A/N: I am so sorry it took me almost 2 months to update. School, travel, and writers block all got in the way. So here it is, Chapter 10, the biggest chapter I've written so far. Hope you guys enjoy it.

Flashette

P.S. Reviews and comments always welcome.

It was around 4 o'clock in the morning and Tony Stark was awake.

Not only was he awake, he was also alert and happy. He was humming an upbeat tune, thinking about his plans for the day as he entered the kitchen.

The bullet, narrowly missing his head by mere centimeters, lodged itself into the wall, jarring him from his thoughts.

A shocked Tony turned to see a deadly looking Natasha, her gun aimed directly at him. Without thinking, the millionaire dove behind the counter as the red headed assassin fired. Bullets flew everywhere causing the glass cabinet doors to shatter and rain down on him.

"Red! Wait! It's me! Tony!" Tony cried, trying to protect himself from the falling glass.

"Liar!" she snarled.

Tony knew his end was near.

As he was saying his last prayers, his rescuer, in the form of a sleepy eyed Captain America, swooped, well sauntered, in to save him.

"Tash? What on earth is going on? Why are you shooting the cabinets at 4 am?" Steve asked, rubbing the back of his neck. He was clad only in grey sweat pants. His hair was ruffled from sleep.

"Shh! Somebody broke into the tower. I think it's an imposter. The man looks like Stark, but I know it's not Stark because Stark wouldn't be up at 4 am on a Saturday." Natasha whisper explained, still aiming her gun where she last saw the "imposter".

"Tash. Did it ever occur to you that it could actually be Tony?"

"He was humming something other than ACDC."

"Fair point."

After a moment, Steve asked, "Did you check to see if it was Tony before you started shooting?"

"No."

"Did you kill him?!"

"No! I missed," She replied, still aiming at the spot where she last saw the "imposter".

"Tash," Steve said slowly, placing a hand on the gun, making her lower it. "Put the gun down. I'll go check to see if it's Tony or not."

Natasha gave a sigh of defeat and holstered her gun.

"Good girl." Steve teased, lightly kissing his assassin's head.

If looks could kill, Steve Rogers would be a dead man.

Steve chuckled and headed towards the last place Natasha saw the "imposter", finding a scared Tony Stark, lying behind the kitchen counter in a fetal position.

"Tony?" Steve started.

The billionaire looked up at the good Captain, his eyes wide with fear.

"Your woman is crazy."

Steve chuckled, helping the billionaire up.

"She can be dramatic."

A few minutes later, Natasha was apologizing while Steve was sweeping up the broken glass. JARVIS had already ordered new bullet proof glass cabinet doors per Steve's request. Tony was sitting on the kitchen counter, holding an ice pack to his head in with hand, drinking a good brandy in the other.

"Seriously Red, it's okay." Tony groaned. "Will you stop apologizing!? It's making me uncomfortable."

Natasha huffed, but complied. "But-"

"No Red. Stop it! Please! I liked it better when you were shooting at me!"

Steve chuckled at their conversation. He knew Natasha was more embarrassed than sorry, but she'd never admit it.

"Alright Tash. Stop apologizing to Tony. He doesn't deserve it." Steve spoke, dumping the dust pan full of glass down the trash chute.

"That's righ- Hey! I resent that!"

Natasha laughed, covering her mouth as Steve came up behind her. The Captain threw an arm around her shoulders, pulling her to him.

"So now that we know that Natasha is sorry, let's get to the real question. Why on earth were you up at 4 am, especially on a Saturday?" Steve asked.

"Well, today's Pepper's birthday, and I couldn't sleep because I was still working out the kinks in my brilliant plan for her surprise party." Tony explained.

"And those kinks are….?" Natasha asked.

"Well the fire breather is stuck in Milwaukee for the weekend and…"

"Woah woah. Stop there. A fire breather!?" Steve asked, incredulously.

"Yeah! Pep would love it!"

"Are you sure?" Natasha prompted, raising her eye brow at Tony.

"Well… Ye.. Yeah." Tony faltered.

"Exactly how drunk were you when you came up with the idea?" Natasha asked, slightly regretting that the bullet missed him.

"Why do you assume I was drunk?!"

The soldier and the spy gave him the same skeptic look.

"Okay fine… maybe a little." Tony confessed, "I came up with the whole idea after going out with Clint, but he said it was a good idea."

"I said no such thing." Clint stated, coming in the kitchen. The archer greeted Cap with a manly shoulder clasp before greeting Natasha with a brotherly kiss to the cheek. "I was simply nodding because he wouldn't shut up."

The soldier and the spy both chuckled as Tony's face became flustered.

"Well do you have any ideas for Pepper's party?" Tony asked.

"You shot them down already." Clint replied, getting out the orange juice from the fridge. The archer then noticed the broken cabnet doors.

