The First Avenger [1]

S.H.I.E.L.D

Captain America: The First Avenger - Chapter Fourteen: "S.H.I.E.L.D"

2010

Diana found herself in the company of Tony Stark, a man of sharp wit and even sharper intellect. As she assisted him with a project of considerable danger, she couldn't help but be taken aback by his irreverent humour.

"You came on time, I don't think Pepper could've handled it again," Tony quipped, a smirk dancing across his lips. Diana rolled her eyes, knowing all too well that Tony wouldn't pass up the chance to crack a joke, no matter the situation.

Before Diana could inquire further about Pepper, the glass door to Tony's 'playroom' swung open, revealing a tall, strawberry blonde woman entering with a stack of papers in hand.

"Oh," the woman uttered awkwardly, her confidence faltering as she caught sight of Diana. "Are you busy, Mr. Stark? I can come back later," she offered, her gaze darting between Diana and Tony with a hint of suspicion.

Diana, ever the diplomat, straightened up and offered the woman a charming smile. "Nonsense!" Tony dismissed with a wave of his hand, wiping grease from his forehead. "I think it's about time my two favorite girls meet," he declared with a smirk.

"Hello, I'm Diana," she greeted warmly, extending a hand towards the woman. "Who are you?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued as she studied the newcomer. Despite her years of experience, Diana's people skills hadn't improved much over the last seven decades, especially after the loss of Steve Rogers. She had few friends during that time, and she remained guarded around new acquaintances.

Pepper shifted uncomfortably, her demeanour tense as she noted Diana's exotic accent. "I'm Pepper Potts, Mr. Stark's executive assistant. I handle his errands and assist him with both personal and work-related matters," she explained with a kind smile, though there was a flicker of worry in her eyes, as if she feared Diana might be another one of Tony's conquests, requiring her to 'take out the trash' once again.

Diana let out a small chuckle of recognition. "Well, where I'm from, that's called slavery." She joked lightly, her gaze shifting suspiciously to Tony.

Tony, caught off guard by Diana's remark, sputtered and coughed, nearly choking on his water as he struggled to regain his composure.

Pepper's blank expression softened into a bright smile at Diana's comment. "Well, I like her." She quipped, shooting Tony a knowing glance as he continued to cough and wheeze.

Tony, his face turning a shade of crimson, was momentarily speechless. Only Diana and Pepper had the ability to make him feel embarrassed, and here they were, both in the same room.

Diana had a way of making Tony nervous, her disregard for his fame and wealth serving as a constant reminder of the man he was beneath the armour. Pepper, on the other hand, was something entirely different. Tony had developed an interest in her, and it was clear to Diana the moment Pepper had walked in. She felt a surge of pride knowing that Tony might finally have found someone to settle down with.

"You know, you seem really familiar." Pepper remarked with a laugh, turning her attention back to Diana with a warm smile.

Diana began to respond, but before she could utter a word, Tony interjected with uncharacteristic enthusiasm.

"Wonder Woman!" Tony blurted out, his confidence in Pepper's ability to keep Diana's identity a secret evident. "She's Wonder Woman! Yep, she can fly, and throw a mean right hook—I'll tell ya!"