Fated Marks

Third Person’s POV-

Steve picked up the phone and took a glance at what Hayley was talking about. Steve closed his eyes and sighed.

“What is it?” Natasha asked. Steve slid the phone towards her. Natasha raised an eyebrow but froze when she saw what was on the screen. “Shit.”

“Fuck.” Clint muttered as he looked over Natasha’s shoulder.

“What?” Tony said growing impatient.

“It’s a photo of the guy Hayley set to take the blame with his head blown off. Her brother got impatient.” Natasha answered.

“Damn.” Tony said taking a look.

“How could she do this?” Steve said.

“In her eyes she didn’t have a choice.” Bruce said.

“There’s always a choice.” Steve said.

“Not always.” Natasha said getting up.

“Nat where you going?” Clint asked.

“Going to get answers.” She said.

“Wait up.” Clint said following after her.

“I’m going.” Tony said.

“Let’s go.” Steve said.

“I’ll stay with Hayley.” Bruce said.

“I don’t think she’s coming out of there anytime soon.” Tony said giving Steve a pointed look. “I wonder why?”

“She sent a man to his death, that isn’t right.” Steve said.

“Would you rather it be Hayley in that photo?” Natasha deadpanned making everyone freeze.

“Let’s just go.” Steve said.

“Anyone know who the guy was? Hayley said he was a human trafficker but never gave a name?” Tony asked.

“Does it really matter?” Steve asked.

“It does? Why him? She could have picked anyone to take the blame why him?” Tony asked.

“I don’t know convenience?” Clint said.

“She had to climb out a men’s bathroom in Marrakesh, dodge bullets, take a night long camel ride and pick pockets so she could get smuggled over to Spain, what part of that sounds convenient?” Tony said.

“She did what?” Steve said.

“She went on a rant when she first got here.” Tony said as they pulled up to an apartment building.

“Where are we?” Clint asked Natasha.

“We’re visiting the one person who knows everything that’s going on.” Natasha asked making her way into the building. She didn’t even bother to look at the doorman before calling an elevator.

They all got in before making to the top floor.

“Figured you’d show up sooner or later.” Kol said.

“You.” Steve said before moving to push him against the wall.

“What has your spangles in a bunch?” Kol said.

“Hayley got kidnapped!” Steve said. “You helped her frame a man and sent him to his death! Your sister put her in danger!”

“Steve.” Natasha said pulling him away with Clint’s help.

“Guessing you all finally talked to Hayley?” Kol said.

“No we were just in the area and decided to stop by and say hi.” Tony answered sarcastically. “What the hell happened?”

“Where do you want me to start?” Kol said pouring himself a drink.

“When exactly did this all happen?” Clint asked.

“Must’ve been… when did you go back to DC?” Kol asked him.

“About four weeks ago.” Clint said.

“She got taken about an hour or two after she dropped you off the airport, Took Rebekah about an hour to realize she was taken and then she called me to head over.” Kol said.

“She got taken the same day I left?” Clint said.

“He must’ve been watching her for a few days at least. He saw an opening and he went for it.” He said.

“Why do you and Hayley talk about him like he’s Voldemort? I’ve never heard anyone actually say his name?” Tony said.

“He’s Hayley’s Voldemort. I’ve worked with a lot of questionable and horrible people before but he tops them all.” Kol said. “Anyway by the time I get there Rebekah’s a wreck for obvious reasons and we had no back up. She managed to get his number off of Hayley’s spare phone and she made the call. Two million dollars cash, She continues her search for Delilah, and she had until the end of the month to find whoever put the hit on him.”

“That’s exactly what Hayley said.” Tony said.

“Rebekah agreed of course but she didn’t tell anyone that she was the one that put the hit out on him until later.” Kol said. “We called in some favors and got some back up for the exchange. Of course that bloody wanker wasn’t going to let her go that easy and tried to kill me and dosed Hayley up with some drug, left her in a coma for four days along with all the damage he and his lackeys had already done.”

“What the hell is wrong with her?” Natasha said.

“Hayley’s family and if there’s one thing Rebekah cares about over everything else it’s family.” Kol said.

“You and Hayley say it like it justifies everything.” Steve said. “She didn’t even look like she regretted it at all.”

“If you think Hayley isn’t feeling guilty or an ounce of regret over what she’s done then you don’t know her at all.” Kol said. “That girl is practically a bleeding heart with how much she cares.”

“Sounds like Rebekah’s the same way. They’re both practically attached at the hip.” Tony said.

“It wasn’t always like that, they used to hate each other.” Kol said.

October 2001-

“Then you’re not worth getting to know either.” Callie said.

“Rebekah can you not? Remember what Elijah and Nik said.” Kol reminded her.

