Fated Marks

I felt cold, and numb. My chest was tight and I couldn’t breathe.

“Hales you need to wake up.”

Hales?

“You are the center of my existence Hayley Adams. I waited over a thousand years for you and if need be I will wait a thousand more but please wake up.”

“Cal?” Someone said and they knocked on a door. It sounded like an echo that slowly got louder until the darkness got brighter and suddenly I was back in the restroom at work.

“Cal?” Tony called out through the door. “You’ve been in there a while.”

“Uh yeah.” I said getting up. I straightened up a bit and unlocked the door. “Door was a bit jammed.”

“Really? Because it seems fine to me?” Tony asked.

“Why were you trying to get into the women’s restroom?” I asked.

“I was looking for you. You okay?” Tony asked.

“I’m fine.” I said.

“You sure because it looked like you were…” He started.

“The copper smell of blood from the procedure bothered me more than I thought it did.” I said.

“You want to get checked out?” Tony asked.

“It passed already. Pepper buy the story?” I asked.

“She did. Though your episode really distracted her and made her forget about it. Way to think on your feet.” Tony said.

“Just doing my job.” I said.

“You sure you’re okay?” Tony asked.

“Yeah. Want me to order dinner?” I asked.

“No I’m taking Pep out, Jarvis already got us reservations. Happy’s going to give you a ride home.” Tony said.

“Tony I’m…” I started.

“Boss’s orders. He’s waiting for you in the garage.” He said leaving no room for arguing.

“I need to stop and grab dinner.” I said.

“Put it on the company card. My treat.” Tony said.

“Thanks.” I said.

“Don’t mention it. And if you want tomorrow off…” Tony started.

“I’ll be here.” I said.

“Okay.” He said. “Night.”

“Night.” I said. I went to the lab and grabbed my things before heading downstairs to meet Happy. He drove me to a little bistro close to the tower. I picked up dinner for Clint and I along with something for Happy. He dropped me off and I didn’t even bother to go to my place. I headed straight for his. I knocked on the door before walking in. “Honey I’m home.”

“Is that Maestro’s?” Clint said.

“Yeah, Tony’s treat.” I said.

“That was nice of him.” Clint said.

“Yup.” I said unpacking everything. “Did you put a heating pad on your back?”

“Yeah. Helped a bit but either way I decided to listen to you and take the rest of the week off. Treat myself to a long weekend.” He said.

“That’s good.” I said handing him his plate.

“How’d the trial go?” he asked.

“Good and I may have found new roommates.” I said.

“Really? Will picked a winner?” Clint asked surprised.

“Yes and No.” I said.

“How’s that work?” Clint asked.

“Everyone I interviewed was horrible. Speaking of I met your date.” I said.

“Oh, what’s she like?” He asked with a smirk.

“She’s uh… you may want to cancel.” I said.

“Is she crazy?” Clint asked.

“She wasn’t looking for an apartment she just wanted to check out the competition.” I said.

“Crazy stalker, got it.” He said biting into a meatball.

“Anyway turns out that one the trial participant we had today he was the fourth party interested Will had set up but had to cancel. We talked and he’s going to talk it out with his boyfriend but I’d say he’s interested.” I said.

“So two guys?” Clint asked.

“Yeah, they’re really nice.” I said.

“I’ll take your word for it.” he said shoveling food into his mouth. I said on the arm chair moving my food around but not really eating any of it. Finally I just couldn’t do it anymore and I put my plate down.

“I promised you that I wouldn’t hide things from you anymore but I need you to promise not to freak out.” I said.

“That’s never good.” Clint said putting his plate down.

“So it kind of happened again.” I said.

“The…” He started.

“Both.” I said and he frowned.

“What happened?” Clint asked.

“Tony’s wife accused me of sleeping with him. She found this bird necklace in their room.” I said taking it out of my pocket. “And it happened, Snapped out of it pretty fast and did my job before going to the restroom and it happened again but my ears started ringing and I saw something.”

“What?” He said concerned.

“You’re going to think I’m crazy.” I said.

“Cal.” Clint said sternly. The look he gave me said it all: I’m on your side no matter what so stop stalling.

