I don't own Avengers or its characters. I only own Riley Stark and other OCs that appear in the story.
Take on the World
Chapter 23: Riley's Birthday
At the subway, Riley and Gwen stepped out of the train wearing cheering leader outfits.
"Well, another year we're not going to be cheerleaders."Riley sighed."Why does Sally Avril hates us?"
"Why do you make me do these things? Pom-poms are stupid and pyramids are stupid and pyramids made of humans freak me out."Gwen complained with a shudder and looked down at her legs in slight disgust."What are these?"
"Those are your legs."Riley answered.
Gwen slowly looked up at her Riley.
"Have you ever seen anything so white?"Gwen snorted.
"One time when I looked into the sun."Riley answered.
"Yeahhhh, these need to be put away."Gwen insisted."We have to go to Demolition right now and get clothes."
"But my curfew's in fifteen minutes."Riley reminded sadly.
Gwen sighed and checked her phone, Riley was right her curfew was in fifteen minutes.
"But they're having a sale."Gwen informed with a slightly high-pitched tone as she tried to convince the brunette."Vintage t-shirts."
Riley's face lit up already sold.
"Ooh, I do love t-shirts that other people have already loved."Riley remarked.
"You are the only person I know that has to be home by seven."Gwen stated.
"It's ridiculous."Riley declared."He treats me like a baby."
"Who?"Gwen asked.
"My dad and Pepper. It's time I was treated like the woman I am."Riley replied with a confident expression."I am going to Demolition!"
Gwen smirked at her best friend's declaration.
"That's the spirit!"Gwen praised.
Gwen prepared to walk out and turned around, only to see Riley nervously standing where she was.
"You're not really coming, are you?"Gwen assumed.
"Nah."Riley answered and then gets an idea."Wait. You know what? I am. I am old enough to stay out past seven o'clock. What's the damage for this, in your professional opinion?"
"Broken curfew? Chump change."Gwen stated."Whole thing blows over by Wednesday."
"Worth it!"Riley chuckled while raising up her pom-poms."Let's do this!"
"Great!"Gwen praised."See you Wednesday."
Riley and Gwen then headed out of the subway together.
Upon coming out of the subway, both of the two girls shuddered at how cold it was.
It was the middle of March, but that didn't mean the weather was all nice and sunny.
However, Riley and Gwen eventually arrived to Demolition and went to check out the latest sales.
Riley bought herself a long sleeved red rose print dress while Gwen got herself a blue floral kimono jacket.
"So how was the study time with Tiger?"Gwen asked.
Riley glanced at Gwen.
"Huh?"Riley said in confusion.
Gwen gave a casual smirk.
"You know when I was out with my dear old grandpa and you had Petey all to yourself."Gwen reminded.
"It was nice."Riley answered."I met his Aunt May and Uncle Ben. They're really nice people."
Gwen brought her face closer to Riley, making the brunette push back a little due to feeling awkward at her best friend's action.
"Whatcha doing?"Riley questioned with an anxious smile.
"Trying to read your look, Riles."Gwen responded."That day was good and nothing happened? No physical contacts off any source?"
Riley shook her head, having no clue what Gwen meant.
"No…"Riley replied slowly.
Gwen then moved away and simply shrugged in respond.
"Good."Gwen replied brightly."I am just looking out for you."
Riley and Gwen went to pay for the clothes they bought before heading out of the shop.
"So how long did you and Peter know each other, Gwen?"Riley questioned.
"Me and Tiger have known each other since we were two years old."Gwen exclaimed."Though we became close friends when me and my family first moved into New York."
"That's cool."Riley remarked."So you looked out for him most of the times?"
Gwen smirked at Riley.
"Yep."Gwen agreed with a nod."Tiger maybe quiet and studious guy, but I believe he can be more than what he seems."
At the Avengers Tower, Tony speaking with J.A.R.V.I.S. while he and Pepper were checking some information in a iPad.
"J.A.R.V.I.S., which bakery makes the best cakes?"Tony questioned.
"Dulce Cakes & Desserts, sir."J.A.R.V.I.S. declared."They make their cakes very fast and taste incredible."
