Fated Marks

Calliope’s POV-

I woke up… well more like I tossed and turned the entire night and gave up around five am. I got up and put on some leggings and a sweatshirt before grabbing my keys and phone. I strapped on my phone and started my running playlist as I started running towards Central Park.

There weren’t many people around at this hour and it was perfect. Well almost…

I was blasting my music as I started running when I started feeling really out of breath. My chest felt really tight and I couldn’t get enough air.

Third Person’s POV- Two Weeks after DC

“Hey,” Tony said taking a deep breath. “Not really sure what I’m supposed to do here.”

He looked around the room and grimaced when he saw how plain everything looked.

“I need to get you a better room.” Tony muttered. “Something with a view. I’m pretty sure you’d say something about not really being able to tell the difference considering your eyes are closed but maybe that’ll give you a reason to open your eyes.”

Tony looked at Hayley but there were no changes.

“Guess I should give you a run down of everything you’ve missed. This’ll be the practice run but just know this is the real story, not the cliff notes version Rogers is going to give you. He was a bit distracted with the Terminator but we’ll get to that.” Tony said. “Or well I guess start with that. So after a week of arguing and planning we agreed to let Hill and Fury lock Pierce out of Project Insight, which of course didn’t work, while the rest of us including Rhodey and Roger’s wingman Sam went to go find Barnes. They had him in a vault in some abandoned bank in Downtown DC. We got in, shots went off… you know the usual. Cap found Barnes and they had him in some sort of chair, same as the one in the video.”

“Rumlow was there, he’s on the lamb after we dropped a building on him but we’ll get to that. Apparently Terminator helped Cap take him down. He…” Tony sighed. “He remembered you what you said about someone coming to get him. He got Cap out of the building when one of the Hydra goons activated the self-destruct sequence and he helped us take down the hellicarriers that were launched. Took down a lot of hydra goons while he was at it. We got into the Hellicarriers and inputted a reworked targeting blade and made them shoot at each other. They crashed into the Triskelion and the Potomac. Shield is now disbanded, and I now have a couple hundred new employees I have to find a place for but it’ll work out. Romanoff got called to testify in front of the senate armed forces committee since she was the one that dumped every Shield and Hydra file kept on the Triskellion’s servers. She essentially told everyone on capital Hill where they could shove their concerns. I have to admit she may not have put on a great show like I did but it was pretty badass. Don’t tell her I said that.” Tony said chuckling a bit and grimacing when he remembered where he was. His eyes watered a bit and closed them trying to hold it together.

“He’s uh… Barnes is staying at the Tower. Wish he wasn’t but he is. He’s dangerous and needs help according to everyone and… you. I saw the videos, and I know it wasn’t his fault it’s just… I don’t know. Hydra took my mom… Howard… you and…” Tony said before there was a strange sound.

The heart monitors started going off and Hayley started moving.

“Hales?” Tony said confused. Hayley didn’t open her eyes but it looked like she was coughing.

A nurse ran in and quickly started to check her vitals.

“What’s going on?” Tony asked.

“Mister Stark I’m going to have to ask you to wait outside.” The nurse said.

“Is she going into cardiac arrest?” he asked.

“I got the page what’s going on?” Doctor Hunt said running in.

“Vitals are elevated and she’s reacting to the intubation.” The nurse answered.

“Is she okay?!” Tony asked.

“Someone get him out of here.” Doctor Hunt said.

“I’m not going anywhere…” Tony started.

“We need to get the breathing tube out and it’s not something most people can handle seeing so you may want to wait outside.” Doctor Hunt elaborated.

“Take it out? I thought that was helping her stay alive?” Tony said.

“It was but she’s breathing on her own now and the tube’s getting in the way.” The Doctor said.

“Mister Stark please.” The nurse said ushering him out.

Calliope’s POV-

“ah…ah…” I gasped, having a hard time breathing. I started feeling dizzy and next thing I knew I was on my knees on the ground.

“Ma’am are you alright?” Someone asked walking

“I… ah.” I choked out.

“Okay.” He said rubbing my back. “Just take it slow.”

I closed my eyes and tried to focus on my breathing. Then the tightness in my chest and the pressure in my throat just disappeared.

“Ah!” I gasped before coughing.

‘What the hell was that?’ I thought.

