Circuit Breaker
Georgia was melding, her face covered by a mask. When she finally lifted her mask and checked the clock, it was already ten after five.
"Shit!" she cursed quietly, throwing down the mask and the blowtorch. She wiped her hands on her shorts hastily as she exited her lab. She glanced into Bruce's own workspace as she raced past. He even started getting ready before her.
Georgia tapped her feet impatiently as the elevator rose to the Penthouse level.
She spotted Tony out of the corner of her eye. "Say anything to me and I will get as drunk as possible and light up the whole building tonight." she threatened, in a bad temper. She wouldn't even look at him.
Tony only chuckled, and she disappeared inside her room.
Forty-five minutes until she was to be picked up for this... thing. That's enough time... right?
She had already showered the night before, so that was taken care of. All she needed to do was her hair and make-up. She washed her face of all traces of cosmetics, so she could start with a clean slate.
She followed all of Pepper's tips, utilizing all the cosmetics that had been lent to her. Her eyes were lined in black with a dusting of silver on her lids. Though it was clumsy work, and Georgia got frustrated several times... it looked presentable when she finished.
She stripped down stark naked, prancing to her closet to get her dress. She would do her hair once it was on, in order not to mess it up when slipping a dress over it.
When she was nearing her closet, a knock sounded at the door.
"Georgia?" it was Tony's smug voice that called through the wood.
"I'm naked." she snapped back, diving into her closet and pulling out her dress and a pair of panties.
Tony didn't say anything for a moment. "So?" he finally asked slyly. Georgia snorted as she took the plastic off her dress, slipping it over her head.
"What do you want?" she demanded, adjusting the garment. She really didn't feel like seeing the man right now, when she'd have to spend a whole night at his benefit with him.
"Just letting you know that we're leaving, Bruce, Pepper, and I." he said. "Please... try not to be too late. That's my job."
"I'll try my best." Georgia snapped, walking back into the bathroom with the rest of Pepper's bag in tow.
She was originally going to curl her hair, but decided that she didn't have enough time. She glanced at the clock. 5:41. She pulled out her straightener, turning it on.
She was too impatient to wait for it to heat up naturally, so she sent a current into the device from her hand, readying it in seconds.
Georgia straightened her hair as fast as she could and as best as she could. She pushed her side-swept bangs out of her face when she was finished, placing the earrings, necklace, and bracelet onto her body.
A sudden thought dawned on Georgia. She didn't have any heels that weren't work shoes. Racing to the door to see if she could catch Pepper, she almost tripped over something at her feet.
A pair of gorgeous, silver shoes. And the pepper shaker from the kitchen. She had to grin as she picked up the shoes, sitting on her bed and placing them on her feet.
They were higher than she was used to, but supposed she had no other options, so she dealt with it. Glancing at herself in the mirror, she was satisfied. Her sleek hair fell to the middle of her back, and her deep brown eyes really popped with the new make up, thanks to Pepper.
Not having a handbag to bring, she just left her cell phone a home and stuck her key card between the fabric that was held taunt over her ribs. As she prepared to exit her room, she glanced a the digital clock. 6:02. Right on time.
She descended to the main floor, feeling out of place in her current state of dress. She spotted a limo and a driver with her last name on a card. It was a rather... huge limousine.
"I'm Georgia." she said, approaching him. The driver smiled, opening the door for her. She slid in onto the expensive leather seats, the door closing behind her.
There was some classical music playing in the background. Georgia quickly found the stereo, changing the station to a mix station, playing all types of music.
'I Get Knocked Down' by Chumbawamba was playing, and Georgia grinned at the music. She poured herself a glass of champagne, relaxing in the luxurious vehicle. The drive was altogether too short, however, and Georgia soon found herself looking out into a sea of reporters gathered beside a... red carpet.
Georgia rolled her eyes at Tony's extravagant ways, but felt butterflies build up in her stomach. She spoke to herself in German quietly as she readied herself to emerge, to get ready to have an accent. She swallowed her fear and anxiety, stepping out of the limo with a smirk on her face.
Instantly, the cameras started flashing and her name was being called out. Georgia kept a smile frozen on her face as she walked down the carpet, turning to smile and wave at a few camera. She was surprised over the buzz that started because of her arrival, she didn't think anybody would know who she was.
"Ms. McGuiness! Ms. McGuiness, please! Just a few questions!" one reporter called from behind the barriers. She turned and saw a young woman, seeming to be fresh out of college. She conceded, guessing that she should probably do a few interviews and at least try to pretend she wanted to be there.
"Sure." she said, a German accent fitted into her voice.
"I'm Ferrell Bower, reporting for Island Star News." she informed her. "Tell me, how long have you and Tony Stark known each other?"
"Oh, Tony and I have been friends for ages." she lied easily, a smile gracing her lips. "He only just asked me to come in and work with him a few days ago, however. After all this business with what I hear are aliens?"
