Fated Marks

Weeks Later…

Life had never been better. The team was coming together pretty nicely. Will was back in the dating scene and trying to give people a chance. And while it hadn’t panned out yet he hadn’t tried to grow a beard again so I call that a win.

Clint and I had never been better. I know people said relationships had honeymoon phases but considering ours started with lies and continued with more lies and a psycho trying to kill me and then a coma followed by a killer robot trying to destroy all of humanity I think it was long overdue. We had gotten into this routine. I’d wake up early and take turns going to turn on the coffee maker and letting Lucky out. Clint would join the team on their morning workouts while I took Lucky on my morning run, we’d come back shower together have a light breakfast and then we’d clean up or try out new hobbies. Clint liked wood working and I had taken up gardening. We lived on a farm, I figured why not give it a try. For lunch normally Natasha and Wanda would stop by. Tony had visited a few times. Will when he was working from the compound did too.

Clint still valued his alone time. He still went shooting and when he did that I would spend time with Bucky. His therapy days were always his hardest. So I’d stop by the compound with baked goods or a new movie or book I thought he’d like. Mostly we’d just sit for an hour or two watching Friends or How I Met Your Mother, it was both of our favorites. Maybe sit in for an episode if he wasn’t too busy. On Wednesday’s which is a half day for everyone because Steve is in budget meetings I take him with me against his will to the local farmer’s market. Of course I could never really drag him with me. He’s huge. I just threaten to not make him brownies anymore. It’s an empty threat but he doesn’t know that…. Or does he?

Steve would pop in occasionally. We hadn’t really gotten a chance to talk. Not for lack of trying there was just never a right time. It was hard to get alone time. I was either in the city visiting Tony and Will or he was in meetings with the communications team, training or on a mission.

Dinners were always the same. It was just me and Clint and we would cook together. It was always a blast because Clint always finds a new way to make me laugh. Plus with all our free time we had a lot of time to watch food network and try new recipes.

“Okay we got the cheese, the bacon, and pretty much every other meat known to man.” I said.

“This is gonna be great.” Clint said finishing up with the sauce.

“Putting some veggies on the second pizza.” I said.

“You really think we should make another?” Clint asked.

“Cold pizza.” I said.

“I love you.” Clint said and I kissed him. We were interrupted by Lucky starting to bark before there was a knock at the door.

“Friday?” I asked.

“It’s Captain Rogers boss.” She said.

“That’s weird.” I said going to let him in. I opened the door and saw Steve standing there in a grey t-shirt and his brown leather jacket but he was wearing tactical pants. Guess he came straight here from training. “Hey you.”

“Hayley hey…” Steve said. “I’m not interrupting anything am I?”

“No we’re just making dinner, come on in.” I said.

“Actually I was wondering if we could…” Steve started. “If you were free this weekend?”

“I’m actually spending the weekend with Tony. He asked if I could go with him to this charity fundraiser thing.” I said. “I leave Friday I come back on Sunday.”

“Oh…” Steve said disappointed.

“But I’m free Monday? Lunch maybe?” I asked.

“Yeah, that’s perfect.” He said. “We could maybe go to that place in town… with all the pies.”

“It’s a date. Now come on, I smell pizza.” I said ushering him in.

“I don’t want to intrude…” Steve said.

“Come on, pizzas are just coming out.” I said closing the door before we headed to the kitchen.

“Hey Cap.” Clint greeted. As he stretched out the dough for the next pizza. “We got meat lovers and a bacon mushroom.”

The weekend kind of flew by. The charity event was a success and the Stark scholarship fund was even more well funded than it already was. I accompanied Tony and while we were bombarded by questions from reporters wondering if I was the mystery woman we didn’t answer any of them, just let them come to their own conclusions. Of course this wasn’t my first time being seen with Tony and everyone knew I was his PA so the press was still undecided about our relationship.

Third Person’s POV-

Allison sat in her penthouse looking through the New York Times society pages.

Tony Stark and Date Wow at Charity Gala

Under that headline was a photo of Tony Stark in a tux and shades and walking next to him with his hand on her back was Hayley. Her hair was down in perfect waves. She was wearing a haltered backless metallic dress with blue and silver beading and a grey skirt. She was holding a matching clutch and heels.

