Fated Marks

I walked into my floor and as I walked through the living room I noticed there was a crib with a mattress and bedding all set up.

“Jarvis who put a crib in here?” I asked.

“Sir ordered it along with the rest of the supplies for your nephew ma’am. He believed you’d sleep better if you didn’t worry about young Cal falling off your bed.” Jarvis said.

“Tell him I said thanks.” I said before moving the crib to the room. I gave Cal a bath and got him dressed for bed. He went down without fussing. When I was sure he was asleep I went to the bathroom and jumped in the shower.

How is it possible that I slept most of the day away and I was still so tired?

I stood under the shower letting the warm water just fall on me. I felt a rush of anger come from Clint and Tony’s marks and very briefly from Bruce’s before he just felt worried. Thor felt upset but mostly just concerned. Natasha felt strangely calm but for some reason it sent chills down my spine. I took a deep breath and sighed.

I just needed to get through the next couple of days. I needed to wait until Cal was gone and then I can focus on what comes next. Which mostly involved figuring out what came next…

I turned off the shower and dried myself off before getting dressed in my pajamas. When I opened the door to my room the first thing I saw was Natasha looking down at Cal’s crib.

“Nat?” I asked getting her attention.

“You didn’t eat all day. I brought you a sandwich.” She said nodding her head towards my nightstand.

“Thanks.” I said going over to pick up a chip from the plate before continuing to dry off my hair. We stood there in silence, the only sound in the entire room

“Why’d you save him?” Natasha asked.

“What?” I asked.

“Why’s you save Cal?” She asked.

“Why wouldn’t I?” I retorted and feeling slightly confused at her question.

“You had Delilah, and you had Cal. You could have handed them both over and it would have been over then and there but you didn’t. The only thing you’ve done for months is obsessively focus on that one goal but you changed your mind at the last minute. Why did you do it?” Natasha asked.

“The first time I saw Cal all I could see was Hadrian, now all I can see is myself. He’s an innocent kid who was just unlucky enough to be born to crappy parents. I know what it’s like to spend everyday afraid that it’s going to be your last and having to constantly look over your shoulder every time you go outside. That’s not a life I’d wish for my worst enemy let alone a kid.” I said.

“Do you regret it?” Natasha asked.

“I have a lot of regrets but saving him isn’t one of them.” I said looking down at my sleeping nephew.

“But you’re still giving him up.” She said.

“I know what I’m doing.” I said giving her a small smile.

“I don’t think you do.” Natasha said.

“Guess you’ll just have to wait and see.” I said.

The Next Day-

“Wah!” Cal woke up screaming.

“Ah, are you ever just going to be a good baby and sit quietly in bed until I wake up?” I said.

“Ah!” He cried.

“Guess not.” I said picking him up. “It’s okay buddy.” I said rubbing his back before putting him down on my bed. I checked his diaper and saw that he was wet. I quickly changed him and he went back to being happy. From the past few days I knew this was just the calm before the storm if I didn’t feed him soon.

I picked him back up and headed upstairs. It was still early and the common room was empty. I strapped him into his high chair and turned on the coffee maker. I pulled out some bananas and some rice cereal for babies someone had ordered and stuck it in the blender.

The mushy banana paste didn’t look appetizing but most baby food didn’t.

“Okay, open up.” I said.

“Ah!” Cal cheered opening his mouth wide before closing it on the spoon. He gave me a weird look but chewed the bananas.

“Yum Yum.” I said getting another spoonful ready and offering it. Calm moved away and faced away from me. “Come on open up.”

Instead of opening his mouth to grab a bite Cal projectile vomited all over my arm. It also happened at the exact moment Tony and Bruce walked in so they saw it happen.

“Whoa.” Tony said.

“Ew.” I said really grossed out.

“Is he sick?” Bruce said immediately going into doctor mode.

“Nope… just doesn’t like bananas apparently.” I said watching the vomit drip from my sleeve. “You’re so lucky you’re cute.”

“Ah!” Cal said raising his arms to be picked up.

“Aw, I can’t stay mad at you.” I said picking him up and rubbing his back before kissing his cheek

“Buah!” I heard a small belch before I felt something on my shoulder.

“Oh… I think he had a little left in him…” Bruce said.

“You’ve got a little something…” Tony said gesturing to my hair and neck.

