Fated Marks

“Pretty easy layout.” I said. “Entrance into the small reception and the bar. Hallway to the left leading to the restrooms. Main restaurant with two emergency exits, two back rooms for private parties and the kitchen with exit and entrances for the staff and deliveries not to mention a VIP entrance/exit. High ceilings and windows to the outside.”

“Any buildings outside to spot you from?” Clint asked.

“Plenty but I think this is the spot you’re going to want to be at.” I said pointing to a five floor building on the corner diagonal to the front entrance. “Good vantage point, you can see who’s coming in and out and if it comes down to it you can shoot an arrow and put a tracker on any cars.”

“Sam you’re also going to be watching the front, if she runs go after her. Tony you’re on the back…” I started.

“Wait are you…” Steve said.

“What?” I asked.

“I’m sort of the one that gives the orders…” Steve said.

“Yeah not this time. I’m taking point.” I said. “Tony you’re on back…”

“You’re retired.” Steve said.

“I am but my nephew was kidnapped by my insane mother so I’m taking point.” I said.

“That’s not your job you’re a civilian…” Steve started.

“And if we were walking into a gun fight, fighting aliens or robots or even just anyone else I would stand back and let you handle it but it’s not. You’re great a battle tactician but stealth, espionage or just reading people in general are not your forte. So sit down and let someone who knows what they’re doing handle it.” I said. Steve tensed and glared at me trying to get me to stand down but I just stared at him back. We stood there for what felt like a while but was probably just a minute.

“Guys we don’t have time for this. Hayley knows her better than us and her plan’s good.” Natasha said. “We’re doing it. Continue.”

“Tony you’re going to be watching the back with Steve, and before you say anything your suit gets a lot of attention which is what we don’t want but it’s fast, hence faster to go after them in case of a getaway. Vision, Wanda and Rhodey are staying by the emergency exits.” I said. “Nat and I will be inside obviously. She’s going to drag this out and it’s safe to assume she knows everything Hadrian did probably more considering she was probably screwing Pierce and she’ll use that against us, draw things out as long as she wants.”

“Any idea what she wants?” Sam asked.

“No clue.” I said.

“Think she might be mad about Hadrian?” Steve said with a tone that just screamed ‘duh’.

“She didn’t seem that broken up about it.” I said with a shrug. “We should head out. Don’t want to be late.”

“Are you going to…” She said looking at the dresses still sitting on the coffee table.

“Nope.” I said before turning to Natasha. “You got everything?”

“Yeah.” She said.

“Hey.” Clint said taking my hand. “Be careful.”

“Always am.” I said as I walked to the elevator just as Will walked in.

“Hey, I got your call.” He said.

“I’m actually on my way out. Clint just put the baby down for his nap so you should be good until we get back.” I said.

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?” Will asked as I got into the elevator with Nat.

“When we get back.” I said as the doors closed.

Third Person’s POV-

“We should head out too.” Steve said. “Make sure you’ve got everything you need, check your comms…”

Everyone spread out to go suit up and get ready while Sam stayed back with Steve.

“You didn’t tell her.” Sam said.

“She didn’t need to know.” Steve said. “It’s just a precaution.”

“Going behind her back?” Sam said. “You better hope she doesn’t find out.”

“It’ll be fine, they’re on route.” Steve said.

Hayley’s POV-

Natasha sped down the street as she drove Clint’s car.

“You might want to slow down, it’s a truck not a corvette.” I said.

“Thought you’d be used to it by now.” She said. “Clint has a lead foot.”

“He does but he’s been easing up on it. Especially with the kids.” I said.

“He really likes being an uncle.” Natasha said.

“Sometimes it feels like there’s three kids in the house instead of two.” I said with a smile. “You okay with this? I didn’t really give you a chance to back out.”

“I’ve dealt with worse.” Natasha said. “We’re going to get him back.”

“I know. Just thought I was done with this.” I said. “With her.”

“You are.” She said. “Just think of this as getting closure.”

“Closure with one last kidnapping… it fits.” I said just as we pulled up to the restaurant. We got out and handed the keys to the valet who eyed us skeptically before taking the keys and moving the car.

“Everyone’s in position.” Steve said through the coms.

We walked in and the entrance was a hostess who looked at us distastefully.

“Can I help you?” She said.

“We’re here to meet someone.” I said.

“Miss Calliope Adler and guest?” She asked.

“Of course she’d use that name…” I muttered. “That’d be us.”

“If you’d follow me please.” She said escorting us into the main room.

I was expecting to be led into one of the private rooms but for some reason dragon lady had opted for a table in the main room not near a window but not all the way in the back either. I looked around and the place was packed, just like the bar was. Just as I turned I saw a familiar blonde.

“Fucking Steve.” I said just loud enough he could hear through the comm I was wearing.

“Told you so.” Sam said.

“What did you do?” Clint and Tony asked at the same time.

“I called for back up.” Steve said. “Just to be safe.”

“Aunie!” Adam cheered loudly jumping out of his seat to run to us.

“Julian!” Dragon lady chastised but Adam completely ignored her.

“Adam.” I said kneeling down to catch him in a hug. I immediately looked him over to make sure he wasn’t hurt. But the only thing I could see was the preppy school outfit he was wearing. Before he was wearing a dinosaur tee shirt and a pair of denim shorts and his matching dark blue slip on shoes. Now he was wearing a pair of navy dress shorts with a matching blazer, a white collared dress shirt with a black tie under a red sweater vest, knee high black socks and brown dress shoes.

“He’s fine.” She said sipping her Martini. “Though I did change him out of those rags you put him in. Someone has to teach him to dress properly. You’re obviously not.”