"What happened in here?" Clint asked.

"Tash used Tony as target practice this morning." Steve answered, lightly kissing Natasha's head, "The cabinets got in the line of fire."

"Ah." Clint replied before reaching through the broken cabinet door for a glass.

"What am I going to do?" Tony wailed. "Pepper's surprise party is supposed to be in a few hours and I have no idea what I should do for it!"

"That's rough, buddy." Clint replied, sipping his orange juice, "Did you ask Natasha for any ideas?"

"No."

"There's your issue, buddy. Tasha is Pepper's closest girlfriend. She would know what Pepper would want. Plus she could distract Pepper too." Clint responded.

"Clint's right, Tash is Pepper's best friend. She could help." Steve added, "All you gotta do is ask her."

Tony sighed, "Fine. Will you help me, Red?"

"What's the magic word?" Tasha prompted.

"Please." Tony asked quietly.

"What? I didn't catch that?"

Tony looked in pain. Clint was silently laughing in his orange juice while Steve hid his smirk in his assassin's fiery red curls.

"Please Natasha Romanoff. Please help me plan Pepper's surprise party." Tony pleaded.

Natasha pondered the idea, tapping her finger to her chin. After a few moments of watching
Tony suffer, she smiled.

"Alright. Here's the plan."

It was around ten o'clock when Pepper woke up. She stretched before noticing that her fiancée was not sleeping beside her. She wasn't worried; she assumed that he was in the lab with Bruce working on something. He probably forgot that it was her birthday. Sighing, Pepper got out of bed and headed to the kitchen.

The smell of blueberry pancakes hit her as soon as she walked in. She perked up, thinking it was Tony, but alas, it was not.

"Morning Birthday Girl." Natasha greeted from the kitchen island. The spy was drinking her coffee and reading the newspaper. Steve was at the stove, cooking.

"Morning." Pepper greeted, "That smells delicious, Steve."

"Thanks." Steve replied, "Happy birthday."

Pepper smiled, "Thanks. At least you guys remember."

Natasha looked up from her paper, "What? Tony hasn't said happy birthday yet?"

Pepper shook her head sadly as tears filled her eyes. She took a seat next to the red headed spy, "No. He wasn't even there when I woke up."

"Aww Pep." Natasha spoke, hugging the CEO, "I'm sorry."

Pepper sniffed, "It's okay. It's not your fault. Sometimes it's just so hard living with him, y'know?"

"Actually I don't." Natasha answered truthfully, looking over at Steve. Steve stayed silent, letting Pepper have her girl time.

Pepper gave a watery laugh, "Well you're dating Captain America. He's the epitome of what every man should be."

"Not true." Natasha argued playfully, "he's a pig when it comes to doing his own laundry."

"Hey!" Steve interjected.

"Don't deny it! You hate washing your own socks!" Natasha shot back, giving him a playful smile.

Pepper was no longer crying; she was clutching her sides in laughter, trying to catch her breath.

"You guys sound like and old married couple." Pepper wheezed.

"Well, he is a fossil."

Both girls burst into a fit of giggles. Steve just rolled his eyes and served up the pancakes. He stole a quick kiss from Natasha before sitting down across from her.

"Between the both of us Pep, we both know Tash has a soft spot for older men." Steve stated, giving Pepper a suggestive wink. Natasha threw a blueberry at him.

Pepper giggled at their antics before sighing, "I wish Tony and I were like you and Steve. It would make things so much easier."

Pepper looked like she was going to cry again.

"Nope! No more crying Pep! Pull yourself together. It's your birthday, you should be happy." Natasha spoke.

"I know. I just keep thinking about him though. Where is he anyway?"

"Fury called him and Clint in on a mission at around four this morning." Steve explained, "I just got a text from him a few minutes ago. He says he's sorry he couldn't tell you "happy birthday" in person."

"Oh. When will he be back?" Pepper asked, brightening a bit.

"He doesn't think they'll get home till tomorrow."

"Oh." Pepper replied, looking dejected.

"Well, how about you celebrate your birthday with Steve and I today? Then you can celebrate with him when he gets back?" Natasha offered, trying to cheer the CEO up.

"I guess that would work." Pepper replied, looking a bit happier.

"Well. What do you have in mind for today?" Steve asked.

Pepper looked at Natasha with a wicked grin before replying, "Shopping!"

Tony was going to have to pay him back, big time.

After they three of them finished their breakfast, Pepper went to go get ready. Natasha told her to dress semi-casual because they were taking her out to dinner afterwards. They all agreed to meet Happy at the car in thirty minutes.

Natasha was dressing in Steve's room. Technically the room was their room, since Steve had asked her to move in with him a month ago, but she still hadn't gotten used to calling it their room just yet.

