Fated Marks

“Mh.” I groaned, as everything on the computer screen got blurry for a second.

“Are you okay?” Bruce said looking up from his microscope to check on me.

“Yeah, just been staring at the computer screen for too long and it’s giving me a bit of a headache.” I said rubbing my eyes. So far I hadn’t managed to get the bots to synchronize with each other but I had made it possible for all of them to work as a single microtransciever that could be traced if you had the right frequency. Other than that they were tiny expensive robotic ants that did nothing.  

“Might be time to call it a night.” He said.

“Is that your way of trying to get me back in your bed?” I said in a flirty voice making Bruce blush and look away. “Kidding. Though if you did…”

“I… uh…” Bruce stuttered and answer but before he could finish Thor and Tony walked into the lab carrying snacks and more coffee.

“We’ve got one caramel macchiato with and extra shot of espresso for Hales. A chai tea latte for Bruce. Your hot chocolate Pointbreak.” Tony said handing out drinks.

“Thanks.” I said reaching for it but seeing double and feeling a bit dizzy. “Uh, on second thought I think I should call it a night. Try and sleep off this headache.”

“Headache?” Tony asked.

“Probably from staring at the computer too long.” I said so he wouldn’t worry.

“Perhaps it is best for you to get some rest, who knows what may come our way in upcoming days.” Thor said.

“Thor why did you say that.” I said.

“Totally jinxed us dude.” Tony said.

“Jinx? Like a curse or hex?” Thor said sounding concerned.

“Whenever anyone says that it’s like asking for trouble.” Tony said.

“You just invoked evil and dared it to come knock on our door.” I said

“Then I shall face it head on. Fear not my love for I am…” Thor started until he heard Tony laugh. “What’s so funny?”

“We were kidding buddy. See in a horror movies or well any movie when things start to look up for the main characters and one of them says something like…” I started.

“At least things can’t get any worse.” Tony said.

“It’s tempting fate.” Bruce explained more simply.

“They say that and then everything goes wrong in the worst way possible.” I said.

“I shall not do it again.” Thor said seriously.

“It’s just a superstition.” I said. “Nothing to worry about.” I continued despite the chills running down my spine.

“Superstition or not, I won’t allow anything or anyone to hurt you love.” Thor said.

“I know. Would you like to come with me and cuddle?” I asked.  

“I’d love to.” Thor said with a beaming smile before taking my hand and following me out and into the elevator.

“Use protection!” Tony called out as the elevator doors closed.

“To your floor?” Thor asked.

“Actually how about we go to your room for once. Your bed’s bigger.” I said hugging him. “And it’s closer.”

“To my floor it is.” Thor said, as the elevator started moving. We walked in and went straight to Thor’s room. Everything was the same as I designed it to be over a year ago. The red drapes and bedspread. The marble floors and gold accents around the room. It was as similar to the room I stayed in on Asgard minus the balcony Thor had to sneak out of.

“So I actually forgot to get clothes you mind if I borrow a shirt?” I asked awkwardly. Thor just pulled me closer and smiled.

“What’s mine is yours.” Thor said.

“Thank you.” I said kissing him back.

“Is this alright?” Thor said offering me a grey v-neck I’d seen him wear a few times.

“Perfect.” I said taking it. I quickly stripped down to just my underwear before slipping the shirt on. The shirt was roomy and reached up to mid thigh, which made it perfect to sleep in. Thor had stripped down to his boxers before slipping under the covers and lifting them up for me. I slipped under and curled up to his side resting my head on his chest while putting an arm around his waist. Thor held me as he ran his fingers through my hair.

As comfortable as I should have been and I normally would be, I couldn’t shake the constant anxiety I felt. Given the last few weeks it makes sense but this felt different I just couldn’t tell why.

“Hayley?” Thor said making me snap out of my daze.

“Hm?” I said looking up.

“Are you alright? You seem troubled.” Thor said.

“You ever have this really bad feeling you just couldn’t shake?” I asked.

“It could be nerves.” He said.

“I feel drained but I can’t sleep. There’s this throbbing pulsing feeling on the back of my head followed by chills running down my spine.” I said.

