Fated Marks

I woke up the next morning to the sound of someone whimpering. I heard something clawing against the door and realized it was Lucky who probably needed to be let out.

I started moving to get out of bed but pulled me back.

“Mh, don’t go.” He mumbled sleepily.

“Your roommate needs to be taken out.” I said.

“I’ll do it, stay in bed its still early.” He said kissing me briefly before letting go of me and sitting up. I heard him put on his shoes before walking out of the room.

“Lucky come on,” Clint said. I heard the door close and everything went quiet. I was tempted to get out of bed but it was cold and I was okay just staying under the warm covers. I dozed off again and the next time I woke up was when Clint was slipping back into bed.

“You feel cold.” I said.

“It’s always cold in the morning but it warms up. Wow that is a big hickie.” Clint said moving my hair to take a look.

I couldn’t help but blush. “It was a good date.” I said.

“I would not want to be the idiot Natasha had to go take down last night.” Clint said.

“Was she really mad?” I asked.

“Nothing getting in a few good punched won’t fix.” Clint said. “What time you want to head out?”

“Don’t know, are we supposed to get there at a certain time?” I asked.

“Rehearsal dinner’s going to be a bit late so we have time.” He said kissing me.

“We could leave early have time to look around.” I said as he started kissing down my neck.

“Mhm.” He hummed.

“I could make us breakfast.” I said as he started sucking on one particular spot. “Ah.”

“I’ll do it.” He whispered into my ear. “Breakfast in bed.”

“I like watching you in the kitchen.” I said pushing him onto his back before straddling his waist.

“You’re killing me Hales.” Clint groaned.

“Sorry.” I said about to move off him when he suddenly sat up and put his hands on my waist, keeping me in place.

“Waffles okay?” He asked.

“Waffles are great. You have any strawberries?” I asked.

“Nope but chocolate chip?” He countered.

“Even better.” I said putting a hand behind his head and pulling him into a kiss.

“Keep that up and I’m not letting you out of bed.” He said nuzzling into my neck and gently kissing behind my ear. Clint let go and I got off of him before heading to the bathroom. I quickly freshened up before going to meet him in the kitchen.

“Hey buddy.” I said petting Lucky.

“Woof!” He barked jumping on me.

“Someone missed you.” Clint said.

“I noticed,” I said. “Need a hand?”

“Mind taking out the eggs and bacon from the fridge?” Clint asked as he started making the waffle mix.

“Got it.” I said going over. “Whoa, you’re going to have to make a grocery run when we get back.”

“It’s always like that, I don’t really have time to cook, I just grab something at the cafeteria.” Clint said.

“The food looks pretty good.” I said remembering what I saw in the cafeteria.

“It better be most of the people that work there spend more nights in the office than at home.” Clint said.

“Sounds kind of depressing, then again I live where I work so not the best person to ask.” I said.

“How is work?” Clint asked.

“Pretty slow, I’ve mostly just been looking for my temporary replacement. I’ve only interviewed three potential candidates and Tony keeps vetoing them.” I said.

“They do have big shoes to fill.” Clint said.

“They’re all Ivy League post docs, and his exact words were, ‘too boring’, ‘no social skills’ and my all time favorite ‘do you really hate me that much Hayley?’” I said.

“You know what this is right?” Clint said.

“Tony moping because I’m leaving?” I said.

“Pretty much. Before you showed up he didn’t have a PA, he had Jarvis.” Clint said.

“I know he did the only difference was he was still dating Pepper and he listened to Jarvis because she told him to.” I said and Clint just gave me a look. “Oh.”

“Yeah.” He said with a smirk.

“I could have saved myself so much trouble.” I said. “I missed our talks.”

“Missed having a movie buddy.” He said. “Don’t get me wrong talking to you over skype does make my day but…”

“It’s not the same as being next to each other in person.” I said putting a hand on his cheek.

“Thanks for doing this.” Clint said.

“You know I’m a bit surprised your ex wife invited you to her wedding.” I said.

“I was too but in the end the split was mutual.” Clint said.

“No stranger to that, I mean I still hang out with Nate.” I said.

“Right.” Clint said. “Waffles are ready.”

“So is the bacon.” I said. “Where are your mugs?”

