S.H.I.E.L.D HEADQUARTERS - LOCATION, UNKNOWN

She was impressive, to say the least.

That was the first thought that came to Director Nick Fury as he rewatched the footage of Buffy Stark from her time at Hemery High School. While he had known for some time her true identity as The Slayer, it was still strange to believe that the air to the Stark fortune was chosen to protect the world. Never would he picture a Stark being chosen as the Slayer.

Yet here she was, the youngest Stark, a young girl who had saved the world and even sacrificed her own life to protect others. He had to admit she was probably one of the strongest Slayers in history.
Her ability to pick up different fighting techniques, her mixture of gymnastics, and her knowledge of how to use pretty much any weapon she wielded, it was amazing.
She would definitely be a valuable asset to his team when she was older. Yet still seeing her he always found himself stunned. She looked like she could barely hurt a fly.

She was so little.

Which made her all the more dangerous. People would never see her as a threat.

Leaning back in his chair the Director couldn't help but think of the advantages of having her now at a distance from the Watcher's Council. It would make keeping an eye on her a lot easier for sure.

However, it didn't mean they could be reckless. Buffy was smarter than they had originally thought, he couldn't send someone like Romanoff to watch her given what happened when he sent Barton to watch her during her summer in L.A.
It had taken the young Slayer, all of 30 seconds to spot someone watching her and she had ended up sending Barton to the hospital for over a week.
She was too smart for a covert mission, they would need to approach her directly, he just couldn't think of who to send. Buffy would be suspicious of anyone approaching her.

As Fury continues to ramble through his thoughts in search of what to do, Agent Phil Coulson enters his office causing the Director to glance his way.
"Sir, the files on Miss. Stark relating to her work as the Slayer have all been buried. It's done. If her identity is revealed there will be nothing connecting her to the fire of incidents in Sunnydale."

Fury couldn't help but sigh in relief, that was one aspect of the Buffy Stark mission that was complete "Good. Thank you, Agent Coulson."
With that, the Director glances down at the young Slayer's file resting on his desk, one thought filling his mind.

How the hell were they supposed to approach her?


MALIBU, CALIFORNIA

Three Weeks.

It had been three weeks since she had left her home back in Sunnydale and been shipping back to Malibu to live with her father.
However, instead of spending time with her father, she had pretty much spent the past three weeks completely avoiding him. It was the best way to keep him safe, she couldn't risk him getting involved with her word.
Hence why she had worked out a routine that pretty much allowed her to avoid her father.

She made sure to be up first thing in the morning knowing he would probably be passed out with a hangover. She would eat breakfast and then the second she heard Tony stir she would head out for her morning run. So every morning as her father nursed a morning bloody mary she ran along the beach enjoying the silence.

As he worked in the garage she would stay in her room, doing her homeschooling sessions with Jarvis. Allowing her to miss both lunch and 5'oclock martini hour with Tony. Thinking about it the only time she actually spent with Tony was during dinner, which had pretty much turned into the two of them eating takeout in the garage as he showed her how to rebuild the motorcycle he had bought her. Apparently, it was the same make as the car her grandfather had bought to teach her father the same thing.

It really was becoming a Stark tradition.

However, it seemed life in Malibu wasn't too bad. Hell, she was even liking the whole homeschooling thing, which was good given that pretty much every school in the area was too worried about their buildings being burnt down.

To be honest, though, her grades had actually improved, Jarvis would adjust his teaching to make it work better for her. Hence why she was pretty close to hitting the qualifications to actually become a high school graduate before her friends back home.
However, it also helped that she wasn't spending all night hunting vampires anymore.

While it was great getting a bit of break from full-on Slayer time, there was a negative there. Not hunting left her with a desperate inch to fight.

So in hopes to try and keep her urge to start hunting vampires at bay the blonde was currently in the pretty much-abandoned gym that Tony seemed to never use.
Hence why she had pretty much claimed it as her own space, between hanging all her knives and crossbows up on the wall and surrounding the place with impact mats, it was actually an improvement over the Library.


"Where the hell are you Buffster?" Tony mumbles as he moves around the beach house in search of his daughter. He had tried to the private beach and her room yet there was no sign of her. She was getting too good at avoiding him, it was frustrating as well.

