Fated Marks

A very large Dorito shaped weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I wasn’t happy about the breakup. I mean I broke up with my soulmate… someone the universe for some reason decided I was meant to be with but this was the right thing to do. In a relationship if one person isn’t happy the other can’t really be happy… unless they’re in complete denial or are complete self-centered jerks.

Anyways I was feeling better than I’d felt in weeks. Even my appetite was back, as was apparent by the half dozen maple bacon donuts I ate on my way to the Tower from the donut shop.

I walked into the lab where Tony was smoldering something on his watch.

“Morning.” I said going to set down the box with what was left of the donuts.

“Morning sunshine.” Tony said putting everything down and coming to greet me with a kiss. “You’re in a good mood. Good session?”

“Something like that.” I said. “Brought donuts.”

“Oh Maple bacon.” He said grabbing one and taking a bite.

“What are we working on?” I asked.

“Working on an updated version of the watch gauntlet. Wanted to start off my day with something fun before I start double checking the boring stuff R&D came up with.” He said.

“You mean the Starkphone, and stark pad, and the updates to Starkle’s operating system?” I retorted.

“You know me so well.” Tony said.

“Let’s see what these guys have come up with.” I said turning to the computer screen and bringing up their updates. “Wow… haven’t even zoomed in and I can already see three… no wait five mistakes.”

“I know it’s like correcting a preschooler’s grammar.” Tony said.

“Well you can save yourself so much time in future updates and increase speed if you cut this down rewrite it…” I said correcting everything. Tony just watched me do exactly what I was saying and listened to me talk about everything I was doing.

“You ever miss it?” Tony asked.

“Hm?” I asked.

“Work? Coding? Late night lab sessions?” Tony asked.

“Sometimes.” I said. “Don’t get me wrong I love retirement. Traveling whenever we want, mid day hikes, sleeping in, farmer’s markets and gardening. It’s great but we also have a lot of free time and you can only work out so much in one day.”

“You know you could always come back to SI?” Tony said.

“I appreciate it but I’m okay. I’m looking into picking up some knew hobbies, might take a painting or pottery class.” I said.

“Fun.” Tony said obviously not completely convinced. “You know if you did come back, it’d mean we’d go on business trips together…”

“I could still go with you on business trips.” I said. “Sit with you through those boring dinners and play footsy under the table.”

“or going on said business trips and making them a long weekend?” He suggested. “You know I have a conference in Hawaii in a few months…”

“Hawaii is on my travel bucket list.” I said. “But right now there’s a repeat sequence that’s really bothering me.”

“Offer’s still there if you change your mind.” Tony said kissing me.

“Are you saying that because I’m doing your homework for you?” I teased.

“No but thank you.” He said kissing my cheek.

Back at the Compound…

Steve went back to the compound still processing the fact that his soulmate had broken up with him. How the hell did things get so bad?

He couldn’t focus on doing any paperwork so he decided to work out some stress in the gym. Everyone was also working out and training and didn’t think anything when he punched a sand bag so hard it ripped and had to grab a new one. They did notice something was off the sixth time it happened. He normally stuck to 5.

Everyone exchanged looks and then they all looked to Natasha who rolled her eyes but went to talk to him anyway.

Steve was punching way on bag number seven when Natasha got to him.

“What did that bag ever do to you?” Natasha said.

“Just working some things out.” Steve said as he kept punching the bag.

“Tough session?” She asked putting a hand behind her and signaling Clint to check in on Hayley.

“Last session.” Steve said.

“Really?” Natasha said confused. Hayley and Steve had been going to therapy for a while but not long enough to say they had solved all of their problems.

“Yeah… You’re all going to find out eventually so I’ll just say it, Hayley broke up with me.” Steve said.

“What?!” Everyone said.

“What does broke up mean? Captain Rogers does not appear to be injured.” Vision asked Wanda.

“It means they are no longer together. Their relationship is over.” Wanda explained.

“Captain Rogers was terminated from his relationship. The figure of speech is rather...” Vision said.

“What do you mean she broke up with you?” Sam said.

“Yeah, I thought you two were working on things.” Rhodey asked.

“We were, but she just decided she was done.” Steve said. “Said she needed a break from me.”

“Oh…” Everyone said.

“Did she say why? Or try talking her out of it?” Clint asked.

“She walked out of the session so I didn’t really get a chance to.” Steve said. “Then again she isn’t talking to me anyway so.. yeah. I’m going for a run.”

With that Steve walked out looking to clear his head.

“I didn’t know things were that bad.” Sam said. “Did Hayley say anything to you guys?”

“She doesn’t do that.” Clint and Natasha said

“Helps keep up boundaries and some sense of normal.” Natasha said.

“Think we should…” Clint asked Nat.

“He should know.” Natasha said before they walked out of the gym while Rhodey took out his phone and started texting Tony.

Back in New York…

Hayley was still in the lab correcting all the mistakes in the updates, completely in the zone and seeming a lot more relaxed that Tony had seen her be in a while. Especially for it being a Tuesday.

Then his phone started buzzing and saw a message from Rhodey asking him how Hayley was doing. He thought it was weird because Rhodey saw Hayley more than he did most weeks. The came the call from Natasha.

“Uh… Hales I need to take this…” Tony said.

“Okay. I’ll just be here.” She said still completely absorbed in what she was doing.

He stepped out into the hallway and answered the phone.

“Romanoff did you dump classified intel on internet again?” Tony asked.

“Is Hayley with you?” She asked and Tony instantly switched from gears from his usual snark self to concerned and serious.

“Yeah, she’s in the lab fixing some code. What’s going on?” He asked.

“Is she okay?” Clint asked.

“He’s fine, she’s actually in a really good mood.” Tony said. “Is something going on?”

“Steve and Hayley broke up.” Natasha said.

“What?” Tony said in shock. “Are you sure?”

“He told us.” Clint said.

“That can happen?” Tony asked.

“Tony.” Natasha said trying to get him to focus.

“Sorry just…what happened?”

“All we got out of Cap was that they were working through their problems and today she just told him she needed a break and walked out in the middle of their session.” Clint said.

“She broke up with him? She can do that?” He asked confused.

“Just keep an eye on her.” Natasha said. “Make sure she’s okay.”

“Yeah.” Tony said before hanging up before walking back into the lab.

Hayley’s POV-

“Hey so I managed to rework the sequences and I found a way to make the operating software work twice as fast.” I said smiling.

“That’s Great.” Tony said just giving me a weird look.

“Did you forget about a meeting again?” I asked.

“No, I’m all yours.” He said stepping up behind me and putting his arms around my waist kissing my cheek. “So you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, why?” I asked turning around and putting my hands on his shoulders.

“No reason.” He said and I arched an eyebrow. He seemed off since he came back from his phone call. He must’ve heard something… oh shit he knows.

“Okay, who told you?” I said.

“Who told me what?” Tony said.

“Steve wouldn’t call you so it was either Nat and Clint or Rhodey, who was it?” I said.

“It doesn’t matter I’m just making sure you’re okay.” He said.

“Nat and Clint.” I said knowing immediately. Tony didn’t usually try to be this subtle.

“You and Spangles broke up.” Tony said. “What happened?”

“Tony. You know I can’t tell you.” I said.

“Then give me the cliffnotes. You two were in therapy trying to fic things and you just quit?” Tony said.

“Is that what he said?” I asked.

“Uh Romanoff and Barton didn’t really say anything.” Tony said.

“Let’s leave it like that.” I said.

“Hales, I mean you just broke up with one of your soulmates that I know for a fact you’re in love with him are you really okay?” Tony said concerned.

“Honestly I’m okay.” I said. “Don’t get me wrong the whole situation sucks but it’s for the best.”

“You sure? I could let you try out the gauntlet on him, or we could take a break and visit the rage room? Or I just got this really great idea…” Tony said.

“Tony. I’m okay. Promise.” I said.

“Yeah?” He asked again.

“Yeah.” I said kissing him

“So uh… you’re not going to clean house now are you?” Tony said. “Cause I didn’t know breaking up was even an option?”

“Of course it’s on the table, this isn’t a hostage situation.” I said. “You can break up with me if you wanted.”

“Why would I ever want to do that?” Tony said.

“Well you were asking…” I said.

“Hales you’re it for me.” He said. “I love you. And I’m with you, good or bad. I’ll sit through all the therapy we need if comes down to it.”

“We’re not going to get to that point.” I reassured him sensing he was a bit tense. “This was… an extenuating circumstance. We on the other hand are good, and if they’re ever not good or one of us is unhappy we’ll let each other know and we’ll work it out, okay?”