“Everything went black but then it changed and I was a kid again. And I was hiding in a closet. My mom was calling for me but I wouldn’t move or tell her where I was. She got annoyed and walked into my room before she finally found me. She was leaving somewhere and I didn’t want her to go because someone had hurt her before and I was scared. She told me that it was her job, just like my brother and I had our jobs to do. She gave me a necklace with a bird tear drop pendant, a small diamond, a leaf charm and a turquoise pendant and told me my dad gave it to me and it was exactly like the one dad gave me when he adopted me but mom never had one like it.” I said.

“So you remember something from when you were a kid, that isn’t crazy.” Clint said. “Unless that wasn’t it was it?”

“When she was looking for me she wasn’t calling me Calliope like she always does she called me Penelope.” I said. “And as I was waking up and everything went dark there were these voices they were asking someone named Hayley Adams to wake up.”

“Do you know anyone names Penelope or Hayley?” Clint asked.

“Not that I know of.” I said struggling to hold back tears. “I don’t really know what any of this means or what’s happening to me but I know that it isn’t good and I’m… I scared.”

“Hey.” He said reaching for my hand as he tried to get up but groaned when he tried to get up. He sighed frustrated. “Come here.” He said.

“Clint, you need to…” I started.

“Don’t care. Come on.” He said lying down and leaning on the back of the couch

I didn’t say anything just moved over to lie on my side and cuddle next to him. I put an arm around his waist and he just hugged me closer so my head was resting just above his heart.

“You think… I think you should call your mom.” He said.

“Clint.” I warned.

“Cal, you’re blacking out and having dreams about you and your mom and being called names that aren’t yours. She might know something.” He said.

“That’s a last resort.” I said.

“What’s so bad about your mom you’re afraid to even call her?” Clint asked.

“My mom doesn’t care about anyone but herself and she uses people as a means to an end. I’m not an exception to that.” I said shivering.

“We’ll figure something out.” He said running his fingers through my hair.

“You sure that’s a good idea.” I said getting sleepy.

“We never really talked about it,” he said getting tense.

“Do we have to?” I asked.

“I love you.” He said.

“Love you too.” I said knowing that unless I said something know we’d never talk about it and eventually this would come back to bite me in the ass. “And you are everything I could ever want in a guy.”

“Uh…” Clint said not knowing what to say.

“But you’re my best friend, my rock and I can’t imagine life without you. Which is why I could never date you.” I said and as I did it felt like someone had punched me in the gut. “I really can’t imagine my life without you because when I feel like everything’s falling apart you let me cry on your shoulder and tell me everything’s going to be okay. When I’m having the best day ever you are the first person I think about. I can’t lose you Clint and if we dated and I screwed things up which we both know I eventually would, I’d lose you. I need my best friend more than I’ll ever need a boyfriend.” I cried.

“Hey, it’s okay. I love you Cal and yeah maybe in another life we’d be together but I’m happy with what we have. You’re the best part of my day and I couldn’t imagine life without you either. Besides we still have our deal.” He said.

“Can we move it up to thirty five? Online dating sucks.” I said.

“You didn’t get a lot of replies?” Clint asked.

“Too many dick pics.” I said making him laugh.

“You still have Nate.” Clint offered.

“He’s nice. Clint?” I asked.

“Hm?” He mumbled.

“Sarah scares me.” I said.

“I already texted Will to cancel for me.” He said.

Saturday Morning-

The date went really well. I actually liked Nate as maybe more than a friend. We saw a movie, which ended up being pretty good before heading to dinner. The Ramen place was really new and we had to wait an hour to be seated but it didn’t feel that long.

It was midnight by the time we got back and Nate big me good night with a simple kiss to the cheek, which may have made me feel like I had butterflies in my stomach. I also got chills down my spine, which was probably from the changing weather.

I was sleeping comfortably in bed being all nice and warm and cozy when suddenly it was all ripped away from me by Will.

“Good Morning Sunshine!” Will yelled as he pulled the covers off of me.

“No!” I cried out.

“Yes! Day’s a wasting.” He said.

“I hate you.” I said glaring at him.

“I brought you coffee.” He said handing a cup to me.

“You’re okay.” I said taking it.

“Alrighty, where are your work out clothes?” Will said.