“Cabinet next to the fridge.” He said.

We quickly served ourselves some breakfast and sat down at the counter.

“I missed waffles.” I said. “Morning breakfast is so quiet now.”

“I turn the TV on.” Clint said.

“I was going to ask, is there anything I need to know before we go to this thing, you know to avoid surprises?” I asked.

“Uh… Mostly going to be the same people who showed to our wedding so… No you’re good. Might hear some embarrassing stories but you should be good.” He said.

“No skeletons in the closet you want to mention?” I asked.

“Where’s this coming from?” He asked.

“Just curious,” I said.

“I’ll be with you the entire time you don’t have to worry about making small talk.” Clint said.

“No I’m more worried about showing up to a spy wedding.” I said.

“Well Hunter’s actually a mercenary…” Clint said.

“I feel so much better.” I said sarcastically.

“Hey, I promise this is just a completely normal destination wedding. It just so happens that everyone there is in the spy business in some way. You manage us just fine, this’ll be a cake walk in comparison.” Clint said.

“I guess you’re right,” I said. “Besides as the ex husband everyone’s probably going to be too busy glaring at you.”

“I don’t… I better take my gear just in case.” Clint said.

“That’s going to be a funny story when they show their kids their wedding photos.” I said taking a sip of my coffee. He had made it just the way I liked it.

After Breakfast we cleaned up and got dressed for the flight.

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay flying there?” I asked.

“Hales I do it all the time besides all I have to do is take off and then its autopilot for three hours and I land it.” He called from the bedroom.

“I’m just checking, should we grab some snacks?” I asked as I finished braiding part of my hair back.

I had picked out one of my favorite pair of jeans that had rips on the knees and a black cropped spaghetti strap top. I paired it with some tan braided sandals. With that I was finally ready to go.

“I got us covered with the snacks.” He said as I came out of the bathroom.

“Cool, I’m good to go.” I said.

“I feel underdressed now.” He said.

“I’m probably going to have to change when we get there, jeans at the beach are not comfortable.” I said.

“You look great Hayley.” He said pulling me closer.

“Not so bad yourself.” I said

“Let’s get going, Natasha said she’d be by later for Lucky.” Clint said.

“She on her way back?” I asked.

“Yeah, she said a few more hours.” Clint said.

“That’s good, let’s go.” I said grabbing my suitcase. We made our way downstairs and piled into the car and we were off. I put on my sunglasses and watched everything pass by. If there was one thing I didn’t miss about New York it was the traffic. In less than fifteen minutes we were pulling into the parking garage at the Triskelion. We unloaded the car and headed to the hanger.

“Barton, Clint.” Clint said to the elevator.

“Identity confirmed.” The elevator answered.

“Quinjet Hanger.” Clint said as my phone started ringing

“It’s Tony.” I said. “What did you blow up?”

“Why were you hacking SHIELD’s servers?” Tony asked.

“Apparently I got promoted and I’m a consultant now.” I said as the elevator stopped and three agents got in.

“Barton.” One of them greeted.

“Rumlow.” Clint said indifferently.

“Who’s the chick?” Rumlow asked.

“Way above your clearance level.” Clint answered.

“Okay I just wanted to ask where did you leave the microchip implanter?” Tony asked.

“Why do you need it?’ I asked.

“She’s smoking.” Rumlow said.

“Oh you know just going to implant a new upgrade to the previous one.” Tony said.

“Tony whatever you’re thinking of doing don’t.” I said.

“Come on Hales its just one tiny microchip that goes into my spine.” Tony said.

“Your spine?!” I said. Everyone just turned to give me a weird look. “How is Bruce letting you do this I put him in charge?”

“He had to go out for a faculty meeting at NYU.” Tony said.

“I’ll say it again don’t even think about it or I’ll have Jarvis lock you out of the lab until I get back.” I said.

“You’re no fun.” Tony whined.

“One if us has to be the grown up you manchild.” I said and everyone chuckled. “I’ll see you when I get back. Also decided not to hire a temp I’m just going to reprogram Jarvis to make him sound like a 1950’s housewife. Bye.”

“Stark?” Clint signed and I nodded. I started hacking into the tower’s server’s long distance to make sure Tony didn’t try anything.

“Hales.” Clint said as the elevator doors opened.

