Fated Marks

Clint and I got dressed again and gave each other a quick once over before heading upstairs.

“Five bucks the first thing out of Tony’s mouth is a sex joke or a comment about me no longer being a virgin.” I said.

“Ten that Bruce starts blushing and avoiding eye contact.” Clint offered.

“Done.” I said taking his hand as we walked into the common room.

“Hayley!” Tony cheered running and pulling me into a hug. “The cave man finally let you out of bed.”

“Fifteen seconds.” I said.

“Worth it.” He said handing me a five-dollar bill.

“You got a tan.” Tony said giving me a spin.

“And you can still walk. Guessing you didn’t find the microchip implanter?” I said.

“Of course I can walk I’m impressed you still can.” Tony said making my face turn red. “Need a few pointers birdbrain?”

“I’ve got that covered tin man.” Clint said taking my hand.

“Pizza anyone?” Bruce said trying to change the subject.

“Yup.” I said walking over. “Hey.” I said kissing Bruce’s cheek before grabbing a slice.

“Hi.” He said blushing.

“Ehem” Clint said putting his hand out.

“Worth it.” I said slipping him a ten.

“I take it the vacation went well?” Tony asked.

“Three days on a white sandy beach and four days on the road eating what people tried to pass of as the best of the best.” I said.

“Still can’t believe you actually finished the kitchen sink ice cream challenge.” Clint said.

“A what?” Bruce asked.

“It wasn’t an actual sink, it looked like one and it was like what ten?” I asked.

“Twelve scoops of ice cream. Not the normal kind of scoops. They were about the size of a fist.” Clint said.

“Then we go to this barbeque place and you ate half a cow.” I said.

“It was a platter.” Clint argued.

“They put up your picture on the mantle.” I reminded him.

“Free steak for a year.” He said.

“Even got on a Ferris Wheel for the first time ever.” I said.

“Huh… I don’t think I’ve been on one either.” Tony said.

“Were you two raised in a cave or something?” Clint asked.

“Boarding schools.” Tony said.

“Moved around a lot.” I said. “Hey let’s go to Coney Island sometime this week.”

“Or I can go with you to London and we can go on the eye.” Tony suggested.

“Tony.” Bruce said.

“I would say yes if it weren’t for the fact that you have a board of directors meeting next week along with a few speaking commitments around the country.” I said.

“I can…” Tony started.

“No.” I said.

“But…” He argued.

“No. I’m not going to be your enabler. You have responsibilities and you’re going to keep them.” I said. “And in exchange I won’t hire a replacement temp, I’ll just have Jarvis takeover.”

“Why’d you change your mind?” Tony asked.

“I figured I don’t want anyone getting to comfy in my job. Besides I went away for a week and the Tower’s still standing and you can still walk. I’ll put Jarvis on PA mode but you have to promise you’ll actually listen and go to your meetings.” I said.

“Promise.” Tony said.

“I’m serious if I find out you ditched one meeting or hacked Jarvis to have them all cancelled I swear I’ll hire an actual nanny. She won’t be Mary Poppins, I can promise you that.” I said.

“Hayley, I promise I’ll be good.” He said.

“Good.” I said. “And you.”

“We didn’t call you because it was under control and you needed a vacation.” Bruce said.

“What are you talking about?” I said looking between them.

“So close.” Tony said.

“There may have been a minor code green.” Bruce said.

“How minor?” I asked.

“We’re redoing the labs.” Tony said.

“What happened?” I asked.

“It was weird, we were in the lab and the news came on…” Bruce said.

“Ross?” I asked.

“Yes.” Bruce said looking away. I reached over and took his hand. “Luckily Tony was out in a meeting. The other guy came out. The lab locked down and he wrecked everything.”

“I hacked into the audio system and played a recording of when a fifteen year old you met the Hulk.” Tony said. “Only got through the first phrase… what was it again?”

“Hey big guy, the sun’s getting real low.” Bruce said.

“I forgot how awkward I was at fifteen but this is good right? The other guy knows me and doesn’t want to smash me.” I said.

“You don’t remember anything from when you met him do you?” Clint asked.

“That whole week is like a giant blackout for me.” I said.

“The other guy, likes you a lot.” Tony said.

