Epilogue

"Let me get this straight," Jane began setting down her margarita and leaning forward. "You quoted a children's movie during your long-awaited declaration of love."

Darcy pouted, eyes on the drink in her hand. "Shut up. I never should have told any of you." She took another sip, glancing around at the gathered women in her apartment. "I don't think they even noticed. And really it was like half a quote. At most. Plus they both liked that movie. Steve especially liked the reindeer."

Maria smirked. "I think I'm more impressed that you quoted a movie about endless winter to a couple of men who were quite literally frozen for years."

Darcy felt the blood rushing to her face. "Oh Christ. I'm a horrible person."

That got a laugh from the whole gathering, even Natasha.

"You're not a horrible person," Pepper assured her as she sipped at her martini.

"Why are we even talking about this? I didn't call a code red." It was true. She had been minding her own business, getting more clothes from her apartment to take up to the boy's floor, when the other four women had barged in with booze.

"No one said you did," Natasha retorted.

Darcy eyed each of them, but no one seemed particularly upset. Pepper was curled up in the recliner, her shoes on the floor and her suit jacket tossed over the back. Jane and Maria were on opposite ends of the couch, both looking relaxed in jeans and uniform respectively. Natasha was standing between everyone and the kitchen doing a series of slow stretches in her workout gear. It seemed like they all had dropped whatever they were in the middle of to be here, but she couldn't spot why. "Okay, I give. Who called it?"

Pepper raised her glass in a small salute, before downing the rest. Without prompting Natasha took the empty and went to refill it.

"Did Stark blow up something expensive again?"

Pepper chuckled. "No." She took a deep breath. "Since the Ultron fiasco, he's been having a hard time forgiving himself. Again. But he still thinks he was in the right as well. Age is starting to catch up to him. I think he feels it looking right over his shoulder. And he's afraid that when he has to put away the suit for good, he won't have done enough. He doesn't think there will be others on hand to take up the good fight. "

There was silence for a moment.

Accepting a fresh drink from Natasha, Pepper took a sip. "He's a man with many layers," she finally continued.

"Like an onion," Darcy said sagely. Apparently quoting children's movies was her go-to thing now.

Jane snorted and picked up her margarita again.

Natasha came over and squeezed in beside her on the loveseat that had magically appeared at some point. It somehow matched the rest of the random decor and made the whole place seem more refurbished-chic than broke-college-student.

Pepper smiled tiredly. "Very much like an onion."
Shifting, Darcy put her legs up on Natasha's lap. The redhead retaliated by practically laying down on her, her head resting on Darcy's stomach. It didn't look very comfortable but who was she to judge.

The song on the speakers changed to something with a slower tempo, as a moment of silence passed between them all.

"Not that I'm complaining," Darcy broke in, "but why exactly are we having girl's night here if I didn't call it?"

"Because I plan on turning your apartment into a women only area for us to get a break from all the testosterone. After you move in with Steve and James, of course," Pepper said matter-of-factly.

"Of course," Darcy echoed. "What do you mean of course?"

Natasha scoffed and looked up at her from beneath her lashes. "Like you aren't already practically moved in."

"There's a pool on when Steve is gonna pop the question," Maria added. "Only those with clearance are in it," she added when Tasha shot her a concerned look.

"Oh my god. Seriously? I only just admitted to loving them and you all have a bet going for when they're going to propose?"

"The bet is only about Steve proposing," Jane clarified. Darcy shot her a betrayed look, which she returned with a shrug. "What? You know Steve's the more traditional one. And besides I was going to split the winnings with you if I took the pot."

"I can't believe this is my life," Darcy said shaking her head. The others laughed and the conversation changed focus to Jane and Thor's relationship thanks to Tasha's helpful interference.

Darcy watched their banter with a happy smile which she hid in her margarita. This was her life and, no matter how she grumbled, she wouldn't have it any other way.