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The airport was a stark contrast to the chaos of the Ten Rings camp. The smell of jet fuel hung in the air, mixing with the distant roar of engines and the muffled announcements echoing through the terminal.
Seph walked with a measured pace toward the private jet parked on the tarmac, Tony Stark at his side, and Dr. Ho Yinsen trailing just behind.
Ahead of them stood a sleek silver jet, polished to perfection, with the bold insignia of Stark Industries emblazoned on its tail.
Beside the boarding stairs, a composed figure waited—Pepper Potts. Her tailored outfit and air of calm professionalism might have fooled most people, but Seph caught the flicker of relief in her eyes when she saw him.
Tony exhaled audibly, breaking the silence.
"Well, this is cozy," He muttered, adjusting his wrinkled shirt. "Nothing like wrapping up a kidnapping with a first-class flight."
Seph smirked. "You sound like you're back in your element already."
Tony shot him a sidelong glance. "Hardly. And considering what I've just been through, this isn't even close to my element. But... it's a start."
Seph chuckled. "You've got a funny way of looking at things."
Tony didn't respond immediately. He slowed his steps as they neared the jet, the reflection of its polished frame catching in his sunglasses. "Let's just say I'm not going back to the same life. Not after this."
"Good to hear," Seph replied, his tone laced with genuine approval.
Pepper stepped forward to meet them, her heels clicking softly against the concrete. Her gaze shifted to Tony, scanning him from head to toe with a practiced eye.
"You look like hell," She said flatly, though her voice was tinged with warmth.
"I missed you too, Pepper," Tony quipped, offering a tired grin.
She glanced at Seph, her smile softening as their eyes met. For a brief moment, everything else seemed to fade away.
"You're late," She said to Seph, her tone teasing but affectionate.
"Traffic," Seph replied with a shrug. "And a minor detour involving terrorists."
Pepper shook her head but couldn't hide her amusement. "You always know how to make an entrance."
Tony's eyebrows shot up. "Wait a second—'you two'?"
His gaze darted between them. "This is new. Or was I too busy dodging missiles to notice the love connection?"
Pepper crossed her arms, her expression unflinching. "Not new. And it wasn't relevant while you were stuck in a cave."
Tony looked to Seph, his expression a mixture of surprise and begrudging respect. "So, you're telling me that this guy is your—"
"Yes," Pepper interrupted firmly, cutting off whatever snarky comment Tony was about to make.
Seph smirked. "Don't look so surprised, Stark. I've already told you... you seem to forget about it, huh?"
Tony opened his mouth to respond but thought better of it, shaking his head instead. "Alright, fine. Whatever works for you two. But I hope you know what you're getting into, Pepper."
Pepper arched an eyebrow. "You're one to talk."
Tony turned to Seph as they reached the base of the boarding stairs. "Look, I don't say this often—but thanks. For everything. You didn't have to come after me, and you sure didn't have to blow up half a camp to do it."
Seph shrugged. "Let's just say I'm not a fan of tyrants. And I don't like loose ends."
Tony nodded, his usual bravado replaced by a rare moment of sincerity. "Still, I owe you. And I don't like being in debt."
"Consider us square," Seph replied.
Tony frowned. "That's not how I do things. Come to my place later. Stay at my place for a while. Let me figure out how to repay you."
Seph hesitated, glancing at Pepper. She gave him a subtle nod, her expression encouraging but understanding.
"Not this time," Seph said finally. "I've got another mission to finish first."
He gestured toward Yinsen. "He needs to get home to his family. That comes first."
Tony glanced at Yinsen, who had remained respectfully silent throughout the exchange.
"What about you, Doc?" Tony asked. "You're the reason I'm still breathing. The least I can do is make sure you and your family are taken care of. Come to the States. I'll make sure you have everything you need."
Yinsen smiled gently, his gratitude clear. "Thank you, Mr. Stark. Truly. But my family is here, and this is my home. For now, at least."
Tony nodded thoughtfully. "Alright. But if you change your mind, the offer stands."
Yinsen bowed slightly. "You have my thanks."
Tony turned back to Seph. "Fine. Go play the noble hero and take him home. But after that, I expect you to show up at my place. No excuses."
Seph smirked. "We'll see."
The jet's engines began to hum, the sound growing steadily louder as the crew prepared for takeoff. Tony ascended the stairs but paused at the top, turning back to look at Seph and Yinsen.
"This isn't goodbye," He said, his voice carrying over the roar of the engines. "Just a delay. I'll see you both again."
Seph raised a hand in farewell. "Take care of yourself, Stark."
Tony gave a small nod before disappearing into the plane's interior.
Pepper lingered for a moment, her gaze following the plane before shifting back to Seph.
"Are you sure about this?" She asked softly.
Seph met her eyes, his expression steady. "You must know. I don't leave things unfinished."
He glanced at Yinsen. "He needs to get back to his family. After that..."
He trailed off, his voice dropping. "I'll find you."
Pepper studied him for a long moment, her composure unwavering despite the emotion in her eyes. "You'd better."
Seph stepped closer, his voice low enough for only her to hear. "Always."
He leaned in, pressing a brief but lingering kiss to her forehead before stepping back.
As the jet taxied down the runway, Seph turned to Yinsen. "Alright, Doc. Let's get you home."
Yinsen adjusted his glasses, his smile faint but genuine. "You've already done so much. Are you sure about this?"
Seph clapped him on the shoulder. "Absolutely. Besides, I want to see this world Stark thinks he's going to save now. Maybe it'll give me a little hope too."
Together, they walked away from the tarmac, the roar of the jet fading into the distance. Ahead of them lay another journey—one filled with quieter challenges but no less meaningful.
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