Chapter Text
Tony Stark knocked on Ginny’s car window and waved at her.
Ginny mentally cursed. Of all the times for her car to break down it had to be right here in the parking lot just as her boss passed by.
She lowered the window, trying to blink nonchalantly at him. “Did you need something Mr. Stark?”
“You look like you’re in need of assistance, Miss Potts” Mr. Stark said, leaning down with a knowing glint in his eyes.
Damn. She truly was a bad liar if she couldn’t even look nonchalant at her boss.
“My car broke down,” she admitted. “It’s probably just the engine.”
“Or the battery. Pop the hood. I’ll take a look.” Mr. Stark patted her hood for good measure.
Ginny shook her head quickly, protestations evident on her face before she could even open her mouth. Just the thought of her boss fixing her car was enough to make her anxious because it just wasn’t done.
“No!” she quickly said and then added, “You’ll dirty your suit. Besides, I’ll just call AAA.”
“Pepper,” he said, using that awful nickname he had for her, the one he said she’d get used to but still hadn’t. “I’m better than the AAA.” God, he was cocky. “I’m actually here and I promise I can fix this and keep my suit clean.”
“But it’s really not necessary.”
Mr. Stark glanced from Ginny to the casserole sitting on her passenger seat. “You went through the trouble to ask me for a longer lunch break today. If you don’t want to be late to whatever lunch it is you’re going to, it’s necessary.”
He was right, of course. The AAA would take a while. And Mr. Stark knew his cars inside and out.
“Okay. Thank you,” Ginny relented. The only reason she did was because Mr. Stark looked like he was one second away from reaching in through her window and pushing the button that opened the hood of her car.
She pushed the button herself and the hood lifted. Mr. Stark took off his work jacket and handed it to her just as she got out of the front seat. Then he loosened his tie and took that off as well. It ended up in Ginny’s hand. After, Mr. Stark pulled his sleeves up and bent over the open hood, making some sounds like he and her car shared some kind of common language.
Ginny glanced around, suddenly very conscious of what people might say if they found the CEO of Stark Industries getting his hands dirty, like your run-of-the-mill mechanic. Thankfully, nobody was around and Ginny let herself focus on her boss.
This was a sight Ginny’s never seen before. Usually when she found Mr. Stark bent over a car or under it, he was covered in grease wearing a t-shirt or a muscle tee and he smelled bad. This time, he was in his suit, some of the gel he put in his hair had worn off and there was a loose strand coming over his eyes. He didn’t smell terrible when he passed her. He was completely engrossed on whatever it was he was looking at, barely even glancing at Ginny. He looked… young, unbothered, and totally in his element. He put his hand on the top of the hood, muscles bulging.
“I was right. It’s the battery,” he said, snapping Ginny back to attention.
She felt her cheeks warm. Had she really just spent the last minute drooling over her boss in broad daylight?
Bad Ginny! That’s inappropriate!
“Okay, I’ll get the jumper cables in the trunk. You get your car.” She was more than happy to have a moment away from him and get herself together.
But Mr. Stark shook his head. “Jumpstarting it isn’t gonna work. It’s cracked. We don’t want it to explode.”
“Of course, not. We leave the explosions in the weapons demo.”
Mr. Stark sent her a small smile. He was amused.
Nice to know he found her situation amusing, Ginny thought.
Mr. Stark closed the hood and Pepper moved to give him back his jacket and tie when he said, “You know what, I’ll drive you.”
Pepper blinked. “What? That’s not—you’re my boss—you shouldn’t—don’t you have a date with Alice Drew?”
“Right,” he nodded, remembering the woman he was about to meet with. He pulled out his phone and sent a quick text. He pocketed it after a few seconds and simply said, “Not anymore. Let’s go.”
“What?”
Mr. Stark opened the driver’s seat of Ginny’s car and took out her purse. He tossed it to her and she caught it. Barely. “Don’t forget that.”
“Mr. Stark,” Ginny tried to say but she didn’t know what to say at all. She wasn’t planning on arriving at her mom’s place with her boss. Her mom would talk. Not to mention her brother would ask questions. And then there’s the fact that her boss might actually find out about her brother and—
Oh, God.
Ginny watched as Mr. Stark reached for the casserole and then closed the door behind him. He nodded at a direction ahead, saying, “My car’s this way.”
“Mr. Stark, I’ll just take a cab,” Ginny said, hurrying after her casserole. “You don’t have to drive me there.”
“Of course, I have to. This is embarrassing.”
Pepper couldn’t help but agree. “I’m glad you see it that way too because driving your employees to their family’s house isn’t really part of your job description.”
“I meant the fact that I couldn’t fix your car. Do you know how embarrassing that is?” Irked, he gave her car a backwards glance.
Right.
Ginny may have only been on the job for six months but she knew enough about Mr. Stark that he prided himself in being a man of his word. There was nothing that peeved him more than being handed things other than being unable to deliver on his promises. That’s why Stark weapons were so deadly efficient. They did what Mr. Stark promised they would do.
And he promised he could fix her car.