“What for?” I asked

“Kickboxing class.” He said.

“Kickboxing. Will it’s Saturday morning.” I said.

“Exactly. Up up up.” He said.

“But it’s my day off.” I said.

“Yes and we haven’t had one on one time in a while so we’re going to do this together and then we’re going to grab a juice at the juice bar while you tell me about your date.” Will said.

“And we need kick boxing to do that?” I asked.

“You got mugged and you’re living alone in New York. Up!” He said.

“This is gonna suck.” I said.

Two Hours Later-

“Kick, kick, knee, upper cut switch.” Natasha said. She was a short curvy red head with dazzling emerald green eyes and a cute smirk that taught the kickboxing class Will had dragged me to.

It was a good work out and I was drenched in sweat half way through. Maybe I should come to this class more often.

“Okay you’re gonna hurt your leg if you keep doing it like that.” She said stopping by me. “Do it again.” She said and I did. She stopped my leg in the air and put a hand on my thigh and another on my hip and she stood behind me. “You don’t need to go so high. You lift up when you kick and it throws you off center. Don’t go above your waist and move your hips with your arms and legs.”

“Okay.” I said redoing it again like she said to.

“Perfect.” She said smiling. “Okay ladies and… gentleman. It’s time to cool down.”

We finished up with some stretched and called it a day.

“So what do you think?” Will asked.

“Really good work out.” I said panting.

“Nat’s great isn’t she?’ Will asked.

“Awesome.” I said smiling.

“Nat!” Will called out.

“Hey.” She said.

“I’d like to formally introduce you to Callie Gerard. Callie this badass is Natasha Romanoff.” Will said.

“Nice to meet you.” She said smiling but not extending her hand.

“Nice to meet you as well. I really liked your class.” I said.

“Does this mean you’re actually going to show up?” She asked.

“In my defense I was going to come but I had work.” I said.

“No you weren’t.” Will said.

“I work out every morning.” I asked.

“What do you do?” Natasha asked.

“I run five miles. Sometimes less if I get a late start.” I said.

“You’re in pretty good shape. You could use more work on your core muscles.” She said.

“Is that you trying to convince me to come to class next week?” I asked.

“Depends is it working?” She asked with a smirk.

“We’ll see.” I said smirking back.

“Krasivaya.” She muttered under her breath.

“We were just about to go grab a juice and that place down the street? Want to come with?” Will asked.

“Uh yes, I’ve been craving one of their mango pineapple smoothies.” She said.

“That sounds so good right now.” I said.

“Hey Nat, are you by chance interested in a room in the upper west side?” Will asked.

“No, I just renewed my lease.” She said.

“Actually you can stop the roommate search. I found someone.” I said.

“You did?” Will asked surprised.

“Yeah. Steve and Bucky.” I said.

“Steve and Bucky?  You know Steve and Bucky?!” He exclaimed.

“Yeah. I met them at work. Steve was actually the guy that helped me out at the park the day I collapsed.” I said.

“Steve was blonde Dorito guy?” Will exclaimed.

“Dorito guy?” Natasha asked amused.

“Broad shoulders, really fit. Triangle body.” I elaborated.

“He sounds hot.” She said.

“He has a boyfriend.” Will said.

“Never mind.” She said.

“And he’s not the only one. How’d it go with Nate last night?” Will said and I blushed immediately.

“It was… nice.” I said looking away.

“You’re adorable.” Natasha said smiling.

“I need details.” Will exclaimed.

“We went to a movie. Held hands. Went to eat ramen. Talked while we waited about the most random things then went inside ate, talked until they kicked us out then he dropped me off at home with a kiss to the cheek.” I said.

“That’s it?” Will asked.

“Yeah.” I said.

“Was this your first date?” Natasha asked.

“Yes.” I said.

“No.” Will said.

“Uh yeah it was.” I said.

“No it wasn’t your first date was when you went to the ballet together remember. I helped you pick out a dress.” Will said.

“That wasn’t a date.” I said.

“Did he ask you to go with him?” Natasha asked.

“Uh… kinda.” I said.

“Did he pay for everything?” She asked.

“We were gonna go halfsies but he snuck the waiter his card before I got mine out.” I said.

