Fic: The Sisterhood Of The Ruby Stilettos XXVI: My Lady Fair (1/1)
Title: The Sisterhood Of The Ruby Stilettos XXVI: My Lady Fair (1/1)
Author: BradyGirl_12
Pairings/Characters: Natasha/Pepper
Continuity: Marvel Cinematic Universe
Genres: Fluff, Romance, Slice-Of-Life
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Summary: Pepper defends Natasha's honor.
Date Of Completion: May 19, 2021
Date Of Posting: July 15, 2022
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, Marvel and Paramount do, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1557
Author’s Note: The entire series can be found here.
My lady fair,
Don't despair,
Honor is safe.
Sir Eldred Manningforth
"The Shield"
1906 C.E.
Pepper took a sip of her wine. Excellent vintage, matching the food's quality. Corporate lunches were always a pleasure, at least when it came to the food and drink.
Pepper observed her top Stark Industries executives as they laughed and joked while enjoying the lunch. Here at Merrick's the clientele was high-income, and private dining rooms were offered. The service was discreet and impeccable. All together, it was a world that Pepper was comfortable in.
Being the CEO of Stark Industries had its perks. Dining at places like Merrick's was something she had easily grown accustomed to. The job was demanding but so was she. Her executives could attest to that.
Most of them were male, but Pepper had seen to it that qualified women had been promoted to the boardroom. Tony approved, though he left the day-to-day running of the company to Pepper. He was busy with his beloved inventions and his Avengers work. He trusted Pepper.
A young man with a short haircut was finishing off his drink. His blue suit was expensive, his lighter blue tie of the finest silk.
Pepper took a bite of her seared Ahi tuna. Delicious, as always. She nodded toward the young man's plate. "Finished, Dave?"
"Cleaned my plate," he answered cheerfully.
"Good stuff." Pepper ate a roasted baby potato next. "That was good news you presented earlier."
"Always glad to be the bearer of happy news."
"The financials bear it out." Pepper cut a piece of tuna. "I'm going to need to get this delivered at the office tomorrow."
"Count me in."
Pepper laughed. "Noted." None of the other diners had overheard their conversation, busy with their own discussions. "Speaking of tomorrow, how about a meeting at ten? I need to discuss the Blassingame merger with you and Cecily."
"Sure." Dave took out his phone and made a note.
The maitre d' came over and bent down to inquire about dessert.
"Something light, cookies perhaps."
"Certainly, Ms. Potts."
Cecily Mattson was engaging two executives in a conversation about the McKeegan project. Her platinum blonde hair was cut short, parted on the side and curved with flair. Her pink suit was feminine and she wore a single set of pearls. She was smart, ruthless and it was wise not to turn your back on her, but Pepper admired her ambition and business savvy.
Dave Kendall tugged on his tie. "Do you think Blassingame is finally ready?"
"He's been stalling for the past year, but his board is pushing hard." Pepper adjusted her ruby bracelet. She smiled to herself. It had been a gift from Natasha. She was meeting her later for drinks. "He can't put it off anymore."
"My team has it all worked out. We're ready."
"I expect nothing less."
Dave seemed uncertain if that was a compliment or not. "Uh, yes, all set."
The waitstaff was busy clearing away the dishes. The clatter and conversations created a cacophony that nearly hurt Pepper's ears. She drank some water. Conversation drifted through the noise.
"She's pretty low-class."
"I know. Wonder what she did in the dear old Motherland."
"Something unsavory, I'd bet."
"How do the Avengers trust her?" asked a third voice.
Pepper realized with a jolt that people were talking about Natasha.
"She's trash."
"Pretty much."
Pepper felt rage building. She and Natasha had not publicized their relationship, but still...
Dave sent Cecily a text about tomorrow's meeting. As he put away his phone, he asked, "Everything okay, Ms. Potts?"
Ungrateful, snobbish, miserable...
"What?"
"Are you all right?"
Pepper blinked. "Sorry, Dave. What did you say?"
"I asked if you were all right."
"All right?"
"Yes? Are you?"
Pepper shook her head. "I'm not sure."
Dave looked confused. Pepper couldn't blame him. She was not quite sure what was going on, either.
Maybe not so confusing. My woman is being smeared by people who know nothing about her!
"You look upset," said Dave nervously. He probably thought that he was in trouble.
"I am." Pepper took a sip of water. "I'm hearing some nasty things."
"Like what?"
"Disparaging things about the Black Widow."
"The Black Widow?" Dave almost squeaked in surprise. "What about her?"
"There are people right here at this table who are saying things against her."
Dave looked around the table. "Who?"
"I don't know who," Pepper snapped.
Dave's discomfort was obvious. He took a sip of water. "Maybe they're just joking."
