Trying something new - Avengersxreader - SEQUEL ON HOLD

- 38 - The Director

You threw the remains of your granola bar in the nearest trashcan and straightened your suit. “You still haven’t told me how you got them to agree.”

Pepper glanced at you and smiled. “I reminded them of first HYDRA and then Sharon infiltrating the government, and then I proceeded to tell them how we should be checking up on each other from time to time.”

“What happens when SWORD wants to take a look at Stark Industries ?”

“Our records are already public, YN,” she calmly said. “And everything we have to hide is protected by law.” You gave her a confused look. “Stark Industries is a private company. It would be considered corporate espionage.” 

“You’re a genius.”

“I married one. Caught a few tricks along the way.” You laughed and turned your eyes back to the building standing in front of you. “Are you ready ?”

“Nope.”

“You’ve watched Sam do this many times. Just remember the questions. It’ll be over before you know it.” 

You looked at her and laughed. “Last time you told me that, I ended up fainting and getting fired.”

Pepper smiled and headed to the main entrance. Once inside, she waited for you to take the lead. You knew the place and the people working here better than she did, and your name was on the list for once, not Sam’s. You walked to the main desk and waited for Sandra, the habitual receptionist here, to be done with her phone call. She greeted you with a warm smile and asked you why you didn’t come with Sam. She had a thing for him, and you didn’t need any mind reading to know it. 

“I have an interrogation this morning.” She checked on her computer and seemed surprised. “Yep, I’m doing this one on my own.” 

She smiled and handed you the registry. She was surprised to see Pepper coming with you, but she said nothing and gave you both your badges. “You should have asked for a permanent one by now.” 

“She should have indeed,” Pepper intervened, “but her consultant position is all she wants.” 

You looked at Pepper and rolled your eyes. “I’m fine with it. No responsibilities, just helping when you guys need me.” You both walked through security and followed a man to an empty room. Pepper sat next to you and sighed.

“You know, I had to create that position just because you refused to officially join,” she said.

“I was going to, but then Sam told me there was no salary. Out of all of you, I’m the only one being paid to help the Avengers.” She rolled her eyes but you leaned in. “Wong has requests, now. And I can’t say no or he won’t get Wanda back to us,” you whispered.

“It’s not about the money.”

“Says the richest woman on the planet.” You laughed and looked at your watch. “We have 10 minutes. Wanna rehearse ?”

“Sure, but do it alone. And in your head.” 

You tried to remember everything Sam taught you before he left. He was encouraging and everything, but he agreed that you’d need someone to guide you. He wasn’t taking you on many interrogations anymore, and you kinda lost the habit. Now, you could only hope for the best.

A guard opened the back door and let a gray-haired man in. You stood up while Pepper remained on her chair and shook the man’s hand before he could be handcuffed to the table.

“Director Hayward,” you said with a smile. “Thanks for meeting us, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

He looked at you and scoffed. “I’m sure if I could read your mind, it would say otherwise, miss YLN.” He nodded at Pepper and sat in front of you.