| New Friendships |
| Summary: | Zatanna comes to Stark Industries in search of Tony but finds Pepper instead. Not a wasted trip as the pair speak briefly, gaining an understanding of the other. |
| Date: | 2014-11-08 |
| Related: | None |
| NPCs: | JARVIS |
| Scene Runner: | Mutual |
| Social/Plot: | Social |
| Players: |
 .. .. |
-==[ Lobby - Stark Enterprises — Long Island ]==-----
This room is yet another testament to the incredible wealth of its owner. Tasteful classical music softly plays from speakers that are mounted in each corner of the room. Security cameras monitor every inch of the lobby and no one who enters it escapes their eyes. The floor is tiled with linoleum, but arranged like a clay mosaic. Fine, classic paintings are framed on the walls, each with a small nameplate on the bottom part of the frame identifying its title and author. There are also several black-and-white pictures of Tony Stark and his father, Howard making business deals that were paramount for Stark International's success. One of the largest pictures is one detailing Tony Stark's purchase of Stane International, giving birth to Stark Enterprises. There are only a few doors, sealed to the public, but the most noteable exit is the twin steel elevator doors. Next to the doors is a long wooden desk where a paid secretary speaks through a headset and taps away at a computer keyboard. Neighboring the desk are several fine leather couches and chairs, separated from each other by bookshelves with stacks of magazines. This room is very long and the secretary's desk must be at least twenty yards away from the glass doors marking the entrance.
*
There really is no such thing as a 'weekend'. Not here. Not in Stark Industries. Weekend employees are not considered 'second string', nor are they considered 'second string'. For corporate morale as well as to get work done, even Pepper works Saturdays. And Sundays. And all week.
Said Personal Assistant to Mr. Stark can be seen wandering the corridors of the Tower, and currently, she is in conversation with one of the security personnel, her gaze attentive upon the man, catching each bit of information. "That's fine. What I do need is to be sure we get the video back from them when they're done with it."
*
Outside the building a shimmering portal appears, oval in form, silver blue in color. A number of people cautiously step out of the way - and a good thing too - as a stocking clad leg steps from within the magical door way. Zatanna emerges behind that leg and the portal closes. She smiles to those around her, "Don't mind me. Just a bit of magical cheating.. have a good day!" Not wearing her iconic 'tux' from her stage shows, Zatanna has opted for more business attire today. A deep crimson skirt suit well tailored though likely a bit too much leg showing off to be truly 'business' as it were.
Stepping into the lobby, the dark haired woman makes her way toward the receptionist's desk. She waits her turn then offers, "Zatanna Zatara to see Mr. Stark please?"
*
The receptionist at the desk looks up politely, intones, "Welcome to Stark Industries, how may I help you?" in one professional breath. The question asked, then, gains a touch of a frown as she checks the schedules, and she's shaking her head slowly. "Let me call his assistant, Ms Potts. Perhaps she can assist you?"
A button is pushed, and halfway across the Lobby floor, a cellphone rings. Pepper answers it, turning towards the receptionist's desk and is on her way even before ending the call. Stopping in front of the large, main desk, Pepper looks every inch the professional, right down to her hair in a pulled back pile, off her face. "May I help you?"
*
Zatanna Zatara waits. It's Tony's company. The 'way things are done' are up to him. And Pepper it seems. As the redhead arrives, she offers a smile. "Hello Pepper. You look lovely today. Is Tony around by chance? I had hoped to catch him for a few minutes if I might."
*
Pepper offers a genuine smile and inclines her head. "Looking radiant as ever. I'm sorry. Late night, early morning." Turning in a gesture to walk with her, she shakes her head, "He's not in. According to his schedule, he should be on his way to Albany. But," and here, the asssistant chuckles, "obviously, he's not." Pulling herself to a stop, she turns to face the woman again, "Can I help?"
*
Zatanna Zatara smiles, "He has you burning the candle at both ends, as usual, hmm?" She sighs empathetically and moves to walk with the redhead. "I'm not surprised. By that or by the fact he's jet setting off to someplace more fun than his scheduled destination. He wouldn't be a playboy billionaire if he didn't, right?" A light laugh. "It isn't anything terribly important but it is… Business. And, actually.. I had hoped Tony would be busy so that I could catch you, yourself, Pepper." Of the Circle type. There is no secret from the Redhead that Tony was brought into the Inner Circle - she's not that naive or foolish. And Zatanna was not so disrespectful as to try and hide it from the woman that truly runs Tony's life since he is too busy having fun to do it himself. She faces the redhead and smiles, "Do you have a little time? I don't want to intrude however." She's trying to be polite herself.