“You’re okay, just take deep slow breaths.” The guy said. I looked up and finally got a look at the good Samaritan that was helping me. I couldn’t help but stare at him. He was handsome. Like super handsome. He was tall and very buff. He was Dorito shaped buff. He was blonde with cerulean blue eyes with ting flecks of green in them.

“Ma’am?” He asked.

“Uh sorry, you said something?” I asked.

“Can you stand?” he asked. “I think we’re in the way of other runners.”

“Uh yeah.” I said standing up and walking to a bench.

“Are you alright?” He asked.

“Yeah, I don’t know what happened. I was fine and suddenly I just couldn’t breathe.” I said as I sat down. “Thank you for stopping to help me…”  said not knowing what to call him.

“Steve, Steve Rogers.” He said offering his hand.

“Callie Gerard, nice to meet you Steve.” I said shaking his hand.

“Are you sure you’re okay? You didn’t look so good.” Steve said concerned.

“Yeah it was weird. I felt some pressure on my chest and like something stuck in my throat but it just went away.” I said taking a sip of water.

“That’s good but you might want to go get check out just to make sure.” Steve said.

“I’ll look into that.” I said before my phone alarm went off. “I have to head home and shower before my roomie hogs the bathroom but I’m going to stop by for coffee. Can I buy you a cup? It’s the least I can do to thank you.”

“You don’t have to do that. It was the right thing to do.” Steve said blushing and rubbing the back of his neck.

“It was yet you’re the only one that stopped.” I said with a smile.

“I actually have to get home too, I have an appointment.” Steve said.

“Oh, well then rain check for the next time I see you.” I said standing up. “See you around Steve.”

“See you around Callie.” Steve said smiling at me before turning around and continuing his jog. I watched him run and couldn’t help but admire his butt. It was a really nice butt. I’m spending to much time with Will.

I turned and walked to the coffee shop. I got everyone’s usual orders and headed home. I stopped by the mailbox and picked up Claire’s mailbox. I went upstairs and knocked on her door first.

“Morning.” Claire said opening the door.

“Morning, I’ve got your mail.” I said.

“Oh thank you. I really didn’t feel like heading down today. I have a doctor’s appointment later and that’ll be enough.” Claire said.

“No problem. Are you okay?” I asked.

“It’s just a check up to see how everything’s healing.” Claire said.

“Well I hope everything goes well. I’m gonna go finish my rounds.” I said.

“Stop by later so you can tell me about your interview.” Claire said.

“Will do. Bye.” I said walking down the hall.

I knocked on the door. And heard a woof followed by padding footsteps.

“Mh, morning.” Clint groaned.

“Morning, coffee?” I said handing his cup to him.

“You’re the best.” He said giving me a smile.

“Woof!” Lucky barked.

“I need to take him out. See you at breakfast.” He said walking out of his apartment.

“I need to go beat Will to the bathroom.” I said walking past him to my door. I walked in just as Will and Josh were walking out. “Morning. Coffees”

“Mh.” Josh said grabbing his and walking to the kitchen.

“Thank you.” Will said grabbing his. I dropped my things of on the coffee table. “You got up early.”

“Couldn’t really sleep.” I said kicking off my shoes before slowly walking towards the bathroom.

“Cal you have nothing to worry about.” Will said as I pulled off my sweatshirt.

“You saying that just makes it worse for some reason.” I said as I walked into the bathroom. I took a quick shower and came out in my bathrobe. Will was waiting outside the door ready to pick up the conversation exactly where we left off.

“Cal, you’re a beautiful, creative, genius with business experience, you’re tough as nails, loyal to a fault, and probably the most dependable and most put together eighteen year old in the world. If for whatever reason those idiots at Stark International don’t see it then they don’t deserve you. We’ll start our own tech company and take over the world.” Will said.

“He’s right you know.” Clint said.

“He always is.” Josh said.

“And that’s why I’m marrying you.” Will said with a dorky smile on his face. I was about to say something when my phone started ringing.

I grabbed it and answered.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Morning kiddo.” Dad answered.

“Hey dad.” I said smiling.

“Wanted to check in because I know you have your interview and I know you’re probably nervous.” Dad said.

“I’m not nervous.” I said.

“Cal…” he started. Why did I even try lying to him? He knows me better than I know myself.

“I’ll be back.” I signed to Clint before heading to my room. “I’m not nervous exactly just really… anxious.” I explained to my dad.

“Then why do you sound worried?” dad asked.

“Uh, I don’t really know. I really want this internship but if I don’t get it I can always apply again next year, it’s just something I can’t shake.” I said.

