"Or she'll think I'm only after Tony's money," Cameron pointed out. "A lot of people would probably think that, it's not exactly an unreasonable assumption when it comes to someone like Tony. I know Pepper probably won't, but it's still sort of possible."

"Not really, not with Pepper," Sabine said, shaking her head. "Other people, yes. Pepper, no."

Cameron sighed a bit and put her head on Sabine's shoulder.

"But she'll tell Tony," she said. "And I still don't want to face him yet."

"Okay," Sabine agreed easily. "We don't have to tell Pepper, you know. And it's not like I'm going anywhere for a while."

"Good," Cameron said. She sighed a bit. "I'm sure the Professor knows already. Hank knows, because I had to suck it up and put on my big girl panties and ask him for a test. But hopefully that's about it so far."

"I'm sure they've noticed you're keeping it quiet for now," Sabine agreed soothingly. "I'm not going to tell anyone, you don't have to worry about that."

"I know," Cameron said. "I know. I'm just... anxious. I have no idea what I'm doing, and I know you don't either, and I know everyone here will be willing to help, but I'm still scared."

"That... actually seems like a pretty healthy response," Sabine said slowly. "So I'm okay with this. No rush to do anything. We'll just deal with things as they come up."

Cameron sighed.

"I'll start doing research," she said. "At least so I know what I'm getting into."

"Good plan," Sabine agreed. "I'll find some books for you too, see what all we'll need."

"You're the best, Bee," Cameron said grinning a bit.

Sabine grinned. "That's why I'm your favorite," she agreed, getting up. "I'll be back in a few."

"Where are you going?" Cameron asked as Sabine got up. "Getting tea or something?"

"Books," Sabine said. "And tea, or at least tea snacks, I'm a bit hungry."

"Okay," Cameron said. "There's a new green in the cabinet, Charles just restocked some of the teas."

"Cool. Want me to bring you the green?" Sabine looked at her, quirking an eyebrow.

Cameron considered that for a moment.

"Sure," she said. "Thanks."

Sabine nodded and left, heading off to go make tea and find a couple books to start. She had the feeling she'd be reading a lot over the next few weeks.

It took Cameron another day or so to finally venture out of her room, and when she did she promptly packed a bag and left, heading to stay with her parents for a little while. She needed a bit of breathing room, where she could really think and come to terms with things without the constant threat of Tony possibly dropping in.

Of course, less than 24 hours after she'd left, Tony popped by the mansion and went to go corner Sabine to find out what the actual fuck was going on.

"Where did Cam go?" he asked.

"None of your business," Sabine shot back, her eyes narrowing. "Just leave her alone for a bit, Tony. She's dealing with stuff."

"What kind of stuff?" Tony asked. "I can help with stuff, I am helpful."

"You only think you're helpful, you can't help, and I'm still not telling you." Sabine crossed her arms over her chest.

"No, really, where'd she go?" Tony asked. "Don't think I don't know that it's not like her to just up and vanish."

"It's not like her," Sabine agreed. "Which means you need to drop it and leave it alone." She frowned at him. "Seriously, Tony. She's okay, she just needs space."

"And there's plenty of it around here," Tony pointed out. "C'mon, tell me. She's avoiding me, isn't she?"

"Back off, Tony," Sabine told him warningly. "I'm serious. Just back off and give her space."

"I'll back off once you tell me why she left," Tony retorted.