***A/N: Hello wonderful readers! Before you start reading my story, I would like to point out a few things concerning my story.
First, I watched all of the Marvel movies about some of the characters that will be in my story and I would like to inform you right away, that I will be making a lot of changes. Certain main happenings will remain the same. I will also include all movies, cartoons and etc. in this fic in a way I see fit, as well as add other Marvel characters/superheroes and their significant others.
Second, I may take certain ideas, suggestions and the like from all readers. I want to write a story that not only I will enjoy and like, but for everyone else to enjoy and like as well.
In advance, I would like to apologize for any kind of mistake (whether spelling or grammer) in the fic. English is not my first language, but I will make sure to check and correct any mistakes I find as soon as possible. If anyone spots a mistake or mistakes, I kindly ask you to inform me of it, so that I could correct it or them.
Next, please don't ask me when I will update. As a college student, I seldom have some free time for myself. But, I PROMISE you that I will finish this story and any other story I write on this or any other site. There will be no discontinued stories from me or any stories put on hold (hiatus). No matter what!
Also, I kindly ask for all you readers not to insult my work. I can take critics, but not insults of any kind! If someone doesn't like my story or stories, then they shouldn't read them. This is FANFICTION, which means that I can write things in my own unique way (as long as I don't insult anyone's race, culture, religion, sexual orientation and the like).
I would love to get feedback from you guys, but not a hateful review or a mean PM. As I previously stated before, if someone doesn't like my work, then they shouldn't read it. If someone knows how to give an critic or perhaps a suggestion on how to improve this fic, I would love to hear (read) them.
-Next up, this story will be a Captain America/Steve Rogers and Virginia 'Pepper' Potts or Capsaicin fanfiction. I'm so sooorrrryyyy Pepperony fans, I, myself, am a hard Pepperony fan too. But I really wanted to write a fanfic about the two of them (Captain America and Pepper). I have a feeling that they kinda click somehow.
I mean, they are both mature, well-mannered, kind, determined and share a love for art. I know that, that isn't enough for a relationship, but bare it with me. They really do make a good couple (and if Tony wasn't in the picture, I would've totally shipped them).
Plus, Steve and Sharon? Ew, no. I mean, seriously? What the hell? They are just too wrong for each other!
Falling in love with your dead first love's niece? That's just so wrong on so many levels! Does girl code mean anything to you guys? Because, it certainly does to me!
I would have thrown a fit, if anyone from my family started dating my former lover or boyfriend! And I'm sure Peggy would have shot them both too!
I'm sorry Steve/Sharon fans, but I'm putting my foot down on that relationship. And I don't care if they ended up together in the movie and the comic book series! GIRL CODE!
-Moving on...
***In this fic Pepper's real name will be Peyton, not Virginia. I kinda like the name better (no offence to anyone whose name is Virginia). There is a very good reason why I chose Peyton to be Pepper's real name.
You see, I really hate it when I hear that there aren't many successful businesswomen in the world or women who have to work twice harder than men in order to get a job or have to do God only knows what in order to succeed. In this fic, I will portray Pepper as everything a true lady should be and put a muzzle on those individuals who like to subdue women directly or indirectly.
In this fic, I will use Pepper to break all stereotypes concerning employed women and blondes (since I saw that later on she became a blonde; in my fic she already is one. Here, she will be a natural gold and honey blonde).
Also, my Pepper won't look like Gwyneth Paltrow. No offence to her, she is an amazing woman and one mighty role model with an angelic voice. But, I always wanted to write a fic with my physical version of Pepper Potts even before I watched Iron Man. My version of Pepper has the body of Aracely Arambula (an amazing Latino-American actress and a breathlessly beautiful woman. You can check out her soap operas, if you don't believe me.) and the face of Amber Lancaster (her face was the only face close enough to my version of Pepper. You might remember her as Jenny Swanson from The Hard Times of RJ Berger).
Anyhow, that will be all from me, for now at least. Happy reading and I really hope to hear from you guys soon. Again, really sorry about the mistakes and everything. Love you all and see you soon!
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE ORIGINAL CHARACTERS AND PART OF THE STORY PLOT. I ONLY OWN THE OC'S AND THE OTHER PART (MY VERSION) OF THE STORY PLOT!
Pre-Iron Man
Peyton Potts tapped her fingers against the armrest of her family's car. She should have seen this coming really. She was the one who said that she wanted a challenge and a chance to prove herself. There had never been a time in her life, where she wanted to jump out of a moving car and run for her life. Unfortunately, it was too late to do that now. They already arrived to their destination.
Her sapphire blue eyes took in the large and admittedly, impressive building. The odd feeling that had been nagging her at the back of her head came back with a vengeance. The young blonde had to clench her legs in order to prevent herself from jumping out of the car and run for it.
