Uproarious applause shook the theater as the cast returned to the stage after the curtain closed. Victoriously, they took bow after bow, each member receiving their well-deserved accolades. Standing ovations, whistles, shouts of praise- it went on for what felt like an eternity. Or at least it felt that way to Scarlett. Before anyone made any attempt to file out of the theater, Tony was swarmed from all sides. Half the theater found their way to the billionaire in hopes of greeting him or shaking his hand. Tony was eating it up. Joy radiated from him.

Confused by her own feelings, Scarlett was both disappointed and relieved to be pushed away by the crowd. It wasn't often when the limelight didn't surround her. She watched only for a moment as the sea of onlookers overtook him. Tony dealt with the attention worlds better than she did. Scarlett had never been good with personal questions. When she responded with the same sarcasm Tony did, it came off cold and heartless. There was just something charming about him.

She found herself staring as he ate up the attention. Was this really the same man who suffered with anxiety only days before? Huddled on her stairs, he'd been gripping his hair so hard that his knuckles turned white. As he laughed now, she found herself smiling. It was the same man. He was finding himself again. Realizing what she was doing, Scarlett turned away.

Waiting was boring, so Scarlett made her way past the crowd and into the hall where she'd had her close call with Tony. From there she descended the stairs and was then led by an usher into a parlor. It was decorated to the nines. Pearls, doilies, lace; Scarlett was reminded of a time long past. There were waiters in tuxedos carrying trays of decadent hors d'oeuvres and champagne, meandering through those that were mingling inside. Half the guests were still in the theater, socializing. There were just enough people for Scarlett to feel like another face in the crowd.

More than anything, Scarlett wanted a drink.

Then again, she was completely sober right now and had that close call with Tony. Or maybe it wasn't as close as she thought in the moment. Maybe all that sexual tension was in her head. It seemed silly now that they weren't practically wrapped around each other. Besides, it took more than a drink or two to lower her inhibitions that far.

Why was she there again? Focus was not her friend today.

That was right. It had nothing to do with Tony Stark. Scarlett blanked as she mingled, giving polite nods to those who greeted her and thanking those who complimented her dress. She stopped to admire the fountain at the far end of the room.

Nathan! Right.

She was there to see Nathan! To support Nathan. God, how could she have forgotten? Was Tony Stark really that damn intoxicating? That distracting? No, no. That couldn't be it. Scarlett was just distracted and it had very little to do with Tony Stark and Jinx's stupid predictions revolving around him.

Natasha's presence had thrown off her whole night. That and her bout of illness in the bathroom left her shaken. Was confusion one of the side effects of the new treatment? Scarlett couldn't remember. Besides, she felt better now. Nonchalantly, Scarlett looked over her shoulder in search of the redhead. Natasha was still there somewhere. Watching.

Whatever. Scarlett wouldn't let her ruin her night.

Scarlett scanned the growing crowd for Nathan and didn't have to try very hard to find him. Coming down the stairs was the entire cast. The crowd gathered in the parlor applauded their arrival. It lasted only a moment before the stars separated and mingled. There were many pats on the back and congratulations on such a good turnout. The donation goal for the night was exceeded. All that was left was for the donors to enjoy the party.

Nathan wove his way through the crowd, searching. It only took seconds for him to spot Scarlett who approached him when he spotted her. He had a big grin on his face. He must not have noticed she left the show for even a second. The stage lights had saved her ass. There was no disappointment on his face, only pride, excitement, and adoration. He was always happy to see her. It was sweet.

"I believe that congratulations are in order." Scarlett spoke. Nathan stopped to excuse himself as he bumped into a woman walking past him and then he nodded.

"It was truly my pleasure to perform tonight."

"It showed." Scarlett laughed. Honestly, she hadn't enjoyed the show until Tony arrived. She would never tell Nathan that though. Or Tony for that matter. "Honestly. You deserve all the praise you receive, Nathan. You're tremendous."