Pepper checked 'Dulce Cakes & Desserts' in the iPad which showed custom cakes and desserts for all kinds of events.
"The cakes look fresh, beautifully crafted and delicious."Pepper praised with a smile.
Tony looked at the cakes on sale.
"But which one has that irresistible vanilla bean buttercream frosting that Rye-Rye likes so much?"Tony commented and pointed at a cake that looked like a fairy-tale castle."How about one that looks like a castle?"
Pepper glanced at Tony, giving him a small smirk.
"Tony, Riley is turning 12."Pepper reminded."I don't think she's not interested in Disney Princesses anymore."
"So a rainbow unicorn cake then?"Tony guessed.
A light laugh escaped from Pepper's mouth.
"No. I meant to say think what Riley is more into these days?"Pepper instructed."Make sure her celebration hits the right notes."
Tony grinned when he found the correct theme for his daughter'a birthday cake.
"Ah. A musical cake."Tony chuckled before giving Pepper a small kiss on the lips."Thanks, honey."
Pepper gave Tony a loving smile.
"Whether it's records for a rock fan or more classical cupcakes we can order a cake to match."Tony insisted.
"And make sure the cake includes Riley's favourite colours."Pepper instructed."Lavender, cyan and magenta."
Tony smirked and winked at Pepper.
"No problem. I won't forget that."Tony assured and became curious."What did you exactly got for her birthday?"
"Girl stuff."Pepper replied.
"Which is?"Tony questioned.
Pepper smiled smugly. "A girl thing."
"So I can't know?"Tony assumed.
"It wouldn't be a surprise, Tony."Pepper giggled."You may end up spilling it out."
Tony wrapped his hands around Pepper's waist, bringing her closer to him.
"Come on."Tony sneered."When did I ever do that?"
"On her tenth birthday when you drank too many Old Scotch."Pepper admitted.
Tony did a wincing sound at the awkward memory.
"Did I?"Tony asked, pretending to act confuse."Cause I remember that time being in a very drunken state."
Pepper wrapped her hands around Tony's neck.
"Good thing I bought Riley her headphone when that happened."Pepper admitted.
Tony and Pepper share a kiss just as Riley and Gwen entered the top of the Avengers Tower.
Riley and Gwen shared a disgusted look upon seeing the two adults kiss.
"I'm late!"Riley declared as she walked to her family, earning their attention."I'm late, I know I'm late!"
Tony looked down at his watch.
"You're only late for 8 minutes."Tony stated.
Gwen quickly grabbed Riley's arm.
"Say nothing."Gwen whispered, trying to drag the brunette away."Keep walking."
Riley pulled away from her.
"No. This is a thing."Riley commented while waving her finger in the air."Deal with your bad girl."
Pepper looked at her daughter figure in confusion, but went along with it.
"Okay, where were you?"Pepper said in a 'stern' tone.
"Demolition. It's an alternative store. Where rebels go!"Riley remarked."And I'm a total rule breaker!"
Tony turned to Pepper as he didn't know what to say to his daughter.
Pepper nodded her head slightly, still in confusion.
"Wow."Pepper responded.
Tony shook his head and shifted to face his daughter.
"Uh, Riley what's going on?"Tony asked.
Riley shoved the shirt back into the bag and stormed over to the dining area.
"I am too old for a seven o'clock curfew."Riley stated as she put the bag down and pulled out pom-poms. I reject! Reject it! Reject it! Won't even respect it!"
Pepper smiled through the pain and sympathy towards her daughter.
"Didn't make the team again, huh?"Pepper assumed.
Riley smiled sadly at Pepper.
"No!"Riley cheered out.
Tony shook his head.
"Second year in a row."Tony stated in disapproval.
Pepper sighed and stood up as Riley put the pom-poms away.
"Okay, look, Riley, your father and I gave you 7:00 curfew because we knew that even when you got all rebellious you'd still be home by 7:30."Pepper admitted.
Riley's face fell. "What?"
"Yeah. So when you come in here at 7:07 acting all dangerous, it's hard-"Tony started as he and Pepper started laughing."I'm sorry. I can't even keep a straight face."
