AN/ Hey this was just a plot idea stuck in my head. It's going to be based off the films so sorry if some fans of the comics are disappointed. Additionally I should warn you I am not the greatest writer and there will be some language/swears not in every single sentence mind. I will try and update as best I can but it might be a while until the next one as there are upcoming exams but I needed to get this idea down in writing if you know what I mean! It is set the morning before the film start. In the film the earliest moment is the Apogee Awards, well this is set the morning of that day. Hope you like and let me know in a review :) I own nothing.
An unconscious human being should not be this fascinating. There is no plausible reason behind it. Essentially it is a person lying still for prolonged periods of time. Just breathing. Not doing any remotely interesting. In fact this would be the sole circumstance in the entire world when watching paint dry would truly be a more worthwhile way to waste time. Another thing adding to this ridiculous image is that Tony Stark-billionaire, notorious playboy and CEO of a multimillion weapons company-is the one spell-bound by the slumbering being. Even more shocking was that he had specifically travelled up a flight of spiral stairs at 6 AM to be here and do this.
He stood by the door, staring through the glass wall connecting with the corridor simply watching the rise and fall of the teenage girl's chest. Her long black hair tangled and strewn about the pillows from her tossing and turning. Her chocolate brown eyes hidden from him behind her closed eyelids. The sheets were wrapped and twisted around her legs while the 17 year old body lay on her back, still oblivious to her audience.
She was doing nothing special. Nothing to warrant such attention from THE Tony Stark. Attention that tons of women and journalists would kill for, yet this young lady had captured it by simply sleeping.
The only defence or explanation the dark-haired genius had to offer was that the girl in there is his daughter. His Grace.
Fathers check on their daughters all the time right? That's normal behaviour. There is nothing unusual or wrong about ensuring your offspring, the fruit of one's loins, was fine…despite the presence of an all-seeing, super-advanced AI monitoring her health, movements and behaviour every second of the day, much more capable of keeping guard over her than himself.
Okay…perhaps watching his daughter sleep should have ceased a few years back. She is not seven anymore, she is seventeen. But she is Grace. His only daughter, the constant in his life. His loving relative and the last remaining family he has. Sure he had friends, however nothing measured anywhere close to what Grace is to him.
This life and home he provided, is for her. Nearly all of the decisions he thought out, is for her. The moral compass he occasionally measured himself against, is for her. The people he allowed to be brought into their lives permanently, is for her. Everything is for her.
For example unlike him, whose bedroom is located on the ground floor down the corridor off the main living room, her room was upstairs. Originally her room was next to his so he was not far away should she need him in the night when she was younger. Although as she grew older and needed her own space and his playboy ways made a return following his temporary hiatus, he gave her a bigger and more mature room upstairs where she could relax undisturbed by the various visitors to his bed. This whole floor was built for her. In the past his sleeping companions would try to connect and bond with Grace in hopes that if they gained her support they'd have a better chance at a longer-lasting relationship with the billionaire. At the time she was young and innocent, susceptible to their ploys. This tactic never ended well for anyone, they were either idiots that aggravated Grace or nice people she liked and became upset over when she never saw them again. Nowadays she much prefers to "play" with the overnight guests. She finds it a sport to make all the latest flavours of the day as uncomfortable or embarrassed as possible such as calling them "Barbie" etc. Moving Grace upstairs also had the added bonus that he didn't wake her if he got up in the middle of the night to work in the basement on his little gadgets.
Grace inhaled deeply in a soft sigh as she rotated off her back onto her side, still none the wiser to her company. Tony allowed a small side-smile to stretch across his face. He could never get away with calling her this when she was awake, but she was just so cute and utterly adorable. When lost in the world of dreams she reminded him of the 5 month old baby who was left abandoned at his doorstep, the tiny baby he raised. Not the sarcastic genius she had become. Her humour and personality was almost a carbon copy of his, having had no one else around all the time to emulate…well aside from Pepper Potts. That red-head had somehow managed to install a sensible and compassionate side to Grace…the little traitor. At the time Tony whined that his "mini-me" and clone had be altered, his plot to take over the world was foiled! To tell the truth however this was aspects that made up who Grace was and he couldn't help but love her unconditionally no matter what his false protests would lead people to believe.