“Okay.” Tony said a lot more relaxed as he kissed me before he just held me for a minute. “Did you lose weight? You feel thinner.”

“Haven’t noticed.” I said. Oh I had I just wasn’t going to make him worry.

“I’m getting you a bacon cheeseburger and a shake and some cupcakes while I’m at it.” He said.

“Tony I can’t eat that much.” I said.

“Your super brain needs it. Have you been drinking your super smoothies? You have a higher metabolism now.” He said. “Friday.”

“Food will be here within the next 30 to 45 minutes boss.” Friday answered.

“Good.” Tony said. “So have you told Will yet?”

“No, I actually haven’t seen him in weeks.” I said just as the elevator opened and Will ran in.

“Hayley!” he said before tackling me into a hug. “I am so so so sorry. I can’t believe this is happening.”

“You heard?” Tony asked.

“Of course I did, I’m in a group chat with the rest of the legal department at the compound.” Will said.

“Man, spies really are the worst gossip mongers.” I said.

“I knew things were rocky between you two but I didn’t know they were this bad.” Will said. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“We were trying to work it out and it didn’t.” I said.

“Are you okay? What do you need? Do you need ice cream? Do you need to go drinking? What did that dorito shaped asshole do? Who’s ass are we kicking? Are we trashing his bike because some dirt in the gas tank and that sucker won’t ever pollute the environment again? Just tell me what to do Hayley!” Will said.

“Breathe.” I told Will.

“But!” he started.

“Breathe.” I told will again and he did.

“I just…” He started.

“I know…” I said.

“And…” She continued.

“Yeah.” I said.

Tony just looked at us completely confused as to what was going on.

“And you…” He said again.

“I’m okay. Promise.” Hayley said.

“I’ve been such a shitty friend. I’ve been so focused on spending time with Winn and work I haven’t been there for you and you’re going through all of this and… I am here for you sis. Whatever you need, if you need a date with Ben and Jerry’s and white chicks I am there. If you want to purge Steve’s spangly ass from your life and burn everything he ever gave you I will get you a fire pit and lighter fluid or if you want to go out paint the town red and get fucked up… well you’re going to have to wait a few days but come Friday 5pm I am all yours.” Will said.

“Will I love you and I appreciate it but I’m okay. Really. It is what it is.” I said.

“Are you sure?” Will asked holding me at arm’s length and looking at me in the eyes for any signs I might be lying.

“Yeah we kind of went over this right before you got here.” I said.

“I offered her a suit gauntlet to shoot spangles.” Tony said. “And now I’m getting her food.”

“Love you.” I said as he walked out to go pick up the food from the Lobby. Tony still didn’t trust anyone to come into his lab since one of the interns brought him his dry cleaning and he happened to have a minor cold and he ended up catching it.

Will had a lunch date but he promised me he was a phone call away and that he was going to get me through this.

“Mhm… I didn’t get to tell you my idea.” Tony told me as I bit into my burger.

“If it involves maiming Steve or trashing his bike, I’ll pass.” I said.

“No, Remember when I told you the compound was a mess and Pepper and the rest of the board of the foundation were constantly nagging me to do something?” He said.

“I do, are you still ignoring them?” I asked.

“Sometimes but anyway I passed on your ideas for the organization and putting it down as a humanitarian organization… blah blah blah and apparently it’s all doable.” Tony said.

“Years of laundering drug money.” I said taking a sip of my shake.

“That solved one problem but there’s still plenty more to go. Fury and Hill have their hands full rebuilding the spy network and Cap… well he’s a soldier not a business man… or woman.” Tony said.

“Tony…” I said knowing where he was heading for it.

“Hales you worked with me and Pep. You basically did my job the whole time you were working here. You know how everything’s supposed to run. You managed a team of superheroes including hulk who you managed to talk down from Smashing. If you can handle that you can handle running one compound.” Tony said.

“That’s a horrible idea.” I said.

“Why?” Tony said.

“For one I’m retired.” I said. “I’m out of the life and helping organize a spy agency… that’s a practically falling back into old habits.”

“You’d be the head of a humanitarian nonprofit defense organization.” Tony said. “You wouldn’t be out in the field or doing any hacking if you don’t want to, you’d just be managing the people that do and all the logistics that come with operating said organization.”

“There’s also the fact that working with Steve who I just broke up with might be a bit awkward for everyone.” I said.

“Hales you wouldn’t be working for him, he’d be working for you.” Tony said. “You’d be the boss.”

“Tony, that’s a crazy idea and there’s no way they’d go for it.” I said.

“They already did. Well Pepper did, which is the only opinion besides mine that matters.” He said. “You’d get free reign, generous salary and full benefits, etc. You could work from home, or pick your own hours whatever you want.”

“Tony…” I started.

“You don’t have to give me an answer right now.” He said. “The job’s yours whenever you want it.”

“Thank you but I’m respectfully going to have to pass.” I said. “I’m sure you’ll find someone for it.”

“Yeah, can’t blame a guy for trying.” He said. “You look really good in pencil skirts and heels.”

“I don’t have to work to wear a skirt and heels… just don’t make me put hot rollers in my hair.” I said.

“Mhmm I don’t know Hales… “ Tony said and I glared at him. “Kidding. Kidding. Should I ask?”

“Nope.” I said.

Eventually I had to head home, even though will kept trying to convince me to crash at his place so we could have a Ben and Jerry’s cry session. He thought I was in complete denial and that’s why I wasn’t completely crushed and bawling on the ground.

The drive home was nice. Normally I was too stuck in my head to enjoy the scenery, or to even enjoy blasting music while I sang at the top of my lungs.

I walked in and was greeted by a very happy Lucky.

“Honey I’m home, and I brought cupcakes.” I said.

“Hey.” Clint said walking in and hugging me. “You okay?”

“I’m okay, promise.” I said.

“You want to talk about it?” He asked.

“There’s nothing to talk about.” I said before noticing mini pies on the counter. “Did you make pie?”

“Sort of.. we had a ton of Mac and cheese and leftovers from the other night so I made mac and cheese pot pies.” Clint said.

“Wow, you cook, you clean, you grow your own tomatoes and you flick cereal straight into my mouth from the other side of the room.” I said. “Is there anything you can’t do?”

“uh… still can’t tie a tie.” Clint said.

“Ties are overrated.” I told him. “Why don’t you go pick out a movie while I set everything up?”

“Alright.” He said kissing me before going to the living room. Just as expected Clint picked something with a lot of explosions, which was just what I wanted to see.

The Following Morning…

I fell asleep on the couch during the movie and Clint carried me to bed. Of course that meant I was up earlier than usual so I showered and I noticed the hamper was pretty full so I did a load of laundry and got started on breakfast.

I was making scrambled eggs when Clint walked in.

“Hey, you’re up early.” He said.

“Yeah, I woke up early and couldn’t go back to sleep so I started doing laundry and making breakfast.” I said turning off the stove and serving him eggs and bacon with some fruit and a cup of coffee.

“Mhmm bacon.” He said kissing me as I sat down next to him and we ate. “So what are we doing today?”

“Well it’s Wednesday so it’s farmer’s market day and after that… don’t know. We’re pretty much set for Bekah’s visit.” I said.

“I’m probably going to do some gardening, work on the loft some more.” He said.

“Wait till I get home, I don’t want you to fall and hurt yourself.” I told him.

“Okay.” He said smiling. “You uh feeling okay about going to the compound today?”

“Yeah why wouldn’t I be?” I asked.

“You might run into…” He started not wanting to say the name.

“Steve? You can say his name Clint, you’re not going to make me cry if you do.” I said.

“Why are you so… okay with this?” Clint said confused.

“It’s a complicated situation, and this was for the best.” I said as the washer started buzzing. “Time to start the dryer.”

After breakfast we headed to the compound. Clint had his sparring and shooting session with Nat while I was out with Bucky.

“Morning.” I said as we saw her in the gym.

“Hey.” She said coming over to hug me. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” I said. “Nothing to worry about. I should probably go look for Bucky. You coming over for dinner? I’m making lasagna.”

“I’ll be there.” She said smiling before I walked out. I made my way to the common room because that’s where Bucky normally was around this time. He didn’t like working out when everyone was around and would see his arm even though he knew none of us would say anything.

I walked into the kitchen and dropped off one of the boxes of cupcakes Tony had bought for me. For a second I thought there wasn’t anyone there but then Steve walked in.

“Oh. Hi.” He said.