“You okay?” I asked him.

“Ice cream.” Adam said.

“You can eat all the ice cream you want when we get home okay?” I said cupping his face with my hands and kissing his forehead before I picked him up. “We’re done.”

“That was fast.” Tony said.

I turned around but a man pulled out his chair getting in my way before he discretely lifted his jacket so I could see the gun. Course she had back up.

“Not yet we’re not. It’s rude to keep people waiting.” She said.

“Hayley.” Natasha said gently nudging me to the table.

“Keep the knives away from me.” I whispered to her in Russian as we went to sit down. I kept Adam with me as I took the seat across from her not trusting myself to be near her right now. Nat took the seat next to me closest to Adam in case we needed to shield him.

“Ehem…” She said clearing her throat trying to get my attention but I just glared at her. “Aren’t you going to introduce us? I know I raised you with some manners.”

“When? In between when you dropped me off for a year in Spain with drug traffickers for a few years, had my Nanny murdered or when you sold me for a year? Because it definitely wasn’t in the last seven years when you pretended to be dead.” I said.

“Uh, always so dramatic. Is she like this with you?” Dragon lady asked Natasha.

“She reminds me of Howard…” Tony said. 

“Howard never kidnapped anyone.” Steve said.

“You kidnapped her nephew.” Natasha deadpanned.

“He’s my grandson I have rights.” She said.

“You don’t have any rights, you’re dead, have been for the last seven years.” I reminded her just as a waiter put down another martini.

“Would you like to hear the specials?” He asked.

“No thank you but could we have a few more minutes to browse the menu.” Dragon lady said.

“Of course, can I get you ladies anything to drink?” He asked.

“Water.” Natasha and I said as we kept glaring at dragon lady.

“Right away.” He said scurrying away.

“What do you think? The salmon in wine sauce or the madeira chicken?” She said. “But for the first course…”

“Can we get to the point already?” I said. “I’d like to get back to pretending you’re dead.”

Natasha gave my knee a gentle reassuring squeeze.

“I’m trying to spend some time with my family and to get to know your…” She said eyeing Natasha. “Friend. Or should we invite your other friends? They’re never really that far are they?”

“Guess we lost the element of surprise.” Sam said.

“I’m actually surprised you brought Natalia instead of Clinton. He does seem to be your favorite for some reason, or are you having troubles already? I heard therapy can be helpful well in most cases. Though it didn’t really help you keep the Captain around did it?” She continued.

“She’s been watching us…” Clint said sounding tense.

“That’s sweet of you to be so concerned.” I said sarcastically. “What husband are you on now? Nine? Ten? Or did you finally hit that lucky baker’s dozen? Honestly I’ve lost track.”

“Oh she went for it.” Sam said.

“Hmm, at least I never got dumped.” She said.

“She didn’t actually do the dumping…” Tony said.

“Tony…” Steve said annoyed. Guess he didn’t have to be in the same room for the dragon lady to get under his skin.

“But those bodies sure are starting to pile up.” I said.

“That suits me just fine, I look great in black.” She said with a smile as she glanced down at the menu. “We could always go for the tasting menu… nine courses… comes with dessert not that you need it.”

“Does anyone ever need dessert? It’s nutritional content…” Vision said.

“Not what she meant…” Rhodey said.

“Are you ready to order?” the waiter said.

“We’re going to go for the nine course tasting.” She said with a condescending smile. “Give us plenty of time to catch up.”

“I’ll just have a salad.” Natasha said.

“I’m going to skip the eight courses and go straight to dessert. Get me one of everything on the dessert menu…” I said.

“Ice cream.” Adam said.

“And a bowl of ice cream and I apologize ahead of time he gets really loud once the sugar high hits.” I said as I smiled at the dragon lady.

“Oh boy…” Clint said.

“The chocolate souffle takes forty five minutes…” He started.

“There’s an extra hundred in your tip if we get the next one out of the oven.” I said. “After all the lady’s paying and money’s no object for her.”

“Of course ma’am.” He said rushing off.

“Are you planning on calling your… I’m not sure what you call them. Saying they’re all your boyfriends must get confusing.” She said.

“Hales?” Tony asked.

“No but if you want to call over your goon and mister tramp stamp go right ahead.” I said.

“Tramp stamp?” She said confused.

“Ad astra per aspera.” I said and a flicker of recognition passed through her face. I even saw a glimmer of surprise on her face before she quickly composed herself. “Guy who took Adam? Got him on camera. How long before he joins the pile?”

“Oh he’s handsome and a charmer but I’m not his type, though for the right price he’ll make anyone his type.” She said. “And between us, he’s worth every penny.”

“Gross.” I said.

“You’re one to talk.” Dragon lady said. “Have you asked Natasha how she feels knowing she gets the sloppy seconds of what is it six other men? Well five now or is it four? I’m not sure how the asset fits into the equation yet? He did try to kill you so that might make it awkward in bed…”

“Mhmm…” I could hear Steve groan.

“Why jealous? Is Menopause finally getting to you?” I asked.

“You’re only as old as you feel and I feel great.” She said sipping her martini.

“Good to hear grandma, or are you going by nana?” I retorted.

“No Calliope I’m going to be around for a very long time. See I found my own personal fountain of youth.” She said.

“Plastic surgeon? That’s good because I didn’t want to say anything but your chin’s looking a little saggy.” I said and she instinctively reached up to feel and check for herself but quickly caught on when I snorted.

“Is it really a good idea to taunt her like that?” Steve criticized.

“Dude you never worry when girls are catty to each other, you worry when they get along.” Sam said.

“She knows what she’s doing.” Clint said.

