Fated Marks

By the time Kevin got over the shock and probably the traumatic flashback of the last time my soulmates joined me for a session we all sat down.

“It’s been a while since the last time we or any of us talked. I heard some things from Carl but… you want to fill me in?” He said.

“Uh… wow where to start.” I said.

“London?” Steve suggested.

“Well I should probably mention…” I said.

“Probably.” He said.

“So you remember that brother I never really talked about? Well…”

I told him everything he had missed. And I mean everything. There wasn’t really any reason to lie anymore.

“You were in a coma, your soulmate Bucky wasn’t really dead and neither was your mom who drugged you when you were in a coma to make you a super genius?” he said still processing it all.

“Technically the serum increased the speed that my brain processes information but yeah, that’s everything…” I said and Steve cleared his throat. “Oh and I retired and moved up state with Clint.”

“Uh Wow… wow, that’s… that’s a lot.” Kevin said.

“Yeah.” Steve said.

“But we got through it. In one piece.” I said. “And now we’re here.”

“So is everyone else sitting in the waiting room or…” Kevin said.

“Well Thor’s actually off world, kind of got married before he left…” I said smiling.

“It’s just us.” Steve said cutting me off. We had spent half the session just catching up, anymore and there we were never going to talk about us… which wouldn’t really be a surprise.

“We’re all okay like relationship wise but we’ve been having… we’ve been fighting a lot lately.” I said.

“Well couples fight and you’ve all been through a lot.” Kevin said.

“But this is different.” I said.

“No it’s not.” Steve said.

“Yes it is. We used to fight because we were in crisis mode and we had different ways of dealing with things. Because I used to make decisions without telling you guys. I’d lie. I’d keep secrets and I’d do things without telling any of you but that isn’t an issue anymore. I tell you guys everything, I’m staying out of trouble and letting the professionals handle things and I’m retired.” I said and Steve shifted uncomfortably.

“Steve?” Kevin asked.

“I think it’s great that she’s being honest and staying out of trouble but staying out of trouble doesn’t mean run away from your problems.” Steve said.

“Steve thinks that retirement means running away from all problems, namely the dragon lady.” I said.

“Dragon lady?” Kevin asked.

“Her mother.” Steve said.

“Okay let’s talk about that for a moment. You thought you lost your mom when you were 13, you were alone for years…” Kevin said.

“Became a cold and emotionally distant hermit until I met my soulmates who thawed my frozen heart and gave me hope and courage to face my insane of an older brother, save two of my soulmates and recovered to live happily ever after in a house one of said soulmates practically built for me.” I said and Steve shifted uncomfortably again. I gave Kevin a look and nodded towards Steve so he could notice what I did. “You want to know how I’m coping with her return? If I feel betrayed? If I’m angry or anything? Well for starters it’s not the first time she’s left me somewhere. She left me with a Galatian drug lord and his wife for a few months when I was a toddler, abandoned me for over a year with one of her boyfriends who I consider my dad  and offered to trade me for a port, and she also sold me to the triad to pay off a debt and teach me a lesson. I was better off on my own.”

“She did all of that and you still don’t understand why I think you need to take this seriously?” Steve said.

“She left me a note weeks ago saying she wanted to talk. I ignored it and we haven’t heard from her since, just like I said would happen.” I said.

“Just because she hasn’t done anything doesn’t mean she won’t.” Steve said.

“And if that happens you and the rest of the team of superheroes will handle it.” I said.

“Like calling the police if someone broke into your house.” Kevin said.

“Exactly.” I said.

“But if you can do something…” Steve said.

“Okay… Guys you guys are going in circles here.” Kevin said.

“We’ve been having the same argument for weeks.” I said.

“Have you two been spending time together? On your own away from everyone else? Hayley’s retired and with a whole team and organization you must have more time.” Kevin said.

“You’d be surprised.” I said sarcastically.

“Is this about the phone thing because I said I was sorry.” Steve said.

“Not about the phone thing.” I said. “The house is really close to the compound, I’m there almost everyday so we see each other… in passing.”

“There’s a lot going on, training the new team, running ops, the compound, budget meetings…” Steve started.

“And he’s a control freak that refuses to delegate.” I said.

“They needed me.” Steve said.

“Nat has the exact same clearance level as you, has offered multiple times to help, and actually knows how a spy organization should be run because she worked for one for years. Hill is deputy director and actually has run a spy organization before. They are both fully capable and great at their jobs but you won’t let them do their jobs.” I said.

“I’m not going to hand off my responsibilities because I don’t like them.” Steve said.

“And there it is again.” I said.

“What?” Steve said.

“That passive aggressive tone and the pointed comments, you do it all the time.” I said.

“I was just saying…” He said.

“No you were trying to make another jab and bring up the dragon lady again and I know because you keep doing it.” I said.

“Guys…” Kevin said.

“Because I want you to listen…” Steve insisted.

“I am but you’re not making any sense…” I said.

“You’re being stubborn” he said.

“Everyone agrees…” I said.

“Guys!” Kevin snapped making us shut up. “Take a breather. I don’t think you’re fighting because of Hayley’s mom showing up. You two have been through a lot. Hayley’s brother, the coma, Bucky, the move, and now this… You never really took the time to just be with each other without the world ending… which now that I say it out loud is also something you both have been through. You don’t know how to just be without danger keeping you together.”

“We did pretty okay when I was still lying about Hadrian.” I said pointing out a major flaw in his observation.