“Yeah, I noticed.” I said as the elevator dinged.

“Good morning I need… Whoa you look like shit.” Will said when he looked at me.

“Good to see you too jerk.” I said as Cal’s stomach gurgled loudly before he farted. Yeah, bananas were a really bad idea.

“Wah!” Cal cried.

“Sh, sh sh…” I said rocking him.

“Uh who’s baby is that?” Will started.

“He’s my nephew.” I said. “Excuse me I need to go change a diaper and get puke out of my hair.”

Third Person’s POV-

Will, Tony, and Bruce watched Hayley walk into the elevator.

“Did she just say…” Will started.

“Yeah.” Tony said.

“But isn’t he…” Will started.

“The worst.” Bruce said.

“And that’s…” Will continued.

“His son who just puked all over her.” Tony said pouring himself a cup of coffee.

“What the hell is going on?” Will asked.

“I think it’s better if you hear it from Hayley.” Bruce said.

Hayley’s POV-

“Ah!” Cal cried.

“I know buddy. Sh Sh.” I said as the elevator doors opened and I walked into my floor.

“Hayley.” Steve said.

“Uh… Hi.” I said as I walked into the living room.

“Can we talk?” Steve asked.

“Yeah… wait can you give me a few minutes. Someone had an accident during breakfast.” I said

“Yeah… I’ll just wait here.” He said rubbing the back of his neck.

“Okay.” I said before the elevator opened again.

“Hayley!” Will said storming in.

“Will.” Steve said,

“Cap,” Will greeted before turning to me. “Hales you, me, and that are going out for breakfast.”

“Two things. One he’s a baby not and it. We’re calling him Cal for now and two I can’t really be out in public right now.” I said.

“Just change your top and wash your hair in the sink. Go I’ll change him.” Will said making grabby hands at Cal who just held on tighter to me and hid his face in my neck.

“Yeah Will I can’t really do this right now.” I said.

“Well tough, we need to talk.” Will said.

“Will…” I started.

“Jake’s in the mob.” Will blurted out.

“What!” Steve shouted surprised.

“I’ll order in.” I said grabbing my cell phone and dialing one of the nearby bistros that delivered.

“Hayley I’ll just come back later.” Steve said.

“Yeah, this might be a while.” I said.

Twenty minutes I was out of the shower, Cal was on a bouncer playing with a rattle and hearing the itsy bitsy spider on repeat and Will and I were sitting in awkward silence across from each other. In the three, almost four years I’d known him I had never felt awkward or nervous to talk to him.

“Jake’s in the mob.” Will repeated again.

“I know.” I said.

“You know? How long have you known?” Will asked.

“I found out back in January during that two week sabbatical after I found out they were my soulmates.” I said.

“You knew!?” Will shouted.

“Will calm down.” I said.

“You knew my lobster was in the mob and you never mentioned it? What happened to bros over hoes?!” Will shouted.

“It wasn’t my secret to tell. Look, From what I could gather Will was mostly his boss’s errand boy and designated driver. He’s probably done some stuff he’s not proud of but no one’s perfect.” I said.

“He’s in the mob Hayley, Have you not seen Goodfellas?” Will said.

“They actually got a lot of stuff wrong in that movie…” I started and he gave me a glare. “Sweetie, You’re my best friend, my brother from an other mother and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for you so you need to trust me when I tell you that if Josh was as bad as you’re probably imagining him to be for you to freak out right now he wouldn’t have gotten within ten feet of you.”

“I’m a douche magnet.” Will whined.

“I’m not going to deny you’ve dated a lot of questionable and douchey guys but Josh is not one of them.” I said.

“How can you say that?” Will said.

“I’ve seen the parade of morons you were with before you found Josh, hell I walked in and saw a lot more of them I ever wanted to see. Josh is way better than them. Personality and size wise…” I said shivering at the memory, which made Will laugh.

“How can you trust him?” Will asked.

“Because I ran a background check on him and threatened to cut his balls off if he ever hurt you and instead of giving me some bullshit promise about how that’d never happen he said if that ever happened he’d cut them off himself and giftwrap them for me. He’s the guy who found me in an alley after I saw my brother and was having a panic attack and refused to leave me alone until I was okay. He’s the guy that kept doing a job he’s been trying to leave for years because he wants to pay off all your student loans and wants to buy a condo so you two can have a fresh start together. He loves the crap out of you and worships the ground you walk on buddy. He’s your lobster Will. He loves you and I know you love him too. So I don;t know why this is bothering you so much.” I said.

