nextgen_baddie:

A bright light appeared over the Defenders compound and two figures emerged in the sky. A multitude of explosives rained down on the buildings below. A moment later numerous explosions broke the quiet of the day. The Earth trembled and fire and smoke filled the air. A crater now took the place of the Defenders Compound and the two figures in the sky disappeared.

Far below the Pacific Ocean the brides were clad in white and lined up in front of the altar. A semi-circle of priests stood behind the brides and were chanting. The magic in the air became more powerful as the priests chanted. A small circle appeared in the air before the brides and started to get bigger.

All around the chamber deviants fought heroes while the portal grew so the god Set could make his entrance into the world. Another portal formed on the far side of the chamber and the two beings that had appeared over the Defenders Compound were now in Lemuria.

nextgen_asgard:

The lie-smith had drawn lots with the lady of strife, and they'd each chosen a handful of targets. Loki had, of course, cheated. His hobby and his grandson were too amusing to leave to chance. His favored granddaughter might feel some of the sting of this game, but all that he did served the greater Loki, which was what mattered in the end.

These days would be most amusing.

next_avenger:

To James his birthday was just another day. He got up and immediately went to the gym. After a two hour workout and a hot shower he grabbed breakfast that consisted of two bagels and a cup of the best coffee one could get. James had become somewhat of a coffee snob since living with Mom and Tony, despite what MC claimed he liked for coffee. She didn't know him yet or even try to get to know him so he ignored what she said about him.

He headed for the rec room to play some video games for an hour. He knew he was an addict, he would admit it, but he had grown up a bit and was now limiting himself to two hours a day. An hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. There were more important things than video games and he had learned that lesson.

Mom had sent his gift and it arrived a day before his birthday. It consisted of a vacation for him and Val along with a gift card to his favorite video game store. She called and promised that she, Tony and Nick would visit soon.

He leaned back on the couch and hit start.

super_wren:

Nick was coming up for a second night and Aine decided to do something a little different. Aine had told all her teammates and other friends that she was going out to a club she really liked with Nick if they wanted to come. She has also told Nick he could invite some people up with him if he wanted and she was pretty sure they could stay the night at the WCA HQ.

irondragon:

Rose had been doing very well when it came to recovering from her time in the hospital. She was doing pretty well all things considering. Danielle had of course really helped her when it came to staying motivated. They were best friends and knew they would always have each others back which was how they knew they had to be on the same team.

So Danielle did all the talking. First to Charlie who had called James for them then Danielle had talked to James. So they were on their way with a car Rose had bought for the move. It was handy having money. The trip was made slow but over the course of a week.

So now here they were at the WCA headquarters. Rose zipped her boots back up before she climbed out of the car. "I almost feel like we should have brought a house plant or something. I'm very glad James let us come join the team. You know?"

She moves with a slight limp that shouldn't be too obvious and rings the doorbell. "And they know we're coming, right?"

wishful_thought:

Jeff had been planning things for his cousin's birthday for awhile now.  No, he wasn't preparing her a male stripper.  That would not bode well for Luna's...  Luna-isms.  Instead, Jeff got her a bunch of new books he was sure she hadn't read yet.  Well, he knew she hadn't read them.  Now that she had a boyfriend, she needed to learn Kamasutra.  Among other things.  He wrapped up her books nice and neat and set them on the table.

The decorations were set up, and Luna's name was hanging in glittered up letters in the entrance to the kitchen.  There was cake, ice cream, and pizza.  Yes, pizza.  And he just waited to hand Luna her gifts.  The rest of the team was welcome to join in on the celebration.

next_avenger:

James sucked when it came to shopping for birthdays or other special occasions. He never knew what to get unless of course he was getting them video games. He /knew/ video games. He didn't know girlfriends, mothers or sisters. Thankfully mother and sister could help when it came to the girlfriend.

Val's birthday had come around again and James had called on the shopping experts. Mom and Anya. He called them earlier in the week and asked for some advice for presents for Val. His email Inbox got flooded with emails from the both of them with suggestions and ideas.

When he finally settled on something he had Mom make the arrangements. The Stark name had a lot of weight and James would need that for last minute plans.

Thursday night he caught a flight east and arrived in New York. Friday was shopping with Mom. He had enough clothes, but Mom thought otherwise so he went shopping with her and let her buy him more clothes. She also helped him select Valeria's gift.