She wasn't nervious.
No.
Nope.
No way!
Peyton Potts was anything but nervious. Not to sound arrogant or anything, but she had never been nervious. Ever. About anything in her entire life. When she wanted something, she went for it, made sure that she was the best and on top. That was how she was and how she was raised.
So, no. She was not nervious about the job. It's the boss that's got her on edge. Turning back to look at her parents, Peyton met the warm gaze of her father's emerald green eyes.
She pouted at him and gave him a pleading look. Peyton knew that it wouldn't work on her father, but it was worth a shot. The sad puppy dog pout was her saved for situations she can't talk her way out of (which was exactly this situation). She even started slow blinking too. She was just that desperate!
The tall man chuckled at the face his youngest daughter was making. She looked like a lost little kitten, it was so adorable. She even slow blinked at him! It's such a shame it doesn't work on him. After all, he wouldn't be in the type of business he was in, if cute pouts like that could take him down or made him reconsider.
"Oh honey, it might not be that bad. For all you know, you might love working here. Right, Tom?" Her mother said gently in a thick foreign accent, trying to ease the young pouting blonde.
"I'm not nervious about working here, mother. It's the man I'll be working for, that concerns me." Peyton said to her mother, looking into her sky blue eyes that were always filled with love and warmth, with her own sapphire blue ones.
"Working for Mr. Stark won't be that bad, sweetheart. I've seen you tackle worse before. You'll do just fine, trust your old man on that." Her father winked at her playfully.
"Daddy, you do know just whom Anthony Edward Stark is and what he's like, yes? We are talking about the same man who acts like a child, that loves to flirt with anything that has even an ounce of estrogen! For goodness sake, he came into our class wearing a 'Let's party hard!' T-shirt and some old Hawaiian shorts! He looked as if he was about to head over to a beach and not to meet with a class of the world's most brilliant minds! How can I possibly take him seriously? He is just so...insufferable! Just seeing him on the TV makes me want to throw something at the screen, let alone actually seeing him in real life!" Peyton ranted, all of her frustration finally coming out.
It was childish, she knew, but it was the truth! There wasn't a person in the whole world who hadn't heard of the infamous Tony Stark, of his attitude and behaviour around beautiful women.
"Which is why this will be a good learning experience for you." Tom stated calmly, trying to pacify his daugther's oncoming assault. He knew that she had a good point about that particular thing, but what's done is done. No turning back now. Peyton will have to get used to this kind of thing and to those type of people if she wants to succeed in life.
Tom looked at his wife, her beautiful blue eyes gave him all the encouragement he needed to continue on. He turned to address his daughter, "Think about it, honey. If you can handle working with difficult people, then there is literally nothing anyone throws your way that you can't tackle down. Besides, you wanted a good challenge, well here it is. I know that you can do anything you put your mind to, you've proved that a long time ago. And you still do, cupcake. There is no one in the world who could beat you in anything. Especially not, when you actually try your hardest." Tom said grinning brightly, finally making his daughter smile a bit at the silly face he was currently making.
"There's more to this than what you're telling me, isn't there?" Peyton said slyly, already seeing through her father's happy-go-lucky grin. There is always a catch with him. He always made sure to go the extra mile on teaching the entire family about the true values and meanings of life with all its tricks and surprises.
"I told you she would figure it out, Tom." The older honey blonde woman laughed.
"Well, she is my daughter, Celine." Tom boasted a bit, puffing his chest out jokingly, "Now, Peyton, when your headmaster told your class that all of you would be working for one of the best companies in the country and that the said company would give you internships in order to better qualify you for college, he also mentioned that all of you would start at the bottom, correct?"
"Yes, he did. That was one of the first things he mentioned to us before starting the lecture. Why do you ask?" She asked warily. Why did she have a feeling that she wasn't going to like where this was going?
"Well, on the last PTA meeting, we decided to change a few things last minute. So, you kids, aren't just going to start at the bottom, but at the bottom. As in working with the cleaning staff for the next month, bottom. Since, you are going to need the full experience in order to fully understand how a successful company works. So that tomorrow, when you have your own business, you'll be able to appreciate it better, the people you'll be working with and the people that will be working for you." Tom finished, eyeing his daughter trying to see how she will react.
The daughter in question had a neutral face on, which made it harder for the parent to guess how she will react.
"So what you are trying to tell me, daddy, is that my class and I will be spending the next month of our summer vacation cleaning offices, bathrooms and the like?" Peyton asked calmly, crossing her long legs in a lady-like matter.
