Disclaimers: Marvel characters belong to Marvel. Non-profit story, inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), TV Series, Cartoons & Comics.

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As Halloween approached, the Avengers faced an unexpected predicament — not from villains, but from their own meddling teammates. Uncles Tony and Bruce were determined to convince dads Steve and Clint to dress up for their babies James and Francis' first Halloween. Yet, neither father was in the mood for costumes as they were pushed to their limits. Sam's youthfulness added a teasing touch to his older teammates. Natasha and Bobbi's journeys as new mothers were supported by Pepper and Betty, who took on the role of doting aunts. While navigating the challenges of parenting, the couples struggled with their past to create their future, strengthening their bonds.

Just as things seemed to settle into lighthearted chaos, an unexpected threat drew the superheroes into a mysterious, dangerous land, sparking an unforeseen confrontation with surprise cameos. Filled with humor, heart, and team dynamics, this story explored the joys and stresses of parenthood that even Earth's mightiest heroes faced.

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The Scheme

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The idea first struck Tony on February 14th.

Bobbi was 35 weeks pregnant, and Clint had been walking around with a permanent cloud over his head — worried, anxious, and lonely, all at once.

"What's with the long face? It's Valentine's Day!" the Genius quipped, in his usual light-hearted way.

The Archer just grunted in response.

"Today's your day, Cupid!"

That did it. Clint's eyes darkened with irritation, and without a word, he picked up a rubber band and, with typical Hawkeye precision, snapped it at Tony's rear.

The Genius winced and let out a yelp of pain. "Ouch!" He rubbed the sore spot, glaring at Clint.

A smirk tugged at the Archer's lips. Touché.

But Tony Stark wasn't one to let a shot like that go unanswered. Oh, he's definitely going to pay for that.

Avengers Tower, Pepperony Penthouse. Saturday, October 17, 2015.

Modern, meticulously decorated furniture adorned the ample space, reflecting both Pepper's refined taste and Tony's penchant for extravagance. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, the residence offered stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and the clear, mild skies. As the group shifted into a more relaxed atmosphere, the dining table still held the remnants of an exquisite lunch — grilled sea bass and roasted vegetables from the Tower's private restaurant. In the adjoining living room, the girls lounged on the plush white sofa, their drinks reflecting the warm glow of the afternoon.

"Halloween is everywhere," Pepper remarked, swirling the amaretto in her glass. "I didn't realize how big a deal it's become."

Scrolling through her phone, Betty's fingers paused, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "But look at these baby costumes… Can you imagine them as tiny pumpkins or mini-monsters?"

Since Francis was born on March 2nd and James on June 20, everything seemed to revolve around the Avengers babies.

"That's ridiculously cute," the strawberry-blonde's expression softened. "But they're too little for all this, right? Besides, Natasha and Bobbi haven't mentioned anything."

Shaking her head, the brunette's smile wavered. "I doubt they'd have time to even think about this. The babies are adorable, but the work? It's no joke."

Not far off, their husbands sat at the bar, casually sipping cognac and exchanging knowing glances as they half-listened to the women's conversation.

Mischief flickered in Tony's eyes as an idea began to form. "I've got it," he murmured, setting his glass down with a soft clink.

Bruce glanced at him, amused. "Got what?"

"A costumed Halloween party. And we trick Barton into dressing as Cupid!"

"Yeah, right. Like he'd go for that. Unless… Unless it's baby-themed."

Stark's expression lit up as if he had just been given the key to unlock Quantum Computing. "You're a genius!" He clapped Banner on the shoulder, earning an eye-roll from his friend.

Without another word, Tony tapped the screen embedded in the bar, his fingers flying as he summoned JARVIS to gather information about Cupid costumes. Instantly, images of Disney's Hercules-themed parties appeared, and his face lit up. "Oh, man. Look at this! This is gold."

Bruce blinked, momentarily taken aback by the image of the Greek hero. "Is this real? You mean… Cap?"

"Rogers as Hercules, right? It's almost too perfect. The guy was made for this."

"Minor problem — how do we get them to agree?"

"We don't. Just need to convince the missus and they'll work their magic."

Exchanging conspiratorial looks, the men rose from the bar and made their way to the living room, where their wives were still chatting.

"So, Pepper," Tony began casually, sliding onto the sofa next to her with practiced ease, "What do you say we throw a little Halloween party?"

She raised a skeptical eyebrow. "You're not seriously asking me to organize a whole party in two weeks, are you?" Still, she asked, "How many guests are we talking about here?"

He lifted his hands in mock defense. "No, no, nothing big. I'm talking tiny — just for the babies."

"Hmm." The strawberry-blonde, who was James' godmother, remained suspicious. "They're too young."

Trying to back up his friend, Bruce chimed in, "But, uh… you were just looking at baby costumes, right?" His eyes flickered between the two women.

Betty frowned. "Wait, were you two eavesdropping?"

"I… we…" her husband stammered.

Pepper chuckled. "Well, that doesn't mean anything."

"But hear me out, honey," Tony quickly interjected. "It's their first Halloween!"

"Oh," the brunette glanced up from her phone, her eyes sparkling. "He's got a point. Can you imagine the photos?"

Still not fully convinced, the strawberry-blonde sighed, "Yeah, but babies don't care about any of this."

"That's true," Betty pondered. "But let's be honest, these parties are actually for the adults, right?"

Seizing the momentum, the Genius nodded vigorously. "Exactly! It's a perfect chance to celebrate them and have some fun ourselves."