Huffing in annoyance he moves to ask Jarvis where the missing blonde had disappeared to only pause as he spots the door to the gym slightly adjar.
That place had been pretty much-gathering dust for months, he barely even remembered why he bothered to have it built.

Moving quietly towards the door he pushes it slightly allowing him to peek inside. As his eyes take in the sight before him he couldn't help but stare in disbelief and shock.
There in the centre of the room surrounded by impact mats was Buffy, she was currently holding herself up in a handstand, using only a small wooden log to keep herself balanced above the ground.

He couldn't help but find himself completely lost for words, while he knew Buffy had a history of cheerleading and gymnastics, he had never seen her have such strength and control.
As she slowly starts to rest her left hand on the log using only her right to hold up her body weight, Tony found himself completely mesmerised. Unable to tear his eyes off her the billionaire doesn't even notice as he steps further into the room only to bump into the side table by the door. Knocking the grey lamp off the table causing it to shatter loudly to the ground.

Hearing the loud shattering loud echo through the room, Buffy's eyes slam right open, the sudden sound causing her focus to falter sending her tumbling onto the mats as she loses her balance.
As she hits the ground with a thud Tony's eyes quickly fill with panic and he rushes over "Buffy!" He exclaims as he pulls her back up to her seat, his eyes scanning her for injuries.

Noticing her father's piercing and worried gaze Buffy merely offers him an awkward smile and waves him off "It's okay. I've had worse." She mumbles with a shrug before slowly making her way off the mats and towards her wall of knives, ignoring her father's concerned gaze as she does.

Tony couldn't help but frown, however, all thoughts of worry quickly vanished as confusion filled him at the sight of the wall of knives. He was pretty sure he hadn't bought any of those, and while yes, maybe he might have done it during one of his drunken hazes there was no way Pepper would allow them to actually be set up let alone delivered.

"Where did those-" Tony starts only to freeze as he spots Buffy pick up two of the throwing knives before moving into the center of the room, her eyes glued to the target on the other side of the room. He so did not like this right now, no matter how badass it looked.

"What are you doing?"

The young Slayer ignores his words as she merely launches one of the blades embedding it right into the center of the target. Hitting it directly in the heart.

"Damn."

At her father's words the blonde couldn't stop a small smile from covering her lips, glancing over at him she shrugs trying to play it off "I am just more traditional with weapons than you." With that she launches the second blade, sending it flying right into the target's head.
Tony couldn't help but stare in amazement at his daughter's skills and while yes this terrified the living hell out of him he had to keep reminding himself of what Joyce had said. You push her, she'll run. Right now Buffy was willingly showing him something she loved, so despite his worry, he forced a proud smile onto his face and began to exit the room "Well, be careful. I don't want to clean blood off the floor."

Buffy couldn't help but snort slightly at his words, the idea of her dad on his hands and knees cleaning up blood was just too hilarious and bizarre "Like you even know to clean blood! Or where the bleach is!"

At the sound of her small bubble of laughter, Tony couldn't stop the bright smile covering his face as he exited the gym.

This was definitely progress.


LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Progress had been made in the past few weeks between the father and daughter. And while Tony knew deep down that Buffy was keeping something from him, his focus at the moment was just bonding with her. When she was ready she would tell him. Or at least he hoped.
However, that progress had to be put on hold due to the Apogee Ceremony in Vegas where he was supposed to be accepting an award. So keeping his promise to Joyce he had left the young Slayer in Pepper's care and honestly after spending the past two months with his daughter, being away from her was a complete drag.

Since the second he had gotten on the jet to Vegas he had been thinking about Buffy, worrying about her, hence why right now he was trying to distract himself. This is exactly why instead of accepting the award he was at one of the craps tables in the casino trying to drown his over-protective father thoughts. While yes he knew Rhodey would be pissed, he didn't particularly care. Sitting in a chair for fours hours and giving a stupid speech would not shake his worry for his daughter's secrets.

However, what would help was a martini...or multiple martini's.


MALIBU, CALIFORNIA

"Red or blue?"