Tony watched her adoringly even taking his phone out to snap a photo of the two of them. Reporters speculated about their relationship. She took the page and pulled out the files her Oleg and her people had put together for her. She looked through each of them

There wasn’t much. A few sightings over the past couple of years but the visitor logs at the hospital told a different story.

Tony Stark- former employer and close friend, possible affair?

Alias- Iron Man

Photos of the two of them at different work functions, one of them dancing at an event a few years back and a few different posts of a mystery girl that looked familiar to her.

Steve Rogers- close friend, saved her life from sniper.

Alias- Captain America

There weren’t many photos of the two of them together but there was one of the two of them on a motorcycle.

Thor Odinson- boyfriend, lover, romantic relationship.

There were photos of the two of them running errands in the city, reports of Thor flying holding a woman and another of them dancing at a Stark function.

Natasha Romanoff- friend

Alias- Black Widow

There was one blurry photo of the two of them shopping together.

Bruce Banner- friend or colleague

Alias- Hulk

No photos of the two of them together

Clint Barton- Boyfriend, lover

Alias Hawkeye

There were all sorts of photos of the two of them. Some at a wedding, on a beach, around town, at events and in each of them the two of them were disgustingly in love, staring adoringly at each other, showing public displays of affection.

James Buchannan Barnes- Bodyguard

Alias- The Winter Soldier, The Asset

Oddly enough there were a few photos of the two of them in recent weeks out at a farmers market and at some diner.

William Alexander Adams- Best friend, Adopted brother.

Those two were attached at the hip. There were photos of them everywhere. They lived together, worked together for a time.

None of her investigators or anyone could see the obvious connections between the six superheroes and assassins. It wasn’t obvious unless you knew what you were looking for. She looked at a photo of her daughter where the soulmarks on her arms were slightly visible.

“Oh Calliope…” She said deep in thought picking up one of the files.

Monday Morning…

I woke up early Monday morning. We left the bedroom door open so our fur child managed to sneak in. I heard whining before Lucky started licking my face.

“Mhm okay…” I groaned. Clint was still holding onto me while snoring. I gently lifted his arm up.

“No…” He whined pulling me back into his arms.

“I need to let our son out.” I said and when that didn’t work. “Also need to turn on the coffee maker.”

“… love…” He grumbled before letting me go. I kissed his cheek before grabbing one of Clint’s flannels and heading downstairs.

“Come on buddy.” I told Lucky who followed me downstairs. I opened the door and Lucky ran out. I stayed on the porch watching him, making sure he didn’t go running after any squirrels or my garden.

It was a quiet morning, completely peaceful… but something was wrong. I don’t know why but something just felt off. Almost like I was being watched.

“Woof!” Lucky barked before growling. He ran towards the trees and growled.

“Lucky!” I shouted running off the porch.

“Grrrr.” Lucky growled stopping while barking at the trees.

“Hey.” I said kneeling next to him. “Hey,” I gently pet his side and he whimpered. “It’s okay… just a racoon or something. Come on.”

I stood up and Lucky stayed there for a minute growling before sneezing and running after me.

We walked in and he went straight for his bed. I turned on the coffee maker and before it was done Clint was coming downstairs. I poured us each in our favorite mugs and made it just the way we liked it.

Clint was in the middle of telling me about something he wanted to build.. when Friday interrupted us.

“Boss there’s a package at the door for you.” Friday said.

“Package?” Clint and I said surprised.

“Our packages get delivered to our PO Box.” Clint said.

“Yeah.” I said. “Friday who dropped it off?”

“A private courier.” Friday answered.

“Might just be paranoid.” I said.

“Better safe than sorry.” Clint said grabbing a gun from one of the many hiding spots in the house. We walked to the front door and slowly opened it. There on the doormat sat a white box with swirls and silver embossed birds. The weirdest thing though the box was moving, shaking.

I bent down and was going to open it but had another thought.

“Friday scan the boss for threats.” I said as it kept moving.