“Hi.” I said looking around and not seeing Bucky. “I was looking for…”

“Buck’s getting ready.” Steve said.

“Okay.” I said walking out.

“Hayley.” He said making me stop in my tracks. “What happened yesterday… you were upset and I get that you didn’t mean it.”

“No I meant it.” I said.

“But you need to think things through.” He said.

“I did. It was actually all I thought about for weeks.” I said. “This is for the best.”

“Hayley you can’t just give up. We can work it out. Things can be different.” Steve said.

“Really? So you’re not still in love with your ex-girlfriend?” I said and Steve froze. “That’s what I thought.”

I turned around and saw Bucky standing in the doorway. I really needed to out a bell on him and Nat. Super spy/ assassin training left them with really quiet footsteps.

“Bucky.” Steve said.

“Are we going?” Bucky said looking at me.

“Yeah.” I said walking towards him and walking out. I heard a loud crash like someone had dropped a glass or something as we walked away but I didn’t look back. We got in the car and drove into town. Bucky didn’t seem at all off. He’d hmm or say a few words here like he usually did. We got to our ice cream spot and enjoyed ice cream like I hadn’t done in a while.

“You and Steve broke up.” He said. Wow he was going straight for it.

“Yeah.” I said. “About what you heard…”

“Steve has an ex-girlfriend?” Bucky asked.

“Well I mean he has two now.” I said. “But uh… that’s something you should talk to him about.”

It was quiet for a minute before he talked again.

“You’re okay.” He said not as a question but as a statement. Apparently as much as I had been watching and getting to know Bucky he had been doing the same even when it didn’t seem like it.

“Yeah.” I said.

“Okay.” Bucky said before he continued to eat his ice cream.

 We headed back and I dropped off Bucky telling him that I left cupcakes on the kitchen. I went to check on Clint and Nat who were in the middle of a shoot off. Well not really a shoot off because against Clint there really was no winning. I stood back waiting for them to finish up, knowing better than to surprise anyone holding a firearm.

“Hey back already?” Natasha said.

“Yeah, thought you might want this.” I said handing her a bottle of pressed juice.

“Thanks.” She said kissing my cheek.

“Did I miss anything?” I asked.

“Nothing Clint just talking about his new perch.” Natasha teased.

“It’s not a perch it’s a loft.” Clint said.

“Is there a difference?” She retorted as she took a sip of her juice.

“Just wait until I finish.” He said.

“You want to head back with us?” I asked her.

“No I have a few things I need to do, but I’ll be by later.” She said.

“Okay.” I said.

“We’re also making Berry Cobbler.” Clint said.

“You two have too much free time.” Natasha said.

“Perks of retirement.” I said. “We should head out. Takes time to make the sauce.”

“Yeah.” He said.

“Dinner should be ready around 6:30…” I said looking at Clint.

“Seven.” Clint corrected glancing at Nat who nodded.

“Alright, see you at seven.” I said kissing Nat before we headed home.

Third Person’s POV-

Meanwhile at the Avenger’s Compound Common Room Bucky walked in feeling calm and even slightly cheerful as he normally did when he got home on Farmer’s Market day. It also helped that Hayley told him there were red velvet cupcakes waiting for him in the common room.

He walked in expecting to see the pastry box on the counter like it always was but when he got there…  he walked in and saw the box was indeed on the counter where Hayley said it was but it was also crushed. Like someone had pounded their hands and arms on it on purpose. There was frosting all over the counter.

Steve walked in holding paper towels.

“Bucky.” He said.

Bucky didn’t say anything just looked down at the crushed box filled with ruined cupcakes and then up at Steve and then back at the box.

“I uh… I dropped something on it. Sorry.” Steve said.

Bucky didn’t say anything just gave Steve a blank look and started to walk out.

“Buck can we talk?” Steve said. Bucky turned around and just stood there waiting for him to say something. “About what you heard earlier, I know you’re probably confused…”

Bucky still didn’t say anything.

“After you fell I was alone and I was just lost. Peggy helped me through it and along the way it became more. I-I fell in love with her.” Steve said. “And for a while I actually imagined a life with her after. It kept me going until I went into the ice and I woke up seventy years in the future. I found Hayley and I thought that would be enough but I’m still in love with Peggy and things just got complicated.”

He still didn’t say anything.

“A-are you going to say anything?” Steve asked.

Bucky paused for a minute.

“I was dead, you moved on. It happens.” He said with a shrug. “I told you to fix things with Hayley not ruin my cupcakes.”

“I… sorry.” Steve said.

Bucky didn’t say anything just walked away leaving Steve to clean up the mess.

Hayley’s POV-

We relaxed for a while before we started cooking.

“So Nat thinks we have too much free time.” I started.

“Well we do. That’s what happens when you retire.” Clint said.

“Yeah, but that’s a good thing right?” I asked.

“It’s awesome. Getting to sleep in whenever we want, we could literally pick up and go on a vacation whenever. It does get a bit slow sometimes but in a good way.” He said.

“Yeah plus we have time to pick up some new hobbies. Like cooking, the loft…” I said.

“We can take a couple’s class or volunteer.” Clint said.

“Exactly.” I said. “Also I forgot to tell you but Tony offered me a job.”

“Your old job?” Clint asked. “The commute might be tough but we could make it work.”

“Not my old job, new job. Running the compound.” I said.

“Wow that’s big.” Clint said.

“I turned it down.” I said.

“You did? Why?” Clint asked.

“Well for starters we’re retired.” I said. “Not working is kind of part of that.”

“We retired from going on missions and dealing with criminal organizations, alien invasions or anything dangerous. We don’t work because we’re set for life.” He said.

“Okay, then there’s the fact that I just broke up with Steve and that might make things awkward for everyone else.” I said.

“We’re all grown ups.” Clint said. “Hales, you know I’m with you no matter what. Your break up or making other people uncomfortable shouldn’t be a reason you don’t take the job. It’s your choice. And for what it’s worth I think you’d be great at it. Plus we’re already there all the time.”

“Still a bit too close to falling into old habits.” I said.

“Okay but if you change your mind…” Clint started.

“I’m sure I won’t but I love you for being so supportive.” I said kissing him.

“It’s what I do.” He said before we heard the door open. “Looks like Nat’s here.”

“Anyone home?” Tony called out as he popped into the kitchen.

“Tony?” I said surprised to see him.

“Surprise!” He said.

“Hey.” I said hugging him. “What are you doing here?”

“What, can’t a guy surprise his soulmate with a visit?” He said hugging me.

“Of course you can but it’s a bit of a long drive.” I said.

“Not that long in the suit.” He said.

“Well come on in.” I said.

“Hey man.” Clint said.

“Hey.” Tony said. “What are you making?”

“Berry cobbler.” Clint said.

“Lasagna.” I said just I went to check on it. “Anything to drink? Water, iced tea, juice, coffee?”

“Coffee.” Tony said.

“Got it.” I said pouring Tony a cup.

“So you tell Clint about the job yet?” Tony asked.

“She did.” Clint said.

“She should take it right?” Tony said.

“She’s right here.” I said putting his coffee in front of him. “And I stand by what I said.”

“The offer’s still on the table.” Tony said. “Not going anywhere.”

“But if you change your mind…” Clint said.

“I can, I know.” I said just as the oven timer went off. “Lasagna’s done, is the cobbler ready to go in?”

“Yeah can you just turn down the oven temp?” Clint said.

“325 okay?” I asked.

“That’s good.” He said as we spun to avoid and switch spots. “I’ll grab and extra place setting.”

“I’ll help set the table.” Tony said.

“You know how to set a table?” Clint teased.

“Yeah, forks, knives, place mats and glasses.” Tony said following after him to the dining room. The dining room we almost use. Actually that was the first time we would ever use it.

The door opened and I heard someone walk in.

“Just in time.” I said. “Just pulled the lasagna out of the oven and you’re never going to guess who’s also he…”

Nat was standing at the doorway and standing next to her was Steve.

“Hope I’m not intruding…” Steve said.

“Hey.” I said looking at Nat who was smiling innocently.

“Okay table’s set.” Clint said.

“Honey we’re going to need an extra place setting.” I said.

“I’ll go set that up.” Clint said.

“Hey Cap,” Tony said.

“Tony, didn’t know you were going to be here.” He said.

“Yeah wanted to surprise Hayley.” Tony said.

“Table’s set.” Clint said. “I’ll grab the salad.”

“We should head in.” I said.

“I’ll grab the wine.” Clint said before whispering to me. “And put an extra bottle to cool off.”