“You ran away every chance you got, even when you were a kid.” Steve said.

“Stranger Danger.” I said.

“Point is, the key to working through your problem now is learning to communicate, so for the next week until our next session I’m going to give you both some homework. As a couple and individually. Steve work on loosening the reins a bit. Delegate some things make some time for yourself. Hayley, work on listening, you don’t have to agree with Steve but try to see things from his point of view. Lastly I want you guys to go on a date. Just the two of you, away from work and everything else. Talk to each other about anything except the dragon lady, focus on each other. I’ll see you both next week.” Kevin said.

“Thanks Kev.” I said.

“Thanks.” Steve said before we both walked out.

“So you want to grab a coffee or a snack before heading back?” I asked Steve.

“I have a meeting… Briefing with some field agents.” Steve said.

“Right, I’ll just see you then.” I said heading to my car. Therapy’s tough and we had a week. We could plan our date tomorrow…

Four Days Later…

I had played nice all week. Steve had to go on a mission that I understood he couldn’t delegate. Not texting me when he got home… I could understand, they got back late and he wasn’t Nat who literally came straight to the house crawled into bed in the middle of the night still in her suit.

What I could not understand was how he couldn’t even take five minutes to sit down and have a cup of coffee after I made him a pie. His favorite apple pie.

What’s worse is I go find him and he’s in his office having coffee on his own while he watched the news.

“You know the TV in the common room’s bigger.” I said.

“Oh Hey!” Steve said surprised. “Didn’t know you were here.”

I was there everyday at the exact same time to check on everyone but sure, he didn’t know.

“Yeah just got here.” I lied. “I made pie.”

“Apple?” He asked.

“That is your favorite isn’t it?” I asked as he muted the TV.

“Yeah thanks.” He said.

“What’s new?” I asked.

“Oh the usual, Paperwork.” He said.

“I definitely don’t miss that.” I said. “So I know you’re swamped and I figured we should skip the hours of traffic…”

“Traffic?” Steve said.

“For our date?” I reminded him.

“Right!” He said obviously just remembering. He was busy and some things slipped his mind… it happens. “And we’re going…”

“You’re busy and I get that but we need time for just us so how about we have a picnic dinner on that floating dock tomorrow night… around sevenish?” I suggested.

“Tomorrow at Seven I’ll pick you up…” Steve started.

“I think I’ll drive myself. You live here so it’s just easier…” I said.

“Right.” Steve said. “Tomorrow at Seven.”

“Friday set reminders.” I said.

“Yes Ma’am.” Friday answered.

The Following Day…

I woke up early the next morning. I was alone in bed… Well I was the only human in the bed. At some point Lucky must’ve gotten on the bed and he was knocked out and snoring. I could smell the delicious aroma of coffee and bacon coming from the kitchen.

I was still naked from the night before. Clint had gone all out for date night. He put up twinkle lights on the porch. Set the table, even put on some cheesy Italian opera music. We talked and danced for a bit.

Then he popped the question.

He asked if I’d go with him to Italy again.

I said I’d go anywhere with him before we kissed. Though I don’t know for a minute I actually thought he was going to propose…

I slipped on my panties that I found on the ground and Clint’s flannel before going downstairs. Clint was in the kitchen moving around cooking everything. Making me waffles.

How did I get so lucky?

I quietly walked behind Clint while he was pouring batter into the waffle iron and hugged him from behind.

“Morning.” I said kissing his neck.

“I was going to bring you breakfast in bed.” Clint said turning around kissing me. “You look better in my clothes than I do.”

“I was planning on bringing you back to bed but… waffles.” I said kissing him again. “Why are you up so early?”

“No reason. Just used to it.” He said picking me up and putting me on the counter. I put my arms and legs around him while his hands went to my hips. We kept making out for a bit until I smelled something burning.

“Shit.” Clint said quickly going to open the waffle iron and taking out a black charred waffle.

I spent most of the day just cleaning up around the house. We gave Lucky his bath which led to us getting soaked. We took a not so short shower before I started getting everything ready for our dinner.

“You sure you don’t want me to whip up anything for dinner?” I asked.

“We’re good. Nat and Wanda are bringing back pizza from the city and the guys are bringing beer. We are good to go for game night.” Clint said.

“Okay, then I’m going upstairs to change and then I’m heading out.” I said kissing him.

I ran upstairs and curled my hair into beachy waves before putting it up into a ponytail. I kept my makeup pretty light but decided to go for a bold red lipstick. I felt it really went with the black and white gingham print dress.

“Wow.” Clint said as he watched me come down the stairs.

“Shoes are worth it then.” I said. “I have to get going but when I get back how about we start planning our Italian getaway…”

“Mhm Naples.” Clint said.

“Gelato.” I said.

“Cannoli.” He said.

“Tiramisu.” I said. “I’m getting hungry.”

“Me too.” He said. “We could always stretch it out and stop by Paris for crepes?”

“You have no idea how much I love you.” I said.

“Do you mean me or the crepes?” Clint said before I jumped onto him wrapping my legs around his waist and arms around his neck. Clint quickly put his hands under me to hold me up while I kissed him.

“Hey, we’re early… Oh!” Sam said.

“Get a room you two.” Nat said making us break apart.

“We have a house.” Clint said. I kissed him one last time before he put me down. Good thing I went for the long lasting smear proof lipstick.

