Time flew that day. Before Scarlett finished her breakfast Pepper joined her to go through a catalog of expensive evening gowns and cocktail dresses for the night along with masks that might match alongside Tony's. She hated to say it but she was nervous about the bad leg.

So she chose things that covered it. Unfortunately, Tony had joined them about twenty minutes in and had opinions. They'd bickered and argued. He wanted to match her. She didn't want him to. They compromised by getting matching masks and Scarlett would have a slit in her skirt on the right side. He would wear a neutral, black suit and pretend he matched her, he said.

At least when he'd returned he'd been delightfully messy. Covered in grease and sweaty. It was a good look on him.

After that, Pepper went about her business, Scarlett didn't get much time left to her own devices. Honestly, there wasn't even time for her to worry about the potential panic of a crowded social outing because apparently going out with Tony Stark was an all day affair.

Much to her astonishment, a hairdresser came to tend to her for the night. It was not something she was looking forward to. She was lucky to have long, curly hair that looked nice left as is. Then again, she did need a trim which was a thing she usually did on her own. Scarlett had insisted that it didn't need to be done, but the hairdresser was kind and insisted she deserved some pampering.

He'd done just that, washing her hair, blowing it out, trimming the dead stuff away, and then styling it so that her usually rebellious curls worked together. Then he pinned her hair up in an elegant style. This must have been what celebrities felt like. No wonder they looked so put together all the time. She didn't have time to panic.

But Pepper did have time to panic. They were running late. Somehow. Apparently Tony wasn't considered terribly punctual. Happy stood by the door, as though he'd watched this all unfold a thousand times before.

Her dress arrived and she was rushed upstairs by Pepper who reminded her not to mess up her hair. Scarlett exchanged a look with Happy who nodded as if to remind him this was normal. She then went into the bathroom in the guest room and changed into the dark blue dress. A rich navy, with a sweetheart neckline with strong straps. At the waist the dress was draped thicker all the way to just above her feet. The slit on the left side went up to a modest length at her thigh and came with a matching dark blue clutch. She slipped into it easily. It fit like a glove.

Tony Stark may have been a pig but he sure had a skill for judging a woman's size and fit. She put on some white open toed heels and then did her makeup. Simple but striking. Something that wouldn't smudge beneath a mask. Tony met her in the hall in a stylish, well-fitting black suit, white undershirt, and a black bowtie to match. His hair was styled, but not so much that it looked too fancy for him. He looked nice. Very sexy.

Then they loaded into a Bentley before Happy drove them to the event. It was a massive building, with Grecian style pillars and large decadent windows. The steps leading into the building were filled with socialites mingling and dressed to the nines. There was a red velvet rope that kept the press barred off and a few hired photographers that would walk throughout the event. It looked to Scarlett like they weren't as late as Pepper made it seem.

She was caught up looking out the window, so much so that when Tony spoke, she nearly leapt out of her skin. But then she frowned. When had he changed his tie? When had he changed his cufflinks? What the hell! They matched her dress.

"You son of a bitch." She said with her mouth agape, though she was actually a little impressed.

"What?"

"How did you…?"

"I'm not going in there without matching my date." Tony shrugged and then handed her a mask. "Can't go to a masquerade without a mask." It was dark blue, delicate and lacy, a classic venetian mask, with diamonds that lined the eyeholes and that were strewn without. She watched him in shock. His mask was black, also a classic venetian style, with decorative lines of blue throughout. It matched hers and she huffed.

"They really went all out for this." Pepper slipped on a simple black mask that matched nicely with the long white draped dress she'd chosen for the occasion. Scarlett managed to hide her frustration with Tony. Oh, she'd get him back.

He, on the other hand, couldn't have been more delighted. He peered over her shoulder to take a look out the window. "I've seen better." Then he gently took Scarlett's arm and urged her away from the window. She pulled away from him with a frown. "Defensive, aren't we? I'd say it was just now but it's not. This is just who you are. You need to relax, Scarlett. Let me help. I'm good at that." He took the mask from her hands and then slipped it onto her face and tucked the loops around her ears. "Perfect. Like I picked it out myself."

