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𝑮 𝑳 𝑰 𝑻 𝑪 𝑯
❝  𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚢  ❞

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ㅤ𝐏𝐀𝐔𝐋 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐃 in La Push, spent his whole life in a small reservation, surrounded by people who all knew each other. Though he had been to Seattle, which is the closest city, he can admit that it can't compare to the splendor of New York City. He couldn't help but give Maria an excited grin before looking out the window of the Starks' private jet, looking down at the so-called Big Apple.

"This is..." He trailed off. For the first time in his life, he was speechless. He was sitting in a beige, leather captain's chair, inside a private jet, on the way to New York City with his girlfriend, who's the heir to a fortune that can buy the entirety of Forks. He still can't believe he was actually experiencing this.

Maria gave an amused chuckle. "Better get used to it, Paul." The girl was used to all the glamour, and watching how her boyfriend was in awe made her realize just how lucky she was to have grown up privileged. She tucked a strand of ash brown hair behind her ear as she grinned at him.

Paul scoffed in amusement, facing her. "Don't think I ever could. Just a small town boy...livin' in a lonely world."

"Oh my God," Maria facepalmed, turning away from him, feeling second-hand embarrassment.

"He took the midnight," he paused, "plane goin' anywhere."

"Paul, no."

"Paul, yes."

Maria fondly rolled her eyes, softly kicking his shin. The plane's seats allowed them to sit directly across each other, while still having ample space, so it was easy for her to do so.

"Abuse!"

"You're annoying," she snorted, before the two looked up at the sound of the pilot announcing their upcoming descent to Teterboro Airport. "You ready?"

"To land, yes. To meet your family, absolutely not," Paul shamelessly admitted, fastening his seatbelt. "It took a while to get your dad to even let me in your house." He shook his head as Maria burst into laughter. "If what you say about Pepper and Happy is true, I just might be able to win the former over. Latter? Not so much."

"Hey, Happy's a softy," she rolled her eyes, still grinning while also fastening her seatbelt. "Hard exterior, but an absolute sweetheart on the inside. He's like a teddy bear...but don't tell him I told you that." She warned, pointing a finger at her boyfriend, before relaxing into her seat as she felt the plane getting ready to land. "Here we go."

Maria couldn't help but giggle excitedly as Happy approached the two. The second she and Paul stepped out of the plane, they were escorted to somewhere more private, where they were greeted by the sight of the Starks' head of security.

"Happy!" Maria squealed, rushing towards the larger man, before jumping into his open arms. Paul stood awkwardly behind her, watching as she interacted with Happy Hogan.

"Mia," Happy grinned, hugging her tightly. "I missed you, little Stark."

"Missed you too," Maria gave him an adorable pout, one she'd been giving him for as long as she could remember. Happy may be a tough man, but point him at a pouting Maria and he'd immediately soften up. "Didn't feel right without you following me 24/7."

Happy rolled his eyes, releasing her from his hug. He then gave her a few head pats, a habit he's had ever since she was a kid. "Yeah, yeah. So, how's your Aunt Vic?"

"She's good," she winked, nudging him with her elbow. "You miss her, don't you?" She teased. She then laughed when he swatted her away. "Oh, and um, this is my boyfriend, Paul."

Paul could've sworn the older man suddenly had aneurysm when he spotted him, especially when he noticed Happy's face slowly turning red.

"Ah," Happy squinted his eyes at him in suspicion, jaw clenched, with a vein protruding from his forehead. "I've heard...things about you from Mr Stark, and all I can say is--"

"Happy," Maria whined, pouting again.

Happy huffed. "Fine, now come on, your dad's waiting for us at the tower."

In the car, Maria was sat next to Happy who was driving, while Paul was forced to sit at the back. The shapeshifter didn't know whether to be intimidated or amused every time he made eye-contact with Happy through the rearview mirror.

The New York City traffic was just as bad as everyone says, taking them a while to get to their destination. But once they got closer to a newly built, state of the art building, Maria's excitement was through the roof. Looking out the black-out window, she tilted her head upward, grinning at the sight of 'STARK' adorning the top of the tower.

"You like it?" Happy grinned, watching her reaction every few seconds while keeping his attention on the road. "Not yet complete, but your dad wants it to get it finished as soon as possible, you know how impatient that man is."

"Can't believe dad actually put his name on it though," she gave a belly laugh, "Thought he was kidding when he said that."

