The Tale of Two

"Those who do not move, do not notice their chains." -Rosa Luxemburg

Rikki didn't build her own fortune on hope alone.  She had to work out what would and would not work for her.  She had to take some loses before she realized what was the best way to maximize her profits and her reputation.  Above all, she didn't build it staying glued to Zane's side.  That first night when she dreams, she dreams of the other Rikki, of what could have been if she had never become a mermaid.

Rikki of this world doesn't form the same kind of bonds as her.  Emma goes on to perform as a professional athlete without ever even knowing her name.  Cleo knows her from a few group projects they've done together but they don't have the same level of friendship that Rikki is familiar with.  That's fine.  She doesn't want replacements for her friends.  Making new ones will be a pain but she's had practice with her tours.  

It won't be so bad with so many new things to explore.  

Besides that, Rikki was the loner and the outcast.  Her words cut the popular idols and the pride of the rich around her.  She danced to her own tune and cared little for what the clichés had to say about her.  She made average grades and excelled at finance management.  Its for the latter that Zane approached her.  To join him in a business venture independent from his father's empire so that he could prove himself as a capable heir. 

He didn't think she would make the business such a success.

The cafe becomes a booming success with her in charge within the first eight months.  Right out of high school she runs the juice cafe full time and when this Rikki becomes twenty she manages to get enough capital to open two more shops.  While business booms, her relationship with Zane strains.  At first they were just business partners but a little over a year he asks her out. 

She agrees.  Determined not to be like her mother, who had her as a teenager than dumped her on her dad and ran off, she refused to have sex with him.  Of course, someone like Zane doesn't take no for an answer.  He tries to push her, to pressure her, and she soundly rebuffs him each time.  Rikki is not one to be intimidated into doing anything she didn't want to.    

So he goes for the next best thing.  Miriam Kent, their high school popular girl, has always wanted to be the center of attention and was there when Zane needed her to be.  But this Rikki found out and broke it off, both relieved and disappointed.  She takes her shares, her investments and leaves.  She reinvests in a number of other companies and tries to start over.  

She does okay.  This Rikki didn't have magic or a mermaid secret to keep but she does well for herself.  

This Rikki tries to date but besides one that lasted a year, all of them failed.  Unable or unwilling to accept her independent and wild nature or having had Zane whisper in their ear.  Its at this time that Rikki realizes what kind of world she's become a part of.  This Rikki has traveled, not as much as during Rikki's tour, but enough.  It is these trips that show glimpses of a man with a familiar goatee and even more familiar lifestyle.  

Tony Stark.

When Rikki wakes up, she makes her way back to the city and her condo.  It looks like her own with a few differences because the old Rikki was not a mermaid.  But the adjustments are easy to fix.  She goes straight for her laptop and put in the name from her dreams.

Like a bad omen, he pops up on her screen.  Except its not as a comic or movie character but as a real, living breathing human being.

"Oh god." She covers her mouth in horror. "I'm in one of those cheesy dimension stories! No worse. I'm in a freaky alien movie."

She puts the computer to the side with a groan.  She vaguely remembers the first Iron Man movie something about a bomb and terrorist.  The Avengers had aliens coming out of a portal and terrible spies.  Who exposes their organization to a former weapons builder?  Rikki had issues with spies and anything dealing with secret government projects.  Its also the reason Tony Stark was her favorite character because she distinctly remembers him telling the Senate or whoever off when they demanded his armor.  

Rikki sure as hell wouldn't give herself or her powers over if the Australian government told her to.

But that's besides the point.  This universe is a hot bed mess and she hasn't even been here for more than a full twenty four hours.  On the other hand, finding a mermaid would not even rate in the top ten weirdest or most interesting discovery.  Maybe.  Hopefully.

"Well its not like I can leave now."