“He lied to my face.” Will said. “I’m trying to be a freaking lawyer for fucks sake. My dad’s a cop.”

“He’s also a homophobic asshole.” I said. “Try again.”

“It’s wrong.” Will said.

“Again, he’s just the errand boy, worst he’s ever done is smuggle pot across state lines and half the time he didn’t even know he was doing it.” I said and Will give me a look.

“How do you know all of this?” Will said.

“You remember how after Thanksgiving you said Xander was the worst brother in the whole world because he threw you under the bus? Well my brother sold me to the Chinese Triad when I was eight.” I said.

“What?” Will said.

“I’m going to get you a refill.” I said grabbing his mug. “Because I promised you I’d tell you everything and it’s a really long story.”

“Does it have anything to do with the baby?” Will asked.

“Yeah… things are a bit… complicated at the moment.”

“This have anything to do with the fact that everyone’s being really…awkward and passive aggressive?” Will started.

“Guessing you ran into Clint on your way up?” I said.

“I brought coffee and he took the entire tray before locking himself in the gym.” Will said. “What happened?”

“I screwed up.” I said tearing up a bit.

“Hales I’m sure it’s not that bad.” Will said putting an arm around my shoulders

“Will… You’re not going to think that when I’m done telling you everything.” I said.

“Really? Is it worse than my soulmate being in the mob because nothing can top that?” Will started.

So I let it all out. I told him everything. My real name. How I grew up. How I got kicked out of my home. How I’ve been hunted down by Hadrian for the past five years. How he found me and how I’ve constantly screwed the pooch in the past few months. I told him why Cal was with me and what I was going to do.

When I was done will just stared into space. He was either freaking out or still processing it all.

“What. The. Fuck.” He said.

“Will…” I started.

“How could you let me get the wrong name tattooed on my arm?” Will said and I just stared at him. Out of everything I expected him to say that was the last thing I thought he’d go with.

“Out of that entire thing that’s what you’re going with?” I asked.

“It’s on my arm Hayley. That shit’s permanent.” Will said as he started laughing and I just joined in.

“Well as far as drunk tattoos go Hayley is an actual name where Calliope that’s harder to explain.” I said.

“You’re name’s Calliope Chauncey.” Will said laughing.

“I had it legally changed so you don’t have to get it lasered off.” I said.

“It’s the little things that count.” Will said. “So… that’s Satan’s spawn.”

“Cal.” I corrected.

“He looks a lot like you.” Will said.

“He’s a clone of his Dad.” I said.

“Maybe but he’s a lot like you when you were a kid.” Will said. “He’s going to be a looker.”

I took my phone out and popped out a picture of Hadrian.

“Whoa he’s hot.” Will said.

“That’s Hadrian.” I said.

“Why are all the hot ones taken or crazy.” Will groaned making me laugh?

“I thought it’d be longer before we were at the phase where we start joking about this.” I said laughing.

“My mom always said to laugh it up because it’s sadder to cry.” Will said laughing before he started crying and so did I. “Why is this happening to us?”

“For me it’s probably Karma and for you… life trying to even out the score for the heartbreak it put you through.” I said wiping the tears of my face before Cal started crying. I started crying.

“Hales it’s going to be okay.” Will said.

“Not it’s not, that’s a dirty diaper cry.” I said making Will laugh.

“Go get him cleaned up and get dressed we’re going out for some comfort food.” Will said.

“I can’t.” I said.

“Hayley, you look like crap and my guess is you haven’t been out of here in days. You need some air and so does Cal. We’ll go take a walk in the park, stop by and grab some junk food and head back here.” Will said.

“Don’t you have to head home and talk to…” I started and Will gave me a look.

“Ah.” I said.

“Yeah, he’s out of town on some business. Said he wanted to give me some space to think it out and Nate’s in Switzerland with his family. I didn’t want to be alone.” Will said.

“It’s going to be quick.” I said. “No subways.”

“Okay.” Will said and I went to get dressed. I ended up grabbing a black Henley and some thermal charcoal leggings. I put on some black boots and a navy coat. I didn’t feel like doing my hair so I put on a knit beanie with a furry pom pom on top. I quickly got Cal ready and after some wrestling with the freaky origami stroller Tony had ordered we finally got him strapped in and headed out.