“We walked in on you two watching Marley and Me and you made him pizza.” Clint said.

“Seriously? That would have been nice to remember.” I said. “We should try it out sometime.”

“No.” Bruce and Clint said.

“Controlled environment?” Tony asked.

“The lab, it locks down and it’s already wrecked.” I said.

“No!” Bruce and Clint practically shouted.

“Oh come on.” Tony said.

“Please.” I said.

“No!” Bruce and Clint said again.

“We got lucky last time I’m not going to put you at risk Hayley.” Bruce said.

“Technically it wouldn’t be a risk…” I started.

“It’s getting late, we should go to bed.” Clint said.

“Bed?” I said looking at the time.

“Bed.” Clint said giving me a look.

“You know it has been a long day. Let’s talk about this later. Night.” I said kissing Bruce’s cheek and then kissing Tony’s before taking Clint’s hand and getting into the elevator.

Third Person’s POV-

“She took it well.” Tony said and Bruce gave him a look.

“Tony…” Bruce said holding back his anger.

“She deserved to know and this is a good thing.” Tony said.

“How is this a good thing, I hulked out and could have leveled the tower?” Bruce said.

“But now we know the hulk has an off switch.” Tony said.

“And you want to test it out by locking the other guy in a room with Hayley?” Bruce said seething barely keeping the other guy from coming out.

“Last time they ended up watching a movie and making pizza. Tell me you’re not the least bit curious about how that happened.” Tony said.

“It doesn’t matter I’m not going to risk Hayley like that.” Bruce said.

“She was all for it.” Tony said.

“No.” Bruce said.

“Why are you so against this?” Tony said frustrated.

“Because I don’t want to lose her!” Bruce said raising his voice.

“Neither do any of us but pushing her away isn’t going to stop that from happening.” Tony answered.

“You don’t know what it’s like being a ticking time bomb that will destroy everything you love.” Bruce said making Tony raise an eyebrow.

“Don’t I? You’re not the only one that loves Hayley, we all do. You want to know what’s the one thing that kept me going after New York? Her and the thing that made me wake up screaming and on occasion still does? Losing her. We’re all afraid of that but that doesn’t mean we let that stop us from being with her. The other guy likes her I might even dare say loves her so that’s not an excuse. What’s really stopping you?” Tony said before finishing his drink and walking out.

Bruce just stood there frozen, Tony’s last words running through his head. He had a lot of thinking to do.

Hayley’s POV- Meanwhile Downstairs

“Clint!” I shouted. “Ah!”

“Hayley!” Clint shouted as he came hiding his face in the crook of my neck. I put my arms around him and held him. Clint moved off of me and pulled me with him so that I was lying on top of him. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I am too.” I said drawing patterns on his chest.

“You’re going to be careful right?” Clint said.

“Of course, I’m always careful.” I said.

“Hales.” He said.

“What?” I said

“You know what I’m talking about.” Clint said.

“That wouldn’t be dangerous.” I said.

“There’s an entire crew of a helicarrier who would disagree with you. Hell ask Natasha about her run in with Hulk.” Clint said getting really protective.

“You said it yourself last time I got locked in with the Hulk it was practically a slumber party.” I said.

“It could have been a one time thing.” Clint said.

“But what if it’s not?” I said.

“Hayley, it’s dangerous, you can get hurt.” He said.

“I won’t trust me.” I said.

“I do, it’s just. Hulk can be unpredictable.”

“He helped fight the chitauri.” I said.

“He also destroyed a helicarrier.” Clint argued.

“There was an explosion, it was in self defense. Why are you so against this?” I asked.

“I’m trying to keep you safe Hales, it’s my job.” Clint said.

“Clint, Look at me. I’m as safe as can be.” I said even though I knew that that wasn’t going to be the case tomorrow during brunch.

“I know it’s just…” He said before sighing.

“Hey, I get it. You guys live dangerous lives and you worry but you don’t have to. I’m a big girl, I survived this long on my own I can handle this.” I said. I really hoped I could handle this.

“I love you Hales and I don’t want to lose you.” Clint said kissing the top of my head and holding me close. “I don’t know what I’d do if I did.”