“Love you have been through much in a short amount of time. Even some of the fiercest warriors I have fought with could not handle everything you have faced without it taking its toll on them.” Thor said. “You have gone days without a single moment of rest, watching over everyone and everything.”

“You think this is just stress?” I asked.

“I think it’s time to let yourself rest and let someone else stand watch.” Thor said.

“Easier said than done.” I said.

“Then perhaps you need a distraction.” He said moving to his side and leaning over me.

“Distraction?” I asked with an arched eyebrow.

“Distraction.” He said with a smile as he leaned down to kiss me.

Well Bruce and Tony were going to be up for a few more hours at least. I’m sure they can take watch for a while…

Third Person’s POV-

Hayley had been out of the lab for about five minutes before Tony just stopped holding back and went for the metaphorical jugular.

“So how’d you and Hayley have sex without the other guy coming out?” Tony said taking Bruce by surprise making him almost drop a beaker of acid.

“Really Tony?” Bruce said.

“Did you guys like have tantric or… you know…” he said making obscene hand gestures.

“Tony!” Bruce said giving him a glare.

“I’m asking for purely objective scientific research purposes.” Tony said. “100 percent patient doctor confidentiality. Scouts honor”

“You’re not a doctor.” Bruce deadpanned.

“I have a Ph.D. Same thing.” Tony said brushing off that comment.

“That’s not… uh.” Bruce sighed. “This never leaves the lab and it stays between us.”

“Science bros and no one else, except well Hayley since you two…” Tony started.

“Tony.” Bruce said giving him a look.

“So did you guys use a work around or was it…” Tony said leaving the last part open to interpretation.

“We… completed the bond.” Bruce answered.

“How’d you manage to keep your heart rate down?” Tony asked.

“I didn’t.” Bruce said.

“Then why didn’t the other guy show up?” Tony asked.

“He did… and didn’t.” he said.

“Come again?” Tony said confused.

“We were… getting there and I probably should have stopped but it was like he took over without going green.” Bruce started.

“So like an out of body experience?” Tony asked trying to understand.

“One minute I was in charge and then I got pushed back like when he comes out but it didn’t last long. When I came back Hayley was…” bruce said blushing.

“Hayley was?” Tony said not dropping the subject.

“On me and we just kept going. The other guy didn’t show up and that’s it.” Bruce said.

“So the other guy and Hayley and you had sex?” Tony said.

“No… I mean…He was there and watched I think?” he said not exactly sure himself.

“He watched?” Tony asked looking like he was having a hard time holding back his thoughts from coming out.

“Normally when I go green it’s like we both have a hand on the wheel but when I’m me it’s just me except this time that happened without a code green. Though Hayley did say my eyes turned green for a bit but they changed back.” Bruce said.

“So the other guy didn’t do anything to Hayley?” Tony said.

“Uh…” Bruce said before deciding to leave out the specifics. “More or less.”

“Was there more or was it less?” Tony asked.

“There may have been some torn clothes.” Bruce said.

“Kinky.” Tony said. “And Hayley was…”

“Completely fine.” Bruce said. “The other guy wouldn’t hurt her. He likes her, maybe even loves her. He’s always calm when she’s around.”

“Wow I think we may have found your new Veronica.” Tony said.

“What do you mean?” Bruce said.

“We’ve been so concerned about finding a way to stop the Hulk if he ever went on a rampage when the answer’s been in front of us the entire time. Hayley’s gotten the other guy to stand down before just by talking to him. Hell they’ve argued and he’s never hurt her. She’s gotten him to calm down and turn back to you. The way you and the other guy feel about Hayley is the key to staying in control. I’m sure she can sing you a lullaby and the hulk would go down for a nap without a fuss.” Tony said.

“You want to use Hayley to keep the other guy on a leash?” Bruce said.

“No I’m saying you have something to focus on to help you get both hands back on the wheel when you’re green.” Tony said.

“There’s no guarantee that would work and either way I wouldn’t risk Hayley that way. Veronica is still our best bet.” Bruce said.

“You really think Hayley’s going to be okay with you having to constantly looking over your shoulder for a hulkbuster that could fall out of the sky just to take you down.” Tony asked.

“Yes because it’s my choice.” Bruce said.

“But there could be a better way.” Tony said.

“And it’s always a good idea to have a back up plan.” Bruce said.

