Fated Marks

Third Person’s POV- Three Days Earlier

Steve, Clint, Natasha, Bruce and Thor watched as Tony walked out of the living room.

“We need to do something.” Steve said.

“Aye, Hayley’s brother must be dealt with.” Thor agreed.

“No one’s arguing that. The problem is we have no idea where to start looking.” Bruce said.

“If anyone can find him it’s Hayley.” Steve said.

“No.” Clint and Natasha said at the same time.  

“She wants to stay out of it and for right now it’s better if she is.” Clint said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Steve asked.

“She’s had a rough couple of days and giving up Cal… She needs some time to recover.” Natasha said.

“Is she alright?” Thor asked worried.

“She’s…” Clint started not knowing the words to properly describe how Hayley was feeling at the moment.

“She’s Hayley.” Natasha answered.

“So she’s in bed staring at the ceiling or buried under the covers?” Steve asked.

“Pretty much.” Clint said.

“I shall go bring her some food. She must be hungry.” Thor said grabbing a plate.

“Don’t take it personal if she ignores you. All we got was grunting and a low mumble about her not wanted to get up.” Clint said.

“She took it pretty hard.” Bruce said.

“I shall return.” Thor said heading downstairs.

“Ten bucks he’s going to end up cuddling with Hayley.” Clint said and everyone gave him a look. “Like you weren’t all thinking it.”

It was a minute later that Thor came running in.

“Hayley’s gone!” Thor exclaimed.

“What?” They all shouted.

“She was not on her floor.” Thor explained.

“Jarvis?” Bruce asked.

“Miss Adams is not currently in the tower.” Jarvis answered.

“What do you mean she’s not in the tower? Where is she?” Steve asked.

“I am not sure Captain.” Jarvis answered.

“Jarvis get Tony down here.” Bruce asked.

“I’m afraid I cannot do that Doctor Banner.” Jarvis said. “Sir left with Miss Adams.”

“What is he thinking taking Hayley out in the open like that?” Steve growled.

“I’ll call him.” Bruce said.

A few hours later-

After everyone had made multiple calls to not only Tony’s phone but Hayley’s too they decided to give it a rest. That didn’t mean they were okay with it.

“Tony is reckless and impulsive. He can be putting Hayley in danger right now.” Steve said.

“I don’t think he would. Tony can be a lot of things but if there’s one thing he cares about more than anything its Hayley.” Bruce said.

“She’s not just his soulmate.” Clint said.

“Aye,” Thor agreed.

“Maybe this isn’t such a bad thing.” Natasha said.

“What do you mean?” Clint asked.

“Hayley was wallowing and depressed but Stark managed to get her out of bed and willingly go outside.” Natasha said before her phone and Clint’s started ringing.

“Romanoff.” Natasha answered.

“Barton.” Clint answered.

“Be right there.” They both said at the same time before hanging up.

“Mission?” Steve asked.

“Yeah. Hill thinks they have a lead and they want us to check it out.” Natasha said.

“Simple recon for now.” Clint said with a grimace. “Not a great time for it either.”

“No it’s better this way. Hayley doesn’t want to know about what we’re doing about Hadrian. The less she knows the less likely she is to do something reckless.” Bruce said.

“Yet she’s currently out with one of the most reckless people we know and they’re both not exactly acting like their selves at the moment.” Steve retorted.

“Tony has a heart monitor on Hayley’s and one on himself too. If there were any changes that indicated they were in danger Jarvis would have notified us already.” Bruce said.

“Stark is bad at taking care of himself and so is Hayley but when it comes to helping other’s she’s selfless and maybe that’s what she needs to distract herself and work through what she’s feeling.” Thor said.

“Not like there’s anything we can do right now anyways.” Clint muttered.

“Yeah there is. We have a lead, let’s see where it takes us.” Natasha said.

“Get going. Check in if you two find anything.” Steve said.

“We will.” Clint said before running out with Natasha.

The Next Morning-

After a short briefing and packing up any equipment they may need Clint and Natasha got on a jet to Novgorod, Russia. They arrived early the following morning and stayed at a SHIELD Safe house.

“Out of everywhere Adler could have hidden why would he choose Russia?” Clint asked. “Didn’t Hayley say the Bratva had been trying to kill him for years?”

“The best place to hide is where they’d least expect him to be.” Natasha said. “I have a meeting in an hour.”

“The usual place?” Clint asked.

“Building 44 basement bar.” Natasha said.

