Hey everyone! here's another update! Please let me know haw you are liking the story so far, and what you want to see from Elena. I have an outline of how I want this story to go but I'm up to suggestions! Happy Reading!

Taking Out the Trash.

I fumed as I made my way with Uncle Rhodey, towards the crapps table that my Dad and Happy where at. I'm not even sure why I'm so mad, I knew he was going to do this, he always does. Actually, I kind of feel more sorry for Uncle Rhodey, he's the one who put Dad up for the Apogee Award. Maybe that's why Uncle Rhodey reached my dad first.

"Unbelievable," Uncle Rhodey interrupted dad's gag inducing seduction of the random brunette.

Dad turn around feigning disbelief, "Oh no you're here."

Dad had the smarts not to turn around further and look me in the eye, knowing that I was fuming, especially after I ask him not to do bail. Again.

"They told me if I and your daughter presented you with this award that you would be deeply honored," Rhodey complained.

Dad, trying to talk his way out of it said, "and I am deeply honor, when are we doing this again?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Here you go old man." I grumbled and poked my hand in between Dad and Rhodey to hand him the award.

He quickly smiled at me and said, "see that was easy and you didn't even have to make your speech."

I looked at him in disbelief and just shook my head.

He looked at me and Rhodey in confusion, "What?"

"She already made the speech Tony. You missed the whole thing, it was quite touching actually."

Dad feigned surprise, "I'm so sorry." He gestured around the room, "They don't put any clocks in here, and I lost track of time."

"What happened to that special addition Rolex watch that I got you for Christmas, that you just had to have?" I called out to him, not buying his bullshit for a minute.

He looked taken aback for a second, "It's at home being cleaned."

"By what jeweler?" I fired back. Dad should know by now that I can tell when he's lying. Since I got him that watch it hasn't left his wrist. He told me it blew all of his other watches out of the water because it came from.

I even had it engraved with an inside joke of our.

Trying to change the topic, Dad looked back down at the trophy he had been handed and said, "Well would you look at that, I don't have any of those anywhere."

He promptly handed that trophy off to someone else. I just shake my head. I love the man, but he can get on my last nerve. Espiecally when I know not only did he miss the ceremony because he was gambling, but he just lost a lot of money on that last play.

Dad quckly ditches the groupie entourage and ushers Rhodey, Happy, and I to a roulette wheel. While, dad tries to over bet the house, I receive an email with instructions from Dr. Owen on the itinerary and guidelines for me following him when I get to Afghanistan. I read over the email until I hear dad ask Uncle Rhodey,

"Are you ready for tomorrow?"

Uncle Rhodey just shakes his head at dad, "I told you it's a hot zone I really don't think you and Elena should be out there."

"No I want a live demo-"

I interrupt, "I'm sorry, but why was I not informed that you would be entering into a dangerous zone, I though you were just demonstrating at the base like you usually do."

I raised my eyebrow at him, letting him know in no way was it okay that information had been kept from me.

He looked back at me sheepishly, "Oh I though I told you the demo is going to be out by the mountain range, so the top guys can get a real idea of how bad this puppy is."

Aggravated I replied, "So you're purposely heading into the territory where factions are known to be hiding, just to prove how powerful your weapon is. Even though a regular base demo would do the exact same thing. And you really weren't going to tell me until we arrived, "

Dad had the decency to look somewhat ashamed. "Well when you put it like that it sounds bad."

I scoffed "Yeah, because this is a very bad idea! I thought you were suppose to be a genius?"

How could he be so stupid, as to risk his safety like this for a demonstration? I knew location sites in war zones always posed a little bit of risk as the base could be attacked while he was over there, but to directly put your self in hot zone, was just nuts.

"I am!" He said in an offended manner.

I crossed my arms and glared at him, "Yeah well geniuses don't keep stuff from their daughters, and they also don't lose 3 million dollars on roulette."

He pulled down his glasses and smirked at me, "They do if they are billionaire genius."

I sighed and just shook my head, there was no getting through to him tonight. Maybe I could talk him out of it on the plane ride over. "You're impossible and I'm done for the night, I'm flying back home, are joining or are you still going to take the 5 hour car ride back?" I asked.

"I'm staying you head back home, I'll figure out my way back. I'm a big boy."

He gave me a hug and kiss goodbye and ushered two bodyguards to follow me.

