Echoes

Uproarious applause echoed through the theater as the players returned to the stage after the curtain had at last dropped. Victoriously they took bow after bow, each cast member receiving their well deserved accolades. Standing ovations, shouts of praise; it seemed to last an eternity. Or at least that's what it felt like to Scarlett. Before anyone in the audience even made an attempt to file out of the theater Tony was swarmed left and right. Half the theater seemingly had found their way to gather around the billionaire in hopes to shake his hand and greet him. Tony was loving it. Joy practically radiated off of him, only drawing more people to his side.

Scarlett was a strange mixture of disappointed and relieved to have been pushed away from him by the crowd. It wasn't often that she wasn't thrust into the limelight these days. She watched only for a moment as the sea of onlookers overtook him. Tony dealt with the attention far better than she did. Scarlett never had been good with stupid questions. When she responded with the same sarcasm Tony did it came off cold and heartless. There was just something about him.

She found herself staring as he ate up the attention of the crowd. Was this really the same man who had been so suffering in silence only days before? Huddling on the stairs, he'd been gripping his hair so hard his knuckles had been white As he laughed she found herself smiling. It was the same man. He was finding himself again. Realizing what she was doing, Scarlett cleared her throat and turned away before anyone could notice.

Quickly waiting became boring so Scarlett meandered her way past the crowd and into the hall where she'd had her close call with Tony. From there she descended the stairs then was led by an usher to a parlor. It was decorated to the nines. Pearls, doilies, lace; Scarlett was reminded of an earlier era. There were men in tuxedos carrying trays of decadent hors d'oeuvres and champagne meandering through the few who had made it past the crowd. Half the guests were still in the theater, chatting away with other socialites. There were just enough people for Scarlett to hide amongst without being too bothered.

More than anything else, Scarlett wanted a drink.

Then again, she wondered how bad an idea that would be after already having a close call with Tony upstairs. Or maybe it hadn't been as close a call as she had thought and she would be just fine. Maybe all that sexual tension was in her head. It seemed much sillier when she was no longer practically pressed up against him. Besides, it took more than a drink or two to lower her inhibitions that far.

Why was she there again?

It didn't have anything to do with Tony, that was right. Scarlett blanked for a moment as she meandered amongst the crowd, giving polite nods to those who greeted her and ignoring those who stared at her dress. Stopping to gaze toward a decorative fountain at the far end of the room, Scarlett tried to recollect what her mind had long since lost.

Nathan!

That was right. She was there to see Nathan. God, how could she have forgotten? Was Tony Stark really that damn intoxicating and distracting? No, that couldn't be it. Scarlett was just distracted in general and it had very little to do with Tony Stark or Jinx's stupid predictions. Natasha had thrown her off her game. Had confusion been one of the side effects Jemma had mentioned in the paperwork? Scarlett couldn't remember. Besides, she hadn't felt much else since then. Nonchalantly Scarlett looked over her shoulder in search of the redhead. Natasha was there somewhere. Watching. Waiting. Whatever, Scarlett was going to try to keep that from ruining her night.

Scarlett scanned the growing crowd for Nathan but didn't have to look very long to find him. Coming down the stairs was the entire cast and everyone in the parlor turned and applauded them once again. It only lasted a moment before the stars separated and mingled amongst the crowd. There were many pats on the back and congratulations on such a good turnout for each of them. The donation goal for the night had very much been met, all that was left to do now was for the donators to enjoy the party that was held for them.

Nathan wove his way through the crowd, searching. It only took seconds for him to find Scarlett and so before she even had a drink in hand, Scarlett started toward him. He had a big smile on his face and it was clear to her that he hadn't noticed that she'd left the show even for a second. There was no disappointment on his face, only pride, and excitement. He was genuinely happy to see her. It was sweet.

"It seems like congratulations are in order." Scarlett nodded as he came within earshot. He stopped to excuse himself after he bumped into a woman walking past him and then nodded.

"Well, I appreciate them but it was truly a pleasure to perform tonight."

"It showed." Scarlett laughed though to be honest she hadn't enjoyed the show very much until Tony had shown up. She would never tell Nathan that though. Or Tony. "No, honestly. You deserve all the accolades you receive Nathan. You're wonderful."

"Coming from you, Scarlett, that means the world." He bowed his head politely and then took in the extravagant parlor. Nathan was high on life and for a second Scarlett wanted to tell him to run. If he wanted to stay that happy he had to get far, far away from her. "Did you enjoy the show? I know you aren't the biggest fan of Shakespeare but surely 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 most relatable."

"Of course I enjoyed it. How could I not?" Scarlett lied through her teeth. Shakespeare was boring. Except for MacBeth. That was a story Scarlett rather enjoyed but it was the only exception for her.

