I hate previous chapter, not my best moment. Hahahaha. Thanks for your revies, follows, and favorites.

Disclaimer; I own none of the Avengers, just my wild imagination.

Chapter 10- Ohana

"So, Homecoming Dance is next Saturday, right?" Steve randomly asked, his head turning to see the reaction from his friends, who were enjoying their lunches. "And we are allowed to bring student from another school right?"

Rhodey rolled his eyes. "Yes, Steve. You have someone in your mind?"

Steve blushed and went back to his sketch book. He muttered something incoherent.

"Thor is obviously going with Jane, but what about you guys?" Darcy asked, casually biting her apple. "What about you Pepper? You're going with Tony?"

Pepper blushed. "He's not in school. I doubt he knows an event is coming up. I'm probably not going anyway; I've got a lot of things to handle."

"Oh, come on Pepper," Rhodey whined. "You've got to have fun. Besides, most of us are graduating this year. We've got to enjoy the time we have left."

"We could go in group," Darcy suggested. "That will be more fun."

"Oooh, we could go shopping for dress together!" Jane exclaimed, "And a sleepover on Friday."

Darcy shrugged. "That will be cool."

"We could use my place," Natasha spoke up. "It has been a long time since our last sleepover."

The girls continued to chatter, making plans for their dress-hunting and sleepover. Clint, who sat next to Steve, like he usually did lately, since Natasha's silent treatment toward him. They might have been… reconciled, but right now, he wasn't ready to claim his familiar spot. He turned to Bruce, who was silent during the whole discussion, focusing intently on his Chemistry notebook. He had noticed the bruises and scratch on Bruce early during their Chemistry class, and Bruce had kindly explained his encounter with thugs on his way back home yesterday.

"You're going to the dance, Bruce?" Clint asked out of sudden.

Bruce shrugged. "Most probably, not. I haven't got formal attire for the dance."

"I've my brother's tuxedo. You and him," Clint narrowed his eyes at Bruce, "are about the same height. But you are thinner than him."

"Thanks, but I don't do really well in social event."

"We are meant to enjoy our senior year, Bruce," Steve chimed in. "You could ask Elizabeth to the dance. Give her a reason to shop for a dress and get to know Pepper, Natasha, Jane and Darcy."

Bruce blushed. "Ask her out, with a bruise on my face?"

"It would mostly fade by next week," Clint coaxed. "I know -I have my fair share in bruises. You need to let loose a little bit."

Bruce snorted. "You sound like Tony."

At the same time, their cell phones made a sound. A beep, a ringing tone, signaling a text was received. Bruce and his friends reached for their cell phones.

Miss me? Movie night, this Friday Stark Tower. Don't be early, be late – T. Stark

"Speak of the devil," Clint muttered.

Turns out, Tony used his medical leave. Pepper suspected it was to keep the arc-reactor and Topper news a little longer. She kind of liked it, too. Considering Tony's narcissistic behavior, she'd expect Tony to work out a media conference for his arc-reactor. He had also prohibited everyone –including Pepper- to hang out at Stark Tower before their movie night.

Pepper scoffed. Movie night. Their movie night usually start after the boys started arguing about which movie they should watch. The argument took long enough for the girls to complete their nail polish and cook some decent dinner. The last time they had a movie night was last summer before everyone went to their planned vacation, they had a Harry Potter marathon. It took 20 hours – from the Philosopher's Stone to the Deathly Hallows Part 2- but all of them stay awake through the whole movie. After it ended, everyone wasted no time catching up with their 6-hours sleep.

"Hey, Ginny?" Pepper heard her sister called. "Ginny?"

Pepper turned and saw five year-old Savannah sat on her bed. "Hey, Sav."

"Where are you going?" Savannah asked, hugging her bunny plushie close.

"I have a sleepover tonight, but I'll be home tomorrow," Pepper answered, smiling. She continued stuffed her essential items for the sleepover in her sling bag. "Remember Tony? That's where I would be."

Savannah bit her lip. "Can you stay home with me? Mum and dad went out."

Pepper groaned mentally. She had forgotten that she'd to babysit Savannah tonight. "Do you want to come with me?"

"Can I?"

"Sure you can. Just bring your jammies and toothbrush. You can bring Cottontail too," Pepper smiled.

Savannah beamed. "Awesome!"

As Savannah walked out, Pepper texted Tony.