“No threats detected.” Friday said.

“Okay then.” I said taking the lid and lifting it up letting the crow that was in the box fly out with a loud caw that made Lucky jump out of his bed barking.

“What the hell?” Clint said.

“Dragon Lady.” I said picking up the note from the bottom of the box.

I would like a word- Allison Adler

I turned it over and there was an address and a time.

“Yeah, normal relatives call ahead or email. Mine send dead animals or severed body parts. At least this one was alive.” I said picking up the box and lid before heading inside.

“You’re not going right?” Clint said.

“Course not.” I said dumping the box and card in the trash. “We’re retired, we live on a farm like civilians. Hell we’re practically an old married couple with how predictable our days are.”

“Yeah…” Clint said taking a sip of his coffee awkwardly. “Either way we should probably let everyone know your mom…”

“Dragon lady.” I said.

“She’s in New York.” He said finishing his sentence.

“Yeah.” I said. “Is this the sort of thing you have to say in person or can I just send everyone a group text?”

“In person.” Clint said after debating it for a minute before picking up the note. “We can head over there after.”

“But we’re going to agree right now that this doesn’t change anything. We’re not moving into the compound or hiding out somewhere, we’re not going to have round the clock guards or anything like that.” I said.

“Agreed. Though if Tony wants to upgrade the security system, it might be a good idea to let him.” He said.

“I can live with that.” I said. “I’m going to get ready.”

I got dressed in my tights and workout top before heading down the road. Everyone was having breakfast when we walked in.

“Hey, you’re early.” Natasha said hugging me but exchanging concerned looks with Clint.

“Something may have happened this morning.” I said. I didn’t noticed the silent conversation Clint and Natasha were having and how he shook his head no.

“Got a package this morning, it was a bird.” Clint said and Steve immediately dropped his fork.

“Bird?” Steve said.

“Yeah, it was alive.” I said thinking somehow that would make things better.

“You bought a bird?” Wanda asked confused.

“No someone sent it to her.” Steve said.

“Came with a note.” I said handing it to Natasha. She took the card and read it before tuning it over.

“She’s in New York.” Natasha said handing it to Steve.

“You’re not going.” He said immediately.

“Wasn’t planning on it.” I said.

“You should both stay here…” He continued.

“Not happening.” I said.

“It’s not safe.” Steve said.

“I’m not playing this game. I’m out. We’re out.” I said.

“Clint?” Natasha said.

“I go where she goes.” Clint said.

“Hayley she just…” He started.

“She just sent an invitation letting us know exactly where she’s going to be. So now I know to stay away. We have a state of the art security system, knowing Tony he probably already has ideas for an upgrade. I sent him a text on the way here. He’ll be by later to install it.” I said. “You got intel do your thing.”

“You’re not at all curious about what she has to say?” Rhodey said. “She is your mom.”

“Dragon Lady and she faked her death, left me at the mercy of a homicidal psychopath and sent said psychopath to kill my nephew,” I said. “That kind of says it all.”

“Your family’s complicated.” Sam said.

“Clint any thoughts on this?” Steve said.

“We know she’s here, Hales isn’t going, and we’re retired.” Clint said. “Nothing you guys can’t handle.”

“Think I’m going to hit the gym.” I said. “Luck guys.”

With that I walked out and headed to the gym. Normally I’d run outside but I could make due with the treadmill for a day. When I got there Bucky was already working out. Pretty sure he heard me walk in but he was completely absorbed by that punching bag. I slipped on my headphones and hit the treadmill.

It was a good workout but not as satisfying as running outside.

When I was done my phone buzzed, Tony was letting me know he was dropping by in less than twenty minutes to see about upgrading the security system.

I waved to Bucky who answered with a nod before I walked out to the shooting range where Clint and Natasha were shooting. I knew better than to interrupt them so I waited for them to finish their rounds.

Natasha was dead center each time and Clint well… they don’t call him Hawkeye for nothing.

Nat noticed I was there first and waved to Clint to get his attention. She nodded towards me and Clint turned around.

“Hey!” He said a bit louder than normal, he must’ve taken out his hearing aids.