“Have fun.” I said kissing Nat on the way out.

I loaded everything into the car and drove down the road to the compound. I was actually there a few minutes early so I decided to go straight to the back to set everything up. It would give Steve a couple of extra minutes to finish up whatever he was doing.   

The dock had its own lights but with the sunset we still weren’t going to need them. I put the picnic blanket on the table to use as a table cloth before taking out the wine and popping it open to breathe a bit and setting the table. I sent Steve a message through Friday to let him know where I was.

It was quiet for a minute before I heard a quinjet taking off in the distance. I waited for a while longer and then it got dark.

I took my phone out and dialed Steve except I got sent straight to voicemail. So I called the only other person in the compound who might know where Steve was.

“Hill.” Maria answered.

“Hi Maria it’s Hayley just calling to ask if by chance Steve’s with you?” I asked.

“Steve? He just left on a mission.” Maria said.

“Really?” I said getting really pissed off.

“Yeah he should be back tomorrow morning. It’s a short recon mission. I’m actually surprised he went. We were sending in a small team and he was going to monitor from here but at the last minute he decided to go.” She said.

“Sounds like Steve.” I said. “Well I’ll leave you to it. Thank you.”

With that I hung up.

If it had been an emergency I could have understood why he had to go. Why he stood me up without even a call or a text. But that he had purposely taken a mission to avoid talking to me…

I dialed him and it went straight to voicemail.

“Hey sweetie, looks like you’re not going to make it to date night tonight cause you’re on a mission… we’re gonna have a lot to talk about in therapy next week. I guess I’ll see you then.” I said before hanging up.

I looked at the set up in front of me, at the dinner I had made. I looked at the apple turnovers I had made for dessert since I couldn’t make pie. The jerk actually stood me up. I got up and started putting everything away in the basket. Then I looked at the wine.

What a waste… or not.

I grabbed the bottle and started drinking from it as I headed back to the compound. I could head home and join in on game night but I think I needed to detach from Clint for a bit. Give him room to breathe for a while.

I could call Tony but he’d get in a suit and fly over here and then I’d vent… and I should really keep this bottled up until therapy. I’m paying three hundred dollars a session, may as well get my money’s worth.

So I went to the common room, spread out the blanket on the floor and got myself ready for a solo date night with an explosion filled movie.

I was taking a swig out of the bottle of wine when Bucky walked in. He took one look at the Tv then at me and all the food on the table.

“Hi.” I said putting down the wine bottle. He didn’t say anything just stood there staring at me again. “Have you had dinner yet?”

Bucky still didn’t say anything just stared at me.

“I made a ton of food.” I said. “I’m kind of hogging the wine but there’s beer?”

Bucky stayed quiet before walking over and sitting down. He grabbed a chicken salad croissant sand which and took a bite.

“Mhm…” He moaned loudly. I reached into the basket and opened a beer for him. He took it and we sat in silence for most of the movie just eating. I finished an entire bottle of wine on my own. I did eat a lot too but not as much as Bucky. If I didn’t know he was a super soldier I would have thought the were starving him.

“Hope you have room for dessert.” I said taking out the apple turnovers.

“You made dessert too?” Bucky said genuinely surprised.

“Yeah. Didn’t have time for a whole pie so I made apple turnovers.” I said opening up the container.

“Steve likes pie. Says chocolate is too sweet.” He said.

“Yeah, he’s a weirdo that way.” I said making Bucky chuckle.

“This was for him?” Bucky asked.

“Date night.” I said. “Course he decided not to show up so… really wishing I had brought more wine right about now.”

“Went on a mission.” Bucky said putting it together.

“More like our soulmate ditched me.” I said and Bucky arched an eyebrow. “He ever do that to you?”

Bucky was quiet for a minute.

“I was the only date he had.” He said quietly. “He won’t talk to you but he won’t stop talking to me and I don’t want to talk to him.”

I got him another beer and waited for him to continue.

“He looks at me like I’m still him.” Bucky said. “That kid from Brooklyn that he grew up with, that had a future, that didn’t have blood on his hands and actually deserved him but I’m not.”

“Of course you’re not.” I said and Bucky looked at me surprised, not expecting that answer. “No one can go through trauma like you did and come out the other side the same as before.”

I got up and walked to the bar. Tony wasn’t by often but he did set up a fully stocked bar in case there was ever a party or anyone wanted to blow off steam. We don’t give him enough credit for all he does for us. I looked behind the bar before finding the top shelf stuff.

“I have a feeling we’re going to start getting really deep and I’m not nearly buzzed enough for where this conversation is going. And I’m pretty sure beer is not doing anything for you so, pick your poison.” I said lifting up a bottle of Scotch and Vodka.

Bucky stared at me for a minute probably trying to see if I was serious. He tilted his head in thought and I was pretty sure I had lost him when. Then he finally said something.

“Is there any bourbon?” Bucky asked.

I smiled and grabbed a bottle before going to sit down.

Many, Many Shots Later…

Bucky wasn’t drunk by any means, or at least he wasn’t as drunk as me but he was a bit more relaxed.

“I took this class once, psychology. Most of it was crap… Pretty sure they were using words wrong but the professor would sometimes go off on these tangents. Completely unrelated to the crap we were supposed to be learning about…” I said. “But every once in a while he would get really really… like deep.”

“Quaks.” Bucky said.

“He said something once… and it really clicked with me… Fuck I forgot what he said…” I said and Bucky chuckled.

