By six o' clock, the rest of the Avengers were seated at Tony's luxurious dinner table. JARVIS had prepared steak, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. Natasha and Clint were busy playfully bickering back and forth about which was better. They were a happy couple. After Clint had nearly been brainwashed by Loki, both had decided life was too short and had given being in a relationship a shot. It had proven successful.

Bruce and Thor had engaged in a religious debate about whether people should put their faith in gods or in simple humanity. Bruce was well aware of what would be discussed tonight and he couldn't be more proud of Tony and Steve. He was certain the rest of the team would not be opposed but he was still in the dark about Pepper. He was not sure if Tony had talked to her or not.

Steve and Tony were finishing up last minute touches on the meal. They were not as anxious as the previous night. After their conversation last night, neither one really cared what the rest of the team thought. They were only following Fury's orders. They loved each other. It was that simple. Steve looked up from getting the rest of the silverware and watched the others enjoying their side conversations. He let a small smile escape from his lips. He thought of them as his second family. They had given him a purpose to exist. He was a soldier and soldiers were not meant for fitting in to the norms of society.

"You ready Rogers?" Tony asked as he stood next to Steve. He looked into the billionaire's lusty brown eyes and nodded. The two men walked over to the table holding silverware and some beer.

"This food sure looks good" said Bruce opening a Heineken.

"I must concur with Bruce's statement. It seems mortals have good taste" exclaimed Thor. Natasha and Clint also complimented on the food.

"So what is it that you wish to tell us?" asked Natasha as she sipped on her white wine. "This is highly unusual for you Mr. Stark." Her eyes were searching Tony's for answers. She looked dangerous with her red hair and ivory skin. Her red lipstick only highlighted these features. Tony looked over at Steve for a last minute ounce of reassurance. Steve smiled warmly and Tony began his speech.

"The reason I have called all of you here is because there is something that Steve and I need to share with you. As you are already aware Steve nearly died on our last mission. His near death experience opened my eyes to a really hard reality." He paused for a moment as he tried to gather the proper words to speak. "What I learned from this almost horrible tragedy is that we do not know when those closest to us will leave us. So I decided to tell someone special how I really felt about them." He gazed at Steve, his eyes pleading for assistance. Steve stood up from his chair.

"What Tony is trying to say is that since I nearly died, he has admitted that he loves me." Steve's voice was firm. "And I happen to love him." He glanced over at Tony and smiled.

"Exactly what I was going to say Steve, how did you know?" he said with his usual sarcasm. "We would have told you sooner but we had other issues to resolve first. If anyone has a problem with this please leave your comments on the comment card placed under your plates."

For a moment, the group was silent as they absorbed the two heroes' quirky speeches. They all looked at one another with expressions of confusion and shock. All except for Bruce that is, he was smiling at the two lovers.

"Well guess I'll be the first one to react" he replied. "Congratulations Mr. Rogers. I am glad that you are the one to help tame this crazy bastard." He stood up and raised his glass looking for a toast.

"I am not trying to tame anyone. I love Tony for who he is even though he can be quite a jackass" said Steve as he merrily rolled his eyes at Tony.

"You see Bruce someone does love me for me" Tony shouted with enthusiasm.

"Jesus, I knew something was up" said Clint breaking the tension. "All those little gay touches and those bizarre looks at one another, just wow. I would like for everyone here tonight to know that I, Clint Barton also known as 'Hawkeye' was right." He raised his glass as well. When no one else raised their glasses he added "I would also like to show my support. I am happy for both of you aren't we darling?" He wrapped his arm around Natasha and pulled her close.

"Um…yes, yes of course. Sorry it is just a bit of shock" she said turning her face to give Clint the evil eye. "I also do not like knowing he is right but I guess I am in support of you both as well." She raised her glass. All eyes then turned to Thor who had remained silent throughout the entire show.

Thor first looked at Steve then turned to look at Tony, whom both was staring at him. He looked confused.

"Does this mean that you Stephen Rogers love Anthony Stark like I love Jane or Clint loves Natasha?" He was clearly puzzled.

"Yes that is what we are saying. I love Tony more than life itself and I would do anything for him and he would do the same" Steve said in a casual, but heavy tone.

"Yes I would. I love him more than he knows" said Tony as he downed his glass of water. There was a sparkle in his eyes tonight and for the first time he was feeling exuberant.

"That is unknown in the land of Asgard, but it is obvious that there is some kind of connection between you two. Therefore, I shall not pass judgment. Congratulations" announced the demi god. He stood up and raised his glass.

"To Steve and Tony, may grace and love shine down upon them" said Bruce.

"Cheers" the team said and clinked their glasses together and toasted to the new couple. Steve and Tony were beyond happy. They felt the remainder of their stress seep out of their skin and evaporate into the air. They were accepted by the team and both took solace that no matter what, the team would be there to back them up. Tony felt a hint of sorrow for he had hoped Pepper would be part of the picture as well. He still thought of her as a close friend but her behavior had shown her true colors. After a minute of reflection, he finally let go all memories of her and once again became immersed in the joyous celebration. He still was weary of her and he now knew what she was capable of but tonight was his night to be happy and to feel loved by all around him. He knew the team would have more questions at a later date but he decided it best to leave out the Q&A.

The rest of the evening went smoothly. The dinner was a success and after it was over, each Avenger once more went about their way to return to seclusion in their own private lives. Natasha and Clint returned to apartment somewhere in the city while Thor returned to his life with Jane. Bruce decided he was going to try and enter the world of dating so he chose to venture out into the privacy of the New York's country lifestyle.

Once they had all gone, Tony asked JARVIS to help clean up. "Well I feel better" remarked Tony as he entered his bedroom.

"I agree. Tonight was a success" replied Steve following him into the bedroom. He watched as Tony stripped down to nothing but a pair of boxers. He too had perfect abs and though he was older, he showed no signs of aging. To Steve, Tony was more than just a superhero. He represented hope for a better life and maybe some stability. He was everything to him.

"Are you staring at my dashing good looks?" asked Tony as he paraded around the room in his boxers.

"You caught me" said the blue eyed wonder. "May I join you?"

"Certainly, you are a little overdressed for sleeping. Let me help you." Tony walked in front of Steve and gently pulled his shirt over his head. He kissed the top of his chest and grabbed Steve's back to pull him in for a hug. "I love you Steve" he murmured softly.

"I love you too Tony." The two men began their new routine of making love before going to sleep. This was a perfect evening for once. No arguments, no drama, and no interruptions. They valued this day and swore to always remember it. They were wrapped around in their own world. They were also unaware that soon their world, their paradise, would come crashing down.