“Hey, Tony called he should be at the house in about fifteen minutes. I’m going to head over.” I said.

“I’ll come with.” Clint said.

“You sure? Barely broke a sweat.” I said.

“I can work out at home.” He said.

“Okay.” I said “See you at dinner?” I asked Nat.

“Stir fry night?” She asked and Clint nodded. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

Clint packed up and we headed home. As soon as we pulled up Tony landed in the suit in the front yard. Good thing we didn’t have neighbors.

“So we have a breach?” Tony greeted.

“No breach,” I said hugging him. “Just a delivery courier with a package from the dragon lady. Thought it might be time for an upgrade just to be safe.”

“No severed arms right?” Tony said.

“It was a crow. Alive.” Clint added.

“I never understood the bird thing…” Tony said.

“A regular note works just as well.” I said as I unlocked the door and we headed in.

“Just going to run diagnostic just to make sure everything is still running the way it should” Tony said.

“I’ll be downstairs.” Clint said heading to the gym.

About an hour later after I had showered and changed and Tony was done running diagnostics.

“So you already have motion detectors along the perimeter and on the private road leading in. we can add more in the treeline…” he started.

“But won’t it just get set off by racoons and all the other animals?” I asked.

“Hales please, it’s me. I can make the sensors specific to people. Friday will be able to recognize if it’s a squirrel or a person.” He said. “Though one things I don’t get is how she knew this is where you live. You have it under a shell corp or something right?”

“Bought it through a shell corp before putting it under Clint’s name.” I said and Tony just gave me a look. “It was a grand gesture, didn’t think she’d come back from the dead.”

“Paper trail.” Tony said.

“Right…” I said. “I’m fixing that later.”

“So… you really don’t want to meet with her?” He asked.

“Not in the slightest. Besides its stir fry night.” I said. “Not missing that for anything.”

“Hey I’m not interrupting anything?” Steve said standing by the door.

“No just finishing up. About to suit up and put the sensors in.” Tony said.

“Ready for lunch?” Steve said.

“Yeah, you okay to…” I said.

“I can handle it. I’ll drag Barton out to test them out for me.” Tony said.

“Okay. See you later.” I said hugging Tony before following Steve outside. Steve pulled out a helmet for me and I slipped it on. “It’s been a while since we’ve done this.”

“Since before London.” He said smiling before he hopped on. I slipped in behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist. With that we were off.

I forgot how much I liked rides like this. Sadly it came to an end sooner than expected because there’s not any traffic.

We got to the diner and made or way inside. It was busy but not to crowded so we were able to snag a booth in the back corner. Good access to the exit and it was semi private so we could talk.

We ordered drinks and I had been there plenty of times before so I know what to get and Steve always ordered the same thing so that was quick.

Then we sat there in silence. I thought that since he was the one that asked me out and said we should talk that maybe he would have something to say. Maybe an apology or some sort of explanation for his behavior. But no.. he stayed quiet. Except for when he said.

“Huh… they make cabinets over there.” He said looking out the window.

He actually said that. Where the hell was that waitress?

When our food was finally brought over and we dug right in. I had been craving a bacon cheeseburger the last couple of days. And crispy French fries…

“Mhmmm.” I moaned.

“This is really good.” Steve said. “Almost as good as that diner down the street from the tower.”

“Yeah. Shakes are better here though.” I said. “And the ice cream place down the street… amazing. Bucky can’t get enough of their fudge brownie ice cream.”

“He has a huge sweet tooth. Thought he was going to punch Sam last week when he reached for the last brownie.” Steve said making me chuckle.

“I’ll make bigger batch next time.” I said.

“So Tony had some ideas?” Steve said.

“A few. I mean the house is practically a fortress. There are motion sensors at the perimeter. Friday runs facial recognition on anyone who comes to the door, he’s just going to put in some motion sensors in the trees and surrounding forests as a precaution.” I said.

“That’s good. You know you and Clint could always move into the compound.” Steve said. “Its safer and with your mom…”

“Dragon lady.” I corrected.

“She knows where you live and…” he started.