When Sunday rolled around he showed up with a picnic basket stuffed full and a blanket.

He politely asked Roberta to call up for Val.

nextgen_holiday:

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ~Marion C. Garretty, quoted in A Little Spoonful of Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul

nextgen_misc:

There was a flash of light when each of the West Coast Avengers finished their "game" and they found themselves all together in a maze. Each member found him or herself dressed in medieval style clothing. Other things moved about in the maze, but for right now they were a way off.

stark_ravingmad:

Tony had thought to clear out Big Nick's for the evening, but if he did, Tasha's Spy-dar would go off and she'd figure out the plot. The only person he could trust with his secrets was Eddie, who wouldn't talk (not that he could right now). Still, his wife mentioned the other day that she wanted a big, juicy cheeseburger and Tony knew just the place to take her.

Of course, he put out a call to the kids to join them.

While Tasha got ready for their "date", Tony got Eddie ready to go out.

"Okay, Buddy. You make with the cuteness to distract your mother, and I'll play the tape when it's time. Got it? " Tony asks, smiling at his son.

Eddie grinned back in reply.

"Honey, are you ready?" Tony asks, carrying Eddie with him to find Tasha.

next_avenger:

The flash of white light left James unable to see for a few moments. When he could see again, he was on a lighted grid and wearing a version of his uniform that was glowing. He still had his shield generator for which he was thankful. Across from him stood a figure dressed in similar fashion and holding a disc that was glowing.

i_feel_you:

Aine was Luna's best friend, so of course her birthday wasn't going to go unnoticed. Luna brought her a book on the history of opera in Italy, a couple of bottles of her favorite wine, and a butterfly charm bracelet. She was going to make eggplant parmesan for dinner and had ordered her favorite cake from the bakery down the street.

nextgen_misc:

Seattle saw the sunrise on a rare clear, crisp winter's day. With it came a cold wind and trouble for some of the city's newest residents. The West Coast Avengers were settling into their new headquarters and exploring the city they now called home. The day started out as any other, but it wouldn't be that way for long. Trouble was brewing just like the coffee in the numerous coffeehouses and shops.

nextgen_holiday:


I arise from dreams of thee
In the first sweet sleep of night,
When the winds are breathing low,
And the stars are shining bright.
I arise from dreams of thee,
And a spirit in my feet
Hath led me -- who knows how?
To thy chamber window, Sweet!

The wandering airs they faint
On the dark, the silent stream--
And the Champak's odours
Like sweet thoughts in a dream;
The nightingale's complaint,
It dies upon her heart,
As I must on thine,
O belovèd as thou art!

O lift me from the grass!
I die! I faint! I fail!
Let thy love in kisses rain
On my lips and eyelids pale.
My cheek is cold and white, alas!
My heart beats loud and fast:
O press it to thine own again,
Where it will break at last!

Percy Bysshe Shelley

nextgen_parent:

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first annual Maria Stark Foundation Charity Auction. I'm Alison Blaire and your host for tonight's festivities. Prepare yourselves for a night of fun to help a worthy cause. In just a few minutes many very handsome men will be brought out one by one for your chance to win a date with one of them.

Before we begin I would like to bring out Her Imperial Highness Anya Stark. Miss Stark helped arranged tonight's event and will give you a little more information on the charity organization tonight's proceeds will help."

Anya walked out on stage and smiled. "Thank you, Ms. Blaire. All of the proceeds from tonight's event will go directly to Doctors Without Borders or Médecins Sans Frontières. This organization was created in 1971 in France to benefit the citizens of the world. The organization is committed to bringing quality medical care to people caught in crisis regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation all across the globe. MSF operates independently of any political, military, or religious agendas.

I'm happy to announce on behalf of the Maria Stark Foundation, that all money collected here tonight will be matched dollar for dollar by the Maria Stark Foundation."

"Thank you Miss Stark and that is a very generous offer by the Maria Stark Foundation. Now it's time to begin. So open those wallets and let's bring out our first man." Anya left the stage and went to take her seat.

"First we have the son of Captain America Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff. James Romanov-Rogers is currently an Avenger and has recently moved to Seattle to lead the West Coast Avengers."