“I think you may have had enough.” He said taking the bottle but not before I poured myself an extra full glass.

“No wait I remembered! It’s… fuck something… something about life and choices… then he said something about swallowing a dragon and chasing a worm…” I said. “OH! I got it! I got it! Nature vs nurture! He wouldn’t have chased the worm if his dad didn’t give him tequila.”

“Dragons aren’t real.” Bucky said.

“Magic dragons are…” I said giggling. “You need to stop being mean to you.”

“Doll I’m not…” He started before sighing.

“Just listen… listen. Nature vs Nurture is complete bull shit.” I said. “Because some people are just total douche bags.”

“Like Hydra.” Bucky said nodding in agreement.

“Yes but not just that. No one is born evil, not really anyway.” I said. “Life kicks us in the nads over and over again. Kicks us when we’re down. Gives a new definition to living hell…”

“Ehem…” Bucky said clearing his throat.

“That living hell makes us make choices that aren’t really choices. And we do shitty things because at the time there wasn’t another choice. It was doo doo or die die.”  I said before snorting. “Doo Doo.”

Bucky chuckled. He looked a bit pinker than normal.

“I did a lot of shitty things growing up. Not because I didn’t know better but because that was the only way I could survive living with the stupid dragon lady and satan incarnate. Hadrian chose to be a psychotic asshole. You never had that choice because they took that choice away from you. You weren’t you but I bet a gajillion bucks that if you got to choose you wouldn’t have shot anyone…”

That made Bucky smile a bit as he watched me with a funny look.

“Except Hydra, they don’t count. They deserve it.” I said.

“Cheers to that.” Bucky said clinking his glass with mine.

“So stop being mean to my friend Bucky…” I said playfully punching his arm swaying a bit and leaning my forehead against his arm.

“You’re drunk.” Bucky said smiling.

“So Drunk.” I said laughing against his arm.

“I’m taking that.” He said taking my glass before we got up and I tripped and fell against him. And I reached up and pokes his cheek

“You have chubby cheeks. So coooote.” I said laughing.

“Okay Doll, think your night’s over.” Bucky said.

“Ya…” I said. “You are awesome. Steve is a dootie head and does not deserve picnics or beer or… or sex. He is never getting laid again.”

Bucky blushed and chuckled awkwardly.

“Get over here.” I said opening my arms wide.

“uh…” Bucky said awkwardly.

“We got drunk together and bonded and we’re friends. You get a hug come on.” I said hugging him. Bucky froze for a sec before slowly moving his flesh hand to hug me back. “You’re warm and cuddly.”

“You’re not driving.” Bucky said.

“No, I’m crashing in Nat’s room.” I said still hugging him. Bucky stood there patting my back. It took me a lot longer than I would like to admit that he was trying to cut the hug short but I may have dozed off for a bit. He was so warm. And so comfy. Like a giant buff teddy bear. Not Thor or hulk giant but Bucky sized.

 “Night Bucky. I said finally letting go.

“Night Doll.” He said just standing there very deep in thought.

The Following Morning…

I was in a bed that wasn’t my own. The sheets were different and the sun was hitting the wrong side of my face. I groaned pulling a pillow over my face. Then I felt something else. I jumped out of bed and looked around. My stomach was churning. I saw the door to the ensuite bathroom and I ran. I barely made it before I was coughing up last nights drinks.

Took me a minute to remind me I had crashed in Nat’s room. And thirty seconds after that to remember I got stood up and got drunk. Oh I got drunk in front of Bucky.

“Uh.” I hurled.

That poor man. As if he wasn’t traumatized enough… he talked to a filterless, tactless drunk me. I was also pissed at Steve. Oh shit he talked to an angry, filterless, tactless drunk me. Shit.

“Oh good you’re up.” Nat said leaning in the doorway before I hurled again.

That went on for a bit before I finally stopped.

“I brought you a change of clothes. Figured when you didn’t show up last night the date went well… didn’t think you’d be in my bed.” She said.

“Well I was going to help you stay warm…” I started but I just couldn’t right now. “I look really pathetic right now don’t I?”

“More like hungover.” She said. “Rough Night?”

“Something like that.” I said spitting into the bowl before flushing. “Rather not talk about it.”

“Take a shower it’ll help you feel better.” Nat said. “I’ll go get started on breakfast.”

The thought of food right now made me hurl again. I eventually managed to get myself off the floor and into the shower. I slept with makeup on my face that took forever to get off my face. When I finally made it out the sunlight was still too bright so I slipped on my shades. Another thing to thank Tony for, he made sure I had plenty of sunglasses. I made it to the common room and felt nauseous at the smell of eggs and bacon.

“Morning… wow…” Rhodey said.

“You look rough.” Sam said.

“I believe Miss Adams is suffering from a common ailment known as a hangover.” Vision said.

“Yeah.” I said pouring myself a huge glass of water. “You guys don’t look to great either.

“Game night.” They said.

“I think I’m going to head home, and sleep this off.” I said. “Or crawl under a rock and never come out, that seems like a good choice too.”

“Clint’s probably still sleeping his off too.” Natasha said. “Or dying on the couch.”

“Yay, he’ll be my pillow.” I said.

“I’ll be by later to check on you two.” Natasha said.

“Okay,” I said kissing her cheek. “Later.”

At that moment Steve walked in still in his suit.

“I’m going to go say bye to Bucky.” I said.