“I don’t care! She’s just a brat who doesn’t belong here just like her mom! I bet she doesn’t even know who her dad is!” Rebekah said.

“At least I still have a mom.” Callie said not meaning it the way Rebekah took it since she didn’t know Rebekah and her siblings were orphans.

“Why you little.” Rebekah said lunging at Callie.

“AH!” Callie cried.

“Elijah! Nik!” Kol yelled out.

Suddenly Elijah and Nik ran into the room with Marcel and Allison behind them.

“Rebekah!”

“Calliope!” Allison yelled.

“She started it!” Both girls said.

“Enough!” Marcel said.

“Calliope apologize this instant.” Allison said giving her daughter a glare.

“You too Rebekah.” Marcel said.

“But she…” Rebekah started.

“No buts, apologize now!” Marcel said sternly.

“I’m sorry.” Rebekah said reluctantly.

“I’m sorry too.” Callie said looking at the floor.

“Good. Calliope you’re grounded for the next two weeks. No TV, No Computers, no reading unless it’s school related and you’ll be coming with me to work after school.” Allison said.

“But mom…” Callie whined starting to tear up.

“Do you want to make it a month?” Allison said. “Honestly I have no idea what’s wrong with you. You never did this when Hadrian was here.”

“I’m sorry.” Callie said tearing up.

“Go downstairs we were just about to leave anyway.” Allison said.

“Yes Mom.” Callie said before looking at marcel. “I’m sorry.” With that she marched away.

“That was a bit harsh don’t you think?” Marcel said.

“Kids need discipline. She’ll thank me for it later on.” Allison said. “Thank you for brunch.”

“I’ll walk you out.” Marcel said.

“It was nice meeting you all.” Allison said.

“Yes it was.” Elijah said politely.

Once they were gone Nik and Elijah exchanged looks.

“What a bitch.” Kol said.

“Kol!” Elijah chastised.

“What?” Kol said.

Present Day-

“What has Hayley told you about her Mum?” Kol asked.

“What does her mom have to do with any of this?” Clint asked.

“You want to understand why Hayley did what she did you have to go back to Allison.” Kol said. “That woman should never have been a mother plain and simple. She could never love anyone as much as she loved herself.”

“Hayley always describes her as being complicated but she talks about her like she was a great mom.” Tony said.

“The thing about losing a parent at such an early age, you tend to make the good times no matter how few there are overshadow the bad to the point you forget them. Allison did what she pleased and used people to get what she wanted. She wanted to make business connections she’d send Hayley to the same school as the children of a competitor in the hopes that Hayley would befriend them. Of course Hayley being the socially awkward person she is never did. At age six she was balancing checkbooks, managing payrolls and making investments not really a conversation starter on the playground. Allison liked to pretend that Hayley did it because she wanted to help, but the only reason Hayley wanted to help was because it was the only way her mum would give her any praise or attention. The only time I ever heard Allison tell her daughter that she loved her was when Hayley managed to increase profits by twenty percent in a single quarter.” Kol said.

“Sounds like someone I knew.” Tony muttered thinking of his own father.

“Later on when Hayley discovered her interest for computers she became an even greater asset. With the click of a button she could turn hundreds into thousands. Half of our family’s fortune is in part because of the investments Hayley told us to make all those years ago. We never asked her to do it for us she just did it for us.” Kol said.

November 2001-

Elijah and Nik went upstairs to check on their younger siblings. Rebekah was sitting in the corner reading some magazine and painting her nails while Kol was playing video games and Callie was reading A Midsummer Night’s Dream for an essay her tutor had assigned. They could feel the underlying tension in the room and the glares Rebekah and Callie threw each other.

“How long do you think they’re going to keep this up?” Nik asked.

“Not sure but not much longer if I have anything to say about it.” Elijah said walking into the room. “Callie, your mom and Marcel have gotten held up in New York and aren’t going to be back until Monday morning.”

“Is everything Okay?” Callie asked.

“Everything’s fine but that does mean you’re going to be staying here until they get back which also means you’ll be going to the lake house with us.” Elijah said.

“What!?” Rebekah cried out.

“Oh don’t look so glum love. The more the merrier.” Nik said with a smirk.

“But the house is for family only.” Rebekah argued.

“No it’s not.” Kol argued

“Shut up Kol!” Rebekah shouted.

“Enough, we’re heading out in an hour so if there’s anything you want to take I suggest you start packing.” Elijah said.

“Can’t I stay?” Rebekah asked.

“No.” Elijah and Nik said.

“Uh.” She groaned before stomping out.

A Few Hours Later-

“Nik can I start the fire?” Kol said playing with a lighter.

“Only if you do it the old fashioned way.” Nik answered.

“Why don’t you two go fetch some firewood for the pit?” Elijah told Callie and Rebekah.

“Okay.” Callie said putting her book down.