“That’s not going to happen and if it did you’d move on.” I said.

“You don’t know what you’re saying.” Clint said not liking what he was hearing.

“Yeah I do. No one knows when their time’s up, could be today, tomorrow, or years from now. If I end up dying tomorrow I’d want you to move on and be happy.” I said honestly. Tomorrow could go a lot of ways, most of them involving me getting stabbed, maimed, or dead in a ditch in Jersey.

“Hayley…” he said as a warning.

“I know what it’s like to lose someone you care about when you least expect it and for us that’s a real possibility. It needs to be said.” I said.

“It’s not going to happen. I promise.” He said holding me tight.

“Don’t make promises that aren’t up to you to keep.” I said kissing his cheek before nuzzling my face into his neck. I could feel the tension emanating from his body and the fear he was feeling from his mark. I was going to make it out of that brunch alive tomorrow. I don’t know how but I’d do whatever it took so I’d never have to make any of them feel like this again. I closed my eyes and listened to Clint’s breathing and heartbeat as I drifted off to sleep.

Third Person’s POV-

Clint listened to Hayley’s breathing even out as she fell asleep. He couldn’t believe what she had told him. How could she think he’d just get over her if she… No he couldn’t even think about that. He knew that something was wrong and this just confirmed it. He gently moved her over to lie on the bed before quietly slipping out of bed. Clint grabbed a T-shirt and some sweats from his suitcase before walking out of the room.

“Jarvis?” Clint said.

“Agent Barton, do you require assistance?” Jarvis asked.

“Where are Tony and Bruce?” Clint said.

“They are both in the lab.” Jarvis answered.

“Tell them I’m on my way down and that we need to talk.” Clint said going to the elevator. He made his way downstairs and when the doors opened he couldn’t believe the damage he was seeing. Glass everywhere, hulk sized fist marks all over the walls.

“How about this time the table slabs are bolted onto the ground?” Tony said.

“Won’t really make much of a difference.” Bruce said.

“Wow.” Clint said walking in.

“Legolas, I though you and Hayley were…” Tony started.

“Don’t finish that sentence.” Clint said. “We need to talk about Hayley.”

“We’re not going to test out if she can snap the Hulk into shifting back to me.” Bruce said.

“Not what I was going to say.” Clint said.

“What’s going on?” Tony asked.

“Four days ago when we got back to DC she woke up screaming.” Clint said.

“So she had a nightmare, that’s pretty common.” Bruce said.

“I get them all the time.” Tony said.

“Do you wake up unresponsive and shaking and terrified of everything that moves?” Clint asked.

“What do you mean by unresponsive?” Bruce said.

“I tried talking to her, calm her down and it was like she couldn’t hear me. She was catatonic. That’s been happening every night since. Except now when she wakes up she doesn’t go back to sleep.” Clint said.

“Did she tell you what was going on?” Tony asked.

“Same deflection as always. Told me what the dream was about though. If I ever meet her older brother I’m going to put an arrow through his head.” Clint said.

“Get in line.” Tony mumbled.

“Point is there’s something she isn’t telling us, there’s something going on.” Clint said.

“Hayley’s a really private person, are you sure you’re not just over reacting?” Bruce asked.

“If you had seen how scared she was you wouldn’t ask that.” Clint said.

“Agent Barton, Miss Adam’s seems to be in distress.” Jarvis said.

“Shit.” Clint said running to the elevator. It felt like the elevator was moving faster than normal because in a matter of seconds the doors opened to reveal Hayley’s apartment.

“Ah! No!” Clint could hear Hayley screaming.

“Hayley!” He shouted getting really worried.

“Get away! Leave them alone!” She shouted. Clint ran into the bedroom and moved to Hayley’s side.

“Hales wake up.” Clint said shaking her shoulder.

Hayley’s POV-

I was wearing a sage green dress and sitting in a patio dining table.

Everyone was sitting around laughing enjoying the day when out of nowhere everything slowly went dark. I felt the chair get dragged from under me and I started falling. As I looked up I saw that I was falling into a grave and Hadrian was standing over me.

“I wish you’d never been born.” He said.

Suddenly I landed with a thump and I was tied to a rusty metal bed frame. I looked around and recognized the very familiar warehouse. Flagstaff. Oh no…

“I told you to run bitch.” He snarled.

