Blair Stark adjusted the spaghetti straps of her silver viscous dress, its shimmering fabric catching the extravagant lights of the red carpet in Las Vegas. Her silver Louboutin heels clicked against the floor as she made her way to her seat next to Obadiah Stane, the CFO of Stark Industries. The room buzzed with anticipation as the evening's host took the stage, preparing to honor her brother, Tony Stark. "Blair. Good to see you. How's Boston treating you."

"It's amazing there, Obby." Blair smiled and turned her head to the screen.

The lights dimmed slightly, and a spotlight focused on the stage as a voiceover filled the room. "Tony Stark. Visionary. Genius. American patriot. Even from an early age, the son of legendary weapons developer Howard Stark quickly stole the spotlight with his brilliant and unique mind. At age four, he built his first circuit board. At age six, his first engine. And at 17, he graduated summa cum laude from MIT. Then, the passing of a titan. Howard Stark's lifelong friend and ally, Obadiah Stane, steps in to help fill the gap left by the legendary founder, until, at age 21, the prodigal son returns and is anointed the new CEO of Stark Industries. With the keys to the kingdom, Tony ushers in a new era for his father's legacy, creating smarter weapons, advanced robotics, satellite targeting. Today, Tony Stark has changed the face of the weapons industry by ensuring freedom and protecting America and her interests around the globe."

Blair smiled, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of Tony. He was always late, or sometimes doesn't even show up. Her gaze settled on Rhodey as he took the stage.

"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. Tony?" Rhodes called out, looking expectantly toward the entrance.

Blair took a deep breath, standing up gracefully. "Thank you, James," she said as she stepped onto the stage, taking the award from Rhodes.

"Thanks for the save," Rhodes whispered to her with a grateful smile.

"What are sister's for." She sighed.

Blair turned to the audience, "Thank you all very much. Well, I'm not Tony Stark. But siblings share." The audience chuckled at her expression. "And,  I feel honored to receive this very prestigious award on his behalf. Well, you know, the best thing about Tony is also the worst thing. He's always working."

The audience laughed again, and Blair smiled warmly. "Thank you," she concluded, nodding her head slightly before stepping off the stage.

Backstage, Blair's smile faded as she tapped into her AI interface. "JARV, where is Tony?" she asked, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Miss Stark, Mr. Stark is currently in the casino downstairs," JARVIS replied smoothly.

Blair's eyes narrowed. "Of course he is," she muttered, her irritation growing

With a sigh, she turned to Rhodey , who had joined her backstage. "He's downstairs?" Rhodey asked, reading her expression.

"Yes, he is," Blair confirmed. "I swear, sometimes I think he'd marry a poker table if he could."

Rhodey chuckled. "Well, at least he keeps things interesting."

Blair rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile. "That he does," she agreed. "Now, let's go get our genius brother before he gambles away the company."

They made their way to the casino, where Blair spotted Tony at a craps table, surrounded by onlookers. She marched over, her heels clicking angrily against the marble floor. Grabbing Tony's arm, she pulled him away from the table, her nails digging into his skin.

"Ouch! Your nails!" Tony exclaimed, half-amused, half-irritated. "How did they let you in? You're underage, little sis."

Blair's eyes flashed with anger. "Well, I'm keeping that award and scratching your name off it!" she retorted.

Tony turned to Rhodey , looking apologetic. "I'm so sorry."

Rhodey shook his head, exasperated. "They told me that if I presented you with an award, you'd be deeply honored."

"Of course I'd be deeply honored. And it's you, that's great. So, when do we do it?" Tony asked, oblivious to the seriousness of the situation.

Rhodey showed the award to Tony, then handed it over to Blair. "It's right here. Here you go."

Tony looked genuinely surprised. "No, that's not fair."

Rhodey shrugged. "Yeah, it's okay."

" Okay then. Give me a hand, will you? Give me a little something-something." He held out the dice to a nearby woman, who blew on them.

Disgusted by her drunk brother, Blair stormed off the casino.

"Come on, honey bear," Tony said, holding the dice out to Rhodey .

"I don't blow on a man's dice," Rhodey replied, knocking Tony's hand away and causing the dice to roll.

"There it is. Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes rolls! And..."

The dealer called out, "Two craps. Line away."

"That's what happens," Rhodey said, shaking his head.

"Worse things have happened. I think we're gonna be fine. Color me up, will ya?" Tony said, turning back to the dealer.

As Tony, Rhodey , and Happy, left the casino, Blair waked ahead on the pavement, fuming. Rhodey called after her, "This is where I exit."

"All right," Tony responded, barely paying attention.

"Tomorrow, don't be late," Rhodey warned.

"Yeah, you can count on it," Tony said dismissively.

"I'm serious!" Rhodes insisted.

Blair was already waiting in the backseat of the car when she saw a blonde woman approaching Tony. Annoyed, she got out and told Happy, "I'm driving with Rhodey."

She saw him leaning against his car, waiting for her. As she approached, he looked up and smirked. "Let me guess. A girl?"

Blair nodded, exhaling sharply. "Yeah, always a girl with Tony." She slid into the passenger seat, immediately reaching down to take off her silver red-bottom heels. "I can't stand these shoes any longer," she muttered, tossing them into the backseat. She massaged her small feet to relax the pain.

Rhodey started the car, glancing at her with a mix of sympathy and amusement. "You look like you need a break."

Blair sighed, leaning her head back against the seat. "Sometimes I feel like I'm the elder sibling, not Tony."

Rhodey chuckled, his eyes on the road. "No way. I'm here to keep you the baby sister forever. Tony needs all the help he can get, but you're still the little one." He ruffled her hair.

A small smile tugged at Blair's lips. "Thanks, Ro. I appreciate that."

"So, when do you start your final year?" Rhodey asked, shifting the conversation to lighter topics.

"Next Monday," Blair replied. "In three days. I can't believe it's almost here."

Rhodey nodded. "Dual with MIT, right? You must be excited." She has her final year at Harvard and will study an integrated masters at MIT side by side this year.

"Yeah, I am," Blair said, her tone more thoughtful. "It's just a lot to juggle with everything going on. But I'll manage."

"Any boyfriend to help you through it?" Rhodey teased lightly.

Blair shook her head firmly. "Nope. After that Jerkhead Hammer, I'm staying single forever."

Rhodey laughed, a deep, genuine sound. "I can't say I blame you there. What did you even see in that guy."

Blair rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "That's what I've been thinking since past year."

The rhythmic hum of the car and the gentle sway of the ride began to lull Blair into a state of relaxation. She yawned, her eyelids growing heavy. "Thanks for the ride, Rhodey. I think I need a nap."

"Go ahead and rest," Rhodey said softly. "We've got a five-hour drive to Malibu. I'll wake you when we get there." He gives her his jacket to put on as a blanket.

Blair curled up in the seat. "You're the best, Ro," she murmured, her voice already thick with sleep.

"Anytime, B," he replied, his tone warm and reassuring.