19. Why Do They Get To Be Aunt & Uncle?

Uncle Tony had hosted another team dinner, and everyone had come for a lovely meal. It was now close to eleven at night, and we were all gathered in the living room on the same floor, across from the kitchen.

"I swear it happened! Just yesterday! Didn't see you it, Kiddo?" Uncle Clint was going off about how he saw a lightning strike in the shape of an elephant. Nobody believed him, of course, and he was trying to use me to prove himself. I laughed and rolled my eyes at my uncle, then spoke,

"You can't use me to make everyone believe you, Uncle Clint. I'm fourteen, I'm not gullible anymore."

"You don't have to believe me, but you could at least tell everyone you do."

We all laughed at Clint's defeated face as he slumped on the couch. Aunt Natasha joined in the conversation with a smile, directing her comment to Uncle Clint,

"Maybe Katie prefers to help out her Aunt Nat instead."

Uncle Clint stuck his tongue out at her like a child, and everyone started laughing again. Once the laughter died down, Thor seemed a little confused about something,

"I do not understand. Katie is the daughter of Steve, yes? So why are Natasha and Barton her 'aunt' and 'uncle'?"

"Oh, it's not just them," Uncle Tony added, "I also have the honour of being Katie's uncle."

I giggled at him when Pepper joined in the discussion,

"You know, as your girlfriend, I believe my title of 'aunt' is in order." I smiled at her,

"I agree!"

"Woah, Woah," Rhodey said, "If Pepper gets a title, then what about the rest of us? Why don't we all get a title?"

I was a bit confused about the question. I hadn't really thought about why anyone was my aunt or uncle, it was just because they were close to me and my life. I tried to explain that to everyone while Dad soothingly rubbed my back, knowing that I was probably a little confused.

"Well, Uncle Nick and Aunt Maria raised me, and Aunt Nat and Uncle Clint helped when I got older. Uncle Tony paid for my education as well as my training and technically where I've lived, and Aunt Pepper is linked to Uncle Tony. I guess I never really thought about it for anyone else that has come into my life in the last three years."

"That's fair," Bruce spoke up, "We don't want you to stress over calling everyone your aunt or uncle."

"But I can," I said with determination. Everyone looked at me confused, and I got a little shy but knew that I didn't need to. "I see you all almost every day, and in many ways, you all contribute to the person I'm growing into. So, why not call you 'Uncle Rhodey' or 'Uncle Bruce' or 'Uncle Sam,' etc."

Everyone simply smiled at me, and I shyly returned their smiles.

"I agree with Katie," Dad said, "You're all important in her life, so you deserve the titles."

"Very good point, Cap," Uncle Tony added, "But I'm still the best and her favourite." He smirked at everyone while spinning to look at all the faces who gained expressions that showed they were a little insulted.

"Excuse you, Stark," Uncle Clint said, standing, "I've known her the longest and actually contributed to raising her."

"Knowing her the longest doesn't mean anything," Uncle Rhodey said while Uncle Sam agreed.

"Well, what about raising her since she was a baby?" Aunt Maria asked in a determined tone.

"I joined in raising her when I joined S.H.I.E.L.D.," Aunt Nat added.

"I clearly am her strongest uncle and should, therefore, be the favourite," Uncle Thor announced proudly.

"Isn't the Hulk stronger?" Uncle Bruce questioned. While everyone continued arguing, Dad and I looked at each other with disappointed yet slightly amused expressions. After it got a little overboard, I rolled my eyes and loudly cleared my throat, catching everyone's attention.

"You guys are supposed to be the adults, right?" I had a smirk on my face as they all realized how ridiculous the argument had been. "You are all equal. Now, I'm going to bed. Goodnight." Everyone said 'goodnight' as I got up from my spot next to Dad.

"Goodnight, Baby," Dad said with a kiss on my forehead as he stood up with me. I smiled at him and went to bed after waving to my aunts and uncles, new and all.