Fated Marks

The highlights of my night out, we started at MacLaren’s where I decided to give back to someone who had helped me a lot more than I’d ever admit to him. So I paid off Kevin’s debt to Carl. He was surprised but agreed after I assured him the check wouldn’t bounce. After that we all had a round of Irish carbombs and a shot of tequila before heading out.

We ended up going to some club I’d never heard of. We even managed to get into the VIP section so we could sit down and talk.

“So how are things with the soulmates?” Tess asked.

“They’re great.” I said. It wasn’t a lie. They took the news about my past well and they still want me around. The sex was mind blowing. I couldn’t help smile just thinking about that.

“What’s that smile for?” Tess asked.

“No reason.” I said.

“Uhuh. You’re blushing.” Tess said. “It’s something good, something new…. OH my god you had sex!”

“Tess!” I shouted.

“Who had sex?” Will said coming back with drinks.

“Our Hayley, our sweet innocent adorable little Hayley lost her virginity!” Tess shouted. I forgot she was a loud drunk.

“About fucking time, so who was the lucky guy or gal?” Will said.

“Way to make me feel like a trophy dude.” I said.

“You know we don’t mean it like that and you are a prize. You’re smart, gorgeous, funny and kind…” Nate said.

With a rap sheet a mile long… I thought

“You’re the whole package.” Josh said. Oh Josh you have no idea how right you are for all the wrong reasons.

“You guys are sweet.” I said.

“So, How was it?” Tess asked.

“Who was it?” Will asked.

“I’m not saying a word.” I said.

“Clint.” They said at the same time.

“How did you…” I started.

“You went on a one week beach getaway with the guy.” Tess started.

“You two are grossly in love.” Will said.

“And your reaction just now confirmed it.” Nate said.

“Fuck at least you don’t know about Natasha.” I said taking a sip. Shit I have no filter when I’m drunk.

“Natasha too?” Will said.

“Fuck I need to shut up.” I said.

“No you don’t tell us more, give us details.” Tess said.

“We’re living vicariously through you.” Will said.

“You’re both in committed relationships.” I reminded them.

“No it’s okay I also want to hear more.” Josh said.

“Liam isn’t here and it’s not like I’m actually going to sleep with anyone.” Tess said. “Come on hales, nine months from now I might be neck deep in diapers. Let me have this.”

“I’m going to get another drink.” Nate said getting up.

“Oh no you’re not.” Will said holding him down. “Nate you’re in a rut.”

“You are dude.” Josh agreed.

“The past few months have been rough we know.” I said.

“And we say this with all the love in the world, but you need to get laid.” Will said.

“Guys I’m fine.” Nate argued.

“When was the last time you had any action?” Tess asked.

“Uh… Hayley?” Nate said.

“Yeah?” I answered.

“No I mean Hayley was the last person I got anywhere close to… that with.” Nate said.

“Why?” I asked.

“You’re not exactly an easy person to get over Hayley.” Nate said.

“And here I’ve been rubbing in how awesome I’ve been doing in your face. Fuck I’m sorry.” I said.

“Don’t be, I’m really happy for you I am seriously.” Nate said.

“Then there’s only one thing left to do.” I said taking a shot before getting up and taking Nate’s hand.

“Hayley what are you doing?” Nate asked.

“I’m going to find you a girl. This is one of the few times Will is right in saying that the best way to get over someone is to get under someone new. I’m finding you a girl.” I said.

“Hayley I can get my own dates.” Nate said.

“I know you can but this is me acting as a bouncer. Making sure you don’t get anyone crazy or you know clingy. So what do you like?” I asked.

“You’re not going to give up are you?” Nate asked.

“Nope. Look around, anything?” I said looking around.

“Uh, Bar ten o’clock.” Nate said.

I looked over and saw a blonde girl wearing a blue dress with cutouts.

“She’s pretty,” I said. I noticed that she was trying to wave down the bartender but he was to busy chatting up another group of girls. “Send her a drink.”

“Really isn’t that too…” Nate started.

“She’s wearing a cutout dress and is alone at the bar where the bartender is ignoring her for a group of other scantily clad girls. She just broke up with someone or is having a really shitty day got make her day.” I said.