"And fetching the occasional coffee, yes." Tom added, "That won't be a problem, will it honey? It's just for a month, after that you all go from department to department to see how everything's like and what to pay extra attention on. It's also a very good opportunity to make some good connections, which is extremely important for future reference. Trust me, I would know. I've been in your position once myself. It will be a great learning experience and opportunity for you."
"I figured that one out on my own, and I can see your point. It wouldn't be fair, if we just got higher positions that easily. God only knows, if there already aren't other people who worked here for a much longer period that deserve higher and better paid positions. I was just too concerned about the people I would be working with or for." Peyton said, feeling a little silly for not seeing that before.
"And you have every reason to worry about that, dear. You and your co-workers represent the company and people you work for, just like how your boss represents all of you. But, you should always look at the bigger picture. Not everything in life will be easy for you to take care of, but with each bump on the road, you will get stronger and grow as a person. You only need to use your head and be rational, then the answer will come to you." Celine said smiling at her child.
"Exactly. I couldn't have said it better myself, honey." Tom said, kissing his wife's perfumed check tenderly as the forementioned women giggled breathlessly at the casual display of affection.
Peyton smiled softly at the love her parents had for each other. Even after twenty five years of marriage, they still act as if they were nothing but two newly made high school sweethearts.
Some people might find that disgusting, but it was quite the opposite for her (as long as it's under PG-13; there are just some things she could live without ever witnessing. Ever!).
Seeing her parents look so in love warms her heart and being. Their love was like a beautiful and magical fairytale. It was because of the strength of their love, that made her dream about meeting her own Prince Charming someday. Hopefully, he won't be rude, a pervert or a player.
"Peyton, honey, are you alright?" Her mother's voice broke her out of her reverie and brought her back from Dreamland.
Looking up at her parents, she noticed that they both looked a bit concerned. Blushing slightly and mentally scolding herself for being so absent-minded, she gave her parents a soft smile.
"Yes, I'm alright. I was just thinking about something." She said as she unbuckled her seat belt, "I'm sorry, if I worried you."
"It's alright, dear. As long as you're okay. But I just can't help but ask, are you certain you're ready for this, honey? I don't want you to do this out of obligation to us or anything. I want you to do this because you want to do this of your own free will and because you feel ready." Celine said frowning a bit as she just remembered to ask her daughter the most important question of all.
She wasn't those types of mothers who force their children to do something against their will. She always made sure that all of her children had a say in anything and everything concerning their lives.
To her, the most important thing in the world is her family's health and happiness. Especially, her own children's! Her prides and joys.
"Please don't worry about me, maman. I'm ready for this and I know that I can handle anything that they might throw my way. Everything will alright, I just need some time to adjust to this new system. I'm here to learn after all, and it's not like I have never cleaned or cooked before in my entire life. So, it shouldn't be too difficult for me to get the right grasp on things." She said truthfully.
Peyton knows that it won't really be that easy, but she could take it. Now that she settled into the idea of working at Stark Enterprises for the next two or three summer vacations, adjusting won't be such a problem. She was very much a quick learner and she is eager to learn everything that she could.
So, it hardly mattered to her that she will spend an entire month being on back and call. It was for educational purposes and she will take full advantage of it.
She has a goal that she will achieve. And she most definitely wasn't going to let the heir and face of the company get in her way. Or anyone else for that matter!
"Speaking of learning, you are still required to take and go to all of your summer courses, as well as all of your extracurricular activities." Tom added, putting extra emphasis on the word 'all', before he went on.
"You still have a responsibility towards your schools and to your studies. As much as I would love to lighten up your load, honey, I can't."
"I know. I wasn't expecting you to. I already set my time aside just for all of my assignments, projects and extracurricular activities. Including all of the photo sessions, I will be doing this summer." Peyton stated calmly, she was used to this after all. She's been doing that her entire life.
"We know that you have a lot on your plate, honey. But, we can not let you go back on your word. When a lady makes a promise, she keeps it, dear." Celine interjected. She hated it as much as her husband did, but Peyton (as well as the rest of their children) needs to understand that life wasn't all fun and games.
There are a lot of obligations that they will have in the future, and the sooner they get used to it, the better it will be for them. Being a grown up is a lot harder, than it looked.
"I know, mother. Don't worry, I'm not upset. I'll take care of it." Peyton gave her parents another smile as she prepared her handbag, checking once more if she brought everything she might need.
"You have no idea, how relieved we feel right now. We don't like putting the pressure on you or your brothers and sisters. It's nessecary for you to learn now, rather then later. But, even your mother and I can admit, that you could use a hand or two. So, Sabine will be living here with you as well. She will help you with your studies and help you practice for all of the upcoming events you will be partaking in." Tom said.