“It was a date.” She confirmed.

“It was not a date.” I said. “He got me some tickets for my boss and he had extra so I went with him so he wouldn’t be alone.”

“Date.” Natasha and Will said in unison.

“You going to see him again?” Will asked.

“Yeah, we made plans for next week. Plus I see him every day at school.” I answered.

“You should have seen the look on his face when I told him you asked me to set you up. He forgot his phone all the way across campus in his gym locker and he ran for it.” Will said.

“He told me he was at practice. No wonder he was out of breath when he called.” I said chuckling.

“He has it bad for you.” Natasha said.

“He’s really sweet.” I said smiling.

“You’re into him.” Will exclaimed. “You don’t just like him as a friend you like him as more than that.”

I had to blush.

“I may have had to run into my apartment and close the door really fast because I blushed when he kissed my cheek.” I admitted.

“Aww.” Will said.

“Stop it.” I said.

“I’m gonna have to head out, but it was nice meeting you Cal. I better see you back in class next week.” She said.

“I’ll be there.” I said.

“Wow something never seen before, Cal getting out of bed early on a Saturday for something other than work.” Will said in sarcastic astonishment

“He opens the blinds and pulls the covers away without warning.” I told Natasha.

“I brought you coffee didn’t I?” Will said.

“And you didn’t bring me any?” Natasha said.

“But I brought you Cal.” He said.

“Fair enough. See you next week.” She said.

“Bye.” We said.

“So what do you think of Nat?” Will asked me after she was gone.

“Great teacher. Also a little scary. I’m fairly sure she could take down someone twice her size without breaking a sweat.” I said smiling.

“I’m pretty sure she could.” Will said. “But I meant as like a potential date for Clint.”

“Nat and Clint. She’s funny. Gives as good as she gets. She’s gorgeous. Like wow goddess… She’ll totally eat him alive.” I said.

“Definitely.” Will said.

“She’s perfect.” I said smirk.

“Good I’ve been planting the seeds for a while now, just need to get Clint to agree which now that you’re on board shouldn’t be a problem.” Will said.

“Well, you’re probably going to have to swear to him she isn’t going to turn into another stalker.” I said.

“I swear I didn’t know Sarah would do that. I actually thought she needed a place.” Will said.

“Well lucky for you Clint got a heads up and you cancelled that date so…” I said and Will paled. “You did cancel the date right?”

“It may have slipped my mind.” Will admitted.

“Will!” I exclaimed.

“Uh I know. Sorry wedding planning is taking up a lot of my time and stuff is slipping away.” He said.

“Well what’s stressing you out?” I asked.

“Josh doesn’t want a long engagement and neither do I so finding a venue’s been a little hard.” Will said.

“Let me make some calls and ask around.” I said.

“We also need to start looking for your dress.” Will said.

“What color am I wearing?” I asked.

“White.” Will said.

“I thought only the people getting married could wear white at a wedding?” I asked.

“Well, we’re not exactly traditional are we? And our bridal party’s small so we figured we could pull it off. I’m wearing a white jacket with black accents and Josh is wearing the opposite. She he and Clint are wearing similar suits while you and I…” He said.

“We match.” I said.

“Yeah and I wanted to ask you since Josh’s Mom is walking with him down the would you walk with me?” Will asked.

“Of course I would.” I said tearing up. “Damn it Will you can’t ask me these things when we’re in public you know I’m an ugly crier.”

My phone started going off. I picked it up and saw that it was Tony.

“Morning.” I said.

“I need you at the tower ASAP.” He said.

“Good morning to you too.” I said. “Aren’t you supposed to be in Vegas?”

“Had to cancel. How fast can you get here?” he said.

“Well I need to go home, shower and change.” I said.

“Just do that here.” He said.

“You do remember your wife accused me of sleeping with you just yesterday right?” I reminded him.

“We worked it out. I’ll send happy to go get you and I’ll have Jarvis order you some clothes.” He said.

“What…” I started but he hung up.

“What’s going on?” Will asked.

“I have no idea.” I said. “Something came up at work and I have to go in.”

“It’s Saturday. You’re a PA can’t he get his own coffee for a day?” Will asked.