"Let's start the bidding at a hundred dollars."

next_avenger:

Moving wasn't fun. James had discovered this the hard way. Thankfully Tony had helped make arrangements for the new Avengers team to move out to Seattle. Tony had also taken care of setting up their new headquarters prior to their arrival.

They packed up a moving truck and drove across the country. There was a lot of debating and conversations about where to stop, but James just wanted to get here. Though he did agree to a few stops to tourist traps along the way. He drove his car just head of the moving van and offered car space to anyone who wanted to ride with him and could stand listening to Elvis.

They finally arrived in Seattle at their new headquarters. Now all that was left was settling in and unpacking.

next_avenger:

The voting was done and the decision had been made. James was heading west to lead the West Coast Avengers. He was taking the rest of the semester off of school and would take summer classes to make up for it. Now came the hard part. Telling Val.

He stopped and the front desk and asked Roberta to tell Valeria that he was here to see her.

next_avenger:

Now that the other Avengers were back it was time to reorganize the team a bit. James didn't want to give up leadership of the team and he knew Charlie would want it. The answer to the problem was simple. A team meeting and a vote according to the charter. There was also the issue of dealing with a lot of Avengers to address.

James sent out notification of the time to all Avengers, reserve and active. When it was the right time he made his way to the conference room and took a seat.

borntolead:

Charlie was glad to be home. In the end of it, he enjoyed his time hoping around through the timestream, and had gotten to become really good friends with his teammates.

But goddamn, it felt good to be back.

After stopping off at his parent's apartment for a quick change of clothes and a shower (his Mom wasn't home yet, but his Dad said that he'd tell her that they had come back later), Charlie made his way over to Avengers Mansion.

"Anybody home?"

nextgen_holiday:

There's a piece of paper and a pen attached to a bulletin board. Across the top is written:

New Year's Resolutions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
+

Anonymous entries accepted.

redheadspy:

Christmas in the Stark/Romanov household was a noisy and chaotic affair. This year they had two more additional family members in the form of Nick and Stevie. Three if you count Justin since the Rhodeses were family.

Natasha and Nick were up with the crack of dawn. Nick, like all people in the family except for James, didn't sleep much and had his mom up with the sun. Thankfully Chef Lokken was an early riser and had coffee and muffins ready. Eventually one by one the family members would make an appearance.

The Rhodeses were invited over of course. They were just as much as a part of the family as anyone else. Stevie was sent an invitation. Anya and James were here and Misha and Eliza were sent information about family stuff. Now it was just a matter of waiting for the chaos to start.

nextgen_holiday:

Christmas. Yule. Saturnalia. Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Many cultures have celebrated and still celebrate a winter festival. There have been many names for it over the millennia. No matter the name it is a time to come together and celebrate with feasts and gifts with friends and loved ones.

Each culture has a legendary figure who would deliver gifts to children during this time. In Russia and some Slavic cultures he is known as Ded Moroz, Grandfather Frost, and comes not on Christmas but on New Year’s along with his granddaughter Snegurochka, or ‘”Snow Maiden”. In the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe he is known as Father Christmas. In the Netherlands and Belgium he is known as Saint Nicholas or “Sinterklaas” and in France he is known as Père Noël. In the United States we know him as Santa Claus.

No matter the name or who is delivering gifts, it is the season of peace, joy and togetherness. It is the season for thinking about loved ones, friends and those less fortunate. It is a time to witness the goodness and generosity the human race is capable of. It is a time for peace on Earth and goodwill toward man.

nextgen_holiday:

Christmas. Yule. Saturnalia. Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Many cultures have celebrated and still celebrate a winter festival. There have been many names for it over the millennia. No matter the name it is a time to come together and celebrate with feasts and gifts with friends and loved ones.

Each culture has a legendary figure who would deliver gifts to children during this time. In Russia and some Slavic cultures he is known as Ded Moroz, Grandfather Frost, and comes not on Christmas but on New Year’s along with his granddaughter Snegurochka, or ‘”Snow Maiden”. In the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe he is known as Father Christmas. In the Netherlands and Belgium he is known as Saint Nicholas or “Sinterklaas” and in France he is known as Père Noël. In the United States we know him as Santa Claus.