Hayley’s POV-

“Ah!” I cried out panting as Thor collapsed next to me panting but with a smile on his face.

“Was… that a sufficient… distraction?” Thor said trying to catch his breath.

“Sufficient… is… an understatement.” I said moving to my side and kissing Thor’s shoulder. He chuckled and pulled me closer. I hugged him and used his arm as a pillow. I closed my eyes and started to drift off to sleep when my phone started ringing.

“Mh.” I groaned. “No… Turn it off.”

“Shh.” Thor shushed leaning over to send the call to voicemail. He put the phone down again and moved to pull me onto him. It was quiet for a minute before the phone beeped again letting me know I had gotten a text message.

“Leave it.” Thor mumbled. I reached over and the screen read that I had a text from Natasha.

“It’s Nat. She might have a question about the file they’re looking for.” I said opening the message. The only problem was that it wasn’t a message. It was a photo of Natasha hand cuffed and lying unconscious in what looked like a huge fridge. “No…” I said sitting up.

“Hayley?” Thor said rubbing his eyes trying to wake up just as another message was received.

Answer the damn phone.

“Hayley?” Thor said slightly louder trying to get my attention.

“Nat… uh…” I started before the phone started ringing. I took in a deep breath before answering trying to keep my hands from shaking.

“Hadrian.” I said making Thor sit up instantly.

“About damn time you answered, was starting to wonder if I should start chopping off fingers and getting them delivered to see if that’d get your attention.” He said.

“Let her go.” I said.

“Why would I do that? I went to all that trouble to get her alone, I need to regain my investment or at least get something out of it.” Hadrian said.

“That’s not exactly how investing works.” I said holding the phone to my ear by leaning on my shoulder and signing something I knew Jarvis would pick up on.

“You really want to risk Romanoff’s life on that?” Hadrian said already knowing the answer.

I stayed quiet already knowing he wasn’t making false threats.

“What do you want?” I asked.

“I think this game of cat and mouse has gone on long enough. You have forty eight hours to say goodbye to whoever’s left, ditch them, and meet me at the diner with the best bacon cheeseburgers or there won’t be anything left to ID the body.” He said before there was a buzzing sound and I heard Natasha scream. I felt my held cramp up and the breath get knocked out of me. “Clock’s ticking.” He said before the call ended.

“Hayley, Wha…ppen…lee…” Thor started but it was like my head was under water and all I could hear was a constant ringing in my ears that grew louder and louder.

Hadrian had Nat.

Nat was with Hadrian.

He got her and he’s torturing her.

“Hayley.” Thor said putting his hands on the side of my head, leaning his forehead against mine. “Breathe.”

I hadn’t even realized I was holding my breath. All I could feel were my muscles cramping up and my chest tightening up.

“Jarvis.” I choked out.

“I’m afraid the call could not be traced and there were no recognizable markers on the photo you received.” Jarvis said.

“Shit.” I said.

“Love what’s wrong?” Thor asked he asked putting his hand on my cheek.

“Hadrian… has… Nat.” I choked out.

“Jarvis?” Thor said looking up.

“Sir and Doctor Banner have been notified. Agent Barton and Captain Rogers are also on their way back.” Jarvis said. As soon as I heard that I got up and started looking for my clothes. I grabbed my leggings and my shirt before slipping it on.

“Hayley, where are you going?” Thor asked.

“I’m going back to work.” I said.

“I’ll go with you.” Thor said slipping on his sweats and grabbing his shirt as he followed me out.

The elevator ride seemed to take forever. The instant the doors cracked open I was ran out of there and went directly to my workstation.

“Hales.” Tony said as soon as he saw me.

“Jarvis bring up anything relating to the mission Nat, Clint and Steve were on. I want aerial views on the location, A roster of every agent on site along with their full unredacted personnel files, and a copy of whatever intel they may have gotten.” I said before walking over to a computer.

“Hayley take a minute. Think this through” Bruce said.

“I don’t have a minute. We have… Jarvis?” I said.

“One day, twenty three hours and forty three minutes,” Jarvis said.

“Every second counts.” I said plugging my phone in and looking to trace the last call.

“Jarvis couldn’t track the call.” Tony said.