“You know me I’m indispensible.” I said before my phone started buzzing. It was happy saying he was pulling up to where I was. I never should have let Jarvis track my location even if it was for better assistance and safety. “I have to go, my ride’s here.”

“I’m expecting you and Clint at dinner tonight. We need to double team him.” Will said.

“I want you to repeat what you just said in your head and tell me if that didn’t sound wrong to you.” I said picking up my smoothie. “See you later.”

“Bye.” He waved.

I walked out and happy was standing by the car.

“Jeez what happened to you?” Happy asked. I had to admit I looked pretty wrecked. I was drenched in sweat. My hair was sticking out in odd places and my ponytail was falling out of place.

“Russian kick boxing instructor.” I answered.

“Well get in, boss is waiting.” Happy said opening the door.

“Should I be concerned?” I asked.

“No more than usual.” He answered. I got in and we headed off.

As soon as we pulled up to the garage I headed up to the lab to see what was so important I had to come in on my day off. When the elevator doors opened Tony was already walking towards me.

“Whoa, what happened to you?” He asked.

“I just got out of kickboxing class.” I said.

“You go to kickboxing class?” Tony asked surprise.

“Just started. What’s so important I had to drop everything and run over here?” I asked.

“Well good news. The procedure to put in the sensors in Bucky’s arm was a complete success. He recovered well and we ran the test and his nerves are fully functional.” Tony said.

“That’s great!” I said.

“It is.” Tony said not looking too cheerful.

“Then why are you making that face?” I said.

“Because Bucky was the only that actually managed to make it through the entire procedure.” He said.

“Seriously?” I said.

“The rest of it made it half way at the most, But for what we need for the arm…” Tony said.

“Its all or nothing.” I said.

“Exactly. That being said, without more than five candidates our budgets been cut and our deadline’s been moved up.” Tony said.

“So what we’ve got six? Maybe three months?” I asked.

“Try a week.” He answered.

“One week? Are you kidding me?” I asked.

“Wish I was. It’s an all hands on deck situation and we need you to work on the programming while we finish up the actual arm.” Tony said.

“You want me to do all the coding?” I asked.

“I can help but after I finish with the arm.” Tony said.

“Ah, Are you sure you want me to do this? I’m sure you know a bunch of other programmers…” I started.

“No.” Tony said.

“Tony this is a big deal. If I screw this up…” I started.

“You won’t.” Tony said.

“I’ve never done anything like this, I don’t have the experience… I…” I said.

“Cal! You are the only person I trust to do this.” Tony said putting his hand on my shoulders. “You’re a genius and you’re the best programmer I know. If I didn’t believe that I wouldn’t have hired you in the first place.”

“He’s right Cal.” Bruce said. “You took everything Tony ever showed you and made it your own. And you understand the biological engineering better than any other programmer at SI.”

“Besides you were the one that fought to get Bucky in this trial in the first place. Don’t you think you should see this through to the end?” Tony asked.

“Okay but I’m going to need a few things.” I said.

“Name it.” Tony said.

“First I’m going to need a shower and some clothes to change into because I stink.” I said.

“Take one of the guest apartments and Jarvis will order you clothes. Anything else?” he asked.

“I need to find Will and Josh a venue for the wedding reception.” I said.

“How many guests?” Tony asked.

“Last I checked about a hundred, a hundred fifty tops.” I said.

“Jarvis get Beatrice on it. Actually just have her take over the wedding planning. I’ll cover her fees. That it?” Tony said.

“And I need to make a call.” I said.

“Go do that and shower. We have work to do.” He said.

“Be back, also which apartment do I use?” I asked.

“Jarvis?” Tony called out.

“I can guide you Miss Adams.” Jarvis answered.

“Gerard.” I corrected.

“That’s what he said.” Bruce and Tony said in unison as I walked out.

For the next week I sort of moved into the tower. More or less. I’d leave for class and I left once to pick up a change of clothes but there was so much work to do I was hardly sleeping. Bruce never even left the lab. He’d sleep on the futon and shower in the lab bathroom. Tony pretty much did the same except he was living off coffee and those weird green smoothies he drank.

It was about day four when we got the first interruption from the outside world. My phone started ringing.

“Hello!” I said loudly as Tony was blasting music.

