Chapter Twenty Five: Panic on the Dance Floor
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Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader, Steve Rogers x Reader, Matt Murdock x reader
Warnings/Rating: Mature 18+. This fic has become mature and as such will include adult themes, languages, actions, etc.
Notes: This fic is something that Iâve wanted to explore for a while and have put a few chapters on A03 as well. The story follows y/n Stark, daughter of Tony Stark, following the events of Tonyâs snap and how she is choosing to grieve and feel. It is very angsty as it explores loss, love, and just about everything in between. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to all your thoughts.
The week leading up to the party was a blur and filled with more commotion than you had seen since you arrived. In between your time at Stark Industries and working with Pepper, you were roped into all the planning and organizing that it took to pull off a Stark event. Tony wanted it grander and grander every time you met to discuss details, with Pepper roping in his wide-eyed enthusiasm to a classy level of extravagance. In a way, it reminded you of all the fundraisers, stakeholder meetings, and wild-themed nights your dad had thrown in your own universe. He always made sure everyone was having a good time and schmoozed the crowds of hundred with ease and style. It felt as close to regular life as you could get. That was until you would make your trips to the med bay to see Dr. Lee. With the stress of the party, it seemed to have hyped up the effects of the poison. You never fully dreamed or had the nightmares you were accustomed to, but you would hear whispers and taunts just before drifting off. When you had told Dr. Lee of what was happening she shrugged and upped your dose.
âIâve never dealt with this type of thing before, y/n. The best I can offer is more dosage.â She had announced as she pulled out an IV drip bag filled with the blue liquid. Your eyes grew wide at the sheer volume of the next dose, but silently bit your lip and nodded. Dr. Lee hooked you up to an IV and sat with you as the medicine worked its way through your system. The familiar sting and burning sensation causing your eyes to tear only slightly. The frequency of your visits had grown to almost every day as you prepped for the party and each time Dr. Lee sat and talked with you over just about every topic under the sun. She told you of her mother, how her father had passed away a few years prior. You bonded over shared experiences and laughs about life's misfortunes. It felt so comforting and nice to have someone to talk to that didnât know just about everything there was to know about you. There was no Dr. Lee in your universe and you enjoyed the experience of making a new friend. You finished up your dose for the day and waved goodbye to Dr. Lee as you took the elevator up to the kitchen for a late-night snack. You open the refrigerator door and scrounge around for something that looked good, settling on Pepperâs cheesecake. As you softly shut the door you practically jump like a scared cat as you are met face to face with an angry look Natasha. You give a soft squeal at being spooked, but place a shaky hand to your chest to calm your breathing.
âJesus Christ, Nat. Donât sneak up on people like that. One of these days Iâm going to have a heart attack.â You scold her half-heartedly as you turn away to grab a fork. She grabs your shoulders sharply and turns you to face her. You gasp in shock and pain as her fingertips dig into your shoulders and try to wiggle away.
âNat, youâre scaring me.â You whine as you try to shrug off her hands, but she's too strong.
âGood. You should be. What are you doing in the lab with Dr. Lee every day this week?â She asks with emotion drained from her face. You stare at her and try to analyze what it is she was doing; coming up empty.
âWha-nothing. Sheâs giving me my treatments so I donât puke up black goo and shit. You knew that, Nat. Let. Go.â You grumble in irritation as you finally give a firm shove and release yourself from her arms. She takes a small step back and fixes you with an annoyed look.
âY/n, Iâm not talking about the treatments. You two spend a lot of time together doing-â She begins but you cut her off abruptly.
âAh, are you jealous?â You ask in a mock innocent tone as you turn to retrieve a fork from the draw once again. Natasha swiftly slams the draw just as youâre opening it.