*
Pepper has stopped just before the bank of elevator doors, and after the request, she nods and gestures towards one of the side passages on the bottom floor. "If it's not an 'official' visit, we can use the lounge. There should still be fresh danishes and the coffee shouldn't be too old in the urn."
At the suggestion of her overworking, burning that candle, Pepper merely shrugs, but it's not dismissive in the gesture. It is simply a fact of life. "If I had three ends, that one would be burning too. But I don't mind. I know this company, I know Tony. I know how his father liked things run, and I know how Tony likes it run. And I know how it -should- be run." That ever present smile brightens to a grin, and her voice lowers to something a bit more confidential, "Sometimes it's easier when he's -not- here." But that is said ever so fondly. Affectionately. Never, in a million years, would she ever want to be without her employer.
Standing beside the door now, Pepper will enter after Zatanna does and closes the door behind them. It's a pleasant lounge. Comfortable chairs, tables dotted about the room, and a small, full kitchenette. As promised, danishes, bagels, coffee, tea…
*
Zatanna Zatara smiles, nibbling her lower lip as if torn by the invitation and what she knows she should do instead. "Mmnn.. Danishes. My achilles. I'll have to work out another three hours today.. Okay. Thank you Pepper. Your time is valuable. To Tony. And to myself. I don't take it lightly." She steps in and looks around. "Very comfortable." She zeroes in on the danishes and coffee as she offers, "Is this considered a secure location? Would you discuss the private strategies here confidently?" Or could conversations be over heard from the hallway perhaps.
*
Pepper strolls towards the tea, and taking a mug, dips her teabag in before getting the hot water from the urn. Green eyes sparkle in advance to her response, and she calls seemingly into the air, "JARVIS, lock down Room 104 please. Hold all calls."
From the room itself, a close-clipped English-accented voice responds, "Yes, ma'am. One-oh-four is quiet."
She looks pleased as she turns towards Zatanna, the smile matching glittering eyes. "Yes."
*
Zatanna Zatara smiles and looks impressed. "I need something like this for myself." She laughs and then sets the danish and coffee. "But.. with your permission, I'd like to provide a bit of additional privacy for us?" She waggles her fingers to suggest a magical focus to her intent.
*
"Everyone needs their own JARVIS. He is invaluable," Pepper quips. She toys with her teabag, bouncing it in the hot water to get it to steep faster. The question posed, however, gains something of a shift; a little discomfort.
"I would rather you not?" Pepper offers a soft chuckle, "It is quite secure, I promise." The secretary likes knowing she's got control. When it comes to magic, there's the unknown, right there.
*
Zatanna Zatara doesn't argue. But it does bother her that there is a lack of trust. If only a brief flicker of such in her eyes. "Of course." She leaves her danish and coffee untouched. "I won't take up much of your time, Ms. Potts. But given your position with Tony. And his with me. I want to express my desire to see that we work together without ill will. You have Tony's best interest at heart. I imagine it has to be frustrating to know he is a part of an organization with meetings so private you are not allowed to partake or learn of the dealins within. Given you are otherwise privy to every last detail of the Stark Empire."
*
Pepper is astute enough to sense that shift, and with a final dunk of her teabag, she squeezes it and sets it into the trash compactor in the small kitchenette. Once done, she glides across the small distance to sit down on one of the stuffed couches, a silent encouragement to do the same.
"Tony and I do spend a great deal of time together, and I dare say I know more of his life at times than he does as well. But, he is quite good at keeping secrets," she assures. Though, honestly, sometimes he does fumble. Particularly if it makes him look good. How many times has he crowed about something, only to deflate seconds later, saying, 'You don't know about that,' and her response being a bright, 'Know about what?'.
"I would like that. I do have his best interests at heart," Pepper says quietly. The thought of the man brings something of a softness to her expression, easily missed as it is is usually quite fleeting. "There have been too many people in his life all searching for something they could gain from him."
