Due to many requests, here's the second part. You guys are amazing. The feedback let me so happy, so thrilled. You exceeded all my expectations. Thank you. Hope you like it.
Of Celebrations and Complicated Love
Pepper never thought Tony could be this excited with the idea of being a father, but like always, Tony Stark surprised her. He wasted no time informing his friends about the news and by the next morning, he was up early (Tony Stark was up earlier than she was) so he could go with her to the doctor's appointment. She was lying own on the table, waiting for the Doctor, and watching Tony, who still hadn't stop moving.
"What's with the stare, Pep? You've been giving it to me all morning," he frowned.
"Nothing," she smiled cupping his cheek. "But…you're so excited," Pepper giggled.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Tony rolled his eyes, kissing the palm of her hand. "I love you. There's no denying that. And just because I'm not parental material…"
"Hey, who told you that?" Pepper interrupted his speech in a soft tone. "Sure you're reckless, behave like a five year old on sugar rush most of the time, and are a narcissist…" Tony raised his eyebrows at his wife. "But it doesn't mean anything. You have a heart of gold, Tony. You designed a suit so you could save the world. What better example could you give our child?" she insisted.
"Only you to make me this soft, Pep," he grinned leaning down to kiss her softly on the lips. "Boy or girl?" Tony suddenly asked.
"I don't know, and it's early to tell," Pepper laughed.
"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Stark," the female (Tony absolutely refused in having a male doctor "no other man touches Pep besides me" was his brilliant argument) doctor greeted, entering the exam room with a warm smile. "I see you've got very good news, yesterday," she said.
"The best, Dr. Summers," Pepper smiled.
"I'm going to ask a few regular questions before the exam, but it's quick, I know you must be a busy couple," Dr. Summer said pulling a chair so she could sit next to the table.
"Don't rush anything, Doc, our child above anything else," Tony said.
Pepper actually got tears in her eyes.
"What did I say?" Tony asked looking from his almost crying wife to the grinning doctor.
"Oh…you," Pepper said speechless and sniffing a little.
"Don't worry, Mr. Stark," Dr. Summers said. "It's her hormones. They're all over the place. I had patients that cried over a falling leaf," she chuckled.
After the interrogation about their health and their family history, Dr. Summers set the chart down and pulled the sonogram machine, near the table. Pepper raised her silk blouse so Dr. Summers was able to apply the cold gel on her stomach. When the wand was in contact with the stomach, Pepper and Tony's faces were focused on the black and white screen. "It seems, Mrs. Stark, you are eight weeks pregnant," Dr. Summers said with a soft smile. "The baby's eyelids, ears, upper lip and the tip of his button nose are already forming, everything is going just the way it's supposed to be," she told the couple. "And here…" she moved the wand a bit and touched a few buttons. Soon, the fast whoosh-whoosh of a beating heart filled the room. Pepper sniffled, shedding a few tears. "…we have your baby's heartbeat."
"Wow…that's…" For the first time in his life, Tony Stark, had no idea what to say. The heartbeat made everything so real, he was going to be a Dad.
Pepper decided that, since Tony was going out with the boys to celebrate the good news, she would invite the two only women that she had come close to in the past two years. Natasha and Maria. Pepper was a workaholic and didn't have much of a social life, her days worked around her job and her husband, and the two other women were basically the same. Their focus was the job and their man.
"Nat, Maria, thank you for coming," Pepper greeted both of her friend at the foyer of the penthouse in the Stark Tower.
"You're the one that we should be thanking," Maria scoffed giving Pepper a brief hug. "Gave us a reason to leave the SHIELD's base tonight," she smiled.
"Hi, Pepper," Natasha said with a small smile hugging the blonde woman. "Can I use the bathroom real quick? Maria didn't give me time for anything before we left," she gave her coworker the evil eye.
"Of course, Nat, you know where it is," Pepper smiled.
Natasha nodded and in a quick pace left for the bathroom.
"You did not hear it from me, but that one is not a hundred percent tonight," Maria mumbled to Pepper as they sat on the couch.
"What do you mean?" Pepper frowned.