"No, they're not."
The waiters arrived with juice and cookies. There were three kinds of cookies: lemon, mint and raspberry. Pepper snatched up a lemon cookie and bit into it.
"Ms. Potts, people do talk."
"Yes, I know." Pepper did not sound happy. She took another bite of cookie. "I don't like it."
"You're the CEO. Make them stop, at least at this table."
Pepper looked at her young executive. "You're right." She took her dessert fork and tapped her water glass. "Attention, please." Conversation ceased as the Stark executives looked to their CEO. "It has come to my attention that some people at this table are commenting on the Black Widow."
Puzzled looks crossed most faces while a few people appeared uncomfortable. Cecily took a sip of orange juice as she watched Pepper with curiosity.
"You are entitled to your opinions, but I would prefer that you refrain from such comments at this table."
Again, puzzled expressions. Pepper shook her head.
"Taking potshots at the Black Widow exhibits a lack of gratitude, don't you think? Have we forgotten the Battle of New York so quickly and what she contributed to keep us from being conquered?"
"What is this all about?" asked Shawna Jackson, her brown eyes inquisitive as she tried to process her boss's unusual behavior. Since when did Pepper Potts care if her subordinates disliked the Black Widow, or any Avenger, for that matter? Except for maybe Tony Stark.
"Just be careful whom you slam." Pepper elevated an eyebrow. "I doubt the Black Widow is the forgiving sort."
Suddenly, people started looking nervous. Pepper felt better and finished off her lemon cookie. Dave had a smirk while Cecily regarded her CEO with a gleam of admiration in her eyes. Shawna shook her head.
Pepper sipped her orange juice with a smile.
& & & & & &
The bar was dark, which was exactly the way Natasha liked it. She nursed a drink in a corner booth as she ate mini pretzels from a bowl. Each table held a small red candle jar. The single candle inside flickered its ruby flame on rapt faces, but Natasha kept hers unlit.
She watched the news on the television set over the bar but quickly grew bored. If the Avengers were needed, she would be notified.
One of the men sitting at the bar requested a channel change and the bartender complied. A basketball game on ESPN caught her attention. She watched casually as she sipped her drink. It had been a long day spent at the S.H.I.E.L.D. training center. Training was so important. She and Clint had to stay sharp. They had no Super-Soldier Serum, no protective armor, nor god-like powers. Staying on the edge was important.
In this dark bar, anonymity was sought. Natasha could understand that desire. Her comfort in the shadows did not trouble her. She did some of her best work in the shadows.
Pepper entered the bar, her previous clothing of the day discarded for more casual wear. She did a cursory survey of the room and spotted Natasha. She smiled and walked over to Natasha's table, sliding into the booth next to her.
"Good evening, my friend," said Natasha.
"Friendship first. Mmm, when you worked undercover at the company, we made a great team."
"The greatest." Natasha signaled for fresh drinks.
"Such high praise."
"You seem quite ebullient tonight."
The bartender ambled over with the drinks. Both were to enjoy vodka, strong and sharp, even though Pepper's taste ran more to white wine. Still, a belt of vodka every now and then could not hurt.
Pepper took a sip. "It's delicious. A delightful burn."
"Fiery liquor for a fiery woman."
Pepper chuckled. "My executives would say so. We had a business lunch at Merrick's."
"Ah, yes. How did it go?"
"Splendidly."
"Good." Natasha took a swig of her vodka. "Have some pretzels."
"Wow, high-class eats."
Natasha grinned. "They do serve some killer wings."
"Mild or hot?"
"Whatever your preference, my dear."
"Well, considering the booze, I'll go with mild." Pepper pushed aside her bangs. "I'd sweat if the wings were too hot."
"You sweat so beautifully." Natasha's teeth gleamed.
Pepper batted her eyes and curled a lock of hair around her index finger. "You talk so beautifully, sweetheart."
Natasha laughed. "I can sweet talk to you all night."
"I like the sound of that." Pepper took a careful sip of vodka.
"Have a pretzel." Natasha pushed the bowl toward her companion.
"Oh, pretzels are good, but can I get a steak instead of wings?"
"Not here."
"Then let's go."
Natasha threw back her head as she drained the vodka glass. "Where to?"
"I know a good steakhouse on 41st Street."
"Okay, Peppery Potato Salad."
"Aww, you remember."
Natasha smirked. She urged Pepper to slide out of the booth and left money on the table for the drinks, including a generous tip.
Pepper was pleased. Defending Natasha had been exciting.
Tonight? Even more exciting!
They left the bar in anticipation of a wonderful evening.
This entry has been cross-posted from Dreamwidth. Comment on either entry as you wish. :)
This story can also be read on AO3.