“Isn’t this nice.” Will said.

“I can’t stop thinking about how easy it would be for a sniper to shoot me.” I said.

“Aren’t you being a bit paranoid?” Will said.

“No.” I said. “And if it was I’d be justified.”

“Oh right.” Will said. “So all those times you disappeared…”

“I was actually in Colorado. I was visiting a friend.” I said.

“And when you kept getting injured?” Will said.

“That was him.” I said.

“Wow.” Will said.

“You angry?” I said.

“Hey I always knew you had secrets I just never thought they’d be… that.” Will said.

“What are you going to do about Josh?” I asked.

“Uh.” Will groaned. “I love him he’s such a sweetheart and he’s literally everything I ever dreamed my lobster would be and more. But he lied to me.”

“So did I.” I said.

“You had your reasons.” Will said.

“So did Josh. Will I’m probably the last person to talk about honesty and trust and pretty much anything relating to doing the right thing but I am the person who understands trying to do the right thing through morally questionable means. Josh loves you and there is nothing he wouldn’t do for you.” I said.

“The people he works with… they have anything to do with Rebekah and Kol?” Will asked.

“You remember when Josh had to leave during Pepper’s wedding? He needed to deliver some cash to a mob boss to get them to let Kol go. That’s mostly what he does.” I said.

“He is really good with drunks.” Will said.

“He is, really good in a crisis too.” I said.

“You were the one that got us that weekend in Venice weren’t you?” Will said in realization.

“You were working hard and I needed to make up for pulling Josh into a job.” I said.

“What kind of future can I have with him Hales? What if one day work follows him home or worse if he doesn’t come back? I can’t lose him hales.” Will said tearing up.

“Will you’re not going to lose him. I’ve already talked to him and he wants to retire and he will. And about that other thing you’re worried about we’ve both made arrangements so that if Hadrian and any one else who would want to get to us through you and Nate, you two would be taken care of.” I said.

“I’m so conflicted.” Will said. “I don’t know whether to be touched or freaked out.”

“It’s okay to be both.” I said.

“Can I stay with you tonight?” Will asked. “I don’t want to be alone at the apartment.”

“Of course though you should know this little guy has a habit of waking up screaming in the middle of the night like someone’s killing him.” I said.

“As long as you’re the one getting up to deal with that I’m okay.” Will said.

“Jerk.” I said giving him a playful glare.

“Love you sis.” Will said.

“Love you too buddy.” I said giving him a short hug before we went on our way to the grocery store.

When we finally got back to the tower we headed straight up to my floor and started watching movies. Cal knocked out pretty early so we went back upstairs and started cooking. No one showed up for dinner so we ate in front of the TV. Will finished an entire bottle of wine on his own. Normally I’d be concerned but considering all the bombs he had dropped on him today I cut him a break.

Will knocked out on my bed and I couldn’t sleep so I went to check in on things. Some hacking and checking on local news showed that whatever remained of Delilah’s body still hadn’t been identified. There was no mention of a missing baby so that was one less thing to worry about. I looked up any recent police reports in New Orleans and the recent crime wave was starting to die down. Marcel and Elijah worked fast.

Just as I was about to see how things were going in Romania Cal started crying.

I quickly got up and went to quiet him down.

“Sh Sh, It’s okay.” I said checking him. He didn’t have a dirty diaper and there was nothing wrong with him. He was just wide-awake. “Okay buddy, let’s go warm up a bottle.”

I walked out of the room and grabbed my laptop on the way out before heading upstairs. I set him down in his high chair and started warming up a bottle. When I handed it to him Cal wouldn’t take it and reached up for me. I knew I shouldn’t be coddling him and I was supposed to let him self-sooth but I just couldn’t say no to him. I picked him up and brought him with me to sit on my lap while I worked on my laptop.

Cal leaned against me and drank his bottle while I typed away on my laptop. I hooked up the cloned phone to my laptop and started checking its signal location. I sighed relieved when it showed up in Constanta, Romania.

“Can’t sleep?” I heard someone say. I looked up and saw Clint leaning against the doorway. He looked exhausted his hair was messy and sticking up randomly. He also had a five o’clock shadow so I knew he hadn’t shaved in a few days.