“You think it’s funny now but in twenty or thirty years when they trade you in for a newer model…” She started before I just arched an eyebrow at her before she realized that wasn’t going to work on me. Not only because I was confident in my relationships but because my soulmates included a 1500 year old Norse god and apparently that meant a pretty favorable aging rate.

“You know I once heard you can tell a lot about what your girlfriend is going to look like when she’s older by what their mom looks like…” Rhodey said.

“She’ll still be Hayley.” Tony said making me smile.

“Salads and your first few desserts.” The waiter said putting down plate with three macarons, a bowl of ice cream and a chocolate souffle.

“Ice cream!” Adam cheered.

“Here you go buddy.” I said handing him a spoon before he dug right in.

“He looks just like his father.” Dragon lady said. “Don’t you think?”

“No, he takes more after his mother.” I said. “Thankfully.”

“Shame he’ll never know them.” She said.

“He’s better off.” I said.

“Is that what you’re going to tell him when he’s older? Or is that what you tell yourself so you can live with the fact that you murdered your own brother and left your nephew an orphan?” She said.

“What exactly happened to Hayley’s brother?” Vision said.

“She handled it.” Clint answered.

“He got what he deserved.” Tony said.

“My conscience is clear on that matter.” I said. “Hadrian got what he deserved and the world is a better place without him.”

“I never thought you had it in you.” She said.

“You don’t seem that broken up over it.” I said. “I mean your closest and probably only friend agreed to trade in exchange for your son’s life. The son you shared with the epic love of your life. The golden child that was insanely loyal to you. I always knew you were heartless but that’s just a whole new level.”

“You’re right about everything, except for one thing. Hadrian was not the golden child. You are.” She said. I just scoffed at that. “Hadrian was loyal and he served his purpose. I would not be where I am without him and neither would you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked.

“I left you with Hadrian for a reason.” She said.

“Left me? That’s an interesting way of looking at it.” I said.

“You were a pathetic overly emotional insufferable brat.” She said. “You had a very unrealistic way of seeing the world and at one point even tried to send me and your brother to prison. It’s my own fault, I spoiled you. That’s why I told Hadrian to go after you, we needed to toughen you up and it worked.”

“Did she just…” Tony started.

“I’m starting to get why Rebekah said to shoot her.” Clint said.

“She’s horrible.” Wanda said.

“He tortured me for years and almost killed me.” I said.

“Don’t be dramatic he was never going to kill you.” She scoffed.

“I have scars that say otherwise.” I said.

“He had orders, I never let him get too far.” She said.

“So you told him to stab me and throw me into a grave?” I retorted.

“Horrible’s an understatement.” Rhodey said.

“He did like to be theatrical.” She said with a nod and I just clenched my fist around a butter knife. “Oh don’t give me that look, you should be thanking me. As much as you think I abandoned you I always looked out for you.”

“You ordered Hadrian to go after me, how is that looking out for me?” I retorted.

“Flagstaff.” She said and I just glared at her. “You really think he just let you go? That he’d drop you off in the middle of the desert or that you’d actually found a way to free yourself and crawled away from him? No sweetheart that was all me. You’re welcome.”

“I always knew Hadrian had to get his crazy from somewhere but damn you might actually be more insane than he was.” I said.

“You can call me whatever you want but I was right. You’re just like me Calliope we’re survivors.” She said.

“Why are you here?” I asked her. “You were gone for seven years and honestly everyone was better off that way.”

“Were you really?” She asked. “One of your so called soulmates tried to kill you and left you in a coma…”

“Not completely off on that one…” Tony said.

“He was brainwashed.” Steve said.

“Because of Hadrian.” I said. “And your… not sure exactly what Pierce was to you but his lackies too.”

“I saved you.” She said.

“I was your guinea pig.” I corrected her.

“If I hadn’t given you the serum you’d still be in a coma or even dead. You should be thanking me.” She said.

“A serum that could have killed her.” Natasha said.

“It wasn’t going to kill her.” Dragon Lady said. “Alexander had remnants of an old serum similar to the one used on the asset.”

“You’re Hydra.” I said confirming what we already knew.

“They were a means to an end.” She said. “The serum was perfect… well perfect for what they were looking for and to a point. A super soldier, the perfect assassin. You’ve seen what the asset can do first hand. But they were thinking too small. The serum focused on the physical super strength, enhanced agility which is great but all the strength in the world is useless if you don’t know how to use it. You can always find yourself another soldier or assassin but a good general, those are hard to find. Your brother was the perfect example of that.”

“Well you just wasted a dose of your serum because there’s no way in hell I’ll ever work for you.” I said.

“It wasn’t a waste.” She said. “I wasn’t lying when I said it killed everyone else who took it. It was a mess, the first trials it was instant death. Seizures or their brains turning to mush. The second round was a little better, they lasted a day or two before they just dropped. Their brains just burned out, couldn’t keep up. The third round well that was a lot more successful, in the short term anyway. The one that lasted the longest lived for about a week. First few days were fine, incredible results, IQ off the charts, the speed their brain processed information faster than anything we’d ever seen. Then he started getting tremors in their hands, dropping things, their brain cells started degrading rapidly, their cells couldn’t handle the strain, lost fine motor skills, sight, speech and then blood started coming out of every orifice… ruined my favorite pair of Manolos that day. It was very messy to say the least. Failure after failure…”

“You really love to hear yourself talk don’t you?” I said putting down the spoon I was using to eat the souffle. I was done with the first three and Adam was starting to fall asleep. Even Natasha looked bored. She started tracing swirl patterns on knee with her fingers. Signaling me to keep her talking. I had given her a burner phone to try and clone her phone as well as a small bit of the nanites I used before but she still hadn’t gotten a chance to plant them on her.