“You sure you don’t want back up?” Clint asked.

“There’s a café across the street you see any unwanted company give me a heads up. I can handle everything else.” Natasha said.

“So the usual. Better pack a thermos of coffee it’s really starting to come down out there.” Clint said looking out the window.

“What did you get Hayley for Christmas?” Natasha asked.

“Uh… What’d you get her?” Clint asked.

“You still haven’t gotten her anything?” Natasha said.

“I’ve been a bit busy, not to mention the twenty dollar price limit is hard to stick to.” Clint said.

“You think Hayley stuck to a twenty dollar price limit for our gifts?” Natasha retorted.

“You saw what she got us?” Clint asked.

“I’m going to be very happy with my Jimmy Choos and Prada clutch.” Natasha smirked.

“Crap.” Clint said.

A few hours later when Clint was perched on the roof of the café across the street from the basement bar he heard a loud booming laugh.

“How is that funny?” Someone else said.

“Oh lighten up Gerald.” Jesse said.

“Lighten up? We’re currently on Shield’s most wanted list, stationed in a frozen wasteland, and not to mention Hadrian is on a war path.” Gerald said.

“Not to mention your wife threatened to have your mother in law move in with you if you don’t show up to the twins recital.” Jesse said.

“That’s the least of my problems. We’re in Bratva territory. We barely got out of Romania alive and that was only Oleg’s second in command. What do you think he’ll do to us if he finds us?” Gerald said.

“Calm down.” Jesse said. “We’ve been in situations like this before.”

“No part of this situation is like anything we’ve been in before.” Gerald said.

“Nat, I think you should cut the meeting short.” Clint said into the com.

“Why?” Natasha asked.

“Because I’m standing right above Hanson and Taylor.” Clint said.

“Shit.” Natasha muttered. “Stay on them.”

“On it.” Clint said.

“He should have killed the brat when he had the chance.” Gerald said.

“Which brat? Calliope or Dragon?” Jesse retorted.

“The brat he’s been chasing for years. The reason we’re in this mess to begin with.” Gerald said.

“I don’t think he ever wanted to kill her. He likes making her suffer too much.” Jesse said.

“I always thought it was because of how much she looks like Alison.” Gerald said.

“He always was a momma’s boy.” Jesse said with a chuckle

“Shit, we have to get going.” Gerald said.

“Uh, now I really wish we killed the brat back in London.” Jesse said.

“Yeah but then you wouldn’t have gotten that half a million you enjoyed spending.” Gerald retorted.

“Not sure half a million is worth all of this.” Jesse said.

“You want to tell Hadrian that?” Gerald said.

“I’d rather shoot myself thank you.” Jesse said putting a few bills on the table before getting up. “So how long do you think it’ll be before Abby divorces you?”

“Stop being an ass.” Gerald said.

“They’re on the move.” Clint notified Natasha.

“I see them.” Natasha said.

“I’ll get the car stay on them.” Clint said before jumping from roof to roof until he found a safe way down close to the car. Except when he got down there Natasha was already there. “I thought you were staying on them?”

“Didn’t want to risk getting spotted. I planted a tracker on their car but we have to move before we lose the signal.” Natasha said.

“Navigate.” Clint said putting his key in the ignition and starting the car.

They followed the tracker’s signal out of the city and into the mountains until they reached something that looked like an abandoned military base.

“Should we be at all concerned about the radiation warning signs?” Clint asked.

“Doubt it, must have been put up years ago so people would stay away from what they’re really hiding.” Natasha said. “The red room had bases that used the same idea all over.”

“That would explain the security cameras.” Clint said pointing one out.

“This is bigger than we thought it was. Adler’s not working alone.” Natasha said.

“They’re too organized and well trained to be a run of the mill drug organization.” Clint said noticing their patrol maneuvers. “Something’s off.”

“Not something, everything.” Natasha said handing him a pair of binoculars.

“It’s time to call in back up.” Clint said.

Two Days Later-

“The base is surrounded by dense forest on one side, Mountains on the other and a lake. No one goes near it because everyone’s afraid of the radiation.” Natasha said.

“Should we be concerned about the radiation?” One of the strike guys said and everyone just gave him a look. “Nevermind.”

“Our goal is to capture two rogue agents Hanson and Taylor who have information on the whereabouts of Hadrian Adler. Our second priority is to find any information about who they may be working for. We’ll be going in before splitting up into two groups. Romanoff, Barton, Reynolds, Anders and Jackson will be one team and the rest of you will be with me. We leave in an hour so be ready.” Steve said.