“I’m going to stop you right there. The house is perfectly safe, it’s isolated and it has the best security system Tony could come up with.” I said.

“But the compound is better, we’re all there and…” Steve started.

“We appreciate it, we really do but we’re fine where we are.” I said.

“You can’t just ignore your problems Hayley.” Steve said.

“I’m not ignoring my problems.” I said. “I’m just learning from my mistakes.”

“By running away from them.” He said.

“I’m not running. You want to know why she sent that box? Because she’s trying to get a reaction, wants me to make impulsive decisions and slip up and she wants attention. Want to know how to deal with her? Ignore her.” I said.

“And in the meantime what? Just sit around waiting for her to do something?” Steve asked.

“That’s up to you. I’m retired. Hadrian’s gone, there aren’t any assassins I need to track down and I don’t hack government and international spy agencies anymore and more importantly she’s not my problem anymore.” I said.

“How can it be so easy for you to just walk away from it all?” Steve said.

“This isn’t just something I just decided overnight Steve. Our entire courtship wasn’t something that just came easy to me. There was a lot of running away and therapy involved.” I said.

“I know.” He said.

“And we’re finally in a good place where we can make plans for the future.” I said.

“Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean its not your problem. If you start something you should finish it.” Steve said.

“And I did. Hadrian was my problem, she isn’t. I’m retired and I’m staying retired. I don’t get why this is such a big deal to you.” I said.

“It’s not.” He said.

“Whenever I bring up me and Clint being retired you get really defensive.” I said.

“I don’t… It’s just…” He started. “I’m happy for you I really am.”

“Then why does it feel like there’s something you’re not saying?” I said. “You know everyone’s visited us at some point. Nat’s over all the time for dinner. Wanda and Vision visit too. Even Sam and Rhodey have stopped by a couple of times but you… today was the first day you even set foot in the house since you all helped us move in.”

“I’ve been busy, we’re not all retired.” Steve said.

“There it is again.” I said. “I don’t know what’s going on with you but we can’t work it out unless you talk to me Steve. Seriously it’s easier to get Bucky to talk to me than you.”

“I just...” he started before his phone rang.

Fucking hell. If there is one thing that annoyed me more than anything in the world, it was someone picking up their phone in the middle of a meal. Seriously. Even Tony and I who are total tech addicts made it a rule to never pick up our phones while we’re eating together.

“Don’t answer it.” I said.

“I have to it’s the compound.” He said answering the phone. While he was doing that I flagged down our waitress and ordered two burgers for Clint and Tony and also handed her my credit card.

By the time Steve finished up his phone call resolving some crisis apparently only he could deal with even though Natasha could have handled it exactly the way he did and she was actually at the compound, our waitress had come back with the packed food and with the check for me to sign. I quickly signed and handed it back to her.

“Hayley I invited you, I was going to…” Steve started.

“You seemed kind of busy.” I said annoyed as I got up and headed out.

“Hayley wait.” He said going after me.

Third Person’s POV-

While Hayley and Steve were in the middle of their lunchtime… conversation, across the room a man was sitting in a booth pretending to read the newspaper while drinking coffee.

He watched the couple’s argument slowly start to build up. He was just about to reach for his coffee when his phone started ringing.

“Yes.” He answered.

“Boss wants a status report.” They answered.

“She’s having lunch with the Captain at a diner close to the compound.” He answered.

“So she won’t be making their appointment?” They asked.

“Considering they’re in the middle of a fight, I doubt it.’ He said.

“They’re fighting? She might want to hear about it. Do you know what they’re talking about?” They asked.

“Can’t tell from here but I can get closer?” He said.

“Don’t, you can’t afford to be compromised. Head back to the city, we have another job for you.” They said as Hayley walked out of the diner with Steve going after her.

Hayley’s POV-

I was going to Uber back to the house but considering our recent security breach I’d rather not push it. I got on the back of the bike and Steve dropped me off at the house and left without a word.

“Back so soon.” Tony said.

“Yeah.” I said putting the phone down. “Got you both burgers and fries.”

“Awesome.” Clint said taking his and kissing my cheek.

