked.

“She also made him pizza.” Thor said biting into a slice.

“And she wasn’t… scared?” Bruce asked.

“Not in the slightest.” Steve answered.

“Wow this pizza is amazing.” Clint said.

“Where is Hayley?” Bruce asked.

“Downstairs getting ready to go out with Will and Tess.” Tony said.

“The same Tess from New Years?” Bruce asked.

“Yeah.” Clint said.

“We can’t exactly stop her from going. Besides she can handle hulk, I’m sure she can handle one night out with Will.” Tony said. “Plus she has a really high alcohol tolerance”

“None of that sounds really reassuring.” Steve said.

“Would you relax she’ll be fine, I put a tracker on her necklace earlier.” Natasha said.

“I hacked Will’s phone.” Tony said.

“You better be right.” Steve said.

Meanwhile downstairs…

“Here put this on.” Will said throwing an outfit at Hayley.

“I will never understand why you can’t just hand me things like a normal person.” Hayley said.

“I’m keeping you on your toes.” Will said.

“Are you sure Natasha doesn’t mind me borrowing her clothes?” Hayley called out from the bathroom.

“She’s fine with it now let me see.” Will said.

“I thing I’m showing off too much boob.” Hayley said coming out in the black skirt with lace trimmed black cropped cami.

“I don’t think you’re showing off enough.” Will said. “Shoes.”

“My feet are going to hate me later.” Hayley said looking at the heels before slipping them on.

“Let’s go Tess is downstairs and you know how impatient she is.” Will said.

“Is she getting impatient or are you?” Hayley said.

“It’s a bit of both now lets go.” Will said.

“Coat, Coat Coat!” Hayley screamed and she got pulled into the elevator.

“Stop hiding under those coats you’re not fooling anyone.” Will said.

They got downstairs and Tess’ jaw dropped.

“Hayley?” She said shocked.

“She lives!” Hayley cried. “I’m surprised you didn’t have to go get your stomach pumped after last night.”

“Yeah, me too.” Tess said giving Will a look.

“So where we off too?” Hayley said.

“Well I don’t have the old ball and chain with me so lets go get fucked up again!” Tess cheered.

“You’re not even married yet,” Hayley said laughing. “I finished a ridiculously expensive bottle of wine on my own so let’s skip the warm up and get straight to it.”

“God I missed you.” Tess said.

“You saw me last night, speaking of any word on when we’re going to be able to move back in or are we going to have to look for a new place because I don’t feel comfortable mooching off Mr. Stark forever.” Hayley said.

“Uh, no word yet but stop worrying about it, we’re going to have fun and use this as an excuse to get plastered.” Tess cheered.

“Hell yes, let’s see if I can bag myself a regular model tonight.” Will said.

“So much for sticking together.” Hayley said.

“But you got me.” Tess said making Hayley laugh.

“That I do.” Hayley said.

They skipped the line at the club and made their way in.

“I love this song!” Hayley cheered.

“Me too.” Tess cheered.

That was the last thing Hayley remembered of that night.

The Next Morning- Hayley’s POV

I don’t remember the last time I got such a good night’s rest. My pillow was amazing, I was definitely taking it back with me when I moved back to my apartment. It was soft and warm and… moving? What the hell?

“Mh Stay you’re warm.” I heard someone groan as I felt someone wrap their arms around me. If Will was behind me then why was my pillow moving. I opened my eyes and the light hurt.

“Uh.” I groaned. I pinched my eyes together before trying again. I looked around and noticed that I was using Tess’ chest as a pillow. When did Tess get here? I looked around and realized we were in my room at the tower. I remember falling asleep in Will’s room at the apartment… Am I missing something? I started feeling really queasy. I quickly ran out of bed and ran to the ensuite bathroom.

I barely made it and kneeled in front of the toilet just in time to throw up. I had never felt this sick in my life. The only exception was probably the morning after Tess’ wedding. I rinsed out my mouth at the sink before brushing my teeth. Everything hurt and my head was killing me.

