Fated Marks

Two weeks later and things had gotten back to normal… well sort of. Nate was a bit distant but if anyone was around he was the loving doting fiancé that worshipped the ground I walked on. My lunch meeting with Elijah got postponed because of some other last minute business meeting dad needed him for.

Mother was well… she went back to ignoring my existence except when she needed to look like a decent human being with basic maternal instincts. Which was fine by me…except when she happened to get an invitation to an event I had to go to with Tony.

He and Pepper were calling it quits but hadn’t made the news public. When they were at events they showed up together and presented a strong united front. Once they were alone they avoided each other as much as possible.

I was currently standing at a distance behind Tony as he and Pepper talked to a reporter about the importance of the work the Stark foundation was doing and how the funds they were raising was going to go to some research center for the under privileged somewhere.

I had the statement memorized by now with all the back and forth those two had me running. The only thing going through my head right now was how did I let myself get talked into wearing a pink floral skirt? I hate pink and right now it looked like pink had thrown up everywhere.

“Why are you making that face?” Tony said snapping me out of my thoughts.

“I’m a girl who loves black that’s wearing pink.” I said. “How are you holding up?”

“Well my wife is being passive aggressive, It’s not five so I can’t have a drink in public yet and I’m really bored.” He said.

“Just a few more hours and if that’s not enough think of all the boobs you’re helping save.” I said.

“I’m more of an ass man…” He said making me laugh.

“Calliope! There you are!” I heard mom say behind me.

“Ah shit.” I muttered.

“Who’s that?” Tony asked.

“My mother.” I whispered before plastering a polite smile on my face. “Mother.”

“Hello dear.” She said forcing me into a hug so she could whisper into my ear. “Introduce me.” She said pinching my arm.

“Have you been here long?” I asked. “I didn’t see you come in.”

“We did Anne was just introducing me to some acquaintances of her’s.” She said smiling and pinching my side making me jump slightly.

“Mother, I’d like to introduce you to my boss, Tony Stark. Tony this is my mother…” I started.

“Allison Adler, a pleasure to meet you Mister Stark.” Mom said offering her hand.

“Please just Tony, Mister Stark was my father.” Tony said making me snort.

“AHAHA.” Mother laughed. “I wasn’t aware Calliope worked directly with you?”

“She does. I hired her personally about a year ago. She’s my right hand man.” Tony said.

“She never mentioned that.” She said giving me a look.

“It never came up.” I said.

“Callie.” Anne said coming over.

“Anne, how are you.” I said hugging her.

“I’m very well thank you. You look lovely.” Anne said.

“Thank you.” I said.

“Miss Archibald, I want to thank you personally for your donation.” Tony said.

“There’s no need Mister Stark, it’s a great cause and it’s my pleasure.” Anne said

“I’m feeling rather parched Chauncey grab me a drink.” Mother said making Tony snort and cover his mouth to hold back his laughter.

“We actually have to go.” I said pressing a hand to my earpiece. “Time for photos.”

“Oh right.” Tony said chuckling a bit. “It was nice to see you all. Please enjoy yourselves and thank you for coming.”

With that we walked away quickly so Tony was free to laugh.

“I…. ahahaha. I forgot your middle name’s…. ah It’s actually Chauncey.” He said as his laughter died down.

“Laugh it up.” I said.

“I’m sorry… ah I don’t remember the last time I laughed that much.” Tony said pulling himself together as I rubbed my side and checked my arm where I could tell I was going to have a bruise. “What happened there?”

“It’s nothing.” I said shrugging it off.

“Doesn’t look like nothing.” Tony said giving me a stern look.

“That’s my mom’s way of trying to get me to do something while keeping up the appearance she’s a kind loving mother.” I said.

“Yeah I was going to ask about that? You call her mother?” Tony asked.

“Mom is to warm a term for her. I keep things formal and on a need to know basis with her.” I said.

“She reminds me of Howard.” Tony said. “In more ways than one. Why didn’t you tell her you worked directly with me? I mean it’s kind of a big deal.” He said rubbing my arm with his thumb.   

“The same reason I didn’t want you to meet her. Tony my mother’s a gold digger. She doesn’t see you she sees your net worth.” I said. “Same with Nate and his family.”

“So her doing that was…” He said realizing what was going on.

“Yup.” I said. “She wants to get in your pants.”

“Eh ew.” Tony said. “I feel used.”

“I did warn you.” I said. “I don’t want you to be step dad number eight. I respect you and care way too much about you to let that happen.”

“I need a drink and a Lysol shower.” He said.

“Maybe later, you need to go pose for some photos with your wife.” I said.

“Well we might have matching pinch bruises after this is over.” Tony said.