"Daddy, is it really nessecary for me to still have Madame Pelletier look after me? I'm sixteen years old, after all. I think that I might be a little too old to still have a governess." Peyton said, feeling a little uneasy with the fact that she will be escorted everywhere by a sixty-seven year old woman.
"Now, Peyton, we already talked about this many times before. Madame Pelletier has been working for our family for years now. And thus far, she had done extremely well with you girls. I know that your mother and I can trust all three of you with her, while we are away. So, Sabine will be staying by your side during your stay here. Right now, she's preparing both of your rooms at the penthouse suite we own here, and will come to pick you up as soon as you are done. She will also be the one to drive you to work in the morning." Tom said in a slightly stern tone of voice.
"Alright." Peyton said quietly, resisting the urge to groan and sulk at the same time. There was no way to sweet talk him into changing his mind now.
"Good. That was all I had to say, I..." The ringing of his cell phone interrupted him.
Looking at the caller ID, Tom groaned slightly. Celine giggled knowingly as her husband excused himself from their company and got out of the car to answer the phone.
Celine then turned her attention on her daughter, who had a very small adorable pout her face.
"Peyton, honey," she said as the girl starighten up in her seat, "I know that you want to prove to us how grown up you are, dear. But you know how your father is. He has a hard time letting you girls go. It's something that won't be changing any time soon, because he loves you and your sisters very much. You are his princesses and he just wants to protect you from any kind of harm. You'll know the feeling, when you have your own little bundles of joy. So, please don't be too bothered by the fact that Sabine will be watching over you for the time being. You just focus on your studies and your work. There is a time and a place for everything, dear." Celine finished while smiling at her youngest.
"That's something büyükanne would say. I think I've even read that in the book she's given me for my 12th birthday." Peyton said with a fond smile on her beautiful face.
"Your grandma knows quite a lot of quotes and wise old sayings. She is a very wise woman, dear. You should give her a call sometime when you're free. She would love to talk to you, dear." Celine said.
"I know. I love talking to her too. She always gives the best advice and has some really good stories to tell. I miss her, I think that I'm going to call her as soon as I get home."
"That would be perfect, dear. Now, Peyton, before your father gets back, I need to give you a few pieces of advice of my own." Celine stated, her face now serious.
Peyton now sat at attention. Whatever her mother will be telling her, will be of delicate nature. She only used that tone of voice, when she needed to say something serious and very important.
"I want you to know that, your father and I are very proud of you. We know that there is nothing in this world that you can't handle. We've seen you tackle down many opsticules along the way and we are positive, that you will be the best of the best. You are very sharp, intelligent, incredibly talented, gifted and wise. Especially for your age, honey. I know that you will make us even more proud." She began, "But, I want you to remember as long as you live. There are a lot of people who would do anything to get what they want, sweetheart. Even if they had to sell their own souls in order to get it. Listen and observe very closely, dear. That's all you need to do, in order to see right through their masks and lies. I'll say this again, Peyton. Use your head and be rational. Remember that the heart doesn't have even a bit of reason to aid you in certain things. That's why you should just let your heart tell you whether something is right or wrong and your mind to guide you. Do you understand what I'm trying to say, dear?"
"Yes, mother. Please, don't worry. I can take care of myself. If I ever need anything, I'll either talk to Madame Pelletier or I'll just call you."
"That's all I needed to hear, mavi göz." Celine said giggling a bit. She couldn't even begin to describe the amount of relief she was feeling. She already knew that Peyton was far from naive, but one can never be too sure. It was better to be safe than sorry, after all.
...which reminds her of another thing she wanted to talk to her daughter about.
"Peyton, honey, there's one more thing I would like to talk to you about before you go."
"What is it, mother?"
"Now, I know that we already had a talk like this before, but I feel like we need to have it once more." Celine began uneasily, "As you know, you are a very beautiful young woman. You come from a very good family, with prestige and a good family background. I know for certain that there are many who would love to take advantage of your good heart, which is why I want you to use your head instead. Especially around men and in the entire business world, that you are about to enter. Honey, I'm not going to tell you stories, how everyone is going to be sweet and kind to you. No. There will be many whom will try to bring you down and laugh while watching you burn. It's cruel, but it is how it is. If you climb the ladder, like I know you most certainly will, there will be a lot of people who will start all kinds of rumors about you. And I think you know the kind of rumors they will be, Peyton."
"Mother, I understand what you are trying to say. But please, trust me when I say that that will never happen. At least, not to me. I'll make sure of that. I promise."
"I know that, dear. Your colleagues, however, don't. And I'm not going to turn a blind eye to Tony Stark's attitude and behavior towards women. Yes, you are a minor now, but in a few years..."
"Mother, with all due respect, I believe that..." Peyton began, before her mother interrupted her.
