Fated Marks

“The caterers have confirmed and so has the bakery you picked. You have the seating chart in your hands along with a copy of the expense reports I already filed with accounting.” I told Pepper.

“Wow, it normally takes me a weeks to get everyone to agree on something down there, three days is a record.” Pepper said.

“We’re on a deadline and it’s the holidays. Everyone had last minute shopping to do.” I said.

“How are you feeling?” Pepper asked.

“I’m fine. We have a week until the gala and we’re ahead of schedule.” I said.

“I meant how you’re doing outside of work?” Pepper asked.

“I’m good.” I said not trying to think about the mission Natasha and Clint were on that kept getting extended and extra day, the fact that every time I walked into the common room everyone went quiet because they were doing what I asked and not telling me their plans to off Hadrian but Steve and Tony remained passively aggressive towards each other, Thor was trying to cheer me up and keep me distracted but it was kind of hard when I could feel how tense they all felt. That was only adding to the anxiety I was already feeling and to top it all of I had a really long bout of insomnia and haven’t been sleeping which I knew Bruce was really feeling and having a hard time keeping calm judging by the sad looks and grimaces he had on his face when he thought I wasn’t looking.

If there was ever a time to go back on the anti anxiety meds it’d be now but I promised Clint I wouldn’t shut anyone out and whenever I was on them I went numb which led to me acting like a robot or at least feeling like one.

“You look tired.” Pepper said.

“Just have a lot on my mind.” I said.

“Sweetie take some time for yourself. Take it from someone who’s been where you are before, you have to take make sure you’re okay if you want to do a good job taking care of someone else.” Pepper said.

“That’s what we’ve been telling her but someone doesn’t listen.” Steve said.

“Hey,” I said.

“I’m going to head home. Remember what I said.” She said before heading out.

“Clint and Nat back yet?” I asked.

“No they’re still out.” Steve said. “They’ll be fine…”

“They’re professionals and have been doing this for years.” I finished knowing what he was going to say since he said it every time they left on a mission. “Doesn’t mean I can’t worry.”

“I came to get you for dinner.” Steve said.

“Oh, it’s that late already? I must’ve lost track of time.” I said getting up.

“You’ve been doing that a lot lately. If you’re not down here then you’re down in the lab.” Steve said.

“Just have a lot to do with the gala and… just want to keep busy.” I said. Steve gave me a small smile before pulling me into a hug and kissing the top of my head. I love Steve’s hugs. They’re warm and soft. It feels like a little human cocoon where no troubles exist. I could just melt into Steve and stay here forever and I would have… if my stomach hadn’t let out a loud growl. Shit, did I have lunch today?

“I cooked dinner for the two of us. It’s been a while since we’ve had a date night.” Steve said.

“It’s been a while since I ate something that didn’t come out of a takeout box.” I said.

“I made your favorite.” Steve said.

“mh… lasagna.” I moaned making Steve laugh.

“I just pulled it out of the oven.” Steve bribed.

“We should get going then.” I said taking his hand and following him out.

“I never really get a chance to use the kitchen on my floor until today.” Steve said trying to make small talk.

“I mostly just keep snacks and my go bag in mine.” I said.

“Why not keep in the coat closet?” Steve asked.

“Too obvious.” I said as we got in the elevator. When the elevator doors opened and was hit with the delicious aroma of freshly cooked lasagna. Steve knew how much I hated formal dinners so he took out the couch cushions and put them on the floor of the living room and used the coffee table.

I took off my heels and sat down as we dug in.

“Mh… this is so good.” I said.

“That’s what happens when you make your own sauce.” Steve said.

“It was one time and the kitchen hadn’t been stocked. You and Thor eat enough for an army.” I said.

“We work up appetites after missions and sparring matches.” Steve defended. “And you’re one to talk, I’ve seen you finish a quart of ice cream in one sitting all on your own.”

“It was half empty when I found it.” I said in my defense.

“So I wasn’t completely honest about why I cooked dinner.” Steve said and I looked at him confused.

“Is this supposed to be an intervention or a shakedown?” I asked chuckling uncomfortably.

“Neither… It’s an apology.” Steve said.

