Disclaimers: All rights to Marvel. Characters, lines & context from Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), TV series, Cartoons & Comics.

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The Monster

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The Sunday buffet served at the common area of Avengers Tower treated brunch as the most important meal of the day, offering a large, sophisticated amount of options to suit the most different appetites. When they're not saving the world, it has become a pleasant weekly tradition among the team, especially after the arrival of the new guests.

Although the soldier and the spy enjoyed the privacy of their place with romantic breakfasts in bed, this was an opportunity to bond with old and new friends. In these occasions, Natasha was secretly delighted to see how Steve was always happy and shining, showing how privileged he was to be by her side. She felt a bit proud knowing how much she had changed, thanks to her noble Captain, and his unequivocal love. In the past, she used to be displayed like a trophy – a thing – from undercover missions to her troubled relationships, like with the Daredevil. The worst part was that she didn't even care. But through Steve's sincere eyes, she saw herself in a different light, learning that she was entitled to be respected… and loved. Her evolution was natural and, gradually, she was getting more comfortable exchanging small gestures of affection with him in front of their friends.

They arrived at the luxurious dining room, holding hands, and headed to the large table to sit with the scientists. Steve took the opportunity to properly greet the newest guest, "It's really good to have you here, Betty. Bruce isn't grumpy anymore."

Laughing, the doctor pretended to protest, "I wasn't grumpy!"

"I have to confess that this is a lot intimidating." The beautiful brunette was a shy, sweet woman, and seemed grateful with their warm welcoming, "I guess I can imagine better now how you felt when you woke up in the future, Captain. Everything here is… completely unbelievable."

Bruce teased, "Classic Tony Stark, darling, you'll get used to it."

The waiters were bringing platters and bowls of food and beverages, as Natasha smiled, reassuring, "Believe me, Betty, this is foreign to us all." Although completely different, the two pairs engaged in a pleasant conversation, and, after a while, the spy was surprised at how comfortable she felt with them. They were so connected and had a graceful harmony, perceptible in small actions, such as passing each other's favorite food. A real couple, Natasha thought, and, as if on cue, Steve kissed her hand softly, making her heart flutter. Following the lead, Bruce kissed Betty's cheek, making her blush.

The environment turned from relaxing romantic to passionate explosive with the arrival of the new newlyweds, who, on the contrary of what their professional life style would indicate, didn't seem to know the concept of stealth in their personal life. Clint had become the closest thing to family that Natasha could think of – her big-brother – and they were overprotective about each other. She had seen him with uncountable affairs – detached but, deeply inside, miserable. Bobbi changed everything with her extroverted personality and unrestrained passion for him. The stunning blonde was a skilled agent, and really intelligent – instantly she was chatting with Betty about science, since both had a background in Biology. The archer couldn't be prouder, drooling over his wife. The spy found it fun to see him behaving like a teenager in love, but she was pleased that this gifted woman was showing her love for him, acknowledging how special he was. The weird thing was their lack of coordination with each other, although it was a common trace in new relationships. The spy didn't fail to notice that Bobbi watched them with a mix of envy and admiration.

Natasha remembered when she first met Steve and how they simply knew each other's movements during the battle of New York. That understanding translated so perfectly to their first dance… and to everything else. They were never clumsy in anything, their chemistry was always… there. She caressed his hand softly, relishing in the feel of their fingers entwined under the table. Through the corner of her eyes, she saw him smiling slightly… She simpered.

The next amorous couple arrived, breathless and smiling as usual. After they started living together, Thor and Jane were always, invariably, late to any group event – if not absent. The boys mocked him, who pompously grinned, making her red like a tomato.

Amused, the spy quietly observed the group. Despite their diversities, and being accomplished superheroes, they were acting just like any typical guys among friends. To tell the truth, Steve would laugh and try to mingle with them, but even so, he'd remain true to his origins, not really fitting into the modern male behavior. Natasha's gentlemanly boyfriend was definitely one of a kind, but she wondered if he wasn't too lonely.