“Right.” I said.

“Bye hales.” Rumlow said trying to sound flirty.

“You’re not my type.” I said walking past him without even looking at him. The other two agents chuckled.

We walked into the hanger until Clint stopped at one of the quinjets.

“This is ours.” He said.

“Cool.” I said following him onboard. We quickly stored our luggage and then Clint led me to the cockpit of the plane. “I get to sit in the front?”

“You get to be my copilot.” Clint said.

“Which means I provide snacks while you fly this thing?” I asked.

“You’re already the best copilot I’ve ever had.” Clint said.

“I bet you say that to all the girls you’ve taken flying.” I said.

“You’re the only one I’ve ever taken flown with not counting Nat cuz well she’s Nat.” Clint said.

“Let’s get in the air already.” I said.

“Buckle in I need to do preflight checks and get clearance from air traffic control.” Clint said.

“Aye aye Captain.” I said giving him a mock salute.

Third Person’s POV-

A few seconds after Hayley and Clint got off the elevator, three agents slipped inside and the doors closed.

“So that’s your kid sister?” Rumlow asked.

“That’s Calliope.” Hadrian said.

“She grew up.” One of the agents said.

“You two have the same eyes.” Another one said. Hadrian turned and punched the man in the face.

“Don’t ever compare me to that bitch.” Hadrian sneered. “You two are still on leave?”

“Yeah.” One of them answered.

“Pack you’re bags, you’re going to deliver a message to Calliope for me.” Hadrian said.

Hayley’s POV-

“That’s it?” I asked.

“Yeah, autopilot does the rest. I can switch it to manual but it’s less of a hassle this way.” Clint said putting his feet up on the dashboard.

“Neat, not as affected by turbulence either.” I said.

“Smooth sailing.” He said unbuckling his seatbelt. “I feel like I should have packed a deck of cards or something.”

“Who need’s cards, we have each other that’s all the entertainment we need.” I said which made Clint bust out laughing. I thought about it for a minute and realized what I had implied. “Oh crap I didn’t mean that thought I mean technically that could also…” I started babbling before he moved over to kiss me.

“How about we stick to twenty questions?” Clint suggested.

“Sounds good.” I said.

“Just need to do one last thing…” He said leaning over and flipping a switch. “Stealth mode, don’t want anyone tracking us down and ending the vacation early.”

“You guys have all the neat toys.” I said.

“Not as neat as the arrow upgrades. I can’t wait to try them out.” He said looking like a little kid bragging about his toys.

“You want to start twenty questions?” I asked.

“Let’s do something different. Instead of guessing what the other is describing let’s ask twenty questions about each other.” Clint said.

“I have a feeling this game would go over better with drinks.” I said.

“Maybe but you know full disclosure and whatever is said on this jet stays on this jet.” Clint said.

“We get to pass but if we do we ask another question.” I said.

“Deal.” Clint said. “Ladies first.”

“Craziest mission you’ve ever been on not counting New York.” I said.

“Budapest, and that’s Nat and I’s Vegas so don’t ask.” Clint said. “Favorite place that you’ve lived.”

I didn’t even have to think about it. “Colorado, there was this small town population of a little over a thousand. Took forever to get anywhere but in the winter everything looked like something out of a storybook. How’d you get your call sign?”

“Back when I was with the circus…” Clint started.

“You were in the circus?” I asked.

“I never told you?” Clint said. “I could have sworn I did. So after my parents died my brother and I were sent to a foster home. It wasn’t great and after a while Barney decided to runaway. I went with him and we made it to a rail yard and got on the first train we saw leaving. We happened to get on the train a traveling circus was using to leave town. At first they wanted to kick us off but the ring master decided to take us in so we’d help out. It was tough but it was better than where we were. One day I saw one of the archers practicing and when he put his bow down to take a break I tried it out. He was pissed but impressed I actually made a bullseye so he took me on as his apprentice. I was a perfect marksman, had good eyes and I’m from Iowa.” Clint said.

“Iowa Hawkeyes.” I said.

“Brother thought of it before he decided to steal from the people who took us in and left me for dead.” Clint said.

“Older brothers huh?” I said.

“Yeah, How’d you learn sign language?” Clint asked.

“Self taught.” I said.

