Fated Marks

Calliope’s POV-

I groaned as I felt the sunlight hit me. I winced before hiding my face in my pillow before I realized that wasn’t my pillow. I cracked an eye open and noticed that I wasn’t in my room and that I wasn’t alone. I looked up and saw that I was half lying on Clint and that he had an arm around my waist hugging me close. I smiled and closed my eyes again.

Yeah this might be part of why Nate had an issue with me hanging out with other guys. Did I care? Not really. Clint was comfy and warm. It was the first time in a while I had gotten a good night’s rest. I was going to enjoy this for as long as I could.

Of course that didn’t last long. There was a knock on the door and Clint gasped awake.

“Mh… Five more minutes.” He mumbled hugging me tighter.

“Yeah.” I muttered before there was another knock.

“Uh.” We groaned.

“Clint, Steve made breakfast, wake up Cal.” Bucky said.

“Did he make pancakes?” I asked.

“Did he make pancakes?!” Clint called out.

“Yeah, there’s coffee too.” Bucky answered through the door.

“We’ll be there in a minute.” Clint answered. “Guess we didn’t finish Godzilla.”

“He squished people, they shot at him, led him away and the leads hooked up.” I said. “The end.”

“Sounds accurate.” Clint said. “Sleep well?”

“Yeah, you?” I asked.

“Pretty well considering we slept on the couch.” He said.

“We never make it to the bed.” I said sitting up. For a second I could have sworn I saw Clint look disappointed. “We should go, Steve made pancakes.”

“Yum.” He said standing up before helping me up. We walked out and went straight down the hall. We went straight to the table and served ourselves.

Steve and Bucky exchanged looks but didn’t say anything.

“So did Nate stay at his place?” Steve asked.

“Yeah, he’s probably not going to be around for a few days. He said he needed space.” I said.

“Oh.” Bucky said.

“Better for me I have a ton of work to do and I have to get ready for that tech conference coming up in a few weeks. Tony’s speaking and but I get to go have a look around at all the cool new toys.” I said. “Plus it’s in Chicago so I get to spend some time with my dad and brothers.”

“Does Will know because he’s been busy trying to plan your bachelorette party?” Bucky said.

“He is you know…keeping it tame right?” I asked.

“If you consider him asking us if we’d be interested in stripping for the party tame then yeah.” Steve said.

“Well if it’s your two…” I started backing Steve choke on his coffee. “Joking. I’d be fine with just a dinner, drinks and dancing. Very tame.”

“We’ll let him know but you know how he can be.” Bucky said.

“I’m sure you two can handle him.” I said. “Well thanks for breakfast but I need to go to work.”

“It’s Sunday.” Clint said.

“Yeah and I have something’s I need to check on.” I said.

“Do those things happen to be named Tony Stark?” Steve asked.

“Possibly. He’s dealing with some stuff right now.” I said. “Besides I do actually need to check on some things. I tweaked the processing algorithm a bit to see if that would up the reaction time and it was going to finish installing a few hours ago.”

With that I went to go get changed before heading out. I made the usual stops for coffee and hangover breakfast before heading to the tower.

By the look on Happy’s face when I greeted him at the door it was a long night.

“Jarvis send me up to whatever floor Tony’s on, he probably need the coffee faster than Bruce.” I said.

“Actually Ma’am Doctor Banner and sir are both in the penthouse.” Jarvis said.

“Really?” I said before the elevator started moving.

When I walked out of the elevator and into the penthouse the first thing that stuck out to me was how quiet it was. I slowly tip toed as I walked into the living room, bar area. The living room wasn’t messy and there weren’t any clothes thrown around.

“Sunshine! Wasn’t expecting you here today. Oh crap do I have a meeting?” Tony said.

“Nope no meeting. Just came in to check up on how the update was working and to bring you your usual. Hey Bruce.” I said.

“Hey.” He said with a forced smile but an otherwise defeated look.

“Everything okay?” I asked.

