A/N: Hello faithful readers! A little funny filler, but next week we get into more plot points! And I'm excited to share with that I still haven't seen Infinity War... NOT. Ticked off because my town is flooding and it would take four hours to get to the theatre by going around the only other way. There and back! Well, almost a week until I am in a town that actually has its own theatre. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Marvel, Disney, ABC or the Avengers. Just Sera and my own brand of chaos.


Our trip was so wonderful, but reality called. The kids were almost finished their high school studies, and once they were done those, they began more intense training. They were free to pursue a college degree after Thanos's defeat, because they had too much to focus on beforehand to complete more studying adequately. A month had past, and it neared the end of September.

"Nice form Eli. Don't drop your left side Callie," May said as the twins dueled. I was watching proudly, and enjoying the air conditioning as I worked on expense reports and communicated with Shuri about uniform specs. Everyone was over the moon at the thought of better armor under his or her normal suits. I was just excited to use mine for the first time in training. Seven more months. I would be the worst off of our teams, soft from pregnancy and going to be struggling to catch up to everyone who was already in peak condition.

Sharon came to me secretly, to thank me for keeping the blood tests quiet. She was sad that she hadn't been pregnant, but she and Sam decided to wait until after Thanos to try anyway. I assured her it was a good idea, but I understood how upset she must have been when it was negative.

"Good takedown Callie. Alright, go shower," May said, leaving the room as I looked up, to see Callie releasing her foot from under Eli's chin. They rolled away from each other, panting lightly, before I said, "Good job guys."

"Thanks Mom," Eli said, drying his face off with a towel. My babies were looking more and more grown up everyday. By Bruce's calculations, they were approaching 15 much faster by being closer to the Terrigen supply.

"Mom, can I borrow some t-shirts. Mine feel extra tight and uncomfortable," Callie said, before I realized why. She was definitely going through puberty, and that meant 'The Talk.' I was forcing Bucky and Steve to sit Eli down for his own version, but it wouldn't necessarily involve shopping like I was planning on doing with Callie. Telling the guys they would have Eli to deal with tonight, Callie and I took off to the hanger. I called in reinforcements, because Pepper was like a bloodhound for sales, and because it might be easier having a third party there to answer questions. I didn't exactly have a typical sexual history, let alone a good model of the norm.

"Grandma," Callie said, as we walked down the Quinjet's ramp.

"Sweetheart, you grew again," Pepper smiled sadly. I know she was looking forward to a bit more baby time with Oliver once he was born. Her first experience as a Grandma was definitely not normal.

"Mom said we are going shopping, is it true?" Callie said, smiling wide.

"It is. I bought one outfit for you the last time you were here, and it should fit now. It will be more comfortable than what you have on. Go change and meet us back here."

Callie bounded off and I sighed, "Thanks Mom."

"Hey, my own experience of the talk from my mother was embarrassing. I can understand the hesitation."

"It's just that I was sexually active at 16. I was in college when I got pregnant for the first time, at 17. I don't have the best track record for smart decisions."

"It's going to be fine. Your Dad said he would steer clear of the lounge tonight, as he is tinkering with some new suit design. Total privacy, and she can ask questions… it's going to be fine," Pepper said, hugging my shoulders.

"I thought I wouldn't have to do this for another 12 years," I said as we walked towards the elevator to wait for Callie.

"Well, you have to do it now. It would just be confusing in 12 years," She joked.

Callie came running back in, showing off her smart new outfit, before we headed out. I intended to grab her things that would fit her until she stopped growing. Which by seeing future Callie in my mind, I could see her end size. We grabbed her a few new bra's both sports and regular, and she could decide which one was comfiest. I was contemplating taking her to Victoria's Secret, but it seemed too grown up for today. She was still my baby.

She got armloads of clothes in ascending sizes to ensure a full wardrobe for the rest of her 'teenage' years. I would take Eli tomorrow, after he stopped looking confused by Steve and Bucky's talk.

We ordered Chinese because I was having a major craving, and had it delivered to the Tower, where we set up a comfy atmosphere for our girl talk. Pepper was taking her lead from me, so when Callie wasn't chewing on food, I started. She listened patiently as I explained the birds and the bees, and that the reason her shirts had felt funny was because of her growing body. She knew all of this from biology with Jemma, but she didn't interject as I explained that it was okay to love one person, multiple, opposite gender or the same sex.

We had never explained our relationship to the kids, because we didn't really want a label to define our love. But the kids hadn't asked.

"So, because you loved both Dad and Daddy, and they both loved each other and you, you just decided to all be together," She summarized.

