10

Any Other Name…

((A/N Hello everyone! Sorry I took a long time off! I was going to abandon this account but then I began to get more ideas. I'd like to thank everyone who left such wonderful comments. I will address two things. One that yes, as I have grown as a writer I now cringe at the clothing descriptions. At first, they were meant to show Tony's discomfort to her new life, even her new clothes, but I agree that they do drag on quite a bit, so they will forevermore be replaced with simple descriptions when necessary. Second, I continually write and refer to Tony as a bastard, because despite Nolan's words, she still sees herself as such. I promise there will come a time when she does not and sees herself simply as his daughter. I refer to her that way because it is also how certain characters still view her. I apologize if this offends anyone, but as a bastard myself, I've taken a page from Tyrion Lannister's book and have worn the title like armor so it cannot be used against me. Anyway, I hope you enjoy and please forgive any typos as I am writing with a broken finger.))

"Nolan!" Tony called.

The blond man rushed down the stairs, wearing only boxers and a white T-shirt. "What? What's wrong? Are you OK?" Since the party he'd been a little…on edge.

Which was why there was a big man standing in the way of Tony and the door.

Tony gestured to the man. "I just want to go for a run along the beach, and M'Gubgub here won't let me go."

Nolan opened his mouth to respond when his daughter's words sank in. "Did you just make a Marvel Comics reference before nine AM?"

Tony smirked and cocked an eyebrow. "Did you just understand a Marvel reference before nine in the morning?"

Nolan snorted. "Perfect, we're nerds. Now, moving on to more pressing matters…" Nolan walked the rest of the way down the stairs. "He's my bodyguard, our bodyguard and he's here to keep us safe."

"Nolan, I understand the method to your madness," Tony replied patiently. "But I'm going out to run. In broad daylight. On a beach full of people. If Frank were to attack me he'd be an idiot, and let's face it, you don't get to be the Grayson's head of security by being an idiot. Ipso facto I'm safe." She grinned.

Nolan rubbed his eyes. "You just used Latin before nine AM."

Antoinette nodded. "I did."

Nolan groaned. "I haven't even had my coffee yet." He ran a hand down his face, then sighed. "Let her go. Do you have your phone?"

"Yes Daddy Dearest, I have it," Tony rolled her eyes.

Nolan waved her on. "Just…be careful…please."

Antoinette nodded.

…

Her feet pounded into the sand, leaving behind footprints, dents in the otherwise perfect grains. High tide had come and gone, smoothing the beach. Now Tony was messing it up, just like others before her had done earlier in the morning. She stopped and looked out into the water, pausing her iPod, wishing for a moment of calm and quiet.

"Hey, Tony right?" a voice behind her said.

Well, so much for that.

The black haired girl pulled out her ear buds and smiled at the brown haired boy. "Yeah, hey Cas."

The teenage boy grinned. The sleeveless shirt he wore clearly displayed muscular arms that his server's uniform had hidden, and the black basketball shorts displayed toned, tan legs. "So, you run," he stated the obvious.

The teenage girl smiled. "I do. I see you do, too."

"Yeah, I like to keep in shape for lacrosse."

Tony had a considering look on her face. "Color me impressed."

Cas blushed slightly, or maybe that was just the flush from his run. "So, what about you? Play any sports?"

The young woman shrugged. "Not outside of casual pickup games. I didn't exactly have the…means to play on a real team and all."

The green eyed boy nodded. "Rumor has it you're Nolan Ross' daughter."

Tony shifted her footing. "Is that so? And do you believe it?" She tilted her head to the side ever so slightly.

Cas nodded. "I do, but to be honest I don't really care."

Now that was interesting.

The teenage boy floundered at the look Tony gave him. "I mean, of course I care, but I mean, I'm not going to judge you for it, you know?"

She giggled. "I got you. Thanks."

The green eyed teen blushed harder. "No problem."

There was silence for a few seconds.

"Would you…would you like to grab a drink or something?" he asked.