“Thank you.” I said going to the dining room. I took a seat on one side closest to the kitchen. Clint sat at the head of the table while Nat and Tony sat across from me leaving only the spot next to me, the only spot for Steve to sit down.

Oh fuck, this was an ambush.

Of course they would do this. I hadn’t spilled anything and I’m guessing there was no way Steve would say anything… or maybe he did considering he would rather talk to anyone but me. I looked out of the corner of my eye to look at Steve.

Body language screamed anxiety. His back wasn’t straight so he was slightly hunched over like he was shielding himself, waiting for a blow and his foot was tapping. He didn’t plan on being here meaning someone, probably Natasha made him come.

I started serving myself as well as everyone else and filled up my very big glass of wine up to the top. Pretty sure they were trying to get me drunk so I’d spill. Definitely got that from Will.

“Lasagna’s great, are these the tomatoes you were growing?” Natasha asked.

“No Hales got these at the farmer’s market. It’s still going to be a while before we get any tomatoes from those plants.” Clint said.

“How’s Pepper doing?” Steve asked.

“She’s good, busy like always. But better now that Daniel isn’t traveling as much and staying in New York.” Tony said. “How was your week Cap?”

“Could’ve been better.” Steve said as I took a drink from my glass.

“Break ups can be tough.” Tony said.

“That was subtle.” Clint said sarcastically.

“Since Tony brought it up, you guys want to tell us what happened?” Natasha said.

“Thought we were here for dinner?” Steve said.

“Dude it’s pretty obvious we just walked into an ambush.” I said.

“It’s not an ambush, it’s more of an intervention.” Tony said.

“Guys an intervention isn’t going to solve anything.” I said. “It’s really for the best.”

“Hayley have you guys really tried to work it out?” Natasha said.

“We did.” I said. “At least I did. It’s really for the best.”

“Is it?” Steve said.

“You really want to do this now?” I asked.

“Why not it’s not like they don’t already know.” Steve said.

“They don’t know.” I said taking a long drink of wine.

“You tell them everything.” Steve said.

“Not everything.” Natasha, Tony and Clint said.

“They don’t know.” Steve said looking at me in disbelief.

“Nope. So you want to tell them or should I because they’re not going to drop it now.” I said.

“Tell us what?” Natasha said.

I looked to him daring him to even try to lie.

“I lied to Hayley about Peggy. She wasn’t just a friend, we were involved. Romantically.” Steve said.

“Shit.” Clint said getting a feeling of where this was going and bowing out. He gently slipped his hand under the table, putting his hand on my knee. I looked over and smiled at him putting my hand over his and giving it a gentle squeeze.

“That was like a hundred years ago.” Tony said. I glared at Steve urging him to continue.

“There’s more.” Natasha said.

“I was in love with her and I still am.” Steve said.

“I’m out.” Tony said picking up his glass.

“She was a big part of your life and she represents your old life, what you left behind.” Nat said keeping a level head and trying to look at this objectively.

“Keep talking.” I said not even looking at him.

“Hayley what more do I need to say. I can’t apologize for how I feel.” Steve said.

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.” I said not at all angry just done making excuses for him.

“What did you do?” Natasha said and Steve refused to make eye contact with her so after a minute of Nat staring him down and him still not saying anything I decided to just pull the plug on this whole thing so we could enjoy the rest of dinner in peace.

“He was not only refusing to try and putting the blame of all of our problems on me in therapy while I was trying to work on us but he also kept comparing me to her, the phrase ‘Peggy would understand’ was said multiple times.

“You’re on your own.” Natasha said before muttering idiot in Russian.

“So what do you guys think of the lasagna? I mixed in a bit of parmesan with the ricotta, is it salty?” I asked.

“No it was good. Balances out with the sauce.” Tony said.

“Maybe I should…” Steve started getting up.

“Sit down. Dinner’s not over yet.” I said taking a bite of lasagna.

“How’s the loft coming along?” Tony asked Clint.

“You mean his perch?” Natasha jabbed.

“I mean we could always call it what it really is, his man cave.” I said.

“It’s not just a man cave.” Clint said. “It could also work as a guest house. I’ve got some ideas and you always like my ideas. You do love the house.”

“I do, hard to believe it’s the same death trap.” I said as we held hands on the table. I didn’t notice Steve staring at our joined hands.

We finished up and just as I was about to stand up to clear the dishes.

“Oh no you don’t. You cooked, I got this.” Clint said.

“You sure?” I asked.

“Sit.” Natasha said standing up and picking up plates and going into the kitchen.

“Actually I think I need a water.” I said.

“I got you.” Tony said taking my glass.

That left me and Steve alone in the dining room.

“I didn’t know this was going to happen. Dinner I mean.” Steve said.

“Don’t worry about it.” I said. “I should have known something was up when Tony randomly showed up in the middle of the week.”

“Should have known when Natasha said you invited both of us.” He said.

“Yeah you really should have.” I said.

“Is this what it’s going to be like now?” Steve said.

“I don’t know. It’s been a day.” I said.

“What a day.” He said.

“No I mean it’s literally only been a day.” I said. “We’ve got somethings to figure out.”

“Things we should probably talk about.” Steve said.

“Or not. We’re not a couple anymore and I’m all talked out.” I said.

“I don’t want to break up.” Steve said.

“We already broke up.” I said.

“I’m in love with Peggy.” He said.

“No shit.” I said. “Thanks for the reminder.” 

“I didn’t mean…” he started again.

“Course you didn’t. I’m going to see what’s the hold up with the cobbler.” I said.

“Hayley just…” Steve said. “I love Peggy but I love you too.”

“You really don’t get it do you?” I said.

“I love you and if you love me then nothing else matters.” Steve said.

“If you really loved me you wouldn’t have treated me the way you did.” I said getting up and walking to the kitchen where Nat, Clint and Tony were standing oddly close to the doorway obviously eavesdropping. “There’s vanilla ice cream in the freezer.”

“Got it.” Natasha said going to get it.

“Got your water.” Tony said handing me the glass.

“Thanks.” I said taking the glass and switching spots sitting at the head of the table, while Clint took my old spot. We each got a bit of cobbler and ice cream and dug into dessert.

“So what’s going to happen now?” Tony asked. “How’s this supposed to work between you two?”

“Well there’s nothing to work out hence the break up.” I said.

“I think he means how are you two going to get along now?” Clint said.

“Does what I want not matter?” Steve said.

“Course it does.” I said.

“I don’t want to break up.” Steve said.

“Except that.” I said. “I guess we’ll continue the way we did before the breakup except now we’re not together. Steve can continue to ignore me for work no hard feelings and maybe eventually we can be friends.”

“This isn’t something we can’t get past.” Steve said.

“The months we spent in therapy say otherwise.” I said.

“We just wanted to make sure you to keep the peace.” Tony said. “No screaming matches or throwing his stuff out a window, trashing his bike you know especially if…”

No way I was going to tell Steve about a job I wasn’t taking.

“If I’m going to be around so much and don’t worry. We’re all grown ups. We can be civil.” I said.

“If you say so.” Tony said looking at me curiously.

Steve excused himself after dessert, said he had an early day and needed to get some sleep. Nat decided to sleep over so he took her car back to the compound.

“You sure you don’t want to sleep over?” I asked Tony.

“Autopilot flies the suit and I’m nowhere near drunk. Besides, I think tonight’s more of a threesome than a foursome kind of night.” Tony said.

“Okay, text me when you get home and don’t stay up to late.” I said.

“Yes dear.” He said kissing me before he got into the suit that was waiting for him outside and he flew off.

“Sorry.” Natasha said. “I didn’t know.”

“You were just being a good friend.” I told her in understanding as we walked back to the kitchen where Clint was loading the dishwasher.

“So it’s really over? No way you two could ever get back together?” Clint asked.

“Look there would literally be no point in us getting back together right now. I’ve never seen the point of on again off again relationships. There’s a reason you break up the first time and if that hasn’t changed then eventually you will break up again whether it be a few months or years down the line.”

“You said right now.” Natasha said.

“If he actually listened and worked through his problems then yeah maybe there’s a chance for us later on but right now we’re done.” I said before I started yawning.

“Drink one more glass, you’ll thank me for it tomorrow.” Clint said putting a glass of water in front of me.

“Thanks” I said drinking water.

The Following Day…

Day two post break up I was still feeling good about my decision. I was great. I showed up at the compound just to hang out with Bucky. He had finished Friends and was getting towards the end of How I met your Mother so I wanted to be there for his reaction… if he had a reaction.

