A/N: I updated more than once a year! Are you guys proud of me? I've started planning out the sequel to this story already. I'm really excited for what's to come, and it's making me more motivated than usual. I hope you guys enjoy this one!

She awoke to a throbbing sensation in her head, the likes of which she hasn't felt since her days as a high school senior. She picked up on the sound of excited shouting which was far too loud for her to deal with at this moment in time. She tried to open her eyes to find the source of the noise but was temporarily blinded by the sun's rays shining through the window behind her. She hissed audibly.

"You all right over there?" Even the volume of Tony's voice was too loud for her aching head to handle.

"Too bright," she inadvertently whined.

"J.A.R.V.I.S, could you dim the windows?" The light shining through her eyelids dimmed considerably. It was then she gathered up the courage to open her eyes.

She sat up and looked around at her surroundings. She was in Tony's living room; it was starting to come back to her now. A blanket she had draped over her shoulders fell down about her waist. She didn't remember that being there before. She held her head in her hand in an attempt to quell the throbbing. "God, how much did I drink?"

"I cut you off after two drinks maybe. You're kind of a lightweight, you know that?"

She looked over at Tony for the first time since she woke up. He looked well rested and had changed into fresh clothes. She looked at him with a mix of confusion and disgust. "How are you not hungover right now?"

"I've built up an immunity after years of partying," was his answer.

She scowled at him. "I hate you."

"I know," he said smugly. "Here." He grabbed a container of Chinese takeout off the coffee table and passed it to her. "I got you wontons."

She looked down at the container in her hands with a furrowed brow. "Why are we eating Chinese food?"

"Well, you see, you mentioned Wu Wei last night and I've been craving spring rolls ever since, so here we are."

She looked at him with a raised brow. "Yeah, I guess that makes sense." She jumped a little bit at the sound of another shout. She turned to the source to find the TV set to a football game. The commentator was giving an excited run down of the play made by the winning team. Or at least she assumed they were winning, why else would he be so excited otherwise. "Huh. I didn't take you for a football kind of guy."

"I'm not, really. If I'm going to watch a sport, I'd rather it be boxing or MMA. But hey, who the hell am I to question Thanksgiving Day traditions?"

She looked back at him so fast she could almost feel the whiplash. "It's Thanksgiving?"

"Yeah, I know," Tony said as he scratched the back of his neck. "I forgot all about it, too, until Pepper called me to say she was coming over to make dinner."

She rubbed both hands down her face. With all the things going on in the past few months she hadn't even taken into consideration the oncoming holidays. Tony must have mistaken her confusion for distress because he asked, "Is there anyone you need to call? Who do you normally spend Thanksgiving with?"

The usually tight bun she wore her hair in had flattened overnight, so she removed the elastic that tied her hair back and ran her fingers through it. "I usually spend it at the barracks. I don't really have anyone."

"I'm sorry to hear that." She appreciated the sympathy in his voice. He of all people would know what it's like. Nevertheless, she was glad for a change of subject. "Your wontons are getting cold. You should eat."

"Right." As she opened the paper container, she was met with the aroma of ground pork. It wasn't a particularly strong scent, but it was enough to set off her gag reflex. She put a hand to her mouth and stood abruptly. The container sitting in her lap fell to the floor as she looked for the closest appropriate place to empty her stomach. The porch balcony was only a few feet away, so she ran outside and started heaving over the railing. Moments later she felt Tony behind her as he held her hair with one hand and rubbed her back with the other. She thought she remembered him saying something about holding her hair the day before.

She struggled to catch her breath once her stomach finished lurching. She was reminded of Tony's presence when he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. It felt odd coming from him. She looked up at him sheepishly. She couldn't quite read his expression. "You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah." She brought a hand to her forehead, both to rub away the tension as well as wipe away the sweat. "I'm sorry. I'm not normally like this."

"I think we can make an exception," he said. "We talked about some pretty heavy things last night."

"Right," she said. It was all coming back to her now.

"Do you remember any of that?" Tony asked carefully.

"I remember telling you about…" Her voice trailed off.

"And then what?" Tony asked. There was something hopeful about the tone of his voice.

"And then I cried all over you." She smiled in an attempt to hide her embarrassment. "I'm sorry. That must have been so awkward for you."

"No, it's fine," he said. "It's nice to know you can be vulnerable sometimes. Do you remember anything else?"

She shook her head. "My memory's a little hazy after that."

"Oh." She couldn't help but detect a hint of disappointment in his voice, but she didn't know why.

"Why?" she asked. "What else happened?"

He shook his head. "Nothing. We just talked some more until you passed out."

"Oh," she said. "Well, did we talk about anything important?"