“She really likes to talk…” Sam said.

“They always do.” Clint said.

“Are you even listening to me?” She said annoyed.

“I have a really short attention span, you’re not telling me anything you hadn’t said before, so more or less…” I said as I felt Nat tap on my knee to cut it out but I reached over and patted her hand reassuringly.

“You’re fucking insufferable.” She said.

“You’re the one that wanted to talk.” I said.

“How do you put up with her?” Dragon lady asked Natasha.

“I really want to shoot her.” Tony said.

“Get in line.” Clint said.

“Your son locked me in a meat freezer and tried to kill me.” Natasha deadpanned.

“Out of almost a hundred subjects you’re the only one that survived.” She just went out with it ignoring Nat’s comment. “And do you know why?”

“Guessing it wasn’t because your crack team finally figured it out.” I said.

“Because of your father.” She said.

This was a new play, the one thing she never ever talked about. Unless it was my birthday and she got hammered.

“She knows?” Tony asked.

“I never told you about him did I?” She continued knowing that got my attention.

“You got hammered one weekend when you were away doing business somewhere in… Kentucky had a one night stand and twenty plus years here we are.” I said. “At least that’s what Hadrian used to say.”

“Were you ever curious about him?” She asked.

“Considering your track record and taste in men, I thought I was better off not knowing.” I said and she tsked in distaste as she rolled her eyes.

“It was actually Missouri, Your father was more than just a one night stand… he was someone… something I had never seen before.” She said with a smile. “Opened up a world of possibilities for me. Ego was… his confidence… his ambition, I love a man with ambition.”

“His name was Ego?” Sam said.

“I think she said she loved his ego.” Rhodey said.

“You screwed a guy named Ego?” I said.

“I screwed an alien named Ego.” She said. “And he was very good…”

“You got drunk, met a guy that called himself Ego and told you he was an alien and you still screwed him?” I said.

“He was… magnetic.” She said looking like she was daydreaming. “And he was an alien, a celestial he called himself. He showed me his true form what he could do. Create matter out of thin air. My necklace…he made that for me. Speaking of where is it?”

“Gone.” I said.

“You lost it?” She said irritated.

“It’s either somewhere in the rubble of what used to be Sokovia or with Bruce, either way gone.” I said.

“He was going to use that to find us.” She said.

“Good thing it’s gone then.” I said.

“If it wasn’t for him you’d be dead right now. His blood, the blood running through your veins right now saved you.” She said.

“And? You make it sound like I should care.” I said.

“Your blood is the key to perfecting the serum.” She said.

“Tony?” Steve said.

“The DNA test she took showed small differences and Thor mentioned the doctors on Asgard saw something that wasn’t from Earth but we didn’t know for sure…” Tony said.

“Are we really buying this?” Rhodey said.

“With everything we’ve seen, it’s not that hard to believe.” Clint said.

“You think it’s the key. See you’ve never really had a mind for science. Sure Space sperm donor might have given me a genetic edge over your other guinea pigs but you’re just speculating at this point because you’ve got nothing else to go on.” I said. “And you’re desperate.”

“Am I?” She said condescendingly.

“This whole act reeks of desperation.” I said. “And don’t tell me that it’s because you were suddenly feeling maternal because we all know that’s a load of crap. You were willing to let Hadrian kill an innocent kid and it wouldn’t be the first time he did it on your orders. And I’m so sure of it I’m willing to bet we can walk out of here right now and your goon wouldn’t do a damn thing to stop us.”

“Not that he really could.” Natasha said and I nodded in agreement.

“Really want to bet on that?” She asked arching an eyebrow.

“Hayley don’t risk it…” Clint said.

“Yeah because on the off chance you’re right, and I’m the goose that lays the golden eggs, you kill me and you’ll never find out, The only thing I still can’t figure out is why now?” I said and Natasha looked at me confused before she realized what I was getting at.

“You had seven years.” Natasha said.

“I saved your life. You should be thanking me.” She said.

“I don’t buy that.” I said. “because for one if you were so sure the serum was going to work and not kill me why didn’t you just take me from the hospital while I was still in the coma. You could have saved yourself a lot of trouble and considering they were about to pull the plug on me no one would have looked for me.”

“Hindsight is 20/20.” She said. “But the timing wasn’t right.”

“Because of Hadrian.” Natasha said tapping on my knee to signal that the phone was done all we needed to do now was slip in the tracker and the nanites and we could go.

“No… it’s something else.” I said staring at the dragon lady. “You couldn’t take me… and it wasn’t Hadrian. It was something else…”

She didn’t say anything just swirled her martini in its glass. Holding it between two fingers before her hand twitched involuntarily almost spilling the glass but she quickly caught it and set the glass down trying to make it seem as natural as possible. I looked at Nat to see if she caught that and the glance she gave me told me she did.

“It doesn’t really matter, we’re here now.” She said. “Together.”

“Not together.” I said. “I plan on never seeing you again after this, you’re especially never going to see this little guy again.”

“Never say never.” She said. “And as for my grandson,”

“Not your grandson.” I said.

“Nothing a DNA test can’t resolve.” She said.

“You could do that, but remember all those ledgers with all the incriminating evidence like the dead bodies, the drugs you trafficked , the weapons you stole and sold on the black market, the federal agents you bribed, that marshal you framed for something he never did, oh and let’s not forget that nazi organizations you were involved in and who’s leader you screwed? DNA or not no one would ever give you a kid but if you do or you even think about going near this kid again, I have all of that proof and instead of giving it to the cops I’ll leak it to all of your friends, who I’m sure will be very happy to put you back in your grave and make sure you actually stay in it this time.” I said.