“Hey Bucky you ready for it to end?” I said coming in with some of the cobbler from the night before.

“Is it going to end with him meeting the kids mother?” Bucky said as he kept his eyes on the dish with the cobbler.

“I assume he does considering he has kids with her. Unless he got a surrogate and did it solo. And the whole series is a flashback.” I said heating up the cobbler in the microwave while I took out the ice cream.

“I hope not.” Bucky said just as Sharon walked in.

“Oh, hi.” She said. Bucky and I just stared at her. Wow she looked like a deer in the headlights, half expecting Bucky to go off at any second. “Uh is Steve around?”

“Check his office.” I said scooping up ice cream and putting it on the cobbler. I grabbed a spoon and I handed it to Bucky.

“I’ll go…” She said.

“Sure.” I said following Bucky to the couch. “Okay where’d you leave off?”

“The episode with the guy some of them hate and they tell you about the other characters from before.” Bucky said.

“That was a good one.” I said picking out the episode. I pressed play and just watched while eating.

We were at the end of the second episode when Steve walked in with Sharon behind him.

“Oh didn’t know you guys were…” Steve started.

“SH!” Me and Bucky shushed.

“Sorry.” Steve said. We heard some whispering and laughter. Bucky picked up the remote and turned up the volume.

We didn’t say a word for about another hour until the last episode ended.

“That’s it?” Bucky said.

“Yeah.” I answered.

“They spent the entire season getting married and they split up five minutes later.” Bucky said. “I like the ending they gave Friends better.”

“Endings are hard. Still can’t believe he ended up with Robin though.” I said.

“That was an obvious ending.” He said.

“Why do you say that?” I asked.

“He spent the entire show in love with Robin, He talked more about Robin than the mom.” Bucky said. “Good show though.”

“In the mood for a game?” I asked him as I looked to the stack of board games.

“Sure.” He said. “I like scrabble.”

“Scrabble it is.” I said grabbing the box and setting up the board. We sat across the coffee table from each other and started the match. My letters didn’t really spell out anything so I decided to try and make words in other languages.

“Mysh?” Bucky said confused.

“Mysh.” I said in the Russian pronunciation and accent.

“Mouse. That’s how we’re playing?” he said in russian.

“I mean unless you’re scared you’ll lose?” I said.

“Are you sure Doll? I speak a lot of languages.” He said switching from Russian to French.

“You’re not the only one.” I said in Chinese.

“Alright then.” He said in Russian. “I’ll take your mouse and make it… meat.”

We kept going on and on. Laughing and joking around. We were completely in the zone and completely forgot that there was anyone else in the room. We also didn’t notice Steve just staring at us longingly while Sharon just kept babbling.

The conversation just kept getting louder and more annoying on their end. Bucky must’ve gotten tired of listening to her constant flirting and Steve obliviousness.

“Want to go for a walk?” Bucky said.

“Sure, we can call it a draw.” I said.

“Vodka and triple word score.” he retorted.

“Thought it was double?” I said.

“Triple.” He said moving the E.

“Triple it is.” I said grabbing the pouch and putting everything away before we walked out. It was a nice day out so we walked around the lake, a few of the other agents passed us by as they ran their laps. Eventually we took a break at the docked sitting area.

“This is nice.” I said.

“Yeah.” He said.

“Wonder if anyone ever goes swimming here?” I said.

“Not when there’s a pool.” Bucky said.

“True.” I answered. “Good hiding spot though.”

“I should come here more often.” Bucky said.

“Have you talked to Steve?” I asked.

“Yesterday. Told me about Peggy.” He said.

“That’s good but I meant about other stuff.” I said. “You know cause your therapist gave you homework?”

“Not really.” He said shifting awkwardly.

“Sorry.” I said.

“What for?” Bucky asked.

“Well since we broke up he’s probably going to have a lot more free time to focus on you.” I said.

“He’s going to be around a lot isn’t he?” Bucky said.

“Probably.” I said.

“It’s a big compound.” Bucky said.

“You might just want to talk to him. You’ll save yourself a lot of problems and therapy in the long run.” I said.

“I know.” Bucky said.

“I should head back, need to make sure Clint doesn’t overdo it.” I said. “You want to stay here a bit longer?”

“Yeah, the gym’s busy and Steve’s probably still in the common room.” Bucky said.

“You can’t avoid him forever.” I said patting his shoulder. “I’ll see you later.”

“Hayley.” He said. “Thanks.”

“Anytime.” I said walking back. I got into the compound and walked to the Gym. I saw Vision and Wanda training but no sign of Clint and Natasha. So I went to the shooting range. I turned on a hallway and ran right into Steve. “Oh sorry.”

“It’s okay. Where’s Bucky?” Steve said.

“He’s getting some air.” I said.

“Did he say anything?” Steve said.

“Talk to him.” I said as I kept walking.

“I told him about Peggy.” He said.

“Okay.” I said as I kept walking.

“He seemed okay, was he okay?” He said.

“Steve, I have the same rule with Bucky that I do with you and everyone else. What we talk about stays between us.” I said. “if you want to know talk to him.”

“How can I you’re always taking him away?” Steve said.

“Stop acting like a five year old, he’s a grown man not a toy.” I said as I opened to the door to the firing range and walked in.

Friday Morning…

I woke up feeling Clint kiss along my shoulder, up to my neck and down my spine.

“Mhmm,” I moaned.

“Morning.” Clint said as he kept moving lower and lower as he slowly moved to my hip and turned me to lie on my back.

“What are you doing?” I asked as he kissed my inner thigh.

“Enjoying the last few hours of alone time.” He said.

“What think you’re not going to be able to make it through the week?” I said running my fingers through his hair as he kissed my thigh.

“Not that, just going to have to sneak around, not going to be able to make as much noise.” He said giving me a teasing lick.

“Uh… better make it  ah…count.” I said

Oh we made it count… multiple times. And very loudly.

After we tired each other out we made it out of bed and made breakfast before we finished cleaning up and putting away any guns Clint and Natasha had left hidden around the house. There was really no point in babyproofing if we left those lying around.

“Oh one thing.” I told Clint. “Bekah still doesn’t know about the break up and I want to keep it that way.”

“You haven’t told her?” Clint asked.

“No the last couple of times we talked on the phone she sounded like a mess. There was yelling and crying…” I said. “Just didn’t want to add to it.”

“They do seem to have their hands full with the kids.” Clint said. “She won’t hear it from me but you should tell her.”

“I will, just want her to take a break and relax first.” I said.

“Yeah, I see your point.” He said as he finished folding towels to put in the guest bathroom.

“Ma’am your guests have crossed the property line.” Friday said.

“Did we get all of the guns?” I asked.

“I think so, left one in the vent though just in case.” He said.

“Just in case of what?” I said.

“You never know.” Clint said.

“Well not like Adam can reach it anyway.” I said. “Guns in the basement, Towels fluffed and folded and lunch is in the oven, we’re good to go.”

At that exact second the doorbell rang.

“Right on time.” Clint said as we went to answer the door.

“Hey you…” I said before Adam ran in.

“Adam, say hi to your aunt.” John said. “Hey, bathroom?”

“Down the hall to your left.” Clint said.

“thanks, Adam don’t climb that!” John shouted as he ran in.

“Hey be…” I started but she was bouncing the baby as he screamed his lungs out.

“Bag bag, take the bag.” She said as her hags were falling off her shoulder and the baby kept crying.

“Oh!” I said taking them from her.

“Doggy!” Adam said when he spotted Lucky.

“Adam be nice sweetie.” Beks said as the baby calmed down and she sat down only for him to start crying again. “Ah not again.”

“Oh that’s better.” John said as he walked back in. “Hey sorry about that, long car ride.”

“No problem.” We said.

“Here honey.” John said taking the baby from her and rocking him.

“Adam don’t…” Rebekah said.

“I got him.” I said going to wrap my arms around Adam and picking him up from the second shelf of the bookshelf. “Hey monkey boy.” I said before blowing a raspberry on his cheek making him laugh.

“You guys hungry? We made lunch?” Clint said.

“Oh that’d be great.” Rebekah said. “Anything besides dinosaur chicken nuggets.”

“Spaghetti and Meatballs good?” I asked.

“Pasghetti!” Adam cheered.

“That’s a yes.” Bekah said.

“I also looked up ways to help colicky teething babies, found something that might help.” I said.

“We use the teething gel.” John said.