“Have a good talk?” Tony asked.

“Sure did.” I said and they both exchanged looks. “Security system up?”

“Yeah…” Tony said eying me curiously. “I even put in a few cameras there, connected the feed to your TV and Friday can bring it up to your phone.”

“Great.” I said smiling at them.

Meanwhile…

Steve had finally gotten to the compound and kept replaying lunch and how it really hadn’t gone the way he expected it to go.

“Hey, how was lunch?” Natasha asked.

“We talked about cabinets.” Steve said as an after thought.

“What?” Natasha said confused.

“Uh… just tell me did the intel pan out?” Steve said.

“Yeah, just confirmed it. It was Rumlow.” She said. “Long gone by now.”

“We need to figure out where he’s going next.” Steve said.

“Intel team’s already on it… So Cabinets?” She asked.

“Uh…” Steve groaned as they walked into the common room. “Lunch could have gone better.”

“Uh oh…” Sam said.

“She’s just so stubborn.” Steve said.

“You didn’t tell her did you.” Natasha said.

“I didn’t get a chance to.” He said. “with her mom coming back I thought trying to get her to move here was more important.”

“Which she doesn’t want to do.” Natasha said. “And she has a point.”

“Plus she’s with Barton or she’s here most of the time anyway.” Rhodey said.

“Then she got mad because I answered my phone…” Steve said.

“Oh…” Everyone said.

“You didn’t.” Natasha said.

“Dude why would you answer your phone in the middle of a fight?” Sam said.

“It was a lead on Rumlow.” Steve said.

“Even Tony doesn’t do that.” Rhodey said.

“Man you really did it this time.” Sam said.

Hayley’s POV-

“Rice cooker is on.” I said. “and edamame snack appetizers are ready.”

The front door opened and Nat walked in smiling at us.

“Just in time.” I said putting a bowl of edamame in front of her and grabbing her a glass.

“Mhmm why did you just start cooking.” Natasha said.

“Never had the time to perfect my culinary skills.” Clint said sarcastically.

“So cabinets…” Natasha said with a little smirk.

“Cabinets?” Clint asked confused.

“You heard?” I asked.

“I did.” She said.

“Can we just not.” I said.

“What am I missing?” Clint asked.

“I’ll tell you later.” Natasha said.

Weeks Later…

I thought the ‘Cabinet’ incident as Tony, Clint, Natasha and pretty much everyone else who heard about it called it, Superheroes are huge gossip mongers, would just be one small hiccup.

Turns out it led to a series of smaller fights, a lot of smaller fights.

“Why are you so damn stubborn?!” Steve shouted.

“I’m not stubborn I’m right!” I shouted.

“You really think she just left New York?” Steve said.

“I don’t know and I don’t care.” I said. “She hasn’t shown up at my door and I haven’t gotten anymore packages. She’s either gone or went to go screw someone else over, probably both.”

“Can you take this seriously for damn one minute?!” Steve shouted.

“I am being serious, but you’re like a dog with a freaking bone Steve. You just can’t let it go!” I said.

“Because you’re being…” he continued before we were interrupted by a loud whistle.

“We can hear you guys from the gym.” Sam said.

“What is going on?” Natasha said.

“He’s mad because I’m not afraid of my mom.” I said.

“She’s not taking this seriously.” Steve said.

“I’m taking the appropriate amount of caution.” I said. “You’re just being a control freak.”

“Talking to you is like talking to Tony!” Steve said.

“At least Tony communicates!” I said.

“Hey!” Sam shouted to get us to shut up. “Take a breather.”

“He’s being unreasonable.” I said.

“Cause you’re so damn stubborn.” Steve said.

“Hey!!!” they shouted again.

“You two need to work this out.” Natasha said.

“You need to talk it out.” Sam said.

“That’s what we’re doing?” Steve said.

“Talk not shout.” Sam said. “but maybe when you two cool off a bit.”

“I have to get going anyway. Spending the weekend with Tony and I promised Will a night out. Nat?” I asked.

“I’m on call.” She said sadly.

“I’ll see you when I get back then.” I said hugging her. “Later guys.”