*
Zatanna Zatara holds out for just a moment. Perhaps uncertain she desires to stay that long. She then takes her snack and drink, moving to sit a comfortable space from Pepper. "Those of us with power and influence are always targets to be influenced by others. It has always been that way. The Circle was formed as a means to thwart that after a fashion. The gathering of those with influence or power. Bringing them together to preserve it. To ensure that others cannot work at counter purposes to ours. Tony's role is valuable to me. Tony is dear to me." She looks to Pepper. "Just as he is to you." She sips at her coffee.
*
"Of course there would be an organization such as that. Most on the outside would call it 'Illuminati'. Very much like the small group of men and women in business, education and politics that meet in Brussels to discuss the world and how to chart a course for it. Each year, they get together, and each year, there's a hue and cry as to the secrecy. We never learn of what they discuss, nor do we learn about its implementation. But it does exist." Pepper does her homework. Sometimes, yes, by burning that candle.
*
Pepper studies the lovely woman before her, beside her, and she exhales in a sigh. Of course Tony is. A million co-eds fall asleep at night, dreaming they'll be the world's most eligible bachelor's blushing bride- Mrs. Tony Stark. They don't have a shot. Truth be told, near no one does, and she can hazard a guess that Zatanna doesn't seek that position either. But, from the way it sounded? The two women share a common fondness. Affection. At about the same level.
"'Counter purposes to ours'. That means that everyone in the club charts a course for their collective benefit?"
*
Zatanna Zatara smiles. "The Illuminati do exist. As you know. And you have had your own dealins with the Circle at the Hellfire Club." She knows about Hellstrom. "You've seen first hand what a few aspects of the Circle are after." She shrugs. "But I am the Black Queen. And Tony serves my court within the Circle." She looks into Peppers eyes. "You and I. And for a time, Diana of Themyscira. We are the women that Tony holds in his heart." She gestures, palm touching the sofa; A soft invitation for Pepper to come and sit beside her, perhaps. Certainly no demand. "And yes. Counter to 'ours'. Mine. Yours. Our desires for Tony. His desires for us." She sets her coffee down. "There are many ways for a rope to unravel. To fray and lose its bonded strength. I would not see that happen between you and Tony. Or he and I. But for that to be so. You and I must find a bond that works for us. There really is no other way or the three of us will find our actions undermining each other. I see in your eyes that you are unwilling for that to happen. As I am."
*
"My dealings with the Circle were actually nowhere in reference to the Circle. It was purely of a personal nature." There are some times when a woman simply wants to be treated like a woman? To feel cherished. Desired, and not for what she can do -for- the person, but simply because. And the dalliance is done. "There really was nothing more."
If the answer is what she's looking for, Pepper doesn't say. She does close the distance, slightly. A warming, friendly gesture. There is still something, however. That knowledge. With Tony, there will always be a 'share'. Perhaps that is why she'd strayed so easily? "Tony will do what he will do. I don't seek to control him. Just channel him. My relationship with you is mine and yours alone. Yours and Tony's. Mine and Tony's." Which currently stands at employee/employer, sadly. Much to her own heart's chagrin.
The tea cup is lifted to her lips, and she takes a sip, now that it's cool enough to do so. "We both have his best interests in mind and in heart."
*
Zatanna Zatara listens and nods lightly. A soft 'mm' at it all. "Daimon's dealings are.. complex." And she leaves it at that. She knows so much more than she'll let on. But in these sorts of things how is that out of the ordinary?
She smiles as Pepper moves closer. And she halves the distance again. It isn't a power struggle after all. Both women rule their respective domains. Understanding. Accord, hopefully.
"You love him don't you? Tony?" The sorceress smiles softly. "I see it in your eyes. And He does too. He's not so blind against that."
*
Pepper had learned a few things about Daimon, to be sure. The 'biggie', however, remains unknown to her. Magic. Mysticism. And a need for matters of the heart. That is what she knows of the man. In the end, however, she always chooses Stark Enterprises. Tony.