At Pepper's question, Buffy turns her attention away from the Manolo Blahnik's she was currently examining to face the redhead who had dragged her out on a shopping spree, in hopes of filling up her practically empty walk-in closet.
The blonde's eyes widen as she stares at the stunning designer shoes in front of her before chuckling "You're stuck babysitting me. I think the Stark credit card will cover both."
Pepper pauses for a moment as though contemplating before shrugging, Buffy had a point, she did a hell of a lot for Tony, more than any assistant would ever put up with.

"I'll just add them to his birthday present for me."

Giggling softly Buffy couldn't hold back the small grin as it filled her lips. She had to admit she liked Pepper, she was kind, funny, and put up with her father's crap which was a rare quality.

"See anything you like?" Pepper asks curiously as she spots the blonde places back yet another pair of shoes, from what Tony had told her Buffy used to be a complete shopaholic yet she hadn't picked up one thing yet from any of the stores they had visited today. When Buffy merely shrugs the redhead smiles warmly at her before moving over to the young girl, she had noticed Buffy's love of leather trousers and jackets as well as platform boots which gave her a small idea.

"You know that leather jacket you were eyeing in Vogue, I think I saw it over in Saint Laurent's."

The teenage girl couldn't help but quirk a small eyebrow before smiling brightly "Well we might as well have a look. But first...I'm starving cheeseburgers?"

"You really are your father's daughter."


LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

"As liaison to Stark Industries, I've had the unique privilege of serving with a real patriot. He is my friend and he is my great mentor. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present this year's Apogee Award to Mr. Tony Stark."

As the ballroom begins to fill with applause, Rhodey smiles before glancing over to where Tony was supposed to be seated. Sure enough, his smile promptly dropped, the seat was empty and abandoned.
"Tony?" He calls only to be left with nothing but silence, Rhodey couldn't help but groan he was going to kill Tony for putting him into this situation...again.

Glancing over to where Obadiah Stane was sat who merely shakes his head confirming that he had no idea where the hell Tony had disappeared to. Exhaling in annoyance Rhodey tries to force a smile on his face knowing that he was beginning to look ridiculous up here. Thankfully he quickly spots Obadiah getting up making his way towards the stage to accept the award on Tony's behalf.

"Thank you, Colonel." Obadiah says as moves up onto the stage and shakes Rhodey's hand before taking the award and holding it up "This is beautiful. Thank you. Thank you all very much. This is wonderful. Well, I'm not Tony Stark. But if I were Tony, I would tell you how honored I feel and what a joy it is to receive this very prestigious award. Tony, you know...the best thing about Tony is also the worst thing. He's always working."


Those multiple martinis that Tony had consumed like tic tacs had managed to up his mood immensely. While yes, he was still worried about his secret harbouring distant daughter, the buzz from the vodka was certainly helping him loosen up a little.
Rolling the dice in his hands he couldn't help but grin as they land on the table "Yeah!" He exclaims just as the newly formed crowd began to cheer along with him. And the billionaire was loving every minute of it. This was the perfect distraction from Buffy... at least for a little bit.

"You are unbelievable."

At the sound of his daughter's God-father's voice, Tony couldn't help but groan as he glances over at the clearly annoyed Rhodey "Oh, no! Did they rope you into this?"
"Nobody roped me into anything!"
"I'm so sorry."

Rhodey couldn't help but roll his eyes, he had known Tony long enough to know when he was lying, and not a damn word leaving his mouth was sincere "But they told me that if I presented you with an award, you'd be deeply honored."
"Of course I'd be deeply honored," Tony mumbles not even bothering to glance at his best friends as he keeps his eyes glued to the Craps table. Hell, he could barely process the words leaving Rhodey's lips "And it's you, that's great. So when do we do it?"

Rhodey sighs as Tony finally glances over at him, lifting up the glass award he hands it over to the drunk billionaire "It's right here. Here you go."
"There it is." Tony mumbles glancing at the glass object completely uninterested before shrugging clearly not the least bit interested in the award "That was easy. I'm so sorry."

"That's ok."

Chuckling Tony takes the award before turning to one of the beautiful women glued to his side "Wow! Would you look at that? That's something else. I don't have any of those flying around." He mutters sarcastically before handing off the award to the brunette woman next to him. As she takes it from him Tony quickly turns his attention back to the dealer at the head of the table "We're gonna let it ride!" He exclaims before he holds out the dice in his hand towards the woman throwing a flirty smirk her way "Give me a hand, will you? Give me a little something-something."
The woman merely smiles before leaning in close, suggestively blowing on the dice.
While Rhodey groans in annoyance Tony merely glances at his best friend holding the dice towards him "What about you?"