“Betty asked for a divorce.” Bruce said.

“What?!” I said.

“Apparently she’s been seeing someone for a few months now, a psychologist from the university.” Bruce said.

“She was seeing someone as in sleeping with them or dating them?” I asked.

“Both.” Tony answered.

“Ouch, I’m sorry.” I said.

“I should have noticed something sooner.” Bruce said.

“Don’t do that to yourself. Things happen, you couldn’t have known.” I said.

“She said I worked too much.” Bruce said.

“Nate says the same thing but that isn’t what’s really bothering him it’s just an excuse for his insecurities.” I said. “You work hard but I’ve also seen how attentive you are with Betty. You call her everyday during lunch. You send her flowers at least once a month. You never miss a date night or forget your anniversary. You did your best. The rest is on her.”

“I should have done more.” Bruce said.

“No blaming yourself, you heard Cal you did your best. You didn’t cheat on her like I did with Pepper. This isn’t on you.” Tony said.

“I’m going to need a place to stay.” Bruce said.

“Your apartment is all set up, stay as long as you like.” Tony said. “Now back to you.”

“Me?” I asked.

“It’s Sunday, you’re getting married in less than two months and instead of planning your wedding you’re here.” Tony said.

“We finally had that fight we started a few weeks ago.” I said. “Nate said he needed some space and if we’re being honest so did I.”

“That’s it, we’re going out.” Tony said.

“Can’t I need to check on the update to the interface and catch up on some paperwork.” I said.

“I need to move out.” Bruce said.

“I’ll have Happy pick up your things and you can do paperwork and check the upgrade, which I already checked and it works great by the way, tomorrow.” Tony said.

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

“I think we’re long overdue for a company retreat.” Tony said with a smirk making Bruce and I groan. “Did I mention it’s mandatory?”

“What should I put in the memorandum this time?” I asked.

“Uh… team building seminar?” Tony suggested.

“Should I stop by for clothes on our way to wherever we’re going?” I asked.

“Eh, I’ll just send Happy for clothes for all of us. Jarvis has our sizes.” Tony said. “Up, up let’s go.”

“Am I going to need my passport?” Bruce asked.

“Nope.” Tony said as he led us all to the elevator. I got into my calendar the one that I shared with Nate and added the last minute company retreat and blocked off the next three days. He wanted space so I guess that means not talking to him but I still wanted to let him know.

I then picked up my phone and messaged Clint, Steve, and Bucky.

Change of plans, just got roped into a last minute company retreat, might be gone for a few days.

Steve and Bucky sent me sad face emojis before wishing me luck. Clint on the other hand actually called.

“Cal let’s go.” Tony said as I picked up my phone.

“Just a minute it’s Clint.” I said answering. “Hello.”

“Hey, you need me to drop off your go bag and passport?” He asked.

“Uh don’t think so. We’re staying in the country for this one.” I said.

“Well good luck, have fun and if you need anything shoot me a text.” Clint said.

“Thanks, I’ll see you when I get back. Love you.” I said without thinking anything of it.

“Love you too.” He said before hanging up.

“You end your calls with Clint with an I love you?” Tony said giving me a look.

“Yeah, I love him he loves me there’s nothing wrong with that.” I said buckling in.

“Right.” Tony said shaking his head before starting the car.

“Where are we going?” Bruce asked.

“You’ll see.” Tony said as he drove out of the garage.

We were on the road for a few hours. We were out of the city and eventually what looked like any civilization until we got into the Hamptons. Tony drove through town until we got to an empty beach that led to a castle like mansion.

“Wow.” I said.

“Yeah, didn’t feel like flying all the way to Malibu to see the beach every time. I got it for a steal.” Tony said.

“It’s huge.” Bruce said.

“Go big or go home.” Tony said shutting off the car and walking out. “Welcome to Stark Manor.”

“Do those stairs lead to the beach?” I asked.

“Yeah, completely private so skinny dipping is an option.” Tony said.