"Don't take credit for things you didn't do." Scarlett stared him down. Tony was right about one thing. She had to chill out. Instead, she was going to be in a mass of rich snobs raising money for some school. She tried to remind herself this was nothing new. Treat it like work. She could effortlessly fit in anywhere.

"I'm disappointed that you had your hair put up. I just thought you should know." He sighed. Scarlett then took Tony's mask and placed it over his eyes and he seemed surprised. "Eh, it'll do."

"I'm sorry. It'll do? Do you have any idea how much this all costs? How expensive I am tonight?" She hooked the mask over Tony's ears and then snapped the bands so they would knock against him annoyingly. "You know, if you keep manhandling me? I'm going to return the favor."

"I was just hoping the mask would cover your mouth." Scarlett heard Pepper and Happy trying not to laugh. Then Scarlett knocked Tony's shoulder with her palm. "And I'd like to see you try."

Happy opened the door for them and Scarlett stepped out before Tony could respond. He joined her a moment later and looped his arm through hers and she looked down to his arm, feigning disgust. Then she pulled her arm back. Pepper and Happy joined them a moment later. They walked toward the front steps, then waited for Tony to stop for the paparazzi and have his photo taken.

Much to her surprise, Tony took her hand and urged her to join him. She stumbled on her bad leg and glared at him but caught herself easily. Quickly she pulled her hand free and warned him with a look. Tony returned it with large, innocent puppy eyes. Pepper and Happy were stopped speaking to some other socialites. There was mischief behind those brown eyes.

"I thought we made a deal about tonight." Scarlett whispered but managed a smile for the photos.

"Taking pictures is part of the deal. This is how they make their living, Scarlett. Are you going to deprive them of their living?" Tony pouted, feigning sincerity. "If you want to go out with a celebrity? Then you have to accept them warts and all."

"You know what? You're right." She sighed but only because one of the paparazzis asked who his date was. "I'm not his date, actually." Scarlett smiled, hand on her hip. "He'd like you to believe that but I'm not. We're colleagues. Take as many pictures as you like, but the most action you'll catch is me smacking him if he touches me wrong." Then she looked at Tony and batted her eyelashes. "Go ahead. Remind me again how famous you are."

Tony smirked with delight. It was a thrill to have her tell him how it was. It didn't turn him off, not even a little. He slipped his arm around Scarlett and tugged her so that her hip was against his while photos were snapped.

"You heard the lady. Enjoy pictures while you have the chance." Tony chuckled as Scarlett swatted his hand but he only held her tighter. "What do you think you're doing?" He whispered in her ear, tightening his grip on her. Not moving away, she placed her hand over his on her hip and she threatened his hand with a tap of her nails. She would dig in if she needed to. Tony got the shivers down his spine. All he wanted was to feel those nails scraping down his back.

"You were concerned with their livelihood. I figured I'd give them something to write about rather than some brainless brunette you would usually have on your arm." She pried his fingers away from her waist one by one and then let it drop away from her. Then she waved to the paparazzi, blew Tony a kiss, and walked away.

Tony watched her join Pepper and Happy on the stairs and made no attempt not to admire her. There were days where he felt like a cock, roaming the henhouse. But tonight he felt like a mouse being batted around by a sexy cat. Scarlett's blue eyes called to him behind that mask. She knew exactly what she did to him. He was certain she liked it.

"Mr. Stark?" A voice brought him back to reality. An older gentleman approached, hand extended in greeting. The awkward fellow turned and bumped one of the paparazzi with his large plague doctor mask. Tilting the mask onto his head, the older fellow turned out to be a software developer who Tony vaguely recognized. "So sorry about that."

The primal beast in Tony wanted to pursue Scarlett but he had to remember that he was there for a reason. Charity. Mingling. To be seen. He shook the man's hand.

"Not me you bumped. At least it'll make for a good story later." Tony straightened his blue bowtie, a thing he'd changed into while on the ride simply to annoy Scarlett. Nodding toward the stairs, Tony urged his companion to join him up the stairs and inside the building.

