Today was Steve Rogers’ birthday.

Which meant there was one very important problem.

What on earth do you get a 100-year-old super soldier for his birthday?

The entire Avengers Tower was buzzing with excitement as everyone hurried from room to room, trying to keep the celebration a secret.

In the kitchen, Wanda and Natasha were completely focused on baking Steve’s favorite birthday cake. The cake was decorated in bright red, white, and blue frosting with tiny white stars carefully piped around the edges. Inside were layers of fluffy vanilla cake with sweet cherry filling, making it look just as patriotic on the inside as it did on the outside.

Meanwhile, balloons floated toward the ceiling, streamers were being hung across the living room, and presents were slowly piling up behind the couch where Steve wouldn’t accidentally find them.

You, however...

...were completely panicking.

“I still don’t know what to get him,” you muttered to yourself, pacing back and forth.

Before you could think of another idea, Tony Stark walked over carrying a box of decorations under one arm.

“Hey, kid,” Tony said with his usual grin. “I need a favor.”

You looked up.

“Keep the old-timer busy while we finish setting up the party. Think you can handle that?”

Before you even had a chance to answer, Tony reached over and ruffled your hair until it was a complete mess.

“Thanks, kid. You’re the best.”

You sighed dramatically as you tried fixing your hair.

“Really?”

Tony just laughed.

“FRIDAY, make a list of everything Steve likes.”

A calm voice echoed throughout the tower.

“Right away, sir.”

Tony gave you a thumbs-up before disappearing down the hallway to help everyone else finish decorating.

Taking a deep breath, you headed toward the common room.

Steve Rogers was sitting quietly on one of the couches with a book in his hands. The moment he noticed you, a warm smile spread across his face.

“Finally,” Steve said with a small chuckle. “Someone’s actually here.”

He closed his book and stood up.

“Hey, kid.”

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking genuinely puzzled.

“Has everyone been acting...strange today?”

“I tried talking to Tony, but apparently he had a last-minute meeting.” Steve shrugged. “Natasha practically ran the other way when she saw me, and Clint told me not to come anywhere near the kitchen.”

He crossed his arms, clearly suspicious now.

“I’ve got a feeling everyone’s hiding something.”

Steve looked at you with a curious smile.

“You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that...would you?”

This version slows the pacing, gives each Avenger something to do, adds humor with Tony, and ends with Steve unknowingly putting your character on the spot—setting up a fun scene where you have to keep the birthday surprise a secret.