Fated Marks

“So I need to ask, going blonde…” Clint asked.

“Uh, why is everyone so obsessed with my hair? So it’s a few shades lighter, big whoop. It’s not like I got a bowl cut.” I said.

After dinner we had moved to the living room and started having a few drinks. It was kind of like being back in New York.

“No it just seems kind of random. You never mentioned it.” Natasha said.

“It wasn’t really my idea, I was in a way undercover.” I said. “Needed to not look like myself for a while.”

“This have anything to do with Budapest?” Clint asked.

“Yeah I still don’t see what a Serbian drug lord has to do with the CIA or a missing person?” Tony said giving me a look.

Damn they were trying to see if I’d slip up and spill the beans.

“Like I said, crazy few weeks.” I said getting up. “I need to ice my wrist for a bit.”

“How’d you manage to break your leg and your arm?” Steve asked.

“Guys, I get that you’re concerned and I appreciate it but I’m dealing with a lot right now and I’m not ready to talk about it just yet.” I said.

“So there is something to talk about.” Tony asked.

“Yeah.” I said opening my phone and checking to see if I had gotten any messages or emails. Everyone stayed quiet for a minute.

“Anyone hear from Thor lately?” Tony said trying to lighten the mood.

“I don’t think they have cell service where he’s from.” I said. “He’ll be back when he can. Hopefully it won’t be because of another alien invasion.”

“Don’t even joke about that.” Steve said.

After a few more stories and laughs we all called it a night and went to bed. We all had our own rooms so I wasn’t rooming with anyone. Not that I didn’t want to or Clint and Natasha weren’t willing to cuddle I just thought that it would be better to wait until the nightmares toned down a bit. It was only a week ago that Kol tried waking me up and I ended up throwing a lamp at him.

There was a fire everywhere I looked. The smoke was making my eyes water and I couldn’t stop coughing.

“This is what you deserve, burn with the rest of us.” Shin Shouted.

“My entire family was killed because of you!” A woman shouted.

“My kids grew up without me.” Maya said.

“I’m sorry.” I cried. Suddenly the fire disappeared and I was tied up.

“You’re going to get it now bitch!” Hadrian shouted before I was shoved into a tub of ice water.

I fought back but wasn’t strong enough.

Next thing I knew I was sitting up in bed panting. I was alone and it was dark. I was in a Villa outside of Florence. I leaned against the headboard and tried to calm down. I knew I wasn’t going to be going back to sleep. I decided to go get a glass of water and maybe some air.

The villa was eerily quiet. Everything I did sounded really loud to me. I quickly tiptoed out to the terrace and sat down. Even at night it was a great view and I had so much going on in my head I couldn’t really enjoy it. I took out my phone and scrolled down my contact list. I hovered over the call button for a minute before I thought better of it. How did things get so bad I couldn’t even call my go to person anymore?

“Can’t sleep?” Steve said making me jump in my seat.

“Bit of insomnia, nothing new.” I said.

“It have anything to do with the shouting I heard earlier?” Steve asked.

How did he…

“Serum enhanced everything, even my hearing.” Steve said.

“Right.” I said remembering some of our earlier conversations. Steve moved to sit next to me.

“You want to talk about it?” Steve asked.

“Not really.” I said. Steve stayed quiet for a bit.

“Bucky used to get nightmares. After I rescued him in Azzano he’d wake up screaming in the middle of the night. On the nights he didn’t scream he’d just wake up with this look of pure terror on his face. I confronted him about it once and we had a big fight. He said I already had the weight of the world on my shoulders and he wasn’t going to add to it.” Steve said.

“Sounds like my type of guy.” I said.

“Yeah, he would have loved you” Steve said getting sad.

“Italy bring back a lot of bad memories for you?” I asked.

“They’re not all bad, I just miss him sometimes.” He said getting sad. “Were you going to call someone?”

“I couldn’t sleep so I thought about calling Rebekah but I changed my mind.” I asked.

“After Will I think she’s the only person I ever see you really open up to.” Steve said.

“There’s a lot of history there. My childhood wasn’t exactly ideal but it had its moments.” I said.

“Must’ve been a big fight for you to avoid her?” Steve said.

“It wasn’t exactly a fight. We just needed space.” I said.

“But she wasn’t going to leave you alone so that’s why Kol’s here.” Steve said in realization.

“He’s also going through some things and needed to get away.” I said.

“Come here.” Steve said putting an arm around my shoulder and pulling me into him. I rested my head on his shoulder and hugged him. “It’s going to be okay Hayley.”