"Coming from you, Scarlett? That means the world." He bowed his head politely and then took in the extravagant parlor. "Gorgeous." Nathan was high on life. Suddenly, Scarlett wanted to tell him to run. He was too good. Too kind. Too sweet. If he wanted to stay that happy, he had to stay far, far away from her. "Did you enjoy the show? I know that Shakespeare is not your cup of tea but you must have some appreciation for Hamlet! It's a classic. Of all of old Bill's works it is by far one of the more relatable."

"Of course I enjoyed it. How could I not?" Scarlett lied through her teeth. She just wasn't a fan of Shakespeare which was fine. This was about Nathan.

"Really? I know that you have attended many of my performances since we met…"

"I have been a real sport about the theater, haven't I?" Scarlett joked.

"But Hamlet is a tried and true tale of betrayal! And yet of conscience. I love playing the tortured Hamlet…"

"Oh, I can tell. You have a thing for tortured characters." Scarlett teased. "And you play the role well, Nathan. I'm grateful you invited me tonight. It's been really nice. Shakespeare would be lucky to have you." Scarlett inflated his ego. Nathan was obviously flattered and even shied away but then his expression fell. It didn't take her long to find out why.

"Would he? Really?" Tony's voice interrupted and explained Nathan's expression. He stood by Scarlett's side shortly after, a confident smile on his face. "I'm not so certain."

"Nathan, I'm really sorry for what's about to happen." Scarlett winced and swallowed the lump that immediately appeared in the back of her throat. Tony was about to make another scene. She could feel it. Something about the way he'd approached gave her the feeling of trouble. Was he jealous? That would be ridiculous. Right?

"Sorry?" Nathan smiled brightly at Tony, regaining himself. "I didn't expect to see you here, Mr. Stark. This is a long way from home for you! It's an honor to have you at my show."

Oh no. Nathan was going to make a scene too.

Oh no.

"This is exactly the sort of event I enjoy, regardless of locale." Tony held his hand to shake. "And you are…?"

"Nathan Richardson. You might recognize me."

"Pleasure to meet you… what was it again? Nicholas?"

"Nathan." He corrected with a sly grin. The two shook hands far longer than necessary, gripping too tight.

"I didn't mean to interrupt you two. I just saw Scarlett here. She seemed bored. I figured I'd offer her a life preserver." Tony didn't look away from Nathan.

"I wasn't bored." Scarlett began but was surprised when Nathan spoke over her. Apparently she didn't need to be a part of this.

"I can see how a man of your stature would mistake such excitement for boredom. After all, we've all heard of your history with the fairer sex. I can assure you that Scarlett can speak for herself. She has never needed to make excuses. Not with me at least. I can see how you would think that though, being who you are." Nathan was locked on Tony too. Scarlett placed her hand on her hip and sighed.

"Trust me, Neal, I am well aware just how well Scarlett can handle herself."

"It's Nathan. Truly that's not too difficult a word for you to remember."

"You know how it is. I meet hundreds of people at these things and it slips in one ear and out the other." Tony couldn't help taking a dig at the actor all while stroking his own ego. "I spent the last twenty minutes shaking hands with people whose names I won't remember, so you must understand."

"Believe me. I understand more than you know. Headlining shows has that effect. That's my life every night."

"Headlining?" Tony pretended not to recognize Nathan and Scarlett thought that the actor was going to pounce. Tony just loved to antagonize. Nathan was looking unusually ruffled and it was not a good look on him.

"Yes. Hamlet starring Nathan Richardson. I am Nathan Richardson. Hamlet. Surely you recognize me. Or perhaps you were too wrapped up in your ego to notice. I've heard you prefer to be the center of attention but the spotlight wasn't shining on you tonight." Nathan tried to sound polite, but there was such bite to his charm that Scarlett was made instantly uncomfortable. Scarlett would put a stop to if she had to. But also she wasn't sure it mattered. What were they even bickering over? So far, it was to see which one of them had the bigger ego and as far as Scarlett could tell they were both losing. She was reminded of a cock fight.

"Maybe it's all the makeup. Hard to tell what you look like outside of the tights and puffy sleeves, Niko. A suit is much better on you. A little ill-fitting up top though, I can give you the name of my tailor."

