Fated Marks

When Rebekah told me her idea to use Delilah as leverage against Hadrian it made perfect sense and I was all in especially if it meant I got to keep being Hayley and got to stay with my soulmates. There were just some things I hadn’t exactly thought through… like how the best way to tell my soulmates wouldn’t be to walk into the common room after coming back from Atlantic City half asleep and blurt it out before knocking out on the couch.

I woke up the next morning to something very fuzzy nuzzling my neck and licking my arm. Well at least someone took me seriously when I said I wanted to cuddle.

I opened my eyes and was greeted by Lucky who started licking my cheek.

“Who’s a good boy?” I said petting his head. I sat up and realized everyone was sitting in the kitchen.

“Just let the record show, Lucky got to second before all of you.” I said joking… partially.

“How was Atlantic City?” Tony asked breaking the silence.

“Pretty good, long drive though. Ended up having dinner, found a really good surf n’turf place, you pick the surf and the turf.” I said.

“You remember what you said last night?” Clint asked.

“Uh which part? The getting flashed, taking my name off the lease, leaving for a year or about moving in?” I asked.

“How about you start from the beginning?” Bruce suggested.

“So I drove back from Atlantic City, oh yeah I’m keeping the car for a few more weeks, you know until I leave for England. Anyway I walked into the apartment There was Will and his lobster going at it. That was the third time so I’m out. Can I move back in?” I asked.

“You don’t have to ask but this time move in for real, The view when you leave is great but feels shitty.” Tony said.

“Promise, besides I never actually moved out, most of my things are still downstairs.” I said.

“You also mentioned England?” Steve asked.

“Oh yeah, I leave first week of June.” I said.

“I thought you said you could not leave the country?” Thor asked.

“I couldn’t, but I had a meeting with my lawyer last night who after a bunch of paperwork made it so my fake identity is now my real identity. He even got me a real passport.” I said.

“You have a lawyer?” Clint asked.

“You do realize paperwork means papertrail right?” Natasha said.

“Yeah that’s been taken care of. If anyone looks up Hayley Adams all they’ll get is a middle aged woman living off disability in Oregon.” I said.

“When did you have time to meet with your lawyer?” Tony asked.

“Last night over dinner hence the dress.” I said. “I should probably call Nate and ask if he wants to take over my lease well after another nap it’s still really early. Did any of you sleep last night?” They all just gave me really concerned looks.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing it’s just you’re a complete opposite of how you were yesterday.” Natasha said.

“April Thirteenth is the worst day of the year, April fourteenth on the other hand is the best day ever in comparison.” I said.

“Yesterday wasn’t a bad day.” Steve said.

It was a pretty shitty day but at least no one died not yet anyway. “Yeah I had you guys.” I said giving them a smile. “I’m gonna go take a nap. See you all at lunch, really looking forward to that lasagna oh and that offer to cuddle still stands.” With that I walked out of there and back to my apartment.

Third Person’s POV-

They watched as Hayley walked out of the common room. They waited until they heard the elevator doors close before speaking.

“Anyone actually buy that story?” Tony asked.

“No.” Natasha said opening up her phone.

“Since when does Hayley have a lawyer?” Steve asked.

“That might be a good place to start.” Clint said.

“I have a really bad feeling about this.” Bruce said. At that Thor got up.

“Thor, Where are you going?” Steve asked.

“I must return to Asgard soon. I’d like to spend some time with Hayley.” Thor said as he walked into the elevator.

“We should keep an eye on her, I don’t think everything’s as okay as she says it is.” Steve said.

“Not to mention she’s leaving in less than two months.” Tony said. “Oh crap I have to start looking for a temp.”

Hayley’s POV-

I was in bed cuddling with a pillow when there was a knock at the door.

“Come in.” I called out without bothering to back.

“Hayley?” Thor asked.

“Hey buddy, everything okay?” I asked.

“I’m here to cuddle.” Thor said giving me a small smile. I had to grin at how ironic it was that ancient god was nervous about cuddling.

“Yay, Finally someone took the hint.” I said scooting over and lifting up the covers. Thor chuckled but slipped under wrapping an arm around me.

“Hayley, I wished to speak with you.” Thor said.

“Everything all right?” I asked I could feel how worried he was and how tense he looked.

“After the bifrost was destroyed and Loki invaded Earth the nine realms were thrown into chaos. War is rampant and my father has done his best to handle matters but her cannot leave Asgard. I have been called back to lead his army and return the nine realms to peace.” Thor said.