"I don't blow on a man's dice." He stats completely unamused by Tony's actions, while he was surprised he was hoping that Buffy's return to his life would at least help straighten out the billionaire.

"Come on, honey bear."

At Tony's teasing, Rhodey knocks the dice out of the billionaire's hands causing them to roll across the table. As the dice roll, Tony slaps the table excitement and a strong buzz fueling him "There it is Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes rolls! And..." Sure enough, as the dice come to a stop revealing a bad hand the smile drops from Tony's face.

"That's what happens." Rhodey tells him.

Tony just shrugs "Worse things have happened. I think we're gonna be fine." He mutters before turning back to the dealer ready to continue losing money "Color me up, will you?"


MALIBU, CALIFORNIA

"Hmm." Buffy couldn't help but moan in delight as she takes a bite of the steak Pepper had made for them both. To be honest, she had spent the past two months living off pizza and take-out that a homemade steak was making her mouth water.
Pepper couldn't help but chuckle in amusement as she takes a sip of her wine "I take it your father is not the best cook."

Buffy snorts slightly as she leans back in her seat before glancing out at the beach, letting the sound of the waves fill her years. It was nice to sit out on the main balcony having dinner instead of eating in the garage for once.
Glancing back at Pepper the blonde nods "Oh yeah. I have to remind him to eat. It's a good thing I order take-out real good...or ask Jarvis nicely to do it for me."

Shaking her head in amusement the redhead couldn't help but admire the young girl before her. Honestly, she couldn't help but be thankful to have this time to actually get to know Buffy, she was smart and kind, she was the best of the Starks. It seemed the Summers genes had mellowed out the bad Stark genes.
"Well, I'll come by more often if you want. We can do this again. Then you get a bit of...well not Tony."

Buffy pauses slightly before smiling brightly, she had to admit, she liked Pepper. Not many people who worked with her father had ever put in the effort to speak to her, let alone do it sincerely "That is a definite yep."
Smiling slightly at the young girl Pepper tilts her head slightly, she could see despite the happy exterior Buffy was struggling, there was a pain in her eyes "This is between you and me. I'm not your dad...or your mom. I'm a friend. I know there's something that happened to make you leave Sunnydale before during the summer." As Buffy's eyes widen in panic and terror Pepper offers her a reassuring smile before leaning across the table squeezing Buffy's hand softly "I'm not your parents or you friends from Sunnydale, which makes me unbiased."

Inhaling tightly Buffy swallows down the meat in her mouth before running a nervous hand through her hair, trying to figure out exactly how to explain the whole Angel/Angelous situation "I...a friend of mine, he did something bad and I stopped him but right before I did...he was himself again...but I still had to stop him. I couldn't face anyone after, having to.. turn him in...my friends wouldn't be able to understand so...I ran."
Spotting the tears filling Buffy's eyes Pepper smiles sadly "You were lost...we all are at some point."

Buffy smiles weakly through her tearful gaze "You know...you're pretty great Pepper. Why do you put up with Tony?"

Pepper couldn't help but snort as she begins filling up her wine glass "No idea. But wine helps."


"I thought you were supposed to be on your best behavior now that a certain small blonde is living with you."

At Rhodey's words, Tony merely shrugs trying to pretend that he wasn't completely worried about his teenage daughter as they headed towards the Casino exit, with Happy in tow.
"Well, that blonde is currently in Malibu with Pepper, while I am in Vegas. I promised to be on my best behavior when I'm around her." Pausing the billionaire couldn't help but shiver as a certain curly-haired blonde's face appears in his brain "Plus Joy scares me, there was no way I was risking her wrath by bringing Buff here. By the way, she does want to see you."

At the mention of his God-daughter wanting to see him, Rhodey couldn't help but smile, he hadn't seen Buffy since she was 14, before she started getting into trouble at school all the time. But even then, he still adored her "I'll stop by soon." He assures his best friend before pulling to a stop as they reach the exit doors "This is where I exit."