I'll bring my sister. I forgot that I've got to babysit her tonight –Pepper

It's fine. Who's picking you up? Want me to deploy Happy to pick you up? –T. Stark

No, thanks. Steve's picking me up. Anyone else's joining? –Pepper

Bruce's lady friends. I had to say, it's quite impressing, though I had to push him to invite them – T. Stark

Don't harass him. See you later –Pepper

See you ;) –T. Stark

Pepper smiled and put down her Blackberry. She put on her jeans and her favorite sweater over her t-shirt. Walking out of her room, she saw Savannah in her pajamas, her pink tote bag next to her feet. Her bunny plushie clutched tightly to her chest. She made sure every door and windows were locked and turned off electric appliances.

"Come on, Savannah," Pepper gestured Savannah to follow her outside.

Savannah skipped toward her sister. Pepper locked the front door and went to wait for Steve downstairs. She managed to text her parents, informing them that she took Savannah with her. Five minutes later, Steve arrived with Bruce, Elizabeth and Peggy in his truck.

"Hey, Steve, sorry I hadn't told earlier," Pepper smiled as she got in the car. "We've got extra guest."

Steve smiled. "It's okay. That's Savannah?"

Savannah who sat happily on Pepper's lap due to lack of space at the back seat gave Steve her toothy grin. "Yep, I am."

"Hello, Savannah," Elizabeth and Peggy gave her a smile. "How are you?"

"I am fine. Thank you."

Thor's truck, Natasha's Prius and Clint's '67 Impala were already parked in the basement at the Stark Tower when they arrived. Clint was just getting out his car when Steve parked his truck. They greeted each other and made their way to the elevator.

"Hey guys, miss me?" Tony greeted as they walked out of the elevator. He had a can of Coke in his hand, instead of alcohol. Probably because of Savannah's presence. "Hi Savannah, how's Cottontail?"

Savannah ran to hug Tony. With her height, she barely reached Tony's waist. "He's fine. How are you Tony?"

"I'm awesome. Want to see something?" Tony lifted Savannah up.

Savannah looked at Pepper, imploring. "Okay," Pepper sighed.

"I don't know Tony is good with kids," Clint said, raising an eyebrow.

Pepper rolled her eyes. "Savannah knows him as long as she knows me. Of course he's good with her." She dropped her bag next to couch in the spacious living room. "Jarvis, where's Topper?"

"He's currently hidden by Mr. Stark in his bedroom," Jarvis answered. "As in a matter of fact, that's where Mr. Stark is."

Pepper nodded and went to get Topper. "What's Topper, Jarvis?" Bruce asked. "Another Tony's creation?"

"I'm sorry Mr. Banner. Apparently, Mr. Stark has forbidden me to tell you any information regarding Topper."

Clint snorted. "Sound like his creation."

Elizabeth and Peggy made their way to the kitchen, where Jane, Darcy and Natasha were gathering junk foods. Jane was perched on one of the stool at the counter, emptying a jumbo bag of Doritos into a big bowl. Next to her, Darcy was eating French fries. Natasha smiled at the newcomers.

"Hi guys," Elizabeth gave a small wave. "What can I help?"

Jane smiled. "Can you help us carry the pizzas and popcorn?"

"Sure," Elizabeth gathered three boxes of large pizza in her hands, balancing a bowl of popcorn on top. "So, how's movie night for you guys?"

Darcy rolled her eyes as they walked toward the living room, where the others, minus Pepper and Tony had assembled. "Usually it started with us arguing which movie to watch and end up with a drunken Tony and everyone's sleeping."

"That's cool. Your movie night has more participants," Elizabeth chuckled. "Ours is only me and Peggy."

"They said the more the merrier," Steve chimed in. The guys already settled on a couch, spare Thor who was sitting on the loveseat, obviously sharing with Jane.

Tony, wild and overly enthusiastic suddenly flopped on the couch from behind, claiming a spot next to Bruce. He had Savannah in his arms, who was giggling and holding on to something fluffy and alive. A cat. "Guys, meet Topper, my new friend."

"Aw, he's cute," Darcy 'oh-ed' and pat the cat as she put down the bowl of French fries on the table. "When did you get him?"

"Monday," Pepper answered as she took a place next to Tony, to be close to her sister.

"Monday?" Bruce raised an eyebrow. "Wow, I'm surprised you managed to keep as a secret for so long."

Tony snorted. "Come on, you guys underestimated me. It's just five days –of course I can."

"Tony, the last time you got a cat, you broke the news in less than 24-hours."

"Because it was a gift for Pepper," Tony defended himself.

"Still, did you have to make an announcement in the Internet?" Bruce asked.