"Tell me, Stark, how is it you know Scarlett anyway?" Nathan took a step closer, back straightened and looking confident as ever. He wasn't as tall as Tony but his personality filled up the room just the same. Tony was not easily intimidated either.

"Well, he's actually…" Scarlett hoped she could diffuse the frustration by talking business. Nathan liked business, especially her business. So did Tony. Maybe they could find common ground. She doubted it at this rate. They were far too intent on digging into each other. Nathan was a far different pill to swallow than Tony was. They were like oil and water. They'd never mix.

"I offered her a position at Stark Industries in Malibu." She wasn't sure that he even realized she'd spoken. He was still very close to her. "I could offer her several positions, actually." He couldn't help himself. Nathan was so obviously jealous of anyone with Scarlett's attention that he made himself an easy target. He fell prey to Tony's digs. "I'm not sure you're the kind of guy who realizes this, Norman, but there is more than just one position."

"Honestly, Tony?" Scarlett sighed. His lips curled in a smile but he never looked away from Nathan. "I think that's a little…"

"Everyone knows that all the positions at Stark Industries are already appropriately filled." Nathan's eyes sparkled with jealousy that he made no attempt to hide. They were both talking in a higher pitch than usual, trying to sound civil. Even Tony seemed a little ruffled now. The mention of Pepper had done him in.

"I know positions you've never heard of, pretty boy."

"Oh yeah? I hear that you're kind of an open book when it comes to that. Or wait, no, no. Aren't you a recluse now? The papers are spinning wild theories about where you've gone. Seems to me that you've lost your thunder. Maybe that's why you're here. Trying to steal some of Scarlett's, are you?"

"You can't believe everything the newspaper says about relationships or talent. If you read between the lines, it's obvious." Tony cocked an eyebrow. Nathan readjusted and buttoned his jacket. Tony had practically taken a swing at the actor with his words.

Scarlett was tired of this. If she could, she would knock them both in the back of the head, grab their ears, drag them out back and tell them just what she thought of both their egos. Unfortunately, that would absolutely create a scene so she grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and took a long drink of it. She searched the room. Anything was better than this.

"If I read between the lines? Then I'd think you're hiding something, Stark."

"Is that so, Neilson?"

"Maybe you need your head checked since you can't remember my name. It's only six letters."

"I don't make a habit of remembering part-time celebrities. Every year there's a new one of you. Pretty and semi-talented. You come a dime a dozen."

"If it weren't for Scarlett then your name wouldn't be in the paper at all. Maybe genius fades with time. And for the record? I don't plan on going anywhere."

"Sure you don't. Besides, I've been working on something big."

"Your ego?"

"Trust me, it's bigger than my ego, pretty boy."

"I was planning to take Scarlett to a nice dinner." Nathan gestured to the side and smiled confidently. "Why don't you join us so you can tell us all about it? I'm sure she can settle this for us." Nathan glared at Tony who didn't blink. Tony glared in return and they sat in silence for a moment.

"Why don't we let Scarlett decide? What do you say? You want to go to dinner with this stuffy…" Tony stopped mid-sentence upon realizing that Scarlett was no longer at his side. Nathan did a double take and looked all around for her. "Scarlett?" Tony laughed out loud. It was just like her to bail while they ruffled their feathers to see who had the bigger ego. Tony wasn't sure who won but it didn't matter since Scarlett wasn't there to congratulate the winner.

Truth be told, Scarlett didn't care who won. She'd stopped listening and gone off in search of the bar when the champagne hadn't been enough. There were several set up in the parlor. Nathan was acting possessive which she didn't find attractive. They weren't dating no matter how much of the world thought they were. She hadn't so much as given him a kiss on the cheek. Nathan thought he'd wooed his way into her heart and it just wasn't true. Yes, he was charming, talented, handsome, kind, but Scarlett wasn't looking for any of that.

Scarlett didn't care.

She just didn't care! How many times had she said she wasn't looking for a relationship to literally everyone? How many times would she have to say it to make it clear? She didn't think there was any possible way to make people stop prying into her romantic life. That was what people wanted, right? Gossip! Drama! Romance! Danger! Oh, if only they knew the true story.