âAnd so am I, Nat. Nothing is going on and Iâm sure youâd be the first to figure it out if I was plotting something which again, Iâm not.â
âI just donât trust her.â
âYou donât trust anyone. Now can I please eat my cheesecake in peace?â You ask in a hushed tone, annoyance seeping through your words. Natasha takes a step back from the draw as you move to grab a fork. As youâre about to stab it in the cake to take a bite Natasha grabs your wrist. You tilt your head to look at her face; contorted in a mixture of emotions you donât usually see on her.
âJustâŚbe careful, y/n. Not everyone has our best interest at heart.â She implores, her voice wavery as the words come out. You smile at her and lean your head against her arm affectionately. She smiles and pulls away; sauntering in the direction of her room. You take a big bite of your cheesecake and call after her down the hall.
âNot everyone is out to get us either.â
Before you knew it, Saturday had arrived and the tower was buzzing with activity. Caterers were arriving in a whirlwind effort to set up the mountains of food as the bad arrived and did a sound check. You milled around the ballroom on the upper level as you watched the commotion unfold. Stepping out onto the terrace, you breathe in deeply the air of the city and lean against the railing. Peering down at the sights of the city, a small smile works its way over your features.
âAh, so youâre a city girl then?â A baritone voice calls to you as you jump back and away from the railing. Bucky steps out from the late afternoon shadows as he raises both arms in a calming motion.
âShit, didnât mean to scare ya, doll.â He mumbles as he shoves his hands in his pockets. You take a deep breath and tug a hand through your hair.
âYouâre fine. Nat snuck up on me yesterday so I think Iâm just a bit jumpy.â You admit as you lean back on the railing and cross your arms. Your eyes trail over Bucky as they take in his worn jeans and tight-fitting t-shirt. As you get lost in the vision of Bucky, his voice cuts through breaking you from your thoughts.
âYou never answered my question, doll.â He asks stepping up to the railing and brushing his shoulder against yours ever so slightly.
âQuestion?â You ask in confusion, scrunching your brow together to try and remember. Bucky chuckles and nudges you.
âAbout the city. Are you a city or country girl?â He asks again, a smile clear in his voice. You chew your lip and turn to look back out at the city sprawled before you. You watched the cars as they wove through the streets and your eyes tracked the tiny people below as they went about their afternoon errands. Taking a deep breath you closed your eyes to take in the sounds.
âYou know, I never really gave it much thought. Iâve lived in the city my entire life, I donât know if Iâm country girl material.â You say finally, laughter bubbling in your chest and spilling free. Bucky laughed too, his wide smile splitting his face as he looked at you.
âYou choppinâ wood is a sight Iâd pay to see.â He teased as another round of laughter shook his shoulders. You open your mouth to speak as Wanda clears her through from the doorway.
âY/n? Itâs time to start getting ready. All us girls are in Natashaâs room.â She calls in a soft voice; eyes darting from you to Bucky as a smile slowly creeps over her face. You turn back to Bucky who just nods in the direction of Wanda.
âDuty calls, city girl.â He whispers in your ear as he pushes off the railing and strides past Wanda. Your stomach does a flip as you feel your palms grow sweaty. Wanda gives you a âwhat was that?â look, but you quickly grab her arm and drag her in the direction of Natashaâs room.
âLetâs get ready, shall we?â You exclaim in an overly excited voice. Wanda just giggles and allows you to drag her along not pushing the subject further.
Striding through the doors to Natashaâs room you are instantly thrown a pile of fabric. You catch it as it hits your chest and are about to whine about manners and whatnot when your gaze falls on Natasha who sits on the floor among the chaos of her closet. You gently set the clothes on the foot of the bed and sit on the floor by Natasha; leaning into her slightly.
âWhatâs up Nat?â You ask softly, knowing something was off with her usual confident and stoic demeanor. She seemed frazzled and that was not the usual Nat. She sighs and nudges the curlers in her hair with shaky hands. Wanda kneels before her and smiles as she takes Natâs hand.
âShe is nervous about Dr. Banner liking her outfit.â Wanda says after a beat as Natashaâs face turns as red as her hair.