While I was still pretty aggravated over the presentation tomorrow, I really can't stay mad at him.

"You could have fooled me old man."

He playfully shoved me away from him, "Good night squirt, I'll see you tomorrow."

I gave Uncle Rhodey a quick hug and made my way out of the hotel for the night.

The Next Day: 24 Hours before Tony's capture

I was awoken by a heavy weight landing on top of me, and a cold nose pressing against my face.

I whined, "Remy, no."

I tried to cover my self back under my blanket, but Remy just whined and burrowed his way under there with me, licking any part of me he could reach.

"Alright, alright, calm down boy. I'm up." I reached over and started to scratch behind his left ear, his favorite spot, and he started to calm down a little.

"Jarvis weather report please," I asked as I started to get ready for my run with Remy. I was already packed for my trip with dad, so all I had to do when I got back was shower and change.

"Good Morning Miss Stark, it is currently 6:00 AM and lovely 72 degrees. My reports show that this is an optimal time for a run outside for your lung condition."

I rolled my eyes at the AI, god sometime he sounded like a mother, albeit a robotic one, but a mother nonetheless. My lungs never developed right from my premature birth, and then after a case of bronchitis and pneumonia when I was younger, they've always been a little more difficult. Thank God for inhalers.

"Thank you Jarvis."

"You're welcome Miss Stark. Also Ms. Potts wants me to remind you to use SPF before you leave". The voice replied back.

I just chuckled as I finished getting ready.

I made my way down stairs with Remy. As I made my way into the living room, I noticed a pair of heels that didn't belong to me strewn across the floor and my father's tie laying on the bottom step. I rolled my eyes and made a gaging motion.

I grabbed my water bottle and my sunglasses and headed to the foyer.

As I went to open the door, Pepper walked in, and looked at me surprised, "Oh you're up. I was going to make you breakfast, before you left on your trip."

I kissed her cheek as I passed her, "That's okay Pep, I'll grab something while I'm out. I have a feeling you're going to have your hands full taking out dad's trash this morning. Oh and Happy Birthday!"

I heard her groan as I made my way outside. I put on Remy's running leash and set up my Bluetooth headphones for my music.

Remy has been my wonderful running partner ever since my freshman year of college, when I rescued him from a kill shelter in Stanford. While I know dad sent me to school with my own security detail, he said I felt better with me having a guard dog in my apartment.

Jokes on him Remy's nothing but a big softie at heart.

As I made my way down the cliff side, Jarvis's voice spoke out, "Incoming call from professor Laghari, would you like to answer

"Yes please Jarvis"

I heard the beep meaning that I was now connected with my favorite professor from school, "Hey Professor L to what do I owe this pleasure."

"Good morning Miss Stark, how my favorite student." Here lovely British accented answered.

"Aw shucks professor I'm sure you say that to all the advance geniuses in your class."

She chuckled, "Nope just you Elena. Sorry to be so direct but I need to know are you going to be joining me at my clinic in Calcutta this year?"

I hesitated for a moment knowing I still hadn't discussed this with dad, but before I could stop I answered, "You know I'm there Professor. Please let me know what you need donated for the trip, supply wise, and I will discuss with my father on Stark Industries footing the bill."

God, I hope dad agrees to me going.

"Thank You Elena that is very kind of you. I'll send you an itemized list of supplies. Please know I don't expect all of It.," she said graciously.

"Whatever I can get for you I will. This is an important cause for me and I'm sure my father wouldn't pass up an opportunity to make his company look better. It's a win for him."

"Again thank you Elena, I will share our travel plans once I have everything booked. I look forward to working with you," She responded.

"Okay bye professor L."

By the time I had ended my phone call, I had made my way to the bottom of the cliff side that we lived on.

I looked at Remy as his tongue wagged out of his mouth, "You want a break buddy or you wanna keep going?"

In response Remy barked and started running again, "Keep going it is."

I ran through the main street that was about a 20 min run from our house and made my way to the café at the end of the street.

I love this café because it had public water bowls for people that brought their dogs out, and it had the best iced coffee and lattes in all of California. In my biased opinion.

I picked a table out side and attached Remy's leash to it. I added the last of my bottled water to the bowl I grabbed for him and left him to sit in the shade.

I headed in and was pleased to see that the café was empty which meant I wouldn't have to worry about people alerting the paparazzi that I was here and could rest in peace.