Ferrell nodded. "Of course. You're an engineer helping him create new forms of clean energy, I hear." she commented. "And sources also suggest that you are now living with Mr. Stark. Are you two involved in any way?"
Georgia laughed lightly. "Oh, no. I am living with him, yes. But it is only because he worries for me. A young German girl coming back to America and living in New York all by herself? Especially with this... invasion I've heard so much about on your news, I hardly doubt I would be able to handle myself." she explained. She cringed inwardly at the tone of her voice. She sounded stupid. An engineer should never sound stupid. "Tony and I are just colleagues and very good friends, I assure you."
Bower marked a few things in her notepad. "One more question. What do you have to say about speculation that you are Miss. Electric?" she asked seriously, eyeing Georgia's black hair.
On the inside, Georgia cursed Tony with every possible death and misfortune she could think of. On the outside, however, she laughed a tinkering laugh, touching Ferrell on the arm and giving her a thousand watt smile. "That woman who can shoot lightning from her fingertips?" she asked in disbelief. "Though I am honored that I am being mistaken for such a beautiful, talented hero..." she started, almost cringing at the word 'hero'. "I am not her, I promise you that. Thank you for your time."
Ferrell protested as she flounced away, gritting her teeth and trying to shake off the feeling of being one of those ditzy, under-educated women who only wanted their fifteen minutes of fame. She needed to work on her stage personality.
Georgia spotted Tony speaking to a reporter of his own, and she marched up to him, giving him a smile as she touched him on the shoulder. In reality, she wanted to kick him in the throat.
"Ah, here to steal me away, good lady?" he teased her. She suppressed the urge to punch him across the face, and cocked her head with another smile.
"Right." she agreed, taking his arm. "I hope you don't mind." Her German-accented voice was a bit pouty when she spoke to a reporter. He shook his head, smiling back at her as she dragged Tony away.
"I am going to stab you in the neck with one of my heels." she threatened under her breath, smiling at the cameras and she led Tony to the entrance of the benefit.
"Yes, I'm fine, thank you. How are you tonight?" Tony said sarcastically, stopping and putting an arm around her waist to take a picture with her. Georgia smiled into the camera, but as soon as they walked away her face was furious once more.
"I've already been asked about being Electabuzz, and I've been here for ten minutes." she hissed, though on her face was still a perfect smile.
"You look beautiful, by the way." Tony continued, still ignoring Georgia's protests. "It's weird. I didn't know you were... pretty. Though I must say, I do prefer you in spandex." He gave her a perverted smile.
Georgia slapped him lightly on the arm... when she really wanted to burn him to a crisp. "Thanks, Tony. Glad you appreciate my appearance. Didn't know I needed to impress you. I'm telling Pepper what you said." she whispered as they entered the building, where a good mass of people had already entered. Pepper appeared instantly, eyeing the arm around Georgia's waist.
"Tony's hitting on me." she told her friend sharply, pushing away from the man. Pepper raised an eyebrow at him.
"I said she looked beautiful!" Tony protested in a whiny voice. "And she does, look at her!"
Georgia blushed lightly when Pepper looked over, nodding in agreement. Her anger subsided slightly, but she didn't want Tony to know that.
"I'm getting a drink." she growled, trying to get away. She marched to the bar, dress flowing behind her. As expected, it was an open bar. She planned to cost Tony a fortune in alcohol in revenge for this already irritating night.
"Georgia?" a voice asked behind her as she ordered a dry martini. She turned, a stony look covering her face. However, her expression brightened considerably once she realized that it was Steve.
"Hey, Steve." she said, leaning forward into a friendly hug. She forgot to use her German accent. "Don't we look dapper today?"
Rogers smiled. "Thank you, ma'am. You look very pretty yourself." he said, his voice as awkward as a schoolboy with a crush. Georgia had to laugh at his slight blush.
"First of all, 'ma'am' is no longer permitted." she said taking a sip of the martini that was handed to her. "But thank you. Coming from you, I know you mean it."
He smiled even brighter. "I hear you're working for Stark, now." he said, leaning against the bar next to her. "How's that going for you?"
Georgia pulled a face. "Swell. Though he hasn't blown anything up, yet. I suppose that's all I can ask for." she said.
Steve nodded. "All you can hope and pray for." he agreed.
"So have you thought about taking his offer and coming to live in Stark Industries?" she asked, lowering her voice. The bartender was on the other side of the bar, however.
He shrugged. "I've considered it. It would certainly be convenient." he explained. Georgia nodded absently as she looked around. Soft music was playing and some people had begun to dance. Tony was trying to get Pepper onto the dance floor, and Georgia could tell that she was protesting fervently.