âI am NOT!â She screeches as she places her fingertips against her temples and sighs, recentering herself.
âYou like Bruce?â You whisper quietly, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear and smiling. She looks up with a swirl of anger and confusion on her features and pulls her legs to her chest. Itâs not often in life that you had seen Natasha so vulnerable; it gave her a level of humanity that she reserved for only the most special of people in her life. You and Wanda remain silent as you wait for her to reveal her feelings and, after a few minutes, she caves.
âFine.â She barks, her face resettling into its usual tough expression. âI do like Bruce. A great deal actually. I want him to see me tonight as a beautiful woman and not an assassin spy. Ya know?â
âNat, you are a beautiful woman. If he likes you, heâs supposed to like you for all of you.â You coo as you place an arm around her stiff shoulders. You can feel her relaxing a bit, but she remains mostly rigid in place. Wanda scoots on Natashaâs other side as she too places an arm around her.
âThere is no need to worry. His feelings are much the same as yours.â Wanda states casually with a wide grin forming slowly. Natasha whips her head to look at Wanda as you burst out laughing.
âY/n, stop. Itâs not funny. Wanda! Stop reading people's thoughts.â Natasha attempts to scold her but a smile eventually overtakes her loosening the effect she had intended.
âIâm sorry! But when you two are just SO LOUD with your thoughts, I just canât help it!â
âGeeze Nat, what kind of stuff are you thinking! Poor Wanda!â You squeal as you poke Natasha's ribs and roll away as she goes to hit you with another ball of clothes.
âYou shouldnât be so quick to tease, y/n. Your thoughts have been equally as loud at times relating to a particular brooding super soldierâŚâ Wanda quips, a shit-eating grin wide across her features and Natasha looks at you stunned.
âOh. My. God. Bucky!?!â Natasha shouts as you lunge at her and place a hand firmly over her mouth in an attempt to mumble her ramblings.
âThatâs what y/n would like to be saying.â Wanda snarks as you shoot her a dry look.
âShhh. Nat. Stop. He can probably hear us!â You whisper shout as you try, hopelessly, to get her to stop.
âMe stop? Y/n, you have a crush on Bucky. Sorry if I canât remain calm at the idea of you, someone as sweet as sunshine, and him, the literal embodiment of darkness, ever working.â She says firmly as she pulls your hand away from her face and fixes you with a pointed look.
âFor fucks sake Natasha. Itâs not like Iâm going to run off with him tomorrow and elope or some shit. I just thinkâŚhe-heâs hot and I am attracted to him, sure. But he hates my guts for some reason and Iâm fine leaving it at that.â You mutter in annoyance that the topic of conversation has switched to you. Wanda opens her mouth to say something, but instead thinks better of it and stands abruptly. She extends an arm to Natasha who takes it reluctantly as she is pulled to her feet.
âLetâs give Bruce the sight heâs been dying to see, hmm?â She says and begins picking through the remains of Natashaâs closet. A soft knock raps at the door as Pepper peeks her head in.
âHow are we doing in here?â She asks in confusion as her eyes take in the piles of clothes. You chuckle lightly and shrug as Natasha wipes a hand over her face in frustration. Pepper giggles and turns her gaze to you.
âY/n. Tony had something made for youâŚIâll help you get ready if you want?â Pepperâs voice is a soft murmur as she asks you, but the wide smile on your face is reassurance enough.
âIâd love that. Thanks.â You say your goodbyes to Wanda and Nat who reassure you that they have it under control here and practically shoo you from the room. You follow Pepper down the hall to your room as she talks to you about the plans for this evening and how Tony put on too much aftershave as he nervously is preparing his speech to the stakeholders. Entering your room, you notice a large garment bag on your bed with a sleek, velvet jewelry box and a pair of navy blue heels. You gravitate to the gifts and open the jewelry box with shaking hands. You let your hands trail over the intricate details of a diamond necklace and matching earrings before turning back to Pepper quickly.