“This isn’t real.” I said.

“Oh I’m very real.” He said spinning the metal frame so I was hanging face down. “I told you to run, should have listened. Before I end you’re pathetic life I’m going to pay you back everything you did to me.”

He took a wet rag and moved.

“No Please…” I begged but it was too late. The rag was over my face and the water came down on me. I couldn’t breathe my lungs were on fire. It stopped and I felt a blow to the face.

“My life was so much better when you weren’t around. Just me and mom. I wish they had taken you out along with the tumor when they first found you. You’re a cancer Calliope. All you do is destroy those around you. You’re friends, the nice couple down the hall from you, they’re dead. All traces you were ever here are dead and soon they’ll be too.” He said and the bed frame spun so I was upright and I could see all of them, Tony, Bruce, Clint, Natasha, Steve, Thor, and even Will and Nate.

“No, Leave them out of it.” I begged.

“Should have thought about that before you got close to them.” He said stabbing a knife into Will’s Chest.

“No!” I shouted.

“H-hay… ley.” Will choked out.

“AH! NO!” I shouted.

“Who should I kill next? Lover boy? Widow? Stark?” Hadrian said. “Does he know how you two used to be in business together even though he didn’t know it?”

“Stop, please.” I cried.

“Well, don’t think it matters now.” He said pulling Tony’s head back.

“Get away! Leave them alone!” I yelled as I felt the tears streaming down my face. “Please they have nothing to do with this.”

“They have everything to do with this. Guys?” Hadrian said a bunch of guys in tactical gear appeared and had a gun pressed to each of their heads. “New York is going to be the next Flagstaff, you should have run when you had the chance they would have been safe. Guys.”

“No, No no!” I shouted and there was a gunshots.

“Hayley!” I heard some one shout and I woke up gasping.

I was panting and covered in sweat.

“Hales, you’re okay.” I heard Clint say. I looked around and saw I was in my room at the Tower.

I wrapped my arms around Clint and cried. “You’re okay Hales, You’re safe.” He held me and rubbed my back trying to soothe me.

I couldn’t say anything I just clung to him and cried. I can’t lose them, any of them. I’m not taking any chances. If Hadrian wanted me dead tomorrow then so be it. It would be worth it as long as they were safe.

The rest of the night I didn’t sleep. Instead I held onto Clint and listened to his snores and breathing. These were probably going to be my last hours alive. I looked over to my nightstand were there was a picture from thanksgiving of all of us together. So how do I say goodbye? Thor was on Asgard, do I yell at the sky so that Heimdall can tell him? Or should I just let them get a call from the cops that they found my body? Fuck, dying is not easy.

Before I knew it the sun was up and the only thing I had decided on was what outfit I was going to die in.

“Miss Adams Agent Barton requested to be woken up at this hour.” Jarvis said.

“I got it Jarvis.” I said. “Clint?” I said putting his hand on his shoulder but all that did was make him roll over onto his back. Damn he was a heavy sleeper when he knew he didn’t have work. I decided the best way to wake him up would be to make it worth his while. I started slowly kissing his neck and down his chest.

“Mh.” He moaned as he grinned.

“Wakey wakey.” I said continuing my route.

“Best way to wake up.” He said sleepily.

“Mh.” I hummed working my way under the covers bunched at his hips. I felt his breath hitch a bit as I bumped into his morning wood. “I owed you a rain check didn’t I?” I said licking his tip.

“Ah Fu-“ He started. Slowly I took the head of his length and sucked on it before licking along the slit. “Hales.” I took him in deeper and start moving up and down. “Shit baby, you’re so good.”

“Mhm.” I hummed taking him in deeper and moving my hand at his base.

“Shit Hales feels so good.” He said rocking his hips pushing deeper into my mouth. I moved faster and took him into until he bumped the back of my throat. “Damn it, uh, Hayley I’m close.” He said so I took that as my cue to started move my hand faster as I moved up sucking on his head before taking him back in. “Baby, if you don’t want to… need to move ah!” He shouted as he came in my mouth. It tasted weird but not bad. I came off him with a pop and moved back up the bed. The instant I was Clint rolled over and kissed me.

