Chapter 5
His second day living at the Avengers tower started with a wake up call from Jarvis that was hours before expected.
Stiles groaned, clutching at his pillow, wiping the drool from his cheek. "What is it Jarvis? It's seven in the morning."
Jarvis spoke, voice way too jovial for this early in the morning. "Mr. Stark and Ms Potts are on their way up to take you clothes shopping, May I suggest you make yourself presentable? Mr. Stark does have a tendency not to knock."
Stiles blinked himself awake, the feeling of waking up in a room that was not his own or Scott’s, Alien to him.
He rolled himself half off the bed and sleepily rose to his feet and shuffled to the bathroom to wash his face and brush his teeth and do all of the other morning things that required attention, before Tony and Pepper arrived.
When they finally made it, Stiles was dressed and looking a little bit less like a zombie.
Tony stormed in like, well, he did own the place. "Rise and shine kid, we're going shopping!"
Pepper on the other hand was a goddess among men and handed him a super sweet hazelnut mocha late along with a cherry Danish with a bright smile. He wasn’t even going to ask how they knew his Starbucks order by heart, he was too thankful and sure that Tony had done his Stalker thing again to get the information.
He was quickly whisked into the back of one of Tony's many sports cars as he sipped his coffee and tried his best not to get Danish crumbs on the back of the car that was probably worth over half a million dollars or more.
Pepper and Tony argued over where to stop for clothes, Tony scoffing. "We are not dressing him in Armani Suits; He needs something that makes a statement without screaming douche bag."
Stiles choked on his coffee, an image of Jackson, flashing into his mind.
Pepper smirked. "You've worn plenty of Armani in your time Tony. What does that say about you?"
Tony snorted. "Please, I can be a grade A douche bag when I want to be but even I don't wear Armani anymore. Way too mainstream. Besides, Stiles needs to make a statement. I'm thinking something that will mix with his style a bit more. He does have a bit of a hipster vibe going on with that plaid. He just needs help to make it look less homeless teenager."
Stiles tried to argue but Pepper nodded in agreement, which shut him up. "He would do well in some vintage looking suits. Casual hipster with skinny jeans and his graphics t-shirts would look good too; he just needs to learn to accessorize. Don't worry Stiles; I'll help you with that."
Stiles sighed; Pepper was like a nicer version of Lydia. He never wanted to see them together, ever. "I have to admit my wardrobe was even worse before Lydia stepped in and retrofitted it. I just managed to sneak some of my own stuff back into it."
Pepper nodded. "We want to improve your wardrobe, not erase who you are. Don’t worry you will have VETO power."
Suddenly Tony perked up. "I got it. We’ll start with Ascot Chang and then go pick up a few European cuts as well for variety, He has the body to pull off slim European cuts."
Pepper hummed thoughtfully. "He would look really good in Ascot Chang, but Tony, how much are you planning on pouring on his wardrobe? Their suits run a few grand each."
Stiles once again choked on his drink, rasping a breath, trying to object but Tony waved him off. “I’m loaded remember? The important part is making sure Stiles has the proper armor and camouflage to give him an edge. Good suits will do that."
The billionaire eyed Stiles in the back seat. "Also, on casual Friday, feel free to incorporate some avengers graphic tee's into your wardrobe. I really want to record some of those guys’s reaction when you walk in wearing an Iron man or Captain America t-shirt."
Stiles huffed and kept himself quiet by eating the last piece of his Danish and licking the cherry filling from his sticky fingers, closing his eyes with a pleased hum. God he loved cherry Danishes.
The car jerked and Stiles eyes opened to look around, expecting to see an angry pedestrian or a loose puppy but all he noticed was the back of Tony's neck and ears tinged a bright red and Pepper looking overly amused.
Shopping with Tony and Pepper was quite the experience and very different from shopping with Lydia. They took the time to ask him his opinion and if they didn’t agree with something they would explain why they disagreed and if he stood his ground they would offer a secondary option.
Like when Stiles had eyed a plaid suit he really liked and Both Pepper and Tony had both been strongly against it but then Pepper had pointed out a plaid suit with a much less garish pattern, which would bring out the brown in Stiles eyes.
They left the first shop with one suit which Stiles could change into later when he started training and another god knows how many shirts, pants and jackets on order, which were going to be tailored for him. Stiles did not want to know how much it was going to cost. He had seen one price tag so far that had made him want to faint.