âItâs too-â You begin but she cuts you off and has you turn around and hand her the necklace. Her steady hands lift the glistening jewels around your neck and clasp it securely. Your hands float to the cold metal on your neck adoringly.
âNothing is too much or too good for you. He loves you, y/n. Heâs trying his best to fit into your life as your father. This is just how he knows how to show it, for now.â She murmurs as she pulls you into a tight hug. For a moment, you allow yourself to be enveloped in love and affection. At times it felt like you were a stranger in this place that was your home, but at this moment you felt content and at peace. Pepper pulls back and shines a beaming smile at you.
âNow, letâs get ready!â Her excitement bubbles through her words as she turns you to the vanity and sets about curling your hair. She talks to you about work and Tony and his habit of drinking a bit too much at these events. You share memories of your dad and the many parties he had thrown. She set the curls in loose, voluminous waves as they cascade down your shoulders. She does a soft touch of makeup and a dark, red lip to complete the look.
âPerfect.â She announces in a whisper as she takes in her work. You gaze in the mirror at your reflection and see that you truly did look beautiful. She tugs on your earlobes as her smile turns wistful.
âYou truly do look like him, you know.â She says before standing up and putting away her makeup. âIâll leave you to get dressed. The team is meeting in ten minutes by the elevator so we can arrive together. Youâll-â
âHang toward the back. Got it.â You say resolutely, a frown creasing your lips.
âRight. Alright. See you then.â She says solemnly as she quickly exits the room to go get ready herself. You slowly stepped to the bed and unzipped the garment bag containing your dress for the evening. As you pulled away the edges of the bag to reveal the dress you gasp at the extravagance and beauty of it. Gingerly you pull it free from its confines and hold it up to the dim light of your bedroom. It was gorgeous, every detail sang of the time and effort it took to create it. The navy blue material was silky and heavy as it draped down from the bodice in a strapless arrangement. It twirled down into shocks of midnight blue while glistening with whispers of silver hiding amongst the indigo; like stars peeping through broken slits of the sky. You shrugged off your robe and stepped inside the pool of fabric, pulling it gently to your bust as you stepped to the mirror and took in the sight that was this gown. It was made for you; the way it clung to your hips and accentuated every facet of your figure in the most flattering way. You reached behind you to take hold of the zipper but your fingers found no purchase. Cursing under your breath while clutching the bodice to your chest you tried and failed once again to zip the dress.
âNeed a hand?â A voice calls from the door as you turn to see Bucky sheepishly standing there, eyes fixed on the floor. He looked nervous as he shoved his hands in his pockets and shuffled on his feet.
âYeah, thatâd be great.â You murmur, turning back to the mirror and watching as Bucky slowly walks up behind you. His hands hover in the air at your sides before you tilt your neck and pull your hair out of the way of the zipper. You can feel his warm breath on your neck as it tickles the baby hairs at the nape of your neck. His right hand lightly pinches the fabric between your shoulder blades as his left, metal hand slowly drags the zipper closed. You can feel the metal knuckle as it grazes the flesh on your spine, causing you to shiver in spite of yourself. As he closes the top clasp, your eyes meet his and lock onto those deep, blue orbs. He looked ungodly handsome. Bucky was dressed in a dark blue velvet suit that if you hadnât taken a closer look youâd have mistaken for black. His hair was brushed neatly as the dark brown locks tucked behind his ears just slightly peaked out. His chiseled jaw was lightly pebbled with scruff that gave him a mature and refined look. He looked confident and put together when you knew Bucky hated these kinds of things. His stature, in contrast, was hunched over as his hands lingered on your bare shoulders. His eyes bore into yours as if wanting to say so much without having the right words.
âYou have a girl you're trying to impress tonight, Barnes?â You ask teasingly, breaking the silence and pulling a mischievous smile to his full lips. He looked away for a moment before meeting your eyes once again, the smile becoming strained.