“I know I just want to see…” I said looking at how the trace bounced around from different cell towers. Not just in the country but different continents. “He’s using a burner phone, black market, heavily encrypted. Too complicated for your run of the mill hacker.” I said looking at the coding. It was the same as the cloned phone. I brought up the photo he sent of Nat.

“Looks like a pantry.” Bruce said.

“That could be anywhere. The photo won’t have any geo markers and he won’t have her at the rendezvous point he set up.” I said.

“Rendezvous?” Tony said.

“Burger place from back in the day.” I answered. “He won’t have her there or bring her to the exchange, Nat’s his insurance policy.”

“What did he ask you to do?” Bruce said. I gave him a quick glance before looking back to the computer screen.

“Hales what did he ask for?” Tony asked.

“The base Nat was captured in was in northern Canada. Deep in the mountains and forest, literally nothing around for miles. Not even paved roads.” I said.

“Hayley.” Tony said.

“So the only way out of there would be a plane which…” I said looking through Hadrian’s Shield file. “oh great he does actually know how to fly, or all terrain vehicle which would leave tracks…”

“Hayley!” Tony said getting my attention.

“There’s one thing he wants more than anything. The one thing he’s never been able to get out of his head all of these years.” I said.

“He wants you.” Bruce said.

“We won’t allow that to happen.” Thor said adamantly.

“Yup.” I said working but I kept making mistakes and having to go back and fix them just added to my anxiety. I stopped what I was doing and walked out of the lab to the elevator.

“Hayley?” Bruce said as I walked out.

“I need a minute.” I said before the doors closed.

“Would you like to…” Jarvis started.

“Roof now.” I said.

“Of course miss Adams.” Jarvis said before the elevator started moving up. The doors opened and I stepped out. I had been spending a few minutes a day out here. When the walls feel like they’re starting to cave in on me I’d come up here for a few minutes to get some air and some space from everyone’s constant hovering.

Steve would make me sandwiches or bribe me with lasagna to take a break and go eat outside of the lab. Tony and Bruce would distract me with shop talk or trying to explain to me whatever they were working on. Thor would tell me stories of different myths from Asgard and the other realms, He’d talk about maybe going to some of them together one day. Clint and I would watch really bad action movies and he’d explain how that would never happen in real life or in the rare events that it would happen. And Nat…

I squeezed my eyes shut. I couldn’t get the image out of my head. I couldn’t stop hearing her screams.

“AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!” I screamed until I was out of breath. I sat on the ground with my back against the ledge of the roof. I rested my head on my knees and hugged my legs as I tried to catch my breath and stop the tears from falling.

I felt a pinch on my left arm. I looked at it and saw that it was coming from Nat’s mark. I put my hand on it and choked back a sob. If I could feel whatever Hadrian was doing to her then chances are she could feel me right now. She didn’t need me breaking down. It would distract her and not in a good way. I wiped the tears off my face and stood up.

I was going to get her back no matter what.

Hadrian may be a threat but he’s only as good at what he does because of the people around him. He was able to build his contact list and make as many enemies as he did because of me. He was only able to track me down so many times because of Delilah. There was no way he could have wormed his way into Shield on his own and he didn’t. He had help. The question is what did he do to get the US Secretary of Defense on his side?

I walked back to the elevator and headed back downstairs. I walked into the lab and ignored the concerned looks Thor, Tony and Bruce had on their faces.

“Jarvis, get me Shield access.” I said.

“Shield?” Tony said.

“Isn’t that a bit redundant?” Bruce asked.

“Sometimes you don’t get the right answers because you’re not asking the right questions.” I said looking at the screen and watching Jarvis bring up my access.

“And what question is that?” Thor asked.

“How does Hadrian know the Secretary of Defense and why did he give a random Army Ranger a stellar recommendation to join a super secret spy agency that most of the world didn’t even know existed at the time?” I said. “Not only that he jumped the Chain of command at Shield and reported directly to Pierce. His clearance level wasn’t above anyone on his team’s, up until a few months ago he was just another Shield agent, nothing special.”

“You think he has inside help.” Tony said.

“No one in here knew the specifics of their mission and you’re the avengers. The clearance for the details of the mission they were on was at minimum a level six. Most of the agents on that mission were at that level. Clint and Nat have level seven. Steve has a level eight, Hill has nine and Fury a ten.” I said.