"Shut up," Tony muttered. "Now, back to the business, which movie we should watch? Jarvis, line up some choices on the screen."

Everyone took their place as Jarvis presented a list of movies that was highly recommended on the flat-screen TV.

"I am dying for some action," Clint murmured. "Mission Impossible?"

"No way," Rhodey said. "Tropic Thunder."

"Wait, wait before this argument extends, I would like propose that we actually have a kid in here," Tony held up his hands. "As much as I'm so in to some kick-ass action movies," he mouthed 'you don't hear that' to Savannah, which made her giggle, "but we really need to consider a five year-old presence here."

"Oh, right," they nodded. "What about Bridge to Terabithia?" Darcy suggested.

"The girl died, no way. It's too depressing."

"TMNT?"

"Fighting scene."

"Disney's princesses?"

"False hope."

Savannah tugged at Tony's sleeve. "Can I watch Lilo and Stitch?"

"Actually, that would be very nice," Steve smiled. "We could use some cartoon."

"Jarv, you heard the guy…and girl. Lilo and Stitch. Dim the lights and let the show begin," Tony commanded the AI.

Soon enough, the movie started. Jane and Thor snuggled on the couch. They might be teens, but a kid's movie was appealing. Sometimes, you just need a good laugh. Pepper held her sister's hand close, who sat partially on Tony's lap. She laid her head on Tony's shoulder, out of habit.

"A good time to lift her, don't you think?" Tony murmured when the movie ended. Savannah had fallen asleep on Tony's chest.

Pepper stood up, trying to lift Savannah up. "Where do I put her?"

"No, its okay, I can lift her up," Tony assured, getting up from the couch, "You can pull out the mattress and pillows."

Pepper nodded and went to get the items. Clint followed her, lending a hand for extra mattresses, blankets and pillows for the others. Natasha grinned at the sight of Tony putting Savannah down on the mattress. It was kind of domestic.

"I could totally imagine you guys get married," Natasha said as Tony and Pepper showed up in the kitchen, where everyone else was gathering after the movie. "Tony's picking up your kids to bed, all that jazz," she sing-songed.

Tony rolled his eyes. "You don't have to mention that, I know I am going to marry Pepper." He winked at Pepper, who blushed. "We'll have it grand, at Stark Tower, close family and friends only. This means, if you didn't invite to yours and Clint wedding, I will cancel your invitation."

"I thought you were having all the media and famous people over," Bruce joked.

"And risk my previous and upcoming scandals throwing tantrums at my grand event?" Tony snorted. "No, thanks. And speaking of event, I was going to ask you, Pepper," he looked to Pepper who was standing by the opened refrigerator, "wanna be my date for next week Homecoming?"

Pepper blinked. "Oh, sure."

"And it reminds me," he turned to Bruce, "isn't it why you ask Elizabeth over? To ask her to be your date for Homecoming?"

Bruce blushed and snuck a peek toward Elizabeth who was equally embarrassed. "You ask me to invite her over."

"Yeah, but I know you also wanted to ask me if you could invite her over," Tony rolled his eyes. "And my insistence was clearly to support your idea."

"I already asked her. We are going together."

"Oh, jolly."

"So I guess you guys have to pick us up at Natasha's next Friday," Jane said.

"And you guys have to dress up nicely," Rhodey said. "Come to think of it, I'd never see Darcy in a dress."

He received a smack from Darcy on his ribs. "I won't even be going if it's not my last year. Who's going to soccer game tomorrow?"

"Not us," Thor exclaimed. "Jane and I got a date."

Bruce grimaced. "You know I'm not interested in sports. Besides, I've a study session tomorrow."

"My parents won't be home until tomorrow's evening," Pepper said. "I've got to babysit Savannah."

"I'm with Pepper," Tony piped up, but everyone knows it was just his excuse to avoid the chaos that wasn't from his and to spend more time with Pepper.

Darcy looked around. "Come on, guys. It won't be fun if I am going to sit through the game alone."

"Sorry," Steve looked up. "I really can't go."

"I'll go with you," Natasha offered. "I'm free tomorrow."

Rhodey crossed his arms. "I'm in."

"Count me in," Clint said. "Now the matter is resolved, can we get some real food? I'm starving."

"Look in the refrigerator," Tony suggested. "Yesterday's lasagna is still uneaten. You can heat it up."

Pepper sat down next to Tony, drinking her Coke. "Hungry? Want me to make something?"

"Nah, I'm good," he replied, smiling. "Wait up, you can make something."

