Chapter Text
It was one of my first days in New York. Mid May, warm and sunny as it usually seemed to be here - unlike my home country of Scotland where May normally meant exams and rain and I was appreciating the change in climate and circumstance whilst sitting on a circular bench built around a tree in a small park. It was quiet apart from a few people walking dogs or jogging. I'd been brought here by what can only be called a bizarre twist of fate. I had just finished my exams for my final year of a biochemistry master's degree when I got an email from the one and only Stark Industries asking if I'd be interested in an internship. I never applied for one and told them that but I had been assured by many people within the company that Mr. Stark had a preference for scouting talent and not being prestressed by 'thousands of applications, most of which, weren't worth his time’. Of course I jumped at the opportunity to work for him and his company and before I knew it I had a booked flight and had an interview.
I was watching a squirrel climb a tree when I heard someone sit to my left and in an unmistakable voice say “it's a nice day, isn't it?”
I didn't move, I was more than a little afraid I'd be too starstruck to reply if I did so I kept watching the squirrel climb higher and replied politely“Yes, nothing like I'm used to.” I took a brief pause and worked up some courage before turning to look for the source of the voice. The man that sat there was handsome, he had a well trimmed beard and was wearing a dark grey suit that looked like it cost more than my monthly wage with the tie slightly loosened “I thought our meeting wasn't for another two days. Still keeping tabs on me Mr Stark?” I joked dryly but then worried it was maybe a little too dry - Scottish humour could easily seem rude and Americans didn't get it all the time. My worry quickly melted when Mr Stark laughed.
“I should be offended but you caught me out kid. Actually, I work near here.”
He pointed out of the park and down the street where a collection of buildings could just be seen the large one in the middle had a huge A branded on the front - don't know how I missed that. I blushed a little. I'd fucked it up two minutes into meeting the man who could make or break my career. In the slightly awkward pause I nodded my head and muttered 'of course’ more to myself than him.
“Not that introductions really need to be made but I'm Tony” Mr Stark said and stuck out his left hand which I took in my right
“(Y/N),” I said letting go of his hand. Anxiety started to build in the pit of my stomach and got the better of me “I'm sorry if I seemed rude Mr Stark -”
“Tony” he corrected
“sorry, its just I didn't expect to see you and I wasn't prepared and I just admire you so much and-”
Tony raised a hand to cut me off. “It's okay kid. There's no need for an apology, I've had worse introductions” He said with a smile trying to reassure me. Tony got up to leave and as he stood by the bench he turned to face me again
“Don't bother coming in for the interview (Y/N)” he paused and my heart sank a little.
“I like you, your work and grades speak for themselves. Your undergraduate paper on adaptive immunity in insects was revolutionary; or I'm told it was at least.” That made me grin, I'd worked so hard on that it was a year old now but had recently been published.
“How about something less formal, a coffee tomorrow afternoon. We can talk about what you'd do for the team and you can meet the people you'll be working with?” He asked. I was confused and excited. Somehow my grin managed to grow
“You mean I’ve got it?! Oh my god, Mr Sta- Tony thank you so much” I was standing now practically jumping.
Tony chuckled “Yeah kid, if you want it it's yours. Will we say one tomorrow? I think everyone's free then.” I could only nod making Tony chuckle again.
“See you tomorrow then kid”
Shaking hands again Tony left. I watched him leave to make sure he was really gone before pinching myself a few times to make sure I wasn't dreaming and then squealed loudly with delight. A thousand thoughts went through my head, I could barely believe that had just happened. What was I going to wear? Why were we meeting at the Avengers building and not Stark tower? I'd found it weird when the hotel I’d been booked was upstate but hadn't thought much about it forgetting that this was were the avengers had made their new home. I guess everything would be answered tomorrow. Oh god, it's tomorrow. My heart was pounding. I needed a drink. I started to make my way back to my hotel without thinking about it, tonight was going to be a long one.