Chapter 134
I pulled off the heart monitor and the machine started beeping loudly.
“Oh hell.” I said reaching behind it to find the button to shut it off. When I finally did I sighed in relief. I really had to pee so I stood up only to realize there was a catheder in me. Right, they had to get pee out of me while I was in the coma.
Suddenly a nurse ran in and froze when she saw me sitting at the edge of the bed.
“Hi, so I have to pee but apparently there’s a tube inside of me. Any chance you can get that out?” I asked and she dropped her clipboard.
“Kate page Doctor Hunt, Miss Adams is awake.” She said.
“What?” The other nurse said surprised running to her side. “Wow.”
“Hi, So pee tube?” I asked. After they finally snapped out of their daze Amy, as the nurse introduced herself ushered me to lie back down. The Doctor finally made it up there and was almost just as surprised as the nurses were.
“Miss Adams, good to finally meet you. I’m Doctor Hunt, I’ve been in charge of your case since you were transferred here from Seattle.” He said.
“Nice to meet you.” I said.
“How are you feeling?” He asked.
“Like I’ve been in bed for way to long and need to stretch.” I said.
“Keep your eyes on my finger.” He said lifting up a finger as he flashed a light at my eyes. “Pupillary responses are normal. Vitals are good too. You said you want to get up?”
“Yeah I was about to get up when I noticed the tubing coming out of me.” I said.
“The catheder. I don’t think you’ll be able to stand from the muscle atrophy you experienced but we can see where you’re at and go from there. You might be able to move with a walker.” He said. “I’m going to remove your catheder but I’m going to need you to lie back and relax.”
I did as he said and closed my eyes as they pulled it out.
“Mh.” I groaned.
“And we’re done.” He said.
“That was unpleasant.” I said.
“Normally there’s a lot of screaming and crying. You have a really high pain threshold.” He said.
“Must be.” I said sitting up. “Before I get out of bed any chance I can get some pants I don’t want to flash the entire floor.”
“Let’s see how far you get first.” He said.
“Sure.” I moved to the side of the bed and stood up. My legs felt a bit wobbly kind of like when you go to the theater for a really long movie and then get too fast. It wasn’t too bad. I stretched a bit and there was some cracking but nothing too bad. I started walking and everyone looked at me surprised. “Feels good to get out of bed.” I said walking to the bathroom.
“Excuse me for a minute.” I said going to the bathroom. I relieved myself before looking in the mirror. I was a lot thinner than before. My hair was longer too. Except for one lock that was significantly shorter than the rest. I washed my hands before heading outside.
“I’m going to be honest, I didn’t think you’d ever fully recover given the severity of your injuries but… medical miracles do happen on occasion.” Doctor Hunt said.
“Just lucky I guess.” I said with a shrug. Really doubt it was just that though.
I didn’t raise a loser Calliope, get your ass up.
“I suggest you get some rest there’s a lot of people who are going to storm in here any minute.” He said.
“Thanks.” I said getting back in bed. I heard some shouting from the hallway. He wasn’t kidding.
Third Person’s POV-
Will parked the car and slipped on his shades. His hangover was brutal but nothing compared to what was coming.
He got out of the car and headed inside. His body was on autopilot as he headed to the fifth floor for the last time.
As soon as the nurses spotted him they rushed to his side.
“Will you’re not going to believe…” they started.
“Zoe, Kate just not now okay.” Will said walking past them.
“But…” Kate started.
“I just need a minute.” Will said walking to the door just as Doctor Hunt had closed the door.
“Mister Adams you’re just in time…” he started.
“Doc, I don’t care what you’re going to tell me or how many babies her liver is going to save. I don’t want to hear it.” Will said.
“I wasn’t…” he started.
“No, I am going to go in there and take as long as I need to say goodbye to my sister and no one is going to rush me..” Will said.
“But Will…” Kate started.
“No one!” Will snapped.
“Of course, take as long as you need.” Doctor Hunt said struggling to hold back a grin.
“Thank you, I’ll let you know when I’m ready.” Will said opening the door and walking in.
Hayley’s POV-
I heard the door open and I looked over and saw Will walk in.
“Hey buddy.” I greeted
“H-Hayley?” Will said.
“Miss me?” I asked before Will fainted. “Will!”
“Don’t worry we got him.” Kate and Zoe said walking in. “He didn’t let us tell him just stormed in here.”
“He was a pretty regular visitor huh?” I asked.
“Every week like clockwork.” Zoe said.
“Oh here we go.” Kate said as Will started waking up.
“There we go.” Zoe said as I moved to sit on the side of the bed.
“Mh what happened?” Will said as he woke up.
“You fainted.” Kate said. “You should have listened to what we were trying to tell you.”
“Hayley!” Will said sitting up.
“Hey stranger.” I said.
Will didn’t say anything just stood up and slowly walked closer to me before pulling me into a tight hug as he cried.
“You’re awake.” He cried.
“I am.” I said hugging him back.
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry I shouldn’t have…” Will sobbed.
“Hey it’s okay.” I said. “You were mourning and you didn’t mean it. I love you brother.”
“Love you too sis.” Will said before he suddenly let go. “I-I have to call them. I have to tell them you’re awake before they go…”
“They? You mean everyone…” I started.
“They’re kind of dealing with a crisis. I called before I came over here and they were just about to leave on a mission.” Will said quickly dialing the number on his phone.
