Chapter Text
Pepper is sitting in the main room of the Avengers Base, her eyes fixed on a photo of herself, Tony, and Morgan. The photo shows them at their old lake house, Tony and Morgan are laughing and Pepper leans against Tony. Tony had died exactly a year ago, in order to save the world and the ache in her chest hasn’t faded. She still misses him every single day—the man who was the love of her life, the father of their little girl. A tear escapes her eye, but she quickly wipes it away, trying to keep it together for Morgan’s sake. The quiet hum of the base is interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. She looks up as Steve enters the room, his expression carefully neutral but with concern in his eyes. “Hey, Pepper. How are you doing?” he asks softly, his tone full of compassion. Pepper offers him a small, wistful smile, the kind she’s been wearing for the past year. “I’m fine, Steve. I… I just miss him, that’s all,” she admits, her voice faltering for a moment. Her heart feels heavy, but she forces herself to keep her composure. Steve looks down at the holographic letter in his hands, its soft blue light casting an ethereal glow in the dim room. He hesitates, then steps closer, extending the letter toward her. She reads it quickly
Dear Avengers,
Everybody knows that you protected and saved your Earth multipele times. Like your Earth every Earth has its Mightiest Protectors, a order, a guard, or a group of enhanced men and women, who save their Earth every time. In recognition of these noble duties, it is with great honor that we extend an invitation to you to attend the annual Congress of Protectors, a distinguished gathering of guardians from all corners of the multiverse. This Congress, held on our Earth, Xadia, serves as a unique platform for protectors from various realms to come together and share their experiences, challenges, and the stories of how they have safeguarded their respective worlds from peril. The Congress is a highly anticipated event, where esteemed protectors such as yourself engage in discussions and dialogue about the many ways in which you have defended your Earth, the lessons learned, and the strategies employed in your quest to ensure peace. The proceedings of the Congress last for three months, during which time we explore not only the victories and successes of each protector but also delve into the deeper responsibilities that come with the mantle of guardianship.
We hope that you all, a group of your younglings, your significant others and children will come and do us the honor of meeting you.
Sent us your answer as soon as possible and we will sent a ship with pilot to take you to Xadia.
With friendly greetings
His Majesty Crown Prince Anthony Henry Taji Lionheart of Xadia, His Majesty Prince Arnold Theodore Amos Lionheart of Xadia and His Majesty Prince Arthur Andrew Tiuri Lionheart of Xadia
"So, what are you and the rest going to do?" Pepper asks, Steve looks at her "You're not coming with us?" The redhead shakes her head "No, i'm not an Avengers, and Tony is dead, so i'm not a significant other." "Pepper, think about Morgan, she would love to go, we would love for you to come." "Who are going?" "Bucky and his family, T'Challa and his family, Sam and his family, Wanda, Nat and her family, Thor and his family, Clint and his family, Bruce and his family, James and his family, me and Peggy and the kids and we thought about asking Peter's class as the group of younglings." At the mention of Natasha Pepper softens and nods "Okay, i will ask Morgan and i'll let you know what we will do." Steve smiles and says "Thank you, Pepper, thank you."
"So, what are you and the rest going to do?" Pepper asks, her voice tinged with curiosity but also a hint of uncertainty. She looks up at Steve, waiting for his response, knowing that whatever he says will bring back the flood of memories she’s been trying to keep at bay. Steve pauses, meeting her gaze with a mixture of surprise and concern. "You're not coming with us?" he asks carefully, as if unsure of how to approach the topic. Pepper shakes her head slowly, her expression soft but resolute. "No, I'm not an Avenger," she says, her voice quiet but firm. "And Tony is gone, so I'm not a significant other anymore." There’s a sense of finality in her words, as if she’s convinced herself that being part of their world—this world of constant battles and heroism—no longer has a place for her. Steve’s eyes soften, and he takes a step closer, lowering his voice. "Pepper, think about Morgan. She would love to go. And we would love for you to come too." She looks away for a moment, lost in thought, before meeting Steve's gaze again. "Who’s going?" she asks quietly, almost as if she wants to know how big the group will be before making any decisions. Steve takes a breath before listing off the names, his voice steady as he recounts the people who will be there. "Bucky and his family, T’Challa and his family, Sam and his family, Wanda, Nat and her family, Thor and his family, Clint and his family, Bruce and his family, James and his family, me and Peggy and the kids. And we were even thinking about asking Peter’s class to come along, as kind of a group of younglings." At the mention of Natasha’s name, Pepper smiles, Natasha and she were always great friends, but after Tony's death. She’d become someone she could lean on, someone who understood the weight of grief and the challenge of moving forward. Pepper’s eyes soften, and she nods slowly. "Okay, I’ll ask Morgan. I’ll let you know what we decide." Steve smiles "Thank you, Pepper, thank you."