“Let the brat go on her own.” Rebekah said.

“Callie’s never been here before we don’t want her to get lost, besides you could use the fresh air. Now go.” Elijah said ushering them out.

So out they went.

“That’s a Cardinal!” Callie cheered.

“Yes it’s another bird.” Rebekah groaned. “Go a bit more deeper this won’t last us long.”

“Okay.” Callie said following after Rebekah and picking up sticks as they went.

It was all going well until Rebekah tripped on a rock.

“AH!” She groaned.

“What’s wrong?!” Callie said panicking.

“My leg.” Rebekah cried.

“Where does it hurt?” Callie asked.

“I just said my leg.” Rebekah cried out.

“I meant where on your leg?” Callie said.

“Ankle.” Rebekah hissed. Callie slowly lifted her jeans up so she could take a look.

“I think it’s twisted.” Callie said.

“It hurts.” Rebekah cried.

“I have an idea.” Callie said slipping off her scarf. She slowly untied Rebekah’s shoe.

“What are you doing?” Rebekah hissed.

“I’m going to slip off your show so I can wrap your ankle with my scarf. My mom did that with my wrist and it felt better.” Callie said.

“AH, It hurts.” Rebekah cried out.

“I know just hold on a sec.” Callie said slowly and carefully taking the shoe off before wrapping the scarf on her leg.

“That feels better.” Rebekah said.

“We need to head back.” Callie said. “Can you get up?”

“Maybe.” Rebekah said sitting up but crying out when she put weight on her ankle.

“Okay, try leaning on me.” Callie said giving Rebekah a side hug to support her as she hopped on one leg.

“How’d you hurt your wrist?” Rebekah asked.

“Haddy got mad at me.” Callie said.

“Haddy? Your brother?” Rebekah asked. “What’d your mom say?”

“She got angry and took away my color pencils.” Callie said.

“What’d you do?” Rebekah asked.

“I broke a mug when I was washing it.” Callie said.

“But it was an accident?” Rebekah said.

“Haddy isn’t nice like Elijah and Nik and he’s mom’s favorite.” She answered sadly.

“Then why don’t you tell anyone?” Rebekah asked.

“No one would believe me and if they did mom would get in trouble. It’s okay, I know my mom loves me it’s just not as much as Haddy.” Callie said.

In that moment Rebekah felt a deep understanding for the young girl helping her stand.

“I’m sorry I was mean to you.” Rebekah said.

“It’s okay I was pretty mean too.” Callie said.

“My mom died a few years ago and it’s always just been me and my brothers, I was afraid you were going to take Marcel away.” Rebekah said.

“That’s not going to happen Bekah, Family’s family. You stick together no matter what.” Callie reassured her.

“I guess that means you too now.” Rebekah said. “I always wanted a little sister.”

Present Day-

“The thing Rebekah and Hayley bonded over was their love for their families even if it wasn’t deserved. Hayley knew what her mom and brother did was wrong and she told them many times. That’s how she ended up living with us for months at a time. Her mum got involved in a business venture that was bringing in massive profits. Hayley being the one in charge of handling the money was the only one to figure out what it really was.”

“Human Trafficking.” Natasha said.

“Of course Hayley’s brother wasn’t going to let her get in the way of his payday and threatened Hayley the way he usually does. Rebekah saw everything and told Marcel. He confronted Allison, suffice it to say they broke up but he wasn’t going to let Hayley leave with them knowing what would probably happen if he did. Allison didn’t give it a second thought and left without so much as a goodbye. That is until six months later when she shows up with him.” Kol said.

“Hayley’s brother?” Steve asked.

“No, Stepdad number three.” Kol said. “Turns out they wanted to expand the business and ship out to New York from our ports. Of course we said no so Allison used Hayley as a bargaining chip. They use our docks for three months she signs over custody of Hayley. We refuse, she calls the cops and we never see Hayley again. So we said yes. Eventually Hayley figures out what was happening and what her mom was doing so she leaks intel to the police and FBI so that her stepfather would get caught. What she didn’t expect was that her mom would marry the arse so they couldn’t be forced to testify against each other at her eighth birthday party.”

“Jesus.” Steve said.

“So Hayley hates birthdays for a reason still don’t see what that has to do with the guy she framed.” Natasha said.

“After she got her mom off Allison gave Hayley a choice come with her or stay with us?” Kol said.

“Hayley chose to go back to her mom? After all of that?” Clint said.

“We all do stupid shit for the people we love. She’s loyal to a fault even as a kid, she saved her mom and that arse against her better judgment knowing what was waiting for her if she did. So tell me if she was willing to black mail and walk away from the closest thing to a happy functional family she’s ever known for that train wreck of a of a marriage and a sociopathic roommate is it really that crazy to think that she’d actually risk it all for someone who cares about her just as much she does them?” Kol said.