"No, nothing important. You can just go ahead and forget about it."

"Okay then."

"Anyway," Tony put a hand on her shoulder and led her back inside, "why don't you go upstairs and clean yourself up, then we can do whatever normal people do on Thanksgiving."

"Okay then." She showed herself over to the foot of the stairs and stopped short. She turned back to him. He was already making himself comfortable again on the couch. "Mr. Stark?"

"Tony," he corrected her. "We're past the point of formalities, don't you think?"

"Right, Tony." His name felt natural on her tongue. She wondered why she hadn't used it sooner.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Are we friends now?" she asked uncertainly.

"Uh, yeah." He said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Okay, cool." She turned and headed up the stairs. When she stepped into the shower, she leaned her back against the wall of the shower stall and sighed contentedly.

The mansion felt warmer that season, not just because of the Yule log burning in the fireplace, but because of the decorations that adorned every surface. "You really outdid yourself, Pepper," said Miranda.

"Thank you," she said. "I always try to make this time of year special."

"I personally don't care either way," said Tony, "Cleaning up the Christmas tree after the fact is always such a hassle."

"I don't know why it matters. You always pay someone else to do the work for you," Pepper said between sips of her eggnog. And indeed, he would need to hire an entire team of people to remove the Christmas tree, it was that big.

Miranda sat at the dining table with Tony and Pepper as they ate Christmas dinner. Much like Thanksgiving, the three of them had no one else to celebrate the holiday with so they spent it together. Miranda thought it was a good change of pace, as for the last few years she had been celebrating the holidays on deployment or alone at the barracks. It was a mostly quiet day for everyone except for Tony who was invited to attend the Christmas Day parade as Iron Man.

"I still can't believe they let you replace Santa Claus," said Miranda.

"They didn't just let me, they begged me to do it," Tony clarified. "And you know, who am I to deny the people what they want?"

"You're full of it," said Miranda.

"I mean, really, what's the difference? We're both red, we both fly, we both have indentured servants," Tony prattled on.

"Oh, is that how you think of us?" Pepper said. "Well, Happy might be, but I'm certainly not."

"Of course Happy's the indentured servant, he's not around to defend himself," said Tony.

After dinner the party moved to the living room. They all sat around the fire and sipped eggnog together. They sat quietly and watched the fire flicker. It was a comfortable silence, as not much needed to be said. At length Pepper said, "I can't stay much longer, but I'll stick around to watch you both open your presents."

Miranda looked up at Pepper with wide grateful eyes as she watched her fetch the presents from underneath the tree. "You got me something?"

"Yeah, of course." Pepper gave Tony his present first. His present was contained in a small box, so it took him no time at all to open it.

"Monogramed cuff links, you shouldn't have," Tony said with no enthusiasm in is voice.

"You're welcome," Pepper said despite his ungrateful attitude.

"No, really, you shouldn't have. I already own a pair," he said.

"Actually, that woman you brought home last year made away with them while you were sleeping. These are to replace those," Pepper said with a sardonic smile.

"Oh yeah," Tony said dumbly. "Wait, which one was that?" Pepper rolled her eyes in response.

After Tony thanked her properly, she handed Miranda her present. Hers was significantly larger than Tony's and didn't appear to come in a box as his did. She squished it and listened as the wrapping paper crinkled beneath her fingers. "What is it?" she asked.

"Open it and find out," Pepper said.

Miranda proceeded to puncture a whole in the paper with her forefinger, and then tore down the middle. After removing the paper, she unfolded the contents inside. "A blanket?" she asked.

"I wanted to get you something practical," Pepper explained. "I figure you might be deploying back to the middle east after everything settles down. I hear the desert gets cold at night."

"It does," said Miranda. "I can definitely use this." She ran her fingers over the fabric and marveled at its softness. It was a very plush blanket, very thick; good for keeping the cold away.

"It's sherpa," Pepper said, as if Miranda had any idea what that meant. "I hope you like it."

"I love it. I don't think I've ever owned anything so nice," said Miranda.

Pepper gave her a sympathetic look, but Miranda couldn't place the reason why. "Well, you're very welcome."

"Oh, but I didn't get you anything." Miranda knit her brow at the realization.

"It's okay. You don't have to," said Pepper. "Consider this thanks for everything you've done."

Miranda nodded appreciatively. "Okay, thank you."

It was beginning to get late, so after the presents were opened Pepper announced she had to go. Tony walked her to the door where the two exchanged parting words. Miranda stayed where she sat on the couch, her new blanket covering her lap. When Tony returned, he sat down next to her and cleared his throat. "I, uh, got you something too," he said. He reached in the inside pocket of his blazer and pulled out a small velvet box with a ribbon tied around it. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of it.