"It's Tony," he shrugged, "he rarely ever kids."

"True," she agreed, before turning around to face Paul, whose face was filled with awe. "You ready?"

"Nope," he deadpanned, earning a chuckle from Happy for once.

With Happy at their side, they didn't have to go through security like most would have to, and had immediate access to the elevators. Other than Happy and Pepper, none of the Stark Industries employees actually knew of Maria's existence; she'd usually enter and exit any Stark-owned property incognito, usually accompanied by Happy himself.

The second Maria stepped into the elevator, a voice rang out, "Welcome home, Miss Stark."

Paul jumped at the voice, before blushing at the clear amusement on both Happy and Maria, scratching the back of his neck to feign nonchalance. The elevator began to ascend.

"Hey Jay," Maria greeted. "Where's dad?"

"Up in the penthouse with Miss Potts," the AI promptly replied. "Shall I inform them of your arrival?"

"Yes please," she grinned. "Oh yeah, meet my boyfriend, Paul Lahote."

JARVIS was quick to greet the shapeshifter, who couldn't help but lean down towards his girlfriend.

"Who you talking to?" He whispered, fixing his backpack that he was carrying, one where he's keeping a couple of days worth of clothes.

"JARVIS," Maria whispered back. "Dad created him a long time ago, he's an AI. He basically controls everything. Surprisingly, even if he's not a real person, he's got a pretty good personality. He keeps me company whenever I'm left alone."

Paul hummed in appreciation, realizing just how intelligent Tony Stark actually is. When he'd first heard of the Iron Man, he never bothered to really look into who was in the suit. He knew of his name, knew of his riches, and came to the conclusion that he must've been like every other rich, white man: arrogant, egotistic, only cared about himself. But getting to know him through his daughter that he kept a secret really changed his whole perspective. That maybe Tony Stark is more than just his money and family name.

The Quileute straightened his posture, trying to avoid Happy's piercing stare, as he felt the elevator slow down. Seconds later, the elevator dinged, and the doors slowly opened to an open area. It had mostly wood tones, from the coffee table to wall panels. Other than the woods that accented the surroundings, everything else was modern; floor to ceiling glass windows, concrete all around, industrial looking lights, and the dark undertones of the furniture. Everything screamed expensive, and Paul felt completely out of place.

Sitting on the brown leather couch was Tony, and a strawberry blonde, who immediately grinned at his girlfriend. The two, he noted, were wearing casual clothes that somehow still looked designer.

"Mia, honey!" Pepper exclaimed, walking up to them as they stepped out of the elevator. "Oh, I missed you. And this must be Paul." Her smile was welcoming, and Paul felt himself relax for the first time since arriving. "I can only assume what Happy put you through."

Paul chuckled. "It was okay, Miss Potts."

Pepper shook her head. "Nonsense, call me Pepper. Now come in you two, and welcome to Stark Tower."

Happy bid them goodbye, nodding his head towards Tony before turning and getting into the elevator.

"Hey kiddo," Tony greeted, standing up from where he sat as the pair walked closer. He pulled his daughter into a hug. Much to Paul's surprise, he was greeted by the billionaire with a pat to his back. "Hey Paul."

"Mr Stark," he greeted.

Tony contemplated for a second before shrugging. "Call me Tony."

Maria gave him a grin after hearing her father's words before speaking, "So, 'Stark Tower,' huh?" She sat next to her father who sat back down, and gestured to Paul to do the same

"You like it?" Tony smirked.

"It's fancy, it's new, it's expensive," Maria teased. "Now, your name's plastered in the sky."

"Our name," he corrected, giving her a wink. "Like you requested, I've brought some of your clothes from back in Malibu so you didn't have to bring any clothes from Forks. Don't worry, Pepper picked them out, I know you don't trust my fashion sense." Maria laughed, and nodded in agreement. "Anyway, I've set up both your rooms, JARVIS?"

"Miss Stark, Mr Lahote," JARVIS called. "Please follow me."

Maria and Paul did as the AI told, but before they can walk away, Tony spoke again, "You two, no funny business. I trust you both enough to have your rooms right next to each other, but I swear to God, if I hear a single--"

"La la la la la," Maria covered her ears, tuning out Tony's words and Pepper's laughter as she dragged a confused Paul away from the scene.