“You never stop surprising me.” He said.

“I will eventually, we’ll turn into one of those boring old couples with how predictable we’ll be.” I said wishing that could actually happen.

“Looking forward to it.” He said. “Need to shower.”

“Same, want to try and conserve some water?” I asked. Instead of answering Clint wrapped his arms around me and carried me to the bathroom.

One very long shower later we were upstairs having breakfast. Well Clint was I just had a coffee.

“Aren’t you going to eat anything?” Bruce asked.

“I’m having brunch later.” I said.

“Sounds good, Can I come with?” Tony asked.

“Uh, it’s going to be girl talk so…” I said knowing that would make Tony back off.

“Right.” He said. “So worth the wait?” Tony asked making me blush and Clint give me a smirk.

“I should go get ready.” Clint said.

“Right.” I said. “I’ll come help you pack.”

“I’m feeling abandoned.” Tony said. “Maybe I should implant the microchip in my spine now.”

“I’ll be back,” I said. “And you two have me to yourselves all week.”

“And then you’re gone for a year, you’re going to forget all about me.” Tony said.

“Doubt you’ll ever let that happen.” I said kissing him. “Be back.” I said going with Clint downstairs.

We got into the apartment and started picking up all the clothes we had left around.

“I’m guessing you’re going to want this back.” I said referring to the flannel I was wearing over my cami and shorts.

“It’s one of my favorites, but it looks better on you, so I’ll let you borrow It” he said with a grin.

“Why thank you.” I said I said pulling him into a kiss.

“Mhm, I don’t want to go.” He said.

“I know but time to go back to reality.” I said taking the t-shirt out of his hand and putting it down. “Nat and Steve need you back. I don’t think they trust anyone else to watch their twelve.”

“I think you mean their six but yeah I know.” He said. “Just don’t want to leave you.”

“It’ll be hard but its not forever and I expect a visit at some point. We’ll call and skype.” I said. “And when I finally do get back how about we go for a cross country road trip?”

“To the grand canyon?” He said making me give him an annoyed look.

“It’s not that grand but if that’s where you want to go, I’ll do it for you.” I said. I was going to go straight to hell for all the lies and false hope I was spewing out but anything to see everyone happy. This was for them, I’m not dying for nothing. “Now come on, you need to beat traffic. I’ve hogged you long enough.”

“I should be the one saying that.” Clint said. “Stark Looks about ready to get a crowbar to pry us apart.”

“Yeah, I think he feels neglected. That and he no longer has a lab to keep himself distracted with.” I said. “I’ll talk to him.”

Clint zipped his suitcase and we made out way down to the garage.

“Text me when you get to DC. Go do some actual grocery shopping. I left you a bunch of easy recipes written down so you don’t starve…” I said.

“Call me when you get on the plane and when you get to London. Stay out of…” He started.

“East end or the ports I know Natasha already filled me in.” I said.

“Good.” He said hugging me. “If you have a nightmare call me. I don’t care what time it is.”

“I will.” I said kissing him like it was the last time I would ever get to because it probably was.

“I love you Hales.” He said.

“I adore you.” I said kissing him one last time before letting go. He got in the car and turned on the ignition before backing out of his spot and driving off. I wiped the tears off my face and pulled myself together. I wonder what Clint will feel once it’s done. I’m a horrible person. I bonded with him and it was probably going to hurt him so damn much but I don’t regret it.

I took a deep breath and got back in the elevator. I had six hours left to live and two soulmates upstairs.

“Bird brain get off okay?” Tony asked.

“Yeah, it’s still early so he’s going to beat traffic, might even get there early.” I said. “So when do I get hang out with Hulk?”

“No.” Bruce said.

“Can’t blame me for trying. And Tony?” I said.

“Yeah?” he said.

“You’re not implanting anything into your spine.” I said.

“It’s just a tiny little microchip.” Tony fussed.

“And it’s just your spine.” I said.

“But Hayley.” Tony whined.

“No.” I said.

“You two are no fun.” He said storming off. As soon as the elevator doors closed Bruce turned to look at me and we busted out laughing.

“Has he been like that all week?” I asked.