"I don't know," Maria shrugged. "She's off," she said. "But let's talk about you and that new Tony sent last night. You're pregnant!" Maria grinned.
"I am," Pepper laughed.
"Wow, and how are you feeling? And please, tell me all about Tony's reaction," Maria asked.
"I'm feeling ok. It's just the upset stomach that's kind of annoying. I can't keep anything down, and I really don't know why they call it morning sickness when it lasts all day," Pepper rolled her eyes. "Tony reacted better than expected," she smiled. "I never thought he could be so excited with the idea of being a father. I didn't marry him expecting children, Tony wasn't that kind of guy, but like always, he surprised me."
"I'm happy for you, Pepper, I really am," Maria said. "But aren't you worried that you're going to raise two kids? Tony's doesn't exactly behave like an adult…" she smirked.
"Somehow, I don't think Tony's going to give me much trouble," Pepper said with a slight smile.
"Sorry," Natasha said sheepishly, entering the room and joining the other two on the couch. "What are we talking about?"
"Pepper's pregnancy and Tony's future as a Dad," Maria said.
"Oh, of course," Natasha said. "Congratulations, Pepper," she smiled hugging her blonde friend. "I really hope this kid turns out like you…for the sake of all of us," Natasha teased.
"I don't think karma is going to be that good to Tony," Pepper laughed. "You know what they say, some parents end up raising themselves," she shrugged.
"Mrs. Stark, the lemonade is ready," Jarvis said.
"Oh, right, thanks Jarvis. I hope you girls don't mind not having margaritas today, but pregnancy and alcoholic drinks don't match," Pepper said.
"That's no trouble, Pepper," Natasha said and Pepper saw something – relief? – cross her eyes.
"It's fine by me," Maria smiled.
Once the girls were served with the fresh juice – it was summer after all – they relaxed back in their places and talked about small things.
"Yesterday, I finished my evening in a very interesting way," Maria suddenly said.
"Did the Cap finally invited you for dinner?" Natasha asked and Maria went red. "Thought so, he has been beating around the bush for like…a year now…" she shrugged playing with the straw on her drink.
"You and Steve? 'Bout time, you two, I always knew there was a connection," Pepper grinned.
"Stop it, we only had dinner," Maria said, embarrassed. "We're good friends. Besides, I was the one assigned to show him the modern world since the Loki's incident almost three years ago…it's normal that we spend a lot of time together," she said.
"Right, because you only like him as a friend," Natasha teased.
"Mind your own life, Romanoff," Maria huffed and Pepper laughed.
"Yes, Romanoff, let's talk about your life," Pepper said.
"I don't see that's anything of your concern," Natasha said.
"Oh come one, aren't you and Clint considering tying the knot?" Pepper said.
"You've been together for a decade and so now," Maria said.
"That's a lie," Natasha frowned. "We've been partners for a decade. Together, together I'll say since two to three years…" she mumbled.
"BS, Romanoff, but whatever," Maria shook her head.
"I'm not the marriage type," Natasha said, setting her glass down at the table and looking really sick for a moment. "Or the motherly…" she trailed off before getting up and making a run to the bathroom.
Pepper and Maria were stunned for a second before they looked at each other. "Oh, don't tell me…" Pepper started.
Maria laughed, spitting her drink. "That's going to be fun!"
Both women got up and slowly approached the closed bathroom door. They could hear Natasha throwing up. Minutes later, the door opened and Natasha looked from one to another. "Wipe the grin off your face, Hill," she growled.
"Why should I? You're pregnant," Maria said.
"Aren't you happy?" Pepper asked softly.
Natasha sighed and went back to the living room, sitting down on the couch. "I don't know, I feel numb," she mumbled. "That can't be good," she said. "I wish I could say that I was as enthusiastic as you were," Natasha looked at Pepper. "But I wasn't, or am I."
"Did you tell Clint already?" Maria asked and Natasha nodded. "Well, what did he say?"
"Wow…that's what he said," Natasha told them. "His face was blank before telling me that the ball was on my court," her voice trembled before she cleared her throat. "What the hell was that supposed to mean?" she went on. "Oh, I know what he means, but…" she shook her head, before dropping it on her hands.