“Cal, are you sure everything’s okay?” dad asked. I bit my lip. I started thinking about what happened at the park. If I told him I knew he’d worry and probably even get on the first flight to New York he could get on, hell he’d probably fly himself.

“Yeah, just missing my coffee.” I said.

Dad sighed. “You know if you ever want to just take some time off and go travel with Rebekah and Kol it would be okay, right?” He said.

“Dad we talked about this.” I said.

“I know but I worry about you. You’ve always been so focused and driven but you never really stopped to enjoy the little things and have some fun. You finished high school at fifteen, got into an Ivy League university and moved away at seventeen. You’re young, you have plenty of time to get three degrees, work your way up the corporate ladder, and revolutionize the tech industry or whatever you want to do.” Dad said.

“This is what I want to do and I am happy dad.” I said. “I’m probably just overthinking it.”

“You do have a tendency to do that.” He said with a chuckle. “Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself and take it easy?”

“I’ll try.” I said.

“Then I’ll let you go but I’m face timing you later so you can tell me how it went. Love you Cal.” Dad said.

“Love you too dad.” I said. “Bye.”

With that the call cut off. I put on some tights and a tee before going out for breakfast.

“How’s the dadsters?” Will asked.

“Good just checking in.” I said sitting down and grabbing my coffee.

“Waffles.” Josh said coming in and putting a plate down.

“If it wasn’t for all the heavy lifting and running around I do at work, I’d be fat.” Clint said.

“Why do you think I started running everyday?” I said. “Aww, chocolate chips my favorite.”

“Well it’s a big day.” Josh said with a smile.

“Thanks Josh.” I said. “Mh, before I forget what weekend are you both free? We need to start planning your engagement party.”

“This weekend is good for me.” Will said.

“I’m working Friday and Saturday’s lunch at the restaurant but Sunday brunch work for everyone?” Josh said.

“Does that include me?” Clint said.

“Mandatory attendance for bridal party which means both of you.” Will said. “And it’s bottomless mimosas.”

“Yes!” We cheered.

“Now for a more serious topic. Cal what are you wearing?” Will said eying my outfit.

“Relax I’ve got it figured out already.” I said.

“Let’s see.” Will said.

“Okay.” I said taking the last bite of my waffle before getting up. I walked into my room and pulled out the outfit I had already set aside. I had worn it before when I worked with Dad over the summer. It should be fine.

I pulled on the black slacks and the baby blue button down and topped it with a grey knit sweater making the collar of the shirt peek out and then a grey blazer on top. I finished the look off with some nude bow short heels.

Once I was finished I walked out of the room to the living room.

“Ta da.” I said.

“You look good.” Clint said.

“Thanks.” I said.

“Yeah if you’re going out to see bibles.” Will said.

“What? This is the perfect interview outfit. It’s professional and makes me look serious.” I said.

“Yeah, you look like a middle schooler borrowing their parents clothes to go to their first dance.” Will said.

“You’re exaggerating.” I said.

“I’m calling in a tie breaker.” Will said flipping over the tablet he was working on to show a live feed of Rebekah in London.

“Beks!” I said surprised to see her.

“Wow, I didn’t know you were spreading the lord’s word Cal.” She said. “You look like a high school decathlon member.”

“I was on the high school decathalon team.” I said.

“Next.” Will and Rebekah said.

“Try a dress.” Will said as I walked into my room. I groaned and looked through my closet. I found a black dress I don’t remember wearing ever. I could probably put on a blazer and make it look professional.

I slipped on the black half sleeved V-neck dress with some black peep toe heels. The dress was fitted and I knew they’d like it. I walked out with my head held high.

“Wow.” Clint said.

“You look great Cal.” Josh said.

“Shows off your figure really well.” Will said.

“Didn’t you wear that to step father number five’s funeral?” Rebekah said.

“I think so.” I said with a shrug.

“No.” Will and Rebekah said.

“And before you say it covering it up with a blazer won’t change our opinion.” Rebekah said.

“Uh” I groaned walking back into my room.

“Cal you need something professional but at the same time with a bit of edge. Everyone there is going to be over qualified or a genius. You need to stand out in a good way. Make them remember you.” Will said.

“I’ll go see what I can dig up.” I said walking back. I dug through my closet and found a nice cream-colored blouse. I also found a black blazer Rebekah had left last time she passed through New York. We were the same size and it matched a black clutch I had that could fit my resume and tablet. I took the black slacks from the first outfit and the shoes from the second outfit to finish off the look.

