Fated Marks

Calliope’s POV-

“So tell me about yourself.” Tony said as we sat down for lunch.

“What do you want to know?” I asked.

“Tell me something that isn’t on your resume.” Tony said.

“Uh, I have three brothers and a sister. I live in the Upper West side with my roommate Will who is practically another older brother, and his fiancé Josh. They got engaged a few days ago. What else…” I said.

“Hobbies?” Tony asked.

“I read, go hiking on occasion, I love to bake too.” I said.

“Can you drive?” Tony asked.

“Yeah, I got my license three days after I moved here.” I said.

“Great, so job responsibilities. You’re going to be mentored by myself and my science bro, Bruce…” Tony said.

“Wait Bruce, as in Bruce Banner?” I said. “His work on synthetic biological organisms and its potential applications for artificial intelligence is amazing.”

“Be sure to tell him that when you meet him later.” Tony said. “Anyway you’ll be working directly with us in our lab. You’re essentially our intern slash personal assistant. Meaning you’ll help out with projects, run errands for us, make sure we always have coffee, you’ll tag along with me for meetings, essentially be the middle man between me and everyone else outside the lab including my wife sometimes. You’re going to get experience using all of the degrees your getting and I’ll make sure you get school credit for it. On top of that you’re getting a salary of…” he said pulling out a pen and scribbling something on a napkin before sliding it towards me.

I slowly reached for it and unfolded it. I felt my jaw drop and my eyes widen.  

“Uh, that’s a lot of zeros. Are you sure that’s right?” I asked.

“That what I always pay my assistants and you know I’m good for it.” He said.

“Yeah just wow.” I said. “Internships don’t really pay that much.”

“It seems like a lot but once you start working you’ll understand.” He said. “So schedule wise what’s your class schedule like?”

“I’m taking a full course load but half of my classes are online and the rest of them are all in the morning. I’m done by noon and I have Thursdays off.” I answered.

“Come to work after school leave around five or later if you feel like it. Though there are going to be times I’m going to need you to work on weekends like if there are events or things like that but you’ll know. Dress code. Unless there’s a board meeting or an event I have to dress up for it’s casual.” He said.

“Great.” I said. “Anything I should know before hand?”

“Uh, you’re in charge of making sure I always remember my wife’s birthday and our anniversary. You’re also in charge of knowing where she is so she doesn’t drop by unexpectedly.” Tony said. “Also you work for me, you report to me directly and outside of the lab your main priority is to watch my back.”

“Why do I have a feeling there’s more to that than just the general meaning of watching your back?” I said.

“Because there is.” He said with a smirk before taking out his phone and sliding it over to me. “Need your impression.”

“Well you seem like a cool guy, a bit weird but there’s nothing really wrong with that.” I said.

“Your thumbprint.” He said pretending to be annoyed but smirking.

“Oh, What am I consenting to?” I said looking at the very long term and agreement contract.

“Standard Non disclosure agreement.” Tony said. “We’re going to be spending a lot of time together and you’re going to get to know me on a personal level, like know what brand of underwear I wear and even go buy some for me personal.”

“Okay.” I said pressing my thumb onto the screen and passing it back.

He swiped at it again. “Employment contract.” He said.

I took the phone and skimmed it. “I have an expense account?” I asked.

“Part of going to those events is looking the part so you may have to dress up. You’ll get a company card to buy anything you need and also in case I ever need you to go out and get me something.” Tony said.

“Okay.” I said pressing my thumb again.

“That’ll be all of it. Welcome to Stark industries.” He said.

“I won’t let you down boss.” I said.

“I know you won’t,” he said confidently.

We chatted for a bit more and then headed back to the office to finish some more forms from Human Resources. I also had my photo taken and was issued my badge. I got a tour of the lab. Doctor Banner was out of the lab in a meeting so I didn’t get to meet him.

“Well that’s the grand tour.” He said as we walked into the common room.

“You have all the cool toys.” I said.

“That you’re going to get to use starting Monday.” Tony said.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity. This is better than any internship or office job I could have gotten.” I said.

“Don’t mention it Chauncey.” Tony said.

“Callie or Cal.” I corrected.

“I just have to ask, how do you pronounce your name?” he said.

“Cal-I-oh-pee.” I enunciated.

“Is that a family name or something?” Tony asked.

“No my mom was an accounting and classics double major in college. Something must’ve stuck.” I said. “She’s the only one that calls me that.”

“Well sunshine, My dad was the only one that called me Anthony so I get where you’re coming from.” Tony said.