Of course the god of Thunder was an outcast too. When the Prince moved to the tower and they all began to share a more casual environment, she found it interesting to watch his movements. It was more than just being a celebrity, like Tony, and it had nothing to do with being an alien. The spy had seen this behavior before, like in the royalty of the old continent – it was the born-to-be-a-king aura that kept the demigod constantly on the public eye, and Jane seemed to be his number one fan. They appeared to be living a fairy tale. But, even though he was extremely passionate and considerate towards his girlfriend, there was something missing… his family, his friends, his world…?

Natasha couldn't help but feel sorry for Thor and, instinctively, she squeezed Steve's hand softly. He looked at her, discreetly, but instantly – his genuineness always took her breath away. Seeing his inquiring blue eyes, she smiled, flashing her green ones, making him relaxed – he smiled back. They didn't need words and, once more, she knew she was the luckiest woman in the world – and the happiest one too.

Back to the group, there was Darcy, always acting as if she was Jane's twin sister. That was something that the Black Widow had never experienced in her whole life. She had had female colleagues, and she helped countless women through her life, since she'd never condoned any forms of violence against them – all the abusive men that had the misfortune of crossing the spy's path had ended up with much more than a taste of their own medicine. But Natasha herself never had a girl-friend, until Pepper. Someone who didn't need her protection, and with whom she truly enjoyed just spend time with, doing… Yeah… girl stuff! OK, grown-up girl stuff! The spy smiled to herself. The two women didn't need the fluffy part. Well, she had to admit it – after Sneg, it has changed a little bit. Even so, they trusted and admired each other, unquestionably, and, in Natasha's book, that was the real deal.

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They were all chatting animatedly, while savoring the delicacies prepared by the Tower refined cuisine when the hosts made their grand entrance, followed by waiters carrying trays of champagne flutes.

Radiant, Pepper showed the rock on her right hand exclaiming, "We're engaged!"

The congratulations were echoed by the entire group. Quickly, the girls gathered around her to admire the stunning diamond ring, and everyone toasted the newly engaged couple.

Natasha hugged Pepper and greeted Tony, "It was about time, Mr. Genius."

Steve couldn't sound more proud of his stubborn friend, "Finally, a smart man-in-a-can!"

The spy was happy to hear Pepper whispering in the soldier's ear, while they were hugging each other, "I owe you."

"I can't believe it…" Bruce looked really surprised, "I thought you'd be the last one."

Betty added shyly, "I couldn't have imagined that the life with the Avengers would be so… festive."

Sam was the last one to arrive, since he has spent the weekend with his mother, but quickly joined the celebration, "That's great! Do you know what that means?"

Thor kissed Pepper's hand before pulling Tony into a tight hug, exclaiming, "A bachelor party!" and receiving the boys' acclaim.

Tony coughed, still recovering from the demigod's bear hug, and Jane retorted, clearly annoyed at her boyfriend, "That's what you remember?"

Raising his hands in surrender, Tony replied, "It's Legolas' fault. He started the marriage race but didn't give us a party."

The archer toasted the genius, "Don't worry, tin-man, we'll organize THE party for you, OK?"

The girls rolled their eyes, and, taking Pepper's hand, Tony explained, "Well, we are thinking about the engagement party first."

The boys booed in disapproval, and Pepper winked, "He's just scared about me having a bachelorette party… "

"But we'll celebrate in grand style, right?" Bobbi suggested.

Excited, Darcy jumped, "Count me in!"

Still looking confused, as if processing everything, Sam finally inquired, "I didn't know there was a race… It's an Avengers thing?"

They were all laughing profusely. In the obvious celebration mood, Tony gave Pepper a soft peck on her lips. Proud of their pioneering role, Clint lowered Bobbi in a deep kiss, earning the group's applauses. Bruce held Betty's hand tightly, and she leaned her head on his shoulder, sighing. Once again, Jane was drooling over Thor in front of everybody, and the Prince smiled satisfied, grabbing her by her waist. Darcy just rolled her eyes, probably wondering how Sam could be so hot and naive at the same time. And Natasha had to use all her training and control not to melt under Steve passionate gaze – his hand was gently stroking her back and, fighting the urge to jump into his arms, she leaned just a little, smiling.