Rhodey at the thought, he did adore that girl "I'll stop by soon." As they reach, the exit Rhodey shakes Tony's hand "This is where I exit."
"All right."
"Tomorrow, don't be late."
"Yeah, you can count on it."
"I'm serious!"
"I know, I know."

With that, as Rhodey takes his exit, clearly wanting to avoid the paparazzi while Tony walks through the exit of the casino, handing his award to some random man dressed as Caesar as he goes "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's. There you go."
Heading straight for the car intent on getting home and making sure Pepper wasn't turning his daughter against him. However, the sound of a nosey reporter yelling his name cut that dream short.

"Mr. Stark! Excuse me, Mr. Stark!"

Halting in his steps, the billionaire slowly tries to force that fake smile back on his face while he kept his back to the female reporter.

"Christine Everhart, Vanity Fair magazine." She tells him "Can I ask you a couple of questions?"

Thinking for a moment, Tony shrugs slightly, Buffy would be asleep by the time he got home, plus he hadn't had female company in a while. This could be the distraction he had been praying for. Glancing at Happy, the bodyguard sighs knowing exactly what his boss wanted. Turning his attention to the female reporter Happy then turns back to Tony "She's cute."
"She's alright? Ok." With that, Tony finally turns to face the reporter, plastering the famous flirty smile on his face as he does "Hi."
"Hi." She responds flatly as she continues to glance at her notebook.
"Yeah. Okay, go."
"It's okay?"
At her question, Tony smirks and gradually takes a step forward as she quickly starts her questioning, knowing she probably wouldn't have his attention for long "You've been called the Da Vinci of our time. What do you say to that?"

The billionaire couldn't help but snort in amusement "Absolutely ridiculous. I don't paint."
"And what do you say to your other nickname? 'The Merchant of Death?"
"That's not bad. Let me guess. Berkeley?"
"Brown, actually."
"Well, Ms. Brown, it's an imperfect world, but it's the only one we've got. I guarantee you, the day weapons are no longer needed to keep the peace, I'll start making bricks and beams for baby hospitals."
"Rehearse that much?"
"Every night in front of the mirror before bedtime."
"I can see that."
"I'd like to show you first-hand."
"All I want is a serious answer."

Tony shrugs and crosses his arms, he had to admit he was kind of enjoying this back and forth, it beat worrying about his troubled teenage daughter for the next few hours "Okay, here's serious. My old man had a philosophy, 'Peace means having a bigger stick than the other guy'."

"That's a great line coming from the guy selling the sticks."

"My father helped defeat the Nazis. He worked on the Manhattan Project. A lot of people, including your professors at Brown, would call that being a hero."

"And a lot of people would also call that war profiteering."

At her words, Tony clenches his jaw slightly before taking off his sunglasses so he could look her straight in the eye, she definitely had his attention now. While yes he made weapons, he did good too, when Buffy took over one day he didn't want her labeled the weapons lady "Tell me, do you plan to report on the millions we've saved by advancing medical technology or kept from starvation with our Intelli-crops? All those breakthroughs military funding, honey."

Christine couldn't help but smirk skeptically "Wow. You ever lose an hour of sleep your whole life?"

"I'd be prepared to lose a few with you."


MALIBU, CALIFORNIA

Good morning. It's 7:00 a.m. The weather in Malibu is 72 degrees with scattered clouds. The surf conditions are fair with waist-to-shoulder high lines. High tide will be at 10:52 a.m."
At the sudden announcement coming from Jarvis's voice echoing through the room, Christine gasps awake in Tony's bed only to end up falling off the edge of the king-sized bed, landing on her back with a thump on the hardwood floors.

Groaning the reporter pulls herself off her feet before glancing around the empty bedroom, where the billionaire she had spent the night with, was missing.
Grabbing Tony's shirt from the floor, the blonde pulls it on before slowly exiting the bedroom, moving towards the large glass staircase.

"Tony?" She calls, her voice echoing through the oversized mansion as she makes her way into the large living room overlooking the ocean "Hey, Tony?"
When she was met with nothing but silence, the blonde makes her way down the hall, however, as she paces a wall lined with photos she couldn't stop her curiosity as a reporter.

