Chapter Eleven
Darcy is curled around one of Jarvis's specially made drinks while watching the morning news (because that's what ex political science majors do) when she hears about Quinn Worldwide. As the news anchors speculate why Stark Industries decimated the other company overnight, ridiculous theories being thrown around about any personal grudge Stark might have with Quinn, the elevator pings and a perfect Ms Pott's walks out. She's impeccable from designer suit to her gorgeous heels, but there's uncertainty from her gold champagne whisper as she glances from the TV to Darcy that has the brunette gently putting down her caramel nut coffee and patting the seat beside her.
Pepper doesn't noticeably hesitate, but Darcy smiles at her reassuringly anyway as she moves forward and sits stiff backed. Darcy takes the CEO of SI hands, admiring her gold nail polish as they sit together. "Thank you" the sincerity in her voice makes Pepper's shoulders relax, and she finally smiles back. They probably look nothing alike sitting together, Darcy still in her Avenger's PJ's and Pepper in her CEO amour, but the moment was perfect for them.
As they settle back more comfortably into the smooth leather couch, Darcy indicates to Pepper's StarkPad "Working hard already?". Pepper slips off her heels, and curls up contentedly besides the university student as she sips her delicious morning coffee. "I'm picking this quarter's SI charity endorsements. But there's so much grandstanding involved, we've been caught out in the past with some charities not giving our money to where it's supposed to go."
Darcy hummed softly, and reaching over to take the StarkPad she flicked through the contestant list "Dress Is Not A Yes is the only one on here that isn't corrupt". Pepper gaped at her, though subtly, and Darcy brought up another tab "but if you split this quarter with GISHWHES, all of the money you give them will be funnelled into building schools overseas". Pepper looked equally impressed and determined, and not looking away from Darcy's unnatural pale blue eyes she spoke to the Towers resident AI "Jarvis get hard copy proof of all corruption being done by these charities, and send it to the authorities".
Darcy looked embarrassed "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…". Pepper shook her head, catching Darcy's flailing hands "I'd like to hire you". The red head smiled beautifully as Darcy tried to get the words out to decline "You probably just saved SI from another media disaster, and you forced Tony into sleeping last night. As well as the others. It's only fair I pay you to wrangle the Avenger's and if I get your help like this in the future". Pepper had been hearing about Darcy all morning, everyone in their inner circle impressed with their little Priestess. Especially when Jarvis mentioned she bullied Agent Coulson into getting her way. Tony told his soulmate Black Widow and Hawkeye had wanted a personal copy of the interaction.
Darcy looked a little uncomfortable, but there was a pleased blush on her face "Gossips. All of them". Pepper just squeezed Darcy's hand gently, and Darcy eventually nodded in reluctance. Pepper's answering grin was practically predatory "you should have stated how much you wanted; now I can pay you however much I want". Darcy laughed loudly, whacking her arm in mock anger. As they leaned companionably against each other, Pepper could see Darcy wanted to say something.
"I was wondering if I could ask a favour?" at Pepper's nod, Darcy started talking quickly in a rush to get it out before she embarrassed herself further "have you heard of Erik Selvig? He raised Jane, and was there with us in New Mexico. And I wonder, I mean now that Jane has been hired…."
Pepper was the one to smile reassuringly this time "I understand. He's one of your Whispers too, isn't he? Does his soulmate require a position as well?". Pepper was surprised when Darcy's started looking sad, but she soon understood "Erik's a widower. His soulmate died a long time ago". Pepper thought of how she'd feel in a world without Tony, no matter how ridiculous he was being on even his worst days, and was even more willing to grant Darcy's request.
But as Pepper was about to answer her, Darcy gasped and bounced to her feet looking worried just as Jarvis sounded the alarm for code GREEN, and a loud roar shook the Tower.