“Dinner and drinks after?” I said.

“I’m feeling schwarma.” Tony said.

“I’ll make it happen.” I said.

Two Weeks Later-

I got out of the can and walked into the restaurant. I told the hostess I was here to meet Elijah and I was led to my table.

“Callie.” Elijah said getting up to greet me and pull out my chair for me.

“Sorry I’m late, meeting went on for longer than planned.” I said.

“It’s not trouble I only just got here myself.” He said. “I ordered your favorite for you.”

“Thank you.” I said.

“I put together that prenup you asked for and I need to ask are you sure about this?” Elijah said.

“Elijah, Allison’s been worming her way into Nate and his family’s good graces. It’s only a matter of time until she starts showing her true colors and I need to be ready. I’m not marrying Nate for his money and this is just a guarantee that I’m not lying.” I said.

“That’s not all is it?” He said.

“You were talking about the clause I asked you to add.” I said realizing what he was getting at.

“Cal, the separation of assets is completely fair and makes sense but asking him to waive his parental right?” Elijah said.

“I’m not going to put my kids through what Allison put me through. Dad, you, Nik, Kol and Rebekah, you’re my family not because of DNA or because some paper says so but because you all chose me and I chose you, But she was still able to use me as leverage in the divorce and that feeling of neglect and worthlessness is not something I’d wish on anyone especially my kids.” I said.

“Do you really think he’d turn his back on his own children?” Elijah asked.

“He might if they’re not his.” I said.

“You haven’t told him Clint being your donor.” Elijah said realizing what I was getting at.

“He doesn’t even know I froze my eggs.” I said.

“Callie.” He said.

“It’s not something you can just casually bring up in a conversation Elijah. There’s a lot to consider and we’re not the only people involved. He’s already feeling pretty insecure about my friendship with Clint and Tony and lately Thor for some reason imagine if he finds out that Clint’s the biological father of his future children.” I said.

“Cal he’s going to find out. If you’re serious about starting a life with him he deserves to know and I thought the embryo’s were just a precaution in case you were unable to conceive?” Elijah said.

“Nate and I aren’t going to be ready for kids anytime so it’s more than likely we’ll go through IVF when the time comes.” I said.

“Callie you need to tell him, sooner rather than later.” He said.

“I know, I’m actually going to talk to Clint this weekend to give him a heads up and then I’ll give this to Nate.” I said.

“Callie.” Elijah said again.

“I need to start the conversation somehow and you know I lack tact for things like this.” I said.

“I’m aware.” He said. “Are you sure you want to get married? You don’t seem particularly excited about any of this.”

“I’m just being cautious. There’s nothing to worry about.” I said trying to reassure myself more than.

A Few Weeks Later…

“Taiyaki.” I said.

“Barbeque? We just ate.” Clint said.

“No it’s desert, you know the fish cones with ice cream?” I said.

“Oh the ones all over instagram. I’ve been meaning to try them.” He said looking for a place on his phone. “And the closest place is two blocks away, you up for a walk?”

“Well I do need to walk off lunch.” I said.

“I give it an eight.” Clint said.

“Corn bread was good.” I said. “Chicken was a bit dry.”

“Ribs were perfect. Might come back for a cheat day.” He said.

“Seconded.” I said. “I missed this.”

“Same, how’s the wedding planning going?” He asked.

“No idea.” I said.

“Aren’t you getting married?” Clint asked.

“Yeah but the dragon lady and Nate’s mom took over, the wedding planner sends me updates on occasion but other than that no idea. I did get to pick out the cake though.” I said. “There’s actually something I needed to talk to you about.”

“What’s up?” He asked.

“I was… I think it might be time to tell Nate about… our kids.” I said.

“You haven’t told him yet?” Clint said surprised.

“It hasn’t really been the right time and it’s not something you can just casually bring up in a conversation. I had Elijah draw up a prenup and the topic of children came up. I wanted to talk to you before I gave it to Nate to sign. I know things have been kind of weird with him lately…” I started.

“No he just casually groans whenever I walk in, pulls you next to him when we’re hanging out and rolls his eyes whenever I talk.” Clint said sarcastically.

“I thought he was being subtle.” I said.

“He was. Natasha was the one that pointed it out. He also does that with Thor and Steve for some reason. And when Tony calls…” Clint started listing.

“We may have gotten into it or started too get into it a few weeks ago. He says I always put everyone ahead of him and that whenever Tony calls I drop everything even him.” I said.

“It’s your job, Tony doesn’t function without you.” Clint said.

“That’s a slight exaggeration but that time it was a real emergency.” I said.

“Bruce called.” Clint said nodding in agreement.