“A cracked car battery is hardly your fault. It’s not like you have spare batteries in your pocket.” Ginny didn’t know why she was trying to make him feel better about himself but the idea of Mr. Stark being upset didn’t sit right with her.
“Exactly. So, let me save face and drive you there. It’s the least I can do.”
They arrived at his car and he opened the car door for her. He had that look on his face that said he wasn’t going to change his mind and she’d only be late for her lunch if she tried.
Ginny sighed. There was really no getting out of this.
For the second time that day, she found herself saying, “Okay. Thank you.” Because what else could she say?
“So, we’re heading to your family’s place, huh?” Mr. Stark said casually as he pulled out of the parking lot.
Ginny nodded and told him the address.
“You know, Rhodes’ mom lives in that neighborhood.”
Ginny was grateful that Mr. Stark wasn’t looking at her. If he did, he would’ve seen her look a little pale because her brother Jimmy had no idea—absolutely no idea—that Mr. Stark was driving her.
But she could fix this. Mr. Stark was just dropping her off. He wasn’t going to go inside the house, was he?
Of course, not!
It was going to be fine.
“You don’t mind if I crash your family party, do you?”
Ginny choked.
Mr. Stark glanced at her. It was a quick one. Just to see if she was fine. Which Ginny was absolutely not.
“You okay?”
“Fine,” Ginny said through grit teeth.
“Great. Cause I’m starving. And your casserole smells delicious.”
Mr. Stark glanced at her again. “You don’t need to worry. Families love me. And I’m sure they’re just dying to hear about how great an assistant you are. And I give you free reign to complain about how awful a boss I am.”
Ginny looked out the window and let her forehead hit it a little too hard.
…
Rhodey heard the front door open.
“Gin?” he called out. “I’m in the kitchen. Ma’s in the garden. She could use your help with the—”
He stopped as soon as Tony walked in, holding a casserole. Ginny was right behind him.
Ginny smiled apologetically. “Jimmy, I’m sorry I’m late. My car broke down and Mr. Stark insisted on driving me. And eating here.” She muttered the last one to herself but Rhodey heard it just fine.
Tony nodded, confirming Ginny’s story but he was staring at Rhodey like he wasn’t quite sure why the man was there. It was like finding underwear in the dish rack; you’re so confused you can’t even find the words to express your confusion. It was a look Rhodey was familiar with; he was wearing the same expression, after all.
Ginny rolled her eyes at the two men and took the casserole from Tony. She placed it on the table with a loud thump.
Rhodey recovered. “Hey, Gin, um, why don’t you go out back? Ma could use your help.” It was a lame excuse to be alone with Tony and Ginny knew it.
Ginny raised a brow at her brother who only gave her the insistent look she’s been on the receiving end of for years. She sighed. “Alright. But he doesn’t know.”
“Doesn’t know what?” Tony asked, glancing between his best friend and his personal assistant.
“Can I tell him?” Rhodey asked Ginny, ignoring Tony.
“Tell me what?”
“Well, it’s completely too late to come up with an explanation as to why we’re both here, isn’t it?” Ginny said, “And lying would be insulting his intelligence and we all know that I’m a horrible liar.”
“I feel left out and I don’t like it,” Tony complained.
“You’ll be fine,” Ginny said to her boss and then left the two friends alone.
Rhodey rounded the kitchen counter and leaned his back against it, crossing his arms. He was trying to think of a way to tell Tony that Ginny was his sister when the genius blurted out, “Are you and Pepper dating?”
Rhodey’s eyes bugged out. “What?”
His skin felt funny, like there were ants crawling all over him. He shuddered.
“It’s fine,” Tony said quickly. “I mean, my best friend and my assistant are dating. I can see why you guys would hide it from me. I’d be insufferable, probably tease you a lot, tell Pepper all of your secrets, your MIT escapades.”
Rhodey was familiar with the feeling of wanting to strangle Tony, but this time it was quite hard not to fight the impulse to do so.
“So, you invited Pepper to your family lunch,” Tony continued, shrugging. “Not a big deal. But to be honest, I would have preferred that you asked me permission to date her.”
There was a wrinkle on Rhodey’s forehead. His fingers twitched.
Tony went on. “I mean, I’m not her father but I am her boss which makes her sort of under my protection from people who would like to—”
“I’m gonna stop you right there,” said Rhodey, rubbing his temple, “because she and I aren’t dating.”
Tony scoffed. “Okay, you don’t have to lie to me. I’m actually relieved that there’s an explanation for why you and Pepper are always so formal with other when you’re both in a room together. It’s like ‘Miss Potts’ this and ‘Mr. Rhodes’ that. You two can drop the honorifics. I insist.”
“She’s not my girlfriend!” Rhodey cried.
Tony was silent for a few seconds. And then, he asked, “Does Pepper know that? Because, uh, I think bringing her to your family home is actually something you do to girlfriends—”
The back of Rhodey’s hand hit Tony on the chest.
“She’s my sister, man!”
Tony’s jaw dropped and he gave Rhodey a disgusted look.