"Really? I mean, I know you have come to many of my shows since we met…"

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

"But Hamlet really is a tried and true tale of betrayal! And yet of conscience. I love playing the tortured Hamlet, the prince who cannot seem to get his revenge…"

"Oh, I can tell. You have a thing for tortured characters." Scarlett teased. "And you play the role well, Nathan. I'm glad you invited me tonight. It's been nice. Shakespeare would be proud." Scarlett couldn't help but inflate his ego. Nathan was obviously flattered and even shied away but then his expression changed.

"Would he? Really?" First came Tony's voice and soon he joined Scarlett, standing next to her, hands again in his pockets, a confident smile on his face. "I'm not so sure."

"Nathan, I'm so sorry for what's about to happen." Scarlett winced and swallowed the lump that rose instantly into her throat. Tony was going to make a scene. She could feel it. Something about the way he stood next to her gave Scarlett that distinct feeling of trouble. Was he jealous? He had no right to be.

"Sorry?" Nathan chuckled and then smiled brightly at Tony. "I didn't expect to see you here, Mr. Stark. This is the other side of the country for you! It's an honor to have you at my show."

"This is exactly the sort of event I show up for, regardless of locale." Tony held out his hand to shake. "And you are?"

"Nathan Richardson. You probably recognize me as Hamlet."

"Tony Stark." Tony cleared his throat. "It's a pleasure to meet you… what did you say it was again? Nicholas?"

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

"I didn't mean to interrupt whatever you two were doing. I just saw Scarlett. She seemed bored and I figured I'd come offer her a life raft." Tony didn't look away from Nathan.

"I wasn't bored…" Scarlett began but was surprised when Nathan spoke over her.

"I can see how a man of your stature would mistake such excitement for boredom! After all, we've heard tales of your experiences with the fairer sex. I assure you that Scarlett can handle 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 too had his gaze locked on Tony. Scarlett placed her hand on her hip and sighed. For someone who was the topic of conversation they sure didn't seem to care if she actually participated.

"Oh yes, trust me, I'm well aware just how well Scarlett can handle herself, Neal."

"It's Nathan, truly not that hard a name."

"You know how it is, you meet hundreds of people at things like this it slips in one ear and out the other." Tony couldn’t help but take a dig at the actor and stroke his own ego at the same time. "I spent the last twenty minutes shaking hands with people eager to meet me, so you must understand how it is."

"Believe me. I understand that more than you know. Headlining a show and all that has an effect. That's my life practically every night."

"Headlining?" Tony pretended not to recognize Nathan and for a second Scarlett thought the actor was going to pounce. Only seconds ago he'd told Tony exactly who he was and what role he'd played and still Tony felt the need to antagonize. Nathan looked unusually ruffled and it was not a flattering look for 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 like to be the center of attention but the spotlight wasn't shining on you tonight." Nathan did his best to sound polite, which was easy considering his sweet accent but there was such a bite to his words that even Scarlett felt uncomfortable. She knew that she could stop them if need be. She could put them both in their place but what did it matter? What were they even bickering over anyway? So far it was to see which one of them had the bigger head and as far as Scarlett could tell, neither was winning. She was reminded of two roosters fighting for rule over the hen house. The mental image was an amusing distraction.

"Maybe it's all the makeup, made you look all feminine. Hard to tell outside of the tights and puffy sleeves, Niko. A suit is far more appropriate. A little too tight up here though, maybe I should give you the name of my tailor."

"Tell me, Tony, how is it you know Scarlett anyway?" Nathan took a step closer, back straightened and looking as confident as ever. He wasn't as tall as Tony but his personality filled up the room just as well. Tony, however, was not easily intimidated. In the battle of egos he rarely lost.

"Well, he's actually a…" Scarlett began, hoping she could diffuse the pissing match by speaking about business. Nathan liked business, especially her business. So did Tony. Maybe they could find common ground. She doubted it. They were far too content with digging at each other. Nathan was a far different pill to swallow than Tony was. They were like oil and water and she was sure they'd never mix.

"I offered her a position at Stark Industries in Malibu." Tony spoke over her, seemingly not even realizing she'd spoken and yet remaining oddly close to her. "I could offer her several positions I'm sure." He couldn't help himself. It was too easy a joke and Nathan was so obviously jealous of any male attention Scarlett received that he was an easy target. He was quickly falling prey to Tony who oozed with confidence. "I'm not sure if you're the kind of guy who realizes this, Norman but there is more than just the one position."