They had picked a pile of ties, socks, cufflinks, handkerchiefs, which Pepper and Tony had both vowed they would teach him to accessorize. They would be delivered to his apartment later today, the perks of being rich, he figured, was not having to get laden down with bags.
Their next stop was a shoe store where Stiles was made to try on Italian loafers and a pile of other shoes over and over again until his eyes were crossing from the options. By the end of it he really wasn’t sure what was chosen and how many. He was just glad that they were out of the store and he didn’t have to inhale the fumes from all the new shoes.
He was dragged into two more clothing stores where he felt like hundreds of skinny jeans, vests, sweaters, sunglasses, underwear and hats were shoved at him.
Tony was adamant that sunglasses made the man. Pepper convinced him to pick up a few pairs of glasses as well for when he didn’t wear contacts. Saying that they would look adorable on him and had them get his prescription transferred over.
He was thankful they took his opinion to heart but shopping was exhausting and he was glad when they announced their final stop was to get his hair and nails done.
He balked at the manicure but tony shrugged and admitted that he got some done with Pepper on occasion and it was actually relaxing.
James, His hairdresser cooed over how adorable he was, and was obviously used to Tony and Pepper as he didn’t fawn over them like the people at the shops had.
He also may have practically fallen asleep as his hair was washed and massaged, hairdressers had magical hands.
The manicure wasn’t as horrific as he thought either, His hands still looked like his own, only a bit cleaner and softer.
The Salon let him get changed in the bathroom, giving him a quiet moment to himself, which is when the panic set in.
He was going to be in charge of Superheroes, picking the missions that they go on and making sure they aren't taken advantage of.
Him, the little weak human, Stiles Stilinski, who could barely get a pack of werewolves to listen to him.
He wanted this, wanted to try, but that little voice in the back of his head kept telling him there was no way he could pull something like this off.
He shook his thoughts away and decided he would try it on a trial basis, not willing to pass up this opportunity.
Decided he finally unzipped the garment bag and eyed the suit before gently putting it on, making sure everything was put on properly.
When he came out, James wolf whistled and Pepper and Tony smirked, obviously pleased with themselves.
He was quickly guided to a full length mirror and was floored by what he saw. Stiles expected to look back and see someone who looked like he was wearing his dad’s suit like he always did in when he wore one or to see a complete stranger.
The person he saw in the mirror was still him, only somehow more. He looked like a proper adult in a dark blue European cut suit and vest, accentuating his small waist and long legs. His shirt was such a light baby blue it was almost white with a gold tie and handkerchief in his pocket with slightly red accents, paired with jet black Italian loafers.
He stared silently for a moment, words escaping him until a hand landed on his shoulder, tony smiling. "You look good, kid. Just remember, a man can do anything with the proper armor. A good suit is just a different form of Armor."
Stiles grinned. "Thanks Tony, I honestly thought I was going to look like a monkey in a suit, probably why I dragged my feet a bit, but I like it."
Tony shrugged it off and they left, James waving goodbye to them with a smile.
Once in the car, Stiles nervously broached the subject. “Can I take this job on as a trial basis? I want to make sure that I’m a good fit and that I can do justice by you guys."
They both looked at him seriously before Tony spoke. "Of course, Stiles. You're in no way forced into this position. If you think you can't do it or we think the same, we'll find something else for you to do but honestly I think you are the perfect person for the job."
Pepper smiled and nodded. "We have a meeting with Phil Coulson once we get back to the tower."
Stiles hesitated for a moment. "I've been hearing a lot about this guy. Can you somehow not tell him who I am or that I'm going to be taking your position. I kind of want to get a feel for the guy before dropping that bomb on him. People treat you differently when you're no one."
Tony smirked and Pepper nodded in agreement.
The rest of the drive was spent with the three of them talking smack about each other’s music tastes as they tried to pick what should play on the radio before Tony shot them all down with a smirk saying his car, his rules.
They parted ways in the elevator, Tony going up to his suite, while Stiles and Pepper headed to their meeting.
The man who greeted Pepper with a hug surprised Stiles. He was completely unassuming and looked completely weak.
If Stiles hadn’t dealt with so many dangerous people he would have missed that look in his eye or the way that he held himself at the ready.
Coulson eyed him as they walked into Stile's office, which was being used by Pepper for now, and Pepper waived off the question. "This is Stiles, he has full clearance to be here, and he’s doing a project for Tony."
Coulson looked like he wanted to say something but then nodded his agreement and got to business handing Pepper the folder for the next mission.