“What’s the crisis? Hydra?” I asked.
“What no, they took out the last base a few days ago.” Will said. “Tony created a murderbot.”
I had to laugh at that. “No seriously what happened?” I asked.
“Hales I’m not kidding. Tony created a murder bot.” Will said.
“What?!” I asked.
“Shit, she’s not answering and Jarvis is offline.” Will said.
“How can Jarvis be offline?” I said.
“The murderbot murdered Jarvis.” Will said.
“What?” I said.
“You heard right.” Will said trying another phone number.
“Josh was right, things really are getting bad.” I said and Will dropped his phone.
“What did you just say?” Will said.
“When I was in the coma I was in a dream, a limbo of some sort. Josh was there, he was the one that sent me back.” I said.
“Josh? My lobster Josh?” Will said.
“Yeah. Looks like we do have a guardian angel looking out for us.” I said. “Even if his methods are a bit… unorthodox.”
“You saw Josh.” Will said still processing what I just said.
“Yeah, it’s a really long story and I will tell it to you but right now I need two things. One I have this insane craving for tacos. Just like one or two…” I said making Will laugh.
“And the other one?” He asked.
“I need to borrow your phone.” I said.
A Few Hours Later-
“Okay, so I almost got caught trying to sneak these in here but lucky for me, I’m good at being sneaky.” He said walking in with a brown paper bad filled with tacos.
“You are the best.” I said smiling as I kept the program running on Will’s phone.
“You going to tell me what you’re working on?” Will asked. “You just got out of a coma, you can’t be in trouble already.”
“I… I could hear everything you all said to me when you visited.” I said.
“Oh…” Will said uncomfortably.
“Yeah, I can’t say I’m happy you’re hooking up with the foot model again, you deserve better than that jerk.” I said.
“I already found better than him and I lost him hales.” Will said tearing up.
“I’m sorry, I left you alone to deal with everything and then I… It couldn’t have been easy.” I said.
“It wasn’t.” Will said.
“I heard everything Will, My mom used to say the same thing every time I did something to disappoint her. It was a phrase only she ever said and I heard that when I was out. I just, I have a hunch.” I said looking through the camera feeds before I saw something that caught my eye.
“Hey Will, Can you ask Kate and Zoe about getting me some pants. I’m tired of being cooped up in here.” I said.
“Just put on a robe.” Will said.
“My legs get cold.” I said.
“I’ll see what I can do.” Will said.
I looked at the screen and saw the reception area on the ground floor. There was a very familiar Russian with a bunch of goons. They talked before splitting up.
I got out of bed and grabbed the robe. I grabbed onto the IV and walked out of the room.
“You couldn’t have waited a minute?” Will said.
“You were right just the robe is fine. We’re just going to walk around the hallways for a bit anyway.” I said.
“Don’t push yourself too hard.” Zoe said.
“Be back.” I said as Will followed me down the hall. Once we were out of sight I pulled Will into a locker room.
“What the hell Hayley?” Will said panicking.
“So don’t freak out but the Bratva and I may not have left things off on the best terms before I went comatose and a few of their guys are downstairs probably heading up here.” I said.
“What?!” Will said.
“Shush. Find me some pants and a shirt. We need to get out of here.” I said.
“And go where?” Will said.
“Anywhere but here for starters.” I said grabbing a pair of scrubs that looked to be my size before slipping them on.
“You know this is insane right?” Will asked.
“This is my life Will, I didn’t ask for it, it just happened.” I said.
“Here” Will said tossing me a, I heart NY tee that was a few sizes too big.
“Thanks.” I said before pulling out my IV.
“Ew.” Will said.
“It’s just saline. Don’t really need it.” I said pulling on the tee. “Let’s go.”
Third Person’s POV-
“Stark.” Ulysses Klaue said.
“What?” Ultron said surprised.
“Tony Stark used to say that...to me. You're one of his.” Klaue answered.
“What?! I'm not...!” Ultron said getting angry and grabbing Klaue’s arm. “I'm not. You think I'm one of Stark's puppets, his hollow men? I mean look at me; do I look like Iron Man? Stark is nothing!” he said cutting the arm off. “Sorry. I am sor... Ooh, I'm sure that's going to be okay. I'm sorry, it's just I don't understand. Don't compare me with Stark! It’s a thing with me. Stark is, he's a sickness!
“Ahh, Junior.” Tony said approaching him with Thor and Steve besides him “You're gonna break your old man's heart.”
“If I have to.” Ultron retorted.
“We don't have to break anything.” Thor said.
“Clearly you've never made an omelet.” Ultron retorted.
“He beat me by one second.” Tony said.
“Ah, this is funny, Mr. Stark. It's what, comfortable? Like old times?” Pietro asked.
“This was never my life.” Tony said.
“You two can still walk away from this.” Steve told the twins.
“Oh, we will.” Wanda said.
“I know you've suffered.” Steve said.
“Uuughh! Captain America. God's righteous man, pretending you could live without a war. I can't physically throw up in my mouth, but...” Ultron said.
“If you believe in peace, then let us keep it.” Thor asked.
“I think you're confusing peace with quiet.” Ultron answered.
“Yuh-huh. What's the Vibranium for?” Tony asked not believing Ultron.
“I'm glad you asked that, because I wanted to take this time to explain my evil plan!” He exclaimed as his robots attacked. Then all the mercenaries started attacking them as well.