“Why would you be apologizing?” I asked confused.

“Tony and I have been arguing for a few days about… how to deal with…” Steve started.

“Steve I really don’t want to know about that.” I said.

“No that’s actually the one thing we can agree on. We’ve been arguing about how I’ve been dealing with you.” Steve said.

“Dealing with me?” I asked not liking where this conversation was going.

“I’ve been so focused on how he could have been so close without realizing it and lost in my own head trying to figure out how to fix things I lost sight of what really matters to me.” Steve said.

“Steve, I understand. It’s my fault we’re even in this situation.” I said taking his hand.

“You did what you thought you had to. I would have handled things differently but we’ve both done things for the people we love without thinking. I had Howard and Peggy drop me off behind enemy lines with nothing but a prop shield to save Bucky.” Steve said.

“Did you wear the matching suit?” I asked with a cheeky smile. Steve just gave me a playful glare.

“It was all I had.” Steve said and I laughed. “Bucky got a kick out of it.”

“I bet he did.” I said imagining in bright colored skintight suit.

“So how are you doing… with everything?” Steve asked.

“I’m… taking it by the day. Keeping busy.” I said.

“This is the first time in days I’ve seen you without a tablet or phone in your hand.” Steve said.

“There’s just a lot to do. I’m done making arrangements for the gala so I’ll have a lot more free time.” I said. Which was the last thing I wanted at the moment. “Thinking of going back to lab duties full time. Take advantage of that Ivy League education.”

“You could always wait until after the break. I’m sure with everything going on Tony will be more than okay with you taking some time off.” Steve said.

“Why is everyone so determined for me to take a vacation?” I groaned.

“Because we love you and we know that you like to bury yourself in work to avoid dealing with what’s really bothering you and when you do it makes us feel like you’re shutting us out.” Steve said.

“That’s not what I’m doing… It’s just…” I said trying to put my thoughts together. “It doesn’t matter what I try to do to make things right I end up making everything worst. It’s always been like that. Wherever I go disaster follows. Flagstaff, Chicago, London, Marrakesh and now here. I have consistently screwed the pooch. The farther away I am from this mess the better off everyone is.”

“Hayley…” Steve started before sighing. “is this really what you want?”

“Everyone has that one thing that no matter how strong or unreasonable it is makes you freeze and breakdown for no logical reason. Hadrian is mine. I tried running, I tried negotiating and I even tried giving him what he wanted. Nothing worked and as much as I know it needs to be done taking that step and going there it would make me just as bad as he is. Though I’m sure I’ve done a pretty bang up job of doing that on my own.” I said with a grimace.

“We all make mistakes Hayley. Humans, super soldiers, assassins and gods too. We just have to learn to live with the consequences and the guilt that comes with it.” Steve said.

“How do you do it?” I asked Steve.

“There are good days and there are bad days. It helps to talk about it.” Steve said repeating what I had said to him many times before.

“I wonder where you heard that from?” I said sarcastically.

“It was good advice.” Steve said. “Led to a great weekend in Scotland. It also gave me the courage to stop holding back with us.”

I had to smile at that. “I love you.” I told him.

“Love you too.” Steve said kissing me.

We finished up dinner and cleaned up before cuddling on the couch to watch a movie. Of course we ended up not watching the movie so much as making out.

“Mh, Hayley.” Steve moaned before starting to kiss behind my ear.

“Ah.” I gasped when he sucked on just the right spot.

Steve started kissing down my neck to my collarbone and the neckline of my dress as he moved to kneel in front of me.

I bent down and kissed him as he slipped his under the hem of my black bodycon dress. He moved his hands higher and higher until he slipped his hands under me and pulled me to the edge of the couch.

“What are you doing?” I asked panting a bit.

“I want to try something, trust me?” Steve asked.

“Without a doubt.” I said pulling him into another kiss. Steve tugged on my panties and I broke the kiss to lift my hips up so he could slip them off. Once they were off he gave me one quick peck before gently moving my legs apart. He started off slowly kissing the inside of my thighs and nipping at certain spots. Just as he was getting close to my center he switched legs and started over.

“Ah,” I groaned already getting impatient and just, as Steve was about to get to where I really wanted him we were interrupted.

