A/N: I got the idea for this story from RED the movie where Bruce Willis' Character makes up reasons to call the operator just so he can talk to her.
Also my BETA reader is currently not available so if there are any mistakes that have been made, this story will be changed a bit.
Steve's apartment is beginning to become too small. A one bedroom with a small den located near the front door entrance and every square foot of it is filled with sketches and art supplies. Shelves are filled with full and empty sketchbooks, plastic cups are splayed throughout the home filled with new and dried up markers. Even the kitchen counters are covered with old drawings he found unfit to be turned in as finished to his editor. But like always, it hasn't always been like this; four years ago when he first rented the place he had just graduated from Brooklyn Community College receiving a Bachelors in illustration. Before that, as he attended school he had lived with his friend, Bucky, working at a library part time so he could pay for his classes. Bucky didn't mind of course seeing they had been friends since middle school. That's what friends were for. So for the next 3 years that's where Steve resided until a m month after he graduated. After weeks of waiting he had finally gotten a job at a local newspaper as a comic drawer and has been very successful at it since then. But it's just become too much to bear with his living situation to the point of which he refuses to let anyone come over anymore. Even Bucky.
It wasn't an unorganized clutter, Steve was far from ever being unorganized. He had accepted the fact that that was what was asked of him from his job, to have plenty of supplies at hand and to be as creative as possible which certainly wasn't a problem. But it also didn't pay him near enough money to get any place bigger. So he felt trapped; trapped in his tiny apartment with nothing but his work. He loved his job and he was grateful that he was accepted for it so quickly after graduation, but in the past four years he has not gotten a raise once. Hasn't been promoted; being there was nowhere to be promoted to. This is why he has decided to accept a job offer he had received a month ago. A job that pays three times as much and a job that he simply can't pass up.
Marvel called him first, told Steve they wanted to interview him as a head comic illustrator for a series they had begun production on. This was some months back but Steve refused saying he was flattered but was content with his work at the newspaper. Since then he had forgot ever receiving the phone call. But again a few months later he got a call again. Turns out they found someone for the job but they pulled out at the last minute due to a family emergency. Marvel became desperate and phoned Steve once again. This time Steve happily accepted as they had raised their previous offer. Of course it was not all about the money, but it didn't hurt knowing he would be able to afford a larger apartment. So he ended up putting his two weeks in at the newspaper, found a new apartment in the city and here he is; two days before moving and at his first day at work.
"And this Mr. Rogers will be your studio." A young woman smiles brightly back a Steve as she walked the two of them into a large empty room. Steve's jaw slacks open in awe. The room was amazing. There was shelf space everywhere on every wall, a larger built-in steel table was in the center of the room with a plaque with his name on it. And the view. Steve's heart fluttered at the view, it looked out over the city and was just simply a stunning way of saying 'Welcome to your new home.' But that was not the best part, far from it. The best part; it was his. His to do what he pleased with, and that sealed the deal. "This is.. -" He tries to search for words but comes up short. Instead he extends his hand to the woman. 'I'm sorry you?" "Carter. Peggy Carter." Peggy was a very attractive woman. She wore heels and a pencil skirt that met at her knees giving an illusion making her legs look longer than they might actually be. She wore bright red lipstick that made her brown eyes stand out incredibly. He liked her smile. It was one of the ones that if you were given, you just couldn't help but return it with one of your own. Peggy takes his hand with hers and squeezes. Her grip indicating she was all business and that was that. They gave a few awkward shakes and end the handshake. "I was told Mr. Coulson wanted to see me before I left for the day?" "Ah, yes. Right this way Mr. Rogers." She waves a hand to motion for him to follow, so he does.
The office itself was huge and busy. People in colorful cubicles, taking and discussing, people with drafts and sketches running to meet their deadline. Wasn't much different from the newspaper he thought; He was sure he would fit in here just fine. They finally reached a door, Head Editor plastered on the glass with large white letters. "One moment. Wait here." Steve stopped in his tracks as he watched the woman knock waiting a few seconds and entering, closing the door behind her. He slipped his hands in his pockets and rocked bad and forth as people past him; a few saying hello and others just pushing past him. He was used to being pushed around at work, he understood considering the times he wasn't being pushed he was the one doing the pushing; not without apologizing afterwards of course. "Phil will see you now, Steve." His name being called was unexpected and it snapped him back and out of his own thoughts. He nodded and quickly walked forward toward the door that was being held open for him and walked through.