"You're quiet," Maria noted, pushing the door to Paul's assigned room open. Inside, next to the door, was a king-sized bed with light gray sheets, the mattress sitting on top of a dark, oak bed frame. On either side of the bed were matching nightstands, each with a black lamp. The floor to ceiling windows across the bed showcased the view of Manhattan at night, still bright and full of life. On one side of the room were two separate doors, with a dresser in between.

Cautiously stepping into the room, Paul surveyed his surroundings before admitting, "I feel so out of place."

Biting her lip, Maria followed him inside, closing the door behind her. She hesitated, leaning against the door, before speaking, "I'm sorry."

Those two words made the shapeshifter frown. "What? Why?"

"I mean," Maria shrugged before sighing. "I...get why you feel out of place. I just...I know it's because of me."

"Hey," Paul protested, dropping his backpack to the floor before walking closer to her and holding her hand. He pulled the two of them to the bed, before sitting down, with Maria following suit. "It's not your fault I feel a little insecure, okay? You didn't decide to be born to a rich family, just as I didn't ask to..." He trailed off, swallowing a little as he felt shame enter his thoughts.

Maria looked at him in concern, holding his warm hand with both hands. "Paul?"

"I never told you this because...fuck, I'm ashamed of who have to call my dad." He turned away from her as he confessed, but he didn't dare to let go of her hands, and instead squeezed them a little for reassurance. He couldn't help but smile a little when he realized that he can hold both her tiny hands in one hand.

"What do you mean?"

He sighed. "Like I said, you didn't decide to be born into a rich family, and I sure as hell didn't ask to born into an unstable one. Mom divorced dad, and dad dragged me to La Push. He, uh, raised me alone from when I was eight. When I say 'raised'...well, it was barely that. He left me alone most nights, and I had to take care of myself from a young age. He was an alcoholic, and h-he..."

"You don't have to continue if you're uncomfortable," Maria frowned in concern, deciding to lean her head against his shoulder and placing the hand she was holding onto her lap, pulling him closer to her.

Paul smiled slightly, looking back at her, before placing his head on top of hers. "What I can say is that he wasn't the best dad, and that led me to acting out and, well, you know the rest. I just feel so ashamed, 'cause like what most people say, you are way out of my league. You're this awesome, smart, rich girl who can have the world at the palm of her hands and yet you're with me. I know we've had this conversation before, and you're probably getting annoyed by it. But it's hard not to think about it."

Maria clenched her jaw a little before whispering, "Paul, did he...hurt you?" She flinched when she felt him nod. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault."

"It's not that...it's just that I know that you're only doubting yourself because of me. I dragged you here, and now it feels like it's all this showing off that's making you feel this way--"

"You're not showing off, I know this is normal for you, and you shouldn't feel guilty for that."

"Then...then you shouldn't be guilty for thinking you're not enough," Maria scolded, pulling away, opting to look at him in the eye. "I don't care about money, I don't care about material things, I've got enough of that for the both of us." Her comment made him chuckle. "Hey, I'm serious. I know that our relationship started because of the imprint, and I can't deny that if not for that, we probably won't even be together. But we were put together for a reason," she said with certainty. "For what? Maybe we'll never really know completely. But you were made for me just as I was made for you. You get that?"

Paul grinned down at her, spirits lifted. "Yeah."

"So, stop being such a sour puss," she whispered to him with a wink, placing her chin on his shoulder, eyes looking into his. "Let's just enjoy our time here. Away from vampire, shapeshifter drama. Just us, without worrying about anything. You cool with that?"

With her face so close to his, Paul's heart started beating rapidly in his chest. He looked down at her eyes, but his eyes couldn't help but trail down to her plump lips. He began leaning closer, smirking a little when she did the same, lifting her head up and closer towards his. Their lips were inching closer and closer, and Paul could feel her breath ghosting over his lips.

Their lips were so close to touching, when JARVIS' voice rang out.

"Mr Stark would like to announce that dinner has been served, and for Mr Lahote to please remove his hands from Miss Stark," JARVIS announced.

The two immediately jumped apart, with Paul immediately scratching the back of his neck as he tried to force down the heat climbing up his neck and up to the tip of his ears. Maria, on the other hand, was already bright red and let out a few coughs while trying to get her breathing back in control.

"I'll just..." Maria gestured to the door.

"Y-yeah," Paul stuttered. "I'll uh, meet you outside."

"Right."

"Right," he coughed, watching as she exited his room. Once she was out, he sighed to himself, before groaning. "So close."