“Morning Doll.” Steve said.

I ignored him and walked past him heading to the gym. Sure enough Bucky was lifting weights again. Except unlike the other times when I stopped by he put everything down and sat up.

“Morning.” He said.

“Hey, you’re probably the only person that didn’t wake up with a hangover.” I said.

“I felt warmer than normal but guess the serum…” He said.

“Yeah, so I remember most of last night but in case I crossed any lines, I want to say I’m sorry.” I said.

“You don’t have to apologize.” Bucky said.

“I feel like I do… I unloaded a lot on you and…” I said.

“You did but I liked that.” He said and I looked at him confused. “It’s the first time anyone’s treated me… normal, like I’m not… broken.”

“You’re not broken.” I told him. “You’re just figuring things out.”

“And friends… unload… on each other?” He said sounding more like a question.

“They do, or they just talk normally or sit in silence… no pressure.” I said.

“I can do that.” He said smiling slightly.

“I feel like normally this would be a hug moment but I don’t want to push it…” I said. “Also I’m really hungover.”

“I’m sweating.” Bucky said.

“Fistbump?” I suggested and he nodded. We bumped fists and chuckled a bit. “I’m going to head home. See you later.”

“Bye.” He said before I headed out and he started working out again.

“Hayley” Steve called out as I walked down the hall.

Nope, not ready to talk to him, so I kept walking.

“Hayley can we…” He started.

“No.” I said as I kept walking to the garage. I got in the car and drove home. My stomach still felt really funny. I didn’t think it was possible to be both hungry and disgusted at the same time. I got out of the car and headed inside.

Lucky was waiting by the door. I let him out and I guess he could sense how crappy I was feeling that he made it a quick trip out before hurrying inside.

The curtains were closed the TV was on but at a low volume and Clint was on the couch, the coffee pot on the coffee table.

“Hales…” He groaned. Clint looked about as good as I felt right now.

“Scoot” I said taking off my shades. Clint scooted in and lifted the blanket he was under.

“I meant sit up.” I said and Clint groaned like it pained him to do it which chances are it probably did. I scooted in to lay down against the couch’s arm rest. Clint looked at me a bit disappointed I took his spot until I opened my arms gesturing for him to lay down again. He moved between my legs laying down on me face down so his head was pillowed by my boobs and he had his arms around me.

“I got drunk.” Clint mumbled.

“Me too.” I said.

“Good date?” He asked.

“I’ll tell you later.” I said running my fingers through his hair.

“Mhm.” He moaned.

We stayed like that for a while. This position was oddly comfortable. It was like I was covered by a warm weighed blanket. The living room was dimly lit and the quiet soft sounds coming from the TV knocked me right out.

I didn’t come too until a while later when I started hearing knocking at my door.

“Friday?” I mumbled.

“It’s Captain Rogers ma’am.” She said.

“Tell him to fuck off.” I said before I dozed off again.

Next time I woke up Clint was moving to lay beside me instead of on me.

“Hey… what time is it?” I asked.

“It’s past lunch.” He said hugging me.

“We should eat something.” I said.

“Cold Pizza?” Clint offered from the box on the coffee table.

“Does it have bacon?” I asked.

“Extra bacon.” He said pulling it closer. I put my arms around Clint and kissed him. He was surprised but kissed me back. “What was that for?”

“For being you.” I said before grabbing a slice. I managed to eat a slice before we got to watching TV. Neither of us were in a mood to do anything else.

It wasn’t until Nat showed up with dinner that we got off the couch.

“Steve said he stopped by earlier…” Natasha said as we slurped down some canned chicken noodle soup. Nat was a lot of things, a master chef was not one of them.

“He did?” Clint asked.

“Hmm.” I said.

“Got in early this morning from a mission.” Nat said watching me for a reaction.

“You had a date last night and you stayed at the compound.” Clint said.

“In my room.” Nat said and Clint turned to me.

“So how was game night?” I said changing the subject.

They finally got the hint that I didn’t want to talk about it and dropped the subject all together well together they dropped the subject. They had one of their famous silent conversations and tried asking me one on one to see if I’d talk.

Nat eventually had to go, which I guess was code for she was going to get it out of Steve. I cleaned up a bit while Clint showered. Took Lucky out for his last business trip of the day.

I was in bed looking through hotels and Airbnb’s in Italy when Clint came out of the bathroom.

“I found this villa on airbnb in Tuscany. I was thinking day trips to Pisa and Venice, were close enough to drive everyday to Florence…” I said showing him photos.

“Great view.” Clint said smiling before putting the tablet aside and sitting down. “Want to tell me what’s really on your mind?”

“Beautiful art and architecture, food, eating my weight in gelato…” I said.

“Hales…” He started.

“Am I hard to talk to?” I asked.

“No.” Clint said. “We can talk for hours. Why?”

“This thing with the dragon lady, were you on my side because I was making sense or because you didn’t want to argue?” I asked.

“Hales I didn’t always agree with how you handled things with Hadrian but your judgement was never off. It never is.” Clint said. “You knew exactly what you were doing, you kept us all chasing our tails and did what you had to do. Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“I stand by what I said, I’m just trying to figure something out.” I said kissing his cheek before going to the bathroom.

The next day Steve tried calling and texting but I sent him to voicemail. I didn’t trust myself to not say something I may regret later. I made sure Friday reminded him about our appointment. If he missed that then… I really don’t know.