"Seriously, Tony?" Scarlett sighed and thought she saw a smile on his lips just for her but he never looked away from Nathan. "I think that's a little…"

"Everyone knows that all the positions at Stark are already appropriately filled." Nathan's eyes were sparkling with jealousy and he made no attempts to hide it. They were both talking a bit higher pitched than usual, trying their best to keep civil tones. Even Tony seemed a little ruffled now. The mention of Pepper had done him in.

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

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

"You can't quite believe everything the newspaper say about relationships or talent really. It's all very telling if you read between the lines." Tony cocked an eyebrow and Nathan readjusted his footing and buttoned his jacket. He'd practically taken a swing at the shorter actor.

Scarlett was tired of being over shadowed. If she could she'd knock them both in the stomach and drag them out back to tell them what she thought of their egos. Unfortunately that would absolutely make the tabloids so she was forced to keep her thoughts to herself. It didn't mean she had to sit around and keep listening to them go on and on. Scarlett peered around the room for something better to do. Anything was better than this.

"If I read between the lines then I'd say you're hiding something, Stark."

"Is that so, Neilson?"

"Maybe you should get your head checked since you can't remember a name as simple as mine. It's only six letters."

"I don't make a habit of remembering the part time celebrities. What's the point? 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 busy working on something big."

"Your ego?"

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

"I was going to take Scarlett to dinner." Nathan nodded toward the side and smiled confidently. "Why don't you join us so we can continue this conversation? I'm sure she can settle this for us." Nathan glared at Tony and didn't blink. Tony did the same and they sat in silence for a long moment, waiting for the other to look away.

"Why don't we let Scarlett decide? What do you say? You want to go to dinner with this stuffy Brit or…" Tony stopped in mid-sentence when he looked to his side. Scarlett was nowhere to be found. Nathan did a double take then looked all around him in search of her. "Scarlett?" Tony actually laughed out loud. It was just like her to bail while they puffed their chests to see who would back down first. Tony wasn't sure who won, but it didn't much matter if Scarlett wasn't there to congratulate the winner.

Truth be told Scarlett didn't care who won. She'd stopped listening long ago and had gone off in search of a bar where she could be left alone. There were several set up all around the parlor so she was sure she'd have no problem finding a drink. Nathan was acting possessive which Scarlett didn't find at all attractive. They weren't dating. Half the world seemed to be fooled into thinking they were but in all honestly she hadn't done as much as offer him a kiss on the cheek. Nathan had simply thought he'd wooed his way into her arms and that hadn't been true. Yes, he was charming, talented, handsome, sweet, but Scarlett wasn't looking for any of that.

Simply put: Scarlett didn't care.

She just didn't care. How many times had she said she wasn't looking for a relationship to just about everyone? How many times would she have to say it and to who to make it clear? She didn't think there was any way to make people stop caring about her romantic life. That was what the people wanted, right? Gossip, drama, romance, danger! So what was it that Scarlett actually cared about? Right now Scarlett cared about a drink. Nothing more than that.

Scarlett leaned against the bar in the lobby, deciding against remaining in the parlor. It would be too easy to be found. The boys would pull her back into their vortex of ego and sexual innuendo soon enough and she hoped to push it off just a bit longer.

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

"She's right. I do. 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 toward Scarlett who was staring at the alcohol. She opened her mouth to speak but Scarlett stopped her, holding her hand up.

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

"I was actually going to ask you what Stark was doing here. I had reports he was still in Malibu earlier this morning. So it comes as a bit of a surprise to see him."

"Well, someone isn't doing their job then because he is here and obnoxiously loud." Scarlett thanked the bartender and then turned away before she took a long drink. Figured that S.H.I.E.L.D. would be watching Tony too. "He's here for the same reason I'm here. Charity and all that. Despite the ego I hear he's a pretty charitable guy."

"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 and she had a clue as to what, but was going to savor what could have very well been a moment sharing a drink with her friend. She stared into her scotch. God, she was filled with self pity. Enough. Scarlett was tired of feeling so damn tired. Natasha made her feel like she was dying constantly. It was the only time Scarlett was forced to face her mortality.

"What do you want, Natasha?"

"What does Stark know?"

"You have to be more specific. I'm sure he knows plenty of things. Genius or something like that." Scarlett took another sip from the glass. She managed a smile and Natasha at last relaxed. Maybe they could speak on a more casual level than they had earlier. There, that was something within Scarlett's control. She wasn't totally powerless.

"You know what I mean. How much does he know about what he shouldn't know about?" Natasha even laughed. If it was an act she could have fooled Scarlett.

"I think you're just here to get some gossip for that weird phone chain you guys have set up."

"Maybe I am."