“Its mid march so I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I said.

“Pool’s heated.” Tony said.

“Maybe later.” I said.

“The kitchen is fully stocked, you two can choose any rooms you want except the master since you know that’s taken. Jarvis is installed in the entire manor and both of your phones so if you need anything you know who to ask.” Tony said.

“Tony not that this isn’t great and all but why did we have to come all the way to the Hamptons for this…retreat?” Bruce asked.

“I’m with Bruce on this. It just seems like this is the worst possible time for this.” I said.

“No this is the perfect time. We’ve had a shitty few weeks. I’m getting divorced, Bruce is getting divorced, your mom who by the way is more horrible than you ever described in in town and you’re fighting with your fiancé which you never did before he put a ring on that finger. We need to take a step back, and unwind.” Tony said.

“It was not that bad of a fight.” I said.

A few hours and many shots later…

“You actually said that?” Bruce asked.

“He was complaining I wasn’t being open and communicating enough I thought honesty was the way to go.” I said.

“There’s such a thing as selective honesty.” Tony said.

“Well my bad, he actually got me really mad.” I said.

“What did he do?” Bruce asked.

“So you know the second Saturday of every month is…” I started.

“Your date day with Clint what about it?” Tony said.

“It’s not a date.” I said.

“You guys walk the dog together, run errands together, grab lunch and then dinner and a movie.” Tony said.

“That does sound like a date.” Bruce said.

“It’s not a date, it’s just the day we spend with each other catching up and checking in with each other.” I said.

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

“Anyway, we went on our usual food adventure….” I started.

“Date.” Tony corrected.

“We took photos and posted them on instagram like we always do.” I said and Tony took out his phone.

“Huh… you really do always post food on instagram.” Bruce said.

“Clint’s on here more than Nate. Wait I don’t think Nate’s even on here.” Tony said.

“Nate has his go to places and he sticks to those. Clint is more open to experiences. Once we drove all the way to Jersey for fries.” I said.

“I’m guessing nate had a problem with this?” Tony asked.

“For as long as I’ve known Clint, second Saturday of the month has been our thing. So when Nate and I synched our calendars that also transferred over. We had some meeting with the wedding planner about the drapes and decorations for the church but since I have that entire day blocked out and Nate was free, he went on his own. He assumed it was a work thing since I just have it down as meeting with C. So when I posted that photo…” I said scrolling down my phone to show them the photo of us eating Tayaki. “He flipped.”

“Because you left him alone to plan the wedding?” Bruce asked.

“Because I left him alone with wedding plans to spend the day with Clint. He didn’t ask about the meeting he just assumed it was work. So he comes home and he starts yelling, he gets even madder when he realizes that not only did I ditch him that day but every second Saturday of the month since we started dating. I tell him that I don’t have to tell him where I am, what I’m doing or who I’m with just because we’re getting married.” I said.

“Right.” Tony said.

“He brought up the whole everyone comes before him thing again. He said that if we were getting married then I needed to change and I told him that he needed to stop being so needy and insecure and especially when Clint, Steve, Bucky and Thor were around or when you guys calls especially since I never got jealous considering he lives with his ex girlfriend and the girl he cheated on her with is currently planning our wedding.” I said.

“He lives with his ex-girlfriend?” Tony asked.

“Yeah, they dated back in high school and she’s now dating his roommate and best friend Chuck. He slept with her best friend who’s now our wedding planner.” I said.

“And that doesn’t bother you at all?” Bruce asked.

“No we all have a past which is why it really annoys me that he get’s all territorial and jealous when there’s another guy around. I told him that and that I wasn’t going to stop being friends with any of them because they were there long before him and they’ll be there long after he’s gone. If he doesn’t change then this marriage will be over before it even starts.” I said.

“So you actually said that they would be there long after he was gone?” Bruce said.

“It’s not a lie.” I said taking another shot. “And yeah it might have come off as a bit harsh but he was being a moron.”

