Date: 24/12/2008
Location: Disney concert hall, California
The building looked like something an architect would have nightmares about. Random sharp edges and curved slops made the concert hall one of Disney's many wonders or so the reports would tell. Heaven knows how Disney makes their magic happen.
The outside of the concert hall was packed to the brim, with reporters fighting for the latest celebrity gossip and sneak peeks of very important people. Every square inch of the red carpet was covered by a flash or the latest celebrity reporter.
This small red walkway was nothing compared to the excitement going on inside. Just making it inside meant that you were either in the 1%, a supermodel, a Government official, an authorized press agent or really lucky to know a guy, who knows a guy, who knows a guy.
So when the cameras turned to the newly arrived supercar, much like the numerous times before , it was no surprise that the Stark brothers stepped out. The flashing lens blinding to anyone unaccustomed. Both wore near identical suits, the only difference being the colour of the ties and Tony wearing shades. This Christmas eve was promising to be eventful since the alleged bedridden Tony Stark was very much well and back to his usual playboy self, in Armani no less.
Obi was one of the first to notice them, rushing over to Tony, the very man he specifically didn't want here. Matthew on the other hand was treated like an after thought to him , but the press didn't share the same ideation. The teen was a hot commodity, especially for one of his rare occasions being seen in public.
Unlike his brother , Matthew was known for staying out of the public eye , especially when his presence wouldn't exactly be missed. Although this rule is generally for American events. Other incidents like the F1 grand prix, noble prizes, random graduation events and a few other incidents are generally the only way anyone can see- interact- with him. Though these incidents were few and far between.
He was once reported to say - " Party? What's it for? And why do I have to come?" - while frowning like he'd heard a cardinal sin. So the rare opportunity to get an interview with him was like blood in the water.
But, too bad for the press. His usually very- outta sight , outta mind- body guard ,that said nothing even when prompted, had blocked all their advances to the young man. No one had even seen when he arrived , much less got the chance to appear even a meter within Matthew's vicinity.
What was worse. The guy didn't even attempt to strike a pose before walking in. Seemingly unamused and uncaring of the attention his presence came with.
Most in his position would be doing exactly what his brother is currently doing. Socializing, downing drinks , attracting eyes to his very much healthy and not trauma ridden form.
Yet, Matthew had managed to find a corner to hide . Well, not hide, you can't exactly hide here but his bodyguard is doing a great job at making his little corner, near the bar, as private as possible.
This was Rick Mason's job after all, and for the past 6 years he's done it so well that it had become second nature. The abilities to become invisible or intimidate the average civilian was handy in times like this. A simple glare was enough to discourage the eager wanna-be celebrity or anyone that wasn't too happy about Matthew's recent discount of their dealings.
Not only does it help him protect his employer, it also helps with his other... jobs. Mason wasn't just a bodyguard after all. But the youngest Stark doesn't have to know the full truth , not yet anyway. So for now he would simply be his bodyguard, a shadow at the corner of his eye till necessary.
Pepper appeared in the crowd making her way towards the unimpressed teen, who wasn't even allowed to drink yet. His regrets of not staying in Italy, or Europe in general, growing as the time goes by.
"Oh, why so sulky?" she teased in that way a sibling would, always preferring to treat him like a little sibling than an employer.
Matthew rolled his eyes, hands folding in displeasure as he stared at her face. Giving her the silent treatment, that always seemed to work on making people uneasy, especially since it was clear she purposely didn't tell Tony and himself.
" I don't speak to traitors" he stated , not bothering to retrieve Mason for his impenetrable wall.
" I'm not a traitor" she scoffed, incredulously shaking her head. She was probably thinking that he was being childish but the act of not even notifying them was a betrayal in his book.
" That's what a traitor would say" and he was, he was being purposely childish. He did know about the part, he just didn't know the date. Spying on Stane was definitely the easiest problem he had. The man seemed to forget who's equipment he's been using to supply his hostile take over.
From the current plans he's found, Stane's new toy had started construction shortly after Tony's. But the pace was a whole lot slower than theirs. The base frame was still in the progress stage while theirs was ready for upgrades and further testing.
Not to mention the progress on the mini arc reactor was still implausible for them. Just because tony made it in a cave with scrapped parts doesn't mean they understand the science or methodology. Heck, not even Matthew fully understood it, and he helped rebuild a suit for the damn thing.
The miniaturization of the arc reactor was a feat that very few can accomplish, so Matthew didn't see a problem with allowing Stane to keep his little pet project a bit longer.
The two were still talking, now more amicable . Rick only interrupts with a gruff "ahem" to notify him of the incoming attendees and their chaperone Tony. But that wasn't the only thing that caught Matthew's eye . Red was something all starks gravitate to, so who is she?