Pepper nodded in agreement as she and Tony continued to laugh.
Riley didn't find it funny.
"What are you laughing at?"Riley demanded."I'm out of control!"
Tony laughed and turned to Gwen.
"Gwen, you couldn't keep her out any later than that?"Tony questioned."I mean, what kind of bad influence are you? You're dad is the captain of the New York City Police Department."
Gwen snapped her fingers.
"You're right, Mr Stark."Gwen agreed."I gotta up my game."
Gwen grabbed her bag and glanced at the pillow on the couch and snatched it.
"This will look great in my room."Gwen admitted.
Gwen then headed into the elevator to leave the Avengers Tower.
Tony turned back around and pointed where Gwen was previously standing.
"That's not what I meant!"Tony retorted.
Riley frowned at Tony.
"I want to be taken seriously."Riley insisted."I deserve a later curfew.
"Okay, Rye-Rye. But I'm your dad and I want you to get proper rest."Tony reminded."I don't want your schoolwork to suffer."
"And I'm your second mother, so, please state your case, Miss Stark."Pepper suggested.
"I submit to the court, 10:00."Riley stated with a smile.
"The court laughs in your face."Pepper declared with a motherly smile.
Riley raised her head high at Pepper.
"The legal system is a joke!"Riley admitted.
"Your new curfew is 8:00."Pepper stated.
Riley grinned. "God bless America!"
Pepper smiled at Riley and walked back to get the iPad to avoid the young brunette from seeing the ideas that she and Tony planned out for her birthday.
Riley brought her attention to Tony.
"So dad I was thinking about my superhero suit."Riley remarked."When I can take it out for a flight?"
"When you're ready."Tony informed.
"And when would that be?"Riley questioned.
"When you're ready."Tony repeated.
Riley frowned as she followed Tony over to the sofa.
"Come on, dad."Riley pleaded."I helped you beat the Mandarin, who has set his sights on world domination. What else does my suit need?"
"Your suit can malfunction and run out of power, Rye-Rye."Tony declared."Also, you're just a kid."
Riley folded her arms in disapproval.
"But dad, I am growing up."Riley reminded.
Tony dramatically clutched his heart with both of his arms.
"Oh boy."Pepper murmured, knowing how this is gonna end.
"No, no. I'm down with this."Tony assured, looking at his lover."Yeah I said that."
Riley sat next to Tony.
"Come on, dad. I am always going to be your little girl."Riley assured, being careful with her words."But I really want go out there and be a hero like you and the rest of the Avengers. I am the Stark heiress."
Tony finally lay fully down on the couch.
"Goodbye."Tony groaned.
Pepper glanced at Riley.
"Riley, what your father means to say that being a hero means to have great responsibility beside power on your shoulders."Pepper exclaimed.
"That's rule number 1."Tony agreed as he sat on the sofa again and glanced at Riley."Rye-Rye, I never want our dad-daughter story to end."
"Neither do I, dad."Riley admitted.
"It doesn't end."Pepper assured with a smile."In any good book, you turn the page and there's another chapter."
Tony chuckled as he puts his arms over Riley and Pepper's shoulders.
"Exactly. Also, what's the rush to be a hero, Rye-Rye?"Tony questioned."You still have so much to see in the world than fighting it to make a better place?"
Riley smiled as she rested her head on Tony's chest.
"You know what? You're right, dad."Riley agreed."I still have a lot to see. That's what Grandma Anita said as well. If I rush to grow up, I won't enjoy my time as a kid and the next thing I will realise that I am being helped having my wedding dress put on me."
A utterly nervous expression appeared on Tony's face while Pepper covered her mouth to giggle at her boyfriend's reaction.
"I desperately don't want time to rush."Tony muttered with a frown.
(A few days later)
Riley sighed as she sat on the limo with Tony and Pepper.
The young brunette wore a pale pink dress with thin purple straps alongside a gold decoration. There were pink roses alining the bottom. Her shoes were pale pink flats with rose designs on them.
Tony wore a black tuxedo with brown shoes.