“Why?” He asked.

“Isn’t it my turn to ask a question?” I asked.

“I answered two questions.” Clint said.

“My mom had just broken up with the only guy she ever dated that wasn’t a douchebag so to get back at her I gave her the silent treatment for a year. I learned sign language so I could still communicate with her. Drove her crazy.” I said. “You ever find out what happened to your brother?”

“He disappeared. What was your mom like?” Clint asked.

“Mom she was… complicated. She was really good with numbers, great at business knew how to make money. A bit of an airhead, I had to pay the bills half the time cause she’d never remember. She was a free spirit when it came to romance. She’d fall for the first guy to give her any attention, got her into problems a lot which I ended up getting dragged into and it never lasted. She also preferred my brother never understood why, still don’t.”

“She’s the woman in the photo from your nightstand.” Clint said trying to picture it. “You look a lot like her.”

“I get that a lot.” I said. “Why did you and Bobbi split up? You don’t have to answer that, I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No it’s fine. When we met we just couldn’t get enough of each other. Three months later we were married. We were always on missions and hardly saw each other. When we did see each other we fought a lot. Absence doesn’t always make the heart grow fonder. Then when we finally did sit down to talk things out we realized we hardly knew each other and that we wanted different things and that was that.” Clint said.

“I’m sorry.” I said.

“I’m not. We split up on pretty good terms. When she showed up with the divorce papers that was actually the first time in three years I’d seen her. Things happen for a reason Hales, she found Hunter, I found you and I wouldn’t trade you for anything. You were the best thing that came out of me getting brainwashed, I l-…” Before he could finish I had thrown myself at him and kissed him.

“You’re such a sap.” I said before kissing him as a straddled his lap. “For the record you and everyone else are the best thing that came out of my brother trying to kill me.”

“Who’s the sap now?” He said kissing me again.

“Still you, but I adore that about you.” I said kissing him again before moving off him. When I stood up Clint pulled me back to sit on his lap and put his arms around my waist.

“My turn.” Clint said kissing my shoulder. “What exactly happened last night?”

“Pass,” I said blushing.

“Okay, what trouble did your mom drag you into?” Clint said.

“Pass.” I said.

“Your brother’s name?” he asked.

“Which one?” I said.

“What do you mean?” He asked.

“You think I’m the only one that’s changed identities?” I said.

“What should I visit in Europe?” I asked.

“Naples, best pizza anywhere.” Clint said. “Why are you so afraid of telling us about him?”

“You pull on one thread you unravel everything, and it’s not pretty.” I said. “How’d you start working for SHIELD?”

“I eventually left the circus, got caught up with some guys and became a hitman and Thief. SHIELD gave me the option of working for them or going to jail.” Clint answered. “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?”

“Pass.” I said.

“What trouble did your mom drag you into?” Clint said.

“She got in debt with the Triads and sold my services to them. They kept me for a year, well it was supposed to be a year but they let me go a few months early.” I said.

“What?” He said shocked.

“She borrowed some money and couldn’t pay. Told them about my hacking and made a deal, I stay with them for a year and do what they needed me to do and her debt was forgotten. It wasn’t that bad, I was away from my brother, Learned Chinese, and how to make a mean Peking Duck. They didn’t keep me chained up in a cell. I stayed at one of the higher ups residences, had my own room and played with the other kids when I wasn’t working.” I said.

“What exactly…” Clint started but the controls started beeping.

“Looks like we’re almost there.” I said getting up and back to my seat and trying to change the subject.

“Yeah.” Clint said concerned.

The rest of the time on the plane Clint focused on landing and communicating with the control tower. When we were finally on the ground, we grabbed our things and passed through passport control. We passed right trough and then went to grab a rental. The car ride was silent.

“I shouldn’t have said anything.” I said.

“No, it’s not that just a lot to process. How old were you?” Clint asked.

“It was after the year of silence so about nine or ten.” I said.

“Damn Hayley, why?” Clint said.

“Growing up I had two constants, my sociopath of an older brother and my mom. If I didn’t do it she was going to die, there was no choice to make.” I said.

“You’re too good.” He said.

“Trust me I’m not.” I said looking away from him and out the window.

“How many languages do you speak?” Clint asked trying to change the subject.

