The day he was discharged, Dave found a moment alone and quietly asked Hayato, "What should I do?"
Hayato: "???"
That came out of nowhere. What was he talking about?
Dave pulled out a check. It was for one million dollars, and judging by that flamboyant signature, who else could it be but Tony Stark?
"Well, look at you showing off your wealth to me," Hayato joked.
"Quit messing around. I'm being serious."
Dave actually had three problems.
First, he had nearly died. At least, that was what he thought in the instant after taking a bullet for Pepper Potts. After that, what he felt wasn't passionate heroism or glorious sacrifice, but fear and an intense desire to live.
Simply put, he was scared afterward.
There was nothing shameful about that.
Seeking benefits and avoiding harm was human nature. Dodging bullets was instinct.
Who wasn't still someone's baby? No one was obligated to die for anyone else.
Second, Dave had come to deeply understand two things he had never truly felt before. First, superheroes weren't the only ones in danger; the people around them were too. Pepper Potts, for example, had mostly been dragged into danger because of Tony Stark. Second, if he died, someone would be heartbroken. Kate's concern had struck Dave right in his weak spot.
Tender affections were a hero's grave.
Third, being a bodyguard for a wealthy man was actually a pretty great job. In just three months, Dave had earned more than his father had made through most of his life, and Tony Stark had personally promised him a stable, high-paying job.
A stable life and the dangerous dream of being a superhero were once again balanced on opposite ends of the scale.
"Well, I can't make that decision for you. But I can tell