“Captain Rogers, Deputy Director Hill is on the line.” Jarvis said and I groaned.

“I’m sorry.” Steve said reaching for his cell phone.

“No its okay, comes with the territory of having superhero soulmates.” I said even though internally I was imagining strangling Hill and whoever was dumb enough to cause trouble in the first place.

“Hill?” Steve greeted. “When…” Steve started. “I’ll be there in an hour.”

“Mission?” I asked.

“Yeah Team’s stuck in enemy territory and they need backup.” Steve said.

“Is it…” I started.

“I can’t tell you.” Steve said. “I haven’t been fully briefed I just know I have to be at the airfield in an hour. I have to go. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay just be safe.” I said hugging him.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Steve said.

“And in one piece please.” I said.

“Of course.” He said kissing me and giving me one last squeeze before letting go and heading out. So much for date night…

The Next Morning-

I woke up the next morning feeling really cold. I looked out the window and there was a bit of snow coming down but Jarvis automatically adjusted the thermostat and kept the temperature in each room at a comfortable level.

I pulled on some jeans and the warmest knit sweater I could find before going upstairs for some coffee.

I walked in and saw that Tony, Bruce and Thor were sitting down having coffee or in Bruce’s case tea. As soon as they saw me they quieted down.

“Morning Sunshine!” Tony said.

“Morning.” I said going straight for the coffee. “Is it just me or is it really cold today?”

“It is very warm in here.” Thor said.

“Jarvis what’s the temp in here?” Tony asked.

“It is at the preset sixty eight degrees sir.” Jarvis said.

Bruce came over and put a hand on my forehead. “You don’t have a fever.” Bruce said.

“I don’t feel sick either.” I said taking a sip of my coffee. “It’s probably because I just woke up.”

“Must be.” Tony said with a shrug.

I put my coffee down before going to the refrigerator to get some milk. Just as I was about to pull the door open I felt a sharp pain in my left side right where my scar was.

“Ah!” I gasped barely holding myself up.

“Hayley?” Thor said.

“I’m O-AH!!!” I shouted in pain before falling on my knees.

“Hayley what’s wrong?” Bruce said coming over to look me over.

“I… ah! Sharp pain on my left side.” I said.

“Her appendix?” Tony asked.

“Had it removed last year.” I said through clenched teeth, trying to stop whimpering in pain as Bruce felt near my scar.

“Nothing looks wrong or feels wrong.” Bruce said looking concerned.

“It’s starting to pass.” I said trying to breath through it. “AH! Fuck no it’s back ah!”

“Hayley, It’s okay.” Bruce said holding my hand and rubbing my back as I curled in on myself. “Just breath.”

“Ow.” I whined before suddenly the pain disappeared and everything when numb. My ears were ringing and I felt really cold. Like someone had just thrown a bucket of ice water on me.

“A..ha…ley…..hay…..Hayley!” Tony snapped.

“Wow, I’m okay.” I said trying to stand up and swaying a bit.

“Take it easy.” Bruce said putting an arm around me to support me.

“What happened?” Tony asked.

“No idea.” I said as the lightheadedness started to pass.

“You shall see a healer at once.” Thor said.

“Thor I’m fi…” I started but he gave me a stern look. “You know maybe a second opinion will be good.”

“Jarvis tell Helen we’re heading down.” Tony said.

“Doctor Cho is on leave as of two days ago.” Jarvis reminded him. “Doctor Mills is downstairs and waiting for you.”

“Right.” Tony said.

“Can you stand?” Bruce asked.

“I think…” I started but Thor picked me up in a bridal carry before I could finish.

“Better safe than sorry.” He said with a grin even though it did nothing to hide how concerned he was.

“If you say so.” I said smiling back.

We all piled into the elevator and headed down to medical.

“Mister Stark.” A tall lanky man I assumed was Doctor Mills greeted.

“Hi, so we need a full work up on Hayley.” Tony said.

“No we don’t.” I said.

“Hales.” Tony argued.

“I just had a sharp pain on my side.” I said.

“That could be appendicitis.” Doctor Mills said.