Right now, the only thing Scarlett wanted was a drink. Nothing more than that.

Scarlett leaned against the bar in the lobby, deciding the ones in the parlor were too crowded. She didn't want to be found. The boys would pull her back into their vortex of ego and innuendo soon enough. She was buying herself mere moments.

"She wants scotch. Just one ice cube." Natasha leaned against the bar next to Scarlett who heaved a sigh. The bartender looked for her confirmation and Scarlett nodded.

"She's right. Balvenie 12 year if you have it."

"Whiskey sour for me." Natasha waited for the bartender to turn away and pour their drinks before looking back to Scarlett who was staring at the bottles on the wall. She opened her mouth to speak and Scarlett stopped her.

"Don't ask me if I'm okay. I'm tired of it. I'm fine. If you ask me again, I'm going to explode." Scarlett side eyed her.

"I was actually going to ask you what Stark was doing here. I heard reports that he was still in Malibu this morning. I'm surprised to see him."

"Well, someone isn't doing their job because he is here and obnoxiously loud." Scarlett thanked the bartender and then turned away before she took a long drink. That was better. It figured that SHIELD was watching Tony too. "He's here for the same reason I am. Charity. Despite the ego, I read he's a charitable man."

"I think he's here because you're here." Natasha did the same and sipped her drink. The two women sat in silence for a long moment. Scarlett knew Natasha had something to say or she wouldn't have approached her. She had a clue as to what it was, but was going to savor what would have once been a drink with a friend and nothing more. She stared into her scotch. God, the self pity of it all. Enough of that. Scarlett was tired of feeling so damn tired. Natasha made her feel like she was dying constantly. It was easier to ignore her mortality when she wasn't hovering around like the grim reaper.

"What do you want, Natasha?"

"What does Stark know?"

"You have to be more specific. I'm sure he knows plenty. Genius or something like that." Scarlett took a sip from the glass. She managed a smile and Natasha relaxed next to her. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all. That felt nice. Something was within Scarlett's control. She wasn't completely powerless.

"You know what I mean. How much does he know about what he shouldn't know?" Natasha even laughed. Very rare.

"I think you might just be here for gossip for that weird phone chain you guys have setup."

"Maybe I am."

"Well, you'll be disappointed. He doesn't know anything." Scarlett yawned and stretched. Sitting still in the dark for so long left her tired. She wanted a nice long nap. "He's just doing what he does best."

"And that is?" Natasha raised an eyebrow curiously, mischief behind her eyes.

"Don't say it like that. God, you and Jinx, little perverts, that's what you are. He's just being a nuisance is what I meant." Scarlett felt butterflies in her stomach again. That was the second time that night Tony had given her butterflies and he wasn't even there that time. Why did he have this hold on her? Why was she letting him? She had to get her act together.

"Is that why you're so flustered?"

"Flustered?"

"Yeah."

"I am not flustered." Scarlett scoffed. "He is genuinely here to annoy me. Honestly, he made a huge scene in the front row! I had to drag him out of the theater and he was just… so frustrating! Now he's off in the other room comparing dick size with Nathan. This is not the face of a flustered woman. This is the face of a woman who is frustrated that she can't use her strength to put a man in his place!"

"Oh."

"Oh? That's it? Oh?"

"Yeah." Natasha watched her friend thoughtfully then took a sip of her drink before speaking again. "I see it now. You like him."

"Seriously?" Scarlett practically squealed and then choked on her drink. It burned the back of her throat and made her cough. "Did you listen to any of the words I said?"

"All of them. And the ones you didn't actually say. You're all frazzled… tensing up. It's written all over your face." Natasha held her glass to Scarlett before sipping again, a smile on her lips. She readjusted the bag over her shoulder that Scarlett caught a quick glance inside. Something metallic and black within. Probably a gun.

"I'm not getting involved with anyone."

"Looks like that's going really well."

"Especially not with Stark.

"Mhm. Sure." Natasha nodded but was failing at hiding her amusement.

"He's taken."

"I didn't think you cared about that."

"Sometimes you're a mean girl, did you know that?" Scarlett nursed her drink before daintily plucking out the ice cube and tossing it in the trash.