“It’s this thing we found at a baby store in the city. It has a little net you can put fruit or ice in.” I said going to the freezer and taking out a piece of frozen peach in the net. “He doesn’t have any allergies right?”

“No he passed that test with flying colors.” John said.

“Just checking.” I said gently putting the netted fruit in Nate’s mouth. He fussed for a sec before he bit down and started fussing. he grabbed onto it and started gnawing.

“He stopped.” Bekah said.

“Come on buddy, let’s get you some pascetti.” I said putting Adam down and leading him to the kitchen.

“Here’s a high chair…” Clint said bringing out the one we bought for Nate.

“You bought a high chair?” Rebekah said.

“You didn’t have to do that.” John said.

“It’s no trouble, we wanted you guys to feel at home.” I said serving Adam on a kiddy plate.

“So what’s new with you guys?” Clint asked.

“Pretty much what you just saw.” Rebekah said.

“And work.” John said. “You guys?”

“Eh… nothing much.” Clint said.

“Just enjoying retired life.” I said.

“You two bored yet?” Bekah asked.

“No.” Clint and I said.

“We keep busy.” I said. “Cooking.”

“Gardening.” Clint said.

“Visiting my soulmates.” I said.

“I’m sure they keep you busy.” She said.

“So you two got any plans for the week?” Clint asked.

“Uh, not sure. We might go into the city, might have a date night if Aunt Hayley and Uncle Clint Could watch their only nephews?” Rebekah said and they both looked at us anxiously.

“Sure, we’re going to have fun.” Clint said.

“Plus it’ll be good practice for when you two start having your own.” John said.

“We’re still a while away from that happening but Aunt Hayley and Uncle Clint would love to babysit.” I said.

Just as we were finishing up lunch Will marched in from the back door.

“Okay Hales I got out of work early meaning we can beat rush hour traffic and enjoy a night out on the town.” Will said. “Oh hello.”

“Will, you remember Beks and John?” I said.

“Course I do. How are you guys?” Will said.

“Good on vacation.” She said.

“So Bekah’s coming with us?” He said.

“Coming with us where?” I asked.

“Our night out, you know traditional post break up night out where we get totally wasted and make Steve’s spangly a...” Will started.

“Ehem!” Clint said clearing his throat and signaling to will that there were kids present.

“I mean… how about we go watch movies and eat ice cream.” Will said.

“What’s he talking about?” Rebekah said.

“Wait you mean she doesn’t know?” Will said.

“What don’t I know Hayley?” Rebekah said.

“Uh well I was going to wait until you were a bit more relaxed and in vacation mode but I guess now’s a good a time as any. I broke up with Steve.” I said.

“What?!” She said. “You … but he’s your soulmate? I thought you two were okay?”

“We weren’t.” I said.

“When did this happen?” She said.

“Tuesday.” Will said.

“Oh my gosh Hayley.” Rebekah said standing up to hug me. “What did that bloody idiot do?!”

“Beks it’s fine.” I said patting her arm.

“It’s not fine. You must be heartbroken.” She said.

“I’m good.” I said.

“She’s in shock.” Will said. “Or in denial. That’s why we need to go out and drown your sorrows…”

“Guys I’m really okay. There are no sorrows here.” I said.

“Denial.” Rebekah and Will said.

“Told you, you need a night out.” Will said.

“Maybe you guys should go out.” Clint said.

“Yeah, I mean we are on vacation. You should go out and have a siblings day.” John said. “I can stay with the kids, have a guys night.”

“You sure?” Rebekah said as she took my hand and slowly started moving back, exiting the kitchen.

“Yeah. You deserve to have a night off.” John said.

“Okay but if you need anything call me!” Rebekah said as we ran upstairs to grab some things.

“He really had to beg her for it huh?” Will whispered so only I’d hear.

“We better hurry before the baby starts crying and he changes his mind.” I said.

“I’m borrowing something from your closet.” Rebekah said. “And shoes.”

“Help yourself.” I said. Beks looks through my entire closet pulling out a few things and sticking them in a bag. Probably more than I’d actually need before we headed downstairs.

“We’re going to head out.” Beks said. “Call me if anything, remember Nate needs his ear drops and he has to be on his side. Keep an eye on Adam, don’t let him out of your sight for a second. Love you, and I love you, be good for your dad okay?”

“Okay mommy.” Adam said giving her a toothy grin.

“We’ll be back later tonight.” I told Clint.

“She means tomorrow morning.” Will said.

“Gone till morning. Hangovers and screaming kids don’t mix.” Rebekah said grabbing my hand.

“Love you.” I kissed Clint before Rebekah pulled me away. “See you tomorrow!”

Bekah and I piled into my car while Will drove in his car. There was no way we were all going to fit in one car. Once we were at the apartment we started pre gaming. Will got us all beers as we started getting dressed. Bekah was struggling to find something to wear. She had brought most of my closet but her post baby body was something she was still getting used to.

“Okay I got my outfit.” I said holding jeans and a cute black top.

“Oh no you don’t, you’re wearing this.” Will said taking the clothes out of my hands and handing me a dress. If you could even call it that.

“And these.” Rebekah said throwing some shoes at me I barely caught.

“What was wrong with my outfit?” I asked.

“Just try it on.” Will said before he turned and saw bekah trying on a white off the shoulder top with jeans.

“That’s cute.” Will said.

“Nope.” She said. “White is not my friend anymore.”

“Guys.” I started.

“Go.” They said.

“You said no to white but black is everyone’s friend.” Will said passing something to Bekah.

“And stretchy and bottoms...” Bekah said as I was in the bathroom.

I took out the dress and slipped it on. Why did I ever think buying this was a good idea? It was a light grey mini dress that ended at mid thigh and was low cut in the front. I felt like my boobs were going to spill out. It was fitted and short which with the slit that went up my thigh left very little to the imagination. I slipped on the see transparent heels with a pointed golden tip. I was still wearing my arrow necklace and the green peridot ring Thor had given me.

“Okay guys I’m not wearing this.” I said coming out.

“Wow!” Will said “Give us a spin.”

“You look hot.” Rebekah said.

“I don’t even know how this can be called a dress.” I said.

“Wear it.” Rebekah and Will said at the same time.

“Besides the whole point of tonight is to show the world that Hayley Adams is back on the market. You are on the rebound.” Will said.

“But I’m not. I’m in a stable loving relationship with five people. Two of those are long distance relationships but still loving stable relationships.” I said.

“You just got out of a relationship.” Rebekah said. “I think the point Will is trying to make is that you need to have some fun. Show Steve what he lost.”

“I seriously doubt he cares but sure I’ll indulge you.” I said before picking up a short beaded and gold printed mini skirt. “You wear this.”

“You have good taste even if you don’t act like it.” Rebekah said taking it and slipping it on. With the black mid sleeved top it looked perfect. With the gold and pink pumps it looked perfect.

“I still think I should change.” Will said as he snapped a photo of me on my phone sent it to the soulmate group chat, made sure Steve saw it, then kicked Steve out of said group chat. Will was a good best friend and very petty when he took sides in breakups.

“Keep the dress, besides it’s time for shot.” Bekah said.

“Yes!” Will said.

“I thought you were breast feeding?” I asked.

“That’s why I’m pumping and dumping.” Bekah said as she poured us each a shot. “To my first night off as a mom.”

“To Friends.” Will said.

“To… losing negativity.” I said with a small smile. “Cheers.”

“Cheers.” They said and we took a shot.

“Uh…” Rebekah said. “It really has been too long.”

“That just means you need another one.” Will said pouring us some more.

Meanwhile…

Back at the compound everyone was enjoying a bit of downtime. It was dinner time and everyone made it a habit to stick around to eat together.

Everyone was seated around the kitchen counter enjoying their Chinese takeout when Steve and Natasha’s phone dinged.

Natasha and Steve opened it. Natasha smiled when she saw the photo of Hayley in her dress. She replied with a heart eyes emoji.

“Do we have a mission?” Rhodey asked.

“No it’s just Hayley.” Natasha said. putting the phone down. “Think she went out, sent an emoji.”

“You did?” Steve asked.

“That’s the point of sending a message, to get a reply.” Natasha deadpanned.

“Oh.” He said deciding to send a message to be polite, also because he thought she looked gorgeous in the photo. Only problem was that when he tried to send the photo it wouldn’t send. “Uh I think something’s wrong with my phone. It won’t send the message.”

“Hand it over old man.” Sam said.

“That going to get old at some point.” Steve said.

“Wow, Hayley looks amazing.” Sam said as he tried sending the message only to see Steve couldn’t see the group chat anymore. “Oh…”

“Is it broken?” Steve asked.