“That’s not it. I think what probably really hurt Nate about you saying that was the fact that you’ve actually considered you two ending.” Bruce said.

“What’s so wrong with that? I’m a child of divorce, my mom literally makes a living off her divorces.” I said. “I’m very aware of the chance this might not work out

“Cal, Nate adores you. While you think about the end and fallout of your relationship he’s probably been imagining your lives together.” Bruce said.

“That doesn’t change the way he’s been acting Bruce and if we’re being honest I’m glad he asked for a break. If this is what he’s acting like now imagine if I had told him about my kids with Clint.” I said.

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

“He didn’t give me a chance to. I went out with Clint so I can talk to him about it first since Nate’s been acting weird around him already and chances are he was going to act weirder after I told him. He didn’t even give me a chance to give him the prenup when he got home.” I said.

“What does your prenup have to do with any of this?” Bruce asked.

“That was going to start the conversation. I included a clause about the kids.” I said.

“Do you have it?” Tony asked.

“Yeah Elijah emailed me a copy of it before he finalized it.” I said opening up the email.

Tony took a look at it and scanned through it.

“Wow, can I have your lawyer’s number he did a great job. This thing’s iron clad, Probably more than mine.” Tony said before he frowned. “That’s how you were going to start the conversation?”

“I didn’t know how else to bring it up.” I said.

“What’s wrong?” Bruce asked.

“You’re asking him to sign away his parental rights?” Tony said.

“Really?” Bruce said. “Cal he’d never go for that.”

“I’ve been a part of a lot of divorces, my mom literally sold me away for almost everything my dad owned and that feels horrible. I don’t want that for my kids especially considering the circumstances. Some people don’t need to share DNA to love a kid but some do and in case Nate’s the latter there’s my insurance. I don’t want anything from him but if he wants to be in my kid’s life it’s all or nothing.” I said.

“I’m just going to say it, Are you absolutely sure you want to get married?” Tony asked.

“If I wasn’t sure I wouldn’t have said yes. Nate’s a great guy when he isn’t being a moron and I hope it never comes to that but if it does I’m ready.” I said.

“Okay this got really sad, we need to turn this night around.” Tony said opening a small wooden box and pulling out some gummy bears.

“Candy?” Bruce said.

“Not just any candy.” Tony said.

“Are those…” I said realizing what he was getting at.

“Uhuh.” Tony said. “Leftovers from the last time I was here.”

“You mean… those are edibles?” Bruce asked.

“They are, the best I’ve ever tried.” Tony said.

“Gimme.” I said reaching for the bag.

“You’re actually going to eat those?” Bruce asked.

“Tony’s right, we’ve all had a really bad couple of weeks and we need to unwind, like really unwind but before we do that hand over your phones.” I said.

“What for?” Tony asked.

“I have a really bad habit of texting when drunk and I also lose all filter when I’m really high so to prevent any drunk dialing or crying voicemails on your exes phones these are going on lock down.” I said taking their phones.

“I don’t drunk dial.” Tony said.

“Oh really?” I said. “I seem to recall a very drunk you crying because someone cracked your autographed ACDC first edition record after a party.”

“It was vintage.” Tony whined.

“And that’s why I told you to hide all the nice things before your party.” I said putting all the phones in one of the lamp table drawers. “Okay, let’s do this.”

“Just take two or three gummy bears tops.” Tony said.

“Oh…” Bruce said.

“Bruce?” I said.

“I may have taken a bit more.” He said.

“How much more?” Tony asked.

Third Person’s POV-

Will watched the clock on his desk. It was only a few minutes away and he was dreading every second of it. Since he walked out of the hospital the day before he had been avoiding everyone. He skipped his weekly dinner with Natasha. He went straight to work instead of having breakfast with anyone. Any reminders for Tony and Bruce to take breaks were delivered through Jarvis.