A chuckle exits the woman again, this one a touch self-conscious. "So terribly obvious, I find. Mostly to others." She looks at Zatanna and shakes her head ruefully. "I don't think he truly realizes. Either that, or he simply doesn't care. It doesn't affect our working relationship in the least. He does what he does, and either I support it by continuing to cover for him while he does it, or I tell him no. Sometimes, it's one or the other, and sometimes it's at the same time." Tony has his Pepper, whether her affection is requited or not.
*
Zatanna Zatara reaches over to gently brush at Pepper's hair, smoothing it back in a gesture of empathy. "He loves you Pepper. I do know that. Whether he knows how to express it.." She shrugs. "You've known him longer than I have. But I see it in his eyes. It's there." A smile offered as her hand pulls away. "I have no desire or intention to steal his heart from you. I want you to know that."
*
Pepper doesn't shy at the touch, nor does she flinch. It's a kind gesture, one of sister-solidarity with a touch of understanding tossed into the mix. She does appreciate it, she does. And she's in danger of losing that reserve that she so works to keep in place.
"If he loved me, Zatanna, then there could be nothing to steal. I don't see you or anyone as competition for his affection. You know Tony. I know Tony. Yes, I've known him longer, but he's just not that complex. What you see is truly what you get." Mostly. She's seen other sides of him, of course. Laughing, crying… afraid. And she's been at his side for all of that.
There's a moment when Pepper takes her breath, the air filling her lungs in that attempt to stave off any chance of causing her mascara to even threaten to run. "If he does," If, "I think I'm about on par with one of his new cars." Here, she curls her lips up to be sure the words are taken as they are meant. A joke. Something to bring her back up to that more comfortable place.
"You are a remarkable woman, Zatanna. I would like to be able to call you 'friend'." On her terms. Not Tony's.. not on his behalf, but her own.
*
Zatanna Zatara lowers her hand, seeking Pepper's. "You don't believe any of that. I'm convinced that you don't." She smiles. "And if you do. Tony and I are going to have a true heart to heart talk" her tone going playfully threatening toward the man. She seeks to draw Pepper closer. To touch hip to hip if allowed. She smiles. "Thank you. Those are some of the best compliments anyone has given me. Ever." Looking into those green eyes she offers, "I am.. a lot of things. Some good. Some bad." She shrugs. "I'm a sorceress. And I saw your unease over that. One day I will hope to earn your trust. I'm not a good girl. Definately not a good girl. The rumors about me. My shows.. you're as intelligent as you are beautiful. You can read between the lines sufficiently. The Hellfire Club. Put simply? Isn't a place for anyone unwilling to be hard. To avoid the tough choices. I'm not popular. But I do what is in my best interest and that of those in my court. I protect them. And that now includes you, if you'll let me."
*
"Oh, please don't. Tony really is a private man, regardless of what most think. The last thing I want is someone to lecture him on the proper way to express his affection for his personal assistant." Pepper's tones are light, but in her mind, that'd be the way to torpedo any chance with him.
Magic. It come back to that again, and her head dips to look down as she organizes her thoughts. The offer of protection is a grand one, a flattering one. But how to explain her own feelings on magic? That which one cannot touch, but feel. Something over which she has absolutely no control, when all her life, she is the master of her own destiny?
"I'm afraid I have control issues," Pepper begins slowly. Carefully. She doesn't want to offend Zatanna now, in the fledgling stages of a friendship. "I know you understand that. It's how I can be so successful. Why I can keep Stark Industries running when Tony is out. How I can keep him focused on task." Here, she pauses and a chuckle exits the woman as she adds, "Sometimes."
Pepper pauses once again, and her smile grows a touch more, meeting those green eyes of hers, "Isn't that what friends do?"
*
Zatanna Zatara gently but insistently seeks to draw Pepper closer. "A successful corporate woman with control issues. I never would have guessed." She smiles. "We all need to be able to let our hair down. Even our guard. And I know you aren't easy about the idea of magic. But we need to work past it eventually, Pepper. Or we're never going to be at ease with each other as women. Friends, business partners or otherwise. I cannot change what I am. I would not change what you are. Our linages make us who we are now." She looks at Pepper, "If… you are interested and willing.. We could explore the sources of your desire for control. I'm a hypnotist after all. Sometime, someplace where you feel safe. If it would help you, you only need ask."