“No but uh you’re not going to be able to send that message.” Sam said.

“Why not?” He asked confused.

“You’re not in the group chat anymore.” Sam said.

“Oh.” Rhodey said realizing what was going on.

“Why not I was just in it a minute ago?” Steve said still not getting what was going on.

“I think you got kicked out of the group.” Sam said.

“Kicked out?” Steve said.

“Hayley was the one that started the group so she controls who’s in it.” Natasha said and everyone stayed quiet.

“Oh.” Steve said before it stayed quiet for a minute.

“That’s cold.” Rhodey whispered to Sam who nodded.

“You alright man?” Sam asked.

“Yeah it’s fine. I’m not so great at texting anyway. Never learned to used those face things and the pictures that moved.” Steve said.

“Emojis and gifs.” Wanda said.

“Those things.” Steve said forcing a smile trying to hide his discomfort.

Back in New York…

“Ah bloody hell I never thought I’d miss beer and pub food so much.” Rebekah said finishing her pint of beer and signaling the bartender to send another one.

“Pace yourself, the night’s just getting started.” I told her.

“Yeah you’ve been out of the game for a while.” Will said. “Just like someone else we know. The last guy you broke up with was Nate. I mean… what happened?”

“We’re not doing that.” I said. “I’m not trash talking my ex. I’ve already had to say more than I wanted about that already? The only thing I can say is that I feel better than I’ve felt in months.”

“You seem better. And you’re eating again because I didn’t want to say anything but you were losing weight. Like a lot.” Will said.

“I know, I bought this dress back when I was still waiting for Hadrian to show his face after the first dead bird and it still fits.” I said. “I mean for weeks, I haven’t been able to eat breakfast because I was just so sick. Woke up a few mornings puking, I was tired all the time… I mean I even missed a couple of periods…”

“Stress is brutal.” Will said.

“You know if I didn’t know any better I’d think you were pregnant.” Rebekah said.

“No way, this always happens when I’m stressed. We live stressful lives, plus all the traveling I’ve been doing too.” I said.

“That probably didn’t help.” Will said as we finished dinner and our first round of drinks. “Okay now it’s time to go clubbing!”

“Yes!” Rebekah said.

“I’m going to need another shot for that.” I said before heading to the bar.

Hours Later...

We were in the club and as much as Rebekah was enjoying her night off she couldn’t stop being a mom.

“I just need to sing Adam his night night song.” Rebekah said.

“Noooo.” Will and I was taking her phone

“We are drunk and at a very loud club, Adam does not need to here how low shorty goes.” I said.

“Cause she got low low low…” Will said.

“Besides Clint has a guitar and a great singing voice, he can handle a night night song.” I said. “Come on Bekah… You need to take a few more shots to make that pump and dump worth it.”

“That sounds like she’s giving out handjobs.” Will said laughing.

“Oh shit I just heard it.” I said laughing.

“Hit me biatch!” Rebekah said to the waitress who just stared at her. “I’m sorry, another round of shots please, thank you.”

“Yes!” Will and I cheered.

“We got to make the most of this it’s only a matter before this one gets hitched too.” Rebekah said.

“That’s going to be a while.” I said still completely oblivious to the fact that Clint’s been trying to propose for months.

“Oh please you’re going to be popping out kids before you know it.” Will said.

I just smiled at the thought of it. A little boy with dirty blonde hair like Clint with maybe my eyes. Or a girl Clint would totally be over protective of and teach to shoot a bow so she could scare off boys…

“Are you imagining it right now?” Will said.

“No just thinking about… stuff.” I said. “Shots!”

“Shots!” They seconded.

Hours Later…

We were drunk but Beks and I were not as drunk as Will who at one point had taken a body shot off a gogo dancer. I didn’t even know that was still a thing.

After three clubs we ended up on the roof of the apartment.

“Okay Hales.” Will slurred. “Now that you’re no longer dating dorito…”

“The sex was good.” I said knowing where he was going.

“How good are we talking, Samsung galaxy or Galaxy note?” Will said and Me and Bekah just looked at him confused. Then he started gesturing with his hands different sizes.

“It was good.” I said not giving anything away.

“Oh come on Hales this is America’s ass we’re talking about.” Will said. “You’re one of only a handful of people that have seen it up close and personal.”

“The suit doesn’t really do him any favors.” Bekah said.

“You haven’t seen him in the stealth suit.” Will said and I just gave him a look. “Hey I’m human, I notice these things.”

“You really want details?” I asked.

“Yes. I live for details.” Will said.

“You really want to know how your little sister’s sex life Will?” I said.

“Dude I’ve seen you go down on Natasha.” Will said.

“Uh!!!” Rebekah spat out her beer.

“Will!” I shrieked.

“That is not an image I needed to see or hear about.” Rebekah said before she started laughing. We did too before she went from laughing to crying.

“Wow Beks no, it’s okay, you can laugh at me. It’s okay. Hell I can tell you about all the times I’ve walked in on Will and random guys…” I said.

“Man that apartment has seen some things.” Will said and Rebekah just laughed and sobbed.

“Okay beks, let it out.” I said gently rubbing her back.

“I’m sorry I just… I’m just a mess.” She said.

“No you’re not.” Will said.

“Beks, what’s going on?” I said.

“I just… this is the most fun I’ve had in… years.” Rebekah said. “My life used to be an adventure. A dangerous, and sometimes insane adventure jet setting around the world and now I’m just… I’m at home all the time getting milked wearing clothes stained in spit up, poop or whatever food Adam doesn’t want to eat, I’m a mess and I can’t even say I’m a hot mess because I look horrible.”

“Sis you have two kids under three,” I said. “You have your hands full.”

“Hayley I don’t even recognize myself when I look in the mirror.” She said. “I can’t even take a shit without someone screaming for me and even when I’m not with them I see and hear kids crying. I just. I want to run away and… and never come back and I feel like the worst mother and… and wife in the world. What kind of mother fantasizes about abandoning her… I mean I love my kids and my husband more than anything in this world. And I don’t regret becoming a mother but… I can’t breathe and I just want to scream.”

“Beks it’s okay.” I said.

“No it’s not, I’m a bloody leaking mess. Nothing fits and my body isn’t my own anymore.” She cried. “I’m a cow.”

“You are not fat, Your body is totally your own and you look fucking amazing.” Will said. “I would not have let you out of the apartment if you didn’t and I saw like ten guys checking you out at the club.”

“I meant I’m leaking milk through this top.” Rebekah said.

“Beks you gave birth months ago. Your body changed because you brought a new life into this world. A bloody miracle, literally very bloody…” I said shivering a bit at the memory of the delivery. “…miracle that you carried for nine months. I was only there for the last bit of it and to catch your miracle on the way out and small changes to your body are a small price to pay for a healthy baby. And if that isn’t enough, any woman can get knocked up and push out a baby but it takes someone truly strong and kind and selfless to give up her entire life and to be willing to possibly lose the love of her life to save a baby and love it and raise him as her own. I put a lot on you Beks and I can never thank you enough for that.”

“He’s the best gift anyone’s ever given me.” She said. “And I don’t regret any of it, I’m just…”

“Sleep deprived, exhausted, hormonal…” Will said.

“Miss having sex…” She said. “I love my kids but they ruined my sex life.”

“So it’s been a few weeks…” I said.

“Months.” She said. “Six very, very long months”

“Ouch.” Will said.

“It’s going to be okay sis. The dry spell will end, eventually.” I said patting her back.

“In the meantime, shots!!!” Will said.

Meanwhile- Third Person’s POV

“Uh, finally.” John said as he came downstairs.

“Adam finally go down?” Clint asked as he handed John a beer.

“Yeah, I shouldn’t have given him that extra scoop of ice cream but we’re on vacation. Left the door open a bit in case he wakes up. Forgot to pack the monitor.” He said.

“Oh don’t sweat it.” Clint said. “Friday will tell us if the kids wake up.”

“Both kids are currently asleep boss.” Friday said.

“That’s helpful?” John said looking at the ceiling.

“You get used to it.” Clint said as he opened the phone and smiled at the photo Hayley sent and smiled. “Looks like they’re having fun.”

“That’s good. Bekah deserves a night off.” John said. “So how are the proposal plans coming?”

“Uh, there’s been a lot of misses which is new for me.” He said.

“When you say misses…” John asked.

“I’ve lost the ring more than once and I got us both banned for life from ever getting on any gondolas in Venice.” Clint said.