“English, Spanish, French, Sign Language, Chinese, and the bits of Russian Nat’s taught me.” I answered.

“I can barely keep my thoughts in order with two languages.” Clint said.

“You can also add the compiled languages I know.” I said. “Is that the hotel?”

“I forgot to tell you, since we got a private jet I figured why not go all out and get a beach house with a private beach.” Clint said.

“Clint you shouldn’t have.” I said.

“I want to spoil you Hayley. Besides this is the last time in a while we might be able to do something like this.” He said.

“You have two extra weeks paid vacation for a reason.” I said.

“Don’t really have a nine to five job, and you’re going to have school.” He said.

“Yeah.” I said. Truth was most of the classes I was taking were only two days a week or online so I could focus the rest of the time on tracking down Delilah. “But I still have the weekends. We could pop over the channel and get some pizza.”

“You have five well four other soulmates who are probably going to want to do the same.” Clint said.

“It’s a year, there’ll be time.” I said. “Wow look at those beaches.”

“Don’t get that in New York.” Clint said.

We kept driving until we finally made it to a beach house a mile or two from where the wedding was going to be held.

“Wow.” I said.

“Looks even better than in the pictures.” Clint said unloading the car. I grabbed my suitcase and followed after him. He unlocked the door and we walked in. Everything was decorated to make it look rustic and the view of the beach was perfect.

“This is better than a hotel.” I said. “Plus we can cook if we get tired of eating out.”

“Maybe.” He said.

“Let’s unpack a bit and then go grab lunch.” I said.

“It’s like you read my mind.” He smirked.

We quickly unpacked our bags. I waited until he went into the bathroom to unpack my bras and undies. I prepared for every possibility so I may have brought along some of my nicer lingerie. I quickly pulled out a white crop top and a blue and white striped midi skirt.

“Wow.” He said.

“Whoa nice arms.” I said.

“Ready?” He asked.

“Yeah.” I said.

“I was thinking a nice restaurant close to the beach and walk around afterwards?” Clint asked.

“Sounds good.” I said grabbing a sun hat and my sunglasses.

We drove back to town and settled on a small restaurant right by the beach. We both ordered some grilled fish and I got a fruity drink to go with it.

“What are you doing?” I asked as I saw him mess with his phone.

“Taking pictures.” He said.

“Oh good idea.” I said taking out my phone and taking some of him.

“Look who showed up.” Clint said standing up.

“Barton, didn’t think you’d be here.” An Asian woman with dark hair and an unamused look said.

“Aww cookies I missed you.” Clint said and she punched his arm. Better not call her cookies.

“Don’t call me that, Melinda May.” She said offering her hand to me.

“Hayley Adams.” I said. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. You two here for the wedding?” Melinda asked.

“Yeah, How’s retirement?” Clint asked.

“It’s fine, a lot quieter than the field.” She said.

“Sounds boring.” Clint said and I elbowed him. “Ow.”

“Excuse him, he can’t sit still for more than five minutes. Kind of why he got stuck doing paperwork half the night.” I said.

“Some things never change. I’ll let you get back to your lunch. See you at the rehearsal dinner.” Melinda said before leaving.

“Work friend?” I asked.

“Yeah she was an amazing agent, only person I’ve seen give Natasha trouble on the mat.” He said suddenly getting serious.

“What made her retire?” I asked.

“Mission gone wrong.” He said getting tense. I put a hand over his and gave him a gentle squeeze.

“Is she someone I could get dirt on you from?” I said trying to lighten the mood.

“You could always just ask me.” He said.

“Or Nat, I have a feeling you’d leave out the good stuff.” I said,

“I used to wear purple tights when I started out.” Clint said.

“No.” I said trying to imagine that.

“I did.” He said and I tried to hold back my laughter but couldn’t.

“Please tell me you have a picture of that.” I said.

“They’re stored somewhere.” Clint said.

“I’d offer you stories but you met me as a two, four, eight, thirteen and fifteen year old.” I said getting the chills just thinking about what I was like at that age.

“You were a cute kid. Scared the crap out of us as a thirteen year old.” Clint said.

“Yeah, I really was a moody, grumpy teenager.” I said.

“Not always you used to be the life of the party at fifteen.” Clint said.