“He was moping around until he talked to you.” Bruce said.

“Is that what finally got you to take the job Professor Banner?” I said putting emphasis on the word professor.

“You were right, I do need to get out more and it was good to be on a college campus. Reminded me of what it was like before everything.” Bruce said.

“The good old days.” I said. “Hours locked in a lab, teaching undergrads that have no idea what you’re talking about more than half the time. Them freaking out over your final.”

“I’m not looking forward to grading papers.” Bruce said.

“Just give them to your TA that’s what all my professors do.” I said.

“I’m sorry.” Bruce said out of the blue.

“For?” I asked confused.

“I know I haven’t made things easy between us and you didn’t ask for any of this…” Bruce started ranting.

“Bruce…” I said trying to stop him but he kept going.

“I pushed you away because I was afraid of losing you and I didn’t want to risk you getting hurt but by pushing you away I am losing you and I want to fix things. I can’t give you what everyone else can but...” Bruce ranted and I kissed him to get him to stop talking. This was slowly becoming our thing.

“I need you to stop talking and listen to me. We’re two out of seven people in a courtship and each relationship is different. We all bring something to it. Yes we’re taking things slow but there’s nothing wrong with it. Sex is great but it’s not everything. You’re the only person I know that can stop me from having a full-blown breakdown, you keep me grounded and that means more to me than you’ll ever know. You’re a good man Bruce you just have to stop being so hard on yourself and the other guy.” I said.

“Why are you willing to risk getting hurt?” Bruce asked.

“Because Hulk normally comes out when he’s trying to protect one of the best people I know, that makes him a really great guy in my opinion.” I said.

“You think he’s a defense mechanism?” Bruce asked.

“It adds up doesn’t it? Whenever you’re angry, or scared, or in danger he comes out. He protects the things you care about.” I said.

“Didn’t work that way with Betty.” He mumbled.

“How did she treat you after the first time you went green?” I asked.

“She wanted to experiment figure out how it worked.” Bruce said.

“Kind of like a guinea pig?” I asked.

“I uh… huh.” He said putting it together.

“I think the other guy’s been looking out for you since day one. You’re the only person to ever survive exposure to that much gamma radiation.” I said.

“It was a freak accident. One in a billion chance.” Bruce said.

“Might want to buy a lotto ticket.” I said. “Stop overthinking it. You’ll just give yourself a migraine.” Bruce surprised me by pulling me into a kiss. I smiled and kissed him back.

“Are you doing anything tonight?” Bruce asked.

“I have a feeling I am now.” I said.

“Dinner and a show?” He asked.

“Sounds good.” I said kissing him again. I could feel his happiness radiating from his mark. I was so going to hell for this. “As much as I don’t want to stop doing this, Tony’s being quiet and I’m kind of afraid of leaving him alone.”

“He did miss you.” Bruce said.

“I know, I’m gonna go nag him to bed. Same goes to you bed. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you haven’t slept.” I said.

“I will.” He said kissing me one last time before getting in the elevator.

“Jarvis, Where’s Tony?” I asked.

“He is in what remains of the lab Miss.” Jarvis answered.

“What’s he doing?” I asked.

“Looking over plans for the remodel.” Jarvis asked.

“He hasn’t slept has he?” I asked.

“He has slept about as much as you have in recent days.” Jarvis said.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I’m not at liberty to discuss that, privacy protocols are being enforced.” Jarvis said.

“Take me down there.” I said walking towards the elevator. The doors opened and we were down there in a flash.

“So I was thinking what it we integrate the holo sheets into the lab tables.” Tony said.

“Sounds cool but it might be time for a break.” I said.

“Here to be a buzzkill?” Tony said.

“More like nannying the Tower’s resident man child. I forgot how cranky you get when you’re sleep deprived. Come on.” I said

“Where we going?” Tony asked.

“Bed. I know you haven’t slept and neither have I. It’s still early let’s go catch a few hours of sleep then you can start working on your new toys.” I said.

“Hayley.” Tony said.

“Tony.” I said.

“Chauncey.” Tony said.

“Technically it’s Elizabeth now. I wasn’t asking.” I said taking his hand and pulling him with me.

“Hayley.” He whined.