“You’re going back to Asgard.” I said.

“Aye, I have duties to…” Thor started but before he could finish I kissed him.

“Thor you were prince of Asgard way before I was even born. You have responsibilities, I get it. Do what you have to do, just take care of yourself and when you come back I’ll be here. Maybe not exactly here in this spot but you get the idea.” I said resting a hand on his cheek.

“You amaze me more and more every day Hayley.” Thor said placing a chaste kiss on my lips before pulling me closer and kissing my forehead.

“It’s still early let’s get a couple hours in, I know none of you actually got any sleep last night.” I said.

“Aye… there was a mission briefing and a short mission.” Thor said.

“The ghost again?” I asked.

“Hm, ghost.” He muttered dozing off. I pulled up the covers and tucked us both in before dozing off as well.

A woke up a few hours later as the sun started hitting my face. The first thing I saw was Thor’s baby blue eyes looking right at me.

“Morning.” I said.

“Afternoon actually.” He said giving me a sleepy smile.

“Really?” I asked.

“Really.” He said slowly leaning closer to kiss me. Man I really liked kissing my soulmates. I can be having the worst day ever but the instant our lips met, none of that mattered. It was like the rest of the world just ceased to exist. What started off as a simple kiss eventually grew heated and I moved so I was straddling Thor’s. He sat up and put his arms around my waist as I put a hand on his shoulder and threaded my fingers through his long blonde hair. He was flushed and his pupils were dilated. I’m pretty sure I was equally if not more affected by him right now too.

I continued kissing him as I slowly started grinding my hips against his.

“Hayley.” Thor moaned before kissing me again except as he did so he rolled us over so I was under him as he hovered over me. He gave me this look I could probably only describe as love or what sappy romance novels would describe love like. He gently put a hand on my before bending down and kissing me like his life depended on it. I wrapped my legs around his waist and pulled him closer.

I don’t know what came over me, it might be the fact that this could possibly be the last time I ever see him or just that the past few days that finally caught up to me. I slowly rocked my hips against Thor’s groin. He doing exactly what I had done except he started kissing down my neck as he did so.

“Thor.” I gasped.

“hm.” He hummed as he looked up and gave me a smile. “Should I stop?” He asked.

I put a hand on the back of his head and pulled him back down so I could kiss him. He was more than happy to oblige. We continued making out until I felt how affected he was and he started rubbing up against just the right spot.

“Ah.” I gasped. This dress was either the best or the worst outfit Rebekah had ever picked out for me. Thor slowly moving a hand up and down my thigh only added to the sensation.

“Ar.” Thor started grunting. “Hayley I…”

“I think I’m close AH!” I panted.

“Let go love, I’m right there with you.” He said kissing me again and he hooked my right leg over his hip as he started moving faster.

“Thor, AH!” I gasped. I rocked my hips to keep up with him but the closer I got to my peak the less I could focus on moving. Thor didn’t stop and started kissing down my neck again. He stopped at a certain spot where my neck met my shoulder and sucked on it. I was a goner after that.

“AH! Hayley!” Thor gasped. We clung to each other while our highs died down.

“That was…” I started still panting. My mind was blown. I had my first orgasm without having to take off any clothes. This dress was an amazing choice.

“I-I think I rather enjoy cuddling.” Thor said making me laugh. “Are you alright? I didn’t...”

“Miss Adams, Mister Odinson, Captain Rogers wanted me to tell you lunch is ready.” Jarvis said.

“Right, late birthday lunch. We should…” I said catching my breath.

“Aye. I may need to change” Thor said. I couldn’t help but laugh at that.

“Yeah I don’t know if I should too.” I said.

“Miss Adams, Mister Stark is growing rather impatient.” Jarvis said.

“No time then.” I said sitting up.

“Appears so.” Thor said.

“Meet you up there?” I said.

“Aye.” He said kissing me.

“Keep doing that and I’m not getting up.” I said.

“That does sound like a wonderful idea.” Thor agreed as my stomach started growling. “But your stomach seems to have other ideas.”

“Yeah, I really should get up.” I said kissing him one last time. “Don’t take too long.” With that I slipped out of bed and straightened up my dress. I slipped on some flip flops and got in the elevator.

I was greeted by a bunch of balloons and flowers decorating the common room.

“What’s all this?” I asked.

“Happy Late Brithday!” They all cheered.

“Hales you look gorgeous.” Will cheered.

“Hey Hayley.” Josh greeted.