At least there is the consolation of the strictly "them" things. Stuff that only the father and daughter were allowed to do. The big one was quoting movies, or slightly edited film lines. It could arise at any random moment but it was their special thing. Tony couldn't recall a day when they missed a single quote moment. Furthermore her level of sass rivalled his, anyone who watched them and saw each other 'insult' one another would believe the pair hated the other. Both were as cheeky as the other. Something Tony really could not have predicted when she had shown up all those years ago.
It was roughly 17 years ago when the tiny bundle wrapped in blankets cushioned in a small basket was found on his doorstep with a small note attached providing her name, parentage and date of birth. Of course various paternity tests were performed to confirm she was his biological daughter but somehow Tony instinctively knew she was. It wasn't from the jet black hair or brown eyes she had inherited from him. There was this…feeling niggling at the back of his head. Tony couldn't explain it but it was the telling factor in his brain that told him Grace was his. He took her into his home and raised her once Pepper got all the paperwork sorted and Grace changed him for the better. One time he left the room to fetch a fluffy blanket for Grace and left her in Pepper's arms only to return and overhear her talking to Grace about him.
*FLASHBACK*
Tony had successfully retrieved the miniature blanket, that always helped his daughter drop off for her nap, and prepared to push the door open and enter victorious when a soft, soothing voice talking to the sleepy Grace could be heard.
"You know I think you might end up being the best thing Tony Stark ever created little Miss" Pepper murmured gently while swaying. That froze Tony to the spot. "You're certainly the prettiest that's for sure" the redhead softly chuckled before kissing Grace's drooping head. "Just you watch little Miss, you will be Tony Stark's saving grace".
Tony felt a warm grin tug on his face at the sight of Pepper and his girl swaying slowly around the living room. Retreating slightly he made a loud cough noise to alert Pepper of his impending arrival before he re-joined them.
While he approached the couple he couldn't help but note in his head that this perhaps was one of the many times Pepper Potts was right. That tiny girl in there was his saving grace.
*END*
The years had rolled by and Grace really had fulfilled both adult's predictions.
One problem he inevitably met was the question of her mother. Tony genuinely couldn't remember which one-night Barbie was Grace's mother, nor could he explain why she had decided to abandon his sweet Gracie. That had caused problems. Grace had struggled with the concept of being left alone when she was a child. Once she understood why she had no mother she constantly feared that soon she would have no father. Tony had done all he could think to prove he wasn't going to go anywhere but this was relatively fruitless considering the number of occasions he was late to meet her, didn't attend school events or forgot a lunch with her while lost in his inventions. In the end they had settled on a deal where he might accidentally miss arranged plans, or need to cancel or not show up on time but she would be understanding, accept that as the CEO of a company he had unescapable commitments and obligations therefore she would not be mad or worried about being abandoned because it would never happen. In return he would guarantee to be with her all-day on family occasions like Birthdays, Christmas, and Thanksgiving etc.
It was this promise that led him to the odd occupation of watching his daughter sleep. Tomorrow he would be jetting off the Afghanistan for a lucrative weapons demonstration and would remain in the country for a week. Ordinarily this would not be an issue. Grace would understand, promise to call, tell him to be safe when saying goodbye, then a week later be ready to happily meet him at the airstrip when he returned. However the fly in the ointment, the difference that made this trip different from the usual ones is the fact that in five days is Grace's birthday.
He had never missed one. He had specifically vowed not to. Therefore experience of her temper meant he now had a terrifying idea of how she would react to this revelation. He didn't want her to look at him like he knew she would, betrayed, disappointed. Hence why he had not told her yet, despite knowing that each passing second he refused to inform her simply added to the fury she would no doubt unleash when she finds out he had known about this scheduled demonstration for a month.
Glancing at the bedside clock he saw it was 6:40. In five minutes JARVIS would wake her up. Grace preferred to get up before Tony's 7 AM alarm so that even if he had a busy day booked they would managed to see each other. With this information he realised yesterday's flavour of the night would be awoken too and no doubt go hunting him out. Because of this Tony departed from the view that had held him hostage for forty minutes and retreated to the sanctuary of his basement. No he was not cowering away in fear no matter what Grace may call it.
"Good morning Miss Stark. Its 6:45 AM the weather in Malibu is 70 degrees with scattered clouds. In your schedule today you have a lunch appointment with Pepper Potts at noon. At 8'o'clock this evening you are to attend the Apogee Award Ceremony at Caesars Palace. Will you be needing anything this morning Miss Stark?" JARVIS's British accent spoke from all round the room rousing Grace from her deep sleep.