"If that's an expensive piece of jewelry, I'm going to tell you right now, I'm not going to wear it," she said nervously.

"No, that's not what this is," he said. "Just open it." He handed the box to her. She took it and slowly untied the ribbon. She placed her hand on the lid, but before she could open it Tony covered her hand with his. "Wait," he said. She looked up at him. He seemed as nervous as she was. "I just need to clarify that I'm not drunk, and we didn't just have sex."

She smiled. "I'm aware."

"I just need you to know that I'm being sincere," he said.

"Okay," she said reassuringly. "Can I open it now?"

He removed his hand from hers and moved it to the back of his neck. "Yeah, sure."

She looked back down at the box, and with a nervous hand, she gently removed the lid. Inside the box wasn't what she expected. It was a key. She looked back up at him, bemusement evident in her eyes. "What is this?" she asked.

He didn't look her in the eyes, instead looking at the key in her hand. "It's a key to the mansion. I thought if you're ever on leave and need a place to stay…" His voice trailed off. But he didn't need to say anything else. With key in hand, she threw her arms around him. He must have been surprised by her reaction because he hesitated for a split second before hugging her in return.

She wiped the tears from her eyes as she clung to him. "Thank you," she whispered. She knew he must have heard her because she felt him hold her tighter at those words.

This was the best Christmas she ever had, because now she had a home to come back to.

A week later it's New Year's Eve. The mood has shifted considerably. Instead of watching the ball drop from the comfort of Tony's living room, Miranda found herself in a grandiose ballroom. Instead of wearing her most comfortable sweatpants and hoodie, she was dressed primly in her formal uniform. She wasn't happy about it.

Unbeknownst to her Tony had orchestrated this event a month in advance. He said a charity ball hosted by Stark Industries would be the most appropriate way to ring in the new year. "I'm taking the company in a new direction, and it's important that everyone know," he had said.

Miranda never liked events such as these. She remembered every Military Ball she had been to and how boring they were. She didn't have a choice but to attend those, as it would have been an insult to her superior officers if she didn't. This event is much the same in that respect. The only difference is instead of going for her superior officers she was attending for Tony. And in any case, it was for a good cause. All proceeds of the charity will be benefiting retired veterans. She would feel like an asshole if she didn't attend based on that alone.

She attended the event with Tony. Considering the nature of her job, it only made sense. She had grown accustomed to following him wherever he went. However, she wasn't prepared for the media circus that would take place upon their arrival. Similar to the event they attended the previous month reporters and paparazzi alike awaited them with flashing cameras and microphones extended. After Tony handed his car keys to the valet, he opened the door for her and offered her his hand. She looked up at him nervously. "It's okay," he heard him say over the commotion outside, "just follow my lead."

She sighed and took his hand allowing him to help her out of the passenger seat. She held her head high and hoped that no one noticed how uncomfortable she was. Tony put her hand on his arm, and she made a point of averting her eyes from all the cameras watching them. Tony was almost able to lead her down the whole length of the red carpet to the door before a reporter brazenly extend her microphone, blocking their path.

"Tony! Who's your date this evening? We've seen you together before. Is she someone special?"

Miranda could feel her face warming up at the insinuation that they were together. She was prepared to say something to correct her, however Tony was the one who spoke first. "This is my colleague Private Miranda Ridley. She's doing me the honor of accompanying me tonight."

"Are you sure there isn't more to your relationship you're not sharing?" the reporter pressed.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure. Now if you'll excuse us." She could have laughed at the total nonchalance of his statement, but she was too busy processing what he just said. Her mouth hung agape as he led her inside.

As they entered the lobby, she couldn't stop herself from confirming with him. She removed her arm from his and said, "Wait." He looked at her with raised eyebrows, silently asking what was wrong. "Do you really think that way about me? That I'm your colleague?"

"Yeah," he said without hesitation. "Unless you want the answer to be no, in which case no."

"Colleague as in your equal?" she asked.

"Yeah, what else could I mean?" he said.

Miranda smiled and downcast her eyes as she breathed out a chuckle.

"What?" Tony asked.

She looked up at him, the smile never leaving her eyes. "I didn't know you respected me so much."

"Well, sure," he said casually. "We make a pretty good team, you and I."

"We do, don't we?" she replied. "Who would have thought?"

"Definitely not me. You know, when we first met, I thought you were kind of an asshole," he said.

She barked out a laugh. "Yeah, the feeling was mutual."

"We've come a long way since then," he noted.

"We have, haven't we?" she said.