Antoinette raised an eyebrow (she found herself doing that a lot today). "I may work at a bar but I'm underage."

Cas laughed. "No, I mean, like a water or something…now if you're free."

Oh. Oh. Well that was…unexpected. "Sure, I'll race you to the store. Loser has to buy," she said with a gentle smile, beginning to jog backwards, passing the boy.

Cas jogged to keep up. "Are you sure you want to do that? I was going to be a gentleman and pay."

Tony turned the right way round, picking up the pace. "I'm good at running," she called over her shoulder.

And she was. Not just physically, but metaphorically as well. She'd run away a few days ago by telling Nolan only half-truths about James. Sure, he had hit her, beat the shit out of her Mom too, he also did worse, much worse. He got away with it because…well, who would believe a distraught fourteen-year-old over a detective? No one, that was what was expected and that was what happened. When she'd been given the choice to stay with him or go into care, the police officers handling the situation were shocked when she said she'd rather go into the state's care. Despite the consequences, it had been the right decision, and she didn't regret it…

Well, most days.

But how was one supposed to choose between two forms of torture?

She stopped outside the small corner store. Tony turned and grinned at Cas, trailing behind her, breathing heavily.

"Damn," He gasped, doubled over, hands on his thighs when he reached her. "Were you like, on a track team or something?"

Tony laughed, shaking her head. She was out of breath as well, but Castiel looked wrecked. "You gonna buy me that drink?" she asked, wiping sweat from her brow.

The boy smiled. "Sure." He opened the door for her. "Ladies first."

"I suppose I'll wait then," Tony teased lightly.

Castiel feigned hurt. "That's not very nice!"

The raven-haired girl laughed as she walked through. "Never said I was."

…

Frank left. He just up and left her house. Emily breathed a shuddering sigh and clenched her fists, trying to slow her racing mind. She pulled out her phone and paused, thinking about who she should call first. She decided on Tony. Emily couldn't let the girl be so vulnerable to attack, and besides, she was probably with Nolan and could warn him. She hit her name and held her breath, waiting for the teen to pick up.

"Hello?" her familiar voice answered.

"Tony! Where are you?" It took a lot of effort to make sure her voice didn't waver.

There was a pause before Tony answered. "I'm with a friend."

"Who?" and good God she sounded like a mother worried about her child.

Another pause, this time a little too long for Emily's liking. "Someone I met at the party."

"Emily, now is not the time to be cute," the blond spoke shortly. "Who are you with? I'm not above calling Nolan to go find you."

She could hear the rush of breath over the line that meant the teen was sighing. "I'm with a boy alright? The server I met at the party? We bumped into each other running. We're just hanging out. It's not a big deal, I promise."

Emily breathed out a small sigh of relief that Tony wasn't alone. "Just make sure he walks you home, alright? Frank decided to pay me a visit and I don't want you out alone."

"Aww Ems, I didn't know you cared," Antoinette teased.

Emily promptly hung up and rolled her eyes at that. Sometimes Antoinette behaved so much like Nolan that it wasn't hard to believe she was his daughter. She tucked her hair behind her ear as she placed another call to Sharon.

…

Nolan checks his watch again, wondering why his daughter wasn't back yet. He didn't really want her around when Tyler came over, considering how the guy seemed to be fixated on her, but Nolan didn't like the idea of Tony being out there all by herself without protection either. Still, Emily had given him a mission, and he had to make good on his promises to help her. Besides, Tony had answered his text promptly, telling him that she was fine.

The doorbell cut through his thoughts, signaling Tyler's arrival. His bodyguard opened the door, but Nolan retrieved his 'guest' himself, leading him into the living room. After some taunting and questioning as to how Tyler fell into his 'gay hustler' life, Nolan finally got the story. He knew that he'd have to tell Emily later, but right now, Tyler was closing the space between them, getting closer and closer until they were finally kissing.