“She had an appendectomy last year also it was her lower left side.” Bruce informed him.

“Oh, then let’s take a look shall we?” He said leading us to an exam room. Thor put me down on the table. “Maybe you should all wait outside?” Doctor Mills strongly suggested.

“Uh…” Tony started.

“Well be right outside if you need us.” Bruce said before pulling Thor and Tony out.

“Is this the first time you’ve experienced pain like this?” Doctor mills asked.

“The last time was my appendix and that was a year ago.” I answered.

“And this is where the pain was originating from?” he asked as he started palpitating my stomach.

“A bit more to the left and higher.” I said and he moved his hands and continued but I didn’t feel anything out of the ordinary.

“I’m sure it’s nothing but just to be sure I’m going to give you an ultrasound just to make sure everything’s normal inside.” He said.

“Sounds good.” I said.

“Just a few routine questions before I start, Have you been suffering any constipation or seen any blood in your stool?” He asked.

“No I’ve been going pretty regularly and no red.” I said.

“Any possibility you might be pregnant?” he asked and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Hahahaha! No, No no no no… Yeah no I’m on the pill.” I said.

“No form of contraception is one hundred percent effective.” He informed me.

“I’m one hundred percent sure I’m not pregnant.” I said.

“We’ll see.” He said as he rolled the ultrasound machine closer and started turning it on. “Lift your top please.” I did as he said and his eyes immediately went to the giant scar on my side. “That’s quite a scar. What’s the story there?”

“Old stab wound.” I said bluntly “So what do you see?”

“Oh uh…” he said snapping out of his daze and pressing the wand against my abdomen. “Hm… There’s nothing out of the ordinary. Might have been some trapped gas.”

“You guys can come back in.” I called out and immediately Tony, Thor and bruce came back in.

“So what’s the diagnosis?” Tony asked.

“Miss Adams is perfectly healthy. There is nothing on the scan that shows what could have caused the pain. My guess is it was trapped has or a muscle cramp.” Doctor Mills said.

“It felt more painful than trapped gas and a cramp.” I said.

“She’s right, she collapsed.” Thor said.

“It might not have been from you.” He said shutting off the machine.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I couldn’t help but notice your soulmarks. You have more than one right?” He asked.

“Yeah.” I said eyeing him suspiciously.

“There have been studies that people with multiple soulmarks can mirror symptoms of one of their soulmates health conditions or even empathize strong emotions without ever even knowing them.” Doctor Mills said making Tony and Bruce shared a look.

“What was that?” I asked.

“What was what?” Tony retorted playing innocent.

“I saw that look, what aren’t you saying?” I asked.

“Hayley, please relax.” Thor said hugging me and kissing the top of my head.

“Oh no you don’t. What aren’t you three telling me?” I asked.

“Hales.” Tony started and I shot him a glare.

“Hayley it’s about that thing you told us you didn’t want to know about.” Bruce said.

“What do you mean…Nat, Clint and Steve are on a mission right?” I asked.

“They are.” Thor said.

“It just so happens that mission happens to involve finding Hadrian.” Tony finished.

“Where are they?” I asked.

“Hales.” Tony started.

“Tony, the three of them are out who knows where tracking down my psychopath of an older brother and something happened. Something so bad I felt it.” I said.

“Hayley, they know what they’re doing. If something were wrong we would have been called already.” Tony said. “They’re master assassins with a super soldier as back up. I’m sure they’ve got it handled.”

“So you’re not at all concerned?” I asked.

“Of course not.” Tony said looking straight at me. “I’m sure the three of them will be back here in time for some last minute shopping and caroling.”

“Bruce?” I asked.

“If there was bad news we would have gotten called in.” Bruce said.

“Thor?” I asked.

“They are some of the mightiest and fiercest warriors I have met in my thousand years of life. We shall be sharing the in revels of their victory soon enough.” Thor boasted.

“If you say so.” I said not being able to shake off this uneasy feeling.

“Come on you still haven’t had breakfast yet.” Tony said.

“The pops of tart await.” Thor cheered.

“There’s not really much we can do anyway.” I said getting off the table but feeling a bit dizzy.

Whatever the hell’s going on, those three better come home safe…