"As long as he doesn't sue me!" Dusting his hands off on his jeans, the man seemed giddy to be there as he walked alongside Tony. "I don't know if you remember me, Mr. Stark. We've met a few times here and there. Lucky for me you seem rather unoccupied!" For a man his age, he was quite spry. Still, Tony forced a smile.

"Leo, right?" Tony snapped his fingers in recollection. "You were telling me about your services last time we ran into each other." Tony would be fucked if he had to remember this guy's last name. He'd basically flatlined talking to him at each event. Once inside, the charity event was overly decorated. Balloons, streamers. It was all a little too much. There was a stage with flashing lights where a DJ was working way too hard to play music.

There was a crowd of people dancing, and a buffet at the far end. At least there'd be food. And booze. Judging by the crowd, he was going to need the booze. MIT alumni and staff. He'd had enough of that at MIT.

Large windows lined the opposite end of the room and overlooked gardens, lit up like a fairytale. He was actually quite fond of that. He bet he could invite Scarlett out there later. What woman didn't like to be romanced amongst the flowers? She could pretend all she liked but she showed her cards already. They were playing a game. A sexy, dangerous game of romance. One that Tony was an expert at though perhaps not at the level of intimacy this was turning out to be.

Scattered around the edges of the room were large tables with red linens, many of them filled with those who weren't mingling or dancing.

"I'm surprised you remember me." The man chuckled. "Leonard Mondy, Mr. Stark. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"And you." Tony didn't need to introduce himself, not to anyone in this room at least. Scarlett was easy to spot, a beacon of blue and beauty in an otherwise modestly dressed crowd. She stood in the corner near Pepper and Happy, chatting. Tony admired her with a smile, his eyes drawn to her. Tony was about to make a polite excuse to Leonard to catch up with his date when the man grabbed them each a glass of champagne.

"It's an honor to have a chance to chat with you." Leonard was delighted. Tony expected to be chatted at endlessly by snobbish socialites, but it was nice that this guy was so excited. Who was he to deny his fans?

"What is it you'd like to chat about, Leo?" Tony took the glass of champagne.

"Leonard, if you don't mind. I know, a trivial thing but… still."

"Leo sounds better."

"Ah, yes, my fiancee insists upon that as well but I insist that in a professional setting that I use my full name."

"Right, right, okay, now it's coming back to me. SHIELD functions. You're… dating the one with the dog. I made a Disney joke. That's all I can remember." Tony snapped his fingers in recollection.

"Yes, one Miss Michelangela Pierce." Leonard was practically vibrating with excitement. Like a child meeting his favorite cartoon character at an amusement park. That was nice. "She's the best."

"Good to hear it since you're engaged and all that. How's the jailbait doing, by the way?" Tony teased. This man was… aging, to say the least. And Mickey Pierce was young. Noticeably so in comparison to her fiance. Not that Tony could judge. Well, he could but he shouldn't.

"You wouldn't believe how much I get that but I assure you, we're very much in love. Age is just a number." Leonard was surprisingly not insulted despite his clarification. "And she's doing well."

"I was joking anyway. I think I'm in no position to judge." Tony began walking toward the table where Pepper, Happy and Scarlett had taken a seat. It occurred to him that he should probably ask Scarlett how old she was. He guessed late twenties. Maybe early thirties. "Why don't you and Pierce join us tonight? Keep me from being bored to death by everyone planning to talk my ear off about nothing."

"I'm afraid it's just me tonight but yes, I'd very much like that. I'm a huge fan. The paper that you've recently published on clean renewable energy and the creation of the new element? Spectacular. You might be the most gifted mind of your generation." The boyish excitement was clear but at least this man was well-versed in his work. "I know that you probably get approached for the wealth, the cars, and all that but… I admire the work."

"While I appreciate all the ass kissing, you don't have to. I already invited you to join us." Tony stopped another waiter and grabbed a second glass of champagne, in hopes of giving it to Scarlett.