--- Some Time Later ---
"Morgan, sweetie, would you like to go to another planet?" Pepper asks gently as she kneels beside her daughter, brushing a stray curl behind her ear. She watches as Morgan's eyes widen with curiosity, her tiny hands clutching the stuffed bunny she never seems to part with. "Another planet? What do you mean, Mommy?" Morgan asks, tilting her head slightly, trying to make sense of what her mother just said. Pepper smiles, tucking her daughter closer. "Well, Uncle Steve, Uncle Rhodey, and Uncle Bruce, along with some of Daddy’s other friends, have been invited to visit another planet. And we’re invited too. So, would you like to go on an adventure?" She watches Morgan's expression carefully, wondering if the idea of traveling beyond Earth might be too overwhelming for her young mind. Morgan’s brows furrow for a moment as she processes the information, then her lips curve into a mischievous little smirk. "Would you go too, Mommy? 'Cause I’m not going without you." Her voice is determined, her tiny arms crossing over her chest in a stance that reminds Pepper so much of Tony that it makes her heart ache. Pepper lets out a soft chuckle, running her fingers through Morgan’s soft brown hair. "Of course, sweetheart. I’d love to go—see a little more of the universe." Before she can even finish her sentence, Morgan's face lights up like the arc reactor her father once wore. "I wanna go too!" she exclaims, bouncing on her feet in excitement. Pepper laughs, wrapping her arms around her daughter and pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Well then, go tell Uncle Steve. Let him know that we’re in." Morgan grins widely, her eyes sparkling with excitement, before dashing off in search of Steve, her bunny clutched in one hand and her mother's warmth still lingering on her cheek. Pepper watches her go, a small smile playing on her lips. Maybe, just maybe, this trip will be exactly what they both need.
"Uncle Steve!" Steve turns around at the sound of the familiar little voice, a warm smile spreading across his face as he sees Morgan running toward him. Her excitement is infectious, her tiny feet pattering across the floor as she rushes closer. Before she reaches him, however, her eyes land on another familiar face—Steve’s daughter, Alice, standing just a few steps behind him, still in her school uniform with her backpack slung over one shoulder. "Allie! You're back from school!" Morgan exclaims, her enthusiasm doubling as she changes direction and launches herself straight at Alice without hesitation. Alice barely has time to react before Morgan crashes into her, wrapping her small arms around her in a tight hug. With a laugh, Alice stumbles back slightly but steadies herself, returning the embrace just as eagerly. "Morgan! I missed you!" Alice says, grinning as she lifts the smaller girl slightly off the ground before setting her back down. "How was your day?" Morgan beams up at her. "Good! But guess what? Mommy says we can go to another planet! Uncle Steve and everyone are going, and we’re invited too!" Alice’s eyes widen with excitement as she looks up at her father. "WE ARE GOING TO SPACE?" Then her expression turns serious "Does mom know?" "Yeah, I told her, I didn't tell Liz by the way, you can tell her." Alice jumps up and goes to search for her thirty minutes younger twin sister "LIZ! WHERE ARE YOU?" Her older brother, Charles walks out of his room "Allie, what in God's sake are you doing?" His father shoots him a glare "Language, young man." "Sorry dad." Charles goes back into his room and Alice runs to Elizabeth's room, where her younger sister is sitting on the bed with her best friend Nya, Rhodey's daughter "Liz, we'regoingtospace." Alice says very quickly, Liz turns to her sister "Sorry, could you say that again?" Alice takes a deep breath "We are going to space." "SPACE?" Nya and Liz say, Allie nods "Yeah, that was what Morgan and dad said." "When are we going?" "Going were?" John, the fourth sibling, who just walked in, asks "To space, Jo." "OH, yeah, I know, Coop told me, and I told Astrid, Fedde and Bjorn, I think Fedde told the Barnes Squad." "Why did everybody know before us?" Liz asks. John, Nya and Alice laugh.