“Ah, the year of YOLO.” I said. “Also known as the fuck it year. That year was a blur and every weekend was a blur.”

“What finally got you to stop?” Clint said.

“I was trying to numb myself from what was really bothering me and I hit rock bottom. I woke up in the hallway outside of my apartment on a Sunday morning after a night of partying and I thought back to all the morning I woke up to my mom in the exact same way and it scared the crap out of me.” I said. “Hence why I now only get hammered on occasion. That and it takes a lot more to get me hammered now.”

“My dad was a drunk, he caused the crash that killed him and my mom. Same reason I can’t stand the smell of whiskey.” Clint said.

“Ew, that is gross. Step dad number two’s drink of choice, made me gag every time he talked.” I said.

“How many step dads?” Clint asked.

“Three officially, None stuck around long.” I said. “Mom sure knew how to pick them.”

“Sounds like she was a poor judge of character.” Clint said.

“More like she was lonely, liked to see the best of people and ignored the big bad parts.” I said. I don’t remember the last time I talked this much about mom.

“You want to head out?” Clint asked snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Yeah.” I said.

Clint paid and we took a walk on the beach.

“I’ve never seen water that clear at a beach.” I said.

“Let’s go dip our feet in.” Clint said pulling me with him.

“Or we could go back to the house and take advantage of that private beach?” I suggested.

“I like the way you think.” He said pulling me into a kiss. I saw a felt the flash of a camera. I opened my eyes and saw a guy holding Clint’s phone.

“I got a few.” He said.

“Thanks man.” Clint said slipping him a twenty.

“You hired a photographer?” I said.

“I wanted one of those couple pictures people everyone takes on the beach.” He said.

“You better send me any pictures you take, I want something to look at when I’m alone in the cold dark nights of London.” I said.

“Whatever you want.” He said kissing me again. I parted my lips slightly and he slipped his tongue into my mouth.

“Mhm.” I moaned into the kiss. Clint put his arms around me and pulled me closer.

“Oi get a room you two.” Someone said and we broke the kiss.

“Clint Barton kissing in public, never thought I’d see that happen.” I heard someone else say.

“Hunter, didn’t expect to see you until later.” Clint said.

“Was just walking around getting some things for Bobbi.” Hunter said. “Who might this beautiful girl be?”

“Hayley, meet Hunter, Bobbi’s some to be husband.” Clint said.

“Hi and congrats.” I said.

“Thanks, So how’d you get stuck with this guy?” He asked.

“A dog stole his pizza and I ate it so I kinda owed him.” I said making Clint smirk.

“Well I’d love to stay and chat but I have to go figure out what I’m wearing tonight. Bobbi didn’t think it was funny when I suggested wearing my aloha shirt. Get there early it’s an open bar.” He said.

“Groom huh.” I asked.

“Yeah.”

“When I pictured a mercenary, I didn’t imagine that.” I said.

“Told you, you had nothing to worry about.” Clint said.

“Plus there’s an open bar.” I said.

“That does help.” He said.

“Let’s get back and use that private beach.” I said.

“Sounds like a plan.” Clint said.

We stopped by a grocery store and picked up some snacks to keep at the beach house before heading back.

“Hales, Everything okay?” Clint called out.

I was in the bathroom looking at myself in the mirror. I was wearing an aquamarine halter bikini but I could not stop looking at the scar on my side.

“Be out in a sec.” I said. I needed to change. I have no idea why I let Will talk me into buying two piece bathing suits. I opened the door and walked out.

“Wow…” Clint gasped before starting to mutter something to himself.

“I know, it looks really bad. I’m changing.” I said walking to my suitcase.

“What? why?” He said.

“Because I have a nasty scar on my side and I’m wearing a two piece bikini that shows it off.” I said.

“Hales, hey.” He said pulling me towards him where he was sitting. “You look gorgeous.” He said with his eyes closed.

“Your eyes are closed.” I deadpanned.

“Oh fuck it.” He said pulling me onto him so I was straddling him and kissed me. Clint rolled over and pinned me to the bed. “You. Are. Beautiful. Gorgeous. Amazing. And strong.” He said kissing down my body and punctuating each word with a kiss, the last one being at the scar. I pulled him back up and kissed him while putting my legs around his waist.