“It’s still murder.” Steve argued.

“Really? You’re a soldier, you’ve been to war and I’m sure you’ve taken some people out along the way. Pot meet kettle.” Kol said.

“I was following orders, I fought for my country.” Steve argued.

“And Hayley was fighting for her life and her sister’s.” Kol said moving out of the kitchen to the living room. He opened up a drawer and pulled out three files. “When she came up with the idea for a scapegoat she got into every major intelligence agency’s database and picked out the worst of the worst. These were the top three including the lucky winner. She knew he was going to be the one from the beginning it wasn’t until a few days ago that I figured out why.”

Natasha picked up a file and opened it.

“Is that?” Clint asked.

“Serbian Drug lord.” Natasha said.

“Also happens to be a CIA informant.” Kol added.

“What’s this?” Tony said pulling out a folded up poster paper.

“Open it.” Kol said. Tony arched an eyebrow and did exactly that. Once the huge sheet of paper was laid out flat on the table it looked like some complicated flow chart and at the center was the name Karim Nassar. The arrows moved to some other boxes with names or other people and crime organizations crossed out in red marker. “The reason it took so long for us to make a move was partially because Hayley needed to recover and she needed to make sure we went after the right person.”

Steve and Clint laid out the other flow charts from the other files. They weren’t as big or entangled as Nassar’s.

“Karim Nassar, drug distributer to the Balkans, Scandanavia and well most of Europe, Arms dealer, and his main source of income Human Trafficking. Known associate of the Galician’s, Czech’s, Russian’s, IRA, Yakuza, Ten Rings, and Triad. There is literally no pie this guy doesn’t get a slice of. The red marks indicate supply lines that get cut off.” Kol said.

“Nassar, why does that name sound familiar?” Clint said.

“Croatia.” Natasha said. “He was there.”

“Damn, this guy is…” Tony started.

“Savage, I said the same thing when I saw the photos.” Kol said. “You still think he’s an innocent bystander?”

Steve stayed silent.

“Maybe the ends don’t justify the means, and the amount of good his death does the world won’t make killing someone okay but none of that matters. What matters right now is the amount of guilt that’s eating Hayley up inside. She hasn’t slept more than three hours a night for the past month. Two weeks ago I tried waking her up and she threw a lamp at me in her sleep. Anything you can say or do to make her feel bad is nothing compared to what she’s doing herself right now.” Kol said.

“It’s getting late, we have a busy day tomorrow.” Tony said.

“Right.” Clint said putting the files together and handing them back to Kol.

“When’s Rebekah coming back?” Natasha asked.

“Not sure, probably soon. She really doesn’t like Hong Kong.” Kol said. “Remind Hayley to ice her wrist.”

“We will.” Clint said as they walked out of the apartment.

No one said anything the entire way down or during the entire car ride. When they finally pulled up to the villa Tony shut the car off but no one made a move to get out.

“Where do we go from here?” Steve asked.

“Has anything really changed? Anyone feel any different towards Hayley?” Tony asked and everyone stayed quiet. “Didn’t think so.”

“She killed a man.” Steve said.

“Technically her brother did.” Clint corrected.

“She still…” Steve started.

“All she did was redirect his anger towards someone who hurt a lot of people. Someone was going to end up dead whether she did it or not. She did the world a favor.” Natasha said.

“She was smart and thought it out, it wasn’t something she did on a whim.” Clint said.

“If it was Hayley’s life at stake and it kind of was I would have done the same.” Tony said. “This brother problem is getting out of hand.”

“You just noticed?” Natasha said.

“Not like there’s much we can do. She doesn’t even trust us with her real name.” Clint said.

“It wouldn’t get you anywhere if you knew it, I already tried that. She probably wiped any traces of her identity years ago.” Tony said.

“We can deal with that tomorrow, we have to be up in a few hours for the wedding.” Natasha said.

“We also have to catch Bruce up.” Tony said.

“You can do that tomorrow morning. We should try and get some sleep.” Steve said as everyone got out of the car. Everyone went into their rooms except Clint and Natasha. They stood outside Hayley’s door.

“We should probably give her space.” Clint said.

“Probably.” Natasha said.

“Bobby pin or paperclip?” Clint asked.

“Key.” Natasha said holding it up. She put it in the key in and opened the door. They quietly slipped in and closed the door behind them. Hayley was in bed but they could tell she wasn’t sleeping peacefully. She had a death grip on the pillow she was clutching.

Natasha carefully slipped in behind her and draped an arm across her waist. Clint carefully pried the pillow out of her grasp before slipping in and kissing her forehead. Hayley whimpered a bit.

“Sh sh, It’s okay hales. You’re safe.” Clint whispered holding her close before closing his eyes for the night.