Chapter 11 – Morning Steel
The first sound Gaius heard was the ocean. A slow, steady rhythm carried through the open window of the guest room, waves rolling against the cliffs below. He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling, blinking once against the soft morning light spilling through.
For a long moment, he didn't move. No alarms. No gunfire. No war cries. Only the sea and the faint hum of a house alive with quiet machines. It was strange, waking in peace. Strange, but not unwelcome.
The bed creaked under his weight as he sat up. His body dwarfed the furniture, the sheets stretched and bunched around him. He was still wearing the black undersuit that clung to him like a second skin, the only layer he never removed. His bare arms were thick with scars, pale lines that mapped out battles fought long ago.
He stood, the floor groaning faintly beneath his feet, and ducked under the doorway as he stepped out into the hall. The air smelled faintly of salt and roasted food.
He followed the scent.
The kitchen was wide and open, sunlight pouring through glass walls that looked out to the ocean. Tony sat at the counter already dressed in a sharp suit, one leg crossed casually over the other. A mug of coffee steamed in his hand, and a folded newspaper sat ignored beside him.
On the long table nearby sat a spread of food, plates piled with eggs, bacon, roasted meats, sausages, and even cuts of beef still on the bone.
Tony glanced up as Gaius entered. A smile tugged at his mouth.
"Morning, big guy. Hope the bed didn't snap."
Gaius walked in slowly, shoulders brushing the frame of the doorway. "It held," he said, his deep voice calm but steady. "Though I suspect only barely."
Tony chuckled and lifted his mug. "I'll bill the repairs to Stark Industries. Take a seat. You look like a man who eats… well, a lot."
The Astartes moved to the table and lowered himself onto one of the chairs. The wood creaked in protest, but it held. He reached for a cut of beef and lifted it easily with one hand. He bit through meat and bone alike, the sound sharp in the quiet room.
Tony paused mid-sip of his coffee, watching with raised brows. "You know, most people leave the bone. But sure. Don't let me stop you."
Gaius swallowed and gave a small shrug. "It is good. Well prepared."
"Glad you approve." Tony set his mug down and leaned his arms on the counter. His eyes, always sharp even when joking, flicked over the towering warrior. "So, what's your plan for the day? I've got a press conference in a couple hours. Going to announce the whole… Iron Man thing to the world."
Gaius finished the last of the meat, then spoke in his steady way. "That is your battle. Not mine. I would rather walk outside. See this world with my own eyes."
Tony tilted his head, tapping a finger against his mug. "You make it sound like you've never set foot in a city before."
The giant's expression didn't change. He only said, "There is much I do not know. Better to see it, than sit idle." as he wants to explore this world, this modern earth world, where similar to where he lives when he was a Normal Human...
Tony studied him for a moment, then gave a small smirk. "Fair enough. Though with your size, you're going to draw some attention. Though i might assume you'll not be in any Danger."
Before Gaius could reply, a softer voice came from the doorway.
"Then Gaius might need this now."
Pepper entered the room, carrying a folder and a slim suitcase. She was dressed neatly as always, though her expression carried a note of careful focus. She walked past Tony and placed the folder in front of Gaius.
"Here," she said. "Paperwork. Birth certificate, license, passport. As far as anyone official is concerned, you exist."
Tony leaned back in his chair, grinning. "Asked her last night to work her magic. You're welcome."
Gaius opened the folder with large, careful hands. He looked over the documents without a change in expression, though his eyes lingered a moment longer on the name Pepper had given him. Finally, he closed the folder and gave her a single nod.
"You have my thanks," he said simply.
Pepper offered a small smile. Then she opened the suitcase and turned it toward him. Inside were neatly folded clothes, shirts, trousers, even a long coat. Each piece had clearly been tailored to his massive size, the fabric strong but cut with care.
Tony sipped his coffee again. "Custom made. Not easy to find anything in 'colossal.' Consider it a welcome gift. Don't say I never do anything for you."
Gaius looked at the clothes for a moment, then back at them both. "You honor me. I will wear them."
"Good," Pepper said, closing the suitcase. "Try not to tear through them in the first week. The tailor already thinks I'm insane."
Tony stood, finishing the last of his coffee. He straightened his tie, slipping into the role of the billionaire showman with practiced ease.
"Alright, I'm off to tell the world I'm Iron Man," he said casually. "You-" he pointed toward Gaius with the empty mug "-go explore. J.A.R.V.I.S. will open the doors for you, and if you need Your Armor, just ask J.A.R.V.I.S… well, just don't go breaking anything too expensive."
Gaius gave a short nod. "Understood."
Tony glanced once more at Pepper, gave her a faint smile, then strode out the door with his usual confident pace.
For a moment, the kitchen was quiet again. Gaius rose, closing the folder and lifting the suitcase. He inclined his head toward Pepper once more.
"Your work is… efficient," he said.
She chuckled softly. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Without another word, Gaius left the kitchen.
The shower hissed with steam, water rolling over him in heavy streams. He still wore the undersuit beneath it, the black fabric clinging to his skin, soaking but never fully removed. The second skin was part of him, too much a bond to cast aside.
When he stepped out, the mirror fogged with heat, he wiped a hand across the glass. For the first time, he saw himself not in armor but in tailored clothing. The shirt stretched slightly across his chest but fit, the trousers fell straight, and the long coat gave him a more human outline.
He stood there, silent, studying the reflection. Not a soldier. Not a weapon. Not here.
Just a man, walking among mortals.
With the faintest nod to himself, Gaius turned from the mirror and stepped out into the sunlit halls of Stark's home.
(Ps. I already written this, but it Dissapeared in my notes, i have to redo it again TT)
If you're enjoying the story and want to support me in creating more, you can check out my Patreon here: patreon.com/ZanderLee
Every bit of support means a lot and helps me keep writing!