“Oh… didn’t know that was possible.” He said.

“Neither did we.” Clint said as he laughed.

“Have you tried just asking her?” John asked.

“It’s a lot harder than it sounds.” Clint said. “I mean how did you ask Bekah?”

“Well I met her years ago but we were never serious, she’d disappear for months at a time and pop up again or call me to patch up her sister who couldn’t go to the hospital even though she looked like she got mauled by a bear…” John said.

“Well my soulmate’s older brother stabbed me so… know the feeling.” He said.

“Anyway we finally started formally dating when she disappeared for a few weeks no contact. Then she shows up in the middle of the night, tells me she had a family life or death emergency and explains that it’s literally a life or death emergency and she has to leave to raise a baby she’s adopting and she’s never coming back so that was the last time I would ever see her. So I told her I loved her and I’d follow her anywhere. Six hours later we were married, had faked our deaths and were on our way to pick up our son.” John said.

“So what you’re trying to say is don’t complicate it and focus on what really matters?” Clint said.

“No but that’s good too. Other than that, are things good?” John asked.

“Yeah things are great. Retirement’s slow but that just leaves time for other things. Travel… that sort of thing.” He said.

“Yeah well enjoy it while you can man.” John said.

“Oh I am.” Clint said before noticing the frown on John’s face. “Everything okay with you guys?”

“Yeah we’re just… busy. The new practice, the kids, believe it or not today was an easy day.” John said. “I’ve been working crazy hours at the hospital and then at the practice, I get home pretty late and Bek’s got her hands full with the kids so we don’t really get a lot of time together and we’re so tired we go straight to sleep without talking.”

“You guys do have your hands full.” I said.

“We do but fuck man… Seriously enjoy every damn second of what you have right now.” He said and Clint just stared at him. “I’m serious. I’m love my kids. I love them, I would die for those little bastards but I also love my wife and I miss her. I miss being able to sit down and just talk about any little thing, or being able to hold her or just sleeping in the same bed at the same time. And fuck I miss sex.”

“Kids giving you a hard time huh?” Clint said.

“No they’re just being kids, it’s rough adjusting to two kids. We thought handling one meant we could handle two but we were wrong, so… so wrong. I’ve never been this tired, not even in med school, or in Afghanistan…” He said.

“You want to get some sleep? I’ll keep and ear out for the kids.” Clint said.

“No… I can…” John started before he yawned loudly.

“Go.” Clint said. “I’ve disarmed bombs before, I can handle two sleeping kids.”

“Thanks…” John said closing his eyes. “I’ll just… move in a minute.”

“You do that.” Clint said before going to clean up the kitchen.

The Following Morning- Hayley’s POV

I was in bed along with Rebekah and Will when the light poured into making them groan.

“Uh…” I started groaning as I tried to get my head off my pillow.

“Not so loud.” Will said.

“It’s so bright… make it stop.” Rebekah said.

“Friday.” I said.

“It’s Saturday.” Will said.

“Oh right we’re at your place.” I said.

“I think I’m going to be sick.” Rebekah said getting up and rushing to the door just as it opened.

“Good morning!” Winn said storming in.

“Buah!” Rebekah projectile vomiting all over Winn.

“Uh…” Winn gagged frozen where he stood.

“That’s a mood.” I said.

“Word.” Will agreed as he sat up before he fell back. “Nope… too soon.”

“I’m…” Rebekah started before she pushed him out of the way and ran to the bathroom.

“I brought breakfast burritos.” Winn said

“uh…” I said running after Rebekah.

We sat next to each other taking turns holding each other’s hair back.

“Who did I puke on?” Rebekah asked.

“Will’s new guy.” I said.

“Oh… that was for Josh.” Rebekah said. “And I’ll puke on Steve for you if you want.”

“Uh… stop saying puke.” I said.

“Scoot over.” Will said coming in and hurling. “Guys I think I’m getting too old for this.”

“I am too old for this.” Rebekah said “Uh… And my boobs hurt. Time to get milked”

“Does your milk have booze in it? Like can you get drunk off of it?” Will said and I punched him. “Ow, What it’s a valid question.”

“It does. Haven’t tried it but I assume yes, which is why it’s getting thrown out.” She said pulling off her top and pulling over her milk pack. Will and I just looked away giving her privacy. “Fucking hell you can look it’s not like either of you haven’t seen them before. You delivered my kid and you used them as a pillow.”

“Okay, I say we shower have breakfast at that brunch place down the street and the head home.” I said.

“I need carbs.” Will said

“Bacon.” Rebekah said. “And coffee.”

“Hangover special.” I said.

Hours Later…

We made it back and were ready to endure the rest of our hangover surrounded by screaming and crying kids.

“Mommy!” Adam cheered when we walked in before knocking down a tower of block as he ran to Beks.

“Sweetheart.” Beks said picking him up and kissing his cheek. Nate was taking his bottle but started kicking his legs at the sound of bekah’s voice.

“Fun night?” Clint asked me.

“That’s one word for it.” I said hugging him.

“Did you guys eat?” Clint asked.

“Yeah we grabbed breakfast.” I said.

“Did they give you any trouble?” Rebekah asked the two guys.

“Uh not at all.” John started.

“Adam only woke up once right?” Clint said.

“And Nate took his bottle like always and his colic seems to have clamed down.” John said.

“Good.” Rebekah said smiling through the pain.

That Night…

“So did you enjoy guys night?” I asked Clint as we got into bed.

“It was good.” He said. “Though we should probably talk.”

“Yeah…” I said and Clint looked at me confused.

“Is this talk about you and me or our guests?” He asked.

“Guests. Why do we need to talk?” I said.

“No I also wanted to talk about them.” He said. “So they’re like really tired.”

“And have time for nothing including…” I continued for him.

“Yeah.” Clint said.

“They need a break.” I said.

“So what are we thinking?” He asked.

The Following Morning…

Clint and I woke up to get started on breakfast. Adam was apparently a morning person so he snuck down without his parents waking up.

“Okay buddy we got your pancakes do you want strawberries or blueberries?” I asked.

“Blue.” He said pointing at the berries.

“Okay.” I said adding a few berries on top before cutting the pancakes in smaller pieces and placing the plate in front of him.

“Here’s some milk we don’t want you to stay short.” Clint said ruffling his hair as Adam munched on his pancakes.

“Adam!” We heard Rebekah call out before John came downstairs running.

“Oh thank god… Bekah he’s down here.” John said.

“Hey you’re right on time, we made pancakes.” I said.

“Guessing he woke up early?” Rebekah said coming down with the baby.

“Yup, I think he’s a morning person.” I said.

“You two sleep okay?” Clint asked.

“Yeah, that bed’s really comfortable.” John said.

“That’s good cause… we need to talk.” I said.

“That’s never good.” Rebekah said sitting down.

“So we’ve noticed you guys are really tired.” I said.

“And you talk about work or the kids but not each other so you’re obviously not spending any time together.” Clint said.

“We’re still adjusting to everything and I unloaded on you…” Rebekah started.

“And I fell asleep…” John said.

“We talked last night and decided we’re giving you the week off.” I said.

“And we’re giving you the honeymoon you never got to have.” Clint said as I passed them an envelope with their plane tickets and hotel reservation.

“The Bahamas?” Rebekah said.

“One week all expense paid trip for the two of you to go relax, work on your tan, spend some time together.” I said.

“Alone.” Clint said.

“We can’t do that.” Rebekah said. “I mean what about the kids?”

“That’s what aunts and uncles are for.” I said.

“Guys we really appreciate it but the kids are a handful and we can’t just…” John started.

“We’re offering.” Clint said. “Besides it could be fun, we could go to Coney Island, Luna Park…”

“The Zoo, The beach…” I said. “We know how to change diapers, we can cook, we have an AI that works as a baby monitor, security system, a doctor down the road in the event of an emergency…”

“We can do this and we want to, all you have to do is say yes.” Clint said.

“Bekah?” John asked.

“A whole week without the kids?” She said.

“A whole week of just us… sleeping.” He said.

“Do you want to?” She asked.

“I want to if you want to?” He said.

“Let’s do it.” She said. “But you need to know Adam’s and Nate’s schedule and I need to milk, he might not take to formula right away…”

“And we’re leaving the carrier and stroller and the kangaroo thingy, it’s a life saver.” John said.

“And Nate has his ear drops…” She said.

Clint and I just turned to each other smiling. We could totally do this. One week with two kids, what’s the worst thing that can happen? I mean we’ve survived aliens, killer robots, Nazis, assassins… we could do this.