"You misunderstand me, I'm simply paying a compliment where it's due. I admire a company that sticks to their morals. Abandoning weapons development for energy research takes balls. I confess to attending the recent Stark Expo. It was like being a kid again, Tony." Leonard babbled but didn't continue to the table and Tony heaved a sigh. Another forced smile.

"Then you can pick my brain. At the table. Or lunch another day. You're good people, Leo. I know you said you prefer Leonard, but this isn't a business lunch. This is purely social." Tony reasoned and urged them toward the table but Leonard did not move.

"If you really mean that then maybe there is business to conduct, Tony. My software company could interest you." Leonard was so excited that he nearly dropped his glass.

"Let's plan a lunch." Tony patted the man's arm and then started to physically guide him forward. Tony was flattered and amused, but was starting to get annoyed. It was not anything new to have someone be excited about him but this was different than an autograph or a woman hitting on him. This was an older fellow acting like a young, excited kid. It was amusing at least.

"Yes, of course. I see that you are far more interested in returning to your date than talking shop." Chuckling, Leonard finally took the hint and joined him to the table that Pepper had claimed for them. "So, who is the lovely lady this evening? Yet another model on your arm? It must be… nice to have a different date for every event." Leonard, for the first time, sounded insincere. Tony nearly laughed.

"Not at all. She's an engineer. Not my date. She'll insist."

"...an engineer?" Leonard seemed skeptical.

"Where's your fiancee this evening?" Tony changed the subject.

"Right, right. She's busy with work, I'm afraid. I can't seem to get much of her attention at all this week!" Chuckling, Leonard's hands were trembling with excitement, so much so that he hid one in his pocket.

"Tony Stark. Might I have a moment of your time?" A woman's voice made Tony cringe. He rolled his neck and turned with another fake smile.

"I'm afraid I'm rather tied up, Katherine. Find me later." Tony turned from the brunette who he hoped would not find him later.

"Who was that?" Leonard peered over his shoulder, nearly hitting Tony with his mask. Tony leaned out of the way.

"Socialite. Famous for being rich. Talks my ear off if she can." Tony gestured to the table. They were so close. "If you speak with my assistant, Miss Potts, you can have her put our lunch on schedule."

"Ah, the famous Miss Pepper Potts! A lovely woman by all accounts. She's always been exceedingly kind ot me." Leo couldn't hide his delight.

"She's nice so I don't have to be." Tony chuckled and hoped to catch Scarlett's eye as they drew close but she was purposely avoiding looking, though he thought for certain that playful smile on her lips was for him.

"Can you imagine how much they'd raise for their school if they didn't waste so much on decorating a place that's already beautiful?" Scarlett spoke, eliciting a laugh from Pepper and Happy. Tony stopped a few feet away from the table as a tall, handsome young fellow with startlingly blue eyes and stylish blond hair approached. Tony had to hide his immediate hatred for this man.

Scarlett turned to face the fellow who beckoned her attention. She'd hoped it was a glass of champagne, but no, it was a handsome young fellow. Far too young for her. What was he? Twelve? No, he was probably a college student. Still too young for her. Even so, he held his hand out politely for her and she looked at it in amusement. Happy and Pepper were both watching curiously.

"I couldn't help but notice you. Could I interest you in a dance?"

Pepper was very much trying not to laugh and Happy looked ready to interject, but Pepper stomped on his foot to stop him. Tony was watching. Seething. She could see steam practically coming out of the folds of his suit. How could she resist?

"Since you asked so politely." Scarlett took the stranger's hand and then let the young man lead her onto the dancefloor. She placed her hand politely onto his shoulder, her other hand in his and he guided her across the dancefloor. Her leg was handling it just fine, thankfully. It was a nice distraction from everything else. Harmless too with this mask on.

"Could I get your name, perhaps?" He was charming and sweet. Harmless. Handsome too. Probably a little Tony Stark in training.

"Scarlett. And yours?" Laughing under her breath, she let him lead her around the dancefloor amidst the other dancing couples. It was a relief to know that she could do this despite the anxiety.

"Victor." He bowed his head politely and then twirled her around the dancefloor. They made small talk. He told her that he'd just recently graduated and was working at a new startup in Seattle. Scarlett asked questions, avoiding ones in regards to her.