“You’ll feel better after getting some sleep.” I said. “please.” The please did it. “Jarvis, Tony’s floor.” I said.

“Too far.” Tony whined.

“I’d say my floor but I haven’t changed the sheets so…” I started before I realized what I had said. “Don’t say it.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything.” He said with a shit eating grin.

“Of course you weren’t.” I said.

“So feel different?” he asked.

“Not going there. A lady doesn’t kiss and tell.” I said as the elevator doors closed.

“It was a lot more than kissing.” Tony said looking at the hickie on my neck.

“You were right and I was wrong.” I said.

“I’m sorry can you say that again, I want to record this.” Tony said.

“Already recorded sir.” Jarvis said.

“Traitor.” I mumbled.

“You look happy.” Tony said.

“I am, it was a good week.” I said. “Aruba’s pretty also.” I punched his arm.

“Ow what was that for.” Tony said rubbing his arm.

“You forgot to forward Clint’s divorce papers to legal. The bride almost murdered him.” I said.

“That’s what I forgot.” Tony said making me punch him again. “Ow.”

“I worry about you.” I said.

“So do I.” He said not referring to himself.

“Nightmares again?” I asked.

“You too from what we heard last night.” Tony said.

“I get them on occasion. I have an appointment with Kevin on Tuesday stop worrying.” I said.

“I worry cause I love you Chauncey.” Tony said.

“I never should have told you about Chauncey.” I said facing him as were lying in bed. “Stop worrying. It’ll pass happens every time I end up moving somewhere new.”

“Waking up in the middle of the night screaming and catatonic is normal?” he asked.

“It is when you wake up in shock from remembering what being water boarded is like.” I said. At that Tony didn’t say anything he just pulled me closer and kissed the top of my head.

“Yeah, that does suck.” Tony said.

“Jarvis wake me up with enough time to get ready for brunch.” I said.

“Yes Miss Adams.” Jarvis said.

“Hales?” Tony said.

“Hm?” I hummed.

“You let me say it.” Tony said.

“Go to sleep Tony.” I said.

Before I knew it I was woken up by Jarvis. Tony wasn’t in bed. He and Bruce were probably in the lab again. Workaholics. I got up and went back downstairs to get ready. I wonder if Hadrian was going to let me order, have a last meal so to speak. Who was I kidding, I could feel that morning’s coffee making it’s way back up just thinking about it. I got a text from Kol saying he and Rebekah were in New York and having late brunch at the plaza if I wanted to join them. I sent them a confirmation. When they noticed I didn’t make it, they’d know to start looking for a body.

I pulled out a white lace and silhouette neck dress that Natasha had left in the back of the closet. This all started at a funeral where I was wearing all black now I’m wearing white, I’m sure there was some sort of irony in this.

I always thought he was just going to show up and stab me before going on his merry way not black mail me into Sunday brunch before killing me. At least I might get a last meal.

I finished getting ready before heading downstairs to say goodbye. I walked into the lab and Bruce and Tony were huddled around projection of the proposed floor plan.

“Workaholics the both of you.” I said getting their attention.

“Wow” Tony said.

“You look beautiful Hayley.” Bruce said.

“Thanks Bruce.” I said. “You know it is Sunday, you can take a break.”

“The quicker the lab’s back and running the quicker we can get back to work.” Tony said.

“It’s a nice day out, maybe you should go out and enjoy it. Get some vitamin D in you.” I retorted.

“Nah.” Tony said. “I’ll take vitamins.”

“Not the same but okay. Take it easy.” I said kissing Tony. “And I’ll see you later I have to get going. Don’t want to be late and keep my brother waiting.”

“Say hi to Will for us.” Bruce said.

“Sure.” I said. I took one last look at both of them before getting in the elevator. I got into my car and took a deep breath before driving to brunch. My fingers were going numb from how tight I was gripping the steering wheel. The Xanax I took was doing nothing to keep me calm. I parked down the block and got out of the car. May as well enjoy the sunlight while I can. When I was finally in sight of the restaurant my phone buzzed. It was a text message from Clint.

I’m here and I miss you already

I had to choke back a sob at reading that. I stood right in front of the door. I typed out my last message and sent it before walking in.

I miss you too <3