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"Absolutely," Tony said without hesitation. "Besides, you're talking to a guy who took out an entire camp of terrorists single-handedly. If that's not proof enough, I don't know what is."
Rhodey's skepticism softened slightly as he looked back at Seph. "Okay, I'll admit, that's impressive. But I've got one last question."
"Shoot," Seph said, his tone unbothered.
Rhodey's expression turned serious again. "Why are you doing this? A guy with your skillset could probably disappear and live a quiet life anywhere in the world. Why get involved with us?"
Seph paused for a moment, considering his answer. "Because sitting around doesn't suit me. I've spent a long time living on the edge, and frankly, I'd rather do something useful with my skills. Also, if it's my girlfriend's wish, then I have to do it."
Rhodey studied him for a moment longer before finally nodding. "Alright. You've got my vote."
"See?" Tony said with a grin. "Told you he's the guy."
Rhodey shook his head, but there was a faint smile on his face. "You're lucky he's willing to put up with you."
"Hey, everyone loves me," Tony said, leaning back with a smug grin.
Happy snorted. "Sure they do, boss."
As the room filled with light laughter, Seph leaned back in his chair, a faint smile on his lips. The tension had eased, and he could already tell this was going to be an interesting ride.
Seph asked slowly. "I'm guessing this isn't just a social call."
Tony leaned forward, his expression shifting to something more serious. "You'd be right."
He poured himself a drink, offering one to Seph, who accepted it. Rhodey and Happy exchanged a look but remained silent, letting Tony take the lead.
"I've been thinking," Tony began, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "What happened back there—being captured, seeing how my weapons are being used—it's made me realize a few things."
Seph leaned back slightly, his gaze steady. "Go on."
Tony hesitated for a moment, uncharacteristically pensive. "I'm shutting down the weapons division of Stark Industries."
Happy whistled softly, and even Rhodey looked surprised.
"That's a bold move," Seph said, his tone neutral.
"It's the right decision," Tony said firmly, swirling the drink in his hand. "But it's going to piss off a lot of people. Investors, competitors, military contracts… not to mention the people who put me in that cave in the first place."
Seph sat across from him, arms folded, his sharp gaze locked on Tony. He didn't flinch at the mention of the cave, though the weight of the words hung in the air.
"You're worried they'll come after you," Seph said, his tone calm but perceptive.
"Exactly," Tony replied, pointing at him as if he'd nailed it in one. "Which brings me to my point." He leaned forward, setting his glass on the table with a soft clink. "You've got skills, Seph. And not just the flashy, action-movie stuff—though that's impressive. You've got experience dealing with the kind of threats I'm expecting. The real threats."
Rhodey, seated to Tony's right, frowned slightly. "Wait. What are you getting at, Tony?"
Tony ignored him for the moment, his focus entirely on Seph. "So, how about it? Join my team. Be my bodyguard."
Rhodey blinked, caught off guard by the sudden proposal. "Bodyguard? You're serious?"
Tony turned to Rhodey, his expression deadpan. "Of course, I'm serious. Do I look like I'm joking?"
Rhodey's eyebrow quirked. "Tony, you always look like you're joking."
Tony shrugged, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Fair. But not this time." He turned back to Seph. "What do you say?"
Seph leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable. "You don't even know me."
Tony waved a hand dismissively. "Details. Pepper vouches for you. That's good enough for me."
Rhodey crossed his arms, his skepticism evident. "Tony, you're talking about hiring someone to protect you in some of the most high-stakes situations imaginable. Shouldn't you, I don't know, vet him first?"
"Vet him?" Tony echoed, looking genuinely offended. "Rhodey, the guy took out an entire terrorist camp to save me. By himself. What more do you need?"
"That doesn't mean he's going to sign up for this," Rhodey countered. "Or that he even wants to."
Tony glanced at Seph, his grin widening. "Oh, he's thinking about it. Aren't you, Seph?"
Seph's lips twitched, but he didn't smile. "I don't decide these things on a whim."
"And I wouldn't expect you to," Tony said smoothly. His tone shifted, becoming softer, more earnest. "This isn't just about me. Yeah, I need someone to watch my back, but it's bigger than that."
"How so?" Seph asked, his curiosity piqued despite himself.
Tony leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "I've spent years making weapons. Selling them to people who I thought were on the right side of things. But I was wrong. I saw what those weapons did, what I did. And I can't undo it, but I can try to fix it. That's what this is about. Fixing the mess I made."
Seph studied him for a moment, his gaze flickering with something unreadable.
"You've seen it too," Tony continued, his voice almost pleading. "Out there in the field. You know how dangerous it is. And you know it's not just going to stop on its own. I need people I can count on. People who aren't afraid to step into the chaos and make a difference."
Seph's eyes narrowed slightly as he leaned forward. "You're asking me to step into your chaos, Tony. That's a big ask."
Tony spread his hands in a mock-helpless gesture. "What can I say? I'm a big-ask kind of guy."
Rhodey shook his head, clearly unimpressed. "And if he says no?"
Tony grinned, his confidence undeterred. "Then I'll wait. Patience is a virtue, Rhodey."
Rhodey snorted. "Since when do you have patience?"
Tony shot him a pointed look. "I have patience when it matters. And Seph matters."
The room fell into a brief silence, all eyes on Seph as he leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. He glanced at Rhodey and Happy, who both seemed to be waiting for his answer, then back at Tony.
"I'll think about it," Seph said finally, his voice measured.
Tony clinked his glass against an invisible toast, his grin returning full force. "That's all I ask. Take your time. No rush."
"Wow," Rhodey muttered, shaking his head. "The great Tony Stark, willing to play the long game. Must be a first."
"Only for people worth it," Tony shot back, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Seph stood, his movements deliberate. "I'll give you an answer soon. But for now, I think I've had enough of the sales pitch."
"Fair enough," Tony said, standing as well and offering his hand. "But I'm confident you'll say yes."
Seph smirked faintly as they shook hands. "Don't count on it."
"Too late," Tony replied with a wink.
The conversation shifted to lighter topics after that, with Tony regaling them with exaggerated tales of his time in the cave. Rhodey and Happy joined in, their laughter filling the room. Seph listened, occasionally chiming in with a dry comment that only made the others laugh harder.
When Pepper returned to the room, her tablet in hand and a no-nonsense expression on her face, she paused at the sight of Seph smiling—a rare, genuine smile that softened his usually stoic features.
"Looks like you're fitting in," She said, her tone teasing but warm.
Seph met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "We'll see."
As the evening wound down, Tony clapped Seph on the shoulder. "Think about the offer. And if you're not interested in the bodyguard thing, maybe something else. We'll figure it out."
Seph nodded. "I'll let you know."
With that, Tony's attention shifted back to Pepper, who was already rattling off details about his next meeting. Seph watched them for a moment before making his way to the balcony.
The cool night air greeted him, and he let it wash over him as he leaned against the railing. The lights of Malibu stretched out before him, a glittering expanse that seemed worlds away from the chaos of his recent missions.
For the first time in a long while, Seph allowed himself to consider the possibility of staying in one place.
Maybe Stark's world wasn't so bad after all.
--- ✦ ✦ ✦ ---
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