Stark-rachnophobia!

TRIGGER WARNING: SPIDERS!

Peggy's *point of view*

I was waiting for Howard Stark, my new boss, he was fifteen minutes late for the meeting we were supposed to have

The phone in Howard's office rang and his secretary, Blanche, ran to answer it. Blanche Hollingsworth, 23 years old, intelligent, buxom and flirtation personified.

"Howard's office, Blanche speaking Yes Edwin she's here all right I'll let her know all right no problem I'll have the files ready for her to take of course Edwin. Goodbye."

I heard the filing cabinets opening and closing and files being put into something, then Blanche popped her head around the door.

"Ms Carter?"

"Yes Ms Hollingsworth?"

"Edwin Jarvis just called, he's coming to collect you, Howard isn't feeling well at all this morning, and he's going to work from home, so Edwin will take you to the house."

"Why didn't you tell Edwin that I am perfectly capable of driving myself to Howard's house?"

"Edwin said that he is aware of your driving skill, but Howard doesn't want the world knowing his home address because then people will be after him to solve their problems for them!"

"All right"

"Edwin said that he will drive your car if you insist, and I can bring Howard's car to his house."

"All right"

Edwin arrived 15 minutes later.

"Ms Carter"

"Edwin."

"I trust you are well?"

"Very well, thank you and you?"

"Wonderful, thank you. Howard isn't feeling great this morning, so he's planning to work from home. Ms Hollingsworth, these are Howard's car keys, I would be grateful if you could follow us."

"Of course Edwin"

We walked down to my car, I handed Edwin my keys.

"What exactly is wrong with Howard?"

"He's been attacked in a manner of speaking"

"Oh?"

"He was in the shower this morning and when he lifted the towel to dry his hair an enormous spider jumped out"

"Is Howard arachnophobic?"

"Yes, severely Ana squashed the spider with her boot, but Howard is still struggling"

"Sounds to me like what he needs is a hug"

"I believe you might be right"

When we arrived at the mansion, Howard was sitting on one of the lawn chairs, by the pool, looking defeated. He was pale, there were dark circles under his eyes, he was trembling uncontrollably.

Howard's *point of view*

The spider sneak attack was something I had neither anticipated nor needed.

"Ana?"

"Yes sir?"

"How do I do it?"

"How do you ask Ms Carter to be your girlfriend?"

"Yes and preferably without Ms Hollingsworth finding out"

"I'll handle Ms Hollingsworth, and when it comes to asking Ms Carter out, just ask her"

"OK, what should I say?"

"Just tell her the truth, that you don't like being alone and that you've liked her for a long time "

I took a shuddering breath. Ana glanced at the picture of herself and Edwin that she kept on a chain around her neck, and then she said, 'forgive me for this, Edwin.'

And she hugged me.

"You'll be fine, I'm going to prepare lunch."

"Thank you, Ana"

Peggy's *point of view*

"Peggy, I have something of an ulterior motive for asking you to work for the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division "

"Oh?"

"I've liked you for quite a long time and "

"And?"

"I was hoping that you'd consider having a personal relationship with me"

"I think I'd like that, but I have to ask was there an 8 legged visitor here this morning?"

"Yes, and it frightened the life out of me."

Blanche's point of view

When I arrived at the Stark Mansion, Ana answered the door.

"Hello Blanche, come on in. Mr Stark is with Ms Carter. Thank you for coming over to bring Mr Stark's car back."
"No problem. I would like to talk to Mr Stark if that's at all possible."
"I'll see what I can arrange"

Howard came out of his study

I handed him an envelope.

Howard's point of view

Blanche handed me an envelope.

"Howard,
I see how you look at Peggy,

I know you like her. I like you a lot but if your interest lies elsewhere - and I can see it does - there's no point in me pining for what I can't have. Consider this my resignation letter. I'm not angry. Good luck with Peggy,

Blanche Elizabeth Hollingsworth"

"Thank you, Blanche. I'll be sure to give you a good reference."
"Thanks boss"

Blanche walked out of my life…

Peggy and I discovered that we are soulmates…