The team started fighting and Steve managed to get the upper hand on pietro knocking him down.
“Stay down, kid!” Steve told him.
“It's time for some mind games.” Ultron told Wanda. Before she went to attack Thor.
“Thor! Status?” Steve asked.
“The girl tried to warp my mind. Take special care, I doubt a human could keep her at bay. Fortunately, I am mighty.” Thor said before everything around him changed and he was back on Asgard.
Bucky was walking down one of the corridors before Wanda put him under her control.
“You are the fist of Hydra…” The voice said.
“No.” He said as he was slowly pushed to the chair. “No!” he screamed.
“Bucky?” Steve called on the coms but there was no answer.
Wanda then went for Steve and Natasha. They fall under her illusions but just as she was about to hit Clint he quickly put an electric arrow on her forehead.
“I've done the whole mind control thing. Not a fan.” Clint said before Pietro ran in and knocked him down before speeding away. “Yeah, you better run.”
Steve took off his helmet and walked towards the team. “Whoever's standing, we gotta move! Guys?” Steve asked.
Natasha sat on the steps as she saw herself back in the red room. All the girls were being taught ballet.
“Again.” the instructor commanded.
“You'll break them.” Natasha said.
“Only the breakable ones. You are made of marble. We'll celebrate after the graduation ceremony.” The madam answered.
“What if I fail?” Natasha asked.
“You never fail.” She answered before a young Natasha loses a fight. “Sloppy. Pretending to fail. The ceremony is necessary for you to take your place in the world.”
“I have no place in the world.” Natasha said feeling the mark on her hip heat up.
“Exactly.” The madam answered.
Steve saw a dance hall from before the war. Everyone was celebrating and having the time of his life but Steve just felt out of place.
“Hey stranger?” Hayley said smiling at him offering her hand. “Are you ready for our dance?”
“We’re safe Steve, we don’t have to fight anymore. It’s over.” Hayley said before they started dancing.
Meanwhile Thor was trying to figure out what was going on when Heimdall bumped into him.
“Is it him? Is that the first son of Odin?” Heimdall said completely blind.
“Heimdall, your eyes?!” Thor said.
“Oh, they see everything. They see you leading us to Hel. Wake up!” Heimdall growled before strangling Thor.
“I can still save you.” Thor said.
“We are all dead. Can you not see?” Heimdall said before Thor pushed him away. “You're a destroyer, Odinson. See where your power leads.”
Hayley’s POV-
We quickly snuck out of the locker room and headed for the back stairwell.
“Okay we can go down a floor or two and then go the rest of the way down using the elevator.” I said before I heard voice echoes from a floor below us.
“Shit.” Will said.
“Move faster.” I said. As we got to the third floor and headed straight to the elevators.
“Come on come on.” Will mumbled as he tapped his foot impatiently. Once the doors opened I froze.
“Calliope, you’re looking well.” Demitri said.
“Demitri, it’s been a while.” I said.
“Why don’t we take a walk,” he suggested.
“I think my doctor will be by to check on me soon. Should be getting back to my room.” I said.
“I’ll accompany you.” Demitri said lifting his coat up a bit so we could see his gun “Both of you.”
“Sure.” I said getting in the elevator.
“Cal.” Will said. I took his hand and squeezed it.
“It’s okay.” I said.
“Everything is fine.” Demitri said. “Just old friends catching up.”
“Course.” I said before the elevator got to the first floor. Demitri pulled out his phone and called his guys.
The girl was moved, she’s not in the hospital it was a decoy.” Demitri said in russian. “Yes go I’ll meet you later.”
“Follow me.” Demitri said. We walked out of the hospital and to the parking lot. He unlocked a black SUV before opening the back door. “Get in. We’re going for a ride.”
“Does this conversation end in a ditch somewhere in Jersey?” I asked.
“If I was going to kill you I would have done it in Chicago.” Demitri said.
“What happened in Chicago?” Will asked.
“Do as he says.” I said getting into the SUV.
We got in and he drove away from the hospital. The windows were very tinted and It was very hard to see what was going on outside.
“Hales, if I don’t make it out of here alive I just want to say I’m sorry for almost pulling the plug on you.” Will said.
“What?” I asked.
“That’s why I came to the hospital today. It was going to happen today.” Will said.
“I really cut it close didn’t I.” I said.
“So close.” Will said.
“I’m sorry too. When I chose you as my power of attorney I did it for logical reasons. You’re a lawyer, you vote democrat, you’re open to new ideas and you also make pro and con lists like I do. I didn’t think about what position it’d put you through and the emotional toll. I didn’t want to hurt you Will.” I said.
“You trusted me with your life hales.” Will said.
“I still do.” I said.
“I didn’t want to do it but then Nate found your essay from college.” He said.
“Which one?” I asked.
“The whether you should keep someone on life support or not…” Will said.
“I wrote that when I gave up on life. Before we met and I was on my own.” I said.
“So you didn’t want me to pull the plug?” Will said panicking.
“Back then I didn’t think I was worth anything. I had so much blood on my hands, I didn’t think there was a way to get past that. I thought that by dying and helping save others lives I could start doing penance for what I’d done. Now while I don’t think that. I would have died so that Nat and Bucky could have a chance. That would have been worth it. I didn’t really expect you to wait more than six months.” I said.
“Six months? That’s how long you would wait for me to wake up?” Will said.
