Disclaimers: All rights to Marvel. Characters, lines & context from Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), TV series, Cartoons & Comics.

Note: Companion fic to Chris Crush. Extra scene, set after Chapter 15, Fierce People.

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Prologue: Happy New Year!

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"Happy 2014!"

Among their friends, coworkers, and complete strangers, Steve and Natasha kissed each other saluting the future ahead of them, whispering between each other's lips, "I love you."

For a moment, they were just another happy pair amidst the cheering crowd, but once they were recognized, the Avengers couple instantly became the focus of the Stark's gala – also the subject of comments and prying eyes. It didn't matter, they belonged together, and it was worth everything. They danced all night long, as if they had the ball room all to themselves, happy to be in each other's arms.

The New Year had arrived, full of promises, hopes and dreams.

After the holidays, the Avengers Tower started to adapt itself to its new residents. Unintentionally, Hawkeye's impulsive marriage changed the place's dynamic in a subtle way, making everybody think about their own lives and goals.

What do I want from life?

From the odd improbable pairing at the beginning, Captain America and the Black Widow had grown to become one of the most well adjusted duos within the Avengers. Having their private lives exposed was still uncomfortable for reserved people like Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff, but the freedom of being just a couple among the others was, undeniably, a relief. There was no more hiding – they were living together and had a dog, the loyal Sneg. Unbeknownst to them both, they already shared the same dream of having a family. Natasha wasn't broken anymore, but the fact that she couldn't give him children was a huge obstacle in their path – she wanted him to have more than she had to offer. Although Steve read her signs, he wasn't sure about what they all meant – he thought that her hesitation meant she wasn't ready yet – and as much as he wanted to, he would never pressure her.

Barbara Morse moved in permanently, but the problem about getting married so quickly was that they didn't know each other – habits, likes and dislikes. Clint Barton had been a bachelor for more than forty years – he had ran away from an orphanage to live in a circus, always having a nomadic life that didn't change much when he had became a SHIELD's agent. Bobbi had grew up living a relatively normal life – she had been a champion gymnast in high school, and had graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Ph.D. in biochemistry, before working for the agency. On the field, Hawkeye and Mockingbird were a solid team, but their dangerous jobs only complicated their tough task of adjusting to a married life. Despite all challenges, the love they shared was the most intense feeling that both of them had ever experienced in their lives. It was worthing everything.

Working with Dr. Erik Selvig, who had returned to his home and research after the holidays, Dr. Jane Foster spent a lot of her time in field trips. But her relationship with Thor was progressing happily and, although they weren't formally living together, they couldn't be apart from each other for long periods of time. She would come back at least once a week and, when she was too far away, Thor would fly to be with his girlfriend. The new couple wanted to enjoy their passion in the present, without thinking of the possible and probable challenges in their future. Despite everything, as Asgard's heir, Thor was destined to rule all nine realms, including Earth, which he called Midgard. Sooner or later, he would have to fulfill his obligations and Jane's place at his side was beyond uncertain.

Darcy Lewis continued assisting Jane, following her everywhere, but, on a personal level, her life was stagnant. With all the couples around, more than ever, the young spirited woman wanted to find love too. She tried to reconnect with Ian Boothby, her British intern/almost-boyfriend, but because of the distance, it didn't work.

Sam Wilson took Darcy as his date to the party, but nothing happened other than the New-Year-midnight-kiss. The young Falcon was earnest to prove himself and to find his place within the Avengers – it wasn't the right time for relationships and they remained friends.

But the major change actually happened to Dr. Bruce Banner. With the adrenalin super-inhibitor, he was able to keep the Hulk transformation under control, allowing himself to an almost normal life. Dr. Elizabeth Ross had been his colleague, best friend, and lover, for years before his accident. They reconnected themselves instantly and, after the party, she still hadn't left the tower. They couldn't wait to reestablish their previous engagement. The main obstacle for their happiness was, as always, Betty's father, General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross – Bruce's biggest antagonist. Since the Avengers, Nick Fury had managed to get Bruce free for any charges, keeping the General off his back. But how could they stop a furious father?

The Avengers were the closest thing to a family for most of them, including Tony Stark, who had spent almost a lifetime by himself. The Iron Man finally had a team to belong to and to work with. That's why he spared no expenses to provide them the greatest comfort and perks. For sure, everything always followed by a good deal of humor and pranks. His long-time assistant, and now girlfriend, Virginia Potts couldn't be more proud of him, finally getting settled in a family life. In secret, Pepper was dreaming of their future together, and wondering when Tony would be ready for the next step in their relationship.

In spite of being dysfunctional and definitely crazy, the Avengers Tower was their home-sweet-home.

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Author's note: This is my third story at the Chris Crush universe. Extra, extended scenes about the team, with a bit of character study. Steve and Natasha are part of it, so they will be present here too. But their story remains the focal point at Chris Crush (main), and Chris Crush (Love scenes), rated M.

Remember, for a writer, feedback is gold, and your opinion always matters. I appreciate anything and everything you want to say, in English, Portuguese or Spanish!

xxoo Mari

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