Rubbing her eyes with the palms of her eyes she answered, "No…oh wait has the latest Barbie woke up yet?" she enquired with a yawn, "it would be rude of me to neglect to speak to her" she teased. Grace's morning greetings to her father's bed companions were hardly normal.
"No Ma'am. Indeed it is so kind of you to make the visitors welcome. You are such a giving person Ma'am." was the sarcastic reply she received. Yeah her Dad had really encoded bits of himself into JARVIS's programming.
With a mischievous smirk the youngest Stark put some clothes on and headed downstairs ready to receive their guest properly. The blonde airhead, most likely a model based on her towering height, stumbled down the stairs wearing nothing but a blue shirt of her Dad's while Grace was chomping on her cereal at the kitchen island.
"Tony?" she called seductively, at least what Grace can only assume was intended as seductively. To the teenager the woman sounded like she'd inhaled a smoke-house.
"Tony? Where are you? Why don't you come back to bed where we can much more fun things this morning" she purred loudly echoing around the room.
Grace near gagged at the offer, pushing her cereal bowl aside. 'Well that is breakfast over. Suddenly not that hungry anymore' she thought. Plastering a faux-excited expression on her face she exclaimed,
"Are you my new mommy" startling the near-naked women into the air.
"Mommy?" Barbie echoed bewildered, "mom- but what? How?" she flustered as she suddenly took notice of all the father-daughter photos littered around the room. Tony's favourites placed along the top of the piano.
The first showed Grace only a few months old lying fast asleep on her father's chest. His hand rested on her back securing her firmly in place while his eyes were shut in a light doze. Pepper had stumbled upon the scene and took the picture.
Beside it was a side view of her Dad doing 'airplanes' with a baby spoon to get her to eat the baby-food as she stubbornly kept her mouth shut in her highchair. The bib was caked in sticky sauce while bits of mashed banana coated her lips. Not the most flattering picture of herself Grace had to admit.
Her Dad had obtained the next photograph from JARVIS's system. It was a birds-eye view of the living room floor where a play-mat had been laid out. Grace was on her back, legs in the air as her hands stretched towards the robot Dummy who held a fuzzy bunny above her and was waggling it above her to make her giggle. Despite all her father might say about that old robot he would never get rid of it, there was too much nostalgia and history associated with it.
The fourth framed picture was the one Grace loved the most. In it she was three years old and Tony was 'teaching her to dance', all as part of her becoming a 'heartbreaker' when she grew up. He stood tall holding her hands in the air while she stood on his feet following as he stepped about the room. Both wore identical grin of joy. Rhodey was responsible for that picture.
Next to that was from their trip to New York in December when she was only four. Both were wrapped up warm in winter wear, it was at the end of the day and Tony was carrying Grace up against his chest as he walked through Central Park. The angle of the camera meant only Tony's back was visible of him but over his shoulder was the smiling face of Grace as she laughed because of the funny voices her Dad was using.
The second to last picture displayed the father and daughter racing around the driveway in karts Tony had constructed in preparation of her upcoming birthday. That was seven years ago. He was meant to give her them on her eleventh birthday but he couldn't help himself and presented them early. He was never good at keeping surprises secret due to his own excitement of the event.
The final photo was the latest edition to the piano and had only been taken a few months ago. It was the graduation photo from MIT. She had graduated Summa Cum Laude like he had. It had been hard on both of them being across the country from each other, however both still managed to see each other fairly regularly and neither missed a day together on family occasions. She had even flown over to England, where he was at the time, after having pulled an all-nighter just see him and spend the day with him on his birthday. She had concerns he might not make it to the graduation but he, Pepper, Rhodey and Happy had all flown over to Massachusetts for the ceremony. There were multiple pictures of the day, big group shots, single ones or Grace standing with each one individually. However the photo that made it to the prestigious piano shelf was one of herself and her Dad. In it she bore a beaming smile where as he father had elected for the more humorous shocked expression, his jaw was hanging, eyes wide in fake-astonishment.