“This little guy woke up screaming and Will’s downstairs snoring so I wasn’t getting any sleep anyway.” I said smiling down and Cal who was scratching his head and getting drowsy. “You?”

“Haven’t been sleeping much lately.” He said moving to the couch. “What are you doing?”

“Checking on where he is.” I said.

“And?” Clint asked moving to look at the computer screen.

“Still in Romania.” I said.

“How are you tracking him?” Clint asked.

“I cloned his phone back in April. Thought he might have a few leads on finding Delilah. He didn’t have anything but did give me a way to stay clear of him. For the most part anyway.” I said closing my laptop. I got up and went to put Cal in the playpen before sitting down again.

“How’d will take it?” Clint asked.

“He was mad he got the wrong name tattooed on his arm but then I reminded him Calliope would be hard to explain and that I had legally changed my name to Hayley so he got over that pretty fast. He’s still mad I didn’t tell him Josh was involved with an organized crime family and is still debating whether or not to give him a second chance so that’s taking up most of his attention from being mad. It might come back around later.” I said.

“Josh is in the mob?” Clint asked.

“He works with Kol and his brothers, mostly as an errand boy and bailing them out of trouble.” I said.

“I’m…” Clint started before sighing. “I’m really trying here Hales. I know you did what you thought you had to do but you lied to me, to everyone for months. I thought we were past all of this.”

“I lied because I thought it was the only way to keep you all safe.” I said. “The ends don’t justify the means but… yeah I’m at a loss here. I just can’t stop screwing up lately. I try to put out one fire and they just end up getting bigger. I tried to find someone I end up with an orphaned nephew. I’m a total fuck up.”

“I’m a freaking spy and I couldn’t figure out your brother was right next to us everyday at work.” Clint said.

“He was raised to hide in plain sight, we both were.” I said.

“He has to be stopped Hales.” Clint said.

“I know.” I said. “There is no talking him down or cutting deals anymore. There’s only what he wants and whatever’s in his way. He’s not going to stop.”

“We’re going after him.” Clint said.

“When?” I asked.

“Soon.” He said and I just nodded before standing up and going to check on Cal. “You’re good with him.”

“You didn’t see what happened this morning during breakfast.” I said.

“You mean when he recreated the exorcist and projectile vomited on you?” Clint said and I looked at him confused as to how’d he know about that.

“I’ve been spending time in the vents. Wanted to be alone but wanted to know what was going on.” He said.

“Oh.” I said.

“Are you sure…” He started.

“Don’t.” I said stopping him.

“Hales, I’ve seen you with him. You love that kid. Do you really want to let him go?” Clint asked.

“I screwed up this kid’s life the minute I walked into his life, I’m not going to ruin any chance at a good life by selfishly keeping him with me. He’s better off as far away from me as possible.” I said.

“And what happens after he’s gone?” Clint asked.

“I make sure Hadrian or anyone who would want to hurt him never finds him.” I said.

“Even if it means you never get to see him again?” he asked.

“He’ll be in good hands.” I said picking up the bottle from the crib and putting it on the coffee table before sitting down. I was just about to pick up my laptop again but Clint put his hand on it to stop me. I let go and he pulled me into his arms and held me. I rested my head on his chest and hugged him back. I don’t know what came over me but I started crying and I couldn’t stop.

“It’s okay Hales. Just let it out.” Clint said holding onto me.

I ended up crying myself to sleep until the next morning. Cal started crying and I had to slip out of Clint’s arms to get him to calm down.

“Mh.” Clint groaned.

“Sorry, just keep sleeping.” I whispered before getting up. “Okay buddy. Here’s your binky.” I said sticking his pacifier in his mouth. Cal whimpered for a bit but settled down fast. I was enjoying the silence when I phone started ringing loudly.

“Uh.” Clint groaned before grabbing a couch pillow and covering his head with it.

I answered it without checking the caller ID and put it on speaker.

“Hello.” I answered.

“You fucking bitch.” Hadrian greeted making Clint sit up at the same time Natasha Tony and Steve walked in.

“Morning or is it afternoon in Romania?” I asked. “Guessing you figured out the kid wasn’t left at the convent?”

“No shit. Where’s the brat Calliope?” Hadrian demanded.