"Bana bak, mavi göz. Senden çok önemli bir şeyi hatırlamanı istiyorum. Bir kadının gurur ve haysiyeti ince bir cama benzemektedir, çakıl bile içine bir girinti bırakacak kadar güçlüdür. Ya da kırarsın." Celine sternly stated in her native tongue and continued in the same tone of voice, "Do you understand me, Peyton?"
"Yes, I understand you, mother. You do know that we already talked about this before, yes? I just need you to trust me on this. I will be alright."
"Tavsiyemi alacağına bana söz ver. Ben sadece senin için en iyisini istiyorum, kızım." Celine said, her eyes almost pleaded her to just comply.
"Anne, ben senin tavsiye dinlemek söz veriyorum. İşten işim bittiğinde seni arayacağım. Şimdi gitmem gerek. Seni çok seviyorum." Peyton said as she kissed her mother's rosy cheeks, picked up her handbag and opened the door of the car.
"Kendine İyi bakım ve iyi olur, yavrum." Celine called out as her daughter got out of the car.
Peyton turned to wave her mother goodbye as her father made his way over towards her.
"Well, honey, this is it. Are you ready? If not, we can always turn back and go home instead." He said, his eyes were filled with amusement.
"Daddy! There is not a chance in the world, that I would just quit or run away. Especially, not after coming this far." Peyton said as she swatted her father's arm.
"Hey! It's my duty as a father to ask." He said jokingly, "But seriously now, are you sure you can do this. It's not going to be easy, at all. Honey, not only do you have to focus on all of your studies and your extracurricular activities, but you also have to model for your mom's brand and now this. I can't help but think that maybe, this wasn't such idea on my part."
"I can handle it. It's better sooner, rather than later. If you could have done it when you were my age, then I will be able to do it too. After all, I am your daughter." She said in mock arogance.
"Damn right, you are. Sweetheart, I'm not gonna waste my time giving you last minute advice, like your mother did. The only thing I'm going to tell you right now, is that there will be things that you need to give up in order to gain something. That's how life is, darlin'. If you want to take something, then you need to give something too. If you want to study, work, go out and party all night long, I will tell you right away to forget about getting good results. It's going to get a lot harder from here on out and I won't always be there to help you if you need any help." Tom said, caressing the young girl's golden curls.
"With my schedule and Madame Pelletier watching over me like a hawk for the rest of the summer, going out will be the last thing on my mind. Besides, I know how to prioritize. I'm not a little girl anymore."
"You will always be my little girl. No matter how old you are. Remember what we talked about last night, Peyton. It will help you out more than you think. Now, I want you to go in there, win and kick ass." Tom said, patting her head gently, "I have a funny feeling that in a few years now, you will own every single one of them. You're an extremely sharp and clever girl, you could give Tony Stark and the lot a run for their money. Just be careful. And don't forget to call us by the end of the day, okay princess?" He asked as he embraced his daughter.
"I will, I promise." Peyton said as she let go of her father and walked towards the entrance of the large company.
Tom watched on as his youngest child disappeared behind the thick glass doors. He sighed and ran his hands through his chocolate brown hair, not caring that he was messing it up.
Turning around, he walked over to the car his lovely wife was waiting him in.
"What do you think will happen now, Tom?" Celine asked as the man sat down in his seat next to her.
"Well, she won't disappoint us, that's for sure. If I know our daughter, she will be turning heads left and right. And not just because she's beautiful." Tom added the last part lightly, hoping to ease the rising tension a bit.
"Are you absolutely sure that she will not be overwhelmed by all of the work you given her? It seems a little too much to me." Celine asked, her maternal instincts were acting up at the thought of one of her precious babies struggling with anything.
"Celine, I didn't give her anything she can't and won't be able to handle on her own. She's very observant, sharp, determined and hard-working. Not to mention a very fast learner. All of which, are very good atributes to possess. Trust me, honey, there is nothing out there that our kids can't handle. Just have some faith."
"But, what about the..."
"Don't worry about that, love. Everything is developing as it should. Now, come on, we have a meeting in 10 minutes and you know that one eyed idiot can't function without us." Tom said with a small smirk.
Celine didn't say or add anything after that. As they drew away from Stark Enterprices, she couldn't help but wonder how things will turn out in the end.
2 years later
Peyton Potts sighed as she looked over the files she got from her supervisors a few minutes ago. Today, she was working in the accounting department. Unfortunately.
Not that she didn't love math. Because she did, very much so at that.
But she was starting to get a little annoyed by all the looks certain men were sending her way.
Honestly, hadn't they heard of discretion? Apparently not, if they weren't even bothering to act casual or even pretend that they were working. Or even doing anything really!
(One would think that they didn't even have anything to do! They were probably hoping to give her all of their workloads, so that they could either go to lunch early or continue to stare at her.)