Once the blonde in the blue shirt finished review this photos and evidence alluding to the nature Tony's and Grace's relationship, the young Stark was prepared for the assault of questions the journalists that stayed over usually asked. But this woman surprised her. Never once in the entire time her Dad had a woman stay over and seen the photos had they asked the stupid question of,
"Who are you?"
'Are you serious?' Grace thought amazedly, 'she honestly can't figure out who I am from the pictures. Aside from the naked baby bath time pictures Dad has for blackmail purposes, my entire life story is displayed and this idiot can't put two and two together. Man, Dad sure knows how to pick 'em'.
"You did know Tony had a daughter didn't you?" Grace replied incredulously, her eyebrows disappearing into her hairline. She was nowhere near the same level of fame as her father, she didn't do interviews or company press relations but she was known through association and press photos with her Dad at charity events and various galas.
"Yeah, but what are you doing here though? This is Tony's house" the blonde 'clarified'.
Grace mentally face palmed. 'This is going to be a long day, I can tell. It is one of those mornings.'
Tony smirked when he caught Grace skipping down the stone steps leading to the glass security door out of the corner of his eye.
"To call her stupid would be an insult to stupid people!" she quoted 'A Fish Called Wanda' to announce her arrival after she entered the code unlocking the door to the basement or as Grace affectionately termed it the "Tech-cave", Tony's larger and more expensive version of every males' 'man drawer'. If it wasn't for JARVIS they would never find anything in the house, everything was stocked away down here under multiple papers, circuit boards, toys, cars, cabinets etc. "Honest to God she genuinely asked me why I, your daughter, was in your house. She seemed mystified as to all possible reasons I'd be here! I would ask why you never bring any intelligent women home but then I remember that they wouldn't take you" she quipped with a playful grin. "At least journalists ask reasonable questions" she concluded.
Following their long-standing tradition he responded to her greeting with a quote of his own, employing his best Humphry Bogart voice he uttered,
"Of all the basements in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine" earning a smile from her while she crossed the cement floor to join him by his side. "You might want to revise that statement about journalists. Seriously last night the mystery on everyone's mind, the hard hitting question for the great Tony Stark was 'if your life had a theme-song what would it be?'"
"What did you tell her?" Grace inquired plopping onto the spare office chair he kept for her here.
"Please child, it's like you don't even know me." He placed a hand on his chest in fake hurt, "I raise you and you have to ask! What do you think I would do with that question? I don't have time to whittle away answering pointless questions. I am Tony Stark" he argued.
"So an AC DC song then?" she confirmed.
"Yep, 'Highway to hell'" he elaborated.
He watched as Grace mentally reviewed the song and its lyrics in her head. A moment later her eyebrows lifted and she nodded approvingly.
"That is…surprisingly accurate. Well done Dad." She conceded adding, "I'd of said Saint Motel 'My Type'"
"Haven't heard it" he confessed.
Leaning over to the computer Grace pulled the song up and got it to play aloud. Soon the sound of horns began blasting out the speakers.
"Jazzy start, I like it. Sounds fun, I am all sorts of fun." Tony claimed as he listened to the intro.
"Take a look around the room,
Love comes wearing disguises."
"Love. I'm all about love" her Dad joked sending a heart symbol her way forcing a grin out of her.
"Oh just wait to the chorus" she replied mischievously
"How to go about and choose.
Break it down by shapes and sizes.
I'm a man who's got very specific taste.
You-You-You're just my type.
Oh, you got a pulse and you are breathing.
You-You-You're just my type.
Ooh, I think it's time that we get leaving.
You-You- You're just my type.
"
"Oh you're hilarious" he deadpans while she starts to laugh. "I bet you think its real funny young lady. I see what's happening here. I see what you're doing. I didn't realise it was pick on you poor Dad day" he teased turning off the song. "Anyway back to the original topic, why'd you get rid of Barbie, why not wait for Pepper to do that? I'm sure she secretly enjoys it. There's scary triumphant smirk she wears after when she comes down to see me" he shuddered, returning his focus to the car engine in front of him.
"It is her day off, remember?" At his blank expression while he searched his memory, "she did tell you. And submitted proper forms and notices authorising it…not that you'd know if she didn't" she commented casually going to examine the engine he was working on. "You'll see her tomorrow, don't forget it's her birthday. You need to fix the carburettor first before you try it again." She advised casually gesturing toward the engine in front of him.
"I'll get to it later. So, whatcha got planned today kiddo?" Tony queried as he typed rapidly at the computer beside him.