She eyed the information and then passed it over to Stiles who read through the file as Coulson started to explain the mission. "We have an Inhuman who just came into his powers that we need the Avengers to extract."
Stiles finished reading the dossier and cut off Coulson before he could speak anymore, his mind fully made up on where this mission could go. "You want to send the avengers to a completely low risk city to pick up an inhuman whose powers although dangerous are not world threatening, when you could just send in shield agents to do this job, quite easily? People whose job is supposed to be tracking Inhuman?"
Coulson raised a brow; the corner is his mouth twitching. "And who exactly are you to decide what exactly is worth the avengers time?"
Something inside Stiles swelled up, the protective part of him laying claim to the team and making his decision for him. "Stiles Stinski, Avengers Liaison and you are clearly trying to take advantage of my team with this mission. No offence Phil Coulson but Send your own guys out on this one, my guys are not going out on this when another much more important mission could come up while they out there wasting their time."
Phil stared back at him for a moment, face devoid of emotion before his lips spread into a wide smile. “You were right Pepper, He's got good instincts, I look forward to seeing what he does."
Stiles blinked for a moment before gaping. "You guys set me up?"
Pepper laughed. "Tony only told Phil that he had picked a new Liaison but wouldn’t give him anymore than that so last time he visited he suggested testing you by trying to slide a really easy mission and see how you reacted. You did good Stiles."
Stiles huffed. "Anyone can tell this mission is way too simple for them."
Phil eyed Pepper, amused and Pepper chuckled. "Actually Stiles, That's a mission that I cleared for the avengers a while back. Tony was livid when he came back. I made a lot of mistakes when I started and let a lot of missions slip through. I'll teach you via the mistakes I made."
Stiles paused for a moment in surprise. If Pepper made mistakes then he could too. Maybe he was a good choice for this job.
Phil cleared his throat and passed them another Dossier with a smile. "This one is the actual mission I wanted to discuss with you."
Pepper and Stiles both read through the dossier together, Pepper pointing things to watch out for when it came to missions and what the avengers did and did not do. In the end they both decided that this mission definitely needed their teams special skills to deal with it and approved the operation.
Once that was decided Pepper grinned and walked him over to the desk and showing him a fingerprint scanner and motioned for him to go ahead. "I really don't know why Tony had this installed when we can just get Jarvis to do it but he is a child at heart."
Stiles pressed his finger to the scanner and it blinked green before the soft whoosh of hydraulics preceded the appearance of a big blue button on his desk, which stiles could not stop himself from pressing and grinning at Pepper. "Avengers assemble, I guess!"
Pepper laughed, shaking her head but in no time the team was walking into Stiles office and sitting down in obviously preferred seats, Tony the last to sit down, carding his fingers together and eyeing Stiles with a half smirk, obviously having listened in somehow to his defending them.
Pepper motioned that he had the floor and Stiles squared his shoulders, imagining that this was just his pack and the next baddy they had to face. "Alright guys, your mission, should you choose to accept it."
Tony snorted, amused and Stiles chuckled. "Sorry, I just had to, but seriously, I accepted the mission, you guys make the final decision, but I think you'll want to get in on this one."
Pepper spoke up then. "Jarvis, bring the map onscreen please."
The middle of the table lit up like a Christmas tree, a 3D model of a satellite map of the area affected. And Stiles remained still for a moment in awe before speaking. “There is a group of Inhumans that have created a gang called the Inhuman coalition, Yeah I know, horrible name. They have taken out every S.H.I.E.L.D team that has been sent after them, Coulson’s best barely got out of there alive. They have currently taken over a small town called Reverends Hope, killed every man in the town and holding the women and children hostage, using the women for menial work, like slaves. They have a group of fifteen as of right now, they started out with eight and are steadily growing so it's important to deal with the issue now before they grow even more. Jarvis can you bring up profiles for me if I provide names?"
Jarvis piped in helpfully. "Certainly, Sir. I can bring up any information on both police, medical, military and Inhuman database."
Stiles nodded and started naming all of the known members, powers, known weaknesses, backgrounds.
Steve was the first to speak up once Stiles was done giving the details, suggesting they come in covert, Tony arguing that they should just fly in.
The conversation descended into arguing between the whole team, while stiles stared on in disbelief before finally speaking. "What about getting an Inhuman to infiltrate, that way they could help take out communications and make sure there is a safe entry point?"
The team plus Coulson stared back at Stiles in surprise before Coulson grudgingly replied. "You're suggesting a joint operation with S.H.I.E.L.D and the Avengers. It could work. We could send in Skye, sorry I mean Daisy. I'm still not used to the name change."