The moon pool wouldn't be able to send her to another world for years and technically, what did she have to lose being here?  Its not like she can't defend herself or that she's a genius weapons inventor.  So long as she manages to avoid any of the "heroes" she should be fine and she's familiar enough with the most important bits of the marvel films to know what and where to avoid.  If this universe follows the movies.  Weren't the films based off of comics?

"Oh to hell with it." 

She pulls her laptop back toward her and closes her browser.  In the end her life doesn't revolve around these people.  Just as it doesn't revolve around Zane or anyone else.  She came here for a new start, a fresh world.  There's plenty of treasure just waiting to be found.  If no one's found them yet she can start in a few days.  She'll need several things first so that she won't be fined and a proper sponsor so that they don't try and steal her profits.

Rikki learned her lesson well from the first time.  Its easier after that. 

It only takes her about seven months to get back to where she's comfortable with in her life.  If that makes her selfish well too bad.  The world is a selfish and dangerous place.  Rikki is used to a certain level of comfort and enjoys it.  She didn't sit around on her ass waiting for a payout.  Rikki earned her comforts and she knew it.  

After a few days to get her affairs settled, an iron clad contract with a small company just starting out that won't try to snatch up most of her profits, several Miner's Licenses to ensure what she finds isn't considered theft, a private boat, and she was set.  Rikki has a system in place for when she dives and having used it for so long makes it easy.  She finds familiar treasure and not so familiar relics.  Her profits and reputation climbs.  

She writes a new book.

The company she's with, also grows.  She travels around, finding new treasure and new secrets of the seas.  The Loch Ness Monster?  That's definitely a water horse, very friendly.  They played for a while before it was called back to its pod.  Apparently, Loch Ness is part of their nesting grounds.  The things you learn.

Its because she's traveling that she comes to find herself in California, America.  She remembers there being a really good find off the coast somewhere near the hidden moon pool.  It won't take her long to find it after a bit of scouting plus the moon will be full in a few days.  The pull to the moon pool will show her the way. 

In the meantime, there's a charity event hosted by the Maria Stark Foundation.  Normally, she'd tick to her plan to avoid anything Stark related but it is a charity and there shouldn't be a reason for Tony to notice her.  She's a woman among dozens who will no doubt be there.  Rikki will get a chance to mingle, network, and make a donation.  Hopefully without any drama.

Plus, the company representative, she really needs to work to remember her name, practically begged her to go.  

She had her hair straightened and picks out a red dress that she just bought a few days ago.  Rikki's matured in a lot of ways over the years and she's learned to embrace all parts of herself.  The feminine and soft part of her is not a weakness.  She goes to the event with a chauffeur from the hotel.  She's got millions and is still finicky when it comes to her money.  

The party is already underway with people showing up and she has the distinct impression this night will not be as fun as she had hoped.  At the door with his father is someone Rikki had hoped not to see. 

Zane Bennett.

Fuck.

She manages to make it through the front door without being stopped by him but he still sees her.  

Rikki draws attention but its the kind she's used to.  Men stare and undress her with her eyes but she deals with it by ignoring them.  She moves easily through the crowd and finds the kind of crowd she's looking for.  Its as she's talking to a group of older woman from a mix of old and new money that Zane comes up to her.

"Pardon me ladies." He smiles at everyone, trying and failing to be charming.  Rikki isn't the only one to notice Miriam glaring at his back a little way behind him.  "May I steal this lovely lady away for a dance?"

He holds his hand out toward her and while none of them are pleased he's cut the conversation short, they don't make a scene.  Harrison Bennett is somewhat respected among the business sector.  She takes his hand with a blank look on her face and she knows that's telling to the other women.  No doubt they'll go hunting for information and pull up all the "dirty" details.  Nothing harmful to her but she wasn't going to tell Zane that.  When they get to the dance floor, she makes sure to keep a respectful distance between them.  She doesn't let him try and pull her closer.

"You look good." He tells her.

"Thank you." She nodded her head before going for the heart. "What do you want?"

"Always straight to the point." He tries to deflect but she stares him down.  "I need your help."

