A/N: I decided to go ahead and publish this little short story from the upcoming Beyond the Scars fanfic just to give a little insight on the story. The following chapters will be longer :) So I hope you all enjoy this little part, Thanks :)
A soft applause hummed through the audience prompting a few bows of gratitude from the performer before disappearing off stage. Chitter-chatter in the volume of whispers shortly followed except for one in particular who seemed to be rather upset of the newly added performances to the charity event.
"That's it. I have seen enough men in tights for one night…actually for the rest of my life. Who do I send my complaint to?"
Pepper shielded her face by her hand trying desperately to calm the over reacting man. "Tony please, set down." He adjusted his jacket while scanning the floor for someone, anyone who might have heard his rant before taking the advice of his PA and returned to his seat. "Please can we just get through this without any more outbursts?"
Tony sent Pepper a solemn glare; he wasn't the only one who was unenthused about the nearly two hours of half-naked men. The groans from other male audience member provided him with that much knowledge. The women on the other hand where more than taken by the male ballet dancers. "This is your fault you know. All of this…your fault."
"Fine. I'll take the blame for your miserable night." What was the point of arguing? Tony would find a way that it was in fact her fault.
"Of course you will because it's your fault." Tony finished off the small amount of liquid in his glass. Snapping his fingers with his free hand he signaled a waitress while holding his glass up with the other all the while never breaking eye contact.
"Can I help you sir?"
His eyes squeeze shut profoundly hoping that the deep voice that spoke to him belong to a beautiful waitress who just so happened to have a cold with a sever allergy attack. With a deep breath Tony turned towards the voices owner, "You're not wearing tights? Are you?"
Confusion struck the young waiters face, "Um… no sir I'm not."
"Good. I'm glad to see that this isn't becoming a fashion trend." Tony ushered him the glass, "Another. And make this one stronger."
The waiter shot Tony a nasty look. "Of course sir. Let me get you a clean glass." He said before winding his way through the ample amount of rounded tables that spread across the floor.
Tony's elbow hit the table with a thud with his head resting in his hand. He looked over to Pepper; obviously bored. "It's almost over. There's one last performance to go."
"Why are you torturing me? Are you getting a thrill out of seeing me like this? Because it's not becoming."
"Maybe a little." Pepper couldn't help to smile at her child like boss. There is no doubt Tony Stark is a lot of things some of which are not considered virtuous but after having spent the time with him where reporters, paparazzi and the crazed admires are unable to reach, Pepper has learned there is much more to him. More than just his sarcastic ways, more than his charm, and even more than the respected yet horrid reputation he holds.
A glow emitted from the stage as the lights where dimmed causing a hush to fall among the crowd. Standing in the spot light was a short older man with fading salt and pepper hair. Thick glasses framed his face but didn't take away from clever appeal.
"I wanted to take this time to thank you all for coming." The audience responded with a generous applause. "I realize this new… entertainment is something different. But for what it is worth I wanted our guest to not only be treated with the finest food and beverages, but with fine entertainment. Dinner and a show. Or maybe it should be a show and dinner." Chuckles could be heard within the crowd. Tony only rolled his eyes.
"Wouldn't be so bad if I was being entertained with something other than nut-huggers. And where the hell is my drink?" Tony's words received a sharp elbow from Pepper. "What?" he smiled, rubbing the area of impact at his rib cage, "I'm worried about my drink." Pepper shot him a glare. Tony sighed in defeat, crossed his arms and slumped back in his chair.
"As much as I hate to do so, I must introduce the last performer. A dancer that has trained in many styles and only brings grace and perfection to the stage. I give you, all the way from Manhattan… Tyler Richardson."
The curtains pulled opened to reveal a fog cover stage with in ominous blue glow. One by one male dancer appears and portrayed that they were loss. Each on looked into the crowd showing the confusing and fear that held within. As the men continued with their wild movements, a movement stirred in the background; a silhouette of a figure snaking their body up from the fog.
"This looks promising." Now setting on the edge of his seat, Tony was finally interested in a performance.
The figure slowly brought their self center-stage; each movement bringing them closer to the eye of the audience though before the thirst of anticipation was quenched the dancers froze and assumed their first position. Anticipation only intensified as they stood frozen in time.
The first beat of the music sounded and released the dancers from their still stance. The males danced around the silhouette as if in worship. When they parted the hidden figure immerged to reveal a pair of dominating icy green eyes that swept back and forth across those before her. Dark colored eye shadow was painted in a way that would only intensify her glare. Slowly she moved closer to the front of the stage where a mischievous grin could clearly be seen. As her body moved in a rhythmic snake like motion, her black hair fell across her shoulders and down her chest. The male dancers acted as though they might be in fear of the mysterious woman at first keeping their distance and continuing the dance out of her reach. She only smiled at them letting her body roll to the enchanting melody.
As the music rose to a crescendo a male dancer took the lady in red by the hand where they performed a teasing duet. Dancing in sync with one another they played off of each other's motions as though two lovers had been reunited. As he spun her into his chest they paused for a moment before she placed a soft kiss on his check. Instantly he grabbed his chest, dramatically falling to his knees. He looked up to find nothing more than a smirk accompanied by cold glare from her wicked green eyes. As he drew his last breath his body relaxed onto the floor; his final resting place. Inward and outward, forward and back the temptress danced among the others; one by one falling to her fatal kiss.
The decrescendo signaled her reign of terror was drawing to a halt. With the finally beats of the music she wound her body, performing to the audience. She lazily raised her armed and pointed out into the crowd as though she was pointing to her next victim.
The stage went dark. Silence hung in the air. Tyler's heart was pounding so loud she feared it could be heard. The piece was racy, she knew but being her first time performing at a charity event she wasn't sure of the response it would bring. To much? Just right? The call wasn't hers to make, it was in the eyes of those who sat before her. She could only hope her boss knew what he was doing when he picked this piece. All she could do is wait.
Without warning a roar of applause echoed onto the stage. A standing ovation was even given by Tony himself. A warm smile spread across Tyler's crimson lips. Apparently even the sophisticated enjoyed the allure from the temptress. The once fallen men stood and took their gracious bows while Tyler curtsied. As the curtain came together the dancers became hidden.
"Damn. I wouldn't want to meet her out." The older gentleman said as he made his back on stage; the guest responded with a laugh. "I truly hope you all enjoyed the performances and continue to enjoy your night. Thank you." He sent out a wave before exiting the stage.
"Here you go sir. Will there be anything else?" The young waiter forced a smiled as he placed the glass down on the table.
Tony looked to the glass then to him. "No, can't afford to wait on anything else. Thankfully my life wasn't hanging in the balance."
The waiter nodded, still with a forced smile and returned to the other guests.
"Well Mrs. Potts I believe I'm going to mingle for a bit. Don't wait up." The glass was turned up then resumed its place on the table… empty. Tony stood, adjusting his tie.
Pepper was not able to retort her concern of him leaving; he had already fallen in with the mess of people. She could only shake her head. Tony never tried to hide his dislike for these functions. In fact, if anything he had made it quite clear on a number of occasions, but for the sake of the drinks and beautiful women he let Pepper drag him to along, literally. And tonight was no different. He wasn't interested in mingling around with the guest. No, he had his sights set on someone who he believed could provide him a rather interesting night. Or so he hoped. Then again he was Tony Stark, he would convince her, persuade her, woo her into being his venom for the night.