As she exams the wall, she spots one of Howard Stark, a few of Tony's accomplishments over the years, several with Rhodey but the one that was drawing her attention the most was the photo on the end.
Christine couldn't help but frown in confusion, it was a maybe 27-year-old Tony carrying a small blonde girl with pigtails on his back, who couldn't be more than 5 years old.
As she looks at the photo she spots the door next to them, letting her curiosity control her she grabs the handle only for that damn voice to pop up again shocking her.

"You are not authorized to access this area."

"Jesus"

"That's Jarvis. He runs the house." Pepper Potts announces drawing a shocked Christine's attention as she stands in the living room holding a garment bag a look of annoyance being hidden behind a small smile "I've got your clothes here. They've been dry-cleaned and pressed, and there's a car waiting for you outside that will take you anywhere you'd like to go."
Christine chuckles softly as she walks towards Pepper eyeing her curiously "You must be the famous Pepper Potts."

Pepper merely smiles, hoping to get the woman out of the house before Buffy gets back from her run, she really didn't want to be involved in the scarring of the teenage girl she actually quite liked "Indeed I am."
"After all these years, Tony still has you picking up the dry-cleaning."

Pepper doesn't bite back, she knew that the reporter was testing her but she had dealt with far worse than her "I do anything and everything that Mr. Stark requires, including, occasionally, taking out the trash. Will that be all?"


As the sound of the Dingoes Ate My Babe CD Oz gave her, filled her headphones Buffy finally comes to a stop in her morning run. Moving over to her workout bag that was resting by the staircase back to the house the blonde grabs her water, downing a large gulp before grabbing the matching jumper to her tracksuit and pulling it on.

Feeling her stomach grumble Buffy smiles at the thought of the waffles Pepper had told her would be ready for after her workout. That redhead sure knew her way around Waffles and Pancakes.

Grabbing her bag the blonde bobs her head to the slightly terrible music as she makes her way up the stairs. However, it did remind her of home, so at least there was a small positive.

Pulling open the doors to the living room she dumps her bag on the couch before pulling out her headphones and begins her movements to the kitchen.
However, her waffle-filled future was quickly halted as she spots Pepper and an unfamiliar blonde standing in nothing but her father's shirt in the hall, having a full-on glare off.

When both women turn to glance at her, Buffy merely stares at Christine for a long moment, as disturbing as this was she really did not want to think about it, all thoughts that way, were just gross and icky so she simply turns to Pepper "He's back?" Pepper nods wincing slightly, she really needed to discuss boundaries with Tony, this wasn't fair to Buffy, plus now she was probably going to need therapy.

"Where?"
Pepper merely smiles in amusement "Where do you think?"
Buffy rolls her eyes then turns to the blonde reporter who was staring at her like she was a damn alien. However, quickly Christine takes a step towards the teenager holding out a hand towards her "Hello I don't believe we have met. I'm Christine Everhart, Vanity Fair magazine."

Interrupting Christine, Pepper being slightly protective of the blonde steps forward, blocking the reporter's view.
"Buffy, you're waffles are in the kitchen. Why don't you take some down to Tony in the garage? I'm sure he could use the company."
Othering the redhead a small grateful smile for covering her and getting her out of this extremely awkward tension, Buffy nods before turning back to the half-naked reporter
"It was nice to meet you, Miss. Everhart." With that, Buffy moves to head into the kitchen but being a Stark she couldn't hold back her sarcasm so she turned back to Christine "You should really learn to keep your pants on."

With that, the young Slayer heads into the kitchen to grab her waffles while Christine stares after her before glancing back at the photo of the young girl who looked surprisingly like the teenager she had just seen.
That's when it all clicks together causing her to turn to Pepper with wide eyes, this was possibly the biggest story of the year "Oh, my God. Does-Is that-Tony has a daughter?"

"It's best you leave now." Pepper says sharply, feeling protective over the young blonde. She quickly walks Christine to the door shoving the garment bag into her arms before sending her on her way.


Heading down into the garage with two plates of waffles, Buffy pushes open the door and sure enough, there was her father, his eyes glued to one of the cars he was working on.
Moving to sit beside him the blonde shoves his plate into his hands "Eat."