"What?"

Tony gave her a cheeky smile. "Make me happy," he said, winking.

Pepper smiled. All the noise in the background; her friends bickering and talking, Topper meowing, seeking attention faded, when she stared into the peculiar dark shade of brown in Tony's eyes. She wanted to believe that Tony had the same feelings as hers, but this is Tony, and he has an attention span of a goldfish. And the way he pick up girls, like Bruce said, just like how he drive- fast and reckless. She wanted Tony to want her, but she didn't want to be just a fling.

She wants to be more than just a fling.

And Tony Stark couldn't not give her that didn't matter how many times he'd led her on. Probably not now, but maybe in the future, if Tony gave himself a thought about her.

She could wait.

Pepper reverted herself to reality as Topper landed gracefully on her lap. She ran her fingers through his thick ruffs and scratched his ears, which made the cat leaned closed for more and purred contently. Her friends had stopped arguing and seemed to agree for the menu of their late supper; tuna sandwiches and cheese crackers.

This friends stay through all the crap, lending their shoulders for a cry and shared laughs. They weren't just friends. They were friends that became family. Her ohana, through they were nothing of blood related. Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind.

"Hey, none of that," Tony scolded his cat, as Topper tried to make Pepper hold him. He picked up Topper from her lap, grinning. "She's mine."

Pepper smiled. She could wait.

9.30 A.M on Saturday morning, the guys were still sprawling on their mattresses. Sunlight already shone through the wall-length windows, but none of them seemed ready to be awake. Thor was snoring lightly, and Tony was an arm away from hugging Bruce. Steve was at least a decent sleeper; he was laying on his side, hugging his knees to his chest.

In the kitchen was entirely different business.

"Considering he's always spending his time in his lab, I'm surprised to the amount of food in his refrigerator," Jane said, taking eggs, milk and cheddar cheese out from the refrigerator. "It's not like he constantly eat."

"The housekeeper stocks up the kitchen every three days," Pepper said. "And he eats. Happy cooks for him. Sometimes I come over to cook for him, or he just randomly appear sat my house for dinner."

Darcy cracked up the eggs in a big bowl, mixing it with milk and cream before beating it with a whisk. "If I hadn't known better, I would say you are married to him."

"In a way, they are," Natasha spoke up, smirking. "She'd been putting up with him since kindergarten."

Jane looked up from chopping her fried ham, "Guys, stop teasing Pepper."

"Thanks, Jane," Pepper blushed.

"You really know him since kindergarten?" Peggy spoke up. "You must've got nerves of steel."

Natasha huffed, waving the butter-knife in her hand. "Apparently, she has. She's the most patient person ever to deal with Tony and actually able to control him, sometimes."

"Do you really, really just think of him as a friend?" Elizabeth blurted out.

"Yeah, one must have a good reason to stay put with the most annoying person in SHIELD Prep," Darcy seconded.

Pepper's cheeks flamed. "Oh guys…"

"Why don't we save all the questions for girls' night?" Jane said, mixing the batter at Darcy's hand with cheddar cheese and her chopped ham. "There'll be no surprises then." She winked at Pepper.

Pepper sighed gratefully.

"Hmm, what's the smell?" Clint got into the kitchen just as Darcy finished frying the omelet. "I'm hungry."

"You're always hungry," Natasha deadpanned, rolling her eyes. "Go brush your teeth and wake the others. We already prepared the breakfast."

Clint muttered something that sounded like 'prissy' before dragging his feet out of the kitchen. Not even five minutes later, Savannah showed up, completely dressed. Her strawberry blond hair which was similar to Pepper, pulled back in a messy ponytail.

"Ginny," she called. "Tony and the other guys are fighting."

"Fight?" Pepper raised an eyebrow.

Quickly, they walked out the kitchen to the living room, where the boys were throwing pillows at each other. Tony was beating Thor over and over again with his pillow, while Clint was trapping Bruce under a blanket. They could see Bruce's arms struggling to smack Clint. Then Rhodey threw a pillow at Tony's head, which causes Tony to retreat from Thor and smack Rhodey with a pillow.

"God, are we seeing the guys' version of pillow fight?" Darcy widened her eyes. "Definitely more violent," she commented, seeing at Steve, who was beaten by Thor.

"Clint started it," Tony excused. "He threw a bloody pillow on my head while I was sleeping."

"He's supposed to do that, you idiot," Natasha kicked him. "It's already ten. We already prepared breakfast."