The blond billionaire kisses back just as ferociously, though he, like Tyler, had an ulterior motive. Yes, being with Tyler would be the easiest way to get close to him, but it would also distract Tyler from his daughter. Tony would be out of sight, out of mind, by the time Nolan was through with Tyler. He was doing this to protect his daughter…and maybe get some kicks out of it, and, of course, help Emily on her path to revenge. Still, Tony came first now, and Emily knew that. In fact, she treated Tony like she was family. That meant a lot to Nolan.

But right now, it would be inappropriate to think of his daughter, especially because Tyler was dragging him upstairs. They stumbled into a bedroom, and Tyler pushed him onto the bed before climbing on top. Nolan only paused a moment to check the camera was working, though the shorter man was too busy kissing his neck to notice. With that plan in mind, Nolan went back to his big distraction.

…

"Come on, one more race. I swear I can beat you this time."

"You said that the last two times."

"I'm sure this time."

"Most people run a race to see who is fastest. I run a race to see who has the most guts…Steve Prefontaine."

"What?"

"It's a quote, silly."

"Oh," Castiel blushed. "I like it.

Tony laughed. "And what do I get if I beat you again?" she asked.

Cas shrugged. "Name it."

"Walk me home?" the girl offered.

Cas put a hand on his chest, feigning shock. "Do you take me for a fiend? As though I wouldn't have already done that…"

Tony laughed again. She seemed to be doing that a lot when Cas was around. At least for the past few hours. They'd decided to grab lunch too, which turned into another long walk, then another race. Where Cas had to pay again because he lost. Antoinette offered, but Castiel had waved her off. He said he wouldn't feel right about going back on their bet.

Castiel seemed stubborn. She liked that. Then again, she seemed to like a lot of things about him.

Tony could only hope the feeling was mutual.

"So what do you want if you win?" Tony asked.

Castiel tilted his head as he thought. "We hang out again?"

"You think I hated your company that much?"

"I was hoping you didn't hate my company at all."

"We'll see."

…

Nolan looked at the sleeping figure beside him. It was getting to be early evening, and he knew Tyler had to get going to see Ashley and the Graysons, but Nolan didn't want to wake him. He looked…well, less sinister, less like a rat trying to scrabble its way to the top when he was sleeping. The man looked almost…peaceful. Besides, the longer he stayed here, the better, because it gave Nolan time to dig up more about him. The pillow talk had lacked somewhat, but Nolan knew this wasn't a relationship. Not yet. If he wanted it to be, he'd have to work a Hell of a lot harder.

Sighing, he lay back down and closed his eyes once more.

…

"Do you ever get tired of winning?" Cas panted.

"No. At least I'm a gracious winner. I promise I'll still hang out with you…even though you're a loser!" Tony teased.

"Come on, I made a promise I plan to deliever on," Castiel said as he held out his hand for Antoinette to take.

Surprised, though happily so, Tony hesitantly reached out and took the proffered hand as she stuck her hand in her pocket, needing to do something with her free hand. The girl withdrew a cherry sucker and popped it into her mouth, fingers nervously twirling the stick as she did so.

"Come on, I'll lead the way."

…

Tyler awoke to the sound of Nolan in the shower. He checked the time, and he knew that if he rushed he could still get to the Graysons' dinner. But…he looked toward the bathroom, where the shower still ran. He figured Nolan would take a long shower, so he had time. Slipping into his pants, Tyler cocked his head as he heard someone enter the house. It could be one of two people.

If it was Emily, well, he'd get some answers.

And if it was Tony, he'd have some fun.

Tyler smirked as he headed downstairs.

…

"This is me," Tony said once she and Cas arrived.

He whistled. "Fancy. I'm afraid my house doesn't look anything like this," the green eyed boy said, winking at her.

Tony sucked on the lollipop and looked toward the house, fighting a blush. "I' sure your house is very nice. Probably more cozy than this."

"Is that a nice way of calling my house small? Pretty judgmental for someone who hasn't seen it."

Tony whipped her head around, eyes wide as she shook her head. "No, I…sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant that I feel like I can get lost in this house sometimes, I didn't mean…I wasn't trying to offend you…" and she sounded like a stuttering idiot, so she put the lolli back in her mouth, twirling it again.