As soon as everyone heard that she had recently turned 18 years old, it was as if all the office perverts picked that up on their in-built radar and went out of their way to flirt with her and hit on her whenever they had the chance to do so.
She was used to that type of attention already, but she was trying to work here for God's sake!
She was amazed how her face hadn't melted from all the looks that were directed at her from all sides. Now more then ever, did she wish to have a secluded cubicle or even an office! Anything would be greatly appreciated, condidering the fact that she felt like a lamb that just walked into a lion's den.
She had half a mind to take out her tazer and pepper spray from her handbag.
Peyton inconspicuously took a deep breath, counted backwards from ten to one and continued on with her work, completely ignoring the men around her as she immersed herself in her work.
After a while of going through the files and checking them, Peyton stopped at a particular one. It was filed under a recent date and by the looks of things was filled with a lot of errors.
Pulling out her trusty calculator, she began checking all the numbers she sees before her.
'This is impossible.' She thought, 'there has to be a mistake in these numbers!'
She checked the numbers again and again, only to get the exact same result. Over and over again.
If her math was correct (and it was), this mistake could cost the company billions and billions of dollars! She had to report this to one of the supervisors right away.
Getting up from her seat, again ignoring the heated looks that followed after her, she went up to the offices, that her supervisors told her class they would be in and looked for either one of them.
Just when she thought that all hope was lost, one of the supervisors came back from their break.
"Mr. Martin, I need to report this to you." Peyton said as soon as she was in hearing distance with the older man.
Said man looked up from his phone and stared at the young blonde woman before him in confusion.
"What seems to be the problem, Miss Potts? Oh, please don't tell me that the boys overdone it again. The last thing we need right now, is another sexual harrasment lawsuit." The man all but groaned in annoyance.
"No, sir, it isn't that. For now, at least." She said reassuringly to the man, "I found a very big mistake in this file a few minutes ago. This file needs to be looked over once again. This slip could cost the company quite a large sum of money." Peyton finished as she gave the man the file to look it over.
"Are you sure about this, Miss Potts? Because, if what you are saying is true, this slip could present a very big problem for the company and all its' employees. Have you checked this more than once? For all you know, you might've forgotten to add a few numbers. Why, Mr. Stark, himself, checked this file not too long ago. And you do know, that he's never wrong, right?" The man looked a little sceptical and a little worried.
Peyton, on the other hand, wanted to do the unlady-like thing, like huffing or snorting. Just because Mr. Stark did something, doesn't necessarily mean that he was always right.
He may be a genius, but that doesn't mean he isn't human like everyone else! It most definitely doesn't mean that he knew everything!
"He can be God for all I care, Mr. Martin, he made a very big mistake. A mistake that needs to be corrected right away. I wouldn't have came up here to see you, if I hadn't checked these numbers a few times with and without my calculator, sir." Peyton said.
"I see." He sighed, "Well, I would love to help you, but I'm not the one who can take care of this problem. The higher ups are still on their lunch breaks. The only one with whom you can talk to about this, is Mr. Stark himself. He's still in his office, but I doubt that he will talk to you or even glance your way without an appointment."
"Don't worry about that, sir. I'll make sure that Mr. Stark hears me out. With or without an appointment. Whether he liked it or not." Peyton said, as she went over to the elevator. Her blue eyes fierce and filled with determination.
As the doors of the elevator closed behind the young blonde, the man was left standing there gawking.
For the life of him, he had never met anyone who was so willing to give Anthony Stark a piece of their mind. There had been a few board members who were displeased with him when he does something stupid or irrational, yes, but they still kept their mouth shut. No one wanted to lose their job!
He shook his head in disbelief and wondered if the young blonde would be even working in the company after her encounter with Mr. Stark. It would be such a shame if she didn't. The girl was very smart and sharp. Not to mention very beautiful.
As the elevator stopped at the last floor, Peyton thought about what she was going to say.
She needed to play smart. She couldn't risk losing all her points, after all.
She had been working flawlessly over the past two years and held the best ranking among her classmates. And she didn't want to lose her position because of some spoiled little rich boy!
During her time working here, Peyton had seen the big boss only five times. And all of them were from a far.
The first two times she had seen him was during board meetings and she was doing a coffee run with her classmate. And the last three times was when he was flirting shamelessly with a few women who worked there.
She had to shake her head at that. Honestly, if her pencil sharpener had a skirt, she would have to hide it from men like that.
She couldn't believe how some women fall for his ridiculous pick up lines! If he even dared to start her up with one of those overly used lines, she would give him a lawsuit to remember.
She checked herself in the mirror and fixed her bluebell cardigan. Holding the files to her person, Peyton walked out of the elevator and tried to find Mr. Stark's office on the vast floor.