Leaning back thoughtfully, Pepper finally relented. "What exactly are you thinking?"

Flashing a triumphant grin, Tony called out, "JARVIS."

In an instant, a sleek screen descended from the ceiling, smoothly gliding into place before them, and the AI began in his calm, measured tone. "Disney's 1997 animated musical Hercules is a particularly suitable theme for such an event. The film sanitizes and reinterprets the darker original Greek mythology for modern children's audiences. It is worth noting that Hercules is actually the Roman name of the Greek hero, Heracles. But I doubt baby Francis or baby James will raise any objections."

They all chuckled as vivid images began to appear on the screen — toddlers dressed as characters from the film, playing with plush winged horses and other toys, surrounded by fluffy pastel clouds and ancient golden pillars. In the center, a tiny baby Hercules rested on a golden crib, while a cherubic baby Eros floated nearby, complete with heart-tipped arrows and delicate wings.

Both women cooed instantly. Betty's hand flew to her mouth, her voice a breathless whisper. "Oh my God! That's so cute!"

Taking in the heartwarming display, Pepper could no longer resist. "I'm in."

"Great!" Tony's grin widened as JARVIS began to highlight the adult characters. "And we can all dress up like gods. What do you say, Mrs. Stark? Want to be the Hera to my Zeus?"

On the screen, the ruler of the Olympian gods appeared in a full-length chiton, draped over one shoulder, fastened with a gold pin shaped like a thunderbolt, leaving his muscular chest bare. He held a lightning-bolt-shaped scepter, his white beard and hair gleaming, set against dark purple fabric with a lavender border. His wife, Hera, shimmered in a sparkling dark pink chiton, with longer sleeves and golden clips along the sides. Shining blond hair crowned with a matching polos, as she held baby Hercules in her arms.

The strawberry-blonde didn't miss a beat. "Do you want a muscle suit to go with it, Mr. Stark?"

Pretending to be offended, he gave her a dramatic look. "Come on, I've got the real thing right here," he said, flexing his arms for emphasis.

She raised an eyebrow, smiling unimpressed, before moving on. "Wait, if we're Hercules' parents… what about Steve and Natasha?"

Tony smirked, "JARVIS, show adult Hercules."

The images shifted to reveal a towering, muscular warrior, wielding a sword and a shield, his heroic stance unmistakable. Pepper gasped at the resemblance. "Oh!"

Bruce nodded in agreement. "Cap would be perfect for this, right?"

"Indeed," Betty tilted her head thoughtfully, reading the info on the screen. "He even has a redhead girlfriend… Megara? Never heard of her, but Natasha would look amazing in her costume."

"As long as I get to hold my godson, I'm fine," the strawberry-blonde laughed, nudging her husband gently. "We'll look great, Tony." She pulled him in for a soft kiss before turning to the others. "How about you two?"

Across the room, the Doctor shifted uncomfortably. "Oh, no, I'm not—"

"I'm Zeus, you're my brother, you're Hades!" The Genius gestured to the screen, where the god of the underworld appeared in a dark gray himation over a black tunic, with a skull pin on his shoulder, and flame-like blue hair crackling ominously.

"Oh, come on," Bruce groaned. "I'm already the green monster. Do I ever get a break from being the scary guy?"

Betty giggled. "Bobbi told me Hulk is Francis' favorite plush toy."

"See?" Tony stood up and walked towards his friend. "You're not a villain. You'll be the cool Uncle Bruce with sparkling blue hair. The babies will love you."

Pepper leaned forward. "And look at Hades' wife. How beautiful would Mrs. Banner be dressed as Persephone?" The goddess of spring wore a white, flowing peplos, her head adorned with a crown of pink flowers and light pink sashes draped gracefully across her neckline and waist.

Bruce's resistance began to fade at the thought. "Wow… What do you say, darling?"

The brunette blushed at the attention but gave a shy nod. "Is it okay if I'm not blonde?"

"I can get us wigs, even a beard," Pepper offered, turning to Tony, who nodded in agreement.

"Fine. At least it's not green," the Doctor finally caved.

Stark clapped Banner on the back. "It's settled then. A Greek mythology baby Halloween party. Rogers as Hercules, and Barton as Cupid."

The women burst into laughter at the thought of Clint in a winged outfit, complete with heart-tipped arrows.

"Oh my god, it's even purple!" The strawberry-blonde exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Betty grinned. "You guys are joking, right?"

Leaning back with her arms crossed, Pepper looked clearly amused. "Yeah. It all sounds lovely. But there's no way they're gonna do this."

"Why not? I'm doing it, and I'm just a cool uncle," Bruce said, half-jokingly.

"Well… don't parents do silly things for their children?" Tony countered, flashing his signature grin.

The strawberry-blonde conceded. "Okay, fair point."

"Actually, this is a great idea," the brunette added with a smile. "It's been a while since we've had a fun group get-together. James is four months old already. I don't think Natasha will mind a small, quiet reunion."

"We could create a special atmosphere, like a dreamy nursery with soft music playing in the background. It'll be a chance to relax and enjoy delicious food," Pepper replied, her mind already spinning with creative ideas. "And I can have a designer whip up the costumes in no time."

Tony's confidence never wavered. "It's going to be epic."

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Set after: Can we hear it again?, Chris Crush (Avengers) Chapter 8: The Baby, Chris Crush (Family) Chapter 2: Don't Make My Mistake and Chapter 4: Marvelous.