Hours Later…

I got into the city later than expected and I considered just driving to Will’s place but parking was a mess so I stopped by the tower, checked in with Tony before taking a quick shower and changing.

I picked out a pair of dark skinny jeans and a white strapless peplum top with a silver belt and nude heels.

Once I was ready I gave Tony a kiss good night. He was working on something big but wouldn’t tell me what it was. Said he wanted it to be a surprise.

I got to the pub and it was busy but not overly busy.

“Three shot of whatever this guy’s having. I need to catch up.” I told Carl as I sat down next to Will.

“You made it!” Will said hugging me.

“I promised didn’t I.” I said.

“Uh Hales!!!!” Will said elongating the A.

“Will!” I said mimicking him before Carl put the three shots in front of me and I took all three of them in a row.

“Wow.” He said. “I’d say long week but you’re retired.”

“You don’t know the half of it.” I said filling him in.

“So you guys still haven’t figured out the cabinet thing?” he said.

“He’s great at giving orders but actually talking about his feelings he is so bad.” I said. “We’ve been having the same fight over and over again and we’re just not getting anywhere and he won’t even tell me what’s wrong.”

“Have you asked?” Will said.

“Yes but he just turns it into something else.” I said.

“You guys will figure it out, if you can handle murdering psycho’s you can handle anything.” He said. “But let’s cut the pity party because it’s our night and we’re going to have some fun…”

And we did. Got really drunk. Danced. I think there may have been some karaoke at some point, or we jammed along to a jukebox, not sure which one. When I do remember was the horrible hangover the morning after and Tony bringing us coffee and donuts the next morning. He also brought me flowers.

I love him so damn much.

Will apparently had a date with a guy later, it wasn’t the first one but he seemed to really like him and the sex was pretty good so at least he had that to look forward to. His words not mine.

I said bye before heading to the tower where I had a lazy day with Tony. We just hung around his penthouse talking, eating junk food and other stuff…

“AH!!!” I cried out as we finished before I collapsed on Tony. We had pulled out the couch cushions and threw them on the floor along with some blankets and pillows.

Tony laughed as he fell back panting. I smiled as I hugged him and kissed the scar where the reactor used to be. “We’re really good at that.”

“Amazing.” I seconded.

“So the cabinet thing…” He started.

“Really Tony? Right now?” I said.

“Well I was going to bring it up earlier but…” he said.

“Ehem…” I said rocking my hips a bit.

“Ah…Right sorry…” He said awkwardly.

“Okay hold on.” I said moving us so we were side by side facing each other. “You were saying?”

“The cabinet thing happened and you’re still fighting?” Tony asked.

“I don’t know what’s wrong. Why is it so hard to just say I feel like… or I don’t like that you.. or basically anything resembling opening up emotionally and not telling me what I should be doing.” I said.

“I thought he’d loosen up by now.” Tony said.

“Me too. But that’s a problem for when I get back. In the meantime…” I said biting my lip and wiggling my eyebrows.

“I love the way you think.” Tony said kissing me and pulling the covers off of us before we went for another round.

Monday…

“I can’t take this anymore!” I shouted.

“Finally something we can agree on!” Steve said.

“We’re not getting anywhere and I’m tired of this.” I said. “I love you, but you’re pissing me off.”

“Language.” Steve said.

“Steve.” I said looking at him seriously.

“You’re right.” He said. “We need help.”

“Yeah…” I said knowing what had to be done.

The Following Morning-

We were both sitting in complete silence. The only sound that could be heard was the sound of keyboard buttons being pressed and occasional mouse click. I leg was bouncing impatiently until Steve reached over and put his hand on my knee stopping me.

Finally the phone rang and the receptionist picked up. She confirmed before hanging up.

“Doctor Pearson will see you now.” She said.

I stood up straightening my skirt before we opened the door and walked into the office.

“Morning.” He greeted while still jotting down some notes. “Just finishing up, should take just a second.”

“No problem.” Steve said and he froze for a second before looking up.

“Hey Kev… been a while.” I said as he stared at us with his jaw dropped.