He couldn’t stop thinking about it and it made him sick to his stomach just thinking about it or it could just be his hangover. Just then his phone started ringing reminding him of the meeting. He shut off his computer and packed up his things before heading up to the conference room.

As soon as he got out of the elevator he could already here everyone in there waiting.

“We’re all here already.” Clint said.

“Well Capsicle can you get started already?” Tony said.

“Me? I thought you were the one that set this up?” Steve said.

“The memo said urgent, Jarvis shut down the lab to make sure I’d actually show up.” Tony said.

“It wasn’t Steve.” Will said walking in.

“Will?” Natasha said surprised.

“You set this up? Why?” Tony asked.

“Because we need to talk.” Will said until his eyes landed on Bucky. “And I don’t think you should be here for this.”

Bucky shifted uncomfortably.

“He’s a member of this team.” Steve said angrily and defensively.

“Well that’s still being decided.” Tony countered.

“Tony!” Steve shouted annoyed.

“I’m not arguing that it’s just that…” Will said pausing a moment. “We need to talk about Hayley.”

“Hayley? Is she alright?” Thor said right away.

“Will?” Clint said anxiously.

“It’s been over a year guys. She hasn’t gotten worse but she hasn’t gotten better. There’s been no change and… I think it might be time to call it.” Will said and as soon as he did everyone shouted in uproar. Bucky ran out of the room.

“No!” Tony said immediately.

“How can you even think that?!” Clint shouted.

“She’s still alive! She still has a chance!” Steve shouted.

“I do not understand?” Thor said confused.

“Will wants to take Hayley off life support, take away all of the machines they use on her.” Bruce explained trying to keep calm but by the way his hands were fidgeting everyone could tell they could have a code green any minute.

“I thought those machines were what are helping her stay alive?” Thor said.

“They are.” Natasha said glaring daggers at Will.

“Are you mad!” Thor yelled marching over to try and talk some sense into Will.

“Guys can you just listen for a minute?” Will said.

“You want to kill our soulmate what’s there to talk about?!” Tony shouted.

“You know it’s not as easy as that.” I said.

“Then why are you just suddenly changing your mind out of nowhere?!” Clint shouted.

Will took the folded up piece of paper and handed it to Natasha who was standing between Will and Thor.

“What is that?” Steve asked.

“It’s an essay.” Natasha said.

“You wrote an essay to explain why you want to let Hayley die?!” Clint shouted.

“He didn’t write it.” Natasha said through tear filled eyes. “Hayley did.”

“Nate found it when he was doing some spring cleaning last week.” Will said wiping the tears off his face. “I took the news about as great as you guys did.”

“What does it say?” Steve asked. Natasha didn’t say anything just handed it over. Steve took it and read it. The farther in he got the more tears started falling down his face.

“Cap?” Tony said before Steve handed it to Tony and sat down.

“Hayley didn’t… doesn’t want to stay connected to those machines.” Steve said.

“She made that very clear.” Will said. “Said she’d rather die and have it mean something by saving others with her donated organs than have everyone she loves have to watch her slowly wither away.”

“She wrote that years ago, she could have changed her mind.” Clint said.

“Aye.” Thor said in agreement.

“She ended the essay with an exclamation point.” Natasha deadpanned.

“No, this is different.” Tony said as he put the paper down.

“Tony.” Steve said.

“No, we are not pulling the plug on her!” Tony shouted.

“I talked to the doctors it was a miracle she’s even held on this long and every day that she stays plugged in the chance of her waking up are less and less. She wouldn’t want to spend her life like that, that’s not living.” Will said.

“So you’re saying we should just let her die?” Clint shouted.

“I’ve read that essay at least a hundred times since I found it and even towards her end Hayley was always looking out for the rest of us. Her entire argument doesn’t focus on how she felt it’s what she would imagine the people she loved would be going through. She doesn’t want us putting our lives on hold hoping that one day she’ll wake up. She’d want us to move forward and life our lives to the fullest.” Will said.