“Now might be a really good time to call in Stark and Thor, maybe Bruce if he’s up for it.” Natasha said.

“No, this is a simple recon and capture. I don’t think it’ll come down to needing a code green.” Steve said.

Everyone packed up their gear and even a few extra cases of ammunition considering they didn’t really know what they were walking into before loading up into the truck and heading to the base.

Once they were close enough they hiked the rest of the way to the base. Getting in was easy. The guards at the perimeter were taken out simultaneously not giving them a chance to warn anyone. They all barged inside and that’s when the alarms started ringing.

“They know we’re here. Split up and keep your coms on.” Steve said. “Move out.”

The teams went their separate ways and took own anyone that got in their way.

Elsewhere in the building-

“Why isn’t he awake yet?!” Hadrian yelled.

“He’s been under for six months. He wasn’t supposed to wake up this soon.” One of the scientists said.

“I don’t care if he hasn’t gotten enough beauty sleep, we’re under attack and we need to get out now!” Hadrian said shoving the scientist out of the way before punching the sleeping winter soldier making him wake up gasping.

“Soldat.” Hadrian said.

“Eh…” the soldier groaned as he started to clam down and become more aware of his surroundings.

“Soldat!” Hadrian shouted before slapping him.

“Ready to comply.” The soldier said snapping out of his daze.

“Good.” Hadrian said throwing him his goggles and mask. “Three level six targets with back up of six SHIELD agents have infiltrated the base. We need to leave now. Eliminate anyone who can reveal our identity and get out as fast as possible. Understood?”

“Da.” He answered getting up and grabbing his gun. He emptied the chamber and loaded the clip before turning and shooting the scientist.

“Let’s move.” Hadrian said with a smirk.

They both marched out if the room and made their way down the halls of the base. Anyone they ran into they shot down.

“Hadrian!” Gerald and Jesse shouted when they saw him.

“Status?” Hadrian asked.

“Rogers, is in the east wing and Barton and Romanoff are heading here.” Jesse said.

“More like they’re already here.” Gerald said looking behind them.

“Adler.” Clint said readying his bow to shoot at the first sign of movement.

“Soldier take them out” Hadrian said and in that instant the soldier turned his weapons on Gerald and Jesse and shot them both before rolling a grenade towards.

“Grenade!” Natasha said warning everyone to get to cover but instead of exploding like she thought it would, it released smoke making it hard for everyone to see and breathe.

“Cap, we could use some back up.” Clint called into his com.

“What’s going on?” Steve responded.

“Adler’s here and so is our ghost.” Clint answered.

“What?!” Steve shouted.

“Yeah.” Clint said before hearing footsteps and barely moving in time to avoid a knife to the head.

“You know we never got a chance to spar.” Hadrian said with a smirk.

“No you were a little busy trying to kill my girlfriend.” Clint retorted.

“The brat has it coming. Both of them do.” Hadrian said grabbing another knife.

“You really are insane.” Clint said swinging his to defect each of his slashes before shooting an arrow at Hadrian that he managed to dodge. Out of the corner of his eye Clint could see Natasha and the rest of the team trying to take down the Winter Soldier but they couldn’t keep up with him. He had one of the guys in a chokehold before he heard the audible snap of his neck and he dropped him on the ground. Clint took the chance to shoot a flash bomb arrow that distracted him long enough for Steve to tackle him to the ground. Unfortunately that left him wide open for Hadrian to land a hit.

The only thing Clint felt was a sharp pain on his left side.

“Should have been paying more attention to what was going on in front of you.” Hadrian said twisting the knife as he pulled it out. “At least now you and Calliope can match. You probably got about an eighth of the dose I gave her last time. Shame it won’t last as long on account of the blood loss.”

“Clint!” Natasha shouted.

“Tell Cal I’ll be visiting really soon.” Hadrian said pulling out another smoke grenade at the same time the Winter Soldier did and throwing it so they could escape.

“Shit.” Clint groaned as everything started spinning around. He could vaguely hear Natasha calling out to him, her voice slowly becoming an echo.

“We need med evac now.” Natasha said.

“Already called it in. ETA’s fifteen minutes.” Steve said.

“Cap, they’re still alive.” One of the other shouted.

“Keep them stable. We need them alive.” Steve said.

“Mh… No…” Clint mumbled.

“Shit.” Natasha said putting pressure on his wound. “Toxin must work fast.”

