A/N: You guys are all so wonderful. Thanks so much for everything! :) I'm going to try for a double update today, next chapter is almost finished.

Nova Fearnewood: Thanks Nova! :) Pepper...well...This chapter explains that little dilemma.

RFK22: Yes, came close but Ivan needs to get to know the Hulk too. It wouldn't be fair if Hulk didn't get along with his would-be father-in-law right? haha. Nat and her plans. (P.S. I don't have work today! *dances with joy.*)

Irishbrneyes: You're right on about Pep. Very good my friend.

Eclaire Stones: lol Poor Bruce. Thanks so much! :D

ecotiger: Wow,thank you so much for reading, following and reviewing. Welcome aboard! :)

"Natasha, how do you feel about marriage?"

Her eyes lift upwards, wide and very much caught off guard by the question. She shrugs;

"Um...it's...why do you ask?"

Pepper shrugs herself, leaning over to study a new display, "Just wondering. You and Bruce seem to be getting along well."

Natasha nods her head, "We do...why?"

Potts turns her back to the case, brushing her hair behind her shoulder while her red-haired friend gives a chuckle;

"From what I can see, Bruce is starting to establish himself. Tony said they were talking about a permanent home and job."

She nods, head bowed low as she plays with her phone. After receiving several nauseating messages from Tony, she smirks to get her first message from 'Vrach';

'No explosion. Don't panic, don't listen to Tony. I'm going to talk to your father moya lyubov (?).'

She shakes her head, smirk on her face;

"Yes he told me."

"Tony also said he was using 'we'. And you know what that means Natasha. Have you thought about it?"

She smirks, head lowering to dig into her brown paper bag, "...Maybe."

Pepper shakes her head, "Cute guy like that; I'd slap you if you said 'no'. He's rare Natasha, mild-mannered, gentle, kind, considerate...He's handsome, easy on the eyes."

"I think he's perfect Pepper, trust me."

"-And he loves you. Which is the most important thing."

Natasha lifts her eyebrows after feeling her cheeks flush a vibrant red, shoving her bagel into her mouth. She takes a bite, talking with her mouth full; "Pepper, ca I ask you something? I mean even aside from my ruthless job, I'm obviously not exactly the most patient or...classy woman in the world..."

Potts chuckles, heading off into another section, "As you stuff your face in the middle of Tiffany's. Be careful, someone might get mad at you."

She smirks, studying her breakfast, "Yeah, you get the point. But um...do you, think, I would...uh, be a good, partner for Bruce?"

The CEO takes note of her choice of words, seeing Natasha as a free spirit, the type who would be eager to create her own marriage vows and alternate a few words;

"Well..."

Natasha sighs, hiding her food from a guard as they pass by, "Seriously Pepper, I want the truth."

"The truth...Well, do you love him Natasha?"

She nods, slightly irritated when she answered questions with questions, "Yeah..."

"Do you love him enough to care for his emotional and physical needs?"

"Pepper I've met worse. Bruce has a right to get down every once in a while, do you know what he's been through? What he's struggling with? I don't blame him."

"Well, I meant in general. I'm not singling out Dr. Banner. So, to answer your question, as long as you love him and show that love through actions than you'll be fine. Bruce is not the type that's looking for perfection, he cares about you and who you are. He can see past your rough-and-tumble exterior. Have you spoken to him about something more permanent?"

"Not exactly. We're supposed to head out later because he said he wants to talk. Honestly, I'm a little nervous. Am I ready for that? If he brings it up?"

She smirks to herself;

"It's something to think about. Marriage is about commitment, communication, and compromise. If you love someone, you'll put their needs ahead of your own. You'll consider their feelings on matters, ask them before running off places, thinking with a 'we' instead of an 'I'. You know, all those sort of things."

Romanoff makes a face while Pepper inconspicuously searches the cases. Potts knew what she was doing, watching Natasha give an eye roll before biting a fresh piece from off of her bagel. Romanoff sighs, giving her a returning glance;

"And what do you know about all this stuff?"

