Chapter 27
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Bonfire Night is an annual event dedicated to bonfires, fireworks and celebrations. Different traditions celebrate Bonfire Night on different days. In the United Kingdom, Bonfire Night is associated with the tradition of celebrating the failure of Guy Fawkes' actions on 5 November. The modern festival is, therefore, on 5 November, although some commercially-driven events are held at a weekend near to the correct date, to maximise attendance. Bonfire night's sectarian significance has generally been lost: it is now usually just a night of revelry with a bonfire and fireworks, although occasionally an effigy on Guy Fawkes is burned on the fire.
Ward rubbed his eyes as the Wikipedia article blurred in front of him. After Leo and Jemma had mentioned Bonfire Night Skye had decided it would be something fun for them to do so he thought he’d better look it up. He’d already put a phone call into Tony who was in charge of making the fireworks, which could lead to them blowing up the neighborhood. Pepper was supposed to be keeping an eye on him so the chances of it happening were reduced. Bruce was bringing some sort of alcohol for the adults, while Nat and Clint were in charge of food. Maria had the task of ensuring that Fury managed to make it while they were hosting the big party. The kids had no idea what was happening other than they couldn’t use the back garden. It had been difficult to arrange everything without them finding out, hence why he was up at a ridiculous time to use the computer.
“Are you coming to bed?” Turning he found Skye watching him sleepily from the door.
“Sorry I didn’t want to wake you. I was just making sure everything is ready for tomorrow night.”
“Everything will be fine. Now come to bed. I need you well rested. You’ve got to distract the kids while I write a computer program to ensure the fireworks all go off at the right time.”
“You could do that in your sleep.”
“Just come to bed.”
“Sure I’ll be two minutes.”
He waited until she’d disappeared before sending a quick email to Nat. He wanted to make sure his special project would work and was going well.
The kids had clearly picked up on the vibes, being more hyper than normal. It had taken him nearly an hour to get them all dressed, Mel insisting on wearing her dragon costume again. In the end he’d given in, trying to avoid wincing as she strode about the house wiping out anything below waist level. Maybe they didn’t need as many tables as they had. He wasn’t explaining that one to Fury. Skye had managed to sneak away under the pretense of having to write a report. Thankfully it hadn’t taken her long and he’d managed to distract the kids by making food with the pumpkin they had from Halloween. There was now enough pumpkin pie to last them till Christmas. He’d now got roped in to braiding the girls’ hair while Skye played video games with the boys. Jemma was sat in front of him while he finished her French braid while Mel was playing with Phil.
It was almost a relief when it hit four o’clock. It was getting extremely difficult to keep the secret any longer. Tripp had been giving him suspicious looks for a while now. He wanted to tell them what was going on but knew that the surprise would be worth it. As the bell went at a nod from Skye he spoke.
“I wonder who that is. Why don’t you go and see?”
There was a mini stampede as they charged towards the front door.
“Uncle Tony! Auntie Nat! Uncle Clint! Uncle Bruce!” They squealed as they surged forward to greet the group stood on the doorstep.
“Uncle Tony who’s that lady with you?” Jemma asked from her position in his arms.
“This is Pepper.”
“Is she your girlfriend?”
“Yes she is.”
“Auntie Pepper. Come in.” Grabbing her hand Jemma pulled her into the house while the others laughed at her actions.
“Welcome to the family.” Skye greeted with a grin. “We decided to eat outside. Guys to you want to get your coats.”
“Uncle Tony! Can I show you my inventions?” Leo bounced in front of him, while Skye and Ward exchanged a look.
“He’s been building things?” Bruce muttered to Ward.
“He hides in the wardrobe when he knows your coming.” Tripp supplied.
“I’ve ensured he won’t blow anything up.” Tony commented as he followed Leo upstairs.
“That’s so reassuring.” Ward muttered shaking his head.
Bruce grinned at him before scooping up a dribbling Phil and heading outside with Skye and Pepper. Clint was already being a climbing frame for Jemma and Mel while Tripp got into a deep discussion with Bruce.
“That task you gave me.” Nat commented once everyone had moved away.
“Yes.”
“I believe I managed to achieve it.”
“Thank you. I owe you.”
“Help me move this food in and we’re even.”
“Deal.”
Heading out the car he couldn’t help stop in slight horror at what he saw.
“How many were you catering for?”
“Kids get hungry. Besides have you seen the amount Clint eats?” He turned and gave her the look Skye had started calling his Daddy stare. “Ok. I may have got carried away. I don’t get the opportunity to cook very often.”
“Come on then. It’s going to take us most of the night to get it inside.”
Nat smacked him over the head before reaching for the first bowl.
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“Barton! What the hell are you doing?” Fury strode into the back garden scowling at the archer who was juggling Phil and Mel at the same time.
“Entertaining your grandchildren.” Clint replied calmly, ignoring the death stare that was leveled his way.
“Give him here.” Fury snatched Phil and headed over to an empty seat in the garden while chattering to the boy.
“He’s in a good mood today.” Clint remarked without sarcasm.
“He’s been like this all day. I think he’s been looking forward to seeing his grandchildren.” Maria commented accepting a glass of wine.
“Well one of his grandchildren.” Skye nodded towards Fury.
“He has favourites.” Maria shrugged.
“Ok let’s get this show on the road.” Tony bounced back to where everyone was sat.
“What show?” Tripp’s head came up from shoveling food into his mouth.
“Well…”
“Ward this was your plan how about you explain.” Pepper covered Tony’s mouth before he could start.
“As has been mentioned today is bonfire night. We thought it was something we should celebrate and spend time with family.”
“So we have the family and the food part sorted. But we’re missing one final thing.” Skye continued.
“Fireworks!” Squealed Jemma.
“Want to push the button?” Skye asked.
“Yeah!” Racing forward she headed to where Skye had set up a large red button that had Maria, Ward and Fury rolling their eyes.
As soon as the button was pressed the sky was lit up with a rainbow of colours. True to Tony’s style he couldn’t have simple fireworks, instead he’d designed them so they showed pictures, almost making a movie in the sky. They watched as Thor fought a dragon, the Hulk tackled Loki, Clint and Nat chased beekeepers and Captain America danced with Peggy Carter. Amidst cheering and the handing round of toffee apples and sparklers they watched Iron Man fly across the sky with the Iron Patriot.
“Aww. Apple no.” Clint mumbled around a mouthful of toffee apple as Jemma sat on his lap. Nat was doubled up with laughter watching him struggle to unstick his teeth. Tripp was showing Leo how to write his name with a sparkler while Maria captured it on camera. Phil cuddled into Fury while sucking on a cookie. Bruce was chatting with Pepper while Tony examined his handiwork.
“I think this went down well.” Skye commented leaning up on her tiptoes so he could hear her.
“You know we’re going to have to do something spectacular for Christmas now don’t you?”
“I’m sure we’ll think of something.”
“At least we have time to plan.”
“Don’t start. We haven’t finished this yet!”