"Natasha, what does he means by saying that the ball is in your court?" Pepper asked.
"Clint knows me. He's the only one who ever fully understood me. He knows every inch of my personality…"
"…and body…" Maria pointed out.
"…and he knows how I never talked about a future life," Natasha went on glaring at her coworker and the brunette shrugged it off. "I told him once, a long time ago, that if I had the misfortune to get pregnant, I would put a stop to it, because I'm not parent material. I'm a spy. An assassin. I'm not cut out to a white picket fence, kids and a dog."
"How many agents have kids and houses and husbands and still work with us, risk their lives?" Maria said.
"They're not me," Natasha said coldly.
"Then you want an abortion," the brunette pushed. "Just say it out loud, Romanoff!"
"Ladies, cool it down a bit," Pepper asked. "Natasha, what do you want? Let me tell you something, if you want to get rid of this baby because you're scared, that's the wrong way. If you want to have an abortion because you will resent the baby…that's something else. You need to figure out what you really want, and what you really think," the blonde pursed her lips. "Sure, you're not the traditional mother type. That doesn't mean you'll suck at it."
"What kind of things would I teach the baby? I don't know how to cook," she scrunched her nose.
"How to throw a good punch and leave your enemies begging for mercy?" Maria tried.
Pepper and Natasha actually let out a laugh.
"Think about it. You and Clint are having a baby. Both of your DNA in one single person," Maria said. "Just imagine how kick-ass that kid would be," the brunette grinned. "Like the Stark's baby," she pointed at Pepper. "I bet he will have brains, looks and if God is nice, he will be a humble person."
"I'm not the type…"
"Oh quiet!" Maria said making Natasha's eyes widened. "You're not this, you're not that. Ok, I get it. You never thought about it before, you weren't planning on it, you don't know the first thing about babies…but that's why there's books and movies and doctors…and God, friends!" she said picking up her hand. "This goes both ways, by the way," Maria said looking between her two friends.
"Clint and I…we don't even live together…" Natasha mumbled.
"Yeah, you do," Maria groaned. "You just have that damn apartment because you want to declare you independency, even though your clothes are basically at his place. The only thing missing is the tooth brush."
"You guys pay a lot of attention in our relationship," Natasha scowled.
"You two are fun to watch," Maria smirked.
"Ok, we should lay off of you," Pepper chuckled. "Whatever your decision is, you need to be positive about it. I'm sure Clint will be with you every step of the way. Like we are."
Natasha nodded.
"Now, how about some chick flicks?" Pepper asked.
Tony found Clint at the balcony of the club he rented only for the Avengers male crew, to celebrate the news.
"What are you doing out here?"
"Thinking," Clint muttered sipping on his beer.
"About?" Tony insisted.
"Leave me alone," Clint sighed annoyed.
"You don't seem ok, what's going on?" Tony went on ignoring his friend's latest statement.
"Didn't you heart what I just said?" Clint growled.
"I chose not to," was the instant reply.
Somewhere inside something was broken.
"I swear if that's Thor demanding drinks again, I'll kick him out," Tony muttered rubbing a hand across his face. "You would think he already learned some manners."
"Go back to your party, Stark, leave me alone," Clint shook his head.
"Fine," Tony shrugged and got up.
Clint frowned. Tony gave up way too easily.
"Hi," he heard Steve mutter and he felt like hitting his head on the railing.
"Did Tony send you?" Clint growled.
"Well, he thought you might talk to me," Steve said stepping back a little.
"You're useless," Clint heard Tony mutter inside.
"Close the door," the archer asked.
Steve pulled the glass doors closed and sat down next to Clint. "You're conflicted and if you feel like talking, I'm a very good listener. We're a team, right? We need to help each other out, not just on the field," Steve said.
"Natasha's pregnant," Clint said in one breath.
Steve opened and closed his mouth several times.
"Yeah, that was pretty much my reaction too," Clint mumbled drinking the rest of his beer.
"Why do you look so down?" Steve frowned. "Aren't you happy?"
"I can't let myself be happy for something that's not going to last," Clint said.
"What do you mean?"
"Natasha doesn't want it," Clint sighed.
"Did she told you that?" Steve asked.