"Well nothing much. Thought I'd keep some old codger who claims to be my Dad company this morning before you head off to work, then Pepper is taking me out for lunch before we go for a birthday shopping spree. Figured I could get something nice to wear for my actual birthday. Don't worry I'll be back in plenty of time to get ready for the awards tonight. My father winning the Apogee Award", Grace pretended to wipe a tear from her eye, "they grow up so fast", earning an eye-roll and grin from Tony.
Before Tony could get back to his engine Grace captured his attention once more.
"Oh hey I meant to ask where are you planning on taking me for my birthday dinner? You haven't said anything. You are being surprisingly cryptic about my birthday this year. I'm impressed, usually you crack or there's a clue. Anyway I figured we'd do the traditional ice-cream for breakfast, always a healthy option. Perhaps a major laser-tag battle around the house as a chance to redeem yourself from your crippling defeat last time. I mean that was humiliating, I was embarrassed for you" she teased oblivious to the pained expression brewing on her father's face. "Following that, have a minor chocolate feast interlude then find the old karts that are buried in here somewhere I think and go for a race. After that we can go for a ridiculously over-priced dinner wherever you have decided to book. Come home and watch several classics of the film industry. It's a must. Plus what birthday isn't complete without watching Tom Cruise in Top Gun eh? 'I feel the need…" she paused and waited for her Dad to finish the quote with her but was shocked when he didn't. "Dad?" she asked concernedly.
"Hey kid, about that. Look there was a bit of situation and-" he started out unsure as to how he was going to break the news to her only to be interrupted by her reassurance.
"Dad don't worry, if you didn't managed to book somewhere its fine. It doesn't matter. We can order in pizza instead and it'll be great. In fact even better then I don't have to wear those evil pins of torture modern fashion calls stilettos" she quipped trying to cheer him up. It failed. If anything he felt worse. He knew she didn't want to be spoiled, receive lavish gifts or piles of money spent on her. She just wanted to spend the day with him. Even if it was a simple, cheap and easy schedule. The one thing she really wanted that day and he couldn't give it to her.
He opened his month once more to attempt to tell her truth when JARVIS interjected.
"Sir, Obadiah Stane is on the phone. He requests to speak with you regarding tomorrow's meeting."
Tony sighed and slammed his forehead on the desk much to Grace's amusement. Chuckling she arose and crossed the room to where the home phone was stationed.
"Looks like you'll be going into work earlier than expected today. Poor old you, however will you survive!" She mocked as she reached out and answered the phone. "Why hello Obi-Wan, Skywalker is just contemplating the destruction of the universe." She greeted cheerfully walking back to her father's side. "Well you can try and talk him out of it but I don't know. His heart seems quite set on it. I'll out him on"
Tony groaned at that last statement and grimaced while she held the phone out to him. With a single brow raise she basically said, 'answer the damn phone' leaving him with two options really. Run or talk. Swiping the handset from her he lifted it to his ear.
"Yeah sure thing. I know, I know. Look can't we just do it another time? What about next week?" Grace heard him request until he sighed dejectedly, "Yeah I know. I'll be there. See you soon" he concluded. Rising to his feet he shut down various gadget about him. Grace had moved beside his preferred sports car ready to say goodbye. He joined her, placed his hands on her shoulders, looked her in eyes and promised, "I've got to go now but we will talk tonight okay?" he hugged her tightly, retreated and was about to enter the car when he changed his mind. Looking back to her with an unreadable expression he admitted, "You know I love you kid right? No matter what happens".
Grace scrunched her brow in confusion. Her father was not one for tender moments of affection unless there was exceptional circumstances. "I should hope so too" she joked, "I wasn't going to put up with you for nothing. Even Pepper gets paid" she tried to raise his spirits to get him back to his usual self. Still Tony did not move surprising her. "Yeah Dad I know" she finally revealed realising he was not going to go until she did, "I love you too".
With a nod the serious expression on his face faded and he hopped into his convertible. Grace was distracted from analysing this latest development by his Arnold Schwarzenegger tone,
"Hasta la vista baby". Laughing she countered with a quote of her own,
"Have fun storming the castle!"
"I'll be back" was his final attempt as he reversed, lining himself up to charge out the garage and through the driveway.