Tony, on the other hand, was stewing. Of course she'd do this. To make him jealous. There was no other reason that he could see.

"I know that look, Tony." Pepper whispered, joining him at his side. "Don't do it. Let her dance. She's been cooped up inside for days." Yeah, that was out of the question. Pepper was being stupid. He drained his glass of champagne, set his and Scarlett's glasses down, and then walked away from the table, leaving the rest of his table staring him down.

Making his way through couples dancing, Tony made his way to where Scarlett danced with her tall, blond companion. Resting a hand on the stranger's shoulder, he interrupted their dance.

"Mind if I cut in?" Tony was surprised when the younger man glared at him. That was surprising. Usually these little MIT nerds wanted to kiss his ass. No, this kid wanted to get laid.

"I do mind, actually."

"Sorry to hear that." Tony took Scarlett's hand, to both their surprise, and twirled her right into his arms, before leading her onto the dancefloor. She was clearly flustered, he imagined for a number of reasons.

"Could you not see I was a little preoccupied?" Scarlett was resisting being swept around, but not entirely stopping him.

"Dancing with the wrong guy. Yes, I noticed." Tony smirked. Scarlett sighed, and pulled from his arms.

"So much for that."

"And where do you think you're going?" Tony chased after her, standing in front of her.

"Back to the table. Because I was dancing with a polite, charming young gentleman before you stuck your head where it doesn't belong." Scarlett stopped walking with a sigh.

"And I'm not a gentleman?" Tony was certain that she wanted him to chase her. Perhaps she was afraid after how close they'd gotten during their last dance.

"If you don't mind, I'm going to sit down. I need a drink."

"I was bringing you a drink before you decided to dance with Jack Dawson over there." Tony nodded behind him.

"And now I'm going to drink it." Scarlett tried to once again walk around him and he gently grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him and she huffed.

"Dance with me." He pulled her hand to his chest with a playful smile.

"You're starting to make a scene. Again." She whispered, looking around them nervously. People were staring.

"Just one dance. Then I'll leave you alone." Tony held tighter as she tried to pull away.

"You're a terrible liar." She laughed, trying to tug away but only succeeded entwining herself further into his arms.

"No, no. I'm not… well about this, maybe. How about something more manageable? I won't ask you to dance again… until I'm drunk." Tony offered, releasing her hands. "One dance. Just one little dance." He held up the index fingers on each of his hands.

Scarlett hesitated. "One dance and you'll stop annoying me to dance, then? Because I will hold you to it."

"One dance. Then like the gentleman I am, I will bring you to our table and get you a drink."

"Fine, Stark." Grabbing his hand, she placed it on her waist and then warned him with her eyes. "But if that hand even thinks about touching my ass I am going to drop your ass to the ground and step on your throat with these stilettos. Got it?" Tony exhaled with relief. Why? It was just a dance.

"Don't threaten me with a good time, Scarlett." Tony chuckled, taking her other hand and urging her onto the dancefloor with a triumphant smile. "By the way? I'm a perfect gentleman. And if you'd just let this be a date, you'd see why."

"The only thing gentlemanly about you is Jarvis." Scarlett laughed, following him as he led her. He'd show her that he could dance. Make her not regret leaving the blond boy toy behind.

"You do know that Jarvis is modeled after me, right?"

"Well, now you're delusional." Scarlett laughed and Tony laughed with her. Her genuine laughter was addictive. Catching.

"No kidding, actually. He just… has restrictions, you know, to prevent artificial intelligence takeover." Tony urged her closer and closer, hand slipping from her waist to her lower back. They were only breaths from being pressed against each other.

"There are zero similarities between you two." Scarlett seemed determined to avoid his eyes. He led her right past the man who he'd stolen her from and he was glaring daggers at them. To him, it felt like all eyes were on them. Tony Stark and the mysterious brunette femme fatale in his arms. Her tension melted a little, only to be replaced by something else. Tony just wanted her attention. Not everyone else's. He pulled her closer, urging her close enough that he could whisper in her ear as he danced with her.