“Hey.” Nate said going to the other bartender. “Can you give the girl in the blue dress over there whatever she wants?” Nate said handing the bartender a twenty.

“Sure.” They said.

“Do I go over there?” Nate asked.

“No, don’t look desperate. Stay here, play it cool. I’m going back to the table.” I said.

“What why?” Nate asked.

“Because If she sees us both here she’ll think we’re together.” I said. “Be yourself Nate, it worked with me and it’ll work with her.”

With that I went back to the table.

“Who’s the lucky victim?” Will asked.

“Blonde with the blue cut out dress at the bar.” I said.

“She’s cute, think she’s looking for…” Tess started but at that moment her and Nate started making out at the bar. “Oh damn go Nate.”

“And my work is done, who wants to dance?” I asked.

“Yes!” They all cheered.

Don’t know how the rest of the night went all I know was that at some point someone picked me up. Not sure who it was, but I ended up back at the tower and woke up with Clint spooning me and I was still wearing my dress.

“Uh,” I groaned as I sat up.

“Morning.” Clint said.

“Morning, it is way too bright. Jarvis can you dim the windows a bit?” I asked.

“Yes Miss.” Jarvis answered.

“What time is it?” I asked.

“A quarter past eleven.” Clint said.

“What time did I get back?” I asked surprised I didn’t feel nauseous or at all too hungover.

“Around three, how you feeling?” Clint asked.

“Not hungover, why am I not hungover?” I asked.

“We made you eat some bread and drink a lot of fluids after you got back. You’re funny when you’re drunk.” He said.

“Uh what did I say?” I said dreading the answer.

“Oh nothing, you just did some impressions.” Clint said. “You’re really bad at that.”

“I didn’t.” I said.

“You did.” Clint said with a grin.

“Uh, I’m just going to stay here and hide in shame.” I said burying under the covers.

“Hales it’s not that bad, it was adorable.” Clint said trying to talk me into coming out. “Come on out, I’ll make it worth your while.”

“How?” I asked.

“I’ll make waffles.” Clint said.

“Chocolate chips?” I asked.

“With strawberries and fresh whipped cream.” He bribed making my stomach growl.

“Is there coffee?” I asked.

“Is Stark’s ego bigger than this tower?” Clint retorted.

“Funny. I think I can manage to go upstairs for that.” I said.

“Thought so, I should go get started on those waffles.” He said kissing my cheek before standing up.

“Or you could wait a bit and join me in the shower?” I said in a sultry flirty voice. Clint froze mid step, turned around and picked me up to carry me into the bathroom.

By the time we were finally done the water was cold and I was starving. We got dressed before going upstairs. I had completely forgotten about being embarrassed at least until Tony brought it up.

“There’s my favorite stand up comic.” Tony said.

“Don’t say it.” I said.

“Can you do Elmo again, that’s my favorite.” Tony taunted.

“Tony that’s enough,” Steve said.

“Thank you.” I said.

“Her Jar Jar impression was funnier.” Steve said making everyone laugh.

“I did Jar Jar, Uh I’m going back downstairs.” I said.

“No Hales, it was cute. Natasha couldn’t stop laughing when she saw the video.” Clint said.

“You took a video and sent it to Nat?” I said blushing.

“It was too good to pass up.” Tony said.

“I’m going to get you back for this.” I warned.

“Looking forward to it.” he said with a smirk.

“So Hayley you ready to leave?” Bruce asked.

“Yeah, I’m all packed up and thanks to you guys not hungover.” I said.

The rest of the day was spent lounging around and making sure I left everything set up for Tony to manage without me.

I changed into some jeans and a V-neck short sleeve that I topped with a navy blazer and a light blue scarf.

I had already called a cab to take me to the airport so all I had left to do was go downstairs to meet it. I just had to go upstairs and say goodbye first.

I walked up to the common room with all my luggage. Everyone was doing their own thing in their own corners. Steve was making Dinner. Tony was doing something on his Starkpad. Bruce was reading some book about personality disorders. Clint was playing video games.

“Hey guys, I’m on my way out.” I said. “Just came to say bye.”