“Oh I’m so scared…” She said with a smirk at the exact moment Adam flung a spoon of chocolate ice cream at her knocking down her martini glass and staining the white silk shirt dragon lady was wearing with chocolate. Natasha reached for the glass so only half of it spilled onto dragon’s lady shirt. “uh, this is silk!”

“I’m not the only one that wants to go.” I said.

“Time to go in…” Steve said. “Move now…”

“No…” Natasha said but it was too late…

“Hands where we can see them.” Sharon said at the same time all the other agents in the restaurants pulled out their guns of course Dragon Lady also had her goons pull out their guns at the same time. It was surprising to see the amount of people she had with her. Even the bartender. No wonder her martinis were made just the way she liked them without having to ask for them.

“Aunie!” Adam cried as he hugged me hiding his face against my chest. I put my arms around him shielding him.

“Well then Calliope, looks like we’re done for now.” She said. “I enjoyed our little chat, even if you were as insufferable as always.”

“And you’re still batshit crazy.” I said.

“I’ll see you soon.” She said standing up and nodded at her goon.

“Down!” Sharon said moving closer but someone threw down a smoke bomb.

“Hayley.” Natasha said putting herself between us and whatever was going on. Then the sprinklers turned on soaking us all. When the smoke cleared we were all wet and the dragon lady was gone.

“Where did she go?” I said looking around. Some of the agents were on the floor others were right where they were before but she was gone. “Guys do you have eyes on her?”

“What do you mean she hasn’t walked out yet.” Tony said.

“She’s gone.” I said before switching to Russian at the same time Nat cursed the same thing.

“That fucking idiot.” We said.

“We’re coming in now.” Tony said.

“We’ll search the area they couldn’t have gotten far.” Rhodey said.

“Hey buddy, it’s okay.” I told Adam.

“Lady?” He asked.

“She’s gone, don’t worry you’re safe.” I said kissing his forehead. “And your mommy and daddy are going to be home soon too.”

“Mommy!” he cheered.

“Yeah.” I said as Tony and Clint ran in.

“Hales?” Clint said.

“He’s okay.” I told him as we stood up.

“Unca!” Adam cheered.

“Buddy.” He said relieved as he hugged up us ruffling Adam’s hair making him laugh. “Oh look at you, you have a chocolate mustache…”

“Ice cream.” Adam said.

“I think you’ve had enough for today okay?” I said.

“Potty.” Adam said just as Steve walked in.

“You mind…” I said before gesturing to Spangles. “Don’t want him to hear.”

“Hales…” he started.

“Clint.” I said staring at him.

“Potty!” Adam said.

“Okay, okay, out of the way!” Clint said running to the restrooms before I stormed off to tear Steve a new one.

“Hayley we’re…” he started.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” I yelled making everyone quiet down.

“The conversation was going nowhere…” he started.

“Shut up! I don’t want to hear anything out of you because nothing you say can justify how much you just fucked up! This is why I didn’t want you to take charge because you’re so fucking reckless and short sighted. You went behind our backs and called in for back up without letting anyone know and you jumped the gun. Do you have any idea how badly this could have gone?! You are so lucky nothing happened to Adam because if it did I would have ripped your fucking head off you jackass!” I said.

“You’re an idiot.” Natasha seconded.

“You too?” he said.

“Do you have any idea how close we were to finishing. Less than a minute. She was that close to drinking the nanites and now we have no way of tracking her down. You just let a human, drug, and weapons trafficker that has a super soldier serum that kills people get away.” Natasha said.

“I saw an opening and…” he started.

“It was handled!” Natasha and I yelled.

“You should have listened.” She said

“That’s his problem he never listens. Only his way is right because the Captain is always right.” I said.

“Idiot.” Natasha said.

“You should have stayed back.” I said just as Adam ran over. “Oh done already?”

I picked him up and started walking back to Clint.

“Hayley I’m…” Steve started. I didn’t even bother to look back just flipped him off as I kept walking.

“Go home, you’ve done enough.” Natasha said as she went to check on how the search was going.

“We should head back. Pretty sure Adam wants to get out of that outfit.” Clint said.

“Not to mention Bekah and John are going to be back soon.” I said. “They’re probably never going to trust us with the kids again.”

“They will… eventually.” He said.

“We got it from here, the car’s outside with the Valet.” Natasha said.

“We’ll see you at the tower.” Clint said.

“Keep us updated.” I said before we walked out.

“You okay?” he asked once we were in the car.

“Yeah.” I said.

“She dropped a lot of things on you. And she’s a…” He started before looking back to see Adam who was starting to fall asleep. “An itch.”

“She’s a huge itch.” I said. “Remember when you told me if that if you ever started drinking Jack in the middle of the day I should shoot you? If I ever start to turn into that shoot me.”

“You’re not her.” Clint said. “You did everything you could to get Adam back and before when you got him away from Hadrian so he’d be safe and dragon lady…”

“Sold me and had an insane murderer come after me for years.” I finished for me. “I think she may have actually gotten worse with age.”

“Not sure about that, she was pretty bad before, but she definitely didn’t get better.” Clint said.

“What’s important is we got Adam back, and hopefully he didn’t get traumatized for life because of this.” I said.

“He got to eat all the ice cream he wanted, I’m sure that’s all he’ll remember about today.” Clint said as we pulled into the tower.

We got out, Clint carried Adam while his bow and quiver were slung over his other shoulder.