It was silent for a moment as the two acknowledged each other. Miranda couldn't tell what Tony was thinking, but in that instance, she felt truly honored to know and work with him.

At length, he was the first one to speak. "Well, we're running a little more than fashionably late. Shall we?" He held out an arm for her, and without hesitation, she took it.

In the months that followed Tony spent his free time taking care of any stragglers the ten rings may have left behind. All Miranda could do was sit and watch. He would leave in the morning and be gone until the sun set. He used to tell her when he was leaving and he'd let her see him off, but somewhere down the line he stopped communicating with her. Oftentimes she wouldn't know he was leaving until she was lying on the floor trying to sleep, the sound of his thrusters powering up from the basement jolting her awake. During those nights she found herself perched on the living room couch, flipping through the most prominent news stations trying to catch a glimpse of what he was doing. This was usually where Pepper found her the following morning.

Miranda heard the sound of the front door opening and closing, but she didn't acknowledge it. Her eyes were glued to the television that aired blurred footage of Iron Man fighting in the middle east. She only looked up at the sound of Pepper's voice:

"Did he leave without saying anything again?"

Miranda looked up at Pepper briefly, acknowledging that she was there, before turning back to the TV. "Yeah."

"Have you slept at all?" Pepper asked.

"No," Miranda said simply.

"You shouldn't have to wait up for him," Pepper said.

"I can't sleep knowing that he's over there. I need to know what's happening," Miranda said.

Pepper sighed and took a seat beside her on the couch. "Yeah, I worry about him, too."

"Except there's nothing to worry about, is there?" Miranda asked, her voice distant.

Pepper looked at her, bemused. "What do you mean?"

Miranda gestured at the TV where news footage showed him taking a barrage of bullets as if it were nothing. "Just look at him. He's practically a one-man army."

"Only because of the suit," Pepper said. "Without it he's just as vulnerable as anyone."

Miranda rubbed a hand over her forehead as she tried to relieve the tension there. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Something's bothering you, what is it?" Pepper asked.

Miranda paused for a moment before she said, "I guess I'm wondering why I'm still here."

"Why's that?" Pepper asked.

"I'm thinking maybe he doesn't need me anymore." said Miranda.

"That's not true," Pepper said comfortingly.

"Come on," Miranda said. "You have to admit it's pretty laughable. He's Iron Man. What does he need a bodyguard for?"

Pepper grabbed Miranda by the hand, holding it firmly. Miranda looked down at their hands then up to Pepper. Her expression was that of concern. "Iron Man might not need protection, but Tony does. Despite what anyone might say, he's just a man."

Miranda blinked several times as if waking up from a haze. She brought a hand up to pinch the bridge of her nose and said, "No, you're right, sorry. I'm just delirious from no sleep. I'm talking out of my ass right now."

At that moment Tony's thrusters could be heard as he made his landing in the basement below. Both women turned their heads in the direction of the stairs, startled by his sudden arrival. Pepper let go of Miranda's hand and stood up. "I should talk to him."

"While you're at it tell him not to go anywhere today or I'm putting him on house arrest. I need some rest," Miranda said as she stood from her spot on the couch.

"You should tell him," Pepper said. "It sounds more intimidating coming from you."

"He doesn't listen to me. I found he responds better to guilt than threats. That's where you come in. You're really good at making him feel guilty, you know that?" Miranda said with a smile.

"I know. How do you think I've kept him in check all these years," Pepper replied.

Miranda pointed a finger at Pepper and said, "I always knew you were the glue holding this operation together."

"It's a thankless job, but someone has to do it," said Pepper. She smiled. "I'll go talk to him, so you go get some rest."

"Thanks, I'll try." As soon as the words left her mouth Miranda turned and trudged up the stairs to her room. She lowered herself gently to the floor where she was met with a pile of pillows and blankets. She lay on her back staring at the ceiling as she contemplated her relationship with Tony. Miranda wasn't entirely honest with Pepper. Though she did believe that Tony listens to Pepper more than her, at the core of it she just didn't want to see him. She was disappointed. It had seemed to her that she and Tony had made a lot of progress in the past months. They're friends now, which is more than she ever expected of them. But something's off. She just can't place what that is.

She heaved a heavy sigh as she flung one of her forearms over her eyes. She was probably overthinking it. She made an attempt to clear her mind, and though she wasn't entirely successful, she was able to fall asleep in the end.

A/N: I can feel that some of you are mad that Miranda didn't remember the night before. You didn't think it would be that easy, did you? This is a slow burn, baby!

And in case anyone was wondering, I did in fact check the calendar for the year Iron Man takes place and Thanksgiving was in fact the day after Iron Man's ending. Feel free to laugh at what a nerd I am.