“Hey Josh good to see you with clothes on.” I said making him blush.

“Where’s Pointbreak?” Tony asked.

“He’ll be up in a bit. I thought we were going to keep this casual?” I asked.

“It’s just us, We put Tony in charge of the decorations, didn’t want him cooking.” Natasha said.

“Good call.” I said.

“Hey I can cook.” Tony said.

“You forget that I was there when you almost burned you’re house in Malibu down trying to heat up water for ramen.” I said.

“How does that happen?” Steve asked.

“I was surprised too. Everything smells amazing.” I said.

“Well sit down.” Clint said pulling out my chair.

“Thanks.” I said sitting down.

“We just wanted to say I’m sorry about last night.” Josh started.

“Josh it’s cool dude. Not the first time I get flashed in my own apartment. I’m glad Will finally found his lobster. You hurt him you’re dead.” I said.

Josh gulped. “Don’t have to worry about that with me.”

“Good.” I said. “By the way I’m moving out and I’m taking my name off the lease. I texted Nate and he said he’s willing to take over my spot.”

“What? Why?” Will said.

“Well for one I keep walking into you screwing people in the living room but mostly it’s because I’m leaving in a little under two months and its better for both of us and Nate if he just moves back in. Also I miss living in the tower and I sleep better when I’m closer to everyone.” I said.

“You’re leaving!” Will shouted.

“Yeah, I’m leaving for the year. Study abroad in England.” I said.

“You’re leaving for a year?” Will asked. “I’m losing my best friend for a year?”

“Dude it’s just a year and it’s not like we’re not going to talk. We’ll skype and text. It’s only a year, I’m coming back.” I said.

“But I’m gonna miss you.” Will said.

“But you’re not going to be alone, you have Josh.” I said. “And Nate now.”

“But they’re not you.” Will said.

“Harsh.” Josh said.

“Shush.” I said hugging Will. “Would it make you feel better if I told you I’m keeping the batmobile and want you to use it while I’m gone?”

“You’re keeping the car!” He said.

“It’s downstairs.” I said.

“Yay!” He cheered.

“Food’s served.” Steve said.

“I’m happy for you hales.” Will said hugging me again. “You have a hickie on your neck.” He whispered.

I felt my face heat up especially since at that moment Thor came out of the elevator with a huge smile on his face. I quickly moved my hair to try and cover it up.

“Took you long enough.” Tony said.

“Food’s served.” Bruce said.

“Aye forgive me.” Thor said sitting down in the seat next to me.

“So, Thor tell you he’s leaving tomorrow?” Clint said taking the seat opposite of him.

“Yeah.” I said taking Thor’s hand who raised it up to his lips and kissed it before putting it back down. “I’ll miss him but duty calls.”

“Guess it’s probably a bad time to tell you Fury wants us back in DC.” Steve said.

“Us?” I asked.

“Steve, Nat and I.” Clint said.

“The leads on the ghost have disappeared so he wants us to go back to what we were doing before, Strike Team Delta.” Natasha said.

“The three of you are going?” I asked.

“We’re good at our jobs, we’re just wasting time sitting around here doing nothing.” Steve said. Everyone just went quiet at that.

“Lasagna smells good.” I said changing the subject. “Can someone pass the salad?”

“So I guess it’s just going to be the two of us for a while.” Tony said.

“Why don’t you ask Rhodey to move in?” I asked.

“I did, But he’s being moved to Texas.” Tony said.

“I guess that just means you have an excuse to start remodeling again.” I said.

“Oh no.” Bruce said.

“I can redo the common room give it more of an open floor space.” Tony started.

“Hayley why?” Clint asked.

“Don’t worry I’ll make sure he doesn’t start until after we’re all out of here.” I said.

“Thanks.” Bruce said.

“Maybe this will be a good excuse to get out of the tower maybe for three hours a week, you could visit NYU…” I started.

“You know.” He said.

“I’m the team’s personal assistant they sent their offer to me.” I said.

“Then you know I also said no.” Bruce said.

“Technically you said you’d think about it.” I said.

“Which means no.” Tony said.

“I get that you’re afraid of the other guy getting out but you can’t keep yourself locked in here forever. You really want Tony to be your only connection to the outside world?” I said.

“Hey.” Tony said. ”But she does have a point.”

“You can say no but can you at least promise you’re going to actually try to get out of the tower at some point, on something not mission related?” I said.

“I’ll try.” Bruce said. “Would you maybe want to go get dinner later?”

“Sure.” I said.