“Do you want me to keep you plugged in to be tortured with really bad sex with a douchy version of your ex boyfriend?” I retorted.
“Wait what?” Will said.
“We’re here.” Demitri said, as we pulled up to some highway dive bar off the New Jersey interstate.
“Oh god we’re gonna die in Jersey.” Will said.
“Calm down.” I said following Demitri in.
“Mitri.” A woman greeted ecstatically.
“Magda.” Demitri said giving her a smile. They started talking in whispered before she looked over at us and gave us a cautious look.
“Sit down. We’re going to be a minute.” He said following Magda to the back.
“Come on.” I said walking to the booth in the corner where I could see both exits and easily sneak out of needed.
“I thought you said the Russians…” Will started.
“He’s a friend of Rebekah. We met back in London.” I said as Demitri came back with a bottle of Vodka and three glasses.
“Back when she was going as Grace.” Demitri said.
“I was undercover.” I said. “So not that I don’t appreciate you getting me out of the hospital before your friends killed me but why did you save me?”
“We have business to discuss.” Demitri said.
“I retired from the business. I’m done.” I said.
“There is no retiring from this life only death.” He said.
“I was in a coma. That’s close enough.” I said.
“You made a deal. Promises were made.” Demitri said.
“My deal with Oleg was that I get you to Hadrian I did that. It’s not my fault that your guys couldn’t finish the job.” I said.
“Like you did.” A man said. He was dressed in a grey suit. “So you’re Calliope. You look like your mother.”
“Don’t believe we’ve met.” I said.
“Anatoly Knyazev. Bratva Pakhan” Demitri introduced.
Magda came and lovingly greeted him. “My wife Magda.” Demitri looked away uncomfortably but kept his game face on. Oh boy.
“You say you delivered and maybe you did but the job was not completed. Not by you and not by us.” Anatoly said putting a file on the table. I reached for it and looked through it. There were photos of Hadrian walking down the streets before heading into a bar. “That was taken two weeks ago in Kosovo.”
“I thought he died when…” Will started.
“I didn’t kill him but he was as good as dead. I framed him for stealing money from his bosses. Hydra would have taken him out. Rumlow was very eager to do it himself.” I said.
“Well they didn’t and he’s been a thorn in our side for far too long.” Demitri said.
“Then do something about it.” I said.
“Why do you think you’re here?” Anatoly said.
“I’m retired.” I said.
“You don’t retire with loose ends.” Anatoly sternly.
“You were the only person who ever got the upper hand on him and you’re better at finding people than anyone else we know.” Demitri said.
“He’s right.” A very familiar voice said. “You are the best at finding people which is why I need you to come with me.”
“Who are you?” Anatoly said reaching for his gun.
“The name’s Fury and we all have a common enemy.” Fury said pulling up a chair.
“Oh boy.” Will groaned.
“And as I was saying before I can’t help you.” I said.
“Can’t or won’t?” Fury said.
“I’ve been out for over a year.” I said.
“You’ve been out of the game for longer and you still managed to find a ghost that most people believed wasn’t even real.” Fury said.
“Yes but I had an actual lead then. Hadrian’s been under the radar because everyone thought he was dead, meaning he’s not using the usual networks to move around. I’ve got nothing to go on.” I said.
“We do.” Magda said dropping a photo on the table before putting her hand on her stomach. “That fax just came in.”
“You guys still use fax machines?” Will asked.
“More secure than email.” I said looking at the photo. “This is from this morning. Where was it taken?”
“A train station in Kentucky.” Magda said.
“Kentucky?” Fury said.
“We never went to Kentucky, never did any business there either. Why would he go there?” I asked.
“I think I know where he’s going. I got a call from Clint, he and the team need to lay low for a while, they’re heading there now.” Fury said.
“Why would they need to lay low?” Will asked.
“That’s why.” Demitri said looking at the TV. There was footage of the Hulk going on a rampage in South Africa.
“Why hide in Kentucky though? There’s nothing there…” Will said.
I thought about it and then it hit me.
“I’ll be sure to tell Rebekah, John and little Adam you said bye when I find them.”
“It’s not a what it’s a who.” I said. “We need to go know.”
“Now you want to help?” Demitri said.
“I know why Hadrian’s in Kentucky and he has a head start on us.” I said.
“Where is he?” Demitri demanded.
“I don’t know the exact location but I’m guessing you do.” I told Fury.
“I do.” Fury said.
“Then tell us?” Anatoly said.
“No.” I said.
“No?” He retorted.
“If I tell you what guarantee do we have that you’ll let us out of here?” Fury asked.
“What makes you think that’s I’ll let you walk out anyway?” Anatoly retorted.
“If the Avengers get him before you do, you’ll never get a chance like this again.” I said. “I’m guessing you were heading in that direction?”
“This was just a pit stop on the way. Figured they could use a bit of hope to bring up morale.” Fury said.
“Okay, We’ll take Demitri with us. He can take him out and send you a picture as proof if you want.” I said.
“What guarantee do I have that you won’t just kill him and forget our deal?” Anatoly said.
“Because I always keep my end of the deal and I owe him.” I said looking at Demitri.
“You trust her?” Anatoly asked Demitri in russian.
“No, but when it comes to business she always keeps her end of the deal. She probably wants him dead more than us.” Demitri answered.
“Go but after you kill her brother kill the bitch as well.” Anatoly ordered. “She seems like more trouble than she’s worth.”