"May the Force be with you" Grace hollered over the engine before he completely disappeared through the exit. Shaking her head affectionately she approached the glass door and headed upstairs to get ready before she had to go and meet Pepper.
When Grace arrived home from her lunch and shopping adventure with Pepper she was exhausted. That red-head made shopping an art, nay a sport and she was a darn Olympian at it. The personal assistant was efficient and zooming through the various aisle leaving Grace lost in the dust she left behind. Nevertheless she had somehow acquire some beautiful items to add to her wardrobe even though she had not actually found any of the clothes herself, she was simply handed them by Pepper and shoved into a changing room. It was both a terrifying yet productive experience shopping with Pepper.
Stumbling through the door as best she could with multiple bags hanging from her arms Grace spotted her Dad awaiting her on the sofa looking on in mirth at her struggles. Happy was in a similar situation trailing in behind her.
"How was your credit card spree with Pepper?" he chuckled as his teenager fumbled over to him. Happy continued on to Grace's bedroom to deposit his handful. Grace merely lifted her arms and the two ton of bags with it.
"Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get" she offered as an explanation. Hobbling further into the living room to get to an open area where she could drop her stuff she sarcastically uttered, "'Would you like a hand with those darling daughter', why thank you Dad that is really nice of you, 'no problem kiddo'" she imitated his deep voice as she swapped roles. Tony just grinned and replied,
"Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn".
"Touché" Grace conceded plonking her bags down and collapsing next to him on the couch. "Remind me not to go shopping with Pepper again until I am physically fit enough to keep up with her" she moaned leaning in Tony's shoulder.
They rested a while in silence. Happy had since entered picked up Grace's load, carried them to her room, offered his goodbyes and left the house once more. Aside from expressing their farewells to the beloved driver neither said a word. Grace because she was trying to sum up the energy to lift herself off the sofa, put the new clothes in her room away properly and then prep for her appearance at the award ceremony tonight. Tony was mute as he knew the next words out of his mouth had to be a confession of tomorrow and the upcoming week. Something he really did not want to do. He had sought to convince Obadiah out of it, take his place or reschedule the demonstration but nothing had worked. There was no escaping the commitment he had made.
Movement to his right caught his eye. Grace was stretching her spine as she raised herself to her feet, with an exhausted sigh she informed her father,
"I'm going to go to my room to get ready." Seeing her Dad's surprised expression since it was only 6 o'clock and the event started at 8, she retorted, "Don't look at me like that! This level of perfection and beauty before takes effort. Yes a good ¾ of it is natural but still" she quipped starting to leave the room fully expecting Tony to argue it was genetics clearly inherited from his side. Instead he stopped her with something else.
"Hey kiddo can we talk for a quick second here". Acquiescing his request Grace halted leaned her body against the piano by the stairwell.
Taking a deep breath Tony decided to spit it out. Like ripping off a bandage. No prologue or preparation. Last time that had failed, he was interrupted. He had to tell her now. He couldn't delay it any long. Just get it out there.
"My jet is leaving for Afghanistan tomorrow for a weapons demo".
Grace was silent for a while. This only made Tony more anxious. He had expected a reaction by now. She didn't even appear furious. In fact if anything she looked like she was waiting for more. Finally realising that was all he was going to give her, Grace offered,
"Okaay." She drawled confused, "Good luck, I'm sure you'll ace it Dad. What are you so nervous about, you always do great at these. Heck you even enjoy timing the shockwave with that gesture of your hands to mess with the buyer's minds. Besides you'll be home in a few days and you can have ice-cream to celebrate" she consoled.
It sent a pang through Tony's chest that Grace didn't even consider for one moment that with this work trip he would fail to be here for her birthday. But then why would she, in her mind he had promised not to miss a birthday and he never had, therefore why would he start now.
"No Gracie, I'll be staying there a week" he tried again sadly.
In that second he saw the seed of worry and doubt seep into her mind.
"B-But you'll fly back in the middle right? Just for a day. You'll come home for my birthday and then go back out. Tha-That's the plan right?" she questioned rapidly trying to wrap her brain it. He watched helplessly as she tried futilely to blend the two notions- that he would be in Afghanistan, and that he would be here for her birthday- together.
"I'm afraid not kiddo. I'll be staying the whole week there then coming back." he elaborated, dreading the moment when the penny dropped.