“Who wants cake?” Will asked.

“No one better sing.” I said.

After lunch I went to go get dressed before heading out with Will and Josh. We were meeting Nate down at the bar to talk to Carl about the change in the lease. As I walked out of my room dressed in a white tee tucked into a taupe striped skirt and some sandals where Natasha was waiting for me.

“Hey, I was just about to head out.” I said.

“Where you off to?” Natasha asked.

“Sign over my lease to Nate and grab the last of my things.” I said.

“Need a hand?” She asked.

“It’s not a lot.” I said.

“It’ll go faster if I help.” She said.

“Sure.” I said. I knew this is her way of checking up on me. I felt a bit of anxiety coming from her mark though when I looked at Nat she was calm and composed.

“Just need to get my keys and we can go.” I said.

“I’ll drive.” Natasha offered.

“You sure?” I asked.

“Yes.” She said.

“Okay.” I said.

We made our way downstairs and got into Natasha’s stingray. The drive to the apartment was short and quiet. She would occasionally look over and give me a smile but wouldn’t say anything. Maybe this was one of her interrogation tactics.

We walked into the bar where Will was introducing Nate to Josh.

“Hayley!” Nate cheered before pulling me into a hug. I didn’t miss the glare Natasha gave him. “Natasha.”

“Nate.” Nat nodded at him.

“Happy belated birthday.” Nate said.

“Thanks, you ready to officially move into your dream apartment?” I asked.

“Yeah I was surprised you said yes. I know you just moved into your new place.” Will said.

“Guys my new place was a shithole. The neighbors were loud and that screaming kid kept me up half the night.” Nate said.

“There you are you cheeky bastards. Hayley you’re finally leaving?” Carl said. “You’ve moved out so many times I thought you had already moved out.”

“No Carl I was just giving this guy some alone time.” I said. “This is Nate, your new tenant.”

“Hiya.” Carl greeted shaking Nate’s hand. “So I got papers for both of you to sign. Hayley read it and sign where marked. Nate read over the rules and sign.

“Okay.” I said reading and signing.

“Done.” Nate said.

“Congrats you’re now renting half an apartment. Hayley get your crap out so Nate can move in.” Carl said walking away.

“I think he’s going to miss you.” Will said.

“Aw you think?” I said.

“You staying for drinks?” Nate asked.

“No I’m going to go upstairs and pack up what’s left of my stuff so you can move in.” I said. “I’m leaving all the furniture so you don’t have to worry about that.”

“Yes, your bed is so comfy.” Nate said.

“It should be it’s memory foam. See you guys later.” I said.

I stood up along with Natasha and we went upstairs. We started packing up my room which was just a few drawers of clothes. I turned bright red when Natasha started packing up my underwear drawer. I had a lot of lacy underwear.

I went through the living room and packed up my desk. Everything was packed when I looked around. My eyes landed on the fireplace. Should I take my stash with me? The fireplace was closed off and Will never bothered to even clean it. Mom always said to never leave all your eggs in one basket. I had a locker at the train station already. I had one here… maybe I should find a place to make another stash at the tower?

“Is this everything?” Natasha asked.

“Uh yeah… is it kind of sad that all my life possessions can fit into four boxes?” I asked.

“No it just means you’re not a hoarder.” Natasha said kissing my cheek before taking the first box downstairs.

I grabbed a box and followed after her. We loaded everything up and when I went to return the key Will and Nate told me to keep it. So I did, easier access to my stash.

“Want to grab a coffee?” I asked Natasha.

“Is it going to keep you up all night?” She asked.

“Probably not.” I said. “I’m willing to risk it.”

“We’re close to the place with the cannoli right?” She said and that’s when I knew I had her.

“Let’s go.” I said taking her hand.

The bakery was packed but there was still plenty of open table on the patio. We sat down and waited for our order.

“You didn’t invite me here because you needed a coffee break.” Natasha stated.

“Nope, you just seemed like you wanted to talk. I doubt you really wanted to spend the day helping me pack up my four boxes of things.” I said taking a sip of my espresso.

“It’s been a busy weekend and we dropped some stuff on you.” Natasha said.

“I dropped some stuff on you too.” I said.

“I didn’t drop it the way Steve did.” Natasha said.

“You know I was a bit hurt when he said it then I realized this is Steve we’re talking about and he probably didn’t mean it the way it came out.” I said.

“So you’re okay?” She asked.

