Worthy

Part 36 - We're A Family

You and Loki talk well into the day, managing to pull a picture together of the Infinity Stones. Despite a lot of hesitation from Loki, you build a profile on Thanos. Although the reasoning behind his hunt for the stones was still unclear, you begin to understand why he had been so desperate to claim your world: it housed at least three infinity stones at one time, and, getting rid of the Avengers was just a bonus.

You can tell that Loki is still holding back from you about what he actually went through, but considering he had promised to talk to Thor, you decide to let it go. As the day goes on, you can feel yourself being more open and friendly with Loki, especially as he tells you embarrassing stories from his and Thor's childhood.

"Ok, I'm calling time on....whatever this is." Tony interrupts you and Loki laughing together. "Hit the showers Kate, it's party time!" He winks.

"I'm really tired Tony..." You start, pretending to yawn. Immediately Tony puts up a hand, but Loki chimes in before he can make a comment.

"How exciting!" He grins. "A party? For me?" You can't help but laugh at his sarcastic smile, one that hours ago would have terrified you. Looking up at the complete resignation on Tony's face just makes you laugh even more.

"You're not invited," Tony retorts, before clicking his fingers at you and pointing to the door.

"Fine!" You sigh, getting up and starting to head towards the door. "But only if you invite him." You point at Loki, making both men look at each other before looking at you with raised eyebrows. But you stand firm with Tony. He shrugs and nods before walking away, trusting you to get ready.

"Why did you do that?" Loki asks, surprised.

"Because at least I'll know someone else there will be having as awful a time as I am." Loki grins at your statement, as you click your fingers at him and point to the door, just like Tony had with you. "Come on boy!" You tease, earning an even bigger smile.

"If you hate it so much why are you going through with it?" Loki asks.

"Because, it's Tony. I'll never hear the end of it if I don't go. Last time he practically forced me there..." You're stopped by the presence of a large box placed outside your bedroom door. Loki helps you carry it into your room, part of you knowing what it would be. Opening it up you find a dark grey dress, almost shimmering with a slight sparkle as it moves, with a beautiful cowl neckline.

"Wow," Loki remarks, but you throw your head back in frustration. "What's wrong with that?"

"It's really fancy, and I don't want to have to do my hair, and make up!" You sigh and pout slightly, before Loki waves his hand over you. You feel a light tingle flow over your body. Confused by the feeling and the look on Loki's face you run to the mirror to see: your frizzy hair now done in an elegant messy bun updo with your make up sitting perfectly - you almost don't recognise yourself. "Why did you do that?" You can't help but smile at him.

"Consider it a gift!" He laughs before walking off to his own room.

After getting the dress on, you feel completely nervous looking at yourself. The dress shows off a little more than you normally would, but you can't deny Tony had great taste. As you revel in the way your hair looks and feels, you're suddenly distracted by the small gift wrapped box now sitting on your dresser. Picking it up, you just start to turn over the gift tag when a knock on the door makes you jump and turn. "Ready to go?" Tony asks, as he gestures for your arm at the door, not being able to take the stupid grin off his face.

"If I have to." You smile, before linking your arm through his as he leads you down the hallway. He taps your hand a couple of times, feeling your nerves. You hated being the centre of attention, always preferring to stay out of the limelight; but between the last few days and now this, you weren't sure if you'd be able to handle this.

All eyes were on you as Tony led you into the room. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" A chorus of yells surrounds you as the entire team cheer you on, amongst other faces you couldn't quite make out. Completely blushing, you pray that even illusory mascara doesn't run as you can't help but feel emotional at the overwhelming love and care you get from the team. Tony marches you to the centre of the group, Nat handing you a glass of champagne before he stands tall announcing a toast.

"Ladies, gentlemen and Rhodey!" He shouts, laughing. "We're a team, right? No, we're more than that!" His eyes meet yours. "We're a family here. So what better time is there to come together as a family than to celebrate your birthday Kate!" He points over to Rhodey one more time, whose standing with Happy. "We've got the weird uncles!" Points to Steve "The over protective father figure," Points to Nat. "The mama bear!" Laughing as he points over to Parker, who's trying to sneakily down a glass of champagne that Pietro hands him. "And the unruly kids!" Once again his attention turns to you, as the laughter surrounds the room. "We're a weird mix, we don't always agree on everything. But one thing we do agree on, is how much we love you Kate!" You can feel the tears prickling at the corner of your eyes. "TO KATE!" he raises his glass, eliciting a cheer once again from everyone.

You walk over to Tony, giving him a huge hug, he squeezes you so tightly, you're worried you're going to pop out of your dress. "Happy birthday sis," he kisses your cheek. "Now go enjoy yourself!" He twirls you and pushes you gently back towards the group.