"Well, it was wonderful to meet you, Captain Rogers." she said in her German accent suddenly, laying eyes on a few people who were staring at the two. She had forgotten momentarily about her guise. He gave her a confused look, and she returned it with a pleading one as she walked away.
The night progressed at a slow rate. Georgia was bored, and she tried to stay away from the other Avengers. She spotted Natasha and Clint walking around as a couple, but they were going as Natalie Rushman and Charles Burton. Natasha was wearing a black dress, typical of a S.H.I.E.L.D agent. Georgia had to admit that she was stunning alongside Clint in his tux.
Pepper also complimented Tony in a silver dress. Georgia had to smile at them. They were a cute couple, even if the man in question's purpose in life was to piss Georgia off. Georgia spoke to a few aristocrats, but all they were willing to talk about was Tony, effectively boring the raven haired woman in a matter of seconds.
Thor and Banner were the only two Avengers Georgia didn't see. Of course, Thor was back on Asgard, but Banner should have been there. She frowned and scanned the large crowd of people for him, but found nothing.
She gave up, walking to the bar for another drink. She hadn't become effectively buzzed yet, and she decided to fix that. She ordered a scotch and soda, leaning over the counter slightly as she did so.
"Excuse me." a quiet voice said from behind her. Georgia stood up, and turned to see Bruce standing behind her.
He seemed as surprised to see her as she was to see him. "Hi, Bruce." she said back, being handed her next alcoholic beverage. She figured she was allowed to talk to this specific Avenger, since she did work with him.
"Oh, hello, Georgia. I didn't recognize you." he admitted, smiling shyly. "You look wonderful." He added as an afterthought.
"So I've heard." Georgia answered dryly, sipping on her drink. "So, if you didn't recognize me, why did you come and talk to me?"
He folded and unfolded his hands in what seemed to be a nervous habit. "Tony sent me over here to ask you to dance." he said, grinning. "He said I needed to 'put myself out there' more, and insisted that I ask the 'uncommonly gorgeous woman at the bar' to dance with me. He must have known it was you."
Georgia laughed lightly, setting her scotch and soda down. "Tony's already covered the fact that I'm only attractive when I dress up in ridiculous costumes such as this." she said, her voice slightly sour.
Bruce smiled. "He sure knows how to compliment a lady." he commented sarcastically. "But anyway. We might as well give him what he wants. Would you like to dance?" He held out his hand for her.
Georgia couldn't help but smile, and blushed for a split second. She cleared her throat. "Sure." she said with a shrug, seeming indifferent. She took his hand and he led her out onto the dance floor. She had never been asked to dance before.
Wait. As that thought crossed her mind, she remembered: she had no idea how to dance. Panic flashed in her eyes as Bruce turned, placing a hand on her waist and clasping his other with his.
Georgia uncertainly placed her other hand on his shoulder. "Bruce... I don't know how to dance." she whispered, her voice sheepish. He only smiled as a slow beat of music began to play.
"This is an easy one. Just follow my lead and don't look at your feet." he advised under his breath. She nodded, taking a deep inhale as he began to lead her.
Georgia found the whole thing ridiculous, but found herself having fun. Starting off she was clumsy and stiff, but as he continued to lead her gently, she began to relax and enjoy herself.
"Where did you learn to dance?" she asked, gliding with him leading her. He shrugged.
"I've lived in a lot of different countries. I've picked things up along the way." he explained. Georgia smiled, before tripping over her own feet. She nearly cried out as she tilted to the side and almost fell.
Bruce's arms were around her, however. He steadied her with his arms, and formed the blunder into a rather attractive dip to end the song. He pulled her back up slowly, it almost seemed sensual. Georgia smiled as she stared into his eyes, which were mere inches from hers.
She cleared her throat as he slowly brought her back up into a standing position. She straightened her dress, and joined the crowd in clapping for the orchestra.
"That was fun." she admitted begrudgingly. "I'm really not much for dancing, but you made it fun."
Bruce grinned. "Glad I could be of service." he answered, starting to guide Georgia off the dance floor when Steve approached them.
"Mind if I have a dance as well?" he asked shyly, leaving behind a few women that he had been talking to. They glared daggers in Georgia's direction.
She shrugged. "Might as well. I'm all warmed up now." she said, not really wanting to dance again, but not having the willpower to say 'no' to Steve. "Thanks, Bruce."
He nodded absently, then retreated back to the bar where he ordered a club soda. Georgia followed Steve onto the floor, where a more upbeat song floated into the room. Georgia had more trouble with the rhythmic song pattern rather than the slow one she had danced with Bruce, but Steve was an even more experienced dancer than her previous partner.
The only thing was, he didn't seem to be able to find a comfortable place for his hand. Her waist was too low for his 20's mannerisms, but her back was completely bare and he didn't seem comfortable touching her bare skin. Georgia only laughed, taking his arm and holding it in place.