“Okay this is the only think I had left so it’s either this or the sweater.” I said walking out.

“Yes!” Will and Rebekah said at the same time.

“It’s very chic. Edgy and professional” Rebekah said. “Is that my blazer? I’ve been looking for that thing. A good Prada blazer never goes out of style”

“Yeah you left it last time you were here.” I said.

“Keep it safe for me. Also I’m borrowing that clutch.” Rebekah said.

“I’ll ship it to you in London later.” I said.

“Thank you.” She said.

“Wait.” Will said standing up and grabbing a bobby pin. He parted my hair to the side and tamed the fly aways. “Perfect.”

“That does it.” Will said.

“If being a lawyer doesn’t work out you can always become a stylist.” Josh said.

“That’s the one.” Clint said.

“You said that about the other two.” I said.

“You look good no matter what you wear.” Clint said with a shrug and a smirk.

“How are you divorced? You always know the right thing to say.” I said.

“Just to you.” Clint said standing up. “Well I have to go meet up with the electrician all the way in Brooklyn. Cal, I’d wish you luck but you’re not going to need it because I know you’re going to nail this interview. I’ll pick up cannoli from Lorenzo’s to celebrate.”

“You’re awesome.” I said.

“Thanks for Breakfast Josh. Bekah, take care. See you all later.” Clint said.

“Bye.” We all called out.

“Wow.” Rebekah said once the door closed. “He is so into you.”

“What? No he’s not. We’re just friends.” I said.

“You two were just flirting a minute ago.” Rebekah said.

“I was just making on observation and so was he.” I said.

“You need to get out more. I swear your social skills get worse every time I see you.” Rebekah said.

“I get out plenty.” I said.

“So you finally agreed to go out with the lacrosse player?” Rebekah said.

“Lacrosse player?” I said confused before it hit me and I turned to glare at Will. “You told her about Nate? Wait since when do you two talk to each other?”

“Since I moved in.” Will said with a shrug.

“That was almost two years ago.” I said.

“Yeah. Beks likes to check in and occasionally needs a second opinion on some outfits. Speaking off you are rocking that dress.” Will said.

“My stylist has a great eye.” Rebekah said complimenting Will.

“My sister and my roommate are conspiring against me.” I said.

“Oh stop being so dramatic.” Rebekah said.

“And if anything we’re conspiring for you.” Will said. “Rebekah agreed Nate would be perfect for you.”

“I don’t even know the guy.” I said.

“How are you supposed to if you won’t give him a chance?” Will retorted.

“If you won’t give Nate a chance then how about Clint?” Rebekah said with a smirk.

“For the last time we’re just friends. He doesn’t see me like that and there’s also the fact that he’s old enough to be my father.” I said.

“For someone that’s not interested you’ve given it a lot of thought.” Rebekah said making me glare at her. She glared back before laughing.

“Doesn’t stop you from being friends and he also keeps turning down my offer to set him up. Natasha and him would be perfect for each other.” Will said.

“Guys, stop meddling in people’s love lives’.” I said.

“Come on Cal. You need to live a little. Get out of your comfort zone. Aren’t you curious about being in a relationship?” Will asked.

“Or about having sex?” Rebekah asked. “I’m just saying maybe that’s the stress relief you need.”

“Stop.” I said looking away trying to stop myself from blushing.

“Stop being such a prude.” Will said. “Cal it’s okay to cut loose. That’s what college is all about. Figuring out who you are, experiencing things… experimenting.”

“I already know who I am.” I said. “Callie Gerard, daughter, sister, friend, future tech innovater…”

“That’s a job description. We’re talking about digging deeper.” Rebekah said. “You’re so focused on the goal you’re loosing sight of what’s around you. You don’t want to grow old and one day look back and regret what could have been.”

“And you think Nate is something I’m letting pass me by?” I asked.

“It’s not Nate it’s what he represents.” Will said.

“I have to get going.” I said grabbing my clutch. “I’ll call you later. And both of you stop meddling in people’s love lives. Seriously make like the Beatles and Let it be.”

“We don’t meddle…” Rebekah said.

“We give gentle nudges in the right direction.” Will finished.

“Oh crap you’re finishing each other’s sentences.” I said not liking the possibilities that could result from both of them working together.

“Bye Cal.” They said simultaneously.

“That’s really creepy.” I said before walking out.