Clint smiled smugly at Tony. "Oh," Tony exclaimed, standing up. "What's for breakfast?"

"Denver omelet, toasts and we were about to make pancakes," Jane answered.

Thor rubbed his stomach. "Do you have Pop Tarts?"

"I've got three boxes of them in the cabinet, I think," Tony frowned.

"Wonderful!"

Natasha crossed her arms. "Now, go brush your teeth and whatever," she said coolly. "This is getting irritating."

"I feel like Lynette Scavo," Pepper said. "Handling too much kids."

"If you're Lynette, then Natasha's Bree," Jane sniggered. "She got the red hair."

"And you are Susan Mayer," Darcy rolled her eyes.

Jane raised an eyebrow at her. "Uh, why?"

"You and Thor just like Mike and Susan. Sickeningly sweet."

Later in the evening, Natasha, Clint, Rhodey and Darcy were sitting at the bleachers at SHILED Prep, watching the soccer game against Gotham Prep. They were already in the second half, and the game was almost finished with four minutes left, plus extra time. Darcy and Rhodey were enthusiastic soccer fans, which left Natasha and Clint sitting awkwardly with them, clearly not knowing what to do –watch the game or cheer.

"Come on, guys," Darcy shouted. "Alexei, one more goal, please!"

Natasha could easily spot Alexei, the SHIELD soccer team captain and striker; his red hair contrasted with his navy blue and black jersey. He had the ball, and was skillfully avoiding the rival team player on his way to score another goal. Natasha could hear Darcy gasped as Alexei succeeded to make a tough escape from the defender.

"Goal!" Darcy and Rhodey shouted as Alexei scored, just in time before the whistle blew. "Yeah!"

The two of were jumping and fist-pumping, while Clint just applauded. "It's a nice game," he commented, glancing at Natasha. "They do realize we've got the cheerleaders for the cheer-and-shout thing, right?" Clint asked Natasha. Apparently, the audience behind their row was waving unfinished popcorns which rained them down.

Natasha snickered at the sight of Clint picking off popcorn from his hair. "Yeah, but it is also customary for soccer fans to cheer."

A few moments later, they were walking off the bleachers toward the parking lot. Darcy and Rhodey were still talking how awesome the game while Clint rolled his eyes in annoyance. He'd never understand game that requires a team, since archery only requires one player. But he did enjoy the game, just not as enthusiastic as Darcy and Rhodey.

"Hey, Romanoff!" someone called, from behind them. "Romanoff!"

They stopped in their tracks. Even Darcy and Rhodey fell silent. Natasha turned and saw Alexei, sweaty and grinning, apparently managed to avoid his fans. "What's up Shostakov?"

"Can I talk to you for a moment?"

Natasha looked at her friends, gesturing them to wait for her at the car. She walked toward him. "Yeah?"

"I was wondering if you can be my date for Homecoming Dance," he said, smile never wavering off his face. Confident, unlike any other awkward teenage boys. "That is, if you doesn't have a date yet."

"Sure," Natasha answered, almost immediately. "Pick me up at seven."

Alexei grinned. "I'll text you. See you soon." He waved and turned back on his heels. He started to walk away, but stopped after a couple of steps. "And Natasha?" He looked at her over his shoulder, "I think we should get on to first name basis already."

"Sure…Alexei."

He waved once again, and Natasha went to meet her friends at Clint's '67 Impala. They were standing by the car; Darcy raised her eyebrow at Natasha.

"What does he want?" Darcy asked as Natasha reached them.

Natasha shrugged tucking her hands into her jacket's pocket. "Nothing," she shrugged. "He just want to ask me to be his date for Homecoming."

"And?"

"And what?"

Darcy rolled her eyes. "What did you say?"

"I said yes."

Darcy squealed with delight as they got in the car. "Alexei Shostakov, the soccer team captain asked you to be his date for Homecoming? Oh my God, this is awesome."

"I know him since I was four, he lives in my building," Natasha rolled her eyes.

Clint reversed his car, oddly silent. Natasha scrutinized him, his shoulders stiff and he was gripping on the steering wheel way to tightly.

"Hey Clint, you okay?"

Clint looked at her, giving her a tight-lipped smile.

"Just peachy."

Tony; Aww, poor Clint. Natasha's mean.

Pepper; It's not her fault.

Tony; They are playing tug-of-war don't they? Hmm, interesting.

Pepper; *eyeroll* As always, please, please review :) Ideas are welcome.

Tony; And sorry for any mistakes. *snorts* I can't believe I'm apologising.