I got into the city pretty early, I had breakfast with Will and Nate. Will was telling me all about his guy friend. He called him that. Wanted us to meet so I could give him my opinion on him. Nate was enjoying young professional bachelor life. Apparently he was casually seeing his friend from high school.

All in all things were good.

I got to Kevin’s office a few minutes early. I don’t know what was up with me today. I’d been to this part of the city plenty of times and it was a really safe area but I was on edge. I had this weird feeling I was being watched but there wasn’t anyone suspicious around. I checked in with the receptionist and texted Tony to see if he was up for lunch and a walk in the park later.

“Morning.” Steve said coming in.

“Hey.” I said not bothering to look at him and continuing to read the travel magazine. There was an article about Italy’s hidden gems that I was going to tell Clint about later.

“I uh… I brought coffee.” He said.

I had already had my morning dose of caffeine but I never turned down and extra shot. Not when it meant Steve had to walk into a Starbucks and give my very specific order.

“Thanks.” I said taking my cup.

“Hayley I’m..” He started.

“Save it for when we’re in there.” I said shutting him up. I sipped my coffee and kept reading until we were finally called in.

“Morning.” Kevin said.

“Morning.” I said sitting down on the far end of the couch while Steve sat on the opposite end.

Kevin took one look at us obviously picking up on the tension between us.

“Morning.” Steve said as he sat down looking towards me.

“You guys have a good week?” Kevin asked already knowing the answer.

“Busy.” Steve said.

“It was okay.” I answered.

“What’d you guys do on your date?” Kevin asked and Steve froze.

“I uh…” Steve started.

“Well I had a picnic and Steve went on a mission.” I said.

“Oh well emergencies happen… how about the rest of your homework?” He asked and we both stayed quiet.

“I sat out a few meetings.” Steve said.

“That’s great, what did you do with the free time?” Kevin asked.

“I ran drills with the team.” He said. He made everyone else train and I had to plan out my own date.

“Hayley?” Kevin asked.

“It’s kind of hard to listen to someone when they don’t talk to you.” I said.

“Hayley…” Steve started.

“No wait he did try to talk to me to apologize for standing me up on our date which I had to plan because he forgot we were supposed to have a date. And then I find out from someone else he stood me up to go on a mission that he wasn’t supposed to even be on. That he was actually supposed to monitor from the compound. Guess I’m not the only one that didn’t do their homework. No wait I went on the date.” I said.

“I’m sorry. I dropped the ball and completely forgot.” Steve said.

“I had Friday remind you.” I deadpanned not even looking at him. “And you still didn’t show up. You didn’t even have the slightest consideration for me and called or texted to let me know you weren’t going to make it. I sat out there for over an hour waiting for you.”

“I should have called but it was a last minute decision and I shut my phone off when I go on the jet…” Steve said.

“A jet you weren’t supposed to be on in the first place.” I said.

“Steve why did you decide to go on that mission? Was it urgent?” Kevin asked.

“I can’t really discuss…” Steve started.

“It was a non emergent surveillance mission.” I said before turning to Steve. “He signed an NDA.”

“I was in my office reading the briefing and I was free so I went.” He said.

“But you weren’t really free.” I said. “You just forgot about me again.”

“I’ve been really busy…” He said.

“If something really matters to you, if it doesn’t matter how busy you are you make time.” I said.

“I don’t have as much free time as you. It’s hard enough making time to come into the city for these appointments.” Steve said.

“Nat can cover you and she doesn’t mind, she’s says it all the time.” I said. “but again you don’t want to delegate.”

“Because it’s my responsibility.” He said.

“You’re a part of a team. Meaning more than one person to help.” I said.

“The same can be said about you two.” Kevin said. “A relationship is a partnership. You both work to be together, to be able to trust and support each other against whatever comes your way but you only get what you put into it. So how about we try this again, same homework as last week. Go on a date. Except this time Hayley doesn’t plan it, you do Steve. I’ll see you both next week.”

We said our goodbyes and headed out.

“I have to go back but can we have lunch later?” Steve asked.

“I already have plans with Tony.” I said.

“Oh, I’ll see you later then.” Steve said. I started walking away and so did Steve. “Hayley.”

I stopped and turned as he walked towards me.

“I’m sorry for not showing up.” He said. “I should have been there.”

“Yeah, still had a great date without you.” I said. Yes I was being petty and was probably not helping the situation but the jerk stood me up and I was not going to forget that anytime soon. “Drive safe.”

Steve stood there as I walked away. As bad as I felt when he stood me up, the kicked puppy look on his face made me feel worse.

Tony was in the lab when I got there. By the looks of it he had pulled an all nightery again. I had gotten up really early to drive into the city so I dragged him to bed. He didn’t really put up a fight. I set an alarm and knocked out.

Hours Later…

After lunch Tony and I took a walk in Central Park.

“So… heard you had a big date last weekend…” Tony started.

“I swear you and Rhodey gossip like old ladies.” I said.

“Want to tell me what happened?” He asked.

“Nope.” I said kissing his cheek. Tony put his arms around me and hugged me from behind as we stopped on the bridge. “Clint and I are thinking about taking a vacation. Tour of Italy.”

“Sounds nice. And we’re going to Paris in September.” Tony said.

“We are?” I said surprised.

“It’s our anniversary.” He said.

“The I love you anniversary.” I said remembering. “Do I have to remind you about no over the top gifts?”