"Well, you're going to be disappointed. He doesn't know anything." Scarlett yawned and stretched. Sitting still in the dark for so long had been taxing. She wanted a nice long nap. "He's just doing what he does best."

"And that is?" Natasha rose 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 rolled her eyes but she actually felt a little nervous. That was twice in one night that Tony Stark had left her nervous and this time he wasn't even there. Why was Scarlett letting him have this hold on her? She had to get her act together.

"Is that why you're so flustered?"

"Flustered?"

"Yeah."

"I am not flustered." Scarlett scoffed at once. "He is genuinely here to annoy me. Honestly, he came in and made a big scene in the front row! I had to drag him out of the theater and he was just… god, so frustrating! Now he's off in the other room measuring dick size with Nathan. This is not the face of a flustered woman. This is the face of a woman who is frustrated she can't use her very specific set of skills in order 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 get it. You like him."

"Seriously?" Scarlett practically squealed as she choked on her drink. It burned the back of her throat and she coughed. "Did you listen to any of the words coming out of my mouth?"

"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 at her drink, a smile on her lips. She readjusted the bag over her shoulder that Scarlett caught a quick glance of. Something glistened just inside the zipper. Scarlett guessed it was probably a gun.

"I'm not getting involved with anyone."

"Looks like that's going really well."

"Especially Stark."

"Well that makes sense." Natasha nodded but was still giving her that stupid smile.

"He's taken."

"I wasn't sure you cared about that."

"You're a real mean girl sometimes." Scarlett nursed her drink, before daintily picking up the ice cube and chucking it in the trash.

"Look, I'm just being honest with you, Scarlett!" Natasha began carefully. "Don't you remember the Hunter?"

"Kinda hard to forget when you keep reminding me of him."

"I recall a night in a bar where I had to find out…" Natasha opened her mouth to continue but Scarlett held up her hand again.

"I lived it, stop reminding me."

"I'm just saying that your moral compass has very rarely pointed north. Especially when it comes to romance."

"You're right." With a heavy sigh, Scarlett tapped her fingers against the glass in her hand. "I'm too busy for that kind of thing these days. It's different now."

"You never used to be too busy. Remember? You used to tell me it was a good way to take out frustration."

"Yes, thank you Natasha for reminding me of my juvenile promiscuity. In case you didn't notice things are kind of changing for me. I'm not looking for anything. Not even Stark for fun which I'm sure he'd be tons of. And definitely not Nathan, again who would also probably be fun. He's very sweet but already a little too clingy for my tastes. Plus he really doesn't know much about me, does he?"

"He doesn't. Well, he knows a bit. You're still the same woman technically even in the shadows."

"Yes, but without all the guns, violence, alcohol… well, I guess fun. You took all my fun and left me with just alcohol."

"It's for your own good."

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

"Good." Natasha held her drink up in a cheer and then took a sip from it. They sat in silence again but it didn't last long. Scarlett suddenly felt somber.

"He's okay, right? He has to be. He's always okay." Scarlett whispered as discreetly as she could. Natasha nodded and Scarlett sighed with relief.

"He wanted to help. Offered to be security detail." Natasha knew Scarlett was referring to an old friend, the Hunter. "We told him that was a bad idea. Then he went dark."

"Thanks." Scarlett was glad to hear that at the very least. Thankfully most of the people she'd affiliated with in the past could care for themselves. Finally there was a little good news. "Why the third degree about Stark anyway?"

"We're considering giving you fieldwork." Natasha nodded and adjusted her bag again. She was uncomfortable wearing it, Scarlett could tell. It wasn't that Natasha felt out of her element, just with the bag she was holding. Her discomfort was subtle but Scarlett could sense it plain as day.

"This sounds like the beginning of a really mean joke."

"I'm serious." Natasha nodded her head. "I spoke with Nick Fury and we argued a bit."

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

"I don't like that."

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

"I know that. That's why we argued. Your numbers aren't great these days but you're holding together so well I think it's fair that you be allowed to keep moving. Do what you're good at. I can't guarantee that you're going to be handed any actual work but I'm pushing for you." Natasha didn't smile or turn away but Scarlett thought she looked almost bashful for a second. Some people thought Natasha was carved from stone. Scarlett knew she was far from ice. People like Natasha felt deeper than anyone realized. They were just better at hiding it.

"Alright." Scarlett didn't make a big deal out of it. She felt like she should, but she didn't. Now wasn't really the place or the time. Still, she should say something.

"Postpone the job in Malibu if you're seriously considering it. Stay in Boston as long as you can." Natasha instructed. "But avoid Mr. New York if possible."