"You're fine, Captain." she assured him, chuckling. He blushed to the tips of his ears, but kept his hand where it was. He lead her around in rhythm with the music.
"You're good." she marveled as they danced. She was much less relaxed to this tune, and made more mistakes and blunders than in the last dance with Bruce. Steve shrugged.
"I learned these when I was younger. But I never really had anywhere to use them." he admitted, turning her around. Georgia cocked her head and was about to ask why, when Tony came up behind Steve and tapped her on the shoulder.
"May I cut in?" he asked importantly. Georgia rolled her eyes as Steve let go of her to allow Stark in. He had no problem pressing his hand on bare skin on the small of her back.
"Everyone wants a turn to embarrass me tonight, huh?" she grumbled, now allowing Stark to lead her, less than gracefully, across the floor. "Don't you people understand I don't know how to dance?"
"You seemed fine with the dashing Dr. Banner." he commented slyly, grinning.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Georgia demanded, clenching Tony's hand harder in her own in warning. He shrugged, not even noticing until her nails dug into his skin.
"Okay. Ow." he said, and Georgia relaxed her grip on his much larger hand. "It means that I half expected you guys to start making out when he dipped you." The nails were back.
"I barely know him." she hissed, glaring up at him. Even though Tony wasn't an overly tall man, and Georgia was in four inch heels, he was still a few inches taller.
"Romeo and Juliet knew each other less than twenty-four hours before they got married." Stark reminded her cheekily. Georgia glared at him.
"Don't talk to me about Shakespeare." she snapped. "That book was not, I repeat, not a love story. It was a tragedy, it says so on the damn cover."
Tony shrugged. "It's all about point of view." he disagreed.
"Don't even get into this with me." Georgia hissed as the dance ended. They clapped for the orchestra once more.
Stark smirked as he led her off the dance floor to where Pepper was standing. "Want me to talk to him for you?" he mocked, putting an arm around Pepper's waist.
Georgia's eyes widened, before she narrowed them to slits at him. "We're not in middle school, Anthony." she snapped.
"Is that a no, or...?" Tony asked sarcastically. Pepper gave him an exasperated look.
"What's this about?" she demanded, looking up at her partner. He grinned down at her.
"Georgia's got a crush." he sang, kissing Pepper on the forehead. The red head turned with a surprised look on her face.
"I do not!" she snarled, before taking a moment to calm down and not make a scene. "And if you go around telling people that, I swear I will shove my heeled foot so far up your pompous ass that your nose will bleed!" With that, she turned on her heel and stormed to the bar to retrieve her drink.
It was right where she left it. She swallowed the rest of her scotch and soda in one gulp, immediately ordering a straight shot of Jack Daniels after it. At this point, she wasn't trying to enjoy the alcohol. She wanted to just get drunk and forget Tony's moronic ways.
She took the shot easily, always being able to hold her alcohol. She sat silently at the bar for a good twenty minutes before deciding to go outside for a walk. But as she stood up from her seat at the bar, she felt extremely... woozy for some reason. Her eyes suddenly getting tired, she braced herself on the counter.
"Ma'am, are you alright?" a voice said, but it seemed far, far away from her. Georgia's mind couldn't process the words fast enough.
This wasn't the effects of alcohol, she was sure of it. Unless she had at least three shots, she wouldn't feel this out of it.
Georgia felt her eyelids falling, suddenly very tired. She couldn't remember where she was.
Everything went dark as she felt herself falling, and landing, on the hard, unforgiving floor.
...
Whoa. What happened to Georgia? She can usually take her alcohol very well.
So, a lot of Bruce/Georgie in this chapter. I just think that they're so freaking adorable. Really. And if you squint, even a little Steve/Georgia. I'm thinking of writing a partner story to this, with another OC paired with Steve. Not a hero, (wait. not a hero. NOT.) like Georgia, but a S.H.I.E.L.D agent. I would be incorporating an old favorite OC of mine. A painfully shy girl named Sarah Polk. Let me know what you'd think of that. It would probably be written after CB is done. But there is also the possibility of a sequel. But who knows? I don't like to plan more than a chapter ahead.
Also, as mentioned, Georgia is divorced. Can that be a complication with Bruce/Georgia? Why did she get divorced?
I know why. And you will too, sooner or later. It's actually really, really sad.
And yeah. I steered away from the cliche 'falling into someone's strong arms' thing. Yeah, that wouldn't happen in a million years. Sorry, guys.
I want to take a moment to thank all of you for reviewing and for reading! It means a lot to me that you're enjoying the story I have to tell! And thanks for making this a very successful first ten chapters!
Sooo, don't forget to keep those reviews a-comin'! You don't understand my joy when I read what you have to say. There are over one thousand people who have read this story. Like 1.5k or something. Yeah. I SEE YOU. I know you're reading this! You MUST have something to say, good or bad! Please, by all means, say it!
Love you all!
Jess