“Yeah she is.” Demitri said.
“We have a deal, Magda bring out the good bottle. It’s tradition for every closed deal we take a shot for luck.” Anatoly said as Magda walked over and served us each a shot.
“I don’t think you should take that.” Will whispered.
“Do you want to piss off the scary Russians carrying guns?” I whispered.
“Nevermind.” He said before we all downed our shots.
“Off you go then.” Anatoly said.
Third Person’s POV-
“The news is loving you guys. Nobody else is. There's been no official call for Banner's arrest, but it's in the air.” Maria informed them.
“Stark Relief Foundation?” Tony asked.
“Already on the scene. How's the team?” Maria asked.
“Everyone's...we took a hit.” Tony said hesitating. “We'll shake it off.”
“Well for now I'd stay in stealth mode, and stay away from here.” She advised.
“So, run and hide?” Tony asked.
“Until we can find Ultron, I don't have a lot else to offer.” She said.
“Neither do we.” Tony said switching off the call before heading to the front of the jet where Clint was piloting. “Hey, you wanna switch out?”
“No, I'm good. If you wanna get some kip, now's a good time, cause we're still a few hours out.” Clint said.
“A few hours from where?” Tony asked.
A safe house.” Clint answered.
Hayley’s POV-
After hiked through the woods for about half an hour we finally found the quinjet and all got in. Demitri was sitting in the back while Will awkwardly pace trying to avoid freaking out.
“So, how’s retirement?” I asked Fury and he smirk.
“Do I look retired to you?” He retorted.
“I always assumed you were one of those take work home with you type of people. That or you lived in your office.” I said.
“Well I found out that my entire organization was actually the bad guy I was trying to save the world from. One of the few people I actually considered a friend was actually just using me and it all came crashing down. Literally.” Fury said.
“It could have been worse.” I said.
“I guess I owe you an apology. I thought you were working for the other guys.” Fury said.
“I am pretty good at keeping secrets.” I said. “Didn’t really work out the way I expected.”
“You saved Romanoff and Barnes, and uncovered a secret Nazi organization. I’d say you did pretty well.” Fury said.
“And somehow Hadrian is still alive and causing trouble. You know the world’s gone to hell when you can’t even trust the bad guys to off someone.” I said.
“Don’t think it’ll be a loose end for much longer.” Fury said looking back. “You trust him?”
“Will? With my life.” I said looking down at Will’s phone that he had let me borrow. I typed in a bit of code and turned on the Bluetooth when I was finished. “Demitri… I trust I know how to handle him.”
With that I got up to go return Will’s phone.
Third Person’s POV-
Clint landed the quinjet in a clearing surrounded by trees so it wouldn’t be spotted. They were miles away from any neighbors but it was good to be cautious.
Clitn got up and helped Natasha walk as he led everyone to a farmhouse with a white picket fence. Clint opened the gate and went straight on in.
“What is this place?” Thor asked.
“A safe house?” Tony asked not sure himself.
“Let's hope.” Clint said as he walked in. “Anyone home?”
“Give me a minute will you. It takes longer to woddle than walk.” Rebekah said walking over to greet them.
“Rebekah?” Steve said surprised.
“Oh you brought the lot of them.” Rebekah said. “Been a while hasn’t it?”
“Honey do you know where I left the…” John said walking up behind her. “Oh hi.”
“Sorry I didn't call ahead.” Clint said. “It was kind of an emergency.”
“I figured.” Rebekah said putting a hand on her protruding stomach.
“Anyone need a doctor?” John asked.
“So this is your place?” Tony asked as a pair of footsteps got closer and closer.
“Ooh, incoming.” Clint said.
“Unca!” A young boy with dark blonde hair and bright green eye exclaimed running towards Clint.
“Hey, buddy! How are you?” Clint said picking him up.
“Is that?” Bruce asked.
“He’s our son Adam.” Rebekah said with a nod.
“You were one who…” Steve said figuring out what was going on.
“Hayley wanted to make sure he’d be safe with someone who knew what to protect him from.” Rebekah said.
“Look at your face! Oh, my goodness!” Clint said taking in the chocolate stains on Adam’s face.
“Nanat!” Adam exclaimed jumping towards Nat. Natasha caught him and cooed.
“Sorry for barging in on you.” Steve apologized.
“Yeah, we would have called ahead, but we had no idea what happened to you.” Tony said.
“After we faked our deaths and picked up this little guy. We started over. Found our little corner of the world and made good on our promise.” Rebekah said.
“There were a few bump along the way.” John said smiling as he put a hand on Rebekah’s stomach. “But we figured it out.”
“I found them a few months ago. Wanted to let them know they didn’t have to keep looking over their shoulder for Adler.” Clint said. “I figure it's a good place to lay low.”
“I’ve missed having another girl around.” Rebekah said greeting Natasha.
“How's little Natasha, huh?” Natasha asked.
“She's…Nathaniel.” Rebekah said awkwardly.
“Traitor.” Natasha said to her stomach making Rebekah laugh.
Thor stayed serious still lost in his thought. When Adam looked up at him and he looked into his green eyes he walked out of the house.
“Thor.” Steve said going after him.
“I saw something in that dream. I need answers, I won't find them here.” Thor said before flying off.
Third Person’s POV-
We landed in a forest and as far as I could tell we were pretty far off the map.
“Are you sure we’re in the right place?” Demitri asked.
