Maj spent the next few days in Malibu seeing the sights and spending time with Tony and Pepper. The couple had their respective procedures done and were up and running around in no time. Both women were exasperated with Tony for the most part. Hours after the surgery he was back to some of his antics, the words of both women ignored. They knew it would happen but they had hoped he'd relax, even if it was just a day. But no, the man had no sense of relaxation.

Happy had finally woken up too, and the three spent what time they could with him. He seemed more preoccupied with his nurse though.

On her birthday, Maj woke to find Tony lounging on the bed beside her. A screech left her as she careened off the side.

"What the hell!"

"Happy birthday, kiddo. What do you want to do?"

She got to her feet, mouth twisted into a snarl. "I want to sleep."

"No can do. We have a busy day filled with things. First up, breakfast. Pepper's orders. Rhodey's stopping by and we're going to see Happy. Then, it's whatever you want. We could fly out to Paris or London or wherever the hell you want."

"I really appreciate it but I just want a quiet day in with my favourite people."

"Nat nor Clint are here."

"I meant you and Pepper."

"What happened between you and the spies anyways? Pep wouldn't tell me a thing."

"You said something about breakfast?" She watched Tony's eyes narrow and began to worry he wouldn't let it go but thankfully, the man nodded and flourished his arm towards the door.

Maj paused as she saw the spread that lay on the table. Beside Pepper was Rhodey and the two were in the midst of a conversation. A conversation that ended when Tony cleared his throat.

"The lady has arrived."

The strawberry blonde smiled and walked over, engulfing the younger woman in a hug as she reached. "Happy birthday, Maj."

"Thanks. What's all of this?"

"Tony's idea."

"I couldn't remember which was your favourite so we got it all."

"Thank you."

Rhodey also offered his birthday wish and the four settled and dug in. Everything was great though Maj could only stomach a little over half her plate. The men went at it as if it were their last meal. Pepper and Maj watched amused and the younger couldn't help but wonder if they made a competition of who could eat the most. The Colonel was victorious, though Tony gave him a run for his money.

The birthday festivities truly commenced after everyone had their fill. Rhodey wished her luck before he left and Pepper whisked Maj off to her room to get ready. Half an hour later, the three were out and about. They stopped by to see Happy, took Maj shopping, to lunch, and then to the airport.

"Why are we here? You're not shipping me back, are you?"

"Of course not. The tower is livable so I thought we could head back to New York."

"Oh."

"We also figured you'd want to spend some time with your friends."

"That too. We should go to your job."

"I mean, we can. Haven't really been there since my bender."

"Which we still need to talk about. I mean, come on. You told Pep."

"That's because she offers sympathy and good advice."

"I have good advice."

"Not for this situation." Maj let out a sigh, a small smile on her lips. "I'll tell you what happened tomorrow."

"Perfect."

The flight back to New York was shorter than going but that had everything to do with the Stark Tech in the plane. As they reached the housing levels, Maj instructed the two to change into more relaxed clothes. Both had been in business casual and Maj knew they would severely stick out at Sr Margaret's. Best to give them a better chance at blending in, even if they really wouldn't.

The night at Sr Margaret's went off better than Maj thought it would. At first, the guys were put off by the presence of Iron Man, but after he began to throw back drinks and exchange witty remarks, everyone relaxed. Wade spent most of the time around Maj, feeding her all the drinks she could want. "You only turn 19 once" were his words. Pepper had snorted at them but didn't say anything.

Alec had even shown up. That was when the night heated up. Alec had decided that going shot for shot with King was a great idea and within ten minutes, he was drunk off his ass. Maj could only laugh, drunk herself. Thanks to Wade and Weasel, she'd been doing doubles with drinks in-between. Tony and Pepper had gone to sit in a booth and Maj did her rounds, often ending up there drunkenly thanking them.

"Just wait until the New Year's party."

"You're having a party?"

"I always have parties. How drunk are you?"

"Not evhen- even a little."

"So you won't freak if I tell you the Avengers are on the list."

"Nope."

"That means Clint and Natasha."

"Who? I'm going to get another drink. See you in twenty."

A groan escaped Maj as she woke. Her head was pounding and her stomach wasn't doing any better. As she sat up, Maj saw a piece of paper taped to her hand. Not realising they wouldn't hear, she yelled out a thank you and turned to the end table. She quickly downed the pills and water and after a moment of sitting there, she went to get ready for the day.

December 30th ended up being an uneventful day. She spent most of her time lounging about and asking Pepper about the party.