"I'm just being honest with you, Scarlett." Natasha lowered her voice. "Or do you not recall the Hunter?"

"Kinda hard to forget. Especially when you keep reminding me."

"I recall a night in a bar where I found out that you…" Natasha went to continue and Scarlett stopped her again.

"I lived it. Stop reminding me."

"I'm just saying that your moral compass has always sort of swayed away from north. Especially with romance."

"You're right. I used to be fun." With a heavy sigh, Scarlett tapped her fingers against the glass in her hand. She'd played fast and loose with her sexuality for a time, mostly with dangerous men. Look where it'd gotten her. The only reliable man she ever dated tried to kill her and left her half dead. "I'm too busy for that kind of thing these days. It's different now."

"You never used to be too busy. Remember? You made time. You used to remind me that it was a great way to take out frustration."

"Yes, thank you Natasha for reminding me of my juvenile promiscuity. In case you didn't notice, things have sort of changed for me. I'm not looking for anything. Not even Stark for a bit of fun which… oh, I am sure he would be tons of. And definitely not Nathan, again who would probably be quite fun. He's a little too attached for my taste. Plus, neither knows much about me, do they?"

"You're not that different now, Scarlett."

"Yes, just without all the guns, violence, danger, and well, I guess without all the fun. You took all the fun and left me with just alcohol. Which you also tried to take away."

"It's for your own good."

"For the record, I regret very little about my twenties."

"Good." Natasha held up her drink in a toast then took a sip. They sat in silence again but it didn't last long. Scarlett didn't feel very buzzed for someone who chugged a glass of champagne and was halfway through her scotch.

"He's okay… right? He has to be. He's always okay." Scarlett spoke as discreetly as she could. Natasha smiled softly then nodded. Scarlett sighed with relief.

"He wanted to help. Offered to be your security detail." Natasha smiled fondly. "We told him it was a bad idea. He's too notorious. Won't cooperate with SHIELD. Then he went dark."

"Thank you for finding him." Scarlett was glad for that at the very least. She and the Hunter had an agreement. There weren't supposed to be any emotions involved. Just attraction. But they cared for each other, that much was clear. He'd protected her and she'd returned the favor. Natasha had never approved. She was thankful that most of her old friends could take care of themselves. It was nice to have a little good news. "Why the third degree about Stark anyway?"

"We're considering fieldwork." Natasha adjusted her bag again. She was uncomfortable with it, Scarlett could tell. It wasn't that Natasha was out of her element, it was just the bag. Her discomfort was subtle but Scarlett saw it plain as day.

"Is this a really cruel joke?"

"I'm serious." Natasha nodded. "I spoke with Fury and we argued over it."

"So, you stood up to Papa Fury for me, huh?"

"I dislike that."

"I don't care." Scarlett laughed and sipped her drink. "It's about time. I'm good in the field."

"I know. It's why we argued. Your numbers aren't great right now. But you're holding together remarkably. I think it's fair that you be allowed to keep moving. Do what you're good at. I can't guarantee that they'll actually give you anything but I'm pushing for you." Natasha didn't smile or turn away but there was something bashful about the way she said it. Many thought Natasha was carved from stone. But there was nothing icy about the Black Widow. People like her felt very deeply, they were just better at hiding it.

"Alright." Scarlett wouldn't make a big deal out of it. She felt like maybe she should but now wasn't the place or the time.

"Postpone your visit to Malibu if you're seriously considering doing that. Stay in Boston for as long as you can." Natasha instructed. "And avoid Mr. New York if you can."

"That could be difficult. But I'll manage." Scarlett was sure she could push Nathan off, particularly if she found a way to comfort him from this incident with Tony. He was easy to lie to. It was Tony that was the real problem. "Can I ask why? Are you jealous maybe?"

"Obviously. I want to keep you for myself."

"I knew it!" Scarlett snapped her fingers. "That's just what the gossip blogs need. A story about me and a saucy redhead."

"Saucy?"

"I haven't had enough liquor yet. Give me time. I'll come up with better adjectives."