No matter the name or who is delivering gifts, it is the season of peace, joy and togetherness. It is the season for thinking about loved ones, friends and those less fortunate. It is a time to witness the goodness and generosity the human race is capable of. It is a time for peace on Earth and goodwill toward man.

next_avenger:

James had volunteered to babysit Nick while Tony, Mom and the rest of the family went to the big fancy party. James didn't like fancy parties and had eagerly volunteered to babysit. After Mom and Tony said he could, James of course asked Valeria if she wanted to come over and help him. James was by far not an expert babysitter and could always use an extra pair of hands.

Nick was fussy right after Mom and Tony left, but eventually he settled down. Coos and babbles replaced the crying. James thought he giggled, but Mom had said that was just gas. James thought his baby brother was neat and was having a good time babysitting him.

Nick eventually dozed off and James put him in his bed. He double checked the baby monitor and then joined Val on the couch.

anyastark:

It was quite the day for Anya. It was day of the Maria Stark Foundation's Annual Winter Charity Ball, it was Steve's birthday and it was also Stevie's birthday. Anya hadn't much of a chance to get to know her dimensional half-sister, but she wasn't going to let Stevie's birthday go past without doing something for her sister.

Anya knew Stevie liked cars, so it was easy to find a gift. A small wrapped box was put on Stevie's bed. Inside was a set of car keys and a note that read 'A project for you. Happy birthday from Anya'. The keys went to the shell of a 65 Mustang Convertible

Anya hoped Stevie liked it.

next_avenger:

With Charlie gone and as a male member of the Avengers, in addition to being the leader, it was up to James to uphold a few traditions that didn't have to deal with battling bad guys. Though he had to admit that he would rather be fighting bad guys than doing this. It just wasn't his thing.

He wasn't as industrious as Anya, but James had managed to collect the necessary photos. It hadn't been easy and a part of him felt like he was cheating on Val.

Invitations were sent to the Avengers, Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four, Champions, Excalibur the X-Men and the Defenders guys.

With the help of Jarvis food and drink was laid in. James made sure they had a wide variety of pizza, chips, pretzels and drinks.

He loaded the photos in and took care of the security systems. The girls were not allowed to watch. Now all that was left was people showing up.

nextgen_holiday:

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." JFK

In America today is a day for being thankful for the things in people's lives. Today was a day to celebrate family, friends, prosperity and health with food, family and friends. It is a time to reflect on what is important us and to recognize the gratitude we hold for having those things in our lives.

nextgen_misc:

You are cordially invited to attend the 27th annual Maria Stark Foundation's Winter Charity event.

Four Seasons Hotel
57 East 57th Street
New York, NY 10022

Saturday December 18th
Seven O'clock pm - Midnight

Formal dress required.

Please bring a donation for Toys for Tots.

redheadspy:

Natasha was restless. No matter what she did she could not get comfortable. She tried stretching out on the couch, sitting in a chair, laying down on the couch, and walking around the penthouse and not one thing was close to being comfortable. It was a common hazard at this point in a pregnancy.

A part of her was glad that Tony was on the West Coast. He would be hovering and asking her if she were alright every few minutes, which of course would have improved his chances of getting shot. He left her with babysitters who were a little better about it. James and Val and Misha were in the living room watching a movie. Ivan, who had arrived two days ago, was in the recliner with his eyes closed and snoring.

Natasha was in the kitchen pacing a bit. Idly she wondered if SHIELD would let her use the firing range. She needed something relaxing to do and something to keep her mind off the mild contractions she was having. This baby couldn’t be coming yet, but of course it would be since Tony was across the country.

The contractions were still ten minutes apart and weren’t hurting much. Yet. These things took time which is exactly why she wasn’t going to tell the kids just yet. Misha had been a marathon. Twenty two hours in labor. She remembered feeling like she had singlehandedly fought World War three after giving birth to him. Anya had been a little quicker at twenty hours. Natasha would bet money this one would be longer. Call it a gut feeling.

It was time to call her husband. He needed time to get back here. He helped cause this and he was going to be here for this baby’s birth...or else. Natasha grabbed a glass of water and headed for his office to call him.

nextgen_holiday:

All Hallow's Eve, or Halloween as it has been come to be called, is a popular holiday with children and adults alike. It is a holiday that had its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain or Summer's End. Samhain celebrated the end of the "lighter half" of the year and the beginning of the "darker half".