âYeah, somethinâ like that.â Bucky mumbled as he took a step back and once again shoved his hands in his pockets. Your throat grew a lump you tried to swallow past as a feeling of uneasiness grew over you. It had only been teasing when you made that comment, but the look in his eyes told the truth of it. There was someone he was trying to impress and it probably wasnât you. Why would it be? In this universe, you were nothing but a nuisance, a job to him. He was told by people around him to watch you and so thatâs what he did. Destiny had other plans for the ây/n and Buckyâ plot line and it didnât involve a happily ever after. It was delusional to think otherwise. Maybe it was because you were perpetually homesick for a place you could never return or maybe because you had come so close to getting it right with Bucky in your universe, but you had convinced yourself there was a chance where none existed and now you paid the price internally for those feelings.
âThank you, Bucky.â You said a bit too forcefully as you turned and walked to the bed. You sat quickly and slid into your heels, keeping your eyes downcast to avoid meeting Buckyâs gaze. He didnât reply, but turned and left the room quickly. You steadied your breathing and silently scolded yourself for allowing your thoughts to run wild. Taking a quick, final glance in the mirror you made your way down the hall and into the kitchen where everyone waited to make their entrance to the party. Everyone looked amazing; dressed in their best formal wear the Avengers were a sight to see. Wanda had a beautiful, red flowing dress that glittered in every ounce of light that fell on its soft fabric. Wanda had settled on an all-black dress with just a peek through of red in the dangerously high slit on her thigh. It was tight-fitting and hugged her figure in all the right places. Pepper strode to the center of the group in her white, low-cut, and backless dress made of satin that draped her in a way that would make the greek goddess die of envy. She arranged the rest of the group so that their entrances would distract from you. The rest of the men in the group were clad in black, classic tuxedos as they pulled at their ties and bow ties with disdain and discomfort. You overheard Sam mumbling to Steve at being âchokedâ as Clint chimed in that he thought Sam liked that. The group erupted into a fit of giggles as Pepper fixed them once again with an anxious, pointed frown. Tony strode in, fashionably late as always, in his tux and clapped his hands to gain the attention of the group.
âShowtime!â He exclaimed, his wide smile lighting up his face as he looked the group over one last time. He ushered everyone into the elevator with you being pushed to the very back behind everyone. Nerves began to take root deep in your stomach as you felt the elevator carry you up to the waiting party. As the elevator reached its destination, you could already hear the camera shutters and shouts of paparazzi waiting to get their shot of the Avengers.
âRemember, y/n. Once we step out you make a beeline to the right and we will join you in a bit.â Pepper reminds you with a soft, clinical tone. To them, this was part of the job. To you, this felt like a huge hurdle on an already chaotic night. You nodded your understanding as the doors slid open cheers and shouts filled the space. You timed your exit as you brushed past Steve and did as Pepper said. You rounded the outside of the paparazzi group and ducked into the ballroom without so much as a second glance. Looking back over your shoulder you watched the group get hounded for photos and asked more questions than any of them cared to answer, though your eyes never left Buckyâs anxious frame. A server making his rounds handed you a full glass of champagne and you decided to hold another for Bucky after seeing how uncomfortable he felt. He couldnât get drunk; that much you knew about the super soldier serum but figured it could take the edge off. Slowly the group was able to break away from the bustle of people as they trickled into the fray of the ballroom chaos. You confidently started for Bucky, armed with your champagne glasses just as a blonde woman stepped out of the shadows and greeted Bucky. Her hips swayed with each step and you felt sick to your stomach as you watched Buckyâs face light up at her presence. She turned ever so slightly and your stomach fully dipped as you realized who he was smiling at. Sharon Fucking Carter. Her blonde curly hair bounced as she leaned in and kissed Bucky on the cheek and took his arm. She handed him a champagne glass and laughed as he whispered something in her ear as they made their way to the opposite side of the room. Anger and hurt washed over you in white-hot waves as you downed both champagne glasses and stormed to the bar for something stronger. You could feel the red anger on your skin as you struggled futilely to keep away the feeling of rejection. Her? Of all people her? You leaned heavily against the bartop as you order gin, neat. The bartender gave you a wary look before sliding a tall pour of the clear liquid your way. You raised the cool glass to your lips and downed the drink quickly, savoring in the burn as it went down. It wasnât your place to even care what Bucky did, but somehow seeing him with Sharon sparked something in you.