“Hey sweetheart.” Dad greeted.

“Oh hey dad.” I said getting into the music controls and turning it down.

“Bad time?” He asked.

“Uh sort of. We’re in the middle of a big project and we’re down to the wire.” I said.

“It’s ten o clock at night and you’re still at work?” Dad said surprised.

“Again we’re really close to the deadline.” I said.

“So I wanted to talk to you about this summer.” Dad said.

“What about it?” I asked.

“Seeing as you’ve been taking over thirty unites per semester since you started I know you can afford to take the summer off. John’s leaving to finish up a tour in Afghanistan and Rebekah’s going to be alone in London. Kol was planning on spending the summer over there and travel and I was thinking maybe you’d like to go with.” Dad said.

“The entire summer?” I asked getting Tony and Bruce’s attention.

“That’s what he’s planning.” Dad said.

“Uh, I hadn’t really thought about it. I still need to work some things out. I found some new roommates and they should be moving in some time in the next couple of weeks. Can I get back to you?” I asked.

“Course, but I think it’d be a really good idea to get away and relax for a while. You work too hard.” Dad said.

“Do what you love and it doesn’t feel like work.” I answered.

“It is if you’ve been working for more than eight hours. I’ll call you tomorrow. Get some sleep. I love you.” Dad said.

“Love you too. Bye.” I said hanging up.

“Was that the boyfriend?” Tony asked.

“We’re not… we haven’t defined the relationship and no that was my dad.” I said.

“Right. So you and your dad look nothing alike. I mean he’s…” He started.

“My dad’s black and I’m obviously not?” I said.

“I mean yeah?” he said awkwardly.

“I’m adopted.” I said.

“You are?” Bruce said surprised.

“Yeah, you didn’t know?” I asked.

“You never said anything.” Tony said.

“You never asked. You ran a background check on me. I’m sure it would have come up.” I said.

“I don’t really read those things I just ask if anything came up and you were clean.” Tony said. “You learn something new everyday. So you got plans for the summer?”

“I don’t know do I?” I asked.

“Well considering this isn’t really an internship you can come and work full time.” Tony said.

“I already work full time.” I said.

“I meant full time full time. Like travel with me. Maybe spend a month in LA, jump around Europe afterwards.” Tony said.

“Are you serious?” I said.

“Yeah, you’d still get school credit. And you could take some classes if you want.” He said.

“That’d be awesome. Might actually be able to graduate next year and I could still visit Bekah for a bit too.” I said.

“Bekah?” he asked.

“Sister, lives in London.” I explained.

“I have to visit the London office at some point.” Tony said.

“Looks like I’m working this summer.” I said.

One Weeks Later-

I walked into the Stark Tower Medical floor juggling a cup holder of coffees and a few boxes of pastries. I stopped by the reception and handed the nurse on duty a coffee before heading in. I went straight down the hall and made a left. I could hear laughter coming from the only occupied room on the floor.

“Knock Knock.” I said.

“Doll!” Bucky cheered.

“Morning.” I said.

“You’re so pretty!” Bucky cheered.

“They are giving you the good stuff aren’t they?” I said.

“Yes they are.” Steve chuckled.

“This is for you.” I said handing Steve a coffee.

“Oh thank you.” He said taking a sip and sighing. “So much better than the machine.”

“That’s just powdered sugar and water. The cafeteria on the floor downstairs always has a fresh pot.” I said.

“Where’s my coffee?” Bucky pouted.

“Sorry buddy, no caffeine. Doctor’s orders.” I said trying not to laugh at the exaggerated pout he was giving me. “But he didn’t say anything about these.”

I put the box on top of the table in front of him.

He tilted his head and looked at the box confused. I undid the tie on it and lifted up the top.

“AH!” Bucky gasped. “Are those…”

“Cannoli from Dino’s in Brooklyn. Yes. Yes they are.” I said.

“They’re for me?” He said looking up at me with wide teary eyes.

“Of course they’re for you. I promised didn’t I?” I said.

“I love you.” He said making Steve and I laugh.

“And this is for you.” I said handing Steve his sandwich.

“Callie you didn’t have too.” Steve said.