"That could be difficult but I'll manage." Scarlett was sure she could push Nathan off for a bit, particularly if she said something positive to him about Tony. He was easy to lie to anyway. "Can I ask why? Are you jealous?"

"Obviously I want to keep you for myself."

"I knew it!" Scarlett snapped her fingers. "That's just what the gossip rags needed, a story about a saucy redhead."

"Saucy?"

"I haven't had enough liquor yet, give it time. I'll come up with better adjectives."

"Realistically we want some of the heat off of Nathan. He needs to be out of your limelight for a little while." Natasha spoke and Scarlett knew at once what she meant. She didn't want Nathan to become a target for MedCo. That was right. People close to Scarlett got into trouble and if Nathan appeared to be any source of attachment for her, there was a chance Scott would go after him.

"There was a time you were encouraging me to date him."

"Yeah, I know but that was before... We got some information claiming that Scott is finally on American soil. We're just being careful for now. If they're planning something we want to keep them on their toes." Natasha went out of her way to sound reassuring but Scarlett could read between the lines. Strangely enough today she could handle it. Recently even the mere mention of Scott's name had driven her crazy, made her sick.

It was a tough realization but she'd finally begun to come to terms with it. That monster was Scott. Denial wasn't helping anyone but the bad guys so Scarlett had forced herself to sit and repeat his name in her alone hours. Hearing it didn't hurt as terribly anymore, though she still felt that stab of something in her stomach. Natasha was watching her to see if she had another fit, if she spaced out in a panic, if she lost her breath, but none of those things happened. It had been a test. Scarlett merely nodded.

"I can handle that. To an extent." Scarlett finished her drink and set the glass down on the bar before handing cash to the bartender for both her drink and Natasha's. She sat on one of the stools there and Natasha joined her, setting her bag down on the bar next to her with her hand still carefully on top of it.

"Good."

"Hey, about earlier." Scarlett began but Natasha stopped her.

"You don't have to say anything."

"Yeah, I do. I was a bitch." Scarlett nodded and held her hand up to stifle any objections. "And I know frequently am, you don't have to remind me. I'm struggling having a babysitter. It's not your fault and I took it out on you anyway. I'm frustrated. All the ways I used to take out frustration are illegal or will end up in the paper. So I'm a little bitchy lately." Scarlett managed a small smile. "I didn't mean to be so… whatever that was."

"It's okay. I get it."

"I want my life back, Tasha."

"I know." Natasha set down her drink and then tapped her foot for a moment. It seemed she had something on her mind but wasn't quite sure how to say it or even if she should. Scarlett could read Natasha better than most people but only because she'd been just as good a liar for just as long. In a way Scarlett felt like they were kindred spirits. Or maybe she was the only one who had ever been able to relate to what Scarlett was now going through. The transformation wasn't exactly a typical one.

"You shouldn't linger. They're going to be back any second now…" Scarlett gave Natasha her out but much to her surprise, it wasn't taken.

"I've been over protective."

"Yeah, I know."

"I've never been in this position before." Natasha gritted her teeth. "I've never had a friend… or someone I actually care about slipping away in front of me like this." Natasha reluctantly looked back to Scarlett who didn't quite know what to say. She didn't feel like she was slipping away. But someone as analytical as Natasha could often be had done the research, read the medical reports and that's precisely what she saw. "You're not the only person this is difficult for."

"I know that." Scarlett wanted to crack a joke but for once in her life she resisted. "Hey… I'm okay." She smiled and gestured toward herself. "I'm really okay. This isn't just an act tonight. Have some faith in me." Scarlett held out an arm and gave her a smile. "Come on… we're gonna hug. You know you want to."

"That's not necessary."

"Shut up and let me hug you." Scarlett pulled the redhead into an embrace regardless of whether or not she wanted it. Natasha returned the gesture and seemed at once grateful for it. Scarlett's eyes fell to the bag that Natasha had let go of, just for a second. There was a gun in the bag as expected, but it wasn't what intrigued Scarlett. No, there was a small USB key there as well. Scarlett quickly slipped her fingers within the purse, removed the key and hid it in the palm of her hand.

Natasha made to pull from the hug and Scarlett did the same, holding the key still in her palm until she could hide it further within her dress.

"There, feel better?"

"No, I basically just felt you up." Natasha shook her head. "Hard to hug you in that dress without doing that."

"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." Scarlett laughed but she felt the guilt wrench her stomach. It was like she'd swallowed a ton of bricks. There she was apologizing to Natasha, exchanging actual feelings and stealing from her in the same breath. Scarlett knew deep down that S.H.I.E.L.D. wasn't going to hand her any fieldwork. If she wanted any sort of insight she'd have to get it the old fashioned way.

She really could be a bitch.