“Yup.” I said. “I mean I was a bit taken by surprise by Thor leaving but then again it was kind of a miracle he stuck around this long. He’ll be back when the nine realms are at peace or whatever. As for the three of you DC isn’t that far away just one short plane ride away I can visit on weekends or you guys can. When are you guys moving down?”

“Two weeks, we have to put together the Strike team from all the agents on the roster.” Natasha said.

“I am going to miss you guys the tower’s going to be way to quiet.” I said.

“We’re not taking Tony with us.” Natasha said.

“Scratch that then.” I said smiling.

Tuesday Morning-

“What is wrong with me? I’ve gone soft. I told my almost family that I loved my soulmates which I don’t know. It’s a maybe I mean I don’t hate them but you know… the L word is uh... let’s not go there. The point is I went from level headed adult to teenager with a schoolgirl crush.” I started.

“Hayley you are a teenager. Your hormones are out of wack not to mention you have multiple soulmarks and you’re constantly around your soulmates and you haven’t actually bonded with any of them.” Kevin said.

I thought about it and for a minute he was right. They’d all gotten first dates well at least first solo outings. Though technically in Natasha’s case she crashed a sibling’s outing. Then I thought about Thor and how heated our make out session got which made me smile and blush. Man if that was just what making out and grinding was like imagine what…

“Hayley? Are you listening to me?” Kevin asked.

“Uh… sorry zoned out.” I started.

“It was more than a zone out, you’re blushing.” Kevin said.

“So before Thor left I had just gotten back from Atlantic City to return my birthday present…” I started.

“It was your birthday, aww happy birthday.” Kevin started.

“Anyway so I crashed on the couch and when I woke up it was still early. I was surprisingly cuddly which adds to the whole I’ve gone soft dilemma. Anyway Thor was the only one that actually said yes to cuddling and we started making out and then there was grinding and wow mind blown. I mean Will and Tess had told me how great sex was and I didn’t even get to that before we both got off.” I said.

“You didn’t complete the bond?” Kevin asked.

“Nope so you know we were good very giddy and probably the closest I’ve been to real peace in a while. But then yesterday he leaves and I start crying and I’m not talking a few tears slipping out crying I’m talking full on red blotchy face, sniffling, sobbing crying.” I said.

Flashback-

“Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you all dressed up.” I said looking at Thor all dressed up in his armor.

“Aye it’s been a while since it was necessary.” Thor said.

“Don’t you ever trip on the cape?” I asked.

“No, but it does help when flying.” He said walking over and putting his arms around me.

“It suits you.” I said. “Time to go?”

He bent down so he could kiss me. “It is.” He whispered against my lips.

“I’m going to miss you.” I said.

“I as well.” He said hugging me.

“Stay out of trouble if you can avoid it and make sure to get check out by the healers if you get hurt even if it doesn’t seem like much.” I said as he started kissing my neck.

“Mhm.” He said.

“And if you come back and I’m not here call me I don’t care what time it is.” I said.

“mhm.” He said kissing me.

“I made your mom some treats.’ I started.

“Hayley I…” He started but I kissed him before he could say it.

“Save it for when you get back.” I said.

“I’ll be watching over you.” He said kissing me one last time before letting go. He walked out of the common room and out to the balcony. Thor looked back and smiled before lifting Mjolnir up and being zapped away.

I took a deep breath before heading down to my room.

“Jarvis tell Tony I’m feeling a bit off and that I’m getting some sleep. Don’t let anyone into my apartment.” I said.

“Yes Miss Adams.” Jarvis answered.

I lied down in bed clutched a pillow and started crying. I just felt so sad and I really missed Thor.

End Flashback

“You two were very close. He kept you company when you ran errands and from what you’ve said he’s who you’ve gotten the closest to completing the bond with. Not to mention you l..” He started.

“Don’t say that word.” I said.

“Why are you so against admitting that you actually care about your soulmates?” Kevin said.

“Hey I resent that. I say I care about them all the time I just can’t say that exact phrase.” I said.

“And by phrase you mean I love you?” He asked.

“How can you just throw that word out there like it means nothing?” I said.

“What do you mean?” Kevin asked.

“I mean Will for example, he literally just met his lobster four days ago and they’re already attached to the hip and making plans for a cross country road trip over the summer. He says he loves stuff all the time and five minutes before I walked in here he was telling me how much he loved Josh. After four fucking days can you believe it?” I said.

“Good for Will after everything the other guys did to him.” Kevin started and I just gave him a look.