"So I'm coming with you then? Is that what you are telling me? That we'll have my 18th out there? Well I'm not sure what there is to do for fun there but I'm sure we'll find somethin-" Grace was cut off by Tony.
"NO Grace. You are not going out to an active warzone you are far too valuable. You will stay here and I will be Afghanistan for your birthday. I'm going to miss it. That is what I am trying to tell you." He was preparing to recite his list of apologies and promises he had been working on in his mind all day when she interjected,
"Why?! You promised you would always be with me for holidays. That you wouldn't abandon me. And what now that I'm turning an adult you can officially ditch me?! Why can't I come with you? You are CEO of a billion dollar company I think you are ranked above me on the value scale and if you can go then I can certainly tag along. It's not like I have a reckless reputation like you had at my age. I can behave in-"
"No Grace. You are not allowed to come. I expressly forbid it" he commanded employing his father authoritarian tone. "You are not less valuable or replaceable to me, no matter what others might think. I will not put you at risk, do you understand me." Taking a deep breath Tony relinquished his parenting voice and attempted to comfort her. "Now I know you are upset but-"
"Oh I should have known this was coming" Grace interrupted stepping away from the piano and starting to pace about the room. As if talking to herself she continued, "It was so obvious. I mean look at who you are and all that has happened over the years. This was bound to happen. You're the 'great Tony Stark' who doesn't give a shit and does whatever he likes when he likes. Lives for himself. Only expectations he needs to meet are his own" she fired coldly.
"Hey now wait a minute" Tony raised his hands to pacify her flaming temper but Grace carried on, too far into her rant to stop.
"You're vain, selfish and full of your own self-importance. I have never asked anything of you. I accept certain aspects of your person that other daughters don't have to. None of my girl friends have to deal with their father's string of whores!" she raged pointing her finger aggressively at him.
"Grace, calm do-" Tony soothed but was ignored by the fuming female before him.
"None of them have to sit back and smile when their own dad prefer the company of some leggy blonde with her knees apart, over them."
"Grace stop it" he ordered unheedingly.
"None of them have to sit there, humiliated at an expensive and posh event because their father stood them up and chose to have more fun on their own gambling and drinking the night away, despite saying that they'd be there and that they had to attend for them." she recounted mockingly. Each betrayal and neglecting feeling she had suffered in the memories resurfacing to fuel her outburst.
"I know you're disappointed and upse-" no matter what Tony said Grace was ignorant to it. She was too engrossed in her own pain she was unhearing to outside sources.
The 17 year old prodded crossly at his chest with each following accusation,
"You're selfish Tony. Everything is about you. What you want. What you decide to do. The one thing I asked of you, the one thing I made you promise to me was to be there for me. Not EVEN all the time or every time I've ever needed you. Just on family holidays of which there are only 5- our birthdays, father's day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I let you have NEW YEARS OFF! All I ask is that for 5 days out of 365, occasionally 366, you spend them with me. Is it really too hard?" she cried desperately at the end, marching away from him back towards the piano.
With each sentence Tony could feel his temper starting to bubble. The dark part of his mind muttered, 'Truth hurts doesn't it?' while the other side argued, 'there is nothing you could do. You tried. Why should she expect so much of you?'. The father ground his teeth together in an effort to keep his mouth shut before he did something he'd regret. This was getting harder and harder as Grace continued on her self-destructive tirade.
"All the world think I ask you for cars, houses, money, new tech but I don't. Why can't you do this one thing for me! I don't know why I am even asking when I already know the answer- BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS ABOUT YOU! It suits you better to go tomorrow and get yourself more money to waste and throw around. Why force yourself to suffer through 24 hour with your kid when there is more fun things to do right?" she asked in faux-compassion
"Grace Maria Stark that is ENOUGH" he roared. The deep rumble of his throat echoing off the walls and around the house. This display of anger, that had grown men trembling in their boots, did nothing to deter Grace who resumed sarcastically,
"Oh you wanna act like a Dad now? Well this is rich. Maybe we should wait for the cameras to get here. It really adds something to your public image to behave like a good and loving father doesn't it? Do you want me to embrace you tightly at the end? Y'know to really sell the papers." She falsely advised. It was her final utterance that broke him. "I mean this is all about what you want to do Tony".
When she used his birth name and called him selfish for the millionth time he snapped. He saw red. A blinding fury coursed through his vein. He was that mad he couldn't think straight. Not that this thought offered him much comfort in hindsight.