"Yes. Simply put, we can't live without each other. It felt impossible to choose, so there was no choice," I said, shrugging my shoulders, "We labeled it for anyone that might ask, but our love can't really be defined by words."

"But you wouldn't be disappointed in me, if I only loved one person."

"Never. It was a choice I had to make for myself, and what anyone else said didn't matter. But I will never be disappointed in who you love, I promise," I said, taking her hand.

"Okay. There is only one person, but you know that," She blushed.

"And when you look at least 18, he will be able to date you, but just because I started dating at 16 doesn't mean you can," I teased, "Your Dads' would probably kill him if it happened earlier."

"Can I gossip with you? Who is this mystery person?" Pepper asked, as we all giggled. Just as Callie was about to open her mouth, the elevator dinged and a voice called out, "Tony?"

"Hi Peter," I smiled, while Callie ducked her head to hide the raging blush forming.

"Hey Sera, Pepper. Oh, hi Callie!" He said, and I could see him perk up a bit. She lifted her head to smile at him, "How are you Peter?"

"I'm good, just looking for Tony. He wasn't in the labs," Peter said, gesturing to the elevator.

"FRIDAY?" I asked aloud.

"Boss, is out testing the Mach 37. The Bleeding Edge Armor."

"Wait, he already had the design? Last one I heard of was the Mach 43," I said confused.

"Boss was having trouble with the nanites, but has since rectified the problem."

"Uh huh, he got help from Shuri," I smirked. At the AI's silence, I said, "You don't have to cover for him FRIDAY. Shuri already told me when we were there a month ago."

"He said you would rub it in his face."

"Yes, but not quite yet. Don't tell him that I know," I said, before realizing Peter had sat down, and was chatting up Callie. Pepper caught my eye and raised a brow smirking.

I pursed my lips in a smile and nodded, to which she looked back at the two of them and smiled.

"Approved," She said to me.

"What's approved?" Callie said, hearing her.

"That FRIDAY doesn't tell your Grandpa that I know he cheated by talking to Shuri. Peter, do you want some Chinese?"

"Oh, yes please," He said, dishing up for himself.

The 'Talk' was obviously over, as I did not want to insult Peter by asking him to leave, or embarrass Callie. They chatted for about an hour, until I checked my phone and saw three messages from base.

"Hey, I hate to interrupt you two, but we are needed home. It's getting late. Peter, you are coming by tomorrow to train, right?"

"Yes, I forgot," He said, "Thanks for reminding me. Got to let Aunt May know."

"Callie, get your things. And thank your Grandma," I said in a stage whisper. Pepper had swooped in at every purchase with Dad's credit card before I could protest.

"Thank you for all my new outfits Grandma," Callie said, giving Pepper a hug.

"You are welcome sweetheart. Let's go collect them."

Callie left the room, with Pepper on her heels, ready to help her lug the bags. I looked at Peter, who was watching them leave, a weird look on his face. Confusion was the main reading I got.

I just stood there, smiling at him with a raised brow. He turned, realizing he had been caught, and said, "What?"

"Oh nothing," I smirked.

"That's your "I know something you don't" face," He said, blushing slightly.

"It is something. But I would give it a few months," I said, giving my permission in a roundabout way. Peter tried and failed to hide a blushing smile as he said, "I don't know what you are talking about."

"Mhmm," I sassed as I heard them coming back from the guest bedroom. We left shortly after, Callie giving a shy wave to Peter in goodbye.


I was able to take Elijah the next day, with no muss or fuss. He was usually pretty simple to shop for. A week went by, and I watched them change again. They got taller, losing more of their baby chub, and I cried the whole day. When asked what was wrong, I would just burst into tears again. Damn pregnancy hormones.

Steve and Bucky knew what bothered me though, trying to distract me by taking me on a trip to the Abacos Islands. It was short, and I was sad we didn't have the kids with us, but it was nice for us to reconnect. We stayed for a few days on Paradise, seeing Walter again at one point back on the main island. He had joked that I was always pregnant when I came to see him, and I flicked his ear in retaliation. I was missing drinking, and he would always make such amazing looking cocktails or mixed drinks for the guys, while I had water.

And we eventually came home, to reality. I shivered as we came out of the Quinjet, noticing the cooler air in the hangar.

"Anyone else cold?" I said, looking at the guys.

"Nope," Steve said, shrugging. Bucky shook his head, "Do you want a sweater ангел?"

"No, I think I'll just go make myself a cup of tea or something," I said, "I will adjust. I miss the sun already."