She shrugs, "I've been thinking about it. Tony and I have been talking about getting serious for a few months now, and I think we're ready. I've always wanted to settle down and raise a family."

Natasha feels her heart pound, feeling a knot in her stomach over her last sentence. Her tongue shifts towards her cheek, too upset to finish her breakfast.

Pepper lays a hand over her stomach, biting at her cheek;

"Um, I was wondering, while we're out, can we run to a pharmacy down this way?"

"Yeah sure. Done here?"

"Yes. Thanks for taking me. There's a pharmacy nearby right?"

"Not sure. You feeling alright?"

Pepper nods unsure of herself, "Yeah..."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tony jumps, smiling from ear to ear after pounding on the table;

"Yes! That one, right there! That's what I'm getting Pepper!...Here, look."

Bruce looks up from his tea, eyes vague and slightly annoyed over not being able to talk with Petrovich alone;

"Okay Tony."

"Spangles! Wanna see?"

Steve looks up from his sketch pad, comfortable on the sofa, "No."

"Seriously?!"

"Seriously."

Ivan leans forward on the table, finally shifting his focus from off of Banner;

"Who is that for Stark?"

"Pepper! I'm going to ask her to marry me."

Clint sighs, leaning on the wall behind him;

"What are you, telling everybody!? And here I thought I was privileged to hear such information!"

"Barton, everything little thing I do is big! Why wouldn't this be just as big?!"

Barton rolls his eyes, keeping on eye out of the window behind him, "You're out of your mind."

He nudges Thor, whispering in his ear, "Listen, when Tasha pulls up, Bruce and I are booking out of here. Hold off Ivan for me?"

He nods, "I shall."

Clint slips a $20 from his pocket into Thor's. The demigod looks down, "And what shall I do with that? There is no need for such a thing in Asgard."

He shrugs, "I don't know, get yourself pop tarts next time your out."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pepper jumps into the car, eyes wide and nervous, "Natasha, we need to stop at a store."

"Another one?"

She exhales slowly, "I need to a place with a bathroom and, can you come with me?

Romanoff feels her cheeks blush red, "Listen, if it's your time of month..."

"No...' She panics, hands over her head, 'I've actually missed a few of those that's why I'm worried."

Natasha leans over, digging in Pepper's plastic bag and through items the items she purchased;

"You can't be serious."

"I am serious and I think this is why I've been sick for months. I wanted to talk to Bruce about it this morning but, I didn't see him..."

Romanoff just sighs, analyzing the situation, "And how do you feel about it? If you are?"

She shrugs, slightly paranoid, "I don't know. Like I said before, Tony and I talked about having a child, I just, this wasn't planned."

Natasha lifts her eyebrows, before putting the car in reverse. Pepper was going to get married, have a baby and start her perfect life absolutely care free. Pepper didn't lose a spouse and she likely wasn't infertile or had nasty memories from her early life to tote around with her.

Natasha felt a knot in her stomach for the quick 10 minute ride, something akin to a little envy. Than again, Pepper was a hard worker and she had been with Tony for years. Of course, she was Natasha's friend and if it was going to stay that way, she needed to put things into perspective. Doing so seemed to ease her frustration a little, switching into a completely different mode when she parks her car;

"Go ahead Pepper I'll be right in."

Potts gives a nod, "Okay, no rush."

Natasha waits until she exits, throwing her face into her open palms, breathing to pull herself together before jumping out behind her friend.

She shops through the store, arms crossed while she waits for Pepper and slightly nervous for her friend. Of course Tony wouldn't mind, right?

Natasha wondered what Bruce would do if their roles were reversed. She could imagine the smile on his face, their baby in his arms, a small red-haired child following him around the lab.

She sighs, slipping back to reality when she checks her phone over a message from Clint. Natasha heads towards the facilities with her head bowed low, looking up to see the horrific look on Pepper's face;

"Well?"