“These are the coordinates Clint sent me.” Fury said before turning to us. “You three should stay in here.”
“No Hadrian is mine.” Demitri said.
“Desperate much.” Will said and I gave him a look to shut it.
“We know but it might be a good idea if we don’t trespass and get shot on sight?” I said.
“I’ll do a perimeter that should give you enough time to alert the others.” Demitri said.
“Fine.” Fury said. “But you two, stay.”
“Of course.” I said putting my hands behind my back and crossing my fingers just like will was.
“We’ll wait right here.” Will confirmed.
“Sit tight, I’ll send someone for you.” Fury said before we split up.
“One Mississippi…” I started.
“Two Mississippi.” Will continued.
“Three Mississippi” I said faster.
Third Person’s POV-
“Hello, Deere. Tell me everything. What ails you?” Tony greeted the tractor.
“Do me a favor. Try not to bring it to life.” Fury said.
“Ah, Becks, you little minx. I get it, Maria Hill called you, right? Was she ever not working for you?” Tony asked.
“Artificial intelligence. You never even hesitated.” Fury said.
“Look, it's been a really long day, like, Eugene O'Neill long, so how's about we skip to the part where you're useful?” Tony said.
“You have no idea what a long day looks like. Look me in the eye and tell me you're going to shut him down.” Fury said.
“You're not the director of me.” Tony retorted.
“I'm not the director of anybody. I'm just an old man, who cares very much about you.” Fury said sympathetically.
“And I'm the man who killed the Avengers. I saw it. I didn't tell the team, how could I? I saw them all dead, Nick. I felt it. The whole world, too. It's because of me. I wasn't ready. I didn't do all I could.” Tony said. “I couldn’t even save my soulmate how am I supposed to stop that from happening.”
“The Maximoff girl, she's working you, Stark. Playing on your fear.” Fury said.
“I wasn't tricked, I was shown. It wasn't a nightmare, it was my legacy. The end of the path I started us on.” Tony said.
“You've come up with some pretty impressive inventions, Tony. War isn't one of them.” Fury said.
“I watched my friends die. You'd think that'd be as bad as it gets, right? Nope. Wasn't the worst part.” Tony said.
“The worst part is that you didn't.” Fury said. “I can’t promise you it’s all going to be alright but you still have a chance. Anything’s possible. Ask your girl.”
“That’s kind of a one sided conversation.” Tony said. “Not that that’s an option anymore.”
“Probably not, she does talk a lot. Talk my ear off the entire way here.” Fury said.
“What?” Tony said.
“Your girl’s alive Stark. She woke up this morning. Spent half the day tracking her down.” Fury said before there was a gunshot
“Hayley’s Alive? She’s awake?!” Tony exclaimed.
“She’s waiting in the quinjet.” Demitri said walking in. “At least she’s supposed to.”
“Uh who are you?” Tony asked.
“Demitri Ivanov. He’s here to help with another problem we have on our hands.”
“What other problem?” Tony asked.
Hayley’s POV-
“Sixty Mississippi!” We said at the same time.
“Wait!” Will said.
“What?” I asked.
“Let’s take these, just in case.” He said handing me a Taser.
“Where’d you find these?” I asked.
“In one of the cabinet’s. I got hungry.” Will admitted.
“Same. That vodka gave me massive heartburn.” I said as we walked into the forest.
“Any idea where we’re going?” Will asked.
“I saw a house before we landed I’m guessing that’s the safe house.” I said.
“If you were a psychopath where would you go?” Will asked.
“Attack when they least expect it.” I said.
“You mean like when you’re lost in a forest” Will said.
“We’re not lost. We’re going the same way Fury went.” I said. “Wait I think I see something.”
“It’s a barn.” Will said.
“Sh.” I said hearing voices before there was a gunshot. “Will.”
“Heard it too.” He said. “Check the house.”
“Yup.” I said running to the house. I quietly walked in the back and saw Hadrian holding John my his neck
“You really shouldn’t have done that.” Hadrian growled. I knew what was coming. What I didn’t know was that Will knew how to use a Taser. Will shot it at the center of Hadrian’s back and he seized before falling knocking John down with him.
“Ah!” John groaned as he fell.
“Oh shit.” I said.
“John everything….” Clint said as he walked in. “Hayley?”
“Hey you?” I said. Clint slowly walked towards me not blinking as if I’d disappear if he looked away for a second. His hand gently cupped my cheek and I smiled before putting a hand on his. “I’m real. I promise.”
He didn’t say anything just pulled me into a kiss and held onto me tight.
“You’re okay.” He whispered as he rested his forehead against mine.
“Yeah, I’m back.” I said hugging him and just enjoying being back in his arms.
“What’s going on?” John asked. “I thought he was…”
“Apparently not.” Will said.
“Clint what’s…” Natasha said and I looked over Clint’s shoulder. “Krasivaya.”
Clint slowly let go of me. Natasha was still looking at me in disbelief.
“Hey Nat.” I said hugging her. She was shaking and I thought maybe hugging her was a bad idea when he hugged me back and I felt tears on my shoulder. I smiled and pulled away slightly to get a better look at her. “I like your haircut.”
“You did like it better when it was curled.” She said smiling. “I…”
“I know.” I said kissing her. “Love you too.”
“I think someone else wants a turn.” Will said. I looked behind me and saw Bruce standing awkwardly.
