She smiles sweetly, turning away from the gift table to meet Pepper's gaze. Just the person she wanted to see. "I wouldn't miss it." It's easy to identify the uncertainty pouring off of her then. She can't blame Pepper for being cold. Perhaps Fury and herself were a bit hasty. Then again, he calls the shots; Nat's just along for the ride.

"But don't worry, I'm here as myself tonight," she assures with a little eyebrow raise, tipping in almost in conspiracy. Natasha Romanoff scarcely existed outside of S.H.I.E.L.D., Black Widow missions, or the occasional jaunt with Captain America. This is certainly her first public appearance in many, many years. "I wouldn't want my congratulations to seem hollow after all."

A beat. "Congratulations, Pepper."