*
Pepper has her boundaries. How often has she had girlfriends, of the friend type? How many actual friends does she have, outside a precious few? Does she have anyone she can call if she, say, just wanted to go out for sushi one evening as a whim? Closer has a level of discomfort, but it's not off-putting. Simply, she's unused to the contact.
"I know. And I understand that it is a part of you, just as it's part of Daimon. To separate one from the other would be stupid and to ignore that which makes you you." See, she does actually understand, and accepts it. It's the -application- thereof that she is unused to.
The offer for a hypnotism session brings a smile back up and she shakes her head. "I understand that is good for insomnia too. Hypnotism. And smoking. But, I will keep your offer in mind." She never fully closes doors to most things. Most.
*
Zatanna Zatara smiles. "No friendship happens in a matter of minutes, Pepper." She reaches up to trail her fingers along the redhead's temple. "But I want to be your friend. I want to spend time with you. Not just as business women. But as two girls going out for some fun together." She nods, "Hypnotism can help with sleep. And a lot of things. When you're ready." She lowers her hand. "Do you have questions for me? I'm not here to dictate this all to you. I'm here to listen too."
*
Her tea is forgotten for a few minutes, and in that time, it's gotten cold. Pepper watches Zatanna, studies her before she shakes her head, a rueful chuckle sounding. "That would be lovely. A couple of hours off. I'll have to check the schedule." She's not being difficult, more poking fun to her own harried schedule. Even if she did have a friend of two to call, her work simply doesn't allow for it, for the most part. And, truth be told, what would she do with the time? What could she possibly talk about? Not the local sports team, though she's in talks with the Yankees about having Tony throw the first ball as part of the publicity for a new product due to hit the markets in Q1, FY 2015. Updated bionic joints.
"I can't think of a thing, honestly. I did ask my main question, and I did receive answer." Here, Pepper makes to rise and offers a light hand to Zatanna. "I should get back to work. But I promise, we will go out and talk more?"
*
Zatanna Zatara takes the hand. She stands in front of Pepper and smiles. She draws the woman close. Bidden or otherwise. And she then leans in to kiss Pepper's forehead. "You already make me worry and fuss over you." And she offers a hug at that. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help you manage your free time over work time. I think you'll like them when we get a chance to put them into practice." She smiles. "I'm going to hold you to that promise, Pepper. I know your boss. I can arrange for a leave of absence if you force me to.." her eyes sparkle.
*
Pepper doesn't shy from the kiss on her forehead, nor from the friendly hug. "My idea of 'free time' from work is curling up with a glass of wine and looking over the bids from Proposal Requests." A soft laugh sounds, "I could go nuts and order sushi with it, but only if I wanted to be daring."
Now, however, Pepper tilts her head slightly up, "JARVIS, release Room One-oh-four, please."
"One-oh-four released, ma'am. I have been instructed to inform you the electricians have finished their work in the robotics lab, maintance has finished their cleanup in the biochemical lab, the geologists are requesting-"
"Okay, JARVIS," Pepper cuts the AI off quickly, and adds an apologetic smile to Zatanna, coupled with a 'what can I do' light shrug.
"Oh no. No more leaves of absence. Ever. You don't want to know what my desk looked like last time." And how many apologies given to her employer.
*
Zatanna Zatara smiles and squeezes Pepper's hand. "Then it's an effective threat." She winks and steps back. She holds her hand up and snaps. A business card appears in her fingers. Taking it, she deftly folds the small rectangular card in a number of intricate and difficult ways - anyone who has tried to fold paper repeatedly at that size knows just how tricky it is to make perfect creases. Then she lifts the folded up card - a small origami butterfly - and whispers softly to it before opening her hands as if to let a real butterfly take flight.
The paper card begins to ripple and move, flitting like the real thing. Riding the air, flitting erratically, it makes its way over to Pepper, seeking her hand as the magicienne smiles.
*
"I've made a promise," Pepper reminds. The spinning and folding of the card has the personal assistant's full attention, and as it flitters towards her, she hold her hand out with a soft 'oooh' breathed.
"I'll walk you out." Unless, of course, she'd rather portal away?
*
The butterfly settles in Pepper's hand, wings flitting. The card then unfolds itself into that hand, returning to business card form and function with no creases in the card stock whatsoever.
Zatanna smiles and nods, "I'd like that. And thank you. It was good to get to talk with you Pepper."