"Every man in this room wants you." His breath was hot on her neck. Scarlett pulled back to catch his eyes. Finally. Thoughtful blue eyes, hiding from him.

"No, Tony, they don't." Scarlett sounded oddly soft. She let her hand brush over his shoulder, over his collar, onto his neck and around to the back of it. "Only one does." The song was ending, the band wrapping it up with a flourish. Some of the other couples dancing were making their way off the dancefloor. But Tony didn't want the dance to end.

She'd called him Tony.

And she'd called him out.

The music stopped and so did Tony, but he didn't let her go. She was staring up at him with deep, stormy blue eyes, and he wanted to dive right into them. His heart was pounding, telling him to just do it. To kiss her. She was waiting for it too, he could see it, the conflict that she was drenched in. He was sure she could see his conflict too.

They just met.

How could he feel this way about someone he just met?

"Stark, the song is over." Scarlett broke the tense gaze at last. "People are staring." She sounded nervous. Tony didn't care. He tilted her chin up to him, and those eyes back to his.

For a brief moment, Scarlett thought she might be sick. What did any of this mean? If he kissed her, what did it make her for letting him? If he didn't then what did that mean? What the hell was wrong with her? Why did she want this?

Dizzy with conflict, Scarlett pulled from his arms.

"I need to use the lady's room." It was the worst excuse she'd ever made, but it was all she could manage. Her brain was muddled with thoughts of Tony. His arms, his eyes, his lips, his smile. All of it. She was losing her mind. What was she doing? Scott was in her head, yelling at her, telling her she was a slut, reminding her of the only person who had ever put up with her. She rushed away through the double doors and out of the ballroom.

Tony watched Scarlett walk away and breathed, because boy had he forgotten to. The doors closed behind her and he rubbed his hand over the scruff on his face. They'd kissed! Why was he hesitating? He wanted her more than he'd wanted anything, he was pretty sure, so why not take her? And why was she fighting it too? She seemed to enjoy their game up until the moment it got serious.

But he didn't want to screw this up. Like he'd screwed up every other relationship he'd ever been in.

He blinked in realization. What? Where had that come from?

Was that it? He was afraid of screwing it up?

That meant he wanted this to be more than just sex. He shivered at the realization. It'd only been a few days. Thinking this way was insane. And yet it felt right. He felt like she'd been there forever. He didn't want that to change.

Forever.

Finally leaving the dance floor, he sat back at the table, took Scarlett's glass of champagne and drained it.

"What was that all about?" Leonard watched Tony in amusement. Pepper and Happy were huddled together like they'd been watching their favorite television drama unfold.

"He likes her." Pepper responded since Tony didn't. He snapped his gaze away from the door and narrowed his eyes.

"No. I don't. She's a liability, is all." Tony wouldn't have believed himself in that moment. It sounded like bullshit. An excuse. "Just got caught up in it." Tony turned to one of the waiters. "What does a guy have to do to get a glass of good scotch around here?"

"I'm with Miss Potts on this one." Leonard was staring at him in surprise.

Tony looked at the door and waited. Any second she'd come back. Was she upset? Why would she be upset? It'd been too long, right?

"Pepper, would you go check on her?" Was it really so obvious to everyone else? His brain felt broken. She was a problem he couldn't solve.

"Tony, give her privacy." Pepper rolled her eyes. "Besides, they're about to collect donations so I can't go. Let her do what she needs to. You can't be on top of her all the time." Pepper scolded then pointed a finger at him. "Don't. I just heard how that sounded, so don't."

Tony didn't agree. "What if her leg gave out? What if she needs help?" Then he narrowed his eyes as Pepper smiled at him. "You're having too much fun at my expense. That's enough."

"I'll go check on her." Happy smiled. He had the Mark V suitcase handcuffed to his arm. A safeguard just in case.

"Thanks, Hogan." Tony leaned back in his chair. The waiter returned with a fine bottle of scotch which he then poured into a glass for Tony. At this rate, he'd be drunk enough to stop feeling.