And for a second I actually believed him.

The Next Morning-

“Hayley!” Will shouted as he stormed into my room waking me up.

“I didn’t do it!” I shouted as I woke up abruptly.

“Yes you did, you neglected your brother from another mother. I feel abandoned. Now get up, we’re spending some quality time together.” Will said looking through my things. “Oh this is nice.” He said throwing me a dress.

“Uh, it’s too early.” I groaned. How did I even get back to bed? Oh… Steve must’ve carried me back.

“Early bird catches the worm. Up up up.” He said pulling off the covers. “We leave in fifteen minutes.” With that he walked out of the room. How can he be so functional this early in the morning?

I rolled out of bed and looked at what he picked out. It was a dress I had bought off a street merchant in Marrakesh the day before everything went wrong. It had a black top with a colorful printed skirt. I slipped it on and a sandal before freshening up a bit.

October 2001-

Callie followed after Rebekah and Kol up the staircase to the second floor of the mansion. Kol and Rebekah made a turn and went down the hall and Callie went after them. When she finally caught up she was flabbergasted.

“Cool.” She said. The entire room was filled with toys and games. There were arcade games, board games, shelves lined with movies and books. There was even a corner of the room for Legos and a pinball machine.

“It’s pretty neat huh?” Kol asked.

“Is that a GameCube?” Callie asked.

“Yeah, we have Mariokart.” Kol said proudly as he turned on the TV.

“Hey it’s my turn with the TV.” Rebekah complained.

“Aw come on Rebekah, I want to play and so does Callie right?” Kol said.

“Please Rebekah, we can take turns and you can go first.” Callie offered.

“No, go play somewhere else until you leave. I wouldn’t get too comfortable either.” Rebekah said.

“Why are you so mean?” Callie asked tearing up.

“Because it’d be a waste of time to try and get to know you.” Rebekah said. “You’ll just leave anyway.”

Present Day-

After I got out of my room Will promptly dragged me out of the Villa with a quick good morning to everyone and promises that we’d be back before the rehearsal dinner.

“Tell me everything.” Will said.

“About what?” I said.

“About everything? You’ve been pretty quiet since you left. I know you’re not telling me something and I really can’t take someone else keeping secrets.” Will blurted out.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“I think Josh is cheating on me.” Will said and I started laughing. The thought of Josh, who loves Will to bits and pieces, who is only staying in the business long enough to pay off all of Will’s student loans, and who practically worships the ground Will walks on is by far the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. “That’s not funny Hayley, I’m serious.”

“Why would you ever think Josh would cheat on you? He loves the crap out of you.” I said.

“Josh has been acting really weird. He has to make random business trips out of nowhere. He has multiple cell phones. Hayley I even found a stash of cash under the floor boards, with fake ID’s for both of us and Nate.” Will said.

Shit.

“And then this morning he gets up at the crack of dawn and says he has to do something for work and had to go visit a friend in the area. I mean we’re on vacation, and he ditches me without an explanation. He’s probably hooking up with some hot Italian guy with a Vespa.” Will whined.

Or he’s probably at Kol’s place talking business or nursing Kol’s hangover. Probably the latter.

“Will, sweetie I can promise you that Josh is not cheating on you. He’s a good guy and he loves you. You two just need to sit down and actually talk about this stuff. And as for the fake id’s and cash that’s actually a rainy day fund I set up for you guys.” I said.

“Hayley there must be at least…” Will started.

“Hundred thousand dollars give or take.” I said. “I was going to be gone for a while and in case you needed something and couldn’t get a hold of me I wanted you guys looked after.”

“Hales what’s going on? And I mean the truth.” Will said.

“I can’t give you all the details now and the reason I’ve been pretty MIA for the past few months is that I’m dealing with some things from my past.” I said.

“You mean your brother?” Will asked.

“Yeah. I’m working on finding someone for him and after that he’s gone for good. That’s part of the reason I went to London.” I said.

“And your leg and wrist?” Will asked. “Was that him?”

“It’s not important right now. We’re finally in the same city and in Florence no less. We need best friend time.” I said.

“Do they know?” Will asked.

“They know. After all this is over, I’m going to tell you everything about my past but until then just know you’re safer not knowing.” I said.

“So Josh… not cheating on me?” he said.

“I can promise you he’s not cheating on you.” I said.

“So I should just sit him down and confront him about this?” Will said.

“Maybe ease him into it.” I said.

“Okay, I can work with that.” Will said. “Now I heard Italian Leather is the best in the work and there’s a market that specializes in that here in Florence.”