“I’m not giving you the kid Hadrian.” I said.

“Really? Well then I guess Romanoff, Rogers or Barton are going to get one between the eyes pretty soon.” Hadrian said.

“I’d like to see you try.” Clint said.

“Who was that?” Hadrian said.

“It’s Barton, you’re on speaker.” Clint said.

“You fucking bitch.” Hadrian said before the call cut off.

“What just happened?” Tony asked.

“He must have gotten to the end of the fake trail or ran into Demitri. Either way the deadline just got moved up.” I said.

“Who’s Demitri?” Tony asked.

“He was in Constanta so he’ll need at least two and a half hours to get to Bucharest.” I said ignoring him.

“Hayley?” Steve asked.

“He probably has at least one or two extra passports on him so he won’t have to waste time hiring a forger. There aren’t any direct flights from Bucharest to New York so he’ll have to stop somewhere probably Berlin or London so that’ll be about twelve and a half hours maybe more. So we have fifteen hours.” I said.

“Fifteen hours for what?” Clint asked.

“To make Cal disappear.” I said grabbing my phone. “I need to make a call.”

“Hayley hold on, what makes you think he’ll come straight here?” Steve asked.

“I just told him I wasn’t going to hand over his son and you just goaded him into a face off.” I said looking at Clint before dialing Kol.

“Hales you have great timing, I’m about to ditch this phone.” Kol said.

“You heard from Rebekah?” I asked.

“Last time I talked to her she was on her way to buy a boat.” Kol said.

“A boat?” I asked confused.

“She’s always been a bit of an impulsive shopper.” Kol said.

“Shit.” I said. “She probably already ditched her phone.”

“She did, and I kind of have to go. Plane’s about to start boarding. This is it.” He said.

“Looks like it. Good Luck.” I said.

“I’m going to miss you Hales.” Kol said.

“I’ll miss you too. Stay out of trouble.” I said.

“Where’s the fun in that.” He said before hanging up.

Okay, Don’t panic. This was all part of the plan. I’m not sure why Rebekah would want to buy a freaking boat but I’m sure she had a good reason for it.

“Hayley?” Steve said.

“Uh sorry, what were you saying?” I asked.

“I asked when Cal’s adoptive mom was going to be here?” Steve asked.

“Uh not sure.” I said.

“Haven’t you talked to the adoption agency or social worker?” Tony asked.

“Yeah it’s a private adoption.” I said.

“But you’ve met them right?” Steve asked.

“Course.” I said getting up and starting to clean up everything when my phone started ringing. I jumped for it and picked up. “Hello?”

“Yeah… What time?... I think I know a place. I’ll text you the coordinates just be there.” I said before hanging up.

“Who was that?” Clint asked.

“The adoptive mom. I’m meeting them tonight.” I said typing on my phone. I found the coordinates and texted them. “The meeting’s tonight at eleven.”

“That’s a little late don’t you think?” Steve asked.

“Not if you want to beat traffic and not be seen.” I said.

“I’ll tell everyone.” Tony said.

“No.” I said. “Not everyone can go. We’re trying to keep this under wraps and not draw attention. Everyone being on the move isn’t subtle.”

“You’re not going alone.” Clint said.

“I never said I was.” I said.

Later that Day-

I started packing up Cal’s things and some food for the drive since I knew it was probably going to be a long one for him. I started thinking about the past couple of days and how one day he was going to ask about where he came from. I started digging in my drawers and pulled out some paper a pen and an envelope.

To my Nephew…

I looked over at Cal who was playing with his blocks in his playpen and started feeling a bit choked up. I pushed through it and kept writing. By the time it was done it was almost time to go.

I strapped Cal into his car seat and slung his diaper bag over my shoulder. I walked out of the room.

“Here let me get him.” Clint said taking the diaper bag and carrier.

“Actually you may want to hand the bag to Nat, I have something else I need you to carry.” I said before walking to the kitchen. I opened the bottom cabinet and pulled out the bag full of money. I zipped it up before handing it to Clint. He and Natasha looked confused but didn’t ask and just carried it.

I grabbed the carrier and headed to the elevator. We made our way to the garage and loaded up the SUV.