Chuckling softly the billionaire picks up one of the waffles biting into it before glancing back at his daughter, trying to find a way to actually have a conversation with her.
"So um...I saw your bite, the engine is coming along nicely."
Buffy swallows the amazing bite of Pepper's waffles down before smiling slightly "Thanks. Jarvis is like a cheat code for everything." She admits before quirking an eyebrow at him "So, how was Vegas?"

There was a long pause of silence as Tony winces, he was praying to do that she hadn't run into his indiscretion from last night. Otherwise, he was going to be spending a lot in therapy for the rest of her life "It was...uh..." As he stutters he frowns as he spots the small amused Stark smirk grazing her lips, she was definitely his daughter, she was messing with him "I'm guessing you met um..."

Again there was silence as he attempts to remember the woman's name. He was pretty sure her name began with a C that was for sure...or was it a B?
"Christine." Buffy offers with a small snort as she takes another bite of her breakfast.

Tony clicks his fingers at her "Yes that's it. Sorry."

Buffy merely shrugs, she hadn't expected him to change his routine, he hadn't asked to have her live her, she had been shoved into his arms. Plus she would be 18 soon so it wasn't like she would be staying for long. "It's cool. It's your home. It's not like I expected you to stop living your lifestyle just cause I'm here."
At her words, Tony couldn't help but feel his heartbreak slightly, she didn't feel like this was her home, she felt like nothing but an unwanted guest. Swallowing uncomfortably he tries to think of something that would help make her feel at home here, with him.

Slowly a small idea grazes his mind, which would hopefully help them bond so he quickly places his plate on the ground before turning to her "Well, I'm glad you're here. I could use some help with this." He explains as he gestures to the car he was working on "Would you help your old man out?"
Buffy watches him for a long moment before slowly a small smile grazes her lips, she had to admit that didn't sound too bad.
"Sure."
Tony smiles brightly before gesturing to the head bolts next to her "Pass me those, I'll show you how to do it."


Father-daughter bonding seemed to be progressing well. Tony and Buffy had pretty much been inseparable all day, she had stopped avoiding him as much and he had started teaching her more about cars, hell he even let her drive one of his babies, though that had probably been the most terrifying experience of his life.

Right now, they were in the middle of a big session of bonding, which was why he was rubbing his hands together in excitement as he waits for Buffy to roll out from underneath the car.
After what felt like an eternity her blonde hair finally made an appearance, she rolled out from under the car her face covered with grease as well as her old Sunnydale High sweatshirt.
Helping her up the billionaire tilts his head at his daughter curiously awaiting the hear what she had found "Well...?"
The blonde sighs as she runs the grease off her hands and onto her old jeans "I think...The compression cylinder is low...I think." She answers nervously clearly unsure of herself.

With that, the two Starks wait to hear the news from Jarvis both of them completely stubborn and impatient.

"She is correct. Well done, Miss Stark."

There was a long moment of silence before a bright smile broke out on Buffy's face, she actually felt accomplished and like she wasn't a complete moron "I did it!" She exclaims joyfully jumping up and down.
"That's my girl!" Tony exclaims as he jumps for joy "I knew those Stark genes weren't all beaten down by the Summers ones."
Buffy lets out a small laugh as her father lifts her up spinning her around a proud smile on his face.

During their excitement, neither of them noticed the certain redhead watching the two of them from the doorway with a small smile on her face. Pepper just couldn't help but smile at the sight before her, it was nice to see the two of them together actually getting along.
However, as sweet as this moment was and as much as she hated interrupting their bonding she didn't have a choice.

Clearing her throat she draws the pair's attention "Hi Buffy." She says kindly tossing the blonde a Butterfinger bar.
"Score!" Buffy mumbles before jumping up onto the car hood biting into her chocolate happily.
Tony, on the other hand, was in for a lecture as Pepper's smile immediately drops as her eyes land on him. Glaring at the billionaire who gulps nervously Pepper crosses her arms over her chest "You are supposed to be halfway around the world right now."

Knowing she was already annoyed about the whole one-night stand thing, Tony merely groans "How'd she take it?"
"Like a champ." She snaps before running her forehead in frustration "But...she saw Buffy and the photos in the hallway. She knows."