"Mr. Rogers, its good finally meet you. I'm a fan of your work at your neighborhood newspaper." Phil said standing up reaching over his table to shake Steve's hand. Steve takes a hold of the man's hand and smiles, flattered. "Thank you so much. I don't hear that often, it mean's quite a bit coming from you, sir." Phil was an older man, forties maybe, possibly younger. He was attractive if older men were your thing. His dark hair was slightly receding but that barley took away from his looks. Steve found it strange; however, that he was wearing a suit in such a casual workplace. He thought maybe it was meant to be intimidating to the others. If that was the case, it was working. Phil furrows his brows surprised and lets his hand go. "Really? Well that's a shame honestly; every artist deserves his fair share of compliments. But its good you don't run on compliments." Phil chuckles and plops back down into his chair. "Oh no, if that was the case I would be stuck with a job that I don't like doing and I'm sure it would show." Phil crosses his arms and nods his head agreeing. "That is sadly true, Mr. Rogers." He motions to a chair on the other side of his table to Steve. "Please sit. This won't take long." "Thank you." Steve carefully sits down crossing his legs and setting his hands in his lap. "Mr. Rogers-" The man starts but Steve quickly corrects him. "Steve. Please call me Steve." Phil nods again. "Steve. I've seen quite a bit of your work and I'm impressed that's why we hired you. I also heard you are a traditional artist is that correct?" Phil looks down his coffee on his desk and reaches for it and quickly taking a sip waiting for Steve's response.
"That's correct. I sketch my work out and hand it over to the next person and they do the rest." He smiles letting the man finish sipping his coffee. Phil wipes his mouth with his thumb and swallows. "I'm aware. However, that's not how things are done here. All artists are required to use tablets and computers for their work. The process is much faster and easier so I hear, for the other artists." Steve swears to himself. He was not told this. He doesn't even own a computer in the first place let alone a 'tablet.' "Oh." Was all he could respond with. Steve uncrosses his legs nervously biting at his lip. Phil eyes him and sighs. "I can see that that intimidates you, Steve? The best I can do to reassure you is that you have a whole month to figure out how to use either one of the items before your first assignment is even due to start. Also-" He starts as he grabs a notepad and jots down a few numbers. "-here's a number you can call if you ever need help with anything. Tech support, the best; so I've heard." Steve takes it and slips it into his pocket. "Thank you." "Now before I let you go, Ms. Carter will have your new items ready for you in your new studio. " He nods to Peggy giving her permission to leave. "I hope you enjoy yourself here at Marvel, Mr. Rogers. Now get going, you have a new apartment to set up."
Tony was bored. That's all there was to it. But that's not the reason he sought another job. His home was far too large for just himself. The three story Victorian home located in the depths of thick forest on the outskirts of the city were outstanding. The whole land including the house itself was part an inheritance. An inheritance that was quite generous from his parent's death. But it was empty; not just furniture wise but in general; after the furniture was sold to settle family debts the only things that were left were portraits, general kitchen appliances and his bed. That's it. He felt he needed someplace smaller, surrounded with noise where he didn't feel so alone. So he decided to take a job in the city along with a new apartment. Although, he's been working as a private advanced technology installer for over 10 years now, he's become bored and just tired. Some days are more exciting than others, he enjoyed learning and working with the tech he installed and he made good money at doing it, even though over the years business has come to an all time low.
Tony had no issues financially, however. Between his job and inheritance there was no trouble to really worry in that area. So after Tony made a few calls along with his longtime friend Pepper going in and giving a good word for him and after a week of interviewing he was accepted as a Tech Support agent at a company he was rather familiar with. Considering the majority of the tech he installed were from them.
Tony had his belongings sent to his new place within a week and while he caught a taxi to his new office he planned a get together with a few of his friends that night. When he arrived at the office It wasn't a very big building, a few stories at the most, not very fancy either but Tony didn't mind. He wasn't there to be fancy anyway. But his mood changed as soon as he entered the building and he was instantly met with the sound of phones ringing and a hundred people talking at once. He immediately became intrigued and was eager to get to where he was supposed to be when he was interrupted by taller African American gentlemen with an eye patch. His level of excitement rose about 50% at the site of that. "Hello Mr. Stark my name is Nick Fury I'll be your manager until you decide to quit. Follow me and I'll take you to where you will be working." The whole time he was spoken to Fury looked at him once the rest of the time his attention was on a large tablet swiping it every few seconds. "Lead the way." Tony says following the man. He was a serious looking man Tony thought, but he got straight to business which he liked a lot, his humor however, was a different story.
"Okay Mr. Stark. Here's your desk. "Fury pointed to a small desk cubical with a computer phone and headset. Tony gives a weak smile and sighs, getting a glare from his new boss. "Is there a problem, Mr. Stark?" He asks lowering his tablet to get a good look at Tony, "Of course not, Sir. A corner cubicle is what everyone wishes for right?" Tony gives him a wink and sits down at his new desk swirling around in his chair. "Comfy." He laughs putting on his headset and turning to look up at Fury. "Turn on the computer. Follow the instructions to get to an example call. After your tutorial is over you will start receiving calls and you will be officially on the clock, do you understand?" Fury rushes through his sentences and starts to walk away after a few seconds of silence figuring that was a yes, but stops hearing a "wait!" He turns around slowly to give the man another glare. "Do I get a break?" Tony asks shrugging. "You will be told when you are allowed a break, Mr. Stark, now get to work and remember. I got my eye on you." Tony gives the man a salute and turns to begin his new job. "Guess I'll be working late."