“hey you’re back.” Will said and I signaled for him to lower his voice while Clint gently put Adam down on the couch.

“I’m going to put these away.” Clint said kissing me as he passed by me on his way out.

“So what happened?” Will said.

“Well Dragon Lady kidnapped Adam while we were at the zoo and made us have lunch with her to get him back.” I said.

“What?!” Will said.

“Yeah she does things like that.” I said.

“You finally saw her.” He said.

“Unfortunately.” I said.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

“She’s a bitch.” I said. “Like she actually got worse and as it turns out she was the one who sent Hadrian after me. Wanted to toughen me up.”

“Wow.” He said. “Your mom makes my dad look like a saint.”

“She makes Hannibal Lector look like saint.” I deadpanned.

“Well she’s not going to be a problem anymore because you got her.” Will said.

“We didn’t.” I said. “Spangles jumped the gun, went off plan and that gave her an opening. We didn’t even get a chance to put a tracker on her.”

“Shit.” Will said.

“Yup.” I said.

“You’ve had a busy day.” Will said.

“Understatement.” I said rubbing my eyes as I started to feel tired. “Kids are safe though, that’s all that matters.”

“Yeah and I hate to do this but I have to run, I have a meeting.” Will said.

“Go, we got this. Thanks for babysitting.” I said.

“Don’t mention it he didn’t wake up the entire time you were gone.” Will said just as Nate started crying. “Spoke too soon.”

“I got him.” I said getting up to get the baby. “Oh someone have a good nap?”

“Amph.” He said biting his hand as I got a really bad smell.

“Time for a diaper change.” I said blowing a raspberry on his cheek before I went to grab the diaper bag and changed him.

“He okay?” Clint asked.

“Yeah, just needed a change.” I said finishing up. “Any word?”

“Nothing.” Clint said. “They lost her. There’s no trace of where she went.”

“Great.” I said.

“They’re on their way back.” Clint said. “Should be here…”

“Ma’am, boss has just returned he’s walking into the common room now.” Friday said.

“That was fast.” I said before I picked up Nate and walked back to the common room. Tony was gently taking off Adam’s shoes while he was still sleeping soundly.

“Dress shoes are not great for sleeping in.” Tony said putting the shoes down.

“So she’s gone?” I said.

“She just disappeared.” Tony said. “No trace, she must’ve had another way out.”

“Looks that way.” I said as Natasha, Sam, Vision and Wanda walked out of the elevator and Rhodey landed on the balcony.

“Where’s Cap?” Tony asked.

“Sent him back with the other agents.” Natasha said still annoyed with him.

“Good.” I said taking a seat.

“We should actually head back.” Rhodey said signaling to Sam Vision and Wanda that we probably wanted to talk. “Regroup.”

“Yeah.” Sam said in agreement.

“Thanks for everything guys.” I said.

“It’s what we do.” Rhodey said before they all got into the jet and headed out.

“So…” I said. “I’m half alien.”

“Well you don’t have a tail, turn green or plan on invading any planets, so you’re still you.” Tony said.

“Course your mom now has a serum that only worked on you and killed everyone else.” Natasha said. “She’s not going away anytime soon.”

“She’s desperate.” I said.

“Desperate enough to kidnap Adam and have someone follow you.” Clint said.

“It’s more than that.” Natasha said. “She knew about the breakup. No one outside of us and the team knew.”

“Plus Will.” I added. “And the entire compound.”

“You think she has someone on the inside?” Tony said asked Natasha.

“You vetted everyone.” Natasha said.

“Fury said the same thing about SHIELD.” I said. “She could have turned someone or planted someone. It’s rare but it is possible to cheat a polygraph.”

“Either way she’s been closer to us than we thought. She took Adam from right under our noses.” Clint said.

“Hate to say it Hales but it might be time you considered moving into the compound.” Tony said.

“If we have a mole isn’t that the last place I should be?” I said. “Not to mention the compound isn’t exactly private. There are people around all the time, coming and going and I love everyone but I like having my own space.”

“Then move back here.” Tony said. “At least until we deal with Dragon Lady.”

“She disappeared for seven years without a trace, moving wouldn’t be a short term thing, the house is still the safest option. You have the security system, the compound less than ten minutes away, less with the way you all drive and fly.” I said.

“Hales, she’s been watching you this whole time. She could have gotten to you at any point in the last couple of months.” Clint said.

“But she didn’t she had to take Adam because I’m never alone, I’m either here, at the house, or at the compound. We haven’t given her any openings without even trying. Do I need to start being more careful? I completely agree. So no more long roadtrips on my own, if I do someone else has to come with me. The only place I get to drive by myself is from the house to the compound and back anywhere else someone comes with me. I’m also going to start wearing the tracking bracelet so you all know where I am at all times of the day and I promise not to tamper with it this time. Anything else?”

“I’m making you a watch gauntlet.” Tony said. “And I’m upping security at the farm, Maybe even putting in a forcefield around the house, maybe putting an iron legion up there for security…”

“Watch gauntlet after you finish working out the kick back issue, forcefield sounds good, iron legion might be a bit overkill.” I said.

“Guys?” Clint and Natasha said.

“Forcefields will only work if she tried to shoot a missile at the house.” Clint said. “Which she won’t do because she needs Hales.”

“Iron legion is excessive, maybe a panic room.” Natasha said. “The gauntlet for self defense is a good idea.”

“Hayley!” Rebekah called out as she ran out of the elevator.

“In here.” I said signaling her to lower her voice.

“Ah….” She said sighing in relief. “He’s okay.”

“Yeah, crashed pretty hard from all the ice cream but he’s fine.” I said.

“Why is he wearing a prep school uniform?” John asked.