“What?” They all said dropping what they were doing.

“Got to beat traffic if I don’t want to miss my flight.” I said.

“I can drive you.” Tony said.

“Tony you’re not driving me all the way to the airport in traffic. They won’t even let you past the gate.” I said. “This is better. I don’t want a tearful goodbye.”

“I won’t cry.” Tony said.

“I wasn’t talking about you.” I said. “So remember our deal, no ditching meeting or letting your paperwork pile up.”

“Yes Mom.” He said sarcastically. “Before I forget,” He said taking out a key card from his back pocket. “Key to the penthouse.”

“Thank you.” I said before hugging him.

“Be careful.” He whispered.

“Always.” I said. I gave him a kiss before moving on.

“Bruce, take care of Tony. I’m not going to be here next time he decides he wants to stick something into his spine. And remember what we talked about.” I said.

“I will.” He said pulling me into a hug. He gave me a short kiss before letting go.

“Steve.” I said.

“Hayley.” Steve said.

“I’m not your responsibility, this is my choice. You have a job, Go back to DC and do it. And while you’re at it, try and go out more, maybe look up the guys in your old barber shop quartet.” I said.

“I was joking about that.” Steve said.

“I know, I’m just pulling your leg.” I said giving him a smirk.

“I love you Hayley.” Steve said.

“I know.” I said hugging him. I still couldn’t say the L word. He gave me a quick kiss before stepping back.

“Clint.” I said.

“If anything happens, you’re calling doesn’t matter what time it is or where you are. I will steal a quinjet and go get you. And if that asshole comes near you again I…” he started.

“Hey, I’ll be okay. I’ll find her and before you know it this will be some distant memory we’ll completely forget about.” I said.

“I hope you’re right.” He said hugging me. “Love you Hales.”

“I know.” I said pulling him into one last kiss before pulling away.

“Call us when you land.” Tony said.

“I will. Don’t destroy the Tower while I’m gone.” I said grabbing my luggage.

“I’ll try.” Tony answered.

I just shook my head at that. I got in the elevator and went downstairs to where the cab was already waiting for me. It was about halfway to the airport before I got a phone call.

“Hello.” I answered before checking the caller ID.

“Want to explain where you’re going?” Hadrian said.

“I’m keeping my end of the deal, I’m following your wife.” I said.

“London?” He said.

“I’m not dropping out of school, I’m doing a study abroad program while I look for her.” I said.

“Hm, I’ll take you at your word… for now. I’m expecting my leverage back by Monday or the very bendy red head I’m looking at through the scope of my rifle might get hit by a stray bullet. Happy Hunting.” He said before hanging up.

I needed to find Delilah as fast as possible.

One Very Long and Medicated Flight Later-

After making line for thirty minutes in Customs my passport was stamped and I was free to venture throughout the United Kingdom of Great Britain. I went to baggage claim and grabbed my luggage before calling Rebekah.

“Hey it’s me.” I greeted.

“Hayley I’m right outside baggage claim.” Rebekah said.

“Okay which car are you in?” I asked.

“You’ll know it when you see it” She said before hanging up.

I walked out side and it was slightly breezy but not too cold which I was grateful for. I saw a long line of cars but one stuck out more than the rest. There was a red Ferrari in line with all the cabs with a very familiar blond in the driver’s seat. I walked over and just gave Rebekah my most disapproving head shake.

“Pop everything into the trunk we have brunch reservations.” Rebekah greeted. I did as she said before getting in.

“You and Kol need to look up the definition of a low profile.” I said.

“How else were you going to know what car I was in?” She said with a grin before letting the engine rip and speeding away from the airport.

“So I got us brunch reservations.” Rebekah started.

“Mind if we make a quick stop at the penthouse so I can drop everything off and maybe freshen up a bit?” I asked.

“Figured you might want to do that so our reservations aren’t for another two hours.” Rebekah said.

“Sweet.” I said.

With Rebekah breaking the speed limit the entire way, we made it to the building. The doorman asked for the key and ID before letting us in. The private elevator took us all the way up to the top floor and it was exactly what’s I’d expect it to be, modern and Sleek with high tech everything. Even Jarvis was installed.