“He said he gave Hayley eight times the dose Clint got.” Steve said.

“We really need to get him out of here.” Natasha said.

“Wrap him tight, I’ll carry him out.” Steve said.

By the time the evac they requested arrived Clint was feverish and screaming while lashing out against anyone close to him. He had to be restrained for transport to the closest Military hospital, which ended up being in Germany.

It was about six hours later that Clint finally woke up.

“Uh.” He groaned.

“About time you woke up.” Natasha said.

“Where are we?” he asked.

“Germany, we’ve been here for a few hours.” Steve said.

“What’s the damage?” Clint said trying to lift his hand up to block some of the light from his eyes but couldn’t because he was still restrained.

Natasha started unbuckling him. “The stab wound on your side didn’t hit anything so you just had to get stitched up. We were more worried about the toxin the knife was coated with. They figured out it was one of SHIELD’s versions of the truth serum and they neutralized it pretty fast. The blood loss also helped. You started lashing out so you had to be restrained.” Natasha said.

“You got lucky.” Steve said.

“How many did we lose?” Clint asked.

“Taylor died on the way here and Hanson’s still in surgery. We lost two more and everyone else has a few sprains and bruises but they’ll live.” Natasha said.

“When can I get out of here?” Clint said.

“They want to keep you under observation for a few days…” Steve started.

“Yeah that’s not happening.” Clint said sitting up and groaning. “Some pain killers and antibiotics and I’m good to go.”

“I’ll go sign you out.” Natasha said knowing there was no talking him out of it.

“You should be resting.” Steve said.

“I’ve had worse besides there’s nothing they’re doing here that the medical staff at the tower can’t do.” Clint said moving to the edge of the bed.

“Here.” Steve said handing him a change of clothes. “I’m going to see what I can do about getting us a ride home.”

“Wait, you didn’t tell Hayley right?” Clint said.

Steve sighed. “No, I called Stark to let him know we ran into Adler but Natasha stopped me before I could tell him what exactly happened. Said it’s better said in person.”

“Good.” Clint said relieved.

“I don’t think we can keep Hayley in the dark about this anymore.” Steve said.

“She’s the one who said…” Clint started.

“That was before we knew Adler was working with our ghost. This is a lot bigger than we thought.” Steve said.

“She’s going to freak out.” Clint said.

“Especially when she finds out you left the hospital when you weren’t supposed to.” Steve said.

“I just need to be home.” Clint said looking out the window with a faraway look.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Steve said.

A Few Hours Later-

Fury must’ve been anxious to debrief them because he had already sent a jet to pick them up when Steve called. He told him that he and Hill would be at the tower early the next morning for their debrief.

By the time they got back to New York it was around Midnight. Thor, Bruce and Tony were waiting for them in the common room when they arrived.

“Whoa.” Tony said when he saw them.

“What happened? I thought it was a simple recon mission.” Bruce said.

“It was.” Natasha said.

“We found Adler’s buddies and they led us to the base he was hiding out in.” Clint said with a groan.

“Are you alright?” Thor said concerned.

“Fine, pain meds are wearing off.” Clint said.

“Wait did you say base?” Tony said.

“Yeah, that’s why I was called in.” Steve said. “We went in to take out the base and as it turns out, Adler’s been working with our ghost.”

“What?!” The three of them shouted.

“I thought you said this guys been taking out people for fifty years?” Tony said.

“He has. This is bigger than we thought.” Natasha said.

“What happened to you?” Tony asked Clint.

“Adler stabbed me.” Clint said standing up.

“That explains why Hayley…” Thor started.

“What happened to Hayley?” Steve asked.

“This morning during breakfast she started feeling some really intense pain on her lower left side to the point it knocked her down. We had her checked out but there was nothing physically wrong with her. The doctor said she could have been mirroring one of our symptoms.” Bruce said.

“Shit.” Clint groaned. “I’m going to go check on her.” Clint said getting up and walking out.

Hayley was sleeping peacefully when Clint walked in to her room. She didn’t stir when he sat on the edge of her bed and brushed a few strands of hair of her face. Clint shuffled slowly so he could lie down next to her, his injured side away from her. As soon as he settled down Hayley moved to curl up against his side and draped an arm across his chest. Clint wrapped an arm around her and kissed the top of her head.

Tomorrow was going to be a challenging day, but for now Clint and later on Natasha fell asleep holding on to his soulmate, promising that his nightmare would never come true.