"A long time ago," the arched shrugged.
"Before or after you've gotten together for real?"
"Before and why does it matter?"
"It matters because she might have changed her mind," Steve pointed out. "What did she say?"
"Nothing, but I could read her face," Clint said. "She doesn't want this," he pursed his lips. "I love her, and I want to be with her. I know Tasha's limitations and I know better than to push her into something she doesn't want."
"I can't really give you an advice that isn't talk to her," Steve said laying a hand on his friends shoulder. "I'll keep this conversation between us, don't worry. God knows Tony would accuse you from stealing his thunder," he chuckled. "Now, come back to the party before Tony sends Thor after you!"
Tony arrived at the penthouse, strangely not drunk. Pepper was on the couch reading a pregnancy book they bought that morning. "Hello, darling," he said siting down next to her and pulling the book from her hands. "How was your night?"
"It was eventful, had the girls over, we had fun," she explained kissing him softly. "How was yours?" she asked running a hand over his soft hair. Their child should have his soft wavy hair…
"Amazing, the guys and I had a great night, they were all very excited and happy for us," Tony said. "Clint was being a downer, but…" he shrugged.
"Really?" Pepper asked. "Why?"
"Oh, he was happy for us and told me to give you his congratulations but he wasn't having any fun, his mind was somewhere else," Tony explained. "I tried to talk to him, but with no luck. I send Cap and that did the job," he said.
"Probably he has a lot on his mind," Pepper said knowing exactly why Clint was acting the way he was. "Can we head to bed? I was waiting for you," she asked.
"Of course we can, Pep," Tony said kissing her cheek and got up. "Did our child behave?"
"Yes, he did," Pepper grinned. "I didn't throw up…much and was able to eat and keep down my food for most of the times."
"See? He's being a good boy," Tony pointed out as they climbed the stairs to their bedroom.
"Or girl," Pepper said.
"I think it's a boy," Tony shook his head. "We can have an Iron Girl after the Iron Boy," he teased.
Pepper laughed and shook her head. She really couldn't wait for their baby to be born.
When Clint entered his apartment, the lights were out and everything was quiet. He sighed. Natasha was probably at her apartment, since she was avoiding him like the plague for the past day. The previous night, when she told him she was pregnant, he couldn't believe it. He felt a turbulence of emotions. First was shock. Then there was love, love for the woman that was carrying his child and for his child. After that there was fear, because he knew Natasha wasn't a woman that wanted a family life. Even now, they practically lived together and she still had her apartment. She would leave in the morning to her place, to get ready, and they would meet back at SHIELD. She was complicated to love, but Clint didn't mind.
However, when Clint reached his bedroom, he was stunned to see Natasha asleep on his – their – bed, her bright red hair sprawled across his pillow, a hand tucked beneath her face, and the other one resting on her stomach.
Quietly he stripped down to his boxers and slipped in bed behind her. Almost instantly, she shifted her position so their bodies were completely entangled. Clint kissed the nape of her neck before settling down to sleep.
"You're stuck," she mumbled.
His eyes shot open. "What?"
Natasha turned around. Her face was now on his chest, right above his heart, and her hands went around his torso. "You're stuck with me, forever," she said in a vulnerable tone.
"I thought it was the other way around," he teased playing with her red curls.
"Well…" she pursed her lips. "It's not. Besides, I'm having this baby," she breathed.
Clint froze and that didn't go unnoticed by Natasha. "Clint?"
"You're serious?" he whispered.
"Yes," she nodded. "I know I said, a long, long time ago, that I would never see a pregnancy through, but…I wasn't talking about our baby," Natasha was struggling with her words, she was really bad with emotional talks. "I had a lot of time to think today, I want this."
"Thank God," he breathed pulling her face towards his so he could kiss her deeply.
"I take it you want it too," Natasha laughed as they came out for air.
"Yes, yes I do, but I could never force you into anything," he said matting their foreheads.
Natasha only kissed him again. Once upon a time she promised herself that she wouldn't love. That is a weakness, it was for children. But her partner, her friend, her lover, made her change her mind. Clint was the only one with whom Natasha was willing to take a chance.