“Dragon lady.” I said handing him his son who was kicking in excitement.

“Hey buddy…” He said taking him and kissing his head.

“Please tell me you shot the bitch.” Rebekah said.

“She got away.” Natasha said and Rebekah turned to me.

“Long story, let’s just leave it at someone jumped the gun when he wasn’t supposed to and that gave her an opening.” I said. “She not coming after him anymore. I made it clear what would happen if she tried.”

“Did you tell her I’d personally gouge her eyes out with my bare hands if I ever saw her again?” Rebekah said.

“It was implied.” I said. “But other than that how was the vacation?”

“It was exactly what we needed… up until our son got kidnapped.” John said.

“Yeah that’s going to be hard to forget.” Clint said.

“Did you guys eat?” Tony said. “I can get something delivered?”

“Thank you but we just want to take the kids back to the house, and never let them out of our sight again.” Rebekah said.

“It might be a while before our next vacation.” John said.

“I’ll talk to you tomorrow okay?” I said to Tony.

“Yeah, I’ll stop by tomorrow.” He said. “To check in, put in some new updates.”

“Don’t stay up too late. 6 to 8 hours of sleep remember?” I said.

“6 to 8 hours promise.” He said kissing me.

“We’ll take the kids.” Rebekah said.

“We have the car seats.” I said.

“Switch cars.” Clint said handing his keys to John.

“Black sedan, Audi across the street.” John said passing him the key.

“See you at the house.” I said.

Hours Later…

After dinner once the kids were in bed, I was outside sitting on the porch swing. When Rebekah came out and handed me a glass of wine and she sat down next to me.

“So how was it? Seeing her again?” Rebekah asked.

“Exactly what you’d imagine it’d be like.” I said.

“So she was bitchy, criticized everything from your life choices to your appearances, tried to flip it all on you and tried to make you and everyone else doubt yourself before making it seem like she was doing you a favor.” She said.

“Along with dropping a few insights on the past… that was pretty much how it went.” I said.

“What type of insights?” Rebekah asked.

“Who do you think sent Hadrian after me all those years?” I said.

“You can’t be serious…” She said.

“She thought I needed to toughen up because I was too idealistic. Apparently he made me the woman I am today.” I said.

“She’s gone mad…” Rebekah said.

“I don’t think she’s ever been fully sane.” I said staring at the glass in my hand.

“There’s more isn’t there?” She asked.

“Isn’t there always?” I retorted.

“I don’t need to know.” Rebekah said. “Because it doesn’t matter. I know how much you want this… retirement a normal life with Clint and the lot of them no one understands as much as I do and no one deserves it more than you but you can’t keep lying to yourself. She’s not going away and we both know she’s worse than Hadrian. Because Hadrian acted impulsively and he was predictable. She isn’t, she’s careful, and everything she does she does for a reason. She took Adam just to prove a point, And if we learned anything today it’s that they don’t know how to handle her.”

“Bekah, I could use a hand. Adam wants you to tuck him in again.” John said.

“Duty calls.” She said getting up and walking in.

I stayed outside for a while taking in the view. Looking at the stars. Hard to believe my sperm donor was from outer space. Wish I could say the dragon lady was lying but DNA doesn’t lie.

“Thought you might be getting cold.” Clint said sitting down next to me and draping a throw blanket around me.

“Thanks.” I said hugging him and curling into his side.

“It’s been a long day.” He said.

“Yeah.” I said. “She’s not going away.”

“Looks that way.” Clint said before he frowned. “You know we’ve got this handled. We have a plan, and we’re not going to let her anywhere near you.”

“I don’t think that’s enough.” I said. “Bekah was right. She doesn’t do anything without a reason and I think she’s just getting started.”

“The team is…” Clint started.

“They’re good but they’re not used to dealing with someone like her.” I said. “Steve made that pretty obvious today.”

“He was worried.” Clint said.

“She got in his head.” I said. “That’s what she does. She’s desperate, and desperate people will do whatever they have to, regardless of the consequences. I should know.”

“You’re not her. You did what you had to.” Clint said. “You couldn’t save Delilah no one could but you did right by Adam and Hadrian got what was coming to him.”

“It isn’t that…” I said.

“Then talk to me… tell me what’s going on in that head of yours.” Clint said.

“I think and I really… really don’t want to have to say it but I don’t think I have a choice anymore.” I said. “Retired or not she’s going to keep showing up and the more desperate she gets the worst it’s going to be.”

“You’re not turning yourself over.” Clint said.

“Of course not, that’d be like handing nuclear launch codes to a terrorist.” I said. “I need to take a pause on retirement… as much as I want to ignore her and stay here in our little corner of the world, I won’t ever really be done until she’s gone.”

“We.” Clint corrected. “We’re in this together. Good and bad I’m with you.”

“You sure? It could get ugly.” I said.

“That’s why you’re not doing this alone.” He said.

“One last mission.” I said.

“One last mission.” He said. “I’ll be on standby until you need me. It’ll be nice, and domestic. You bring home the bacon and I’ll have dinner waiting for you when you get home.”

“Might not be exactly like that…” I said. “Going to have to work out terms with the boss.”

“I’m sure he’ll give you whatever you ask… He kind of has a thing for you.” Clint teased.

“Haha.” I said.

Bekah and John, for obvious reasons decided to cut their vacation short and go back home the following day. Kidnappings have a way changing any plans you make and honestly we couldn’t blame them.

“You know how to get home? Backroads only, limit the number of stops you make…” I started.

“Not my first time covering my tracks.” Rebekah said.

“Cookie?” Adam said coming over.