“You don’t because it’s our anniversary and there are no limits.” He said and I turned around and kissed him.

“Love you.” I said. “And if you want to celebrate our anniversary at Moulin Rouge, I will hack their speakers and play pour some sugar on me for you.”

“You complete me.” Tony said in adoration.

“Come on, you were going to show me your new toys.” I said.

“Oh yeah I fixed that glitch in the CPU…” He started. Which led us to another lab marathon where I completely lost track of time.

I got home a lot later than I was planning on. I texted Clint and told him to go ahead and have dinner without me. But when I got home he and Natasha were having drinks in the living room waiting for me.

“Honey I’m home.” I called out as I walked in.

“In the living room.” Clint called out.

I pet Lucky as I passed by and leaned over the couch to kiss Clint but saw Natasha there instead. She smiled and kissed me.

“Hey beautiful.” I said before going to kiss Clint.

“I’ll go serve dinner.” Clint said kissing me.

“You guys didn’t have to wait for me.” I said.

“We weren’t that hungry.” Clint said.

“We had wine.” Natasha said.

“I can see that.” I said picking up the half empty bottle. I sat down and Nat sat up before resting her head on my lap. She looked up at me and batted her eyelashes at me. I smirked before I started running my fingers through her hair.

“How’s Tony?” She asked.

“He’s good. Got him out of the lab today.” I said. “Things are going good with Will and his new friend.”

“Should I run a background check on him?” Natasha asked.

“Haven’t gotten his last name yet.” I said. “Besides it’s more fun to interrogate someone in person. I’ll run the background check after. Good to know where all the dead bodies are buried.”

“Beer batter fish tacos.” Clint said coming over and sitting down next to me. Nat sat up and took her plate.

“Mhmm so good.” I said.

“How was therapy?” Natasha asked making me cough a bit.

“Not talking about that.” I said.

“Cap seemed kind of down…” Clint said.

“Is there anymore salsa?” I asked. “So good honey.”

“Still mad at him?” Natasha asked but I just kept stuffing my face.

Eventually they got the hint and finally dropped it.

The Following Day…

It was a usual Wednesday morning except Will was working from the compound today so he stopped by for breakfast.

Apparently Clint and I were being really open with our PDA. Will was exaggerating we were not staring intently at each other’s eyes across the table.

Though I never realized that in certain light Clint’s eyes looked like a really light grass green instead of their usual stormy grey and his hair looked blonder.

“Can you guy stop eye fucking?” Will said snapping us out of it.

“So he’s a good guy.” I said remembering where we left off in the conversation.

“It’s like we have this connection and like it feels like we’ve known each other forever.” He said. “Like… the other day we were in the kitchen…”

“Uh Will…” I groaned.

“I should get going.” Clint said picking up our dishes.

“Not like that… though that’s also really good…” He said.

“Will.” I said snapping him out of it.

“Right but the other day we were making dinner and…” He started.

“Wait he made you dinner?” I asked.

“We made it together and he just… he knows my favorite foods. Makes pizza just the way I like it without me ever saying it. I woke up the other morning and there was coffee on my nightstand.” Will said. “He even made me a smoothie for the trip here.”

“Wow, that’s very nice of him.” I said.

“Don’t say it like that.” Will said.

“I’m not saying it anyway. I’m happy you’re happy. But I wouldn’t be doing my job as your best friend and sister if I didn’t give him the third degree before I decided if he was worthy of you.” I said.

“Did you ever do that with…” He said stopping himself.

“I gave him the shovel talk.” I reassured him.

“I’m going to head out. You going to the farmer’s market later?” Clint asked.

“Yeah. We need anything for dinner?” I asked.

“Leeks and ginger if they have any.” He said.

“Okay, I’ll see if they have that lemon cilantro hummus from last time. We can make gyros.” I said.

“Yeah… bring an extra one if the guy’s there. Makes great dip.” Clint said before kissing me goodbye. “See you later.”

“Love you.” I said.

“Love you.” He said before heading out.

“Wow.” Will said after Clint left. “You two are… so lovey dovey. Like a rom com. It’s almost gross.”

“Shut up.” I said smiling knowing he was kidding.

“So how are things with Steve?” Will asked. I found it kind of weird to talk about my relationship with one of my soulmates with another one of my soulmates. I guess it would be like talking about how you used to have sex with an ex with the person you were currently with but with Will that wasn’t a problem.

“Well Steve stood me up for the date I planned for us.” I said. “Still a bit pissed about that. Spent most of therapy getting back at him for it. That was kind of nice.”

“Was it?” Will said knowing what the answer would be.

“Yeah up until he gave me the kicked puppy look. Then I felt a little guilty.” I said. “But he was a jerk. Anyway he has to plan a date for us this week so hopefully he shows up to this one.”

“Or you two could just talk to each other?” Will suggested.

“Believe me I’ve tried. I’m an open book, Steve just won’t talk.” I said. “We’re in therapy and I’m doing most of the talking.”

Finally Will had to go to work and stayed home cleaning up a bit before going to pick up Bucky.

I let myself in and went straight to the common room.

“Hey guys.” I greeted Wanda and Vision.

“Hi.” Wanda greeted.

“You guys get out of training early?” I asked.

“Steve and Natasha are in a meeting.” Wanda said.

“Hey Doll.” Bucky said walking in.

“Hey.” I said. “Ready to go?”