“Let’s go shop till we drop.” I said.

Hours Later-

I was so tired after all the walking we did but I had to get ready for the rehearsal dinner. I took a quick shower as always before getting into the light blue dress with the pattern detailing Will had picked out.

I left my hair down and slipped on my shoe before going to join everyone else in the living room.

“You were right Will does have good taste.” Tony said.

“And even better you can’t tell I have this thing on.” I said lifting up the hem a bit to show the boot.

“Can someone give me a hand with this thing?” Clint complained. I walked over and took the tie from him.

“Isn’t knowing how to put on a tie like a job requirement for spies?” I asked as I started pulling the tie into place.

“You’ve seen too many James Bond movies.” Clint retorted.

“What can I say I like my martini’s shaken not stirred?” I said giving him a quick peck on the lips.

“And you wonder why I don’t bother learning.” He said kissing me again.

“No hogging the soulmate, I need a hand?” Natasha called out from her room.

“Going.” I said. I walked in and saw the gorgeous emerald gown that accentuated Natasha’s figure so well.

“Can you zip me up?” She asked.

“You’re already zipped up?” I said with a smirk.

“Really?” She said before moving me against the wall and kissing me. I put my hands on Natasha’s waist but suddenly she stopped. There was a knock on the door.

“Car’s here.” Steve said.

“Be out in a second.” Natasha said. “I had to get one in.”

“Mhm.” I said kissing her again.

“Hayley, stop trying to get Romanoff out of her dress it’s time to go.” Tony called out.

“To be continued.” I said. Damn Tony and his timing.

We all piled into the limo Tony had gotten so we could all head over in the same car. Apparently the emergency Pepper had the day before was that she needed Tony to pull some strings since the rehearsal dinner venue cancelled at the last minute.

Tony managed to get one of the best restaurants in Florence to close for the night just for Pepper to have one less thing to worry about.

Most of the guests were just getting there. Pepper and Daniel were at the entrance greeting everyone.

“Hayley!” Pepper cheered before hugging me. “Thank you so much for doing this last minute. I know Tony didn’t give you much of a heads up.”

“The honor’s mine, I’ve been a witness and a flowergirl before but never a bridesmaid.” I said.

“You didn’t say that yesterday.” Tony mumbled.

“Well you sent me a text saying it was a life or death emergency so I was entitled to be a bit mad.” I said.

“Tony!” Pepper chastised.

“Well look at the line, you have guests to greet, see you later.” Tony said ushering all of us to out table. As soon as we sat down my phone started buzzing. I took it out and saw it was Rebekah. I quickly sent it to voicemail and went back to the conversation.

Tony, Clint and I started playing this game we started whenever we got dragged to corporate events. Mostly it involved us looking around and doing voice overs on people’s conversations not knowing what they were saying. Clint being able to read lips would score us based on how accurate we were.

“Oh dear, the waiter has yet to refill our water glasses how rude.” Tony said in a snooty voice.

“You should be more worried about my scotch.” I said in a huffy voice. My phone buzzed and it was a text from Rebekah. I quickly swiped it away before focusing on the conversation.

“And you’re both wrong, they’re talking about their flight.” Clint said.

“Oh let’s do Pepper’s Aunt Charlotte.” Tony said.

“Complaining about destination weddings.” I said.

“Hm… saying Pepper moved up the wedding because she wanted to tie Daniel down.” Tony said.

“No she’s saying Pepper’s not getting any younger and should start having kids.” Clint said.

“What a b-“I started but saw pepper coming our way. “-eautiful venue. Love the view.”

“It really is, thank you so much Tony.” Pepper said.

“You deserve it Pep.” Tony said as my phone started ringing but I sent it to voicemail again. I didn’t miss the look Steve and Clint gave me when they noticed.

Everything went well. Toasts were given, photos were taken and dinner was delicious. Everyone was cheerful as we headed back. My phone kept being bombarded with text messages from Rebekah. Judging from the glimpses I did get she was at a bar and getting pretty drunk.

“Everything alright?” Bruce asked.

“Fine.” I said.

“How’s Rebekah?” Natasha asked.

“No idea.” I said.

“You’re doing it again.” Clint said.

“Doing what?” I asked.

“Deflecting. Short answers, changing the subject anyway you possibly can…” Steve started.

“I thought we agreed no more lies?” Tony said.

“I’m not lying to you, like I said before I’m still not ready to talk about it.” I said.

“And when will you be ready to talk?” Tony said.

