After all this time, Mira couldn't believe it. Tony was actually alive. She didn't know the full details, but he was alive. That was all she cared about.

She looked at herself in the mirror, something she never did anymore. She was a completely different woman now and she wasn't sure how Stark was going to take it. Mira was afraid that her appearance alone would be enough to startle him and kill him. She could only imagine all he's been through out there. She didn't want things to be too different for him back home, but she didn't know how to shield herself.

Mira knew she needed to trade in her sports bra and yoga pants for an old outfit, but she couldn't even remember what she used to wear. Everything in her closet made her feel sick and weak. Tony was due back in the states tomorrow so that gave her plenty of time to get a complete new wardrobe.

For the first time in four months, Mira left the house and went on a shopping spree. She bought new workout clothes to use later, but she focused on business woman type of clothing and casually fun. She wanted to use those outfits to cover up who she had become. She wanted to ease him into her new self.

The day was finally upon her and she had never been so nervous in her entire life. She wanted to look normal, but different. She wanted to put in the effort for once. Her makeup was light but still visible and her hair had loose waves. She slipped on her brand new dress. This one was a dark peach on the top half and black on the bottom half. The sleeve hung loosely at her side and a long, gold necklace did the same on her neck. She topped it all off with beige colored three inch heels. This was a new her, but the old her at the same time, but it still didn't feel like herself.

The original plan was to meet back at their home for a private reunion. Tony wanted her to meet him at the airport, but she was still skeptical of the outdoors. Instead, Pepper arranged for them to meet at home. That was until Tony changed his mind. Instead of coming home like he had planned, he scheduled an emergency press conference against everyone's wishes.

Pepper sent Mira a quick text with the location and explained I don't know why, but he won't listen to anyone.

So he's not coming home? Mira replied.

Not yet.

Mira sighed. With what had happened to her uncle in the middle east, she feared the same could happen to them outside in their own country. Leaving the house once was almost too much for her. At this press conference, people will be everywhere. There's no way to tell if any of them are a threat or not. Anyone could have a clean shot at them. Do I really have to come?

You don't have to, but there's no telling how long we're going to be. He wanted to stop for burgers.

Mira smiled down at her phone. It sounded like the same old Tony. She needed to see him. She wanted so desperately to hug him again. She inhaled hard and typed. I'll be there.

Without another thought about it, Mira ran downstairs to her uncle's garage and grabbed the keys to her favorite car. The black Lamborghini was on the road in a matter of seconds. She weaved in and out of traffic and didn't care of there was police around. They would take one look at her and know who she was and where she was going. They wouldn't try to stop her. They couldn't if they tried. She was like a bullet.

The tires screeched when she slammed on the breaks in front of the venue. Obadiah was already there, but there was no sign of Tony. She had made it just in time. Mira looked at herself one last time in the mirror, then opened the door.

The paparazzi swarmed her car, but security quickly pushed them back. It didn't stop them from asking her ridiculous questions. "Mirabell, where have you been these last few months?" "Are you excited to see your uncle again?" "Why weren't you there to see him when he landed?" Mira tried to ignore the questions, but some really got to her. She wanted nothing more than to lose control on these people, but knew she couldn't. She couldn't get arrested now. She was too close.

She walked to Obadiah's side and he pulled her into a hug. "Hey, kiddo. How have you been?"

"I've been fine," she lied.

Obadiah caught her, but he ignored it. "Are you excited?"

Mira twiddled her thumbs. "Um, more nervous."

"Why are you nervous? You should be excited." He rested his arm on her shoulder.

"Just am."

"Listen. I know for a fact that he's more than excited to see you. It may have only been a few months, but he's going to be shocked to see the way you changed. I know he's going to be proud of you."

Her eyes fell. "I doubt it."

"Don't doubt it, kiddo. There's no time for that because there he is."

A pitch black Escalade pulled up in front of the venue. Tony and Pepper sat in the back seats as the driver slowed the car to a stop.

Obadiah pushed himself before Mira and opened the door for her uncle. "Look at this!"

Tony stepped out of the car and Mira couldn't believe the condition he was in. His right arm was in a sling and his face was scratched and bruised. Dry blood littered the skin under his left eye.

Mira stayed toward the back near the paparazzi as Obi embraced Tony. Obi commented on the hospital, but Tony brushed him off. He only had one goal.

His eyes fell on his young niece. "Hello, Mira." His face tried to hold its tough exterior. The woman that stood before him wasn't the one he left behind four months ago. This woman not only dressed differently, but also acted differently. He could tell his kidnapping took a toll on her.

Mira didn't say anything. She could only stare at Tony. The feeling that he had about her was mutual. He was a changed man and she knew it.

Tony closed the gap between them. "Gonna say anything?"

The world seemed to silence itself around her. She raised her eyebrow. "Hi," was all she could manage. A smile couldn't help but make an appearance.

He couldn't wait for her anymore. Tony threw his arms around his niece and pulled her in tightly. "I've missed you so much, kiddo."

Instinctively, Mira's arms wrapped around her uncle's neck. "I've missed you, too."

They stayed like this for only a minute. They would have hugged forever, but Obi interrupted them. "Look at these two! Uncle and niece united again." Cameras flashed and people cheered. This would be on the front page of every newspaper by morning.

Mira pulled away as she remembered. She was once again in the lime light and her body tensed. She wasn't sure if she would be able to handle it.

Tony could see the distress plastered across her face. "Why don't we go inside? We can talk later."

"Sounds like a plan."

Tony used his working arm to hold Mira close to him as he escorted her into the building.

"What's all this about?" she quietly asked him.

He chuckled. "You'll see."