Pepper wore a stylish emerald green gown with silver high heels and had a green veil scarf around her arms. Her strawberry blonde hair was styled in a curly ponytail.
"Come on, dad."Riley pouted."Can you please tell us where we're going?"
Tony simply smirked at Riley, finding it adorable how eager his daughter was to know where they were going to celebrate her birthday.
"Just wait and see, Rye-Rye."Tony instructed.
"Otherwise it wouldn't be a surprise."Pepper giggled.
Soon, the limo arrived to the destination before Happy came out to open the door for Tony, Pepper and Riley to come out.
Riley gasped in delight at the title of the restaurant.
"We're going to Le Hisayfitte, the best restaurant in town?!"Riley squealed.
"My treat."Tony chuckled."It is your birthday."
Riley, Tony, Pepper and Happy headed inside Le Hisayfitte to walk towards where a pretty looking Asian woman was behind the receptionist desk.
"We're here to celebrate my daughter's birthday."Tony informed.
"Yes, Mr Stark. You're just in time."the receptionist answered and smiled at Riley."Happy birthday, Miss Stark."
Riley smiled at the receptionist.
"Thank you."Riley answered.
Tony, Riley, Pepper and Happy followed the receptionist to the room they were staying at.
The receptionist gave the group one last look before she left them.
Riley lingered at the entrance of the party room before she finally stepped in.
But no sooner when the Stark heiress opened the door, the lights went on and five poppers sharply cracked, making confetti rain down all over her as the guests suddenly popped out.
"SURPRISE!"Everyone yelled out."HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RILEY!"
Riley was so speechless that her jaw hung open while her eyes widened.
There in the party room stood Gwen, Peter, Ned, Steve, Natasha, Bruce, Betty, Clint, Thor, Jane and Darcy.
Both Peter and Ned wore both dressed in black tuxedos like Steve, Clint and Bruce were.
Gwen wore a pale lavender cheongsam reminiscent floral motif-printed silk dress and floral matching flats. Her blonde hair was styled in a bun by two red chopsticks.
Doctor Elizabeth 'Betty' Ross was a beautiful woman with chestnut brown hair that was tied in a bun and cerulean blue eyes. She wore a blue-grey gown that stopped right down her knees and matching blue-grey heels.
Natasha wore a custom strapless pure white gown with gold heels.
Jane wore a beige lace dress with a vintage-inspired cut and pink ballet slippers. Her chocolate brown hair was styled loose.
Darcy wore a stylish emerald green dress with a gold bracelet on her right wrist and matching emerald green flats.
Around the guests was a table that had a large vanilla bean buttercream chocolate cake decorated with music notes and twelve candles on it.
Riley covered her mouth in joy, feeling emotional at what she was seeing.
"Oh my gosh."Riley remarked."You all came?"
"Hey. It's your birthday, Riley."Steve chuckled."We wouldn't want to miss your special day."
"Your dad wanted to keep it a complete secret because he was worried that one of us would spill it out."Peter admitted.
Gwen smirked. "He probably meant you, Tiger."
"True."Ned agreed with a nod.
Peter rolled his eyes as Riley laughed lightly at her school friends.
"How about blowing off these candles to get this party started?"Darcy encouraged.
"Okay, Darcy."Riley giggled.
Riley went over to her birthday cake and blew off the candles causing everyone else to cheer and clap at her.
Soon everyone began to enjoy themselves in the party as a jazz-like theme played in the background.
At the snack table, Thor, Peter and Ned were already stuffing their faces with wonderful cuisines of Japan from sushi to ramen.
Though Jane was keeping an eye on her Thunder God, so that he didn't eat everything.
After eating her slice of cake, Riley began to open her presents.
From Gwen, a black gold soft coat Harry Potter hooded sweatshirt.
From Bruce and Betty, she got a Sun Catcher Making Kit.
From Steve and Natasha, a pink cinema light box with 400 letters, emojis & 2 markers.
From Peter, a Funko Pop Princess Leia Keychain.
From Ned, a Star Wars Folded Flyers: Make 30 Paper Starfighters Craft Kit.
From Happy, a pair of magenta pink roller skates.
