Stiles (hyperactivespaz) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2015-02-22 10:49:00 |
|
|||
Entry tags: | !complete, pepper potts, stiles stilinski |
Who: Pepper Potts and Stiles Stilinski
What: Some mothering
When: February 17th
Where: Pepper’s office
Rating: Gen
Status: Complete
Stiles had been without a mother since he was a kid in not one but two universes. He loved his dad, there was no mistaking that, but sometimes he wondered how his life would be different if his mother was still alive. He’d learned to take his mothering wherever he could get it--female friends, co-workers, other friend’s moms, and in this particular instance--his boss. Well, one of his bosses, although he considered Pepper to be as much of an ally as a boss when it came to Tony.
It’d been a few weeks since Stiles had been by during regular business hours. One of the perks of his job was that he could arrange his own hours and telecommute if need be, and this quarter was kicking his butt to the point where he needed it. Of course, Danny being an intern at Stark Industries and hating him was another reason for him to avoid Stark Tower if he could. But he missed Pepper. And Tony. And Gwen, and the whole flirting-not-flirting thing they had going on--which was weird. Ever since he’d gotten over his crush, it felt like she maybe had one on him? It was sort of like Ross and Rachel.
Stiles arrived in Pepper’s office at lunchtime and smiled at her secretary before breezing past carrying what he knew was one of Pepper’s favorites, determined to get in as much quality time as he could before her afternoon meetings.
Pepper hadn’t exactly set out to mother Stiles but she couldn’t deny that maternal instinct she never knew she had seemed to rear their head when she was around the young man. It helped that he was sweet and adorable of course, that brought out natural protective instincts out which she definitely had.
It had been a while since she had seen him but she knew he’d been busy with everything. That didn’t stop her missing him though, so when he walked into her office - her secretary knew he and Tony had unlimited access - she grinned and stood to greet him.
“Stiles it’s so good to see you,” she said moving to hug him, “And you brought food.”
Stiles returned the hug and smiled when they pulled back. “Yeah, well. Tony’s not the only one who forgets to schedule time for lunch,” he replied, slyly. “I figured it was the least I could do, for taking up such valuable time.”
Pepper laughed, “That is very true,” she admitted, “And you can take up my time whenever you like. I’m always happy to see you. Let’s sit and you can tell me what’s been going on with you.”
Once they were settled, and Stiles was happily digging into his fries, he mentioned, as casually as he was able, “So I found out my ex is an intern here now.”
“Oh Stiles, I’m sorry,” she said, “Is that why you’ve been so absent around here? Want me to get rid of him?” she offered with a little smile, only partly joking.
“See, this is why you’re my favorite,” Stiles replied, smiling. “But--yes and no. I mean, no, Danny’s a good guy, and this is good for his career, but...yeah, partly that’s why I haven’t been around as much,” he admitted, around a mouthful of food. “Though this quarter is seriously kicking my ass and I can’t thank you and Tony enough for letting me do the telecommute and flexible hours thing.”
He picked up his sandwich, checking through the layers to make sure there wasn’t anything there that shouldn’t be, as was his habit. “I think he wants to get back together? I mean, he seems to be hinting at that. He’s just always talking about how lonely he is and how he doesn’t know anyone and it’s like...I know I wasn’t his whole social life, you know? I mean, he’s in a frat, and he’s a junior. He has friends, so I don’t get why he’s being like this.”
Pepper smiled at that comment, it was highly unprofessional how fond she was of him but she knew Tony felt similar. It was almost like having a child. “We value you Stiles, which means we’ll help in any way we can.”
She took a bite of her own sandwich, chewing as she listened, “I think he might have realised he made a mistake. But the real question is do you want to get back together?” Because really that was the most important thing.
Stiles shook his head between bites. “No. I mean...regular sex was nice, and he is ridiculously hot, but…” he shrugged. “He’s a nice guy. And I’m not exactly a nice guy, you know?” He knew he was pretty much the definition of a Slytherin--malleable morality and many shades of grey, and pretty much lacking any moral compass of his own, but he had enough of one to know that guys like him weren’t good for guys like Danny. Danny needed someone as nice and perfect as himself.
"Hey," Pepper said putting down her sandwich and reaching for his hand, "Don't say that about yourself. You are a sweet and kind young man Stiles Stilinski and I will not have you putting yourself down like that." she told him sternly.
“I’m not putting myself down. I know I’m awesome. I’m just not a nice guy.” Stiles squeezed Pepper’s hand and then pulled back. “I can be nice. I’m just not...nice as a default,” he explained. Tony would get it. “Some people are just inherently good and nice, you know? So every time Danny talks about how sad and lonely he is I feel bad, but that also just like...reaffirms that I’m not the right guy for him, you know? Because I don’t care. I’m annoyed that he’s trying to guilt me into coming over.”
“Okay, well good because you are awesome,” Pepper told him with a nod, Tony probably would understand more but Pepper happened to think both of them were nicer by nature than Stiles seemed to think. “I don’t think that’s such a bad thing, at least you know for sure that you’re over him and don’t want to go down that road again.”
Stiles sighed and nodded. “That’s true,” he agreed. “I think I just...want to be alone, as weird as that sounds. I mean...I couldn’t wait to be in a relationship, but this semester is kicking my ass, and with all the dream stuff….” he trailed off, and smiled at Pepper. “Kind of puts a damper on my social life.”
“I don’t think that sounds weird at all,” Pepper assured him, “Sometimes it’s nice to just be yourself and not have to worry about another person. Especially when you have a lot of work on. But I do insist you take time to have a bit of a social life, even if Tony and I are it for a while,” she smiled.
“I’ll see what I can do,” Stiles replied, and smiled again. “Even if it’s just stopping by to make sure Tony’s eating his vegetables.”
“Well that would be very welcome and a great help,” Pepper smiled, “He is a nightmare with things like that.”
“I’m on the job,” Stiles promised. “I found a great healthy vegetarian chef who’ll deliver and scheduled lunches for the next month. Tony will never know.” Unless they told him--which Stiles didn’t plan on doing.
“I won’t say a word,” Pepper promised, “And well done, you have been busy,” she praised him with a smile. She’d make sure they got together more often too, after all she needed to keep an eye on both her boys.