Steve emerged from the bathroom just as Natasha was putting on her dress. Steve gave an appreciative whistle.

Natasha was wearing a red and cream peasant style dress with botanical print. The dress had a split round neckline with a tie close and quarter length sleeves with slits that ran from her shoulder to where it was buttoned at end of the sleeve. Along with the dress, Natasha wore the arrow necklace that Clint had gotten her for her birthday. Her red curls hung loose over her right shoulder.

Natasha smiled at him before sitting down at their vanity to do her make-up.

While Natasha was doing her make-up, Steve quickly dressed into some lightly distressed jeans and a white button up with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. Once he was dressed, Natasha looked over at him and gave her own appreciative whistle.

Steve laughed and picked up her purse. "Ready?"

Natasha nodded, quickly sliding on her roman sandals. She stood and took her bag from Steve, giving him a chaste kiss on the lips before the two of them got in the elevator.

Pepper was already waiting for them when they arrived at the car. She was wearing a jade sleeveless woven midi dress with a twist-back design and brown roman sandals. Her hair was back in a casual ponytail.

Pepper smiled at the both of them brightly, "Let's go!"

Five hours and seven stores later, Steve found himself in yet another dressing room, trying on a pile of clothes that Pepper had picked out for him.

"Come on Steve, let's see how they look!" Pepper called from outside the dressing room door.

Steve silently groaned and braced himself before walking out.

Natasha was on one of the couches, giggling while Pepper was in awe.

"Anything looks good on him!" Pepper exclaimed. "He's like a freaking Abercrombie and Fitch model! Your own Abercrombie and Fitch model"

"A what?" Steve asked.

"Never mind, Steve." Natasha replied, "Go change, we have dinner reservations in thirty."

Steve obeyed, thankful that he no longer had to be Pepper's personal Ken doll.

Once he was back in his normal clothes, Steve met Natasha and Pepper at the car. Happy was going to drop them off at the restaurant and then drop off their bags at the Tower.

In the car, Pepper started asking questions.

"So, where are we going?" she asked.

"A nice little seafood restaurant by the docks." Natasha replied, "Steve and I found it last year after a mission. We thought you would like it.

"Oh."

The rest of the car ride was silent.

Happy parked the car right in front of the stairs to the docks. He went to open the door, but Pepper had beat him to it. She had noticed who the figure on top of the stairs was.

"Tony!" she yelled, running up the stairs with Steve and Natasha in tow.

The billionaire turned to face her right before she tackled him with a hug.

"Tony." She repeated, smiling in his arms.

"Hey there Pep. How was your day?" Tony asked, pulling away from her slightly.

Tony shouldn't have said that.

"How was my day!? How was my day!? I'll tell you how my day was!" she yelled, jabbing him in the chest, "My day started off awful! You weren't there! You went on a mission without saying goodbye! It is my birthday and I woke up alone!" she yelled.

"Woah woah." Tony eased, "That was all a part of the plan."

"What?" Pepper asked, confused.

"Cap and little Red volunteered to distract you while I set some stuff up. I didn't want you to know so I left a bit early." Tony continued.

"So Steve lied when he said you guys left for a mission?"

"Not entirely. Yes, Clint and I left for a mission, but it wasn't for Fury."

"I don't understand."

"Then let me show you." Tony replied, taking his fiancée's hand and leading her down the dock.

Steve and Natasha followed a little behind them. Steve had an arm around his gal's waist.

"You think she'll like it?" Natasha asked.

"I know she will." Steve replied, kissing her temple.

Tony lead Pepper up to a sailboat. The name of the boat covered with a tarp. Clint was standing by it.

"Tony, what's this?" Pepper asked.

"Your birthday gift." Tony replied, motioning to Clint. The archer pulled off the tarp, revealing the name of the boat to be…

"Virginia." Pepper breathed, "You named a boat after me?"

"Well she is yours, and I thought the name was fitting." Tony replied.

Pepper smiled.

"What do you say? Wanna take her on her maiden voyage?"

"I'd love to! Can Steve and Natasha come?"

"Of course!"

Pepper squealed with happiness before grabbing Natasha's hand and dragging her into the boat.

Natasha mouthed a "help me" to Steve.

He mouthed back a "no".

Once they were all on the boat, Tony started her up and headed her out towards the Hudson. Natasha and Pepper were lying out on the deck, looking at the sunset. Steve and Clint had disappeared somewhere.

"I wish everyone was here." Pepper spoke, looking up at the stars. "I kind of miss all the Avengers, ya'know. We're all like one big happy family. I wish they were here."

Natasha nodded. "Yeah, me too."

After a few more moments of silence, Pepper looked around. The boat had stopped moving and Tony was nowhere in sight.

"That's odd." Natasha spoke, looking around.

"Where do you think they went?" Pepper asked.