“I’m happy for him too but it’s just like he is just so willing to trust after getting heartbroken again and I have six amazing soulmates and they’re ready to say it. I mean Tony almost blurted it out. Clint is hinting at it, I had to kiss Tony and Thor not to say it and I just can’t deal with it. I am so fucking damaged. I mean growing up the only times my mom said it were when Hadrian sealed a business deal or when she was trying to guilt me into doing something. She threw that word out to any guy that gave her the smallest bit of attention so now every time I even think about saying that stupid three worded eight lettered phrase I freeze because I don’t want to do to them what she did to me. I don’t want them to feel obligated to stick by me and my shit the way I had to stick by the shit my mom did. I’m really fucked up.” I said.

“No, you’re not. You love them and you’re trying to protect them by keeping them at arms length but in reality you’re just hurting yourself which is why you’re on an emotional rollercoaster at the moment. You keep pushing, the bond keeps pulling. Not to mention you’re bottling a lot of stuff up. All that stress it’s eating you up inside, you need to let it out Hayley.” Kevin said.

“What if I can’t?” I asked.

“Can’t or wont?” He asked. “Time’s up. I’ll see you next week.”

“See you next week.” I said standing up and walking out of the room. It felt really good to get that off my chest. I stopped by to grab everyone’s coffee and some pastries before heading back to the tower.

I got up there and everyone was sitting around the common room.

“Coffee’s here.” I said handing them out to everyone. “I also got some pastries. I called the movers and they need to confirm the exact date you want them to pick everything up and the addresses where everything is being delivered. Tony you have a meeting with the PR team over that press tour Pepper wants you to go on. Nat, Clint and Steve you have a meeting with Deputy Director Hill at two about picking out your new team I suggest you don’t keep her waiting she sounded really mad over the phone.”

“Thanks Hales.” Clint said kissing my temple as he passed by.

“How was therapy?” Tony asked.

“Tony.” Bruce chastised.

“It was good, Kevin wants to know when we’re having another group session.” I said and everyone just shut up.

“Uh well If he… uh.” Tony started.

“I’m joking he’s still recovering from the last one.” I said. “I think he needed therapy after that session. It was pretty interesting though apparently I bottle in way too many things. Who knew?” I said sarcastically.

“Yeah, uh Hales you busy?” Clint asked.

“Considering I just got an email from PR that Tony cancelled his meeting with them,” I said giving him a stern look. “I’m free til four where we rescheduled.”

“Aw.” Tony whined.

“I was just about to go walk Lucky, want to come with?” He asked.

“Sure, it’s a nice day out.” I said.

“Be right back.” He said looking a bit nervous.

“What’s wrong with him?” I asked Natasha.

“Talk to him.” She said with a knowing look.

“I hate surprises.” I said.

“Ready.” Clint said coming in with Lucky.

“Be back later, Tony don’t reschedule with PR again.” I said before taking Clint’s hand and walking into the elevator.

The walk to the park was pretty normal. We talked about funny things we saw on the way there or about how much he knew he was going to hate the apartment SHIELD picked out for him in DC.

“It’s going to be a good change. For one it won’t be as crowded and it’ll give you a chance to find new food place to try. I looked up this place that had something called a churonut. Churro and a donut combined.” I said.

“Yeah but there’s something New York has that DC doesn’t.” Clint said.

“Rent control?” I asked.

“You.” He said kissing me.

“Such a sap.” I said.

“Only for you and you know you love it.” Clint said. There it was again, that word.

“It grows on you.” I deflected.

“Uh I need to ask you something and you can say no, no pressure.” Clint said looking nervous.

“Okay?” I said.

“So uh you remember my ex Bobbi?” Clint asked.

“You mean your ex wife you forgot to tell me about and that I’m totally not mad about anymore? Yes.” I said

“Uh the divorce got finalized and she’s getting remarried to her soulmate and she invited me well us, the invitation said Hawkass plus one, to the wedding. It’s next month in Aruba. Would you please go as my date?” Clint asked.

“Of course, weddings are fun.” I said. “Though I do have to warn you you’re going to have to help me pick out a dress and shoes.”

“You mean an entire day of just the two of us running around New York uninterrupted? Sounds great.” He said joking around.

“I was actually going to say pick one of the dresses Natasha stashed in my closet for me but if you’re volunteering…” I started.

“Hales I freaking l-“ He started but I kissed him again.

“What do you get your super spy ex wife as a wedding present?” I asked.

“A gun and a bullet proof vest for the groom.” Clint said.

“I’ll start looking.” I said.