“Hush. You haven’t left in days. You need to eat something that didn’t come from a vending machine. I got it from the deli.” I said.

“Seriously Callie we can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for us.” Steve said.

“You don’t have to and you’re doing me a favor by moving in.” I said. “I have to go check in at the lab if you guys need anything don’t hesitate to call me.”

“Thank you.” Steve said hugging me.

“Can I get a hug too?” Bucky said putting down a cannoli to lift his arm towards me.

“You are too cute.” I said walking over and gently hugging him before leaving.

I turned the corner down the hall and I started feeling a bit light headed. I shook it off and walked into the elevator. I could hear a high pitch ringing that wouldn’t go away but as the elevator started moving it got louder and louder.

“Mh.” I whined as I felt the migraine building.

Steve put a metal Frisbee with a star and stripe design down and after much debate we found the perfect way to go down. Steve would sit down first and I'd sit on his lap. He blushed when I suggested it but agreed to it.

"Hold on a sec." I said taking my phone out. "Smile."

Steve kissed my cheek while looking at the camera. I took a few more quick photos before putting my phone in my pocket.

"Hold on tight." Steve said putting an arm around my waist. "On Three. One Two…" He said before pushing us forward.

"WAH!" I said as the wind blew though my hair and we slid down the hill really fast. Even when we got to the bottom we kept moving for a few yards before we finally stopped. I couldn't stop laughing and Steve couldn't either. "I don't remember the last time I laughed this much. We've got to do that again."

"Race you." Steve said starting to run up there but the grass was slippery and he fell.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Are you okay?" I asked laughing.

"Yeah." Steve said chuckling. "A bit hurt you're laughing at me."

"Sweetie I'm not laughing at you I'm laughing with you." I said going to help him up but instead he pulled me down on top of him. "Steve!" I cried out as I fell on top of him and he started tickling me as we rolled around the ground a bit.

When he finally stopped he was hovering over me. He looked down at me, put a hand on my cheek before leaning down…

“Cal?” Bruce said standing by the elevator. “You okay?”

“Yeah…” I said taking a step forward before everything started spinning. “Oh shit.”

I closed my eyes and when I opened them I was lying down on a bed, hooked up to an IV and Tony and Bruce were sitting on either side of me.

“What happened?” I asked.

“Hey sunshine.” Tony said.

“How are you feeling?” Bruce asked.

“Thirsty. Why am I in the hospital?” I asked.

“You passed out.” Tony said.

“Not again.” I groaned.

“Again?” Bruce and Tony asked.

“It’s happened a few times, two, three tops.” I said.

“Have you seen a doctor?” Bruce asked.

“Yeah I got a full work up. Came up clean.” I said sitting up. “How long have I been out?”

“Uh, About an hour.” Tony said checking his phone.

“Please tell me you two didn’t call…” I started.

“Cal!” Will said rushing in.

“Crap.” I muttered. “Hey buddy.”

“What the hell happened?” Will said coming in.

“Don’t know. I was fine then there was that loud ringing in my ear and now I’m here.” I said.

“Loud ringing?” Bruce asked.

“Yeah. Thought it could have been tinnitus since I love to blast music but this was louder.” I said.

“Hello.” Doctor Andrews my GP said coming in. “I was on call and saw you were admitted. “How are you today Miss Gerard?”

“Good except for you know passing out and being here.” I said.

“Well let’s see what we can do about getting you out of here. Would you all please give us the room?” She asked.

“Course.” Will said and everyone left.

“Keep your eyes on the pen.” She said holding out a pen with one hand and holding a flash light with her other hand. I did as she said.

“You came in here a few months ago for the same thing right?” She asked.

“Yeah. It hasn’t happened in a while and I thought it was a fluke.” I said.

“Well. I looked over the test results and you were in perfect health. Which leads me to think that the initial suspicions were right. There’s nothing physically wrong with you its psychological. You’re semester’s almost up right? Finals right around the corner?” She asked.

“Yeah but nothing I can’t handle.” I said.

“And you’re working?” She said.

“Flexible schedule.” I said.

“I can’t force you to do anything but I would recommend you consider talking to someone if you’re not going to lighten your schedule.” She said going back to the computer to check my charts. “We also need to start making a fertility plan for you.”