“Exactly and it wasn’t like I was needed. My input wasn’t even considered for anything but the dress so why bother being there.” I said.

“With your mom being there too…” Clint frowned.

“Right, he was blowing things out of proportion and being so needy.” I said as we walked into the taiyaki shop.

“So you want to tell him about the kids?” Clint asked.

“Yeah but if I do that I also have to include that you’re…” I said.

“Your sperm donor.” Clint said.

“And I wanted you to know first in case things got more… awkward.” I said and we stayed quiet.

“I meant it… what I said before. I don’t care if someone else raises our kids as long as you’re their mom.” Clint said. “If you think Nate is the right guy then… I’m okay with it.”

“Are you sure?” I said taking his hand.

“Yeah, I love you and I want you to be happy.” Clint said. “I guess this also means I should probably stop calling them our kids.”

“You don’t have to. I mean maybe not in front of Nate.” I said before our number was called. We got up and grabbed out ice creams. We took all the usual photos and posted them before walking back towards the subway.

Later that Day-

I was at home doing some research online while Steve and Bucky cuddled on the couch watching some indie movie Steve really liked for some reason when Nate walked in.

“Hey babe, how’d the fitting and wine tasting go?” I asked.

“Great, would have gone better if you’d actually gone.” He said giving me a look. “How was the meeting?”

“Awesome.” I said.

“Uhuh, and Clint was there why?” Nate said giving me a pointed look while Steve and Bucky slowly backed away.

“Because he was my meeting.” I said.

“What do you mean he was your meeting? You two went out for lunch and ice cream.” Nate said annoyed.

“Not just any ice cream taiyaki.” I said.

“Oh you mean the fish cone things?” Bucky asked. “Was it good I’ve been meaning to try it.”

“Freaking amazing, the green tea matcha…” I started before Nate cleared his throat.

“You ditched wedding planning to go get ice cream with Clint.” Nate said.

“I didn’t ditch you it was our monthly meeting.” I said.

“Wait wait, your monthly meeting that you have the second Saturday of every month, that you clear the entire day for is you and Clint hanging out?” Nate said annoyed.

“Well kinda. We get up early take Lucky for a walk and have breakfast at that bistro across from the park, come back watch a movie while we wrestle Lucky to trim his nails. By lunch we start looking up new places on instagram and go on food adventures, you know spicy noodle challenge, kitchen sink ice cream challenge, fish bowls, that one time we ended up in Jersey to try the best cannoli’s outside of Italy... stuff like that. Then we come here watch a movie over pizza.” I said at the exact moment Clint walked in.

“Okay so I know you hate monster movies but the new Godzilla movie had pretty good reviews…” Clint said walking in with said movie and pizza. “Hey man.”

“Hey Clint how about we go watch that movie on your tv, try out that new sound system?” Steve said quickly ushering Steve out. Clint shot me a look and nodded to him in agreement.

“Sure.” Clint said following them out.

“You ditched me with our wedding plans to go try ice cream!?” Nate shouted.

“I didn’t ditch you, I told you ahead of time I had a meeting. This is why we share calendars.” I said.

“I thought it was a work thing, you didn’t tell me you were hanging out with Clint.” Nate said.

“You didn’t ask.” I said. “And since when do I have to tell you where I am, who I’m with, and what I’m doing?”

“Since we’re getting married and you left me to plan our wedding by myself!” Nate said. “All this time I’ve been thinking you work weekends but you’re been going on dates with another guy?”

“First of all they’re not dates we just hang out the entire day.” I said.

“You’ve been doing this the entire time we’ve been together?” Nate said annoyed.

“Before actually, since Bobbi moved out and Bekah moved to London. We were both lonely and started drowning ourselves in work, one Saturday we were both out of things to do and bored when a restaurant add came on. We ended up having cheese fries in Jersey and a month later it happened again and it stuck.” I said.

“You think this is normal?” Nate said.

“Two friends hanging out yeah pretty normal. The way you’ve been acting lately not so much. Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you side eye Clint or Thor, or even Steve and Bucky and they’re gay. Hell you get annoyed when I get calls from work.” I said.

“Because it doesn’t matter who it is or how small a problem you drop everything to help everyone. It feels like there’s more than two people in this relationship and if we’re getting married things have to change.” Nate said.

“Nate you knew I had a lot of friends in the beginning if I remember its one of your favorite things about me, you’ve never had a problem with it before and you shouldn’t have a problem with it now. I never had an issue with you living with your ex girlfriend or that the girl you cheated on her with is currently planning our wedding.” I said.

“How did you…” Nate started.

