Tony fucking Stark
A sandwich later Steve and I started walking over to the Stark Tower. The fucking Stark Tower!
“You’re kidding. Tony Stark?! I’m not ready for that. Let’s just turn back and I’ll just-“ But before I could finish my lame excuse Steve linked his arm in mine and picked up the pace.
“Yes, Stark. And he is a great mechanic. I’m sure you’ll like him and he’ll like you. Let’s go.”
Steve walked into the place like he owned it. He smiled at the girl who came up to us and asked where Tony was. His garage, apparently. Steve greeted the girl by name, who wasn’t wearing a name tag and pulled me into an elevator.
I stared at Steve, “You really do live here, hmm?” I laughed.
“What-, oh. No, I’ve just been here a million times. Tony’s an old friend.”
The elevator announced our arrival to the garage which immediately made my palms very sweaty. I quickly wiped them on my pants before straightening up and walking in as confidently as possible. Fake it till you make it, right?
“Good afternoon, mister Stark. I’m Bucky Barnes. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I smiled. Managing to stop my hand from nearly vibrating when I stuck it out for him to shake.
“Bucky. Nice to meet you too, and please, it’s just Tony. Mister Stark was my father. Have a seat.” He spoke to me with a friendly smile, pointing at an empty chair in front of a metal desk.
“Tony.” Steve greeted with a smile before hugging him.
“Heya, Steve. Nice seeing you.” Tony mumbled against the large man. He actually had to get on his tippy toes to not get buried in the hug.
Both men took a seat and the interview started.
“So, mechanics, hmm? Have any experience?”
“I used to work with cars a lot in my teens.” I rubbed my neck then, because that was all, really... “I can’t say I’ve had more work experience except for fixing the occasional failing machinery at home or my own car.”
“What interests you about mechanics, then?” Tony asked, his fingers playing with a small screwdriver.
I shrugged, “I’ve always been interested in mechanics. When I was a child I used to work on cars with my father and he took me to one of those expos with all kinds of mechanics and cool stuff. It was like being in the future. I like the idea of bettering things. I also just like working with my hands.”
“Sounds like you’ve got potential, kid. So, when can you start?” Tony smiled.
Did he just ask that? Honestly?
“You- You’re not kidding?”
“Why would I? I could use someone like you.”
A smile broke out on my face, “Thank you so much. And I can work whenever you need me.”
“Well, how about Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday? You can try those days for a month. If you want to change anything or if the work turns out not to be for you, you call me about it.”
“That sounds great. Where do I sign?” I smiled.
This was too good to be true.
Tony grabbed a stack of papers and handed it over to me, “Read this first. Thoroughly. You can mail it to me within a week and you’ll be hired. Sound good?”
“Yes. Great even. Thanks again, Tony.” I said as I enthusiastically shook his hand. Maybe a bit too enthusiastically, judging from the grins on Steve and Tony’s faces.
~
“Oh my god.” I exclaimed, a grin from ear to ear, “Thank you so much for that!”
“Why? It was all you in there.” Steve smiled, “But I do believe a celebratory drink is in order. You up for that?”
“Hell yeah I am.” I smirked.
“Language.” Steve whispered.
I laughed at that. He was such a dork. “Sorry.” I whispered back as I bumped his shoulder with mine.
~
A drink soon into a couple of drinks and in no time the evening turned into night. Steve insisted on walking me to my door, ever the gentleman. Given I lived close to the bar, I let him.
“Well, Steve,” I smiled, “thank you for today. You are a great friend.” I said as I went in for a hug. Alcohol always made me a little more... physical?
Steve reciprocated and mumbled something in my hair about it being alright.
We said our goodbyes and parted ways. I closed the door to my apartment, sighed and smiled. This was great. I had a job! A legal one, with Tony fucking Stark as my boss! Wow.
I flicked on the light in my hallway, which flickered a few times before lighting the hallway completely. I walked into my living room, which was small, ugly and only contained an old couch and a little table. I put the contract on the table and walked into my bedroom which was filled only by a matrass on the floor.
Time to sleep.