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The sleek black car hummed smoothly as it climbed the winding road leading up to Tony Stark's mansion. The coastline stretched out below, the ocean sparkling under the midday sun. Seph sat in the passenger seat, his elbow resting casually on the open window. The salty breeze tugged at his dark hair as he watched the massive, gleaming structure grow larger in the distance.
Pepper was behind the wheel, her hands steady but relaxed on the steering wheel. She glanced at him, catching the faint smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
"What?" She asked, her tone teasing.
"Just admiring Stark's modesty," Seph replied, gesturing toward the mansion with a slight tilt of his head. "A glass fortress on a cliffside? Very low-profile."
Pepper laughed softly. "That's Tony for you. Subtlety isn't in his vocabulary."
Seph chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "I can tell. He's practically screaming, 'Look at me.'"
As the car rounded another bend, the full expanse of the mansion came into view, its sharp lines cutting against the rugged cliffs like something out of a futuristic dream. The windows gleamed in the sunlight, reflecting the endless blue of the ocean below.
Pepper slowed the car slightly, her expression shifting to something more thoughtful. "You know, Tony's... unpredictable. Just a heads-up."
Seph raised an eyebrow, glancing at her. "Unpredictable how?"
"Every way," Pepper said with a wry smile. "He might come off as a carefree billionaire with a penchant for sarcasm, but there's a lot more going on under the surface. He's... complicated."
"Complicated, huh?" Seph replied, his tone amused. "Sounds like someone I know."
Pepper shot him a playful glare. "You're not exactly an open book, either, mister. And for the record, Tony is one of the smartest people you'll ever meet. Just don't let his antics fool you."
Seph shrugged. "Fair enough. Anything else I should know?"
"Yes," She said, her voice turning serious for a moment. "Tony doesn't trust easily, but once you're in, you're in. Just... be ready for anything. He doesn't do things the usual way."
Seph nodded, his expression unreadable. "Noted."
Pepper stole another glance at him, her lips curving into a soft smile. "You'll do fine. Just don't let him talk you into something crazy."
"Me?" Seph said, feigning innocence. "Crazy? Never."
Pepper rolled her eyes as they finally pulled into the driveway, the car coming to a smooth stop.
Seph stepped out, taking a moment to look up at the mansion towering above them. The sunlight glinted off the glass and steel, giving it an almost ethereal quality. He shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, tilting his head as he took in the view.
"Subtle," He murmured, his tone dripping with irony.
Pepper nudged him with her elbow as she joined him. "Welcome to Stark's world."
Seph smirked, glancing at her. "Let's see what he's got."
With that, they walked toward the front entrance, the towering doors opening automatically as they approached. The faint hum of machinery was the only sound as the house seemed to welcome them into its modern embrace.
Pepper led the way, her professional demeanor slipping into place seamlessly. Seph followed, his eyes scanning the sleek interior.
"Subtle," He muttered again, earning a soft laugh from Pepper as they made their way further inside.
Tony greeted them at the top of the staircase, his arms outstretched in mock grandeur. "Seph! You're here! Welcome to Casa de Stark."
"Thanks for the invite," Seph replied, his eyes scanning the room.
Tony grinned. "Least I could do after you saved my life. Twice, if we're counting correctly."
Pepper stepped forward, her professional demeanor sliding into place like a second skin. "Mr. Stark, I'll check on the files for the upcoming board meeting. Excuse me."
Tony waved her off. "Yeah, yeah, go do your super-secretary thing. Don't work too hard."
Pepper shot him a pointed look before walking briskly down the hallway. Seph watched her go, an amused smile tugging at his lips.
Tony caught the look and smirked. "You two are disgustingly cute, you know that?"
"Jealous?" Seph shot back.
"Always," Tony quipped, motioning for Seph to follow him.
They made their way to the living room, where two men were already seated. One was tall and broad-shouldered, wearing a crisp military uniform that screamed authority. The other was stockier, with a jovial expression and a casual suit that suggested he valued comfort over fashion.
"Seph, meet my inner circle," Tony said, gesturing to each in turn. "This is James Rhodes—Rhodey, if you want to live—and Happy Hogan, my ever-loyal bodyguard, and chauffeur."
Rhodey stood from his seat, extending a hand as Seph entered the room. His military demeanor was evident in the firm handshake and the appraising look he gave Seph, sizing him up.
"James Rhodes." He said, his tone friendly but with a hint of skepticism.
Seph met his handshake with equal firmness, a slight smile on his face. "Seph. Nice to meet you."
From his spot on the couch, Happy Hogan gave a small wave. "Hey. Heard a lot about you. Mostly about the explosions."
Seph chuckled lightly. "That tends to happen when I'm around."
Rhodey's eyebrow arched slightly, and he glanced at Tony, who was leaning against the arm of the couch, a drink in hand. "This the guy who bailed you out of that camp?"
"The one and only," Tony confirmed with a grin, plopping down onto the couch with his usual dramatic flair. "Guy's like a real-life action hero. Makes me look boring."
"That's a first," Happy muttered, earning a laugh from Rhodey.
But Rhodey's attention remained on Seph, his smile fading into a more serious expression. "Mind if I ask you a few questions? Just... professional curiosity."
Seph raised an eyebrow but nodded, taking a seat across from Rhodey. His posture was relaxed, but there was a quiet alertness in the way he carried himself, a confidence that didn't need to be announced.
"Go ahead."
Rhodey sat down as well, his eyes never leaving Seph. "Tony's told me some things about you. Says you've got skills. Combat, strategy, the works. Where'd you pick that up?"
Seph leaned back slightly, his tone even. "Here and there. Spent some time in the military, a bit more in the private sector. Freelance work, mostly."
"Mercenary work?" Rhodey asked, his voice neutral but probing.
Seph's lips quirked into a faint smirk. "If that's what you want to call it."
"Ever work for anyone we'd know?" Rhodey pressed, clearly fishing for specifics.
Seph tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "No one worth mentioning."
Rhodey leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You can't blame me for being cautious. Tony's not exactly the easiest guy to protect. I need to know you're the real deal."
Tony groaned, waving a hand. "Come on, Rhodey. You think I'd let just anyone into my inner circle? Seph's the real deal. Trust me."
Seph met Rhodey's gaze, his voice calm and measured. "You're right to be cautious. But I'll make it simple for you: I've spent years in situations most people wouldn't survive. I've been in places where it's kill or be killed, and I've walked out every time. I know how to handle myself, and I know how to keep people safe."
Rhodey frowned slightly, but there was a flicker of respect in his eyes. "That's a good answer. But experience isn't everything. What happens when things go sideways? How do you handle the unexpected?"
Seph chuckled softly, leaning forward. "Things always go sideways. That's why you stay a step ahead. You read the situation, and anticipate the moves before they happen. And when all else fails, you adapt."
Tony leaned back, arms spread across the couch. "See? Adaptable. That's exactly the kind of guy I need. Plus, he saved my life, so he's already proven he can handle the unexpected."
Rhodey gave Tony a sideways glance. "And you're sure about this?"
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