"We just want some of the heat off of him. He needs to be away from your limelight for a little bit." Natasha clarified and Scarlett slumped her shoulders. They didn't want to see Nathan become a target of MedCo. That was right. People close to Scarlett ended up in trouble. If Nathan appeared like an attachment then Scott would pursue him.

"There was a time when you encouraged me to date him."

"I know but that was before… we got some information. He's here. We just don't know when he'll move. We're being careful, that's all. Keeping us and them on their toes." Natasha tried to sound reassuring but Scarlett saw the truth. Right now, she could handle it. It was the first time in a long time that hearing about Scott hadn't made her panic.

For a time, her brain refused to believe it. No way. Not her Scott. Not the man who she trusted and cared for. Not the man she'd had to put a bullet in after he'd attacked her, after he'd injected her with this hell that was now killing her.

But it was. Scott had always been that man, she just hadn't seen it. Now he just looked the part, she was told. Denial wouldn't help. Scarlett had sat with the file and repeated and read his name until it didn't hurt so much. It still made her queasy though. The liquor no longer seemed appetizing. Natasha was studying her. Scarlett merely nodded.

"I can handle that." Scarlett set the glass down on the bar and placed down cash for both drinks. She sat on one of the stools and Natasha set her bag down on the bar in front of her, hand on top of it.

"Glad to hear it."

"About earlier." Scarlett began.

"You don't have to bother."

"Yeah, I do. I was a bitch." Scarlett stifled a laugh. "And I know that's not abnormal, you don't have to remind me. I'm struggling with some of this. It's not your fault but I behaved like it was. I'm frustrated and I can't do what I used to do when I was frustrated. So, I'm a little bitchy." Scarlett managed a smile. "I didn't mean to be so defensive."

"It's okay. I get it."

"I want my life back, Tasha."

"I know." Natasha set down her glass and looked away. She had something on her mind. Scarlett knew Natasha better than most people. They both excelled at lying. Kindred spirits in a way. Or maybe, she was the only one who had ever been able to relate to what Scarlett was struggling with. This transformation wasn't easy.

"You shouldn't stay here long. They're going to find me soon." Scarlett gave Natasha an out and was surprised when it wasn't taken.

"I've been over-protective."

"I know."

"I've never been in this position before." Natasha gritted her teeth. "I've never had someone I actually care about slipping away without me being able to stop it." Natasha looked reluctantly to her with sad eyes. Scarlett didn't know what to say. She didn't feel like she was slipping away. But someone like Natasha probably only saw the numbers and the inevitable. She saw the countdown. "You're not the only person struggling with this."

"I know." Scarlett wanted to crack a joke but she didn't. For once, she just let it be awkward. "Hey, I'm okay." She smiled and gestured toward herself. "I really am okay. This isn't just an act tonight. Have a little faith in me." Scarlett held out her arms with a smile. "Come on. We're gonna hug now. You know you want to."

"That's a little much."

"Oh, just hug me." Scarlett pulled the redhead into an embrace. Natasha returned the gesture and at once seemed grateful for it. Scarlett's eyes fell on the bag Natasha let go of temporarily. There was a gun in the bag, as expected, but there was something else in there too. A small USB drive. Scarlett quickly slipped her fingers in the purse, removed the drive, and hid it in the palm of her hand.

Natasha and Scarlett pulled apart. "There. Feel better?"

"No, hard to hug you in that dress and not feel you up."

"I look damn good in this dress and I feel damn good in this dress so stop staring at my boobs and get over it. Besides, do you know how many people would kill to hug me in this dress?"

"You're terrible."

"I know." Scarlett really did know. The guilt wasn't enough for her to put it back though. She swallowed it like everything else. There she was, having a heartfelt moment with her friend and stealing from her in the same breath. Scarlett knew they wouldn't give her fieldwork. SHIELD didn't trust her no matter how much Natasha vouched for her. Hell, SHIELD wouldn't even tell her what was happening to her half the time. She only knew it was getting worse because of how Natasha behaved.

If she wanted any insight into what was going on, she would have to do it the old fashioned way.

Scarlett really could be a bitch.