âYou seem a little too tense for a party.â Tonyâs calm voice breaks through your inner ramblings as he sidles up next to you. He waves to the bartender who instantly fills a glass with whiskey and hands it to him. Tony clutches the drink in his hands as he swirls the brown liquid and eyes you suspiciously.
âJust aâŚlot of people.â You lie easily, the words half true but not the sole reason for your tense nature. He grimaces at your words and turns his head to take in the crowd. Taking a deep sip he sighs and turns back to you apologetically.
âYouâre right. It is a bit much. Pepper tried and failed to reign me in quite a bit.â Tony mumbles as his brows crease in displeasure. You place a hand on his shoulder and give him a soft push.
âI expect nothing less from a Stark.â You whisper proudly, a twinkle in your eye as you attempt to bring some levity to the mood. He laughs and tucks a piece of hair behind your ear.
âDrink and be merry, y/n. I expect nothing less from my Stark heir.â He whispers with a wink before jogging off to join Pepper as she sweet talks some old men who just so happen to be stakeholders. You giggle as you take in her strained smile at his arrival knowing heâs a loose cannon and capable of making or breaking the interaction. She sends a silent plea for help, but you raise your arms in a shrug as she subtly gives you the middle finger. You laugh dryly and down another drink; the feeling of the alcohol slowly taking hold as you make your way around the ballroom to the terrace grabbing another glass of champagne on the way. The cool night air washes over you as you feel the tickling breeze rush through your hair. The buzz from the drinks causes your cheeks to flush red and the heat to work its way over your body. Resting your forearms on the railing, you down the glass of champagne, set it on the ledge, and watch the nightlife below. It felt comforting, this feeling of watching life carry on around you, and was a habit you had picked up these last few weeks. The sound of footsteps approaching behind you drew your attention to the doors as your eyes landed on Steve. A concerned look creased his brow as he looked you over cautiously.
âEverything alright?â He asks earnestly, his eyes scanning yours as he takes in your buzzed state. You sigh and turn around to face him, wobbling slightly in your heels.
âYes, mom.â You snap, shoving off the railing and quickly walking past him. He grabs your wrist and stops you from leaving. His fingers wrap around your wrist snuggly, unyielding in this moment. You keep your eyes trained forward as your chest heaves with each labored breath.
âYouâre off duty tonight. Iâm not your problem.â You reply cooly, the chill of your voice causing him to release his grip on your wrist and step back. You smooth the fabric of your dress and take a steadying breath.
âEnjoy the party, Steve.â Are your parting words as you walk off without waiting for his reply. Having watched this interaction unfold Wanda and Natasha share a look from across the room and walk your way. A lecture was the last thing you needed right now so you turned sharply and headed in the opposite direction accidentally bumping into the large, broad back of Bucky Barnes.
âShit. Sorry.â You mumble your apology as he turns to look at you with glaring eyes. He opens his mouth to say something as Sharon shoves her hand in between the two of you.
âHello. Sharon Carter. I donât believe weâve met.â Her voice is friendly and overly sweet as she makes her introduction but all you can do is glare at her.
âOh, weâve met.â You growl at her as you grab another flute of champagne down it, and reach for another from the tray of a concerned-looking server. She walks away quickly before you get a chance to down her entire tray.
âExcuse me?â Sharon asks in surprise, unaware of what she could have done to have such a hostile interaction while Bucky grabs you by the shoulders and begins pushing you in the direction of the stairwell.