I made my way to the counter and smiled at Rob, the guy who had run this place for the past three years. "Morning Rob, can I have one sweet cream ice coffee and water, Oh an a biscuit for Remy." I requested.

Rob smiled at me "No problem Ms. Stark."

"Rob, I've been coming here for three years, you know its Elena."

Rob was a sweet man who loved his shop and his loyal customers. He always kept dog treats ready for anyone who brought in pups. I knew he loved his collie Callie like his own child.

"Remy's out side if Callie wants someone to mess with" I joked at Rob handed me stuff.

He laughed because he knew Remy was always super tired after our runs, and his dog, Callie loved nothing more to annoy Remy as he lay in the shade. I always joke that they had lady and the tramp romance going on, and I would be welcome to puppies whenever they were ready.

"Callie's out with my wife today running errands. She's 8 months pregnant and I don't like her going out alone. Callie's trained to go get someone if she needs help."

"That's right I for got you were about to have another kid. How exciting. "

Rob and I talked for a few more minutes before I heard Remy barking, letting me know he wasn't okay with not seeing me for so long. I said my goodbyes to Rob and made my way back out to Remus.

I had 10 minutes of peace and quite with Remy until I heard Jarvis speak, "Miss Stark, you are receiving a call from the board of admission at Columbia would you like to respond?"

Well that's interesting, "Yes please Jarvis."

I heard the click on my line, "Hello this is Elena Stark."

"Hello Ms. Stark this is Janice Silvers with Columbia Medical. I just wanted to call and say I was thrilled to receive your application for our trauma surgical residency program and just wanted to review something with you if you have a moment?"

How interesting, I wonder how they got my application.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't aware that I had applied to your program. You'll have to forgive, I applied to so many a few months ago it's hard to keep track"

"Well usual we don't respond so quickly to applications, but when I saw this morning, the email you sent, I wanted to talk to you as soon as possible."

"I'm sorry are you saying that you received my application last night?"

"Sort of, it was sent to us via a stark industries email around 3am this morning your time."

"I see, I'm sorry Ms. Silvers do you mind if we continue this conversation at a later time."

I ripped my headphones out of my ears in anger. "I can not believe him."

I gather all my stuff and unhooked Remy, and angrily made my way back home.

"Jarvis get me Pepper please."

"As you wish Ms. Stark."

"Hey Elle all your stuff is packed and Happy is ready to take you and your dad to the plane as soon as you and him are ready. I'm almost done everything here before I leave for the day."

"Two things one thank you for all of that and two do you know anything about my application being sent out to Columbia last night?"

"Um nope I didn't send anything last night, you didn't?"

"No but I have a feeling who did. I'll see you back at the house."

When that call ended I immediately had Jarvis call dad.

"Mr. Stark has asked mot to be disturbed." The AI responded.

"Jarvis do it or I will reprogram you to only speak like Yoda," I threatened.

With in a few seconds I heard the ringtone go through.

"Good Morning Squirt, excited for our trip today?" My dad said cheerily

"Who told you about Mass General?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Really so you didn't find out that I accepted a position at Mass Gen and immediately tried to get me into Columbia instead, because god forbid you don't stick your nose in place where it doesn't belong." I questioned him in disbelief.

"I'm your father my nose always belongs in your business, and two I can neither confirm or deny that is what I did." He said indignantly.

"God dad you couldn't just talk to me about this? You had to go sneak around behind my back?" I yelled out as I ran.

"Well you haven't exactly been forthcoming with info dear squirt so when where we going to talk about this or this Calcutta trip?"

"Where are you getting all of this information"?

"Sources." He replied cryptically.

"Yeah no shit dad. We will talk about this when I get back to the house." I said ending the call.

Around 3 AM Earlier that morning.

Tony's POV

After catching another private flight back with Vanity Fair and a slightly drunken, on my part, deeply personal interview, I made my way back down stairs unable to sleep.

I couldn't get the thought of Squirt heading for Massachutes out of my head. There had to be something I could do.

I walked over to my computer and started tinkering. I hacked into Stanford's record to pull up her transcript and recommendation letters.

Of course all of her professor had nothing but praise for Squirt, while she may not always obey authority she certainly had a way of charming people.