“Welcome Miss Adams.” Jarvis greeted.

“Hello Jarvis.” I said.

“Sir wished for you to call the moment you arrived, do you wish to take the call in your room or the living room?” Jarvis asked.

“Uh living room I guess.” I said.

“Yes ma’am.” Jarvis said.

“Any Idea where the living room is?” Rebekah asked.

“Hayley where are you?” I heard Tony say.

“Uh hold on a sec just keep talking.” I said following the source of the sound.

“Why isn’t she on the screen?” Someone else asked.

“I don’t know Maybe she went to grab a snack. Tony said.

“There you are.” I said walking into the living room. “I literally just walked in the door, haven’t had time for the grand tour.”

“Hales how was the flight?” Clint asked.

“There was a lot of turbulence.” I said. “Took a few sleeping pills and knocked out until it was time to land.”

“That’ll help with the time difference.” Bruce added.

“Yeah speaking of, we kind of have brunch reservations and I need to go shower off the plane smell, I’ll talk to you guys tomorrow preferably when it’s not in the middle of the night over there.” I said.

“Okay just you know be careful.” Clint said.

“I know, get some sleep.” I said before hanging up.

“You were not kidding about them hovering.” Rebekah said.

“It’s not like they’re being unreasonable. Give me half an hour and I’ll be ready to go.” I said.

“I’ll just be here.” She said.

“Jarvis you mind showing me to my room?” I asked.

“The master bedroom has been made available to you miss.” Jarvis said.

“Isn’t that Tony’s room?” I asked.

“Sir has only been here while passing through.” Jarvis said.

“Figures, lead the way.” I said.

I followed Jarvis upstairs and down a hallway to a huge bedroom with a great view of the Thames. I pulled my suitcase onto the bed and started shuffling through it until I found a white dress with black flowers on it. I quickly pulled out a pair of black heels and a black blazer that would match.

I jumped in the shower, which turned out to have at least twenty settings on it. It took me at least fifteen minutes before I gave up and asked Jarvis to turn it on for me. I showered and got dressed before going to meet Rebekah in the living room.

“You work fast.” Rebekah said.

“I’m low maintenance.” I said.

I grabbed my key card and wallet before heading out again. Rebekah drove us to a very fancy looking hotel and considering she was on a first name basis with the doorman, I knew she came here often.

“So Ibiza and Malaga, know anyone there?” Rebekah asked.

“Mom made a few deal to distribute some products there a few years ago with the Galatians. I know they had a pretty good business going and Mom never said anything bad about them. I’m putting out some feelers online with some contacts see if I get anything.” I said.

“I know a guy from a few years ago I was involved with, he did a job for us while Nick was on sabbatical. We could go see him next weekend?” Rebekah offered.

“Need to do some paperwork with the school first, make sure I can go before anything.” I said. “I need to rewrite the ledgers while I’m at it.”

“Ledgers? I thought your mom didn’t keep anything written down?” Rebekah said.

“She did, she kept them in a safe in her office and a few safety deposit boxes only she knew about. A few weeks before she died she started clearing them out and destroying them but she had me use my habit of memorizing things to you know memorize everything before that as a precaution.” I said. “Most of its pretty useless stuff unless you know what you’re looking for. It had names and locations for most of her contacts abroad. Chances are most of it’s out of date or they might have had a falling out I don’t know about but there may be one or two doors it could help open.”

“Then you better start writing. I don’t think your brother will stand by quietly until you find his wife.” Rebekah said.

“He’s been anything but quiet the past week. He’s been calling every few days just to remind me he’s breathing down my neck.” I said.

“I still don’t understand why you just don’t have a hit called out on him, you have the money for it.” She said taking a sip of her English Breakfast Tea.

“Because the last time someone put a price on his head he ended up asking the assassin who tried to kill him to move in with him and the one that came to clean up after her ended up with his head cut off and delivered on a silver platter to his boss.” I whispered harshly.

“Point taken.” Rebekah said. “Well how about we just take the next few weeks to see the sights and get you adjusted to the city before we start hunting the bitch down?”

“That does sound nice.” I said.