Red X Benefit Gala | Backstage (Tandy, Namor)

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Tandy is nervous and Namor finds it ridiculous.

Tandy couldn't control the butterflies in her stomach. She could easily get unto a stage and perform a skit with ease, but when it came to be on an auction block it was different. Looking around the room as she pulled up her blue dress, maybe she should find Sue. As she was about to walk away from the corner of the room Tandy saw Namor not that far away. She gave him a little wave as she thought he wasn't bad looking dressed up like he was. Sometimes she forgot he was part of a royal family and other times it was so obvious. "Hey." She said after she approached him. "The suit looks good on you."

If Tandy was a picture of nervousness, Namor practically oozed confidence. He was all straight lines and moved as if the tuxedo was a second skin — although, given his usual penchant for ties and suitcoats it might as well be. He possessed a still, self-assured ease that was a stark contrast to all the moving around background.

"Miss Bowen," he stated with a bow, "You have my thanks. Brioni makes a superior suit, but it pales compared to your radiance tonight."

"They do make exquisite clothing." Tandy agreed and smile at him. "You are too kind." Looking up over at the stage. "Are you ready for it?"

"Of course I am."

"I wish I shared your confidence."

He blinked, turning to properly assess her. "And why shouldn't you, Miss Bowen?"

"I am nervous as hell and starting to regret my decision of volunteering. But you know, I am all about charity." Tandy took a deep breath and slowly let it out.

"You failed to answer my question," and there was genuine confusion here, "You are young, gifted, and beautiful. They will bow to your majesty."

For the first time in her life, Tandy felt her cheeks burn. "Thank you for those compliments but I don't think people would bow to my majesty." She wasn't familiar with that term.

Concern flashed across the Attilani's face. "You aren't planning to be sick on stage, are you?"

"No. It isn't stage fright. I could easily get on stage and sing without a care in the world. It is the bidding part. It feels like...I am putting myself up to be vulnerable. The worst of it is no one bids..."

"I do not," and his remaining concern was layered with a solemn gravitas, "Imagine that this is a world where no one would bid on you. I will applaud vulnerability as a useful exercise in self growth, but this anxiety does not become you. Stop worrying." This last part was most certainly a command.

Tandy blinked at him for a moment as she was registering what he was saying to her in his tone of voice. "Did...did you just...demand that I stop worrying?" Tan raised an eyebrow before she started to giggle.

"Yes. It is ridiculous. I will not stand for it."

"You won't?" Tandy composed herself and smoothed out her dress. "Thanks for the pep-talk."

Namor smiled. "No, it is the honest truth. You are light, Miss Bowen. You shine. Show them that, and no one will deny you."

Tandy looked at him and shook her head, "I will take your word for it." She leaned up and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. "Thank you."

The young man's grinned upgraded into full-on self-satisfaction as the blonde disengaged herself. He checked his coat by reflex. "Remember that you are the one with the power out there, Tandy. They cannot take that away from you."

A small bell sounded and Tandy's name was announced by someone near the door.

Tandy smiled but still feeling rather nervous as she walked off to find out when the auction would start and then find her friend, Sue.