i still have won and own nothing.

{Chapter VIII}

"No," groaned Emma, thunking her head onto the glass top table and leaving it there. "No. No no no. No. Not happening! Who even told you?"

"The form you filled out when you came to work here." Phil glanced at Pepper, highly amused. "There was no stopping it."

"Why don't you want a party?" Bruce bent over Emma, a hand on her back, looking a bit worried about her. "Do you not like birthdays?"

"No, no, it's just…" Emma sighed and sat up. The Avengers watched her with caution. "I just don't want to make a fuss. Honestly. I hate getting older. I know I'm a bit young to be saying it, but I honestly just hate getting older."

"Good. I thought you were going to say that you hated parties." Tony smirked from where he sat, Oscar on the end of his knees and playing with alphabet blocks on the table. "That would not be acceptable."

"Emma." Pepper smiled and went over to her friend's side. "I wanted to wait to tell you, but Tony already got you a birthday present, and he'll be upset if you don't wear it." She glanced at Tony, who nodded, and continued. "It's a dress and shoes, Emma. For the party."

Emma blinked in surprise. "Wha-what?"

"Yeah." Tony smiled at her, rubbing Oscar's back. "Happy birthday."

"They've been planning this for days, Emma." Thor spun lazily from side to side in the spinny chair. "You Midgardians are strange. In Asgard we have banquets and games and hunts, not this…" he frowned, his forehead puckering. "This Jay-Zig creature, the Black Eyed Pips, or those red cups that crunch when you step on them-"

"It's all up to you," Pepper assured Emma. "Just a yes or no."

Emma sighed. "Will it be fun?"

"YES!" Tony held up Oscar's little fist Superman-style.

"And no pranks from either of you?" Emma pointed at Tony and Clint.

"Cross our hearts," Clint assured her, doing just that.

Emma looked up at Pepper. "And only good music?"

"YES!" they all cried, making Oscar perk up and look around.

Emma finally conceded a smile. "Okay. It's a yes, then."

Everyone let out a whoop.

"All right!" Tony handed Oscar to a very surprised Phil and sprang up. "Let's get to work! The party's tomorrow night, people, and I need you all on best form!"

Emma muttered to Bruce, "Am I going to end up regretting this?"

He smiled. "Probably. Tony Stark is exceptionally good at parties…"