“Mh.” He moaned as I started rocking my hips against his groin. I think I figured out why he had his eyes closed earlier. I moved my hand down to get a feel for things through his swim trunks. ”AH Hayley.” He gasped.

“Sh, relax.” I said kissing him as I moved my hand under his trunks and feeling how hard he was.

“Fuck, Hayley…” He groaned into my neck suddenly I heard screaming.

“Wah!” I said jumping a bit.

“No.” Clint whined.

“What the hell was that?” I said.

“Ringtone.” Clint said.

“For who?” I asked.

“Bobbi.” Clint said moving to get the phone. “Barton. No I’m at… can’t it…. okay I’ll get there as soon as I can.”

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Bobbi needs me to help with something, and she threatened to come and cut something off if I didn’t go meet her.” Clint said looking really uncomfortable.

“Why is she calling you?” I asked.

“I don’t know I’m sorry I have to go.” He said.

“It’s fine.” I said. You know that cliché about the ex wife and the new girlfriend not being able to get along, well in this case its well deserved.

“Rain check?” Clint asked.

“You bet your ass on it.” I said pulling him into another kiss. “I’m gonna go cool down, see you when you get back.”

Third Person’s POV-

“This better be important.” Clint said walking into the suite Bobbi and Hunter were staying in.

“You ass I thought you said you were going to take care of this!?” Bobbi yelled.

“Take care of what?” Clint said.

“The divorce you idiot!” Hunter yelled.

“Yeah, I signed and gave it to… oh.” Clint said.

“What?” Bobbi said glaring daggers at him.

“I gave it to Stark.” Clint said.

“Tony Stark?” Hunter said.

“I should have believed him when he said he doesn’t like to be handed things.” Clint said.

“Tony Stark lost our divorce papers!?” Bobbi yelled.

“We can sort this out. I’m sure we can go to a judge here and get a quickie divorce.” Clint said.

“You better hope so.” Bobbi said grabbing her purse.

The car ride was tense and for the first time in a long time Clint genuinely feared for his life.

“How’s Hayley?” Bobbi finally asked.

“She’s good.” Clint said. “Left her at the house.” Clint could feel himself getting himself going again just thinking about her.

“How much begging did you have to do to get her to forgive you last time?” Bobbi asked.

“Uh, there was begging, talking, yelling, group therapy…” Clint started.

“You went to couple’s therapy?” Bobbi said. “When I suggested it you walked out.”

“Never doing that again.” Clint said.

“What you’d do to piss her off?” Hunter asked.

“Didn’t tell her I was her soulmate or that I was married.” Clint said.

“Why the bloody hell didn’t you tell her?” Hunter said.

“It was complicated, choice wasn’t entirely mine in telling her and she was seeing someone at the time so we stuck to just being friends. I was just glad to have her in my life.” Clint said.

“You love her.” Bobbi said.

“Yeah I do.” He said. “She’s probably going to kill me when she finds out about this.”

“Then don’t tell her, what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.” Hunter said.

“No don’t do that just tell her what really happened, she obviously loves you if she forgave you the last time she screwed up, plus she’s Stark’s assistant she know how he is.” Bobbi said. “Don’t screw up with her the way we screw our marriage up. Nothing good comes with keeping secrets.”

That gave Clint a lot to think about. He thought to everything he had learned about her on the jet.

A Few Hours Later- Hayley’s POV

I had gone for a swim and even taken a mini nap on the hammock outside before hopping in the shower. Clint still wasn’t back, whatever Bobbi needed must’ve been really important. If we had continued we probably would have… damn now I really hate her.

I got out of the shower and wrapped a towel around me before going to the bedroom.

“Wow.”

“AH!” I screamed. “You scared the crap out of me.”

“Sorry, I though you heard me come in.” Clint said.

“No I didn’t. Everything okay?” I asked.

“Yeah, remind me never to hand Stark anything.” Clint said.

“Sweetie half of my job is taking things Tony gets handed.” I said.

“I’m gonna get in the shower and get ready.” He said kissing me before getting into the bathroom.

That was weird. I blow dried my hair and left it with a bit of a wavy texture before braiding part of it back. As I was putting on the short beaded mauve dress Clint came out of the shower with just a towel around his waist. Why are all my soulmates hot as hell?