Particularly one professor Laghari, her recommendation for my Squirt was glowing. I scanned through it until something made me take pause. This letter indicated that Elena was helping her professor with a medical trip to Calcutta and that Squirt would be her assistant for the two months that they resided there.

Um hold up I wasn't informed about any trips to India.

Was I? Sometimes Squirt would ask for something when she knew I was at my weakest or wouldn't remember in the morning. Hey can't blame a kid for seizing a golden opportunity.

I typed in quickly to see what the program entailed and found it was a two-month trip to an orphanage/ school Dr. L ran from the states. Apparently she goes over there every year with a group of students to help administer vaccinations and perform any medical aide the students may need.

Well I guess that sounded fine; while she's over there I could go over and look at potential business opportunities.

I quickly hacked into Squirt's student email account to see when the supposed trip was going to place.

God, I need to teach that kid how to better protect her stuff, it only took me one minute to crack her password.

After I was in, I found out this trip was going to take place in about four months. I knew Squirt was planning to take a year off between schools, but I figured she wanted to go on vacation not a missionary trip.

As I was reading her correspondence with Dr. L, I came across another set of emails.

Who the heck was Jake and why was he going to be on this trip with my daughter? I thought this was an all girls thing. Why did he seem so anxious to see if she was going on the trip? Was he planning on taking advantage of her?

Of course I knew that Squirt was more than capable of taking care of herself should the need ever arise, it's why I spent so much money on kickboxing and personal defense classes when she was little.

Maybe I was over reacting. Any way after I closed out her email. I sent all of her stuff and a copy of her last surgical application over to the people I knew at Columbia. It was 3 am here meaning it was 6 am there, by the time it was morning here I'm sure the right people will have seen her application.

I need to keep Squirt close. She was all I had, well her and Pepper. But I paid Pepper to never leave, Squirt and her determination had a mind of her own.

After I was done my hacking for the night I quickly reset the security system on Jarvis, knowing this had the possibility of blowing up in may face in the morning. Well later in the morning.

Elena POV

I made my way back to the house in record time. Poor Remy just collapsed as soon as he got into the house.

"Hey Pep can you get Remy some water, I have to go yell at my dad." I yelled from the foyer.

I went to head over to his workshop door, but as I went to open it, Jarvis spoke out, "I'm sorry Miss Stark but you are not authorized to open this door."

I looked up in astonishment, "Are you kidding me right now?"

"You know I'm not very good at humor Ms. Stark." Jarvis replied.

I growled out loud, "Put my father on comms. Now."

"Right away." The monotone voice spoke out.

"I'm sorry your loving Father doesn't feel like being yelled at, at the moment please try again when ever you are calm." He answered in a automated styled voice.

"This is real mature dad. Aren't you suppose to be the grown up?" I yelled trying to reopen the door, only to receive anther error sign.

Pepper made her way to the top of the staircase and yelled, "Elena you can yell at him on the plane, go shower and get ready you are already running behind."

I banged on the glass door, "Fine but don't think this is over dad!"

I made my way back upstairs and ran to my room to get ready. I don't know if it was my pent up anger or the fact that I hate being late, but I was able to shower, dry and style my hair, and get dressed in record time. Since it was such a long flight I opted for a comfy leggings and loose t-shirt, and made sure I packed a more professional outfit for our landing in my bag.

I made way back downstairs to see Pepper on the phone, "No she just came down, I'll send them both over now."

With my bag on my shoulder and my nice outfit in a garment bag, I made my way over to Pep.

"I'm still mad at him so I'm going to have Happy drive me to the airbase. Tell him I'll see him on the plane. Have a great birthday Pepper you deserve it. I left your present in the office."

I had bought her the most elegant designer shoes to match the dress she had bought for herself on dad's card, and I had also made a small scrapbook of Pepper and me over the years. I knew that she would love it."

"Thank you Elle, I'm sure I'll love what ever you bought me, and go easy on our father, I'm sure he meant well. What ever it is that he did."

"Sure Sure pepper. We'll see if we both make it back in one piece."

She just smiled at me and said, "Play nice."

"No promises."

I made my way to hallway to see Remy was still lying where I left him. I bent down and gave him a hug and quick kiss on his forehead.

"Love you Remy, you behave for Pepper, and try not to run into any of the windows when I'm gone."

Since our windows where so clear, Remy had a tendency to try and catch birds that flew by our house and would run straight into the glass. I found it adorable, but dad hated seeing Remy's snout smudges on the glass.