On this evening the barriers between this world and the Otherworld were believed to be thin and the spirits, good and bad, of the dead could pass through. The spirits of the family's ancestors were welcomed in while evil and bad spirits were warded off by the wearing of masks and costumes. The costumes and masks disguised one as a harmful spirit and avoided harm from others.

It was also a harvest celebration and time to take stock of food stores for the winter. Livestock were slaughtered and the meat prepared for storage. It was the final harvest of the year and the crops were then stored for the winter. Celebrations included bonfires and tales of the family's ancestors.

It was a celebration of the dead and of the harvest.

Today we dress up in scary and not so scary costumes and masks and go door to door for candy or attend costume parties. It is a night for revelry, pranks and fun.

invisigirl:

Val had been busy since she started school. Though her and James made a point to spend time together during the week, they didn't really have much time to relax and get away from school.

Today wasn't about school. Today was about her spending a little quality time with her boyfriend. She called James, asking him to meet her at the Baxter Building.

aerosmithette:

There was no question about it:  Akilah was going home to Wakanda to aid in the defense and imminent counterattack.  She had, luckily, learned how to fly the Quinjets.  All that she needed to do was let the Avengers know she was leaving.  She assumed it was a given to most of them, but she wrote a note and left it in the kitchen--as that was where they could al stumble upon it.  She was busy gathering what she needed to leave after leaving up the note.

anyastark:

The Masters of Evil had attacked the Thunderbolts headquarters and had made off with Victor's body and with it a way to eventually access Ultron's files on the Avengers. It was a situation where a collaboration of the Thunderbolts with another team was needed. They needed to get Victor's body back as soon as possible.

The Thunderbolts made the trip to New York and were gathered in the conference room at Avengers Mansion along with the Avengers. They needed to discuss strategy and form a plan to retrieve Victor's body.

Anya sat back in her chair and let her brother take the lead. James was more experienced with leading a team and if anyone could get them to all work together as one big team, he could.

particlegirl:

"Ok.  So if my math is right---and it always is---Stevie's stuck in dimension heeeeeyah."

Marie Claire pointed to the blue splotch of color on the wall-size display.  It was full of colorful splotches, each one representing universes as layered on and around each other.  Dimensions, really, but they didn't look very "dimensional" all colorful like that. Instead they looked a bit like a crazy Rorschach test.  She waited for the rest of the Avengers to take in the destination before changing images, a zoom in of a lighter blue thread that seemed attached to the splotch.

"We're the green dimension.  See the blue line?  That, my friends, is a type of wormhole. It operates on a specific vibrational frequency.  Using the last of the data from Stevie's suit and some of the data we have from the unfortunate Zero Point Gravity Incident."  She paused for a moment, a grim face of sadness washing over her as she thought of the loss of a friend and two entire neighborhoods in the city that LITERALLY disappeared into a mess of non-matter that one might call a singularity (suck it, CERN.)  "Using that data I've created a device that will let me hop over there, get Stevie and hop back."

As predicted Mike didn't like this.  He started to object but there was no objecting to Marie Claire Pym whens he was either shoe shopping or had an Idea.   After a sharp look from her, he shushed.  Everyone shushed.

"Alrighty.  Then tomorrow I go get Stevie.  Someone hide the car.  I want to mess with her good."

***

There was a little burst of light and energy and Marie Claire Pym popped into existence right outside the Avenger's mansion.

And promptly smashed into a tree that wasn't there in her own world.

"Oh goddamnit I broke a nail. "

redheadspy:

The Stark/Romanov Family Dinner. It was a study and exercise in insanity. They were usually loud, chaotic and entertaining to say the least. Natasha wasn't quite sure if she was up for this one or not. Her back was hurting and her ankles and feet were uncomfortably swollen. The good feeling of the second trimester was gone and the uncomfortable third was here. Though she wouldn't back out or tell Tony she didn't want to do it. They would have dinner and be entertained by the kids. Or so she hoped.

Picking a place was key, but this time she opted for Tony to get a private room at Delmonico's. Steak for the carnivores and private so that if things got loud they wouldn't embarrass themselves. And Natasha felt like dressing up a bit.

She had a new dress from Jan, a new pair of shoes and the earrings Tony gave her when she proposed to him.