“Sunshine?” I asked raising an eyebrow.

“I give people nicknames. My driver’s Happy, my wife’s Pepper, Bruce is big guy.” Tony said.

“Sunshine? Really?” I asked.

“What you’re like a giant ray of sunshine. You’re happy, very enthusiastic, and you’re probably the first person in a long time that I’ve talked to and haven’t faked that I enjoy the conversation.” He said.

“Thanks.” I said. “Also this is really weird but I normally have a hard time connecting to new people but this was as easy as breathing. I mean I actually lost track of time.” I said pointing at the clock and noticing it was about to be seven.

“I have that effect on people.” Tony said. “Wow, I think I was supposed to call Pepper like three hours ago.”

“Oops.” I said.

“Not the first time it happens. She knows I get distracted in the lab.” Tony said with a shrug.

“We’re gonna work on that.” I said.

“But not until Monday.” He said leading me to the elevator. “Take the weekend. Have fun, get some sleep because you’re going to be working a lot.”

“I can imagine watching your back is going to be very time consuming.” I said.

“You have no idea. Jarvis will send you my itinerary.” He said as the elevator doors opened and my phone dinged. “And a new phone because there is no way you’ll be answering my calls on that.”

He said looking horrified at my iPhone.

“It was a gift from my brother.” I said.

“Yeah, you’re still getting a new one.” Tony said.

I sighed and shook my head as I walked into the elevator.

“So Monday after lunch?” I asked.

“Get in the elevator and Jarvis will take you straight to whatever floor I’m on.” He said.

“See you then Boss.” I said as the doors closed.

As soon as I was out of the building I picked up my phone and pressed one on my speed dial.

“Hello?” dad answered.

“Hey dad.” I said.

“Hey Cal, how’d it go?” he asked.

“I got the job!” I cheered.

“I knew you’d get it!” He cheered. “that’s why I sent everything.”

“What everything?” I asked.

“You’re not at home?” Dad asked.

“I actually just got out of my… interview.” I said. It was the weirdest interview I’ve ever been on but still it was an interview.

“It’s seven at night?” Dad said.

“It was a really long interview and paperwork.” I said.

“I’m so proud of you Cal.” Dad said.

“Aw dad,” I said tearing up.

“I’m serious. You’re going to do amazing things Cal.” Dad said sniffling a bit.

“Love you dad.” I said.

“Love you too. Now go home and pop open that bottle of champagne.” Dad said.

“You sent a bottle?” I asked.

“You deserve that and more kiddo. Send me a text when you get home.” Dad said.

“I will. Talk to you tomorrow.” I said.

“I’ll be waiting.” He said before hanging up.

I walked to the subway and rode back. I got out and started walking back to the apartment when I heard a dog barking.

I turned and saw Lucky and Clint walking my way.

“Hey.” I said.

“Hey, How’d it go?” Clint asked.

“I got the job.” I said.

“You got the job?” he asked again with a grin.

“I got it!” I cheered.

“You got it!” He cheered pulling me into a hug and spinning me around.

“Ah!” I laughed before he finally put me down.

“You’re amazing Hales Congrats.” Clint said.

“Hales?” I asked.

“Hales?” Clint asked confused.

“You called me Hales?” I said.

“What? No I didn’t. At least I don’t think I did.” Clint said.

“Huh.” I said. “My bad then. How’s working going?”

“Pretty good. Just got a new job for a commercial property down in Brooklyn.” Clint said as we headed inside the building. “Construction’s barely going to start in a few months but it works out since I still have some work left to finish on the townhouse.”

“But you have things lined up which is good.” I said.

“I might actually have to hire more help.” He said.

Third Person’s POV-

“Hayley’s Room is all set up.” Tony said.

“Is she almost here?” Steve asked looking at his watch for the hundredth time.

“Should be.” Clint said.

“Uh… hi.” Will said showing up.

“Hey.” Natasha said.

“I-is she here?” Will asked.

“Not yet.” Thor said.

Just as that moment the elevator doors opened and a team of nurses came out pushing out a gurney into the hallway.

“This way.” One of the nurses said.

They all stood up and watched as the gurney was brought into the room and then moved from the gurney to the hospital bed. The nurses moved around and started connecting all of the monitors and wires. One of them checked the IV and the injection site. They got her settled in before leaving the room.

“You can go in now.” One of the nurses said.

“Thank you.” Bruce said.

One by one they all got up to go inside. Will stopped at the doorway before slowly walking in. He stopped at the foot of the bed and looked at his best friend.