“Been thinking about those plums all day.” Bucky said.

“We’re heading into town, you guys want to tag along?” I asked.

“Thank you Miss Adams…” Vision started.

“Hayley.” I corrected.

“Hayley but Wanda was going to teach me how to play guitar.” Vision said.

“I don’t know a lot but I know the basics.” She admitted.

“That’s more than I know.” I said. “See you guys later.”

Bucky and I walked down the hallway as we headed down to the garage.

“You know what I’m in the mood for?” I said. “Mangos. I really hope they have some.”

“Plums…” Bucky said. “Or peaches. My ma used to make peach cobbler, and with some ice cream on the side.”

“Last time I had cobbler was at the most awkward pre thanksgiving lunch.” I said. “Ended up at the hospital.”

Bucky just looked at me with an arched eyebrow.

“Long Story.” I said.

“Hayley!” Steve called out.

“Hey.” I said as I turned and saw Steve heading for us.

“Hey, Hey Buck.” Steve said.

“Steve.” He answered.

“Hey are you busy?” Steve asked.

“We’re actually on our way out.” I said. “Going to the Farmer’s Market want to come?”

“Uh no I’ll just talk to you later. Have fun.” He said walking away.

“He was trying to ask me out wasn’t he?” I asked Bucky.

“Yeah.” He answered.

“I’ll talk to him later.” I said as we headed out. “Also why didn’t he just ask us both out?”

“We never really dated.” Bucky said. “Wasn’t really an option.”

“So you stayed in, those count as dates.” I said as we got into the car.

“We went to Coney Island. And baseball games.” He said.

“I think I remember a story about you making Steve ride the cyclone until he puked?” I said making Bucky chuckle.

“We spent our train money on hotdogs.” Bucky said.

“I thought you were trying to win a bear?” I said.

“Right.” Bucky said rubbing the back of his neck.

“I went to Coney Island with Clint a few years ago. There wasn’t a single game he couldn’t win. I had so many toys I had to give them away.” I said as we finally got to town and I found a good parking spot. Another great thing about not living in the city.

Bucky and I made our way through the stands. Buying everything we needed and joking around. Turns out Bucky is actually really funny once he starts opening up.

“So over the course of the blackout we ended up breaking a steakhouse record, getting tattoos and my ear pierced, karaoke, getting banned from half of Charleston, and arrested. And that’s how I legally adopted Will as my brother. And by legally adopt I mean he changed his last name to mine.” I said.

“So getting drunk is a usual thing?” Bucky teased.

“No well… at 15 yes but no not anymore” I said. “At least not as much.”

That made him chuckle.

“I do miss that floaty feeling you get. Not drunk but just starting to feel it.” He said.

“Well when Christmas comes around and Will makes rocketpunch you may get to feel that way again.” I said. “Just ask Steve.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Bucky said before we walked into the ice cream shop. We each got our scoop before going to sit on a bench at a nearby park.

We were quiet just enjoying our ice cream when Bucky said something. He actually started a conversation. I seriously thought I was hearing things for a bit.

“I told my therapist about you.” Bucky said.

“Uh- You did?” I said surprised.

“I told him about Saturday.” He said.

“About me getting drunk? That’s a great first impression.” I said sarcastically.

“She asked me to try talking to someone about how I really feel. To open up.” Bucky said. “Apparently you’re the only person I talk to.”

“What? That can’t be true.” I said. “Steve? Nat? You pick on Sam all the time.”

“They don’t count.” He said. “It had to be a conversation. I have to talk too. She’s calling it a breakthrough.”

“My therapist almost threw me a party when I had my first one. Think he was happier than I was.” I said.

“So it is working?” He asked.

“No this was before. I had to go to therapy a few years ago.” I said. “Did she call me a horrible influence that exhibits signs of trauma and uses unhealth coping mechanisms?”

“No actually she said having drinks with a friend and talking is normal health behavior.” Bucky said.

“Your therapist and my therapist need to talk.” I said.

“Then she said I need to try to talk to Steve about what I told you.” Bucky said.

“Well she’s not wrong. You might actually have more luck than me.” I said.

“But you don’t give me that look… the America is disappointed in you look.” He said.

“That’s what you call it? I call it the kicked puppy look.” I said.

“The big glossy eyes and frown…” Bucky said.

“Bucky he’s been trying to get you to talk to him since he found you.” I said. “Look I’m still pissed at Steve, and I’m not going to forget what he did anytime soon but the reason we’re having problems comes down to communication.”

“It’s not that easy.” Bucky said.

“It’s not but as my therapist said a relationship is a partnership. You get what you put into it and think of it this way, if you talk to Steve what’s the worst thing that can happen?”

“The kicked puppy look. He’ll be sad. He’ll be more…. Attached.” He said.

“He’s sad when you don’t talk to him and as for the hovering there are a lot of places to hide in the compound and if you want to get away we have guest rooms.” I said. “Or we can get drunk again. Well I’ll get drunk again.”

That made him smile.

“Steve’s an idiot but he’s our idiot. And he always has good intentions” I said. “It’ll work out.”

“Are you going to talk to him?” Bucky asked.

“I talk to him all the time. He just won’t talk to me.” I said. “Besides it’s his turn to plan our date. Hopefully he shows up this time.”

We stayed quiet for a minute.

“I kinda want more ice cream.” I admitted.

“Me too.” Bucky said. We looked at each other before getting up and going to buy more ice cream.