"I'm as clueless as you are. Maybe we should check below deck?"

"Yeah I agree."

The two women got up and headed down the stairs to the bottom of the boat. The lights were off, which was odd.

The two of them headed to the main living area.

"Where are the lights?" Pepper asked.

"No clu- wait. I think I found them." Natasha replied. She then flipped on the lights.

"SURPRISE!"

Pepper gasped in shock before looking around. Then she started laughing.

All the Avengers and their significant others were there. Even Phil and Darcy had showed up. Pepper turned to look at Tony, who had appeared beside her.

"Happy Birthday Pepper." He spoke, leaning to kiss her.

Pepper smiled and broke the kiss before greeting all her guests.

After she greeted the last guest, she turned to her fiancée.

"Did you plan all this?" she asked.

"It was all Natasha's idea." Tony replied honestly.

Pepper turned to see where Natasha was, but both she and Steve had disappeared. She headed up to the deck, looking for them. On the deck, she spotted the spy leaning on her soldier by the bow of the sailboat. Natasha was pressed against Steve's chest, his arms wrapped around her waist. Steve's head rested on Natasha's shoulder while Natasha's left hand cupped the super soldier's cheek, revealing shiny new engagement ring was glinting in the moonlight. Natasha gave Pepper a happy smile.

Without warning, the CEO ran across the deck and pulled the spy into a huge hug. Pepper had tears in her eyes.

"Thank you Tasha." Pepper spoke, crushing the girl in a hug, "You're like the sister I never had."

Natasha had tears in her eyes too. She hugged Pepper back just as hard.

"You're so very welcome."

When Pepper finally pulled back, she noticed Natasha's left hand. The CEO gasped and inspected the ring. It was a simple platinum band with a 1.5 carat round diamond. It matched Natasha perfectly.

"Tasha… It's stunning." Pepper spoke, a huge grin plastering her face. The CEO pulled Natasha in for another bone crushing hug.

"Tonight's been a very eventful night." Pepper stated.

Natasha nodded, hugging Pepper back.

"And it's not over!" Tony called out, pulling Pepper away from her hug. "Darcy! Music please!"

"You got it!" Darcy replied, plugging in her iPod. Happy upbeat music blasted out from the speakers. Tony hit a few buttons on his phone, causing the deck to light up.

Tony smiled at his fiancée before pulling her to go dance. Many other couples followed suit.

Natasha smiled as she watched her "family" act like idiots on the dance floor. Clint and Tony had started a dance battle, which Darcy was filming on her phone. Pepper was laughing like an idiot, watching the dance battle. Thor and Bruce cheered the two on, even Phil joined in.

While she watched, she felt Steve's arms wrap around her waist. She turned in his arms and placed a proper kiss on his lips.

Steve smiled and returned it.

Their little moment was ruined by a slightly tipsy Tony calling them to dance. Both obliged and headed to the dance floor.

After the Virginia was securely tied up at the docks, the Avengers all headed home. During the ride back, Natasha had fallen asleep on Steve and he didn't have the heart to wake her. So he just simply carried her bridal style back to their room. On the ride up, Clint shared the elevator with Steve.

"Precious Cargo." Clint spoke.

"Mmmhmmm" Steve replied, readjusting his grip on Natasha.

The archer noticed the ring on the sleeping spy's finger.

"I'm assuming she said yes." Clint spoke.

Steve turned his head and looked at the archer. He smiled.

"Yeah, she did."

"You're a lucky man Steve. I'm glad she found someone she deserves."

Steve nodded, "Thanks man. It means a lot."

The elevator stopped at Clint's floor.

Clint gave him a grin. "I just say it how I see it. Night Cap."

"G'night Clint."

Natasha woke right as they got into their room. She stretched like a cat in his arms.

"How long was I out?" she mumbled sleepily.

"A bit." Steve replied, setting her down, "Shower?"

Natasha gave a sleepy nod of agreement.

Once under the steam, Natasha began to perk up. She began to lather up Steve's hair. The soldier hummed happily.

"What a busy day." Natasha stated, "But a good day."

Steve nodded, "A very, very good day."

Natasha smiled and rinsed out his hair before starting on her own. Steve's hands quickly took the task from her.

After a while Natasha spoke.

"Were you nervous?" she asked.

Steve looked down at her and smiled.

"Yeah. Very nervous."

"Why? Did you think I would say no?"

"That thought did cross my mind once or twice, but no. I was more nervous that I would screw it up. Like I would say the wrong thing or accidentally drop the ring in the water." Steve confessed.

Natasha chuckled, playing with her ring.

"Do you like it?" Steve asked.

"The ring?"

"Yeah."

Natasha smiled, turning in his arms to face him.

"I love it."

"Good." Steve replied, kissing her soundly.