Steve nodded in agreement. "She could make sure civilians are safe before we come storming in."
Tony nodded in agreement, beaming at Stiles as he rose from his seat to come over and clap Stiles on the back. "Told you I didn't make a mistake. Good instincts kid."
Stiles frowned. "Anyone would have come up with that idea; it’s not that big of a deal."
Tony rolled his eyes. "Don't sell yourself short kid. We would have squabbled for hours before we came to a consensus and most of us would never in a million years have suggested a joint operation with S.H.I.E.L.D, we tend to want to deal with it ourselves, with our own people. Pepper will agree with me here."
Pepper nodded her agreement and Tony continued. "The thing is you not only came up with a plan that works and diminishes the risk to civilians, you dealt with your team before anyone came to blows or we ended up with a big green problem. Trust me, It happens more often than you would think."
Natasha huffed. “We’re a ragtag team and we've come a long way but we still argue more than kindergarteners."
Pepper agreed. "Being Liaison is sometimes more about being a babysitter to superheroes and soothing bruised egos."
Tony ruffled in affront and Pepper patted his head and Stiles couldn’t help laughing.
Coulson came over offering his hand once again to Stiles. “I will get Sky in there as fast as possible and will keep you updated. We will have you registered as a consultant for S.H.I.E.L.D so you can be in the communications room when the Avengers go in. Somehow i feel like you aren't going to want to just send them off and wait."
Stiles frowned. "Why would I want to send my team out and not know what's going on? Not that I don't trust you to be good at what you do but I don't trust you to have my teams interest at heart. I want to be involved. Does Pepper not get involved?"
Pepper shrugged. "I'm usually so busy that I can't always be involved. I usually just trust that they won't kill each other in disagreement during an op and that Coulson can deal with it."
Tony raised his hand as if he was in school. "I for one would prefer having Stiles in the room, looking out for us. He may need a bit of training before he's as good in tactics as Coulson but I trust his instincts and give him time he will come up with better plans than any of those S.H.I.E.L.D heads."
The rest of the team nodded their agreements, Natasha and Clint reluctantly so and Phil sighed. "I really don't understand why you don't trust me yet. Natasha and Clint do. We did plenty of work together before the Avengers left the initiative and became a standalone group. "
Tony glared mutinously. "That's because their brainwashed operatives who do what they are told. The rest of us know how shifty S.H.I.E.L.D is and how you like to hide truths to get us to comply. We dislike lies Coulson."
Coulson was good at hiding his reactions but his right eye twitched at the word comply before he gave in. "Alright, Stiles can get training on coms and running ops, he's at a good age to learn."
Barton piped in with a smile. "Natasha and I will add that to our things to teach him. We're going to give him some self defense lessons as well."
Coulson's lips twitched into a smile. "Once their done if you ever get tired of the Avengers, let me know, maybe we can make an agent out of you."
Tony glared, his arm going around Stiles shoulders, pulling him close. "I saw him first Coulson, he saved my life, ergo he's mine. Keep your grubby hands off."
Stiles had to fight off the please smile and flush that wanted to creep up his neck at the words and Tony's antics. It felt nice to be appreciated for once, even for barely doing anything.
With the pack Stiles had to work for hours and barely ever got any form of appreciation other than a grunt of acknowledgement when he gave them the information they needed on the newest baddy.
He came back from his dark thoughts to Tony staring at him, waiting for a response.
Stiles smiled sheepishly. "Uh, sorry Coulson. As much as working for S.H.I.E.L.D would be amazing, I tend to be pretty loyal when I claim someone as my own. Saving Tony's life kind of clinched that one and the rest of the team saving my hometown has already started the bonding process. Nothing I can do now."
Tony squeezed him a bit tighter before letting him go with a pat of his shoulder and Stiles grinned.
Tony clapped his hands. "Now if this meeting is over, Coulson can go get everything in order to get his agent inside and we, the avengers, are going to take our new friend here out to our favorite hole in the wall join for Shawarma! Have you had Shawarma before Stiles? You'll love it, my treat all around!"
The rest of the team grinned, whatever strain from the argument, suddenly gone as they all rose to their feet and made their way to the elevator and out of the tower.
Stiles spent the night laughing more than he had in a long time and knew that coming here was the best decision he had ever made and he couldn’t wait to prove to his team that they didn’t make a mistake in choosing him.