“I thrived because of you and you stood by me and loved me unconditionally and I'm sorry that because of that you lost everything, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to make it up to you, nothing can. I'm sorry Josh paid the price because I was too afraid to stand up to Hadrian but I'm going to make things right. I love you Will. Goodbye brother."

Will let out a shaky breath he didn’t even realize he was holding in and choked back a sob.

“I… I can’t do this.” Will said before running out of the room.

“Should we…” Thor asked.

“I’ll go.” Natasha said standing up. She took one last look at Hayley before going after Will.

“I have to go.” Steve said. “Bucky has his first appointment”

Tony scoffed but didn’t say anything. Steve leaned over the bed and kissed Hayley’s forehead before leaving.

“When my father is in his Odin sleep he says that he dreams of better days.” Thor said.

“Sounds nice.” Bruce said.

“Do you believe Hayley is dreaming?” Thor asked.

“Don’t know.” Tony said not in the mood to talk about what Hayley was feeling when all he wanted was for her to wake up.

“Her brain is fine. There wasn’t any damage from the drowning because of how cold the water was.” Bruce said. “No one really knows what goes on in a coma patients head. Some people say they were in limbo. Some don’t remember anything. Others wake up knowing things they didn’t know before.”

“Like what?” Clint asked.

“Some people started speaking new languages they couldn’t before.” Bruce said.

“She already has five. She can decide to learn more when she wakes up.” Tony said.

Calliope’s POV-

“Wow. This place is nice.” Clint said messing with his shirt collar.

“Stop fussing.” I said playfully slapping his hand away. “You look fine.”

“I grabbed the first thing I saw in my closet. This is my deal closing shirt.” Clint said.

“Yeah well this is my meeting potential stepdads outfit so we’re both in the same boat.” I said messing with the sleeves of my dress.

“That’s what you wear to meet potential stepdads?” Clint asked. “Why are you wearing that here?”

“Because Will saw it and thought it would match the tie he was going to wear perfectly.” I said. “We’re the bridal party. Matching with them is part of the gig.”

“Speaking of the bridal party where’s the happy couple?” Clint asked.

‘Last time I saw them they were trying to help save the planet by conserving water.” I said. “Needed to get here early and make sure they had the table with the right lighting set up for us.”

“Lighting?” Clint asked.

“I’ve been waiting for Josh to propose for three months, I’m not letting bad lighting ruin any photos we’re taking.” I said.

“You’re really going all out for this aren’t you?” Clint said.

“Those two deserve it. Besides may as well put my wedding planning skills to good use.” I said.

“Miss Adams your table is ready, would you like to sit down or wait until the rest of your party…” One of the hostesses started.

“Sorry we’re late. Traffic” Will said with a smirk on his face.

Traffic my ass.

“Perfect timing as always.” I said with a smile.

“If you’ll follow me.” The hostess said before leading us through the dining room to the table. We all got settled and started off with bottomless mimosas. I had a feeling some of us might have to be carried out.

“So I want to start off by thanking the both of you for agreeing to be our best man and maid of honor.” Josh said.

“You don’t have to thank us.” I said.

“It’s our honor.” Clint said.

“We also want to say if should at any point in the wedding planning you two decide to partake in the time honored tradition of the best man hooking up with the maid of honor we’re all for it.” Will said and I kicked him under the table.

“Ow.” He yelped.

“Anyway we have a lot to celebrate besides just our engagement.” Josh said. “Cal not only got the internship but a paid job with two of her tech idols and Clint not only landed a huge contract, he bought the project of his dreams and his divorce is finalized.”

“Also Hunter proposed.” Clint said.

“Hey!” We all cheered.

“So you don’t have to pay for the Porsche.” I said.

“No I don’t.” Clint said with a huge smile.

“All in all it’s been a pretty amazing week.” Will said.

“And there’s more to come.” I said.

“Cheers.” Clint said.

“Cheers.” We all said clinking our glasses together.

“Hey.” Someone said coming up behind us.

“Nate, hey.” Will said.

“Nate as in…” Clint whispered and I nodded.

“Didn’t think I’d run into you here.” Will said.

“Yeah just here to have brunch with my parents and grandparents.” Nate said. “Hey Callie.

“Hi Nate.” I said smiling. “Oh this is Clint.”

“Nice to meet you.” Nate said shaking Clint’s hand.

“You too man.” Clint said.

“So you guys here for the bottomless mimosas too?” Nate asked.

“Engagement brunch.” Will said showing off the ring Josh had gotten him.