--- In the main room ---
The Avengers and their families had all gathered—some in person, others appearing as glowing blue figures on the holoscreen. The room was filled with a mix of voices and laughter as familiar faces caught up, sharing stories, smiling warmly at one another. It was a rare moment of peace, a time when they could all just be together without the weight of saving the world on their shoulders. Steve stood at the center, glancing around at his friends, old and new. Bucky stood with Sharon at his side, her fingers laced through his. Nat and Luca were close together, Natasha resting an arm on her husband’s shoulder. Rhodey and Nyra exchanged knowing smiles, while Sam and Sophia stood nearby, quietly whispering to one another. Thor and Jane were chatting excitedly, their voices blending with the others, and Clint had Laura’s hand in his. Bruce stood with his wife Elizabeth, both engaged in conversation with Pepper, who, despite her initial hesitation, seemed to be at ease among them. And on the holoscreen, T’Challa and Nakia watched from Wakanda, their regal presence undeniable even through the projected image. Steve cleared his throat, getting everyone’s attention. "Alright, who’s in?" he asked, his voice carrying through the room. Sharon was the first to respond, laughing as she nudged Bucky. "I think Hunter and Edward would kill us if we didn't go." Natasha smiled and glanced at Luca, who gave a nod. "We’re in," she said simply, confidence lacing her words. Bruce adjusted his glasses. "Well, we’ll go if everyone else is going. No reason to sit this one out." Rhodey grinned. "I think it’ll be fun." Sam nodded in agreement, and Thor let out a booming laugh. "Well, I’ve been to space a couple of times, but I am always up for another grand adventure! What about you, Man of Panther?" At Thor’s words, everyone’s attention shifted to the holoscreen, where T’Challa seemed deep in thought. Before he could respond, his young son, T’Challa II, tugged at his robe, looking up at him eagerly. "Baba, ndicela singahamba?" the boy asked in Xhosa. ("Dad, could we please go?") T’Challa turned to his son, studying his hopeful expression. A small, amused smile played on his lips. "Ndicinga ukuba kuya kuba mnandi." ("I think it would be fun.") The young prince’s face immediately lit up with excitement. "Yes! Thank you, father!" he said, hugging his father quickly before turning and sprinting out of the room. "Azari! Fuli! Siya emajukujukwini!" ("We are going to space!") His joyful shout echoed as he ran to find his siblings. T’Challa turned back to the screen, his expression now settled with certainty. "We are in. I will ask Shuri and my mother to watch over the kingdom, and we will come to the base immediately." Steve smiled and dipped his head slightly. "Of course, your majesty." T’Challa let out an amused sigh. "Steve, how many times must I tell you to call me by my name?" Steve chuckled. "You did tell me that, T’Challa." Before the conversation could continue, the doors to the room burst open, and two young men strode in—Bucky’s oldest sons, Hunter and Edward. Their expressions were serious, but there was a mischievous glint in their eyes that set off warning bells in Bucky’s mind. "Did somebody see Jay and Zane?" Hunter asked casually, glancing around. Bucky narrowed his eyes. "You lost your little brothers?" Edward raised his hands in defense. "No!" Bucky crossed his arms, his sharp gaze pinning them in place. The two boys shifted uncomfortably before exchanging a guilty glance. Finally, Hunter sighed. "Maybe… yes." Bucky let out a slow breath, rubbing his temples. "How do you lose your brothers?" Edward laughed nervously. "We didn’t technically lose them… They’re just better at hiding than we are at finding them." There was a brief silence before Steve snorted, and soon the room was filled with laughter. Bucky, however, only sighed and shook his head. "You better find them before I do," he muttered. Hunter and Edward didn’t waste a second—they bolted out of the room, leaving behind the sounds of chuckles and teasing remarks. Steve shook his head, smiling to himself. "And to think, we're bringing this whole group to space." Pepper let out a soft chuckle, crossing her arms. "What could possibly go wrong?" The room erupted in laughter once more, but beneath it all, there was an undeniable sense of excitement. They were about to embark on something entirely new, something that felt like a fresh start—together.
As the rest of the group scattered throughout the Avengers base, calling out Jay and Zane’s names and checking every possible hiding spot, Steve took a step back from the commotion. He made his way to the main console, his fingers moving swiftly as he accessed the encrypted message that had arrived earlier—the invitation to Xadia. The message had been formal but welcoming, extending an offer to the Avengers and their families to visit the mysterious planet. From what little they knew, Xadia was a thriving world, rich in culture, technology, and untouched wonders. It was a rare opportunity, and Steve knew they couldn’t pass it up. With a deep breath, he typed out his response, confirming their acceptance of the invitation and requesting details about their journey. The moment he hit send, the console blinked, and almost immediately, a new message appeared. Steve raised an eyebrow at the quick response. The message was direct, detailing when and where they would be picked up. "Acknowledged. Your group will be retrieved in exactly 48 Earth hours. Arrival coordinates: Avengers Base, designated landing zone. Be prepared for interstellar transport. We look forward to welcoming you to Xadia." Steve stared at the screen for a moment before letting out a low whistle. "Well, that was fast," he muttered to himself. Just then, Pepper approached, having momentarily stepped away from the search effort. "Something wrong?" she asked, noticing his expression. Steve shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Not at all. We just got our pickup details. They're coming in two days—to the base." Pepper arched an eyebrow. "That soon? Guess we better make sure everyone’s ready." Before Steve could respond, a loud, victorious shout rang from down the hall. "Found them!" The two exchanged amused glances before heading toward the commotion, knowing full well that if this was just the start, their adventure to Xadia was going to be nothing short of chaotic.