AN: So this was originally supposed to be a short one shot, maybe two chaptered story, but there was a lot more story to it than that. It'll still be a short sweet story...well, maybe not sweet, but you get the idea. Don't forget to leave a review!

How They Met

Normally Tony looked forward to his trips out of country. It got him out of the house and got Pepper out of his hair for a few days. Not that he didn't appreciate how well she cleaned up his messes, the nagging she constantly did was rather annoying. There were a few times when she would come along with him, but this time she had declined to come. Something about it being her birthday. He normally made some objections to her birthday plans, but for once he was rather grateful. Three days of no Pepper was just what he needed.

Tony was working on a merger between Stark Industries and an electronics development company that was based in Tokyo. The company was getting ready to go under, but Tony saw potential in the research the company was conducting. The company may have been running out of money, but Tony didn't want to see those ideas go to waste. He was sure he could finish the research where they left off and make plenty of money in the process.

The only problem with this visit was that Tony had been informed of some radical group that had been making threats against him if he were to come to Tokyo to finish the deal. Tony didn't put much stock into the threats. There were plenty of groups that didn't like him and were constantly threatening him. Most of it was just hot air that blew off within a few weeks. None the less, the CEO of the company insisted that he have extra security assigned to him and that he had the perfect person for the job. Tony tried to insist that Happy, his driver, would be more than enough protection. He had been doing just fine with the man and saw no reason to change that now. However, he placated the nervous CEO and let him make the arrangements.

When Tony arrived at the main office he was greeted by the CEO's assistant who seemed to bow a bit too low for Tony's comfort level, but he would not argue with their customs. He gave a small bow in return and followed the assistant inside. He was rather impressed by the lobby of the thirty-four story building. It was very large and open with an enormous fountain in the middle splashing quietly which gave the area a calm, relaxing vibe. Polished stone floors led up an enormously wide flight of stairs that led to the elevators. They stopped at the front desk, which was made of the same stone, and checked him in, making sure he wore his little badge that said he was a visitor. He found the whole process a bit ridiculous since he was about to become the owner of the whole building, but he didn't argue.

"Takeshi-sama's personal security shall meet us at the elevator, Mr. Stark," the assistant said as he led them up the flight of stairs.

"You can tell Mr. Takeshi that I'm very grateful for his concern, but this is hardly necessary. I'm sure we'll be more that safe inside his office."

"I am sorry, Mr. Stark, but Takeshi-sama insists that you have a guard at all times. He can better explain the situation to you," the assistant said nervously.

Tony resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the man as they waited patiently for the elevator to descend. A ding went off, signaling that the car had arrived and the doors opened up to reveal what Tony hoped was another assistant for Takeshi. The woman that stepped out of the car was very obviously American. She was an average height with medium length dark blonde hair that had been tied back in a pony tail and adorned with two shiny, metallic, silly hair sticks. She wore jeans with a loose, colorful kimono top that ended just below her hips and black leather boots that went up to her calves. He was surprised by her attire since it seemed hardly appropriate for a business woman, but even Tony had to admit that she was quite beautiful. Her face was heart shaped with elegant cheek bones and eyes so blue and innocent looking he would have sworn she looked like one of those angels in pictures he had seen.

"Good day, Mr. Stark," she greeted warmly. "My name is JC Wilcox, and I will be your bodyguard during your stay here in Tokyo."

Tony was floored by this revelation. This was Takeshi's 'perfect person'? She may have been beautiful, but she hardly looked like she would be capable of protecting him in the way that Takeshi had made it sound. What was she going to do? Charm her attackers into submission?

"I'm sorry. I think there's been a mistake here. Mr. Takeshi never said anything about his personal security being–"

"A woman?" she finished, cutting him off. "I assure you, Mr. Stark, I am more than capable of keeping you out of harm's way for the next several days. Now, if you'll follow me, I will take you to see Mr. Takeshi," she said sweetly and motioned him into the elevator. Tony entered the elevator uneasily as she stepped in behind him and hit the button for the seventeenth floor.

"I thought we would be going a bit higher. Shouldn't the CEO's office be near the top of the building?" he questioned, more to break the silence than the fact that he was honestly curious. He hated quiet moments. They always made him uncomfortable.

"It's a security measure. It puts him equal distance from the front entrance and the roof in case one exit is blocked off," she informed him, her eyes always forward.

"So he keeps a helicopter on the roof at all times?"

"Yes, Mr. Stark."

"You are allowed to look at me when you speak, you know. I promise you won't burst into flames," he said when she still refused to look at him.

"Force of habit," she explained. "An attack is most likely to come from the front. Looking at you won't prepare me for what's in front of me."

"I highly doubt there are already bad guys in the building ready to shoot at us as soon as the elevator opens. In case you didn't notice, there was no trouble in the lobby," he pointed out dryly.

"I take no risks with client safety, Mr. Stark."

"So tell me about yourself, Wilcox."

"JC will be just fine, and I don't see how knowing me is any of your concern," she replied coolly.

"I like to know who's watching my back. Is that such a crime?"