When she and Tony were ready, he drove them to the restaurant. They even managed to beat the kids there.

next_avenger:

James had been planning this training session for some time. The idea wasn't his; he had gotten it from Sky High when Valeria made him watch it with her the other day. No matter where it came from, it would help the team. Sure he had the idea, but making the program to actually do it was beyond him, so he called in some help from his sister Anya.

James told her what he wanted and a few days later she had the program all ready for him. James had played around with the variables until he found something he liked. Once the program was set, he let the other Young Avengers know when the training session would be.

Saturday morning at 8am he was waiting in the training room for his teammates.

nextgen_holiday:

The air was warm and the sun was bright making it a perfect day for a cookout to celebrate Labor Day. Classes would start on the 8th (for those going to college they started a week ago) and it was the last chance to kick back and cut loose before hitting the books.

At the Avengers' Mansion in NYC Jarvis and some helpers he managed to rope into helping with the preparations were busy getting the food ready. Tables had been placed out around the pool and the large grill fired up to get nice and hot. Burgers, hot dogs, sausage, ribs, corn on the cob, pasta salad, salad and fruit salad were just some of the food available to eat. Soda, water, fruit juice and other beverages were on ice.

To help get to know each other the Thunderbolts received an invitation to attend.

It was a day of rest and relaxations for those who put their lives on the line for others.

hot_rod:

A universe away

It was, all things considered, a good day to be one Stephanie "Stevie" Barton.  School was over and done with, she had a job she liked fixing cars (even discounting the money in her trust fund), Mom was off her back about doing more with her life for the moment (though the promise of a couple of business courses in the winter semester also seemed to at least temporarily placate Antonia Stark).  She'd managed to survive a shopping trip with MC (and reluctantly would admit she'd picked up a few good things on the trip too).  William Blake, the extremely hot son of Donald "I used to be Thor" Blake and Jane Foster was still her primary friend with benefits.  She had parts for the hot rod she was restoring coming in in the next couple of days.

( Read more... )

redheadspy:

It was hard to believe Anya and James were turning eighteen. It felt like yesterday that she had just delivered Anya and was holding a small bundle with a tuft of red hair. Kids grew up way too fast.

It wasn't surprising that Anya didn't plan anything and James said he didn't want a fuss. Anya had finals on Monday and Tuesday and needed to study. Natasha never had to worry about Anya and school. Except for of course the times she got expelled. The kids also had significant others they would want to spend time with. Which meant an adjustment had to be made to the celebrations.

Natasha opted for lunch with Tony and all of the kids as their birthday celebrations. This way they all had the evening free to do something with their significant others if they choose to and didn't need to spend it with the old folks.

As for gifts...well the kids could be impossible to shop for, but Natasha went with withe tried and true things. James got new clothes and a new gaming system from her. For Anya Natasha went with a promise for a shopping trip in the near future for new fall clothes.

invisigirl:

Valeria made her way over to the Avengers Mansion. As her and James' last attempt to go out on a date had been so rudely thrown off-course by him getting nabbed by the Empress (again), she'd called him earlier that day to see if he'd be up to doing something. They didn't have a plan, yet, but it was a nice day out. Maybe they'd go to Central Park and have a picnic lunch or something

She walked up to the door of the mansion and rang the doorbell.

ng_independent:

The Empress was NOT happy. So far all of her plans have failed. The plan to grab female champions from Earth failed. The plan to grab guys and turn them into girls to use as her champions failed. The Empress had to come up with another plan. She had thought long and hard on it and eventually came up with something.

"Set A corSE to EARth!" she commanded. She would not be stopped this time. The plan was fail proof.

The Empress selected candidates as the ship made its way toward Earth. By the time they arrived, she had a list. One by one the names on the list were collected and put in the proper chambers.

When they wake up they will see a recording of the Empress addressing them.

"Greetings! Welcome to the service of...ME. Each of you will be expected to do your duty and proCREATE with the feMALE in the ROOM with you."

redheadspy:

There were very few things that they did as a family so it made these family dinners even more important. They were an unorthodox family to say the least, but they were a family and families had dinner on occasion. Natasha tried to do this at least once a month, but things had been so hectic lately and with people spread out all over it was hard to organize family dinners.