"I already have a dress for you." Maj went to speak but was cut off. "And shoes. Just relax today. Don't make me have JARVIS lock you on your floor."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Don't ever call me ma'am again."

Maj cackled as she snuggled deeper into the couch. She was going to do everything she could to keep herself calm for the day to come.

Maj's hopes were instantly dashed two hours prior to everyone arriving. She managed to play off her nerves when Pepper stopped by, but that was the extent of it. Breathing became a little harder and she found herself debating on how dead she would be if she didn't show up. Conclusion: very dead.

Fifteen minutes before she had to be on the party floor, there was a knock on Maj's door. Thankfully, it was Pepper on the opposite side. Last-minute inspections.

"Are you doing all right?"

"As well as I can. I think I'm going to puke."

"Not in this dress," the older woman joked. "I'm serious, Maj."

"I know. I won't." She nibbled at her lip. "So, are they here yet?"

"Steve and Clint are here. I'm sure Natasha plans on making an entrance. Bruce is taking his time and obviously, Thor's a no show. We can't contact him when he's off-world."

Maj nodded.
"Everything will be fine. I doubt either of them will make a scene. Besides, we have a surprise for you."

"You're evil."

"I wouldn't call it that." With a final pat, Pepper turned Maj towards the door. "No time like the present. Everything will be fine. I promise."

"Yeah… though neither will do things in the open. It'll all be super subtle."

"Then I'll talk to them afterwards. Relax Maj, Tony and I have your back, okay?" Maj gave her another nod. "Perfect. Now, let's go."

It didn't take them long to get to where they needed. The party floor was between the penthouse and Thor's floor. It was decorated in silvers, golds and New Year's trinkets. It looked great, though Majalia expected no less with Pepper at the helm. As they walked into the room, Tony approached them, both arms out to escort them in. Maj was grateful as it kept her from paying too much to those in the room.

When Tony had separated himself and Pepper, Maj found herself lurking at the bar. She couldn't bring herself to interact with those around her. There were too many strangers and people she felt she couldn't speak to. Fortunately for her, she didn't have to move from her spot.

"Never thought I'd see the day you're hiding out."

"Hard to be a social butterfly when you don't know who really wants to talk to you."

"I hope I haven't given you that impression."

"Steve, I haven't heard from you since Thanksgiving. What do you think?"

"I'm sorry. I've been trying to figure some things out."

"Yeah, I'm sure. It's cool, Steve. Everyone's going through something." Maj glanced around the room with the hope of finding an out. Instead, she saw Clint moving towards them. "Look, I just saw Alec, I'm going to go talk to him."

"But-" she was gone before he could finish. Steve shook his head and turned back to the crowd.

Sure Alec was nowhere around, but Maj just wanted to get away. The further she was from Steve, Natasha, and Clint, the better. As she rushed out of the room, she knocked into the person entering. Maj gave a hasty apology and continued on her way.

Locked in the bathroom, Maj tried to take in as many breaths as she could. Being in a room with all of them was too much for her. The possibility of running into Natasha or Clint was more than she could handle. Maj froze at the knock. The thought of how long she'd been in the bathroom drifted through her mind. Her worry turned to horror when she heard the voice.

"You doing okay?"

"Yes." Maj cursed herself as her voice cracked.

"Doesn't sound like it."

"Well, I'm fine."

"As fine as you could be during a panic attack, right?"

"No one asked you."

"I was worried."

"That's a shock. The infamous Black Widow worried about someone other than herself and her bond."

"You're not being the nicest."

"Aren't I supposed to be fighting my own battles?"

"Open the door before I do it."

"Go ahead." Maj watched as the door was made quick work of and swung open to show the redhead. The two stared at each other for a moment before Natasha stepped in, closed the door, and sat down beside her.

"I didn't mean it."

"You did."

"At that moment, I did."

"Exactly."

"I don't mean it now. Haven't for a while."

Maj glanced at the other woman, not sure how to take her words. After she'd spoken with Pepper, she understood why Nat was so upset… Clint to some extent. It was on her as to why Natasha acted the way she did. Still, she was hurt. These people were her family and the cold disposition they had shown her were usually reserved for those who weren't.

"I know I didn't react in the best way, and I'm sorry for that. But, I need you to be careful, I need you to be trained up. I'm not upset that you have these abilities. I'm mad about how they came about and that you didn't listen, but I should have handled it better."

Maj nodded, tentatively placing her head on the older woman's shoulder. It wasn't much, but she knew a peace offering when she was getting one. It was enough for the moment.

Sorry for the super late update. Life has been a bit crazy. But I hope you enjoy the chapter.