The waiters started to collect the empty champagne flutes, and the group went back to the brunch table.

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Pepper pulled Steve and Natasha aside, "Let me tell you a secret, Steve. Tony wanted you to be his best man, but I told him I wanted you for myself. It will be Rodhey, you know, it's his oldest friend." Used to the CEO's playful behavior, Natasha couldn't help but smile seeing Steve's eyes widen with utter confusion, before Pepper started to explain, "My father passed away years ago, and I don't have any brothers, so… Would you give me away?"

Steve paused for but a moment to look at his girlfriend, who had the most encouraging smile in her face. Then, he kissed Pepper's hand, smiling shyly, "It will be an honor, Pepper."

Natasha smiled, "This will be perfect."

"And I want you to be my maid-of-honor, will you, Nat?"

Thankful with the vow of friendship, the spy replied a little embarrassed, "Oh, Pep. Of course I will. But you'll have to teach me, OK? I know nothing about this."

The two women hugged each other, and Pepper said, "Don't worry. I'm hiring the best wedding coordinator to deal with everything. You just need to be by my side." The bride-to-be left the couple, excited, "You guys are the best. That was the first thing on my to-do list."

Natasha was happy for her friend but, more than ever, she was charmed by her too-good-to-be-true boyfriend. She turned to Steve, thinking of how sweet he was, subtly requesting her approval, and checking if she would be OK with that situation before accepting it. Her eyes were shining with pride and love, as she gave him a soft peck on the lips, mouthing, "I love you." His cheeks turned soft pink and she smiled openly.

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After his blush faded away, they followed Pepper to the buffet table, where Clint and Tony were still filling their plates.

The archer was whining, "Damn it. I have to buy Bobbi a ring, and fast."

Pepper got shocked, "You didn't yet? Why?"

Natasha spoke disapprovingly, "You're unbelievable…"

"She was the one who proposed, you know?" The archer looked annoyed, "And we got married right away. I didn't have time to plan anything."

For the look in Steve's eyes, Natasha wondered what was in his mind – probably finding it weird that nowadays a woman could propose and a man would find it natural. Nonetheless, without showing any discomfort, he suggested, "Pepper's jeweler is very good."

Suspicious, Tony looked at the spy, before asking the soldier, "How do you know it?"

Steve answered calmly, "He helped me find the Emerald earrings I gave Natasha for Christmas."

"The most perfect Colombian gems I've ever seen, an almost exact match to Nat's eyes." Pepper added proudly.

Natasha smiled, trying hard not to blush herself, "An expert's job for sure. They're exquisite."

The archer complained disappointed, "I can't compete with you rich superheroes. I live with an agent's fee."

"I'm not rich." Steve replied uncomfortably, "It's the back pay the Army gave to me, you know? For all the years I was frozen. Tony helped me to invest it."

The billionaire tried to justify it, "It's nothing much, just enough for him not to need to worry about money anymore."

Looking defeated, Clint concluded, "Exactly. Rich."

Pepper winked, "Don't be silly. It's not about money. I'll help you."

"Thanks." The archer replied, and they all walked towards the table to join the rest of the group.

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Assimilating her new maid-of-honor role, Natasha asked, "Did you guys set a date already?"

The bride-to-be promptly answered, "Not yet, but it will be next year."

The impulsive Bobbi looked surprised, "Really? Why will it take so long?"

Pepper was a practical person and she wasn't going to complain about the inevitable. "We can't really avoid it. You know how Tony's life is. This will be a big event."

Jane added pensively, "The media will be all about you two when they find out."

"Oh my God! It will be one of those celebrity events we see on the news!" Darcy was jumping like a kid, "Ah! Have you seen the news about the New Year Eve's party? Your photos are everywhere!"