“Fertility plan? I’m nineteen.” I said.

“Yes but you’re also a carrier of the BRCA gene. Callie if you want to have kids you need to start making plans now. Statistically you’re at risk to develop breast or ovarian cancer a lot earlier than most and if that’s the case there are some preventative measures you can consider but can leave you unable to have kids.” She said.

“But I’m nineteen.” I said.

“Take a breath you still have time but it’s something you should start thinking about.” Doctor Andrews said. “I want you to take the rest of the day off. Just go home and relax. No work or studying. Just lay back and catch up on some TV.”

“Sure.” I said but the only thing going through my head was Cancer, Fertility, Kids? Over and over again.

“I’ll go get your discharge papers.” She said.

Cancer, Fertility, Kids? Cancer… Fertility…Kids? Kids?

I put my clothes on and waited for Doctor Andrews or a nurse to come by with my discharge papers.

Cancer…Fertility… Kids.

“Okay you’re all set.” Doctor Andrews said. “Rest and Relaxation for the rest of the day.”

“Will do.” I said smiling as I walked out.

As soon as I walked into the waiting room, Clint who had just walked in ran to my side and hugged me.

“Are you okay?” He said.

“Yeah, just got discharged.” I said.

“What happened?” He asked.

“She passed out.” Tony answered.

“And?” Clint asked.

“Clean bill of health.” I said. “Just need to take it easy apparently.”

“I should probably let Nate know. I left him a message.” Will said.

“You called Nate?” I said.

“He’s your boyfriend. He’d want to know.” Will said.

“He’s not… We haven’t put a label on it yet.” I said.

“You’re seeing each other. You go on dates, hold hands when you walk together, you have a boyfriend.” Will said.

“Which you worried and is probably freaking out now.” I said.

“I’m calling him.” Will said.

“You’re taking the weekend off.” Tony said.

“But I’m fine.” I said.

“You passed out.” Tony deadpanned.

“It happens.” I said.

“It’s not normal and you have been working a lot of hours in the past week. Take it easy and relax.” Bruce said.

“You heard them.” Clint said.

“Okay.” I said.

“We should head back, need to check on Bucky.” Tony said.

“Way to rub it in.” I said.

“He’ll still be there on Monday.” Tony said. “Seriously, No work. Relax, do some yoga, smoke a big bag of week.”

“Tony.” Bruce and I said at the same time.

“Sleep in drink tea.” He said trying to appease us.

“I’ll try.” I said.

“Good. See you Monday.” He said.

“Take care.” Bruce said before they left.

“I’ll drive us back.” Clint said.

“Wait don;t you have an appointment with the wedding planner?” I asked Will.

“Josh can handle it.” Will said.

“Nope, you’re going.” I said.

“Cal…” Will started.

“I’m not alone. Clint’s here. Which is good because I can get him ready for his date with nat.” I said.

“What no I’m calling to cancel?” Clint said.

“No You’re going. I need R and R and you two hovering won’t help. You’re both going.” I said.

We dropped off Will at his appointment before heading home. I got Clint ready for his date which consisted of a pep talk and picking out his outfit. Once he was done I sent him on his way and changed into some Pjs. I felt tired and stressed.

Cancer fertility kids.

I’m nineteen, what nineteen years old has their fertility plan figured out. Hell most thirty year olds don’t have it figured out. I’ve never even had sex before.

I was freaking out and just wanted to scream when there was a knock at my door. I got up and went to open it.

“Hey.” Nate greeted.

“Hey.” I said.

“I got Will’s message and wanted to check in on you.” Nate said.

“I told Will not to worry you.” I said stepping aside so Nate could come in.

“He said that too. I know you have a bad habit of forgetting to eat when you’re stressed which you probably are so I picked up Chinese food and you’re supposed to be relaxing so I picked up a few movies a movie from red box…” Nate said.

“Nate you shouldn’t have.” I said smiling.

“It’s what any good boyfriend would do.” He said before freezing. “Not that I am… Or that I don’t want to be…”

I put a hand on his cheek and stood up on my tiptoes to kiss him. He smiled and put his arm around my waist.

“You’re the best boyfriend anyone could ever ask for.” I said making him smile before he kissed me again.