Lessons in Rule Breaking and Other Reader-Inserts*Steve Rogers*Reader*

In the Strangest Place (We Just Might Find Love) - Pt.2/2

"Alright, kids. Let's have a trip."

And you just stared.

...what?

"W-what?" you stuttered, suddenly consumed by the familiar feeling of losing the firm ground under your feet at the image of trying to confront Gregory head on. Steve at your side was not helping at all as the four of you started walking towards the IT department.

"I-I don't have any prove. I can't-- he told me he would--- that he would-"

"That he would twist it around, convince the HR that you were crushing on him and he turned you down, which turned you into a soulless bitch craving revenge?" the billionaire finished and you just uselessly opened you mouth, unable to let out a word to deny it. It seemed to amuse him, because he scoffed; and there was something very bitter in that sound too. "Kid, he's not the first asshole to take advantage of his superior position. I've seen those types. Relax. If Cap believes you, then so do I. Plus, I know a liar when I see him. And you ain't lying."

You breathed in shakily, a flicker of hope igniting in your chest. Could it really be so easy?

"T-thank you, Mr. Stark. I-"

"Yeah, yeah, just name your first kid after me."

The Falcon next to you chuckled and you shot Steve a confused gaze. Was that how Mr. Stark usually was? You had never met him in person – you heard him give a speech on TV, you knew he had a reputation, but this was... different.

You were surprised to find Steve watching you; perhaps he worried about your reaction, since he had seen your outburst in the closet. He charmed a tiny smile for you.

"It's gonna be okay, see?"

"What are you even worried about? You have three Avengers coming with you!" Mr. Wilson questioned lightly and you bit your lower lip. Yeah, and they were all men, sue you for not being sure which side they would take – not until now.

"You're not a full-time Avenger, Wilson."

Falcon gasped, clutching at his chest theatrically. "Ouch, Tony. My heart."

You let out a breathy laugh at their banter and felt yourself relax despite your better judgement. You almost let yourself believe it truly would go alright. Well, as much as such a shitty thing could.

"You're all my heroes," you whispered timidly and Sam Wilson gave you a bright smile.

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Cruel, Birdboy. You stole the old man's line."

"Heh, sorry, Steve. I'm sure you have a whole set of other lines you would like to use on her."

You choked on your own spit as Steve faltered in his steps, his grip on you growing stronger. What the hell did he just say?

"Oh my God, Wilson, shut up before we get stuck with another harassment report."

"I don't think this a subject for joking," Steve interjected and you shot him a grateful look. Except... when you would not be in such a sticky situation, you definitely wouldn't mind Steve Rogers using a line on you. Not at all. And his hand around yours felt nice for multiple reasons, the wordless comfort only being one of them.

But now, it was so not the time.

Your peculiar group approached the office and you didn't even had the time to brace yourself as Tony Stark threw the door open.

"Thomas Ian Gregory, you are fired this very second," he exclaimed dramatically, and you would think he was just being a drama queen, except he sounded deadly serious, using your boss' full name which he must have read out on the door, and his eyes were throwing daggers at the man sitting behind the desk as if he was the fucking king of the world.