“Blair likes to gossip, a lot.” I deadpanned. “You say I need to change well I think you’re the one that needs to change because they were here before you and they’ll be here long after you’re gone. They’re more than friends, they’re family. I don’t know why you’re so insecure or why you’re being so needy all of a sudden but you need to come to terms with that or our marriage isn’t going to last.”

With that I walked out and headed towards the pizza. I let myself into Clint’s apartment and took my usual spot next to Lucky who lifted his head so I could sit down and put his head back down on my lap.

“So Godzilla?” I asked.

“Uh yeah.” Clint said getting the hint that I didn’t want to talk about it. Bucky and Steve were having one of their silent conversations with just looks.

“Uh Cal…” Steve started.

“Whatever you heard, I don’t need to talk about it.” I said ending the conversation.

“We didn’t hear anything through the paper thin walls.” Steve said.

“Just thought we should mention we’re actually bi…” Bucky said.

“That would explain all the times I’ve caught you both staring when I walked around the apartment in my underwear.” I said.

“We didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.” Steve said quickly.

“What? No you’re both perfect gentlemen and trust me I’ve stared more than a few times when you both walk around shirtless.” I said.

“We’ve noticed.” Bucky said with a smirk.

“I won’t stop walking around in my underwear if you two don’t stop walking around shirtless?” I asked in Russian.

“It doesn’t bother you?” Bucky asked answering in Russian.

“Looking’s fine by me, you?” I asked.

“It is a great view.” Bucky smirked.

“For those of us that don’t speak Russian what’s going on?” Steve asked.

“We’re good.” I said smiling.

The same could not be said about Nate but it wasn’t anything that couldn’t be worked out later…maybe.

Third Person’s POV-

Will walked into the hospital like he had done every Sunday for the past year.

“Morning Shelly.” Will said passing by the nurse’s station and dropping off some pastries like he always did.

“Morning Will, you didn’t have to…” She said.

“You kidding, you all work way too hard. It’s the least I could do.” Will said like he did every week. He forced a smile before looking towards the room.

“You just missed Bruce.” Shelly said.

“He always feels bad when he misses a day because of work.” Will said.

“You okay?” Shelly asked.

“Yeah just got in a fight with Nate.” Will said.

“The foot model?” She asked.

“The roommate.” Will said.

“He’s probably worried about you.” Shelly said.

“I’ve been worrying a lot of people lately.” Will said taking a drink of his triple shot espresso coffee to help with the hangover. “I’m gonna go… say hi.”

He turned around and walked into the room. He closed the door and looked at his best friend and sister. She wasn’t connected to as many machines as she had been a year ago. She was thinner than before as a result of the muscle atrophy from her not moving. Will shrugged off his coat and took his seat next to the bed.

“Hey Hales. I’m back same time as last week.” Will said but stayed quiet. “Okay not the same time as last week but I didn’t think you’d want to have to hear me puke out last night’s drinks. Kind of glad they left the blinds closed. There’s only so much a quadruple shot macchiato can fix.”

He looked down at her hands and noticed her nails needed some trimming. He reached into the nightstand and took out a nail care kit. He reached for her hand and slowly started trimming her nails one by one.

“Guess you probably want to know what made me hit the pub crawl this time. I may have gotten into it with Nate.” Will admitted. “And it sucks because you know how patient and great he is. He has put up with a lot of shit from me this year. He never argues, he and Nat and Tony they’ve kept me from completely breaking down since…you know. I lost Josh Hales and… and then you. You’re still here and you’re hanging on but… you’re no closer to waking up than you were a year ago.”

Will sniffled a bit and sighed before taking out the nail file and rounding out the edges of her nails.

“Nate decided to do some spring-cleaning a few days ago and he found our box of junk from the old apartment. You know the one with things we managed to get out of the building before it collapsed. There were a few photos, your old uniform from the coffee shop and some of your old essays. Nate read one, the persuasive essay on whether or not coma patients should stay on life support or not. You were…are a really good writer.” Will said pulling out a folded up piece of paper from his jean pocket.

“Nate told me that maybe it was time I should consider letting you go and I just… I lost it. I yelled at him and he just let me scream at him and he took it. Just said I wasn’t the only one that was losing someone and went to stay at Serena’s place for a while. I read it and then I went to the bar and I read it again and drank some more and cried while I read it and drank and then the night gets fuzzy. You made a lot of good points. Then you just had to end it like that. You’d rather die and have your organs help someone than stay in a bed slowly wasting away, while everyone you know and love suffers as they watch. Why did you have to be such a good writer? You didn’t even care what happens to you, you’re always looking out for everyone around you and that’s exactly how you ended up here in the first place. You went and got yourself shot and thrown off a cliff and… comatose and you left me Hales. I lost Josh and I was mad and hurt and grieving and I told you I wished I never met you but I was wrong. You didn’t ruin my life Hales you made it so much better just by being in it and I don’t want that to be the last thing I ever say to you but… but I don’t think you want this. You made that really clear. You ended the essay with an exclamation point for fuck’s sake. I always knew there was a chance of this day coming but… I always thought you’d wake up... You were supposed to wake up.” Will cried.

