the director's cut for helena!!!
okay so let’s talk about helena hartley. her complex relationship to tony is one of my favorite things. since her breakup from tony, she’s always had the fact that she’s dated her boss known to the public. when it came time for her to find her own place in the world, she noticed how difficult it was to shake the idea that she slept her way to the top. granted she’s managed to land a great job now, she still deals with ignorant comments from coworkers about her relationship to tony.
and honestly, for a time, she would doubt herself and think that she really did just earn her positions within stark industries simply due to her relationship to tony. it took time, but she didn’t let the words of jealous coworkers get to her. she knew she was a genius and deserved the opportunities that were given to her.
and now, since she’s working alongside tony in the creation of the jericho missile, it’s like it brings back old thoughts where she questions her skills. but tony isn’t like the other men she’s had to work with. he doesn’t put her down out of jealousy. she’ll point out his mistakes, and he’ll do the same with her, and it never comes from a negative place but simply wanting the other to improve. he’s one of the view people who truly believes and supports her and it’s great, but also difficult for her when she’s still hurt over the failure of their relationship.