“Strike is strictly black ops, they’re highly classified.” Bruce said.

“And Hadrian had his clearance revoked when they figured out he was a double agent.” I reminded him. “His two best friends couldn’t have helped him since one’s dead and the other’s in Shield custody.”

“Someone else must’ve helped him.” Thor said.

“Shield has a mole.” Tony said finally getting where I was going with this.

“That’s the only explanation that makes sense.” I said. “Hadrian knew exactly when they were going to be there. He managed to get the drop on Nat, something no one not even Clint can do.”

“These are all good places to start but how is that going to help us get Natasha back?” Bruce said.

“Hadrian isn’t working alone.” I said.

“Meaning whoever he’s working for would probably know where he’s holding Romanoff.” Tony said.

“We have less than forty six hours to find the traitor.” Thor said.

“Steve and Clint are on their way back.” Bruce said.

“No. Tell them to head to DC, we can meet them there.” Tony said. “Jarvis call and have the jet ready for the four of us.”

“Three.” I corrected. “It’s not exactly safe for me to leave.”

“Hales you’ll be with all of us you’ll be fine.” Tony said.

“Actually she’s right.” Bruce said. “If there is a mole in SHIELD, then Adler will know she’s up to something or it’ll make it easier for him to get to Hayley.”

“We cannot leave her unprotected.” Thor said.

“First off can you all stop talking like I’m not in the room? Secondly I wouldn’t be unprotected. The tower has a state of the art security system and it’s not like I’m planning on going outside anytime soon. And even if Hadrian tried getting to me here, the place is Hulk proof. I doubt he can beat that.” I said.

“I don’t like this.” Tony said.

“You don’t have to like it but we don’t really have much of a choice. The clock’s ticking. The quicker you three go and figure things out inside of Shield the quicker you can be back and we can go get Nat.” I said.

“You won’t be going anywhere on your own.” Thor asked.

“Not planning on it.” I said.

“Bracelet?” Tony asked.

“That’s a little excessive don’t you think?” I retorted.

“Hayley!” The three of them shouted.

I sighed and walked over to my desk and opened the top drawer. I pulled out the jewelry box it came and opened it. I lifted my arm up and slowly put it on so they could see for themselves it was on. I tapped on it three times.

“Vitals are normal Miss Adams.” Jarvis confirmed.

“Bracelet’s on and if my heart rate even goes up a beat Jarvis will let you know.” I said.

“We’ll call as soon as we’re with Clint and Steve.” Tony said.

“I’ll be waiting.” I said hugging him and giving him a quick kiss. “Don’t piss off too many people.”

“Hey I’m a joy to work with.” Tony said letting go.

“Of course you are.” I said with a smirk. Before going to hug Bruce.

“It’s going to be okay Hayley.” Bruce said.

“I know.” I said giving him a small smile before giving him a quick kiss that made him blush.

I turned to Thor and he pulled me close. “Stay safe love.” Thor said.

“You took the words right out of my mouth.” I said.

“You made me a promise that…” He started.

“That I wasn’t going anywhere and that I’d stay safe. I’m not leaving and I’m staying in the safest place there is.” I said. “Now get going and stay safe.”

Thor leaned down and kissed me breaking apart to hold me for a minute and kissing the top of my before letting go.

I watched them all walk into the elevator and go off to find the mole.

“Jarvis how many servers does it take to keep you running?” I asked.

“Even with the data compressors Sir developed it still takes a small server farm ma’am.” Jarvis said.

“Well then clear out all the junk mail, spam and meme’s that are out of date we’re going to need every one of them.” I said.

“May I ask for what Miss Adams?” Jarvis asked.

“I’ve been trying to hack that stupid firewall on my own for weeks. I don’t care how we do it, I don’t care if we have to break the internet to do it but we are getting whatever intel is hiding behind that firewall.” I said. “I want you to try every possible algorithm, descrambler and decryption program on that thing.”

“Of course Miss Adams.” Jarvis said.

“While you’re doing that, I’m going through all the intel you got for me. I’m not leaving this lab until we have a lead on Nat’s location.” I said determined.