“Congrats man.” Nate said hugging Will before shaking Josh’s hand. “I’m happy for you.”

“Thank you so am I.” Will cheered.

“Well I have to go. But it was good to see you.” Nate said keeping his eyes on me a little longer than everyone else. I really hate this dress.

“Bye.” Will and I said at the same time.

“Yeah he’s your type.” Clint said.

“Totally.” Josh agreed.

“Right.” Will.

“I don’t have a type.” I said.

“Yes you do.” They all said together.

“Oh really, what’s my type?” I asked.

“Tall, athletic or buff.” Will said.

“Mostly blondes but a few brunettes thrown in there.” Josh said.

“Gorgeous eyes. That’s what you always focus on when you first meet someone. They draw you in.” Will said.

“Cute smile, dimples are a plus.” Josh said.

“Essentially the boy next door.” Clint said.

“You guys are way too involved in my love life.” I said.

“What love life?” Will retorted and I kicked him under the table again. “I’m just saying would it really be so bad to let someone in and help you keep warm at night?”

“Will I learned a long time ago that guys come and go but a career won’t leave you.” I said.

“But it won’t keep you warm at night.” Will said.

“It will get you money to buy a space heater and pay your gas bill so technically it will.” I said with a smirk.

“Cal…” Will started.

“That’s enough about me. That’s not why we’re here. We’re here to celebrate you two and the beginning of what I hope to be a very long happily ever after.” I said.

“Here, here.” Clint said in agreement.

“Well if anything I should be thanking you Cal. If you hadn’t given me the push to follow my dreams and leave Chicago for culinary School in New York we never would have met.” Josh said.

“And if you two weren’t such big foodies we never would have ended up at the restaurant Josh was apprenticing at.” Will said. “And we wouldn’t be where we are now.”

“So I guess what we’re trying to say is thank you.” Josh said.

“We love you guys.” Will said.

“Love you too.” I said tearing up slightly.

Third Person’s POV-

Natasha looked around the hospital. She started tracking Will’s cellphone but the signal was still coming from the hospital. He’d want to be alone and probably find the closest place where he’s be left alone. Natasha stood in front of the hospital directory and found the perfect spot, the one place no one would expect him to be and the last place anyone would look for him.

She walked through the hospital and stood in front of the doors. She took a deep breath before walking in.

The Hospital chapel was quiet and completely empty. It wasn’t a strange sight to see relative of patients crying in here. It was almost expected.

The only sounds coming from the dimly lit room were from Will’s quiet sobs.

Natasha didn’t sit next to him. Instead she sat on the bench behind him and stayed quiet.

“When I was twelve my Nana got diagnosed with cancer. My mom had always been a devote Christian. Went to church every Sunday. Was part of the choir, organized fundraisers, you know the whole shebang. Nana got worse and worse and mom started going to church more often and when nana died she kept going.” Will said. “When I came out to my family she thought she could pray the gay away and I asked her If it didn’t work then why did she think it would work out for her now. She said that faith isn’t just believing in something just when it favors you, that every obstacle is a trial to guide you to where you’re supposed to be.”

“Everything happens for a reason we just don’t know the reason. I got kicked out of the only home I’d ever known and disowned by my entire family and It was okay because I had a new family. Friends who accepted me for who I was, my soulmate who loved me from the moment he me met me until his dying breath and a sister who loved me unconditionally. Who celebrated with me on my best days, Gave me a shoulder to cry on when I needed it and reminded me that no matter what came my way I wouldn’t go through it alone. My entire life was pushing me towards her not because I was alone but because I was supposed to stop her from leaving the apartment that day. I shouldn’t have let her go but I was so blinded by grief and anger that…” Will sobbed. “It’s my fault...”

Natasha put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a gentle squeeze.

“I could have stopped her too.” Natasha said. “She found me and I should have fought harder. I should have known something was wrong the minute she showed up but I didn’t. Hayley was ten steps ahead of everyone and we didn’t catch on until it was too late. It wasn’t your fault Will. She loves you and wouldn’t want you to blame yourself for this.”

“I lost Josh, and now hales is…” Will said. “The last thing I said to her was that I wished I never met her. I’m a shitty brother.”

“Adler hunted her down and tried to kill her. You were grieving and said something in the heat of the moment you didn’t mean. She knew that and didn’t hold it against you so don’t ever say or think that again.” Natasha said.

“I’m a shitty brother because she’s fighting for her life and I can’t even be in the same room as her to let her know I’m with her.” Will cried. “I can’t do it Nat.”