“Hi.” He said waving Natasha hesitantly let go knowing she’d get a chance again later.
“Hey.” I said hugging him. He gently hugged me back
“Guy’s Hayley’s…” Tony said running in. “Right there.”
I laughed and gave Bruce a quick kiss before moving to Tony.
“Do I get a hug?” Tony asked.
“No.” I said before putting my hand on either side of his face and pulling him into a kiss. He smirked and put his arms around my waist as he returned the kiss.
“Perimeter’s clear…” Steve said as he barged in.
“Couldn’t have waited a minute could you.” Tony said.
“Behave.” I said.
“Only because you asked.” He said kissing me before letting go.
“I turned to look at Steve who looked to be on the verge of tears and then I looked at who was hiding behind him.
“Hayley…” Steve started but I stopped him and gestured for him to move.
“Hi.” I said looked a Bucky. he was tense and looked anywhere but at me.
“Hi.” He whispered.
“You look better than the last time I saw you. A lot less murdery.” I said.
“Hayley.” Steve said ready to jump to Bucky’s defense while Tony scoffed.
“I’m so…” Bucky started.
“Don’t finish that sentence. You’ve been apologizing for the better party of a year. We’re good.” I said taking a step forward and looking up at him before hugging him.
“Did she just…” Tony said.
I hugged him for a few seconds but Bucky didn’t move.
“It’s called a hug, I’m pretty sure they had these in the forties.” I said Bucky’s chest shake and I thought he was laughing but then I felt tears fall on my face and he was actually crying. He slowly put his arms around me and hugged me back. Then I felt another pair of arms around me and hug me from behind.
“Uh guys… kinda need air.” I said.
“Right. Sorry.” Steve said as we all pulled apart.
“Hayley?” Rebekah said coming in from the other room with a small boy hiding behind her legs.
“Hey beks.” I said hugging her too. “You’re pregnant!”
“I know.” Bekah said.
“How’s little Hayley?” I asked.
“It’s a boy.” She said. I bent down to talk to her stomach.
“Traitor.” I said before my eyes met Adam’s “Hi kiddo.”
He didn’t move just peeked from behind Rebekah. “Sweetheart. This is your Auntie Hayley.”
“Hi.” Adam mumbled.
“How old are you?” I asked and he showed me two fingers. “Two? Almost three huh?”
Adam nodded and smiled.
“You’re going to be a big brother?” I asked.
“Traitor.” Adam repeated making everyone laugh.
“Rebekah?!” Demitri said as he walked in with Fury.
“Demitri? What the...” Rebekah started and I quickly covered Adam’s ears. “…Bloody hell are you doing here?
“Hey bud you want to keep playing while the grown ups talk a bit?” I asked.
“Okay!” Adam cheered before running off.
“I’m here for him.” Demitri said looking at the kitchen where Hadrian was knocked out cold.
“No you’re not.” I said before tasing him and making him fall to the ground.
“Wah!” Rebekah screamed.
“Sorry.” I said.
“Hales what are you doing?” Clint asked.
“Long story, let’s just leave at he was going to double cross us after he took out Hadrian so I’m going make sure that doesn’t happen.” I said. “Will your phone please.”
“Again? Everyone you know is in this room.” Will said.
“Just need to check… oh great.” I said checking that Will’s phone had cloned Demitri’s as I programmed in. “Awesome. I said looking through it.”
“I’m confused, if you weren’t going to let him off Hadrian why’d you bring him?” Will said.
“I never said I wasn’t, I’m just going to make sure I get something good out of it.” I said finding what I needed on Demitri’s phone.
“We need to keep those two apart. I’m thinking him in the barn.” I said pointing at Hadrian and him we can keep here.” I said.
“Dining room. There is a child in the house.” John said.
“Dining room it is.” I said as Demitri started stirring. “Better move fast.”
“Is she always like this?” Bucky asked.
“More or less.” Steve said picking up Demitri and moving him to the dining room.
“Adler needs to be locked up tight. Handcuffs… Chains everything.” Natasha said.
“On it.” Clint said.
“Hayley are you sure about this?” Will asked.
“Yup. I know exactly what I need to do. Just trust me.” I said going to the dining room.
Demitri was put in a chair and I sat on the table across from him.
I tapped on the phone just waiting for him to wake up.
“Mh.” He groaned. “Really?”
“You weren’t going to stop and listen if he was in the same room.” I said.
“He has to die.” Demitri snarled.
“No arguments here.” I said.
“Then why am I tied to a chair?” Demitri said.
“Go but after you kill her brother kill the bitch as well,” I said repeating what Anatoly told him. “That’s what Anatoly told you to do right?”
“You speak Russian?” Demitri asked.
“Since when do you speak Russian?” Tony asked.
“Perfect accent too.” Bucky said.
“Sh.” Steve shushed.
“I picked it up along the way.” I said remembering my lessons with Coma Bucky and Nat. “You don’t trust me, well I don’t trust you either. But when it comes to business I always keep my end of the deal. So let’s deal.”
“You have nothing to give.” Demitri said. “Hadrian is already mine.”
“Maybe but I want something in return.” I said.
“Why would I give you anything?” He said.
I clicked play on the phone and turned it so he could see it.
“Uh mitri…” Magda moaned.
“Yes yes.”
“Is that a sex tape?” Tony said.
“How did you get that?” Demitri snarled.
