~The Other Side~
When showtime finally came, which was only a few hours after they had all met and came up with a show plan, it went better than Tony had initially expected. He knew they would have some rough spots since it was the very first show ever, but the crowd seemed to have enjoyed it. Sure, Bucky froze on spot once he got out there, but that was to be expected. This was new, nothing would go perfectly right.
Pepper made her way over to Tony after the show. She shook her head.
“I gotta tell you, Tony- I didn't really expect you to pull that off. It could go better though.. maybe you should invest in a partner next.”
“Partner?” Tony laughed. “I mean, I guess I need one. You think I could get lucky and find one out in the crowd?”
“You’ll never know if you don’t get out there.” She smiled, shoving him in a playful manner. “Go on, try and find yourself a partner.”
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Tony drug Pepper along with him when he went outside. The crowd had died down, leaving only a few people around. One of the people who stuck around happened to be tall, dark, and holy shit. Handsome.
“Who is that?” Tony stared at the mysterious tall man, hoping Pepper would know who he was talking about.
“Oh, him? That’s Loki Laufeyson. Apparently a bit of a scandal. I guess you could say he’s also a showman. He had a play that was really popular in London.”
“Play. You mean people standing and talking for hours?” Tony laughed. “And they call me the conman.”
He watched Loki, an idea clicking in his head. Pepper did say he was technically also a showman..
“I’ll be right back..”
Tony made his way over to the man who was currently surrounded by various people. He was chatting away, yet.. he didn’t seem to look very happy. Tony tapped on his shoulder. The taller one turned around.
“Do I know you?” He raised a brow, eyeing Tony.
“Nope, you don’t. Anthony Stark, pleasure to meet you, Mr. Laufeyson.” Tony gave him a warm smile, which earned him an eye roll back.
“Oh, as in the Anthony Stark that owns that circus?” Loki asked.
“That’s the one!” Tony smirked.
“What do you want then, Stark? I don’t have all day, you know.”
“Let me take you out for drinks. I have an offer I’d like to make you.”
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Loki followed Tony into the small bar. He took a glance around, not used to someplace that wasn’t very.. expensive.
“Well, We’re here. Now, let's cut to the chase, Stark. What is this offer you want to make?” He said, sitting next to Tony at the bar.
Tony turned to Loki, sliding a drink to him. “Right here, right now- I put the offer out. I don’t want to chase you down, but I know you see it. If you run with me, I can cut you free from these walls you trap yourself in. Don’t you want to get away? Or would you rather stay as a rich snob who never has fun?”
Loki snorted and took a sip of his drink. “A bit uncalled for you to call someone you’re trying to have work with you that, don’t you think? But- okay, my friend. You want to cut me in?” He laughed. “Well, I hate to tell you but that just won’t happen. So thanks, but no. I believe I’m quite good to go. Little did you know, I quite enjoy this life you say I’m trapped in.”
Moments in silence passed before Loki spoke again.
“Listen, I admire you and that whole show you do. You’re really onto something. But- I live among the swells and we don’t pick up peanut shells.” Loki smirked. “I guess I’ll have to leave that up to you.”
“God damn, you’re stubborn. Is this really how you want to spend your days? With whiskey and misery, parties and plays?” Tony retorted.
Loki glared at him. “If I were mixed up with you I’d be the talk of the town. I’d be a disgrace. I would be disowned. I would be another one of your clowns.”
“But you would finally live a little, finally laugh a little. Please, let me give you the freedom to at least dream a little. It’ll wake you up, cure your aching. Take your walls and start them breaking. Now, my opinion, but that’s a deal that seems worth taking. But, I guess I’ll leave that up to you.”
Another awkward bit of silence. It seemed that Loki was thinking now. About what? Tony wasn’t very sure.
“Well.. it’s intriguing and to go would cost me greatly. So, in that case- what percentage of the show would I be taking?
“Fair enough that you’d want a piece of all the action. I could give you seven? We could shake and make that happen.” Tony shrugged.
Loki narrowed his eyes. “I wasn’t born this morning, Stark. Eighteen would be more than fine.”
Tony laughed. “Geez, why don’t you just go ahead and ask for nickels on the dime?”
“Fifteen.”
“Mm.. I could do eight.”
Loki growled. “Twelve.”
“Maaaybe nine.”
“Ten.”
“Mr. Laufeyson, I believe you just made yourself a deal. Welcome to the show, junior partner.” Tony said as he took Loki’s hand and shook it. “You start tomorrow night. I promise you, you won’t regret this decision.”
“You better hope I won’t, Stark.”