The spy tensed slightly. She had seen them, and didn't like it. The group started to check the headlines, and, as expected, the media buzz about them was ruthless. Natasha's face next to Steve was in every tabloid magazine around the world, instigating all kind of gossips – mostly attempting to predict how long it would take to the temptress Russian spy to break the honorable American hero's heart and, worse, if Captain America would end up on the Black Widow's long list of victims.

"This is absurd, completely out of line!" As expected, Steve got truly disturbed, "I couldn't give a damn about what they're saying about me." He looked at his girlfriend and spoke at a lower voice, "It's what they're saying about you that's driving me nuts…"

Keeping her mask on, as if she was still collected and unaffected, Natasha was mortified. She hated to see Steve exposed to public scrutiny because of her mysterious dark past. The gossips were false, but all this only accentuated her shame, making her feel unworthy of him. Not sure of what to do, she tried, "We're public figures, Steve. It's inevitable."

But his anxiety was unmistakable, "I know, but why snapping pictures of us walking the dog?"

Bruce pondered, "You're Captain America, Steve, and you're dating a Russian spy who also happens to be The Black Widow. Did you really think people weren't going to be interested?"

"I thought they'd maybe show a little more restraint."

Clint patted the soldier's arm, "Welcome to the 21st Century, man."

Dryly, Tony added, "Welcome to my life."

"But these tales ring false." Looking at the news, Thor was more than confused, "I do not understand."

"Remember when that woman in the London subway station took pictures of you, saying she was your date?" Jane explained, "Nobody cares if it's true or not, as long as it sells tabloids."

"I was interviewed once, when they took me for Jane!" Darcy smiled, before looking at Sam and pouting, "But no one paid attention to us, at the ball…"

The Falcon apologized embarrassed, "No matter what I do, nobody recognizes me… sorry." Because he wasn't part of the original group that saved New York, the young man was still ignored by the public and press in general.

"Being an Avenger isn't about recognition, Sam. We do this work because it's right." Despite his own frustration, Steve would always take care of his team, "You're doing a fantastic job, saving us all uncountable times."

"I get that, Cap. But could someone at least know I am an Avenger? For once…"

The soldier sighed, "You don't know how lucky you are, Sam. I'd do anything for your anonymity."

Tony never sounded so serious, "Don't worry, Falcon, it'll end up sooner than you think."

Back to the defamatory news, the Captain turned to Pepper for an advice, "Shouldn't we do anything? An official press release?"

But the CEO didn't give him any hope, "These are tabloids, Steve. Anything you do will just give them more fuel. Trust me, as soon as they find about our engagement, the media will leave you guys alone."

"I hope they stop these stories about babies." Bobbi sighed a little pissed, "They're also saying that we got married in secret because I'm pregnant."

"The list of my children just got bigger." Clint couldn't help but laugh, "The worst part is that I actually know some of these women." His wife punched his shoulder and he whined, "Ouch! And they are lying, Birdie."

"How many kids do they say you have?" Tony raised his brow, "I bet I win."

Bruce mocked smiling, "So, you've been cheating on me, science-bro?"

The genius added sharply, "Sorry, pal, don't be green", and they busted into laughing.

Dark humor was another thing that Natasha knew that Steve didn't get. Unfortunately, that was an easy way to deal with the inconveniences of their fame. Sooner or later, they would all be subjects of gossips. She leaned a little closer — he gave her a half-smile.

"It's too crazy, even for me." Darcy flashed her curious eyes towards Tony, "Some news say you can't have kids, and others make a list of your bastard children."

The genius smirked at the always indiscreet woman, "I had a vasectomy when I turned 21." It was after his parents' tragic death, but Tony sounded unaffected, "Thanks to my godfather's advice. Did you know him? The one who tried to kill me."

After more than fifteen years living around him, Pepper also spoke as if none of this mattered too much, "Obadiah Stone. Despite everything he did to control the Stark Empire, he didn't want to risk to lose it to any heir."

However, it was a too personal subject, and an awkward silence fell upon the group.

Born and raised under the spotlights, Tony continued completely unemotional, "But I got it reverted, last year. We can have about a dozen of kids, what do you think, honey?"