“Uh, Clint would you mind.” I said gesturing to the zipper on the back.

“I got it.” He said pulling up the zipper.

“You alright?” I asked.

“Yeah why?” He said.

“You’re acting weird.” I said.

“I’m fine just tired.” He said kissing my forehead.

“I ironed your shirt and pants.” I said.

“Thanks.” He said.

“Did I do something I shouldn’t have… earlier I mean?” I asked.

“What?” he asked.

“You’ve been acting weird since you got back and maybe its that…” I started.

“What no, it’s not that. You might want to sit down.” He said.

“Now I’m really worried.” I said.

“I kind of screwed up again.” Clint said.

“Again?” I asked.

“The divorce papers brought over to me to sign, I handed them to Stark to give to his contact to speed up the process and well…” Clint started.

“You handed something to tony which means he left it lying around somewhere, probably that desk he let’s things pile on before shredding them when he’s board.” I said.

“We we’re technically still married up until half an hour ago.” Clint said.

“You left to go get a quickie divorce.” I said laughing. “Wow for a second I was thinking you were… oh forget it. Sweetie, I appreciate you being honest that’s all I want. You could have literally told me you went to go off a guy and I would have been okay with it.”

“You would have?” Clint said.

“It’s you, if you had to off a guy it’s probably for a reason.” I said. “Stop worrying, now go get ready I’m hungry.”

“Yes ma’am.” He said kissing me before going to put on clothes. He was ready fairly quickly. We got in the car and got to the beach front restaurant hosting the rehearsal dinner.

“Stay close.” Clint said.

“I thought you said I had nothing to worry about.” I said.

“Doesn’t mean I might not need you to protect me from Bobbi.” Clint said.

“Bird brain,” Bobbi greeted.

“It worked out didn’t it.” Clint said.

“Hayley nice seeing you again.” She said.

“You too, congratulations on you wedding.” I said.

“Thanks, good luck with this one, you have your work cut out for you.” She said. I gave Clint’s hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Some things are worth the work.” I said. “We’ll leave you to it.”

“That wasn’t awkward at all.” Clint said.

“She’s stressed and your trip to the courthouse just added to it. Cut her some slack.” I said.

“You’re too nice.” Clint said.

“Trust me I’m not.” I said.

“Drinks?” he asked.

“Yes please.” I said. “Something fruity.”

“Be right back.” He said as my phone started ringing.

I waited around until I saw someone familiar.

“Hey just wanted to say sorry about…” Hunter started.

“It’s okay, it’s been a hell of a day and she’s stressed I get it.” I said.

“Hunter, come say hi to Hartley.” Bobbi called out.

“Better get going.” I said.

“Mango Margarita.” Clint said handing me a drink.

“Oh, mango.” I said taking a sip. “Wow, did not hold back on the tequila.”

“Cookies.” Clint greeted.

“I will stab you with a fork Barton.” Melinda said.

“Barton!” a woman said.

“Hartley, didn’t expect to see you.” Clint said.

If I was expecting a normal rehearsal dinner, the night wouldn’t have been as interesting as it was. It was kind of like a frat party. Drinking, beer pong and people talking smack. It was also a lot of story telling which ended in more drinking. By the end of the night only the best man, May and I were the only sober people left.

“Should we leave them?” the best man asked.

“They’re all staying at the hotel anyway.” May said.

“Clint can still stand, as long as I get him in the car, I should be good. I’ve never seen him drunk before, this should be fun.” I said going to get him

“There she is, The best thing that’s ever happened to me!” Clint cheered.

“Sweetie, time to go.” I said.

“Already?” He whined.

“Yeah, got to get to sleep. Big day tomorrow.” I said.

“Okay. You’re so beautiful.” Clint said putting a sloppy kiss on my cheek.

“Come on, bye everyone.” I said.

“Bye.” They all called out.

“Hales, I can’t drive.” Clint said.

“I know I took your keys an hour ago. Just get in.” I said opening the door for me.

“I want a hug.” Clint said.

“I’m driving I can’t hug you but I promise we can cuddle all night deal?” I asked.

“I love you.” He said.

Oh yeah, the night really didn’t go the way it was supposed to.