“Don’t know.” I said. They all exchanged looks before changing the subject.

Of course I’ve never been lucky enough to have my soulmates leave well enough alone. What the hell did I ever do to deserve them?

The second we walked in my phone started ringing again. I quickly shut it off and through it to the couch.

“That’s it, we’re not going anywhere until you talk.” Tony said.

“Tony.” Bruce said trying to talk him down.

“No he’s right. You promised not to keep secrets from us anymore Hayley and here you are shutting us out again and we’re not the only ones.” Steve said.

“Steve don’t.” I said really dreading what was about to happen.

“After Will, Rebekah’s you’re closest friend. You two are as thick as thieves, you’re family, what could be so bad to make you shut her out like this?” Steve said.

Well I had to tell them eventually. Better do it now when it’s just us.

“Rebekah decided to take matters into her own hands and put out a hit on my brother. The assassin that took the job missed and got caught. Before he died, said assassin told him someone put a hit on him. My brother in all his insanity automatically blamed me for it and kidnapped me in broad daylight. I was then tortured and drugged with something that can only be described as the truth serum on steroids. Rebekah and Kol managed to get me out in exchange for two million dollars and I had to find the person responsible by the end of the month which would be five days from now and Delilah by the end of the year. So that’s why I’m currently not speaking to Rebekah, Steve.” I said.

“WHAT?!” They all shouted.

“YOU GOT KIDNAPPED?!” Clint exclaimed.

“WHAT THE FUCK HAYLEY!?” Tony shouted.

“WHERE THE FUCK IS HE?!” Natasha shouted.

“YOU TURNED REBEKAH IN?!” Steve exclaimed.

“Of course not, she’s family. She’s staying away for now. Got sent to Hong Kong for business.” I said.

“Then he’s coming after you?” Clint said.

“No, it’s been taken care of.” I said looking away.

“What do you mean it’s been taken care of? You’re not turning in Rebekah and he’s not coming after you so…” Tony started.

“The duck.” Bruce said in realization.

“Duck?” Steve said confused.

“That was him.” I said. “Confirming that he got the intel I sent.”

“Hayley what did you do?” Tony asked.

“He wanted someone to blame and I wasn’t going to turn over my sister. So I gave him exactly what he wanted, someone to take the blame, a scapegoat.” I said.

“You going to let him blame and kill an innocent person?” Steve said horrified.

“No. A Human trafficker based out of Marrakesh. The guy is literally the worst of the worst. He introduces his job title as people person. He lies to refuges from warzones and tells them he’s taking them to safety and instead sells them off to brothels, or to the Yakuza for the black market organ trade. He rips newborns out of their mother’s arms and sells them to the highest bidders in other countries. He’s the least innocent person you’ll ever meet.” I said.

“That doesn’t make it right. You’re killing a man Hayley!” Steve shouted.

“So what? I should have turned over my sister or hell, take the blame myself?” I said.

“No you should have come to us.” Steve said.

“No I couldn’t.” I said.

“Why not?” Steve shouted.

“Because of the conversation we’re having right now. If the roles were reversed and it was Bucky or even Peggy in Rebekah’s place what would you do?” I asked.

“Don’t bring them into this!” Steve shouted.

“Steve calm down.” Bruce said.

“Why not?” I asked.

“You think we don’t know who the Mikaelsons are? What Rebekah and Kol actually do for a living? They’re criminals.” Steve said. “They’re nothing like Bucky and Peggy.”

“Yes they are.” I said.

“How?” Steve said.

“They’re family and I care about them just as much as you cared about Bucky and Peggy. And before you go off and try to play the moral high ground remember that I’m no different than they are. You know about my past and you know that I am just as much a criminal as they are the only difference is that I tried to get out and ended up getting dragged back into this mess because I love you all more than I care about whether I live or die.” I said making everyone shut up.

“Call it off.” Steve said.

Then my phone buzzed for the hundredth time this night. I looked at it and was about to swipe it away but stopped when I noticed it wasn’t from Rebekah t was Hadrian.

Didn’t feel like waiting another three days.

Then another message came in and it was a photo of a dead body with the head blown to bits.

I could feel the bile make its way up my throat.

“Hayley we can still fix this, it’s not…” Steve started.

“Too late.” I said sliding my phone down the table to reach Steve. “Guess the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree.” With that I walked into my room and locked the door behind me. I ran into the ensuite and puked my guts out as I finally cried over how much of a monster I had truly become.

In the end, I guess Hadrian and Mom did get their wish.