“Simple coding and everyone tends to leave the Bluetooth on in their phones. Simply cloned your phone and checked if my hunch was right and it was. You’re sleeping with Anatoly’s wife.” I said.
“Who’s Anatoly?” Steve asked.
“Sh.” Tony shushed.
“That proves nothing.” Demitri said trying to keep calm.
“Well the resolution is a little blurry but maybe a DNA test on Magda’s baby will clear things up. She’s probably a few weeks along, that’s far along enough.” I said.
“You wouldn’t dare.” Demitri said.
“You want to test that? I have Anatoly’s number. Just need to press one button and I can forward it to the entire Bratva. That happens not even Oleg will be able to save you.” I said.
“What do you want?” Demitri said caving.
“I want the Mikaelson’s forgiven. No more assassination attempts, no more hunting them down and forcing them into hiding. Complete forgiveness for any past deeds.” I said.
“Oleg will never go for that.” Demitri said.
“I’m giving you Hadrian, the guy who killed his brother and your uncle in cold blood. The man who rescued you from the streets where he found you.” I said. “You’re not going to give up your only chance at him. You can talk him into it.”
“And if he says no?” He asked.
“That sounds like a personal problem to me.” I said standing up. “I’d start dialing if I were you. My finger’s cramping up and you don’t want me to accidentally press send.”
With that I walked away and headed to the kitchen.
“Thank he’ll actually go for it?” Steve said.
“He’ll go for it.” I said filling up a glass of water and heading outside.
“Where are you going?” Tony asked.
“I need to talk to Norman Bates.” I said walking to the barn.
“Hayley, the last time you decided to talk to him on your own you ended up in a coma.” Tony said.
“Then come with me. It’s not going to take long.” I said.
“One of us should…” Steve said gesturing to the dining room.
“If he gets a yes out of Oleg you can cut him lose just don’t let him out of your sight.” I said.
“I know.” Steve said.
Before Tony and I walked to the barn. Natasha and Clint were at the door.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Need to talk to him.” I said.
“No.” Clint and Natasha said.
“Guys he’s tied up and I just need five minutes.” I said.
“That’s a bad idea.” Natasha said.
“Then come in with me.” I said walking in and they followed. I saw Hadrian we still knocked out. I stepped closer before dumping the glass of water on him. “Oh look he’s up.”
“You bitch.” He snarled.
“Not so fun being on the receiving end of that is it?” I retorted.
“Still to chicken to finish what you started.” He said.
“No though I am curious about how you got out that. That was probably my best frame job yet.” I said.
“What can I say I have friends in high places?” He said.
“I’m sure you do.” I said. “I just want to know one thing and then we’re done here.”
“Why I didn’t kill you when I visited?” Hadrian smirked.
“No, I just wanted to ask you how mom’s doing.” I said.
“Hales?” Clint asked.
“I think you fried a few neurons when you got thrown off that cliff.” Hadrian said.
“Uhuh.” I said typing into the phone before flipping it over to show the hospital security footage showing mom walking out of my room. “You want to try that again?”
“You finally figured it out...” Hadrian said laughing.
“How?” I asked.
“It’s pretty obvious.” Hadrian said. “She was never dead you stupid bitch. We faked her death.”
“Why?” I asked.
“You and that stupid moral compass of yours were bad for business. She realized that and took the easy way out. Anything to get away from you.” Hadrian said.
“Hm.” I said walking forward and pulling out his phone from of his tactical pants pockets.
“What are you doing?” He asked.
I quickly looked through his phone until I found the right contact.
“You have her down as Mother, very Norman Bates of you.” I said dialing.
“Are you done yet?” She answered.
“No he’s a bit tied up at the moment.” I said.
“Calliope.” Mother said.
“Allison.” I said.
“I’m glad you’re awake. I thought the serum hadn’t worked.” She said.
“What serum?” I asked and Hadrian laughed.
“You actually used it on her?” Hadrian asked.
“I want us to be partners again.” Mom said. “Like old times. The three of us, a family in business.”
“That’s not going to happen.” I said and she stayed quiet for a minute before sighing.
“Not even if it means staying awake and alive?” She said. “You always make things so difficult for yourself.”
“I was just calling in case you wanted to say goodbye to your son.” I said as Demitri walked in.
“Why would I said goodbye?” She said.
“Because we have a deal.” Demitri said.
“Any last words?” I asked and she sighed again.
“Calliope don’t do it, the effects of the serum won’t last more than a week.” She lied.
“I guess I have a pretty important week ahead of me.” I said before hanging up.
“Hayley…” Natasha said.
“We’re done here.” I said.
“Hales if she was right…” Clint said.
“She wasn’t.” I said.
“You heard it too.” Hadrian said.
“Heard what?” Tony asked.
“It’s pretty obvious.” Demitri said. “She’s bluffing.”
“She has a tell. She exhales loudly and it sounds like a sigh over the phone.” I said. “I’ll leave you to it but just know if you make a mess you’re cleaning it up.”
“Gladly.” Demitri said with a smirk.
With that I walked out. I didn’t need to be there when he did it. Knowing Demitri he was not going to make it quick and painless.
“Hales you okay?” Clint said as we walked up the stairs of the porch.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” I said smiling at him.
“You just found out your mom faked her death.” Tony said.
“That doesn’t change anything. She’s been dead to me for five years and she still is.” I said. “I need a shower. I smell like a hospital.”