Reservations were made at Delmonico Steakhouse in a private room. Family dinners were an /experience/ and better that they were off in private instead of scaring the masses. Not to mention there was less chance of the media snapping pictures and whatnot.

Natasha checked her reflection in the mirror. It was a new black dress to accommodate her growing stomach and her favorite jewelry. There was definitely a very noticeable baby bump now. The baby had become very active in the past two weeks and was taking aim at Tasha's organs. Thankfully he was still small enough to not hurt so much.

When they were ready to go Tony and Tasha headed over to the restaurant. The kids would arrive with their dates on their own. They were shown to the private room and their table.

aerosmithette:

The Skrulls had been defeated, and Ororo had been cleared of all charges.  T'Challa had the Skrulls disposed, and all that was left was to clean up the mess made by the battle.  Akilah sure as hell wasn't going to partake in cleaning, but she remained for the sake of being home and wanting to speak with her parents.  The Avengers also needed a rest from their fight.

anyastark:

Anya was glad to get into a daily routine and be back in classes again. Summer classes had started on the 9th and Anya couldn’t have been happier. Classes and school were parts of The Plan and steps to running Stark Inc one day. A year ago it would have been the only thing she wanted in life, but now it was one of two things she wanted in life. The only other thing she wanted in life was graduating today.

While she was starting classes again, Steve was just finishing high school. As soon as her Friday classes were over she donned her suit and rocked off to New York for Steve’s graduation ceremonies. It was a mad dash into the condo and into a dress. Quick job on her hair and makeup and she climbed into the car with the family.

Anya had attended with her parents, James and Steve’s parents. She was so proud of him. She knew he could do it even when he thought he couldn’t do it. She believed in him even when he didn’t believe in himself. Impatiently she waited for his name to be called.

Tomorrow she'd give him his graduation gift. She couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he got it. Patience was not a strong suit of Anya's.

nextgen_cosmic:

Among the many servants to T'Challa and Ororo, most were not what they seemed.  One in particular, however, ventured out to gather supplies.  Walking through the streets of the capitol city, the human-form Skrull gave nervous glances every corner he turned.  The trial was about to begin, but the presence of the Avengers made him nervous.  There were not many Skrulls in Wakanda, and they did not have the backing of the Empire.

weavingwizard:

Daniel had decided it was time to get to know more guys in the super hero community. So he had sent word out every way he could that he was hosting a male bonding night. People were expected to be good or he would open up a portal with a well placed spell to drop them on the front lawn.

He had done a lot of cooking. He had also managed to get drinks for any of the guys who might take him up on the offer who could drink.

And he also asked that they bring movies with them. He had a card table set up for poker if anyone felt like playing.

Now all he had to do is wait.

next_avenger:

James wasn't sure if Valeria had plans with her family or not, so he decided to drop off her birthday gifts a day early. He showed up at the Baxter Building with a bouquet of daisies and two small wrapped boxes.

He was going to go with the standard gift of chocolate and a spa trip, but then he remembered he got her a charm bracelet for Christmas. It took him awhile, but he found two charms for it and ones she would appreciate. Or at least he hoped she would appreciate them. He got her an infinity charm and a microscope charm.

He stopped in the lobby and asked Roberta to inform Val he was here.

nextgen_parent:

Ororo sat in her room, confined and utterly bewildered.  She hadn't done anything wrong, and yet the people of her country chose not to believe her.  She was mildly frustrated and deeply hurt by the accusations.  Her only hope was that her husband and her daughter could find a way to prove her innocence.

nextgen_holiday:

Mothers are the place that we call home.
On them we rest our heads and close our eyes.
There's no one else who grants the same soft peace,
Happiness, contentment, sweet release,
Erasing nighttime tears with lullabies,
Restoring the bright sun that makes us bloom. - Anonymous

invisigirl:

Valeria waited in the living room of area of the Fantastic Four's living area of the Baxter Building for James. It was the night of the senior prom for his high school, and she had butterflies in her stomach. Being home-schooled her entire life, Val had never been to a school dance, let alone a prom. She was both excited and nervous.

She was wearing the same dress that she wore for the wedding in Russia. She loved wearing it, and she didn't think that James would really mind that she didn't get a new one. It was only for one night anyway.

Val sat down on the sofa, making sure not to mess up her dress too much. She knew that they'd probably get their pictures taken two dozen times that night.