Potts waves her in to look at the strips left on the porcelain, all positive. Natasha loses her smile after seeing the look on Pepper's face hasn't changed; Ghostly pale with the color stolen from her lips;

"You look awful."

"I don't know how to tell Tony."

She shrugs, "Just tell him."

"I should've taken these tests sooner...I don't know how long it's been. What if he doesn't want it?"

The idea seemed to bother Romanoff when she gives an eye roll;

"Why wouldn't he?! It's half his for crying out loud! And you guys are talking about marriage, which means you're willing to accept responsibility, care for someone else..."

Pepper smirks ever so slightly, "So you were paying attention to my little lecture?"

"I-...anyway, let me call Bruce-"

"Wait, I'd rather talk to him. If that's okay."

"Yeah of course."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Behold! He has sketched the son of Odin!"

Clint takes up Steve's pad, chuckling at the exaggeration;

"Oh yeah, big mouth and all."

Tony jumps up, bolting for the sofa, "Wait I want to see."

Rogers pulls away, ready to scream when Stark gets into his personal space;

"Alright, back up! It's not that interesting I promise!"

Ivan leaps at the opportunity, keeping his voice soft when he addresses Bruce, nodding towards the other room, "Can I have a word?"

Banner nods, following behind him. Ivan naturally opens his mouth first once they reach the room, parking comfortably on the chair beside him with no intention of a 'brief' conversation;

"So, what happened?"

He stammers, his voice still soft while wrings at his hands, "Um...in the lab?"

Ivan nods, eyes wide and waiting. Bruce shifts his focus towards his clasped fingers, attempting to hide the trembling from him;

"I, got a little anxious-"

"-Does that happen often?"

"Um...lately it's been happening more but I'm-"

"-Why?"

His head lowers, unsure of how to answer him, "I don't know..."

Ivan narrows his focus, slightly irritated, "I'd prefer it if you'd look me in the eye."

Bruce shifts his focus upwards, swallowing in an attempt to sooth a dry throat before he can answer;

"I'm sorry."

"Are you alright now?"

"I'm fine."

He nods, easing up on his tense focus, "I know it's only been a few days but, I've, got to say that I'm not too impressed."

"I know."

Ivan spots his eyes lowering, picking up on his nervous energy when he offers a reminder;

"Eyes up."

He complies, ramming his hands into his pockets to stop playing his fingers. Petrovich sighs after crossing an ankle over his knee;

"Natalia, needs someone with confidence. Someone strong enough mentally and physically to care for her. Someone stable."

Banner nods in agreement, eyes shifting back down, "She deserves it."

Ivan leans forward in his chair, observing in the younger man's naturally insecure body language and demeanor. He softens his tone;

"In all honestly I find your nature a bit weak. I don't think you're strong enough for Natalia. I mean no disrespect but she can do better-"

He nods, not necessarily ready to give up. He loves her, heart already aching when he's forced to reply;

"I know. And I'll respect your decision."

"My decision? My decision is to give you, a little more time. I know you love my daughter, but can you prove to me that you're capable of taking care of my child?"

"Sir I know you hate me but I swear I'll do my best..."

"I don't hate you. I expect more from you. Can you prove to me that you can take care of Natalia?"

The physicist gives a nod, shutting his eyes to focus on Natasha, willing to comply to any and all of his strict rules for her sake, "Yes Sir."

"I want more self-esteem from you, more strength, and more stability. Clear?"

He nods, biting his cheek over something he felt was impossible.

"And just so you're aware, I'm asking Fury for your files. I didn't want to do it without your knowledge. Is there anything you want to tell me before I find out the hard way?"

Bruce shakes his head 'no', eyes shifting up towards his. Petrovich feels his heart drop, feeling for him in the smallest way when he sees the look on Banner's face and the nervousness in his stare. He nods, before leaving the room determined to keep himself in a superior position to the doctor. In his mind, there was no need in his mind to get on the same level, at least not yet;

"Head up Banner."

