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The morning sun streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of Stark's Malibu mansion, bathing the room in a warm golden hue.
Seph stood on the balcony, his hands resting on the cool metal railing, deep in thought.
Tony Stark's offer played on a loop in his mind. A bodyguard? It was an interesting idea, almost laughable considering his abilities.
Seph had spent centuries mastering skills that made him an apex warrior, far beyond what any normal human could comprehend. But his life of wanderlust and intermittent action was starting to wear thin.
He let out a small sigh, the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. Maybe it's time for a change.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Seph turned to see Pepper walking toward him, her usual composed demeanor softened by the gentle morning light. She carried a cup of coffee in one hand and a tablet in the other, though her eyes were focused entirely on him.
"Just thinking," Seph replied, his tone casual.
"About Tony's offer?" Pepper asked, setting the tablet on the nearby table and taking a seat.
Seph nodded, turning back to the ocean view. "It's not like I need the money. I've got more than enough stashed away to last several lifetimes."
Pepper smirked. "Modest, as always."
"It's true," Seph continued, ignoring her teasing tone. "But the thought of sitting around, watching the world pass by—it's dull. This could be... interesting."
Pepper raised an eyebrow. "You? Joining Stark Industries as a bodyguard? I didn't think you'd go for something so... structured."
Seph chuckled, his gaze still on the horizon. "Neither did I. But maybe it's time I tried something different. Besides, it might be fun to keep an eye on your boss."
Pepper laughed softly, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable."
"Is that a yes?" Seph asked, finally turning to face her.
Pepper tilted her head, studying him for a moment. "If you're serious about this, I think it could be good for you. And... it'd be nice to have you around more often."
Seph smiled, stepping closer to her. "That's the real reason, isn't it?"
Pepper blushed slightly but held his gaze. "Maybe."
Morning Deal
Later that morning, Seph strolled into Tony Stark's sprawling workshop. The space was quintessential Tony—equal parts genius lab and chaotic playground. Holographic displays floated in midair, glowing blueprints whirling in intricate patterns. Tools, wires, and bits of tech were strewn everywhere, and the faint hum of machinery filled the air.
Tony was hunched over a workbench, a screwdriver in one hand and a half-assembled gauntlet in the other. Sparks flew as he tinkered with precision, the glow of his arc reactor illuminating his focused face.
Seph leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed. "Burning the midnight oil again?"
Tony glanced up, eyebrows shooting skyward. "Well, well. The mercenary's awake early. What's the occasion?"
"Call it closure," Seph said. "I've made my decision."
Tony straightened, wiping his hands on a rag. "Oh? This should be good. Don't keep me in suspense. What's the verdict? Gonna make my life easier and say yes?"
Seph smirked. "I'll take the job."
Tony froze mid-motion, staring at Seph as if he'd just sprouted wings. "Wait. Seriously? Already? I mean, I knew you'd cave eventually, but I was expecting weeks of you playing hard to get."
Seph shrugged. "Don't get too excited. There are conditions."
Tony perked up, intrigued. He tossed the rag aside and leaned against the workbench. "Oh, this I gotta hear. Lay it on me, Seph. Let me guess—no Mondays, no meetings before noon?"
"Try again," Seph replied dryly. He stepped into the workshop, his presence commanding despite the casual air. "For starters, I'm not wearing a suit. Ever. Neither what your fancy bodyguards wear, nor that metal deathtrap you're building. It's not my style."
Tony blinked, then grinned like a kid who'd been handed a challenge. "Not even one suit? Come on, I've got ideas. Sleek. Stylish. Something with—"
"No." Seph cut him off, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Okay, fine," Tony said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "No suit. Your loss. Next?"
"I'm not a babysitter," Seph said firmly, stepping closer. "I'll do my job, protect you when it counts, and handle the big stuff. But I'm not here to hold your hand or follow you around like a shadow."
Tony gave him a look of mock indignation. "What? You're saying you don't want to follow me around 24/7? I'm offended."
"I mean it, Stark," Seph said, his voice carrying a hint of warning.
"Got it," Tony replied, nodding. "No hand-holding, no shadowing. What else?"
"I keep my independence," Seph said, his gaze sharp. "I'll work with your team, but I'm not tied to your schedule. If I need to leave for a personal matter, I go. No questions asked."
Tony rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Alright. Fair. Anything else? A private jet, maybe? A taco truck on standby?"
"This is temporary," Seph added, his voice softer but no less resolute. "I'm in as long as it's interesting. Once it's not, I'm out. No hard feelings."
Tony tilted his head, considering him for a long moment. Then, with a wide grin, he clapped his hands together. "Done. Welcome to the team, Seph."
Seph raised an eyebrow. "Just like that?"
Tony spread his arms. "What can I say? I like your style. You've got that whole 'mysterious badass' vibe going. It's good for the brand."
Seph chuckled, shaking his head. "You're impossible, Stark."
"And you're stuck with me now," Tony shot back, his grin widening.
As Seph turned to leave, Tony called out after him, "Oh, by the way, about that no-suit thing? Totally your loss. You'd look amazing in titanium."
"Not happening," Seph said over his shoulder, his voice laced with finality.
"We'll see," Tony muttered to himself, already sketching ideas on the nearest holographic screen.
Seph left the workshop with a small smirk tugging at his lips. The chaos that was Tony Stark had just officially entered his life. Somehow, he wasn't sure if he'd just made the best decision—or the worst.
When Seph returned to the main living area, Pepper was waiting for him, a curious look on her face.
"Well?" She asked, setting her coffee cup down.
Seph shrugged. "I'm in."
Pepper blinked, then laughed softly. "You're full of surprises, you know that?"
"Figured you'd be happy about it," Seph said, sitting beside her.
"Oh, I am," Pepper said, leaning closer. "It'll be nice to have you around more. But I can't wait to see how you handle working with Tony on a daily basis."
Seph raised an eyebrow. "You don't think I can handle him?"
Pepper smirked. "I think he'll keep you on your toes, that's for sure."
The rest of the day was a whirlwind of introductions and paperwork. Tony insisted on giving Seph a 'tour' of the mansion, which mostly consisted of showing off his latest gadgets and bragging about the tech Seph would now have access to.
Rhodey, who had stuck around, seemed amused by the whole situation.
"You sure you're ready for this?" He asked, clapping Seph on the shoulder.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Seph replied with a grin.
Happy, meanwhile, took a more practical approach. "If you need anything, let me know. And if Tony drives you crazy, I've got some tips for dealing with him."
By the time the day wound down, Seph found himself back on the balcony with Pepper. The sun was setting, casting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink.
"So," Pepper said, resting her head on his shoulder. "How does it feel to be Stark Industries' newest employee?"
Seph chuckled. "Strange. But... not bad."
Pepper smiled, her fingers lacing with his. "I think it'll be good for you. And for Tony. He could use someone like you in his corner."
Seph kissed the top of her head, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Let's hope you're right."
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