I quietly padded out of the room and into the elevator. “Jarvis common room please or which ever floor has coffee ready. Uh my head.”

“Right away Miss Adams.” Jarvis said.

“Not so loud.” I said rubbing my temples as the elevator dinged. I walked out of the elevator and walked to the kitchen. Steve was just pouring himself a cup of coffee. I walked by and took it out of his hand. “Thank you.” All I heard was someone drop a plate and it very loudly shattered onto the ground.

“Hayley!” Tony said but it sounded like shouting.

“Dude I’m off the clock and my head is killing me.” Hayley said.

“You’re back!” Thor shouted as he pulled me into a bone crushing hug.

“Ow ow ow ow.” I cried out. “Too loud.”

“Are you okay?” Bruce said coming over to check on me.

“I’m fine, just have a giant headache, everything’s too bright and I woke up throwing up.” Hayley said.

“Sounds like a hangover.” Clint said.

“Hangover would imply I got hammered which I didn’t so I’m going with the flu.” I retorted.

“Hayley what’s the last thing you remember?” Steve asked.

“Uh… Thor’s ex showing up and knocking me out. I went over to Will’s for a movie night and I fell asleep with him in his bed. Then this morning I woke up using Tess’ chest as a pillow and Will was spooning me downstairs. Speaking of how did I end up in Will’s NYU T-shirt and these shorts?” I said looking down.

“Hayley that was a week ago.” Natasha said.

“What? That’s impossible.” I said.

“Hales it’s Saturday.” Clint said.

“What? Guys this isn’t funny it’s Monday.” I said.

“Hayley it really is Saturday.” Bruce said.

“No it’s not.” I said.

“Morning everyone.” Pepper said as she walked in. “Hayley you’re back to normal.”

“Normal?” I asked.

“Amora cast a spell on you. You were turned into a child.” Thor said.

“That did not happen.” I said. Natasha pulled out her phone and took out a picture of me as a two-year-old. How did she get that picture, I didn’t have any of me at that age. I took a closer look at noticed it was taken here I the common room. I looked around the common room and saw the couch that was partially destroyed before looking back the photo and then at everyone. “I don’t feel too good. I’m going to go lie down on top of the dog pile in my room.”

“Hayley you okay?” Steve asked.

“Uhuh, just not ready to deal with… that.” I said putting Natasha’s phone back down on the counter. “Actually I think… Buah!” I said barely making it to the trash can before throwing up. “Please tell me I didn’t drink any Yeager.”

“We don’t know, we picked you three up on the twenty third floor of the stairwell at three in the morning.” Tony said.

“Oh I feel like death.” I cried.

“It’s so good to have you back.” Clint said hugging me.

“Mh, I’m gonna take a nap.” I said burying my face into his chest to block out the light.

“Come on you’ll feel better after you eat. There’s nothing better for a hangover than a greasy breakfast.” Tony said.

“I’m never getting drunk again.” I whined.

“Give it a few days and you’ll forget all about this.” Clint said.

“Doubt it.” I said. “You guys saw me when I was in diapers, I’m never going to live this down.”

“You were actually toilet trained…” Thor started.

“Not helping.” Natasha said. “You were adorable and really sweet. You made me a drawing.”

“I did?”

“It’s on the fridge.” Natasha said.

“Aww I got your curls.” I said.

“You have an eye for detail.” Tony said.

“Anything else?” I asked.

“You met my mother.” Thor said.

“Your mother saw me as a two year old?!” I shouted. “Uh I can never show my face in Asgard again.”

“She is actually quite fond of you.” Thor said trying to make me feel better.

“I need to lie down.” I said standing up and wobbling.

“Whoa, You need a hand?” Steve asked.

“I’m okay, I’m just gonna crash on what’s left of the couch. Should I ask?”

“Maybe later.” Bruce said.

“Kay.” I said curling up into a ball and closing my eyes.

“For what it’s worth we missed you.” Steve said.

“Mh,” I groaned before I drifted off to sleep.