Castiel laughed. "I was just teasing."

Tony stiffened, then pushed him. "Jerk!"

He only laughed louder.

…

Tyler watched through an upper window as Nolan's daughter laughed and flirted with some local. They bid each other goodbye, and she walked inside. The boy had a stupid look on his face as he watched her go, and the young man shook his head. He'd realize soon enough that there was too much damage there to ever find anything worthwhile. Tyler could see it in someone else. He'd seen it before, had been surrounded by human weakness and brokenness in fact. He could see it in the girl.

He watched Antoinette walk in, one of those damn suckers in her mouth. Tyler smirked and walked down the rest of the stairs.
"Well hello," he greeted.

Seeing her eyes widen and body stiffen was worth all the restraint he was showing. He smirked, knowing she was taking everything in; his shirtless form, his mussed hair, the love bites on his skin and chest…Antoinette was damaged, but she was a smart girl. His smirk only grew as he watched those fingers holding the stick to her treat trembled slightly as they twirled the lollipop.

"I guess it'd be pointless to ask why you're here when it's this obvious. Didn't take you for a cheating slut. What will Ashley say?" she asked, though he watched as she shifted on her feet nervously.

"Oh Tony," he tsked, shaking his head. "I don't think you're one to be pointing fingers and calling people names, do you?" Tyler questioned as he stepped closer.

The teen took another step back. "I don't know what the hell you're talking about."

Tyler looked at her as though she were being cute, his expression half-fond condescension and the other half patronization. "Now that's not true, is it Tony? You wear it plain as day on your face." He walked until he stood right in front of her, only inches away. "You know, I've done some kinky things, but sleeping with a father and a daughter…" Tyler wrapped his hand around her wrist before slipping it up the teen's arm. "Well, that'd be new."

The bastard trembled in his grip. Tyler smirked and moved closer, but Tony seemed to snap out of it and rip herself away. Her bright blue eyes, so much like Nolan's, stared at him with wild panic and anger. Tyler chuckled and shook his head as though in disappointment. "Come on Tony, don't be like that. I know you've given it up before, haven't you?"

She froze. "I…how did you…"

"It's all over your face sweetie. I'm surprised Nolan hasn't seen it yet. Then again, he's not very bright when it comes to anything with a beating heart instead of a hard drive, is he?"

Tony looked like a trapped animal. The bastard's blue eyes darted about, looking for a way out. Of course, Tyler was blocking stairs, which was the only real means of escaping this situation. Seeing no way out, she resorted to threats, like the child she was. "I'll tell Nolan…"

"Aw," Tyler simpered. "That's adorable. If you tell him anything about me, I'll tell him about you Tony. Blake Shaw, remember him? I know how to find him. One quick phone call and he can come for a visit. Maybe your mother's old flame, James? Perhaps he can knock some sense into you."

"How do you—"

"Please, your files are embarrassingly easy to find."

This made the bastard fall silent. After a few long moments, Tyler watched her fists clench and unclenched, the lollipop being rolled with her tongue again and again. "Fine," she mumbled. "I won't tell Nolan anything…and neither will you, right?" She asked.

Tyler nodded. "Of course Tony. I always keep my promises."

She nodded again, and he stepped aside to let her dart upstairs. "Goodnight Tony," he called with a smile.

The girl didn't stop to answer.

…

Elsewhere, Emily checked the time, wondering who it was that could be calling this late. She wondered if it was Jack or Daniel. Who she found, however, shook her to her core.

"Amanda?" she asked, shocked.

"Emily," the girl replied, going forward to hug her.

The blond wrapped her arms around the ghost of her past, wondering how things could go so wrong.

((A/N to further explain the bastard thing. In this chapter, I do not use the term until the end during her encounter with Tyler. Depending on who she's with, Tony will feel more human and like herself, not branded by her labels which Tyler picks at. Hope that clears some things up for those who were upset.))