The billionaire curses slightly slamming his fist against the table, this was not ideal. He had been hoping to keep Buffy away from the press till she was 18. All he could hope for now was that Christine could be bribed.
Ignoring their obvious issue, for now, Tony focuses on the fact that Pepper was trying to get him to leave the country again "Why are you trying to hustle me out of here? I am spending quality time with Buffy here, which is what you wanted."

Pepper sighs while Buffy laughs slightly still shoving chocolate into her mouth happily "As lovely as that is, your flight was scheduled to leave an hour and a half ago."

"That's funny, I thought with it being my plane and all, that it would just wait for me to get there."

"Spoiled douche" Buffy coughs under her breath causing Pepper to chuckle while Tony's eyes narrow at the blonde
"You know I can still send you to private school right."

At the small threat, Buffy swallows the lump in her throat which appeared at that comment and goes back to focusing on the engine but then thankfully Jarvis's voice cuts through the air, saving her "Miss. Stark it is time for your lessons."
For the first time ever, Buffy couldn't have been more than grateful for her study session. Jumping out of her seat she taps Tony on the shoulder "Good luck." She mumbles before making a run for it up the stairs, but not without yelling out one more word towards her father. He was so screwed. "Karma!"

While Tony glares in the direction she had run off in, Pepper sighs and clicks her fingers in front of the billionaire's face, drawing his focus "Tony, I need to speak to you about a couple of things before I get you out of the door."
Standing Tony reluctantly turns towards Pepper "Doesn't it kind of defeat the whole purpose of having your own plane if it departs before you arrive?"
"Larry called. He's got another buyer for the Jackson Pollock in the wings. So you want it? Yes or no."
"Is it a good representation of his spring period?"
"No. The Springs was actually the neighborhood in East Hampton where he lived and worked, not 'spring' like the season."
"So?"
"I think it's a fair example. I think it's incredibly overpriced."

"I need it. Buy it. Store it. Also, have the old gym upgraded for Buffy. With all of that medieval weaponry crap. She's good with that stuff."

Pepper couldn't help but smile slightly, she was proud of him for trying to learn and connect more with his daughter "Okay. The MIT commencement speech..."
"Is in June. Please, don't harangue me about stuff that's way, way, down..."
"They're haranguing me, so I'm gonna say yes."
"Deflect it and absorb it. Don't transmit it back to me."
"I need you to sign this before you get on the plane."
"What are you trying to get rid of me for? What, you got plans?"

Pepper holds out the paper and the pen towards Tony "As a matter of fact, I do."
"I don't like it when you have plans."
"I'm allowed to have plans on my birthday."
"It's your birthday?"
"Yes."
"I knew that. Already?" He asks giving her a skeptical look.

"Yeah. Isn't that strange? It's the same day as last year." As Tony signs the papers he smiles "Get yourself something nice from me."
"I already did."
"And?"
Slowly a small grin crosses the redhead's lips "Well, Buffy helped me pick it. So it's lovely."
"Yeah." Tony says grinning
"Very tasteful. Thank you, Mr. Stark."
"You're welcome, Miss. Potts."


After a nauseating long lesson with Jarvis, where she hadn't seemed to be able to focus.
Buffy was back in the gym which she had dubbed as her own throwing hit after hit at the newly installed punching bag Tony had hung up for her before his Vegas trip.

With her father on the way to the airport for his trip to Afghanistan and Pepper having to head to the office for a bit, the blonde was left in peace.
A nap had been out of the question hence her current activity.

It was like every time she closed her eyes, all she saw was the same thing. Her and Angel walking along the beach, him whispering reminders of how she killed him in her ear.

Trying to shake the images from her head, Buffy gave the bag another hit only to wince as a large hole appears and sand begins to fall out of the bag onto the floor. Sighing in frustration the blonde begins unwrapping her hands before storming out of the gym.
Making her way out onto the balcony she stares out at the ocean and finally allows herself to relax for once. Letting the sound of the water wash over her.

She just hoped that she could get some peace from her guilt. Closing her eyes she drops down, letting her legs hang out over the edge as the cool air surrounds her.

As she sits there having a small moment of peace, Buffy couldn't help but think that just maybe Malibu would be good for her. Maybe being here would allow her to move on, plus it's not like her life could get any worse.

Or at least that's what she thought, however, unknown to the young Slayer there was more pain heading her way than she could even fathom.

Including a certain someone from her past.