It took her a few turns, until she finally spotted it.
Only a few short steps away from her was the main office, but unfortunately there was a bodyguard standing in front of it.
He was tall and very muscular. He didn't seem like the type who would actually harm a person, but still she couldn't be too sure.
She would try to be reasonable with him, maybe he will let her talk to Mr. Stark after she explains the situation to him.
After all, his job depended on her talk with Mr. Stark as well. Surely, he would understand.
"Hold on there, pretty eyes. I can't let you pass through. The boss said he was busy and that he doesn't want to be disturbed. By anyone at all." The man said as soon as he noticed her presence.
"I understand. But, sir, this is very urgent and Mr. Stark needs to see this immediately." Peyton insisted.
"Then make an appointment and then you can come up here to talk to him." The guard said as he waved her away.
"Please, sir, you don't understand. This is an emergancy. I need to speak to Mr. Stark right away. The company's survival is at stake!" Peyton tried again, stressing how important seeing him is.
"Then why didn't your superiors come up here themselves?" The man asked folding his arms across his chest.
"They couldn't come up, because they are still on their lunch breaks. Now please, let me pass. I just need to show Mr. Stark this file and I will be on my way." Peyton tried to reason with the stubborn man.
"I'm sorry. But I have to follow Mr. Stark's orders. So, I think you need to leave now, miss. Come back when you schedule an appointment." He said as he placed his hand on her small shoulder.
"No! I have to talk to him. Please, this is important!" Peyton all but hissed at him through her clenched teeth.
The guard shook his head. He wouldn't listen to her anymore or even bother to think about all the consequences. He took her hand a little too roughly and something in her just snapped.
She took the pepper spray that she had on her person, sprayed him in the face, grabbed the arm that was holding her hand and flipped him over, making him crash against the wall.
Hard.
The bodyguard was left moaning as he tried to rub the painful substance out of his eyes.
"If you had let me talk to Mr. Stark, you wouldn't have been in this situation in the first place. Just because I'm a woman, doesn't mean that I'm unable to defend myself." Peyton said as she stood over the large man in a way that reminded of a mother scolding her child.
"What's going on here?" A new voice interjected.
Peyton turned around and faced the man in charge himself. Mr. Anthony Stark in the flesh.
He was standing by the door of his office, his brown eyes taking in the scene before him. His eyes went from the man on the floor to the young woman standing before him.
Peyton immediately took notice of the way his eyes went up and down her form.
Clenching her teeth, Peyton held herself back from spraying pepper spray into his eyes as well. Even though he deserved it for oggling her, it wouldn't help her cause at all.
"You okay there, Hap?" He asked the man that was still groaning on the marble floor.
"Yeah. She just got me by surprise, that's all." The man answered weakly.
"It seems to me that she took you more than just by surprise. She totally just kicked your ass!" Tony began to laugh at his old friend, while the man groaned with annoyance. Or pain. Or maybe a mix of both.
"This will follow you as long as you live, just so you know." Tony cackled gleefully, his eyes shone with mischief. Then he turned his attention to the young attractive blonde, "And whom might you be?"
"My name is Peyton Potts, sir. I'm one of the advanced students you called to come work in your company over the summer vacation." Peyton held out her hand for him to shake.
"Ah, yes. Now, I remember. So, tell me what is the reason for your surprise visit? I mean, it must be something extremely important, if you beat up my bodyguard and interrupted my nap for it?" He said, not even looking at the extended hand.
"I'm here to show you this file, sir. I've been working in the accounting department earlier today, and I found a very big mistake in these numbers. One that could cost the company billions of dollars. I've informed one of my supervisors about this, but he told me that I needed to come and see you about this in person. I would have taken this to the other higher ups so that I wouldn't bother you with this, but they are still out on their lunch breaks." Peyton replied calmly feeling a bit peeved for being brushed off, as she gave the man the file in her hand.
Tony took the file from her hand and looked it over. His brown eyes moved left and right as he read the papers.
"I personally checked these numbers a while ago." Tony stated, not even looking at the woman.
"I've been informed as such, Mr. Stark. But you've made several grave errors and mistakes. The project you were planning on investing is just a waste of time and money. There are a lot of dangerous risks, that I believe the company shouldn't take at all."
Tony hummed at that as he did the math in his head once more and looking over the file as he did so.
Coming to the conclusion that he, Anthony Edward Stark, had been wrong, he looked up at the young woman who had the balls to come up here, beat up his bodyguard just to see him and tell him so.
"Thank you for your imput, Miss Potts. I'll be sure to take care of this as soon as possible. But, would you, by any chance, be interested in working for me as my personal assistent? I'm currently in the need of one and you seem to be more than perfect for the job." He said as he leaned against the door frame.