He obeys, closing his eyelids while Petrovich slips past. Bruce falls backwards onto the furniture behind him once Ivan leaves, staring at the ceiling while he mulls over the conversation. As much as he felt like he had just over analyzed and dissected, it sure was a hell of a lot better than dealing with Ross.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pepper brushed past the 'escapees', smirking when she saw Clint bolt for the driver seat;

"Move over 'Tasha, I'll drive."

Romanoff just gives him a stare down, "Alright alright, you don't have to get crazy about it! So how'd you get past Ivan?"

"Paid off Thor. He's amusing your daddy with stories of Asgard."

Natasha rolls her eyes, spotting Bruce, eavesdroping when Pepper catches him;

"Dr. Banner, can I talk to you when you come back?"

His eyes widen, replying softly, "Of course, you're alright?"

She smiles, "We'll talk later. Natasha's waiting for you."

He nods hesitantly, holding the front door for her until she enters;

"Go ahead Bruce, I'll lock up."

Romanoff climbs in the second row, receiving an evil look from Clint;

"Oh! You can't even sit up here with me anymore?!"

She crosses her arms, "What? You don't want Hill up there?"

"Well, I mean...Nat! You can't just sit up here for a 5 minute trip? Come on! I don't even know where I'm going."

"Fine!"

Natasha climbs out opening the passenger door when her friend walks past;

"You want the front Vrach?"

"No thanks. I don't exactly need to be exposed to Manhattan road rage."

She nods, "Point taken."

"Natasha is Pepper alright?"

"Um, yeah. She just told me she wants to talk to you about a few symptoms that's all."

"Like?"

"You'd have to ask her, I'm, I don't know too much."

Bruce slips on his glasses, letting the two assassins mumble to one another about nonsense. He sketches in his unreadable script, nervous over what to tell her. He knew he loved her, hoping for Natasha to be open to the idea of eventually legalizing their bond. Truth be told, Bruce had been thinking about it for months but he was in no particular rush to say anything to her or anyone else. Especially after having only recently recalled a few issues that could hinder his plans.

He holds his head, elbow rested on the door while he looks over his list. It was one thing to sort things out with Natasha, hard enough to go through questions without making her feel like she was being interrogated. Ivan was right, she deserved better. And how the heck was he supposed to win over her father anyways? Ivan didn't know half the things he'd done for Romanoff but Bruce had no intention of sharing them either.

Banner was feeling slightly stubborn with a temptation to just ignore her father and carry as if he didn't exist. The instant the thought enters his mind, guilt takes over. After all, the last thing he wanted was anymore conflict.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Pepsi dearest! How are you?"

Potts gives him a look, smirking when he hides his phone behind his back;

"Fine and yourself?"

"Lovely. Potts can I take you to dinner?"

She lifts an eyebrow, "Two nights in a row? You must be desperate."

"Huh?"

She clarifies, "What do you want Tony."

"Um, nothing. I just want to take my little spice out for the evening. Are you up for it?"

Pepper nods, lowering her head, "Sure."

He crosses his arms, eyebrows lifted, "Pepper? Are you okay?"

She looks upwards, eyes filling, "I'm fine. Just emotional that's all."

"Well, uh, you want anything?"

"No, thank you Tony."

"Okay well, go on get ready, pretty yourself up or whatever you do. I'll see if I can get reservations at Le Bernardin or something for dinner."

Pepper just smiles, heading into the elevator, "Um, actually...I'm feeling charitable today. Can we visit the local children's hospital this afternoon?"

"Sure, whatever you want Sugar. Do you want to go out later?"

"Can we talk about it later? See if we're up for it?"

"Yeah that's fine."

"Thanks Tony."

He waits until she disappears, swiping his phone to call his friend with a huge smirk over his face. He leaves a direct voicemail, not wanting to disturb his afternoon;

"Hey Brucey it's me. Um...don't plan anything with Little Red tomorrow morning cause I need to pick up Pepper's junk and I'm not going in there by myself. Last minute decision and you have no choice. Bye."