"Mr. Takeshi has entrusted me with his protection for five years now. That should be more than enough to ease your mind, Mr. Stark."

"So nothing I say can change your mind?"

She turned her gaze on him, her innocent blue eyes now icy and hard. "No, Mr. Stark," she said coldly as the elevator doors opened and she stepped out.

"I don't think I'm making too demanding of a request. I like to know I can trust the person guarding me. And, no offense, you hardly seem like the most capable person for the job," he taunted. She turned on her heel quicker than he had anticipated causing him to involuntarily flinch.

"Let me make something perfectly clear, Mr. Stark. I know what game you're trying to play, and it won't work. Know this: I am more than able to break every bone in your body with my bare hands, if that is what it will take to prove my abilities to you," she said darkly and turned back down the hall.

"Threats aren't really necessary. Wait a sec," he said, putting a hand on her shoulder to stop her. He hadn't really meant to piss her off, but he did want to see how she reacted under pressure. He got more than he bargained for when she swiftly grabbed his hand and twisted his arm, painfully holding it in place.

"I'm going to ask nicely this time. Don't touch me again. Part of why I'm so good is because I have good reflexes. That tends to get people in trouble. Do you follow, Mr. Stark?"

"I don't think you're boss would like it too much if you decided to break my wrist," he strained.

"I've done worse to other clients of his and for very good reasons. Don't think that just because you're buying this company means you get special privileges. I work for Takeshi, not you. My job is to keep you alive, nothing else. Do we understand each other better now?"

"Crystal clear," he managed, and she released him. He shook out his arm and rubbed his wrist to alleviate some of the pain. She put on a good show, but he still had some reservations about her. One thing was certain though. She was not someone to be taken quite so lightly in the future.

She led him down the hallway before finally stopping and opening a door that led to a conference room. Takeshi stood and greeted him with a small bow and a handshake which Tony returned.

"Welcome, Mr. Stark. I hope you had a pleasant journey here," Takeshi said warmly.

"As pleasant as could be," Tony responded.

"And you have met JC-san. She is the best bodyguard money can buy. Let us hope her skills will not be needed," he said and motioned for Tony to sit down.

"Mr. Takeshi, I do appreciate this, but my own personal security will be more than enough. I've learned through the years that threats like this usually hold no real merit. They're all talk and no action," he said, eyeing JC from the corner of his eye as she moved to stand behind him. "I hardly think Miss Wilcox will be necessary."

"You will forgive me for disagreeing, Mr. Stark. The last man who attempted to buy this company was found dead, a warning pinned to his body that you would be next, if you came here. These people want my company and its research for themselves, and they are willing to do anything to ensure that no one else gets this company. Like you, I had not believed their threats. Because of this, a man is now dead," Takeshi explained solemnly.

"What makes you so sure the threats will stop if I buy your company? You're making this sound more of a hazard to my health than I'm comfortable with, Mr. Takeshi."

"That is why, as part of our arrangement, you will take my researchers and all of their work and transfer them to America where they will be safe. This group has never left Japan. They will not follow my workers to America," he reasoned.

"Interesting theory, Mr. Takeshi, but have you thought of this: with the workers and the data gone, they will blame you and come after you. You could be putting your life in serious danger by doing this," Tony warned.

"I am well aware of the danger. It is a risk I am willing to take, if it keeps my company secrets out extremist hands."

The conversation went on for several more hours hammering out the details of what was to be done with the individual projects. It took quite a bit of persuasion on the part of both men to get what they wanted, but by the end of their meeting they had managed to make several reasonable compromises. Tony couldn't help but notice that through the entire meeting JC's eyes were always scanning the room, outside the windows, the door, everywhere. He had never seen anyone quite so hyper vigilant in such a small room. Whether she was really as good as Takeshi had claimed or she was simply paranoid, Tony wasn't sure. Maybe it was a bit of both. At the close of their meeting Tony asked for a private moment with Takeshi. JC had looked uneasy about leaving the two men alone, but Takeshi had shooed her away, assuring her that they would be in little danger if she was away for a few minutes.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Stark?"

"I'm just curious about your bodyguard. Have you ever had any problems with her in the past?" he asked carefully.

"Did she threaten you, Mr. Stark?" he asked without even a bit of embarrassment.

"No, that's not the problem," he lied smoothly. "I'm just curious about her. How good is she really?"

"She is the best I have ever known, and I have seen my fair share of disappointing security personal both in my own company and others. She has keen senses and lightning reflexes. She is like the tiger, beautiful and majestic but very deadly when provoked," he said with awe. "I will admit, I have had several complaints about her behavior toward my clients in the past, but each time I found her reasons to be genuine. Harmless flirting she is accustomed to, but some were more…persistent, shall we say, in their pursuits. I only know of one that she caused serious injury to and rightly so. Does that answer your question, Mr. Stark?"

"I think you've told me everything I need to know. Good day, Mr. Takeshi. I look forward to completing our business soon," Tony said with a small bow which was returned by Takeshi.

The two men exited the room and accompanied JC to the elevator