âIâll be right back.â He calls to her as he practically carries your stumbling form to the edge of the room, but not quickly enough as Tony clinks a glass to begin his speech.
âMother-â Bucky mutters under his breath in frustration as you he pulls you to a stop.
âFuckerâŚâ You slur as you spill a bit of champagne on the front of your dress. Tony stands on the raised band stage and smiles at the crowd.
âFriends and colleagues, I am pleased to welcome you to Casa de Stark for an evening of joy and revelry. I have enjoyed making my rounds and speaking with each of you and, as Pepper has nagged me to say, appreciate your generous donations to the Maria Stark Foundation.â Applause fills the room as laughter and cheers resound against the walls. Tony raises his arms to hush the crowd once more before turning to the projector screen behind him.
âNow, the board has put together a slide show to showcase some of the more notable accomplishments of the MSF this year. We have built more affordable housing, opened a food bank, and have increased support for the Damage Control branch to enhance their efforts and city-wide clean-up after the Battle of New York.â More soft applause as the lights dim and images project showing people with smiling faces working hard to make the city a better place. Soft oohs and ahhs of approval can be heard as these rich elites make commentary on the bettering of the less fortunate. Youâre about to turn and walk out when the soft classical music turns into that of screeching feedback. The images on the screen change to black and white images of you with your eyes scratched out of the photos as the words âTony Starks Biggest Secretâ fill the screen in big red letters. More photos of you going to and from work at Stark Industries flash up on the screen as theyâre joined with more ill-timed photos of you and Wanda picking out clothes at the mall for your date while she holds up lingerie. Soon those photos fade out as theyâre replaced with photos of you kissing Matt Murdock in a scandalous position. The photos fade away as even larger red words scrawl across the screen; âDo you really want to support a man who hid a daughter from the world? Are your donations funding her lavish lifestyle? Do you want to support someone who sleeps with their legal team? Defund Stark Industries.â Your breath comes in ragged gasps as you drop your champagne glass and try to back out of the room. Bucky grabs onto you to stop you from leaving as his eyes fill with anger and rage. You push away and tumble to the floor, a topsy turvy feeling making you feel nauseous and dizzy. You crawl a bit and stumble to your feet as people begin to take notice of you and put things together. The screen fades to black as the lights slowly go back up; whispers fill the room as they take in the shocking accusations. Tony steps back on stage uneasily as he looks around the room.
âLadies and gentlemen, it seems we have a few technical difficulties. Enjoy hors dâoeuvres and we will be back momentarily.â Tony shouts above the commotion, but people have already picked you out in the crowd. Whispers fill your ears in a cacophony of noise that is overwhelming as you try desperately to keep the contents of your stomach down. That eerily familiar feeling of something taking hold of you drives bile up your throat as you swallow it down and make a break for the stairs. People gather together and block your exit as they pull phones from their pockets to document this experience live and in real time.
âAre you Tony Statusâs daughter!?!â
âAre our donations paying for your dress!?!â
âWhy were you being kept a secret!?!â
âWhat is wrong with you!?!â
The shouts grow louder and louder and the crowd pushes in on you. Turning sharply you bolt for the elevator shoving bystanders aside as you make your grand escape. Tony grabs hold of your elbow as he calls your name. His eyes search yours frantically as the paparazzi and journalists push between you, but you slip away and into the sanctuary of the elevator as it takes you to safety, but not before you puke black goo all over the floor and pass out into a heap. A journalist holds a voice record to Tony as he stares at the closing doors of the elevator with worry filled eyes.
âCare to comment on recent events?â She shouts above the fray as Tony shakes his head dumbfounded.
âCan I at least get a reaction from you?â She attempts once more as she looks into Tonyâs scared expression. He turns to her helplessly and gives a grimace of awkwardness.
âPanic. I would say panic is my reaction.â