Once we were buckled in we waited for Jarvis to give us the all clear and we headed out. While we were going to hand over Cal Tony and the others were going to head over to the Triskelion to fill in Fury and Hill on everything so they could start tracking down Hadrian. Cal knocked out pretty fast and didn’t even fuss when we got stuck in gridlocked traffic and everyone kept honking their car horns.

Once we got on the highway it was smooth sailing.

“How do you know this place?” Natasha asked.

“It’s an old abandoned Stark Industries warehouse. Tony taught me to drive here.” I said. “It’s out of the way and there isn’t anything around for at least five miles.”

“I think that’s them.” Clint said as a dark grey Porsche Cayenne pulled up in front of us. The flashed their lights once before turning off the car and getting out.

“Show time.” I said unbuckling the seatbelt and taking the carrier out. I got out of the car and Clint and Natasha immediately got in front of me blocking us from view. “It’s okay.” I said giving them a nod to stand down.

They walked closer and I got a better look at Rebekah and was surprised to see John at her side.

“Hayley.” John greeted.

“John.” I said with a nod. “Not that it’s not nice to see you or anything but I wasn’t expecting you.” I said before turning to Rebekah.

“Rebekah?” Natasha said.

“Natasha, Clint.” She greeted. “I’d like to introduce you to John Watson. My soulmate and as of twenty hours ago my husband.”

“Soulmate?” Clint and Natasha said surprised.

“Husband?” I said surprised.

“I went to say goodbye.” Rebekah said. “And I told him everything.”

“Then I proposed.” John said.

“Does he know about…” I started.

“He knows everything.” Rebekah said. “Technically as of fifteen hours ago we’re both dead. Sail boats have such poor safety records.”

“Good to know.” I said. “Did you get the paperwork?”

“Of course. I have to say you’re going to be very happy with the name we picked out.” Rebekah said.

“Please tell me you gave the kid a normal name.” I said.

“Why don’t you see for yourself?” John said handing me an envelope. I took it and hesitantly opened it.

I pulled out the passport and opened it up.

Adam Michael Hale

I couldn’t help but tear up at the name.

“It’s a good one.” I said my voice cracking a bit at the end. “Ready to meet your son?” I asked John who just nodded with a smile. I bent down to the car seat and unbuckled Ca-Adam. I picked him up and stood up.

“John, Beks, meet Adam, your son.” I said handing him over to Rebekah who teared up when she took him in her arms.

“Hi Love.” She said hugging him.

“H-Hi.” John said tearing up as he hugged Rebekah while kissing Adam’s head.

“Thank you.” Rebekah said. “Hayley you… you gave me a family and a new life.” She said tearing up.

“You don’t have to thank me.” I said. “There’s no one I’d trust more to raise him right and keep him safe. Thank you. I got you some things.” I said as Natasha and Clint came over with the bags. “Clothes, Diapers, Snacks. Just a heads up don’t feed him bananas. This is something to get you started.” I said handing her the bag of money.

“Hayley!” She shouted. “That’s…”

“A little over a million. It’s always good to have a cushion, you never know.” I said before pulling out the letter I had written for Adam. “There’s going to come a day when he’s going to ask about where he came from and how you two became his parents I wrote this to help you fill in the blanks for some of the hard questions. Until then you three need to get as far away from here as you can. Hadrian figured out I sent him on a wild goose chase and he’s on his way back. You know as well as I do what’ll happen if he finds you. Try not to stop if you can, Stay off the main roads and away from big cities don’t contact anyone.”

“I know you taught me well.” Rebekah said smiling sadly as she started tearing up. “Maybe we’ll find a nice house with a white fence somewhere, get a dog.”

“Sounds nice.” I said.

“I never thought this would be how it would all end.” She said.

“This is a better ending than I expected.” I said chuckling sadly before she pulled me into a hug. “Have a good life Beks. Be happy.”

“We will. I love you sister.” She said.

“Love you too Beks.” I said giving her one last squeeze before letting go. I held onto Adam’s tiny hand one last time before kissing his cheek. “Take care of them.” I told John.

“Always.” He answered before they got into the car and drove off. I watched as the car disappeared out of sight before turning around to look at Natasha and Clint.

I walked towards them and they immediately wrapped their arms around me. I held onto them as I cried. Natasha rubbed my back and whispered reassurance in my ear while Clint kissed the top of my head and ran his fingers through my hair until I stopped crying. We all got back into the car and drove back to the tower to get ready for what was coming.