“Not this time cookie monster.” I said picking him up before whispering in his ear. “Put some in the diaper bag.”

That just made him giggle.

“Be good for your mommy and daddy okay?” I said.

“Okay.” He said.

“We’re gonna visit as soon as we can okay?” I told him before kissing his cheek and putting him down so he could run and chase Lucky one last time.

“He’s a good one.” Rebekah said nodding towards Clint who was making funny at Nate while lifting him up in the air and bringing him down making the baby laugh. “He’s going to be a great dad one day.”

“Yeah.” I said. “They all are.”

“We should get going, don’t want to get stuck in traffic.” John said.

“We’re going to hit traffic either way.” Rebekah said taking the baby from Clint.

“You guys got everything? Snacks, diapers. Chargers for the tablets, toys?” I said.

“We got everything.” Bekah said. “Sweetie say bye to your aunt and uncle.”

“Bye!” Adam said hugging me and Clint.

“Be good for you mom and dad.” Clint said.

“And look out for your little brother okay?” I said.

“Okay.” He said before hugging me again.

“Love you.” I said kissing his forehead.

“Wuv you.” He said before running to get into the car.

The Following Tuesday…

After sleeping in and enjoying a lazy morning and breakfast with Clint, I headed into the city.

“Hey you,” I said walking into the lab and placing a cup of coffee in front of Tony. “That looks nice.”

“Glad you think so, it’s your new tracker/ gauntlet.” Tony said. “It’s almost done just needs a few more touches before we take it out for a test run.”

“And by take it out you mean the indoor gun range, right?” I said.

“Course.” He said putting down his pliers to pick up his coffee.

“Think you might want to take a break?” I asked.

“You want to do something?” He asked.

“I was thinking we could go to a strip club.” I said and Tony spat out his coffee and started coughing.

“Uh what?” he said.

“Strip club? You know that place we usually go to with half naked dancers pole dancing before I take jobs you offer me?” I said.

“Wait you’re taking the job?” he said.

“There are things we need to talk about first terms conditions…” I said.

“Whatever you want you got it and double what you’re asking for.” He said.

“You haven’t even…” I started.

“You’re worth that and more. I just have one condition.” Tony said.

“I’m not getting on stage and stripping for you, though I will do it for you here if you want.” I said.

“Not what I was going to ask for but good to know that’s on the table.” Tony said.

“Then what were you going to ask for?” I asked.

“We’ll talk about it over drinks. Happy’s driving.” Tony said. “By the way what song were you going to… dance too?”

“I was thinking something ACDC or Black Sabbath.” I said.

“I love you so much.” Tony said kissing me.

Days Later…

After working out the last couple of details for the job which was mostly Tony just agreeing no matter what I said and having Friday give me access to all necessary documents and meeting up with the head of the Stark foundation so they could tell me exactly the specific concerns they were having that led to me even getting offered the job.

Suffice it to say, the place was a bigger mess than Tony let on.

So on my first day of work, I took my time getting ready. It had been a while since I had a job and really went to work. Even though I knew everyone I had to make a good first impression on everyone else. Also as Pepper said the first day outfit is a power move so I had to make it good. I decided to go with a high waisted dark navy pencil skirt with buttons, a white chiffon pleated short sleeved v-neck blouse and my black Louboutin heels.

(This skirt)

(With this top)

 while my office was being set up the way I went to fulfill the one condition Tony had for me to agree to all of my terms. I really thought he was kidding until he texted me that it was all set up and to go to the conference room for my first meeting. The entire team minus Steve was already in there waiting.

“Hayley?” Natasha said. “What are you doing here?”

“Check your email.” I said before going to sit at the head of the table.

“Is he serious?” Natasha said.

“Yeah.” I said.

“What’s going on?” Rhodey asked and Natasha showed him the email. “Oh this is gonna be good.”

“What happened to retirement?” Natasha asked.

“Temporarily on pause.” I said. Less than ten seconds later Steve walked in.

“Hayley? What are you doing here? I thought this was a team meeting.” Steve said.

“It is.” I said. “Tony didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?” Steve said confused just as his phone started ringing.

“You should answer that.” I said.

“uh…” Steve said looking at me still in shock before picking up his phone. Except when he did Tony’s face showed up on a projection screen.

“Morning Cap.” Tony said.

“Tony?” Steve said. “Uh what’s going on?”

“Well since you guys moved upstate and started up shield again the board of the Stark foundation has been nagging me to take a more active role in it which I don’t feel like doing and that normally wouldn’t be a problem but you guys have apparently really made a mess of things.” Tony said.

“What are you talking about?” Steve said. “Everything’s been running smoothly.”

“So you didn’t spend three quarters of the annual budget in the first three months? I think the term they used was hemorrhaging money.” Tony asked and Steve froze as everyone turned to him. “Thought so.”

“I still don’t see what that has to do…” Steve started.

“You’ve made a mess so I hired someone to deal with everything for me.” He said. “Someone I know can handle all of you because she used to do all of that for me, Hayley.”

Everyone turned to me.

“Sup.” I said.

“Well that’s great, we’ve worked together before and it’ll be great to have Hayley working for us, just like old times.” Steve said with a friendly smile.

“Oh no, she’s not working for you, you’re working for her. She’s your new boss.” Tony said.

“What?” Steve said. “but she’s… you’re…”

“Hales you want to take it from here?” Tony said.

“Sure.” I said.

“Good luck.” He said before hanging up.

“So like Tony said I’m going to be running things from now on. That’s not to say you guys haven’t been doing a good job because you have, but from a financial standpoint this place is a train wreck.” I said. “So I’m going to be making some changes around here…”