"We'll be right there Angel. Just going to put the bags away," Steve said, smiling softly at me.

"I might have to stop by my office. I had a few things I left undone for the UN. Now that ARSENAL's Defense Net is up, we have less to worry about, and yet they still want details of our operations."

"Sounds good. Just don't sit down in there. You get into your own head and its impossible to pull you out," Bucky teased.

"Smartass," I joked, "Meet you in the kitchen."

I walked slowly, calling out for Joey. He was usually the first to know I was back, having a sixth sense to my presence. I heard whimpering, and then a bark as I got closer to the common room.

"Joey?" I called quietly. I turned the corner to see everyone standing there, smiling, and Eli was holding Joey back by his collar.

"Happy birthday!" They cheered.

"It's my birthday?" I said, confused as Natasha came up to hug me tightly.

"You forget, every year," Steve said, coming up behind me.

"Well, I have a pretty valid excuse," I mumbled.

"Pregnancy brain," Wanda smiled, as I was led in to my party. Wanda and Jemma had tag teamed making my Mom's famous enchiladas, making me smile sadly. Bucky was quick to change the subject before someone asked me about my mood. I got mainly gift cards for shopping, and a spa treatment or two. Steve and Bucky went so far as gifting me one diamond earring each, making me very confused before very amused.

The party last till about 7 pm, and then broke up due to babies' bedtimes. I thanked everyone for planning and attending, before I went out to feed the horses. I was reflective as I brushed Sunchaser. He barely registered what I was doing as he ate, which was something I had trained him to do when he was young. He would be 12 in May.

"What's on your mind ангел?" Bucky said softly. I had heard him come in, but he hadn't made a sound for several minutes.

"Nothing. Well not really nothing, but nothing important," I said, still brushing Sunchaser.

"If it has you quiet, it must be something. Do you want to talk about it?" He asked, grabbing another brush to get Sunchaser's other side.

"What Steve said earlier," I said, not elaborating.

"About going back to Paradise after Thanos?" He said. That had happened on our flight home, but wasn't what I was referring too.

"No, about me forgetting every year."

"Why do you? Just because we are either busy or separated?"

"Yeah. But…"

"What?" He asked softly.

"My Mom…" I said, looking up at him.

"7 Years. I'm sorry ангел."

"No, not the date, because its still two weeks from now. But more that my birthday was never a big deal after she died. I had SHIELD. Missions and… distractions. You forget that I basically drank, worked, designed tech, slept with a target and then went a little nuts."

"How nuts? And was he handsome? I mean, this is probably something I should have known before we were married," Bucky teased, making me smirk.

"No. I just wasn't in the right headspace for missions and interrogations. I had stopped the later after I found my Dad, because his Dad had been under the same influence back after the war. First you, being wonderful and confusing to me after so long without that type of affection. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, even when I was beating myself up for falling for my target. But I went to Xavier's for a bit, discovered Brock was my cousin, and how Hydra had been in SHIELD. And then Steve…."

"Steve what?" He asked.

"Steve woke up from his sleeping beauty coma, only to confuse me further. It was two and a half months after he woke up that he kissed me, but I couldn't be a rebound. And I couldn't let him be a rebound."

"And then New York. And I was with Coulson on a mission for my 24th birthday. Didn't say a word to the team, but he managed to pick me up a cupcake and gave it in a silent exchange. Surprised the hell out of me, because it meant that my father figure was paying better attention to the calendar and personnel files than I was."

"And then 25, I was at the Playground, being obstinate, hiding from you two. 26 was last year, and I didn't remember until you woke me up for a solo sunrise ride. And then the Inhuman transformation. And this year, I've been obsessing over Thanos and our plans to defeat him that I couldn't be bothered to remember."

"Hey, next year, no matter what, I will remind you everyday for a week before. Or we take a trip the week before and stay for two and call it your birthday gift. That way you will remember that it's okay to take some time for you. Your Mom was a big part of your first 20 years, and then it wasn't as important because she wasn't there. But she is here," He said, as he came around Sunchaser, laying a hand on my heart.

"She's in here and in here," He said, touching my temple.

"I didn't know her, but what what you've told me, I see her everyday. Her mischeviousness, her compassion, her drive. All in you. She is here celebrating with you as she has from the beginning," He said, making me tear up.

"Damn you have a way with words," I chuckled, wiping my eyes.

"But I'm not just saying it."

"I know. Thanks for the reminder," I smiled, laying my head on his chest. He always did know how to make me feel better.