“She wrote that essay back when she thought her brother was going to kill her.” Tony deadpanned.

“Maybe he didn’t pull the trigger but he’s the reason all of this happened in the first place.” Will retorted.

“You think this is what she would have wanted?” Bruce asked.

“Yeah.” Will said.

“No, she’s come back from worse, she’ll pull through.” Clint said.

“And if she doesn’t? It’s been a year but it could be longer or she’ll catch an infection in the hospital. Her immune system isn’t as strong as it used to be, they’ll put her back on a respirator and the risk of infection will go up again. Her organs will slowly start to fail and then she will die. Slowly painfully and that’ll be it. Do you really think she’d want that?” Will said.

“The last thing you ever said to her was that you wished you had never met her, you really think you should be the one making the calls here?” Clint retorted.

“I’ll regret that for the rest of my life but you don’t get to throw that in my face. You may not like it but you know this is the right call.” Will said.

“Are you letting us decide or did you already make the call?” Tony said.

“She’s your soulmate I thought I should tell you all first. I haven’t made any calls yet but I think I need to soon.” Will said. “I wanted us all on the same page before making it official.”

Calliope’s POV-

“Mh I don’t remember ruffles tasting so good. I could feel every ridge and the crispy crunch.” I said as the munchies kicked in.

“Sh!” Tony shushed very loudly pointing towards Bruce who had a can of whipped cream in one hand and a can of cheese whizz in the other.

“Aw little guy tuckered himself out.” I said giggling.

“Want to see something cool?” Tony said.

“Oh magic trick!” I cheered.

“No this is better.” Tony said taking my hand and leading me upstairs.

We walked own a really long hall way or at least it seemed really long and we were walking in circles. We stopped at a door and Tony opened a door to one of the bedrooms.

We walked in and was amazed at the size. That one room was the size of my apartment. He opened another door and led me to the balcony.

“Whoa.” I said.

“I know, it’s what sold me on the house.” Tony said.

“This place kind of reminds me of a castle. This is like a tower, all you need is some guy in tights calling up for Rapunzel to let down her hair.” I said laughing.

“Still high?” Tony asked.

“Little bit. Think I’m starting to come down.” I said.

“You didn’t eat as many as Bruce but you did drink more.” He said.

“It’s going to be a wicked hangover but worth it. I needed this more than I realized. Thanks.” I said.

“Yeah, I kind of left out a small detail.” Tony said.

“Uh oh.” I said.

“So Pepper decided it was time we went public with the split and the announcement’s going out tomorrow morning.” Tony admitted.

“You needed an excuse to hide out?” I said.

“No just… didn’t want to be alone or you know surrounded by vultures.” Tony said.

“You’re a dummy.” I said.

“Not really the reaction I was expecting.” Tony said.

“No dummy, you really think Bruce and I would ever leave you alone to deal with that shitstorm? Tony the only reason I came into work this morning was to check in on you, the upgrade was just an excuse.” I said.

“Really?” he said surprised.

“You’re not just my boss you’re my friend. No way I’m letting you deal with this on your own.” I said.

“I really hit the jackpot when I hired you.” He said.

“I know you did. I’m awesome.” I said smirking.

“Yeah.” He said smiling. I never noticed how Tony’s eyes twinkled when he smiled.

I couldn’t help but smile back. He reached over and tucked a lock of hair that had flown into my face with the wind. He leaned forwards and gently kissed me.

I should have frozen or pushed him away but for some reason I didn’t. Instead I melted into the kiss and responded. Something about it just felt… right. My hands went to his shoulders to hold him as his went to my waist as he hugged me closer.

Slowly the kiss deepened and I started getting dizzy from the lack of oxygen. I broke the kiss and took a deep breath. Tony also took a deep inhale.

“Uh I should probably… go find a room.” I said.