"With the shop?"

"Yeah.  The shops aren't doing too good."

"So ask your dad for a loan."  Zane grimaces and shakes his head.

"He won't offer anything else.  Either I save the shop or he cuts me off." 

They go around the dance floor one more time before she turns back to him.  

"You did this before, too.  Except I don't work for you so you can figure this out on your own."

She breaks away and slips into the crowd before he can pull them into another dance to try and convince her to go back.  Why would she?  Why would she want to go back to something that didn't make her happy?  Zane didn't even try to understand her.  Not before and not now.  Especially not now with how different she is.  Rikki makes her way to the bar for a drink, nothing to hard.  

She can't risk it.  She can't risk a lot of things but that doesn't mean she can't live a little.

Her eyes spy a man in an expensive suit and the bartender placing a shot in front of him.  She snatches it before he does and knocks it back.  It burns going down but it also helps relax her.  

"That was a huge turn on."

She turns and meets another of the men she didn't want to meet.  Tony Stark.  Double Fuck.   

"Too bad you're not."  His expression of outrage makes something warm and vindictive curl in her belly.

"I will have you know that I am incredibly attractive."

"And I will have you know that I'm not sleeping with you."  She gestures over his shoulder at another woman currently eyeing the billionaire like a piece of meat.  "Miss Pink panther however looks more than happy to have a go right now."

The woman wore an actual soft pink dress and had a healthy caramel complexion to match her brunette hair.  She was very pretty even if she gave Rikki the creeps.  There is something very wrong with women who see a man and see an easy ride.  Tony glances over at the woman and than turns back with a more strained smile.

"Oh come on. I've got better taste than that."  He stands a little closer to her but not in a threatening way. 

"Really? I couldnt tell. They all look the same to me." 

"So you admit to looking me up!"  His eyes light up and Rikki can feel her fingers twitch.  She wants to touch him all of a sudden.

"More like it's impossible not to.  Your mug is everywhere.  Like a most wanted poster."

"Ouch.  Just pain."  He exaggerates a wound to the heart with both hands.

"Rikki" Zane, again! "Rikki can we talk."

He turns his eyes onto her and slumps his shoulders.  Its his wounded look.  Its his way of seeming to be smaller than he really is.

"Sorry but I've been offered a dance." She slips her hand into Tony's arm.  "I don't want to look bad and be rude."

Tony grins at Zane and smoothly escorts Rikki into the next dance.  His strides are smooth and easy to follow.  His hands hold her with a gentleness that she did see.  They're warm and don't push or pull at her hips.  

"Lovers quarrel?"

"No, my ex." He pulls her close and she lets him. "You mind playing my playing my knight in shining Armani?"

He puts an arm around her waist.  Her breath hitches, just a tad.  

"If you don't mind doing the same?" His brown eyes are serious and dark.  Suddenly, his dislike for the other woman makes sense.  

"Don't expect to get drunk around me.  Alcohol tends to disappear."

"Like that last bit?"

"No. That's me being nice.  Usually it ends up in the drain.  Who's your ex?"

"Sunset Bain, the one in pink. From Baintonics, Inc, manipulative and crazy."

"Bet there's more to it but anything you know to get under her skin?"  Tony's eyes and smile lights up.  

"Hates being showed up.  Your prettier and hopefully, not crazy."

She can't help but laugh.  She doesn't know if being a mermaid and being okay with that counts as being crazy.  Still, he's being surprisingly open and she finds herself opening up to him.  Its strange.  She can tell he's being honest with her and she's never felt that with anyone before.  Not even Zane.

"Thank you.  I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Zane Bennett.  His dad probably brought him here after the business we had started to fail when I told him off and left.  He also hates being second best in just about everything.  You're dancing with me so you've already got one up on him."

"You sound like you managed him and your buisness just fine.  What's different?"

"He might use the fact I didn't have sex with him against me."