Peyton wasn't expecting this. She knew that the man was unpredictable, but for him to do this? She definitely had not seen this coming.
If she were to be honest with herself, she would have loved to take the offer. It was a huge promotion and the pay was even better. But, she wanted to be fair and do things the right way.
"As much as I would love to accept your offer, Mr. Stark. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to refuse. I don't want to get a promotion this quickly and of short notice, just because I did something any kind person would have done. I wish to apply for the offered position and earn it. It would be fair to all the other employees, after all. Not only that, but I also have to prepare for college and I have a few personal things to take care of. Thank you for your kind offer, sir, but I decline. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do. Please, see to it that you take care of this mistake as soon as you can. I wish you a good day, gentlemen." She said and swiftly turned on heel and walked over to the elevator. Leaving the two men flabbergasted as they stared at the elevator door.
"What the hell just happened?" Tony asked. He was still trying to process the fact that he had just been turned down. By a woman, no less!
"It seems to me that she just turned down your job offer. Do you think she heard the stories about how personal all your previous personal assistents were?" The other man asked as he finally stood up from the floor.
"Nah, she doesn't seem like the type of women who love to gossip. But then again, you don't seem like the type of man who could get his ass kicked by a girl twice his size. Don't tell me you are getting old, Happy." Tony joked. He was never gonna let that one go.
"Can we please not talk about this? Like ever." Happy grumbled. His back was killing him and his eyes are still watering up.
"Nope. This so gonna haunt you. Can you imagine it: A former wresler gets his ass beat by a girl, or the badass bodyguard was brought down to his knees with a can of pepper spray." Tony laughed at the displeasure of his friend as the said friend went inside his office.
Happy glared at him as he took an ice pack from the mini fridge, which in turn made Tony laugh even harder.
"And what's worse, she walked away from this, practically skipping in her high heels like a little girl, who did a good job." He cackled, "Oh man, Rhodey's gonna wet his pants when he hears about this. If she had given you a black eye, I think that I might've wet myself too. This just made my day. And to think, I almost ignored the commotion!"
"Seriously Tony, this is getting really old and fast." Happy hissed as he placed the ice pack on his sore back.
"Oh, you wish!" Tony scoffed, "Jarvis, do me a favour and remember Miss Potts for me. I have a feeling that we will be seeing each other more often and soon." Tony ordered.
"Already on it, sir. Will that be all, sir?" An computerized voice asked in a perfect british accent.
"Could you get Rhodey on the phone for me, Jarv? I have a really good story to tell him." Tony laughed as dodged the ice pack Happy threw at him.
A/N: And that will be all for the first chapter. I hope you liked my take on the whole thing. I would really like to get some feedback from you guys. I'm a little rusty, but I hope that you will give my story a chance, I promise that it will be worth to read.
What I also forgot to mention in the beginning, is that I will portray true family values in this fic as well.
And before you ask, no there will be no Pepperony. As I mentioned above, this fic will be a Steve Rogers and Pepper Potts fanfic. I'm sorry once again, Pepperony fans!
Second, Pepper's mom is from Turkey. She changed her name and religion when she met Pepper's dad.
Here's a translation of their conversation (If someone understands turkish and is fluent in it, I apologize if it's bad. I wrote that in Goggle translate):
* Büyükanne - Grandmother
* Bana bak, mavi göz. Senden çok önemli bir şeyi hatırlamanı istiyorum. Bir kadının gurur ve haysiyeti ince bir cama benzemektedir, çakıl bile içine bir girinti bırakacak kadar güçlüdür. Ya da kırarsın - Look at me, blue eyed. Remember these words very well. A woman's pride and dignity is like a thin glass, even a small pebble is strong enough to leave a dent in it. Or even break it.
* Tavsiyemi alacağına bana söz ver. Ben sadece senin için en iyisini istiyorum, kızım - Promise me that you will listen to my advice and heed my words. I only want what's best for you, honey.
* Anne, ben senin tavsiye dinlemek söz veriyorum. İşten işim bittiğinde seni arayacağım. Şimdi gitmem gerek. Seni çok seviyorum. - I promise that I will listen to your advice and heed your words, mother. Now, I will call you as soon as I'm done with work. I really have to go now. I love you.
* Kendine İyi bakım ve iyi olur, yavrum. - Please, take care of yourself and be good, my sweet.
* Mavi göz - Blue eye or in this case blue eyed. It's Pepper's nickname that her mother and her mother's side of the family had given her since birth.
And that will be all for now. Again, I'm really sorry about any mistakes you might find here. I promise that I will take care of it or them as soon as I can.
I love you and I'll see you soon. On the same story and on the same site!