From Thor and Jane, a telescope kit.
From Clint, a bow and arrow archery set.
Riley opened the gift she received from Darcy, only to find a Klever Kits Paint Your Own Moon Lamp Kit in it.
"A 3D Space Moon Night Light? Thanks, Darcy."Riley remarked in amazement."I always wanted one of those."
"You're welcome, Riley."Darcy responded.
Tony smiled as he presented a small gift box to Riley.
"And here's a little something from me and Pepper, Rye-Rye."Tony admitted.
Riley opened the gift box to find an silver bracelet designed with semi precious gemstones of aquamarine on it.
The young brunette saw a message on the gift box.
"Happy 12th Birthday, Rhiannon Maria Stark."Riley read."Always remember you are braver than you believe. Stronger than you seem. Smarter than you think. Loved more than you know."
Pepper gave Riley a loving smile.
"The sapphire of the sea suits you perfectly, Riley."Pepper insisted."And you did say aquamarine is your birthstone."
"Also the meaning of that crystal teaches to make the most of the moment rather than waiting for another opportunity to arise."Tony admitted.
Riley laughed weakly as she began to tear up a bit in joy.
"Wow. Thank you, dad and Pepper."Riley replied, feeling completely touched by the message."That is beautiful."
Tony chuckled and gave Riley a hug as Pepper placed the bracelet on her daughter figure's right wrist.
Riley then brought her attention on Happy, Gwen, Peter, Ned, Steve, Natasha, Bruce, Betty, Clint, Thor, Jane and Darcy.
"And thank you all for coming on my birthday."Riley admitted gratefully, wiping away her tears."This has been an awesome evening."
Natasha smiled. "You're welcome, Riley."
"It has been a memorable evening filled with laughter and joy."Steve commented with a small smile."I haven't felt like that for a long time."
Riley grinned. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, Uncle Steve."
"Rye-Rye, the cap is old enough to be your grandpa."Tony reminded with a frown.
"Yet he looks like another uncle figure to me, dad."Riley sneered.
Tony playfully rolled his eyes at Riley's declaration.
"It has been a blast."Darcy said with a wink.
"I'm glad we didn't miss it."Jane stated.
"The honour is ours, Lady Riley."Thor admitted."It's a privilege to join you in celebrating the day you were born."
"Your party invitation made me feel like a VIP."Ned declared gratefully."Not just because all the Avengers are here."
Peter smiled sheepishly at his best friend's respond.
"Ned means it has been a fun-filled evening for all of us."Peter corrected.
"Right."Riley chuckled lightly.
Gwen smiled smugly at Peter in approval.
"How about we take a photo to remember this lovely event?"Bruce suggested.
Betty smiled at her boyfriend.
"That's a good idea, Bruce."Betty agreed.
Pepper gave Tony a small yet nervous grin.
"We both forgot to hire a private photographer."Pepper murmured.
Tony winced upon having forgotten to bring a camera for his daughter's party.
"How the hell can I forget-"Tony muttered.
Happy suddenly arrived in the room with a camera that had a tripod.
"The camera is right here, Tony."Happy declared.
"Never mind."Tony laughed with a relieved grin."The evening is saved."
Clint smirked as he brought a chair forward for Riley to sit on.
"A seat for the birthday girl."Clint insisted.
Riley chuckled as she sat on the chair, only for Gwen, Peter and Ned to bring their own chairs to join her.
"Oh, this looks gold."Pepper praised.
Tony smiled as he and Pepper went to stand behind Riley and her school friends.
Then Clint, Natasha, Steve, Jane, Thor, Darcy, Bruce and Betty joined to take part in the photo as well.
Happy pressed a few buttons to prepare the camera to take the photo.
"Everyone ready?"Happy asked.
"Happy, come join the photo as well."Riley encouraged kindly."You're part of the moment too."
"But I-"Happy started.
"Come on, Happy."Tony chuckled."Get in the photo."
Happy smiled as he went to join the group and positioned himself next to Tony.
Then…
Click!
The camera took a perfect photo of Riley smiling with her family and friends on her 12th Birthday.