Pepper is (hisonething) wrote in avengers_logs, @ 2018-07-31 13:06:00 |
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Entry tags: | -complete, pepper potts, peter quill |
WHO: Pepper Potts and Peter Quill
WHAT: Welcome to Stark Industries, Mr. Lord. Hope you survive your stay.
WHEN: July 9th-ish
RATING: Green
Monday morning blues. Peter was awake, showered, dressed and good to go by 9:00, when Gamora reminded him was when he was supposed to actually be at work.
oops.
Running to work meant that when he arrived, he wasn't as fresh as he was before, and his hair definitely was no longer combed and appropriately styled. He also might have lost a button on his shirt as he tangled with the stupid doors (why did they keep on moving?! Doors should be static!) so by the time he arrived in front of Pepper Pott's door (and really? that was an actual name??), he looked like his usual disheveled and dapper self.
And then he sat down and waited because he had a feeling he shouldn't go and open doors on his first day, even if he was curious. Especially if he was curious. Damnit, he hated waiting.
Pepper had been at work since 7:30 which was a little late for her, actually. She’d already taken three meetings by the time 9 o’clock rolled around: one in person, one Skype and one conference all with a Middle Eastern company that…laughably…wanted Stark Industry’s financial support in nuclear power. Pepper had professional told them where to stick it.
Her assistant buzzed her to say that her 9 o’clock was finally here and Pepper sighed as she finished entering data into a report. “Make him wait another five minutes then send him in,” she said with an annoying edge to her voice. Something told her this guy was either going to be perfect for Tony and a catastrophe for the rest of them.
Five minutes later when her assistant opened the door for Mr. Quill Pepper was still typing away on the inlaid keyboard. “Mr. Quill. Punctuality has a fairly loose definition with Mr. Stark,” she finished what she was typing then turned her CEO cold eyes on the new PA. “But with me it is a law to be remembered.” Even her smile was cold. “I’m Pepper Potts.”
In a previous life, Peter would be assessing the room for value and wondering what would be easiest to walk out with. To be honest, he was still doing that, because it was easier than actually making eye contact with Pepper. She seemed scary. "Yeah. He said he was cool with me being a little relaxed with times cuz, you know, he's busy inventing and doesn't believe in constructs like time or something."
Clearing his throat, he finally looked at the redhead. "Anyways, sorry I'm late, but that's part of my charm. Mr. Tony said you wanted me to fill out some paperwork, get a tour, all that crap. So here I am." And cue trademarked grin. "We're going to have fun working together."
Part of his charm. Pepper looked anything but charmed. And that grin wasn’t even denting the stoic expression on her face. She knew Tony’s relaxed rules on most things, but even when she’d been his PA she had stuck to a better standard.
“What Mr. Stark says and what he needs are typically vastly different things,” Pepper said in a voice not unlike a Mom Voice that was dropping some advice best listened to. Tony can be lax about time, but you can’t. Don’t put that penny in the light socket. “As his personal assistant it will fall on you to maintain his schedule, make certain that he gets where he needs to be on time, eats once in a while, and most importantly, stays out of the tabloids.” Now the future Mrs. Your Boss gave a cold smile. “Part of your job description does not include being his frat brother.”
She picked up a file that was resting on her desk top, a rather thick file, then held it out toward Mr. Quill. “HR will need all of these signed and dated with initials where indicated.”
Peter picked up the file reluctantly, and made sure not to make eye contact with the rehead he'd now dubbed 'terrifying'. There was a good possibility that she had sucked his soul with that eye contact, and he had to fight the urge to pat himself down to make sure he was still there.
"Yes ma'am." He bobbed his head quickly and start flipping through the pages. About 4 pages in, he realized how unbelievably boring all of it was. A scent policy? He smelled amazing, thank you very much. And honestly, what was this whole 'retirement/pension/letters and numbers thing for??
"Um. Is there somewhere I can read this in private? You know, cause I'm absolutely going to read every page. And initial every page. And do everything you just told me."
Stronger men than Peter have been bested by Pepper Potts. She was never quite sure what exactly it was that made them falter, but she used that talent of hers like some men use martial arts. Between Tony and running his business, she had to.
“Of course,” Pepper said with a brief nod. “At home. On your own time.” A tap of her finger on the table’s surface put her computer into safe mode then she stood up, revealing how tall she was as well as smart. The pencil skirt business suit also proved that Tony was a very lucky man.
“Come on,” she said as she strode with purpose out from around her desk and toward her office door. “We have a tour to accomplish before I meet with the mayor.”
The mayor? "Uh, okay," he said, looking awkwardly at the paper and wondering if he was supposed to carry it around with him or not. Deciding that would be weird, he placed it down on Pepper's coffee table, making a mental note to not forget it, and then making a second mental note to not forget it on purpose. Confident that he would remember (or remember to forget, whatever), he followed her, his hands in his pockets.
As they walked by people, he could see how everyone held her in high esteem. This was a woman no one messed with, and he saw why. Just the way she carried herself was terrifying. Peter suddenly felt woefully under dressed and under qualified. He wondered how this woman could possibly not go crazy with Stark. Yesterday, they'd spent a good hour throwing paper at a wastebasket while Tony talked and Peter responded as best as he could. Sure, he'd never had a FORMAL education, but he knew everything there was to know about space mechanics.
"Should ... I be wearing something different?"
How did she not go crazy with Tony? Practice. Lots and lots of practice. Pepper had started in the position Peter was beginning now. That had been more years ago than she cared to think about. Idly, she couldn’t help but wonder how long Peter would last as Tony’s PA before the demands of the position forced him screaming from the building.
“No,” she answered without looking at Pepper. “If you dressed more business-like Mr. Stark would be uncomfortable and not get any work done, so wear whatever you’re comfortable in.” It wasn’t as if Peter would be mingling about the rest of Stark Industries corporate employees so there wouldn’t be anyone to offend.
She made short work of the tour. It had been kept to the locations and floors Peter would be spending most of his time in. Pepper explained the access codes and security protocols he would be expected to follow. She rattled it all off quickly with the explanation that all of that information was in the file…that he had left in her office. Her tour ended with them in the large foyer of the building on the main floor.
“And here we are back in the foyer,” Pepper said with a cold smile. She held out a badge on a Stark Industries lanyard. “Here is your employee badge. It’s already programmed to allow you access to the areas you are cleared for which we just covered,” at lightning speed. “Don’t forget to fill out the HR documents and welcome to Stark Industries.”
Pepper forced a stiff handshake on Peter then turned to stride off.
Peter was left standing there, his head spinning, completely out of his element. What the fuck was this job anyways?? He knew he was an assistant to some random dude who liked to wear body armour, but he hadn't REALLY grasped it. Fuck. This guy was a tech marvel and actually smart?
For a few moments, Peter re-evaluated his opinion on Tony, and wondered if he should start being respectful or something ....
...yeah, no. Tony could earn that respect. For now, Peter would do the best (semi-best) job he could do without getting fired. That would be good enough for now.