“Uh yeah.” Tony said but not moving his arms and I didn’t move away. He bent down and kissed me again. I opened my mouth and deepened the kiss. Tony kissed me back holding on tight to me as I moved a hand to the back of his head and started playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. He moaned before moving me so I was against a pillar and our kiss started to get a bit more heated before I stopped.

“Ah this is a really bad idea.” I said.

“Is it?” Tony said.

“We’re both really drunk and high.” I reminded him.

“Right, uh… I’ll just, go check on Bruce.” Tony said.

“Yeah I’ll just turn in for the night.” I said.

“I’ll just…” He said letting go of me and taking a step back.

“Cool, night.” I said.

“Night.” He said before we turned to the door. “Uh after you.” Tony said opening the door.

“Thanks.” I said. With that I sped walked down the hall and picked the first room I saw. If I was lucky Tony would never bring it up and we’d never have to talk about it.

Third Person’s POV-

“You look like crap.” Natasha said after everyone left.

“Feel like it too.” Will said.

“Lack of sleep or hangover?” Natasha asked.

“Both, haven’t really been able to sleep since I found that.” He answered looking at the folded up piece of paper on the desk. “And the drinking was me trying to process that.”

Natasha frowned before getting up.

“Come on, you’re staying here tonight.” She said.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Will said.

“You’re not staying alone.” Natasha said leading him upstairs. “We’re probably ordering Takeout unless someone decides to cook.”

“It’s fine, I’ve been living off cereal and takeout for a while now.” Will said as they walked into the common room and saw that someone was cooking just the last person they expected.

“Steve left the oven and stove on…” Bucky said quietly.

“Looks like we’re having spaghetti tonight.” Natasha said.

“Yum.” Will said awkwardly.

“Is Steve coming up?” Bucky asked.

“Uh he might need some time for himself.” Natasha said making Will wince, “Actually I think I’m going to check on Clint. Be back.”

With that Will and Bucky were left alone. No one said anything and they both just stood awkwardly in their sides of the kitchen.

“You… uh need a hand?” Will said and Bucky just stared at him. “Not because of the you know arm I meant… with the cooking? You know I’ll just…”

“Can you turn off the oven?” Bucky asked softly. “I still haven’t figured out how to do that… too many buttons.”

“Sure.” Will said walking over to the oven and grabbing oven mitts. He pulled out the garlic bread and put it on the counter. He turned around and shut off the oven. “There you go.”

“Thanks.” Bucky said.

“Not a problem.” Will said sitting down.

“I’m sorry.” Bucky said.

“What?” Will said thinking he was hearing wrong.

“I’m sorry for… Hayley. I’ve been talking to someone and trying to make amends. It’s why I joined the team to try to do some good…”Bucky said.

“Stop.” Will said.

“I’ve tried apologizing to everyone. But I haven’t gotten chance to apologize to you. She means a lot to everyone and it’s my fault that she…” Bucky started.

“Stop!” Will said raising his voice. “I’m not… I don’t blame you. You weren’t yourself when it happened and if it wasn’t you it would have been someone else. You didn’t... don’t know her but if you did you’d know that when it came to helping the people she cared about she wouldn’t have thought twice about it. It’s what she did.”

Will said before getting up and going to the fridge. He grabbed a beer and opened it.

“My dad hates my guts. And when he found out I was gay he kicked me out and disowned me. A few years ago my brother Xander told him I was living with a girl and he invited the both of us own to thanks giving. I thought he had finally come to terms with it and dragged Hayley to Charleston with me. Turns out he wasn’t over it and when he realized what was really going on he hit me and choked me and Hayley who’s always had my back didn’t think twice and she just….” Will laughed as he teared up and took a drink. “She actually smashed my grandmother’s urn over his head to make him stop. If I didn’t believe she had my back before I definitely did after that. That’s just who she was.”

“She sounds like a spitfire.” Bucky said struggling to hold back tears.

“That’s one word for it.” Will said. “She was my sister in everything except blood and now… I’m drinking crappy light beer… I’m turning into my asshole dad.” Will cried.