"Oh, God, a dozen of you? I'm not sure I can survive it." Pepper joked and, instantly, the genius pretended to pout. "I'm kidding, Tony!" She kissed him among the group's relieved laughters.

The group was back to the fun mood once more, but all that talk had a disturbing effect on Natasha. She remained impassable, in control, but Steve put his arm around her, gently stroking her shoulder, showing that he noticed her subtle distress – as she knew he would.

Betty contemplated reticently, "This is so crazy."

Thor sounded disappointed, "Lady Betty, of the Nine Realms, Midgard is the one still beyond my comprehension."

"Don't worry, Betty, you'll get used to it. Sometimes it's actually fun." Jane encouraged the newest member of this dysfunctional family.

Darcy got up, making a little bow, "Welcome to Avengers orgy-world", receiving the boy's cheering.

Natasha smirked, "That's what they're calling us now?"

"Well, yeah. After all, you, vixen witches, trapped the defenseless superheroes." Darcy turned to the hosts, "Next on the news – the gold-digger who tricked the naïve billionaire."

Tony instantly jumped, sounding offended, "Who is saying I'm dumb?"

"This is the most absurd calumny against my beloved fiancé." Pepper rolled her eyes, and they all continued to laugh.

Betty was surprised, "I don't know how you make it sound so easy."

Tony held Pepper tight, saying, "We have too."

The brunette continued melancholically, "After Bruce's accident, it was terrible. I was dubbed as the one dating the…"

"Monster." Bruce took her hand and kissed it, smiling, "Well, this is the past, darling."

In her full Black Widow persona, she mocked, "Don't worry, now I'm the monster."

Not really paying attention to anyone, individually, the group kept reading and laughing at the absurdity of the gossips.

Steve held her carefully, whispering in her ear, "No, you're not", before placing a soft kiss on her cheek, "You're my love."

Natasha leaned her head on his chest, enjoying the feeling of his protective arms around her. Their eyes locked for just a second and the message was clear – she was stressed. Their friends and all these emotions were bringing back memories of a family she almost didn't remember. This was an uncharted territory and she was feeling exposed as never before. She didn't know how to deal with it, so she pulled him into a kiss – a little deeper and longer than she ever did before in front of an audience. Trusting and hoping that their love would be strong enough to endure any challenge ahead of them – trusting him to keep her safe.

Feasting continued the whole afternoon, and they were all having fun.

Finally relaxed, Natasha was left alone watching the beautiful view of the city, when Steve went to refill their drinks.

Bruce came quietly, "You know you're not a monster, right? Believe me, I'm an expert."

She couldn't help but laugh, "Thanks, doc."

In spite of everything, their life was pretty domestic, peaceful. But that was just the calm before the storm… a winter storm.

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(Next: Chris Crush, Chapter 16 The Winter Soldier )

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Ref: Cartoon: The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes – 1x15 "459" [Thor] Your tale rings false.

Ref: Cartoon: Avengers Assemble

1x03 "Ghost of a Chance" – [Natasha] And that, Mr. Genius?

1x12 "Avengers: Impossible" – [Steve] Being an Avenger isn't about recognition, Sam. We do this work because it's right. [Sam] I get that, Cap. But could someone at least know I am an Avenger? For once…

Ref: Comics: The Ultimates Volume 2 #1 "The Ultimates" – [Steve] I couldn't give a damn what they're saying about me. It's what they're saying about you that's driving me nuts. I mean, six months ago that crackerjack in the New York Times had me down as Man of the Year and now he's written this whole editorial about you being an adulteress. I swear to God, if this creep wasn't wearing glasses… [Wasp] We're public figures now, sweetheart. This is the flipside of all those ticker-tape parades and big gala dinners they invite us to. [Steve] Yeah, I know, but snapping pictures of you coming out of my apartment, zoom-lens shots of us walking the dog… [Wasp] You're Captain America, Steve, and you're dating a married woman who also happens to be The Wasp. Did you really think people weren't going to be interested? [Steve] I thought they'd maybe show a little more restraint. [Wasp] Welcome to the 21st Century, baby.