“You… You named me your power of attorney for a reason and… I love you but I fucking hate you for giving me the final choice in this, for making me be the one who has to tell all of them that it’s time to call it.” Will cried. “You had a plan for everything except what was going to happen to the rest of us when you’re gone…”

Calliope’s POV-

Steve and Bucky only made it halfway through the movie before they decided to call it an early night. Of course I knew that was code for they were going to screw each other senseless but that was fine because it meant that Steve would get up early tomorrow morning and make pancakes.

It was while Godzilla was chasing some cars that my phone buzzed. I opened it and saw that it was from Nate.

I’m staying at my place for a few days, need some space. Love you.

I frowned but didn’t reply anything. I locked my phone and got back to the movie but it was back at the main screen.

“Come on.” Clint said getting up and moving next to me on the couch. He put his arm on the back of the couch inviting me to cuddle. I moved a pillow to cushion Lucky’s head off of my lap before moving to Clint’s side and hugging him as I rested my head on his shoulder.

We stayed like that for a while before I finally addressed the elephant in the room.

“Nate’s staying at his place for a few days, says he needs some space.” I said. “I don’t think that bugs me as much as it should.”

“You two had a pretty big fight.” Clint said. “He’s hurt.”

“I’m not wrong.” I said.

“I never said you were.” Clint said.

‘I’m gonna end up apologizing for that last comment aren’t I?” I said.

“Probably even though it’s probably just to make Nate happy.” He said.

“Uh, is this what it’s going to be like? Marriage?” I asked.

“It’s a lot of compromise.” Clint said. “But normally it doesn’t bother you because it means making the person you love happy.”

“Did you and Bobby fight when you were planning your wedding?” I asked.

“I think it’s easier to name a time we weren’t fighting. Though most of the time when we fought we did it for the make up sex. It didn’t fix anything but it was amazing.” Clint said.

“Doubts that’s going to help here.” I said.

“It’ll distract you for a bit at least.” He said.

“No it won’t.” I said.

“Or it’ll take the edge off.” Clint said.

“Nope.” I said.

“Cal?” Clint said confused.

“Okay so in the six months since we’ve been…” I started “We... He… I’ve never… gotten there.”

“Gotten where?” Clint asked. I stayed quiet for minute waiting for that little light bulb in his head to go off. “Wait… Cal you don’t mean…”

“Yeah.” I said.

“Never?” Clint asked.   

“Not even close.” I said.

“But it’s been months.” He said.

“I know.” I said.

“And you’re getting married.” Clint said.

“I know.” I said.

“Is that why he’s so freaked out about us spending time together because he thinks…” he started.

“Oh no he has no idea about any of this.” I said.

“Wait? What do you mean he has no idea?” Clint said. “He has to know you two… you know.”

“He’s never really… lasted long and he’s never noticed since I kinda… fake it.” I admitted.

“You fake it?” He said. “You fake orgasms?”

“Not as hard to pull off as you’d think. Once he gets off he’s pretty oblivious to anything else.” I said.

“But it’s been months.” Clint said.

“I’ve had a lot of practice.” I said.

“Cal that’s insane.” Clint said.

“I know but not much I can do in that department. For a while I thought it was me but after talking to Nat I figured out it wasn’t me. Nate’s just sucks.” I said. “And I don’t really think telling him is going to help things. I don’t think there’s any guy that can handle learning their girlfriend hates having sex with them because they’re so bad at it and that they’ve been faking it since the first time they were together.”

“You hate sex?” Clint asked.

“It’s more of a chore than anything.” I said. “And that’s not the only thing that sucks he hates cuddling. Like this.” I said gesturing to how we were cuddling on the couch. “Never.”

“You guys cuddle.” Clint said.

“Again when you Steve or Thor are in the room because he’s afraid one of you is going to steal me away.” I said. “And you know me, I can be emotionally oblivious but when it comes to showing affection for the people I care about I don’t hold back. I sleep on my side of the bed and he sleeps on his.”

“Wow that sounds cold.” He said.

“Which is surprising considering how needy and insecure he’s acting.” I said.

“You need to talk to him.” Clint said.

“And I will. When he’s done needing space because I think I need it too.” I said.