| The Amelie Chronicles | (MCU)

Part Three: Chapter Eight

"You ready for the party, yet?" Natasha knocked the door to Amie's room, poking her head in. Amie looked over, still in her pajamas, sitting cross-legged on her bed with a hopeless expression.

"I do not know what to wear." Amie admitted. She eyed Nat's dress, "I've never worn something like that... the kleid."

"You've never worn a dress?" Natasha spun around so Amelie could see her dress, a simple white top and black skirt that starts at the waste.

"No." The girl shook her head, "I do not think I have one."

"I'm sure you do, somewhere. Tony designed this closet." Nat headed over to the girl's closet, going through the racks to find Amie something to wear.

"I do not even want to go." Amelie signed, "There are too many people coming."

"It'll die down after a few hours." The redhead shrugged. She pulled out a floor-length black dress, and then scrunched her nose up and put it back.

"I do not know anyone."

"You know us." Nat reassured her, "Look, today we're celebrating the fall of Hydra. We took their last base. Strucker is in custody."

The woman showed Amie a simple burgundy A-line dress with a halter top.

"This one." Nat held the dress up to Amie, a smile on her face, "It'll look beautiful on you."

"I know it is all over... but it does not feel like it is." Amelie admitted, "Nothing feels different."

"It'll take some time." Natasha admitted, "Tonight, just enjoy yourself. Eat some amazing crab cakes, meet some new people, and have fun."

"Just enjoy myself." Amie repeated, "Alright."

The girl took the dress and headed into her bathroom to change. She forgot the last time she had worn a dress, or even if she had ever worn one. It wasn't as uncomfortable as she imagined.

When she exited the bathroom, Natasha smiled, "Stunning, Amie."

"Really?" The girl mimicked the spin Nat had done for her earlier.

"Of course." Natasha walked up behind the girl and started running her fingers through her hair, parting it and beginning a braid. Within a few moments, Amie's long hair was pulled back, braided down her back like Nat always did for her when they were together. Amelie learned to do a regular braid, but a French braid she was still having trouble with.

"Thank you." Amie smiled, fiddling with the end of the braid.

"Let's have fun at this party, now, eh?"

This was the first big party Amelie had ever gone to. There was a little get together after Amie had moved in with Steve, just them and the rest of the Avengers eating pizza while playing board games and watching old movies.

However, this party was much different... and much bigger.

Tony's entire penthouse was filled with people, friends and acquaintances of all the Avengers, and basically whoever else Tony decided to invite.

Amelie was sitting in the corner, sipping on sparkling apple cider while looking on at the scene. Steve was playing pool with Sam and some other guys. Thor was joking around with some World War II vets. Tony and Rhodey were chatting at the bar, Natasha was mixing drinks, Bruce was trying to occupy himself in some way, and Clint was traveling between groups, and then every once in a while taking a phone call or sending a text.