"Was there a reason for the no sex thing?" 

The music ends but they keep dancing into the next song.  It brings attention to them as several patrons notice that they've steadily kept each other's attention.

"I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't end up like my mother.  I've had a few lovers but nothing long lasting.  Of course, Zane has never been one to know when to take no for an answer. So he cheated on me with our high school idol.  That's who he brought as his date by the way."

"He didn't try to force himself on you?" Tony's voice becomes low and dangerous.  It sends a thrill of pleasure through her and she doesn't know why. 

"No. I made sure he knew he'd regret it if he did. Didn't stop him from cheating on me but that's his lost not mine."

"Damn straight." He grins. "And now you've moved on."

"Pft." She smiles back at him.  Damn but he's weirdly charming. "Your not my type."

"What? I'm everyone's type. Rich, handsome, super hot bode and I'm a genius. Can't forget that."

"And your also not interested in a relationship or kids."

"I..."  The last part throws him.  Rikki can tell and feels a bit bad about that.  

"It's fine. I'm not ready for kids right now either but I don't do one night stands."

She couldn't take the risk.

"How about dinner?"

"That's not a bad strategy."

"That and we can actually get dinner.  My treat of course and no one will think anything of it."

"Of us leaving? Oh, I'm sure they'll have plenty to think and say."  She thinks for a moment but catch a glance over Tony's shoulder and sees Zane staring at them, looking like a prissy cat.  Miriam keeps looking between Zane and her on the dance floor.  She really didn't want to deal with this drama.  There's a reason she dropped him.  "I want lobster, wild and fresh caught."

"Oh! A woman who knows what she wants."

"Careful playboy," she shoots back, "someone might think you were interested."

They leave with little fanfare.  Tony leads her out of the charity with the stride of someone who believes he owns the world and she thinks its funny.  She can tell he's putting on a show for her.  Playing the crowd and rubbing salt in the wound for the haters and the jealous.  He has his driver out in the front waiting for them and calls someone named Fredric to get a VIP area is prepped. 

The ride is easy as they lambast their exes and the shitty things they've done.  Bain stole technology from his father's company.  Zane tried to steal her shares in the company when she was left.  Thirty minutes later they pull up to a restaurant, Nobu Malibu.  They get seating on the outdoor patio, with lush seating, beautiful lighting, an umbrella overhead, and a fantastic view of the seaside.

"Well you really know how to impress someone."  She says after their order arrives.  She did say she wanted lobster but she certainly wasn't expecting him to practically order half the menu.

"Thank you." He visibly preens like a peacock with a devil-may-care grin.  "You seem like a woman not easily impressed."

She smiles a secret smile.  After becoming a mermaid, undergoing the trials that come with it and saving the planet from an asteroid impact, Rikki was hard to be amazed by the mundane.  But this felt different for some reason.  It felt good and made butterfly flutter in her belly.

"Right so, impress me." Snapping up a bit of lobster tail, she takes a bite. "What is the most daring thing you've ever done?"

Tony raises his eyebrows in surprise.  Women usually just throw themselves at him or slink up to him and try to seduce some secret here or there out in the open.  That or its about his company and his inventions or about how great his dad was.  The other side hated his guts and tore into him about being a war profiteer.  Its why he stuck with one night stands but this woman...she was genuine.  There was this pull to her he didn't ignore.  Something that sang to him, telling him she was different.

"Well, there was one time my best friend and I ended up in a gay bar..." he answers with a grin.

Like a dam breaking open, they talk, sharing stories and experiences, letting down their guard and the walls they'd built.  They started with easy sense of comradery, of the familiar daring-and-fearless-live-only-once mentality easing some of the initial hesitation.  Pranks that went wrong or very right.  Adventures that they've had out of the country and people they've meet.  Tales of idiots trying to one up them in business or rip them off. 

Its only hours later that two lonely people can be seen cuddling and laughing together on the love seat in one of the most romantic restaurants in Malibu.