“That’s the grossest excuse anyone’s ever come up with. And also how stupid do you think I am? If you don’t want to make your relationship public, I respect that but—”
Rhodey grasped Tony by the front of his shirt and growled, “Tony, if you don’t shut up and listen to me right now, I’m gonna punch you.”
Surprisingly, Tony pressed his lips together. Then he said, “By all means, continue the incestuous explanation.”
Rhodey groaned and let go of the man. He didn’t usually lose his temper around Tony often but insinuating that he and Ginny were even a couple was just all sorts of wrong.
“I have an adopted sister, remember?”
“Yeah. Who lives in Los Angeles.”
“Not anymore. She moved back after she graduated. Took a job in Stark Industries as an accountant. Then, she got promoted six months ago.”
Tony was quiet, clearly putting two and two together. If he hadn’t just insinuated that Rhodey dated his sister, Rhodey would’ve found the entire situation amusing.
Tony stared at the direction his assistant disappeared. "Wait, she’s Ginny?"
Rhodey nodded.
“Virginia Potts is your sister?” Rhodey could see why he was confused. It’s not like she was Virginia Rhodes.
“She insisted on keeping her dad’s name.”
"And you never thought to tell me that my assistant was your sister?"
"I never had to! She was safely doing accounts until you made her your PA."
"She barged in my office! She was PA material!" Tony could never resist a woman with a spine. “Besides, you had six months to tell me!”
"Gin didn't want anyone to know, especially you. She didn't want people to talk that maybe she got the job because her brother is best friends with Tony stark. And I respected her decision."
"That sounds like her,” Tony said, nodding but he wasn’t pleased about being deceived like this.
"It's actually nice that you know about it now because I can finally do this.” Rhodey punched Tony on the arm. It wasn’t too hard but it might bruise.
Tony rubbed his arm, sending Rhodey a scowl that was half-pained, half-shocked. “What was that for?”
“For flirting with her and making all those lewd comments about her ass and her legs!” Rhodey fumed. He had to endure six months of watching and listening to Tony disrespect his sister. Oh, he had tried to be the gentleman saying ‘Come on, man, she’s your assistant. Show her some respect,’ but it all went in one ear and out the other. “Next time, I’ll kill you.”
Tony opened his mouth and then promptly shut them again as soon as he realized he did have that coming to him. Instead, he shook his head like he can’t quite believe Pepper is Rhodey’s sister.
“God. This is messing me up.”
Messing him up? Rhodey was going to have to wash his ears after Tony made his incestuous insinuations.
“You know, in my defense—”
“There is no defense,” Rhodey interrupted, waving his hand. “You’re an asshole when it comes to women. And I've seen the way you look at Ginny."
"Like she's my assistant?" Tony offered innocently.
Innocent was never a look he wore very well.
"Like she's a cheeseburger,” Rhodey corrected him. “She's not."
"Of course, she's not a cheeseburger! Burgers don’t have legs like—” Tony stopped himself just in time. “She's my assistant. She’s a human being. And apparently also my best friend's sister. I would never reduce her to a cheeseburger. I respect you too much."
Rhodey rolled his eyes at that clear bullshit. "And how many of your human being assistants have I told you not to sleep with and yet you did it anyway?"
Rhodey put up with Tony’s womanizing ways, but he also intervened wherever he could. Not that it ever amounted to much.
Tony looked offended. "Hey, those assistants knew what they were doing. They were consenting parties. The important thing is we had fun. "
Rhodey shook his head. Tony was unbelievable. "Gin tells me everything, you know. I know you flirt with her, but she can handle herself. In fact, she’s been handling you fine for months. But I wouldn’t be the best brother if I didn’t tell you that you have to stop flirting with her."
"It's not flirting. It's banter!"
"Well, whatever it’s called, as her older brother I’m telling you to stop it and let her do her job."
"Alright." It was a testament of how much Rhodey meant to Tony that he even agreed this fast.
"And promise me you won't look at her—"
"That's gonna be hard considering she's my assistant—"
"—like she’s a cheeseburger."
"Done.” Tony promised, grinning. “Can I look at her like she's pizza? No? Okay."
He wouldn’t be Tony if he didn’t tease Rhodey once.
"And you won't speak to her—"
"Also impossible—"
"—like she's just another woman you wanna sleep with—"
“No inappropriate language. Anything else?"
"Promise me you won't think about her that way."
"What way?” Tony asked.
"The Stark way.” And in case he wasn’t being clear, Rhodey added, “The way where you think about a beautiful woman and make it your personal mission to get them to fall in love with you and discard them after you’re done.”
"See, I wasn't thinking about her in the Stark way but now that you told me not to think about the elephant in the room, I can't help but think about the elephant in the room!"
Rhodey glared at him. "Tony, I'm serious. I put up with a lot of your shit. You disrespect me on occasion, that’s fine. You decide to sleep with every consenting thing that moves, that’s fine too. But my sister is off limits."
"Okay!"
“Promise me!”
“I promise.”
"Thank you.”
“But I can still stay for lunch, right? I mean, Mama Rhodes loves me. I’m practically your adopted sibling too.”
It was a testament to how much Rhodey loved Tony that he smiled and nudged him playfully on the shoulder. “Yeah, alright.”