I yelled goodbye to Pepper one last time and made my way outside where I knew Happy was waiting for me.

After Happy dropped me off he said he was heading back to pick up my father. I made way into the plan to see Uncle Rhodey reading some papers while in uniform. He looked up and smiled at me

"Hey there kiddo. Long time no see. Where's Tony?" He asked.

"Happy just went back to get him, I didn't feel like talking to him so I left early." I shrugged

Uncle Rhodey packed up his papers and shook his head, "What are you too arguing about now?"

"He applied to Columbia as a way to get me not to go to Mass Gen for my surgical program. "

Rhodey laughed and clapped me on the shoulder; "If I know your dad I'm sure he had good intentions for you. You know he has a hard time letting go. Remember what happened when he moved you into your student apartment."

"You mean where he claimed the extra bedroom was for him because he wasn't actually going to leave me alone?"

"Yup, Tony just loves you Elena, and sometimes he express it in weird ways."

I sighed and nodded my head, "I know he does uncle Rhodey, but it would be nice it we talked about stuff before he just went off and did whatever he wanted to do."

"Well Tony was never good at hearing the word no."

"Tell me about it. Well I'm going to go set up in my cabin. When dad get here have him come in."

"Alright Kiddo. I'm going to go on out on the stairs and wait for him."

One perk of having your own plane is you could section off areas for sleeping. Dad and I both had our own sleeping cabins, with a semi decent bed for a plane and a TV.

I hung up my stuff and open my laptop to start making a pro and con list of medical programs. So that when dad and I talked I could be ready for whatever he threw at me.

It took another three hours before dad even made it onto the plane, I'm sure Uncle Rhodey was pissed. I had sent an email to Dr. Owens to let him know that we would be arriving late.

While reading I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in " I called out.

Dad opened the doors with his hands up in surrender. "I come in peace."

Despite my earlier anger I laughed at his antics. "You're safe to enter."

Dad made his way over to the bed and sat down on the edge, "Listen Squirt, I had some connections in NY and figured it wouldn't hurt to explore your options. After Obie told me about Mass Gen I panicked. You know I'm never going to be thrilled about going back to the state your mom died in."

"I get that dad but did ever consider that maybe I need that connection. I know it hurts you to talk about her, and with respect for you I never tried to push the topic but I think it's time I found some connection of my own to my mother. I thought Mass Gen could give me that."

Dad just sighed and hung his head, "Maybe your right, but I beg you to just look into Columbia. I was already thinking about opening a better Stark base in New York and we could keep close."

Knowing how he didn't take separation well, I sighed and said, "I will take it under consideration, but please let the final decision be mine."

"Maybe."

"Dad

"Yeah fine okay."

I laughed and shoved him.

"I love you dad."

He smiled reached over kissed my forehead and then to my displeasure ruffled my hair. "I love you too squirt."

He went to leave but turned and tossed me a bottle "Oh here are you knock out drugs. I say if you wait three more hours to take them you'll wake up an hour before we are suppose to land."

I nodded, "Thanks Dad. I'll probably catch up on some TV. Try and keep the partying down till I fall asleep."

He tried to give me an innocent look "what party."

"Oh please I'm 18 now, like I don't know that all those girls have a dancing back ground and there's a disco ball in the ceiling."

"Um no comment."

I threw a pillow at him, "Get out you dork. I'll see you in the morning."

Dad threw the pillow back with terrible aim and closed the door.

I turned on Grey's anatomy one of the shows I love to watch but never have any time for during school.

While my show is on in the background I send an email to Ms. Silvers to let her know when I'll be back in the states and will have time to call her about the program.

I also responded to some email to my lab partner Jake had sent me about our trip. Jake would make an amazing Peds doctor on day, and I knew how excited he was for this trip. When I tell dad about the trip I'll try to conveniently leave Jake out of it, least he get the wrong idea.

Jake is a great friend who has never judging me for my name or who my father is. He's one of my only friends at school, and I really don't want dad to jeopardize that. Jake was a sweet guy, whose main goal like mine was just becoming a doctor. We had both bonded over sleepless nights in the lab and crazy professors over the past few years.

Once it time, I take the sleeping pills that will knock me out for most of the remainder of our 15-hour flight.

Hopefully everything when we land will run smoothly.