"SHUT IT!" he bellowed furiously, "God! All you do is harass people. Constantly judging me and anyone who doesn't measure up to your impossible standards! It's all you do. You just nag, nag, nag, nag, nag and I'm sick of it. It's driving me insane, no wonder your mother abandoned you. No one could put up with you!"
In less than five sentences he had inflicted more damage than she had in her incensed diatribe.
He heard the oxygen leave her lungs. That was the sound that brought him back to Earth. The worst moment was when the haze faded and he saw her stricken face. He could have punched her and her expression would have been less pained. Adding salt to the wound he watched as her mask of indifference was poorly laced on her face. Tears pooling at her eyes, her lips trembling and jutting urgently trying to withhold her sob, Grace attempted to yell but her voice came out in faint and weak.
"Well fine. If that is how you really feel about it I better leave then!". Giving him no time at all she swirled swiftly on the spot and sprinting frantically up the stairs, scrambling on her hands when she tripped on the last few steps.
"SSSSSShit!" he hissed regretfully, "Grace wait!" he called as he began his pursuit, "GRACIE! Kid hang on! I didn't mean it like that!" he tried to retract as he charged along the upstairs corridor to her room. She had beaten him there by a few seconds.
He witnessed her agonising scream but the soundproof walls he had installed meant he couldn't hear it. He wasn't sure if that made it less torturous for him or not. The walls were meant to contain her loud music from his ears, not keep her from him.
"Shit, shit, shit, shit" he murmured when he arrived at her bedroom and found the door sealed. Tony pressed urgently at the hand scanner for the door. A loud blaring buzz filled the hall denying him access. He repeated this with the same result.
"JARVIS OPEN THIS DOOR IMMEDIATELY"
The AI's British accent answered,
"You are not authorised to access this area".
"Not authorised how can I not be authorised?! It's MY house!" he complained futilely to the unyielding AI as he continued to slam his hand to the scanner desperate for another outcome.
'She hacked the house' he realised slapping his palm to his face searching for a new plan. This was confirmed when he looked through the transparent surface and saw her fiddling with the control panel installed in her wall. He had put it there in the unlikely event of a fire or malfunction.
Spotting the ajar door next to her room leading to the study he ran in there to fetch something. 'Plan B it is' he decided grabbing an A3 notepad and black pen Grace used to make revision mind-maps. She was old-fashioned in particular aspects of life.
Returning to her see-through wall he scribbled a message on the pad and held it against the glass while tapping it with his other hand.
Successfully capturing Grace's attention he wore his most apologetic face while she read his scruffy 'I'm sorry. Open the door'.
Then his half of the genetic mix flared up in her as she activated the privacy settings and the blackout curtain blanketed the glass shielding her from view as darkness covered each inch of her bedroom wall.
Dropping the items in his hands Tony smacked his head against the glass.
"'Tell her about Afghanistan, it'll be fine if you just remain calm', yeah right. Fine my ass. Real great parenting there Tony" he criticized.
Tony did not know how long he sat there, waiting and beating himself up. He was cut off from his self-depreciating monologue when JARVIS reminded him,
"Sir, the Apogee Awards will begin in an hour. Failure to depart in the next half an hour and you will be late."
Tony initially ignore the AI when suddenly an idea struck him.
"JARVIS, can you see Grace? What is she doing in her room?" he hurriedly inquired.
"Apologies sir my monitoring functions appear to have been deactivated in that area of the house" was his disappointing reply.
Feeling his frustration return Tony jumped to his feet and marched towards the staircase.
"You know what fine. I give up!" he declared striding towards the front door, wallet in hand, determined to waste a ton of money in the nearest casino.
AN/ There how was that? Let me know in a review! Next update may take a while as I have another on-going story to be writing for too and there are exams coming up. This chapter was really about trying to define/outline the kind of relationship Tony and Grace have. They are close but there is still some issues that he will try and work on when he returns if you get me? Sorry if I got the bank/state holidays mixed up, I'm from the UK where our days are a bit different. I was going to include Easter but I wasn't 100% certain on it and I just figured that they didn't seem like the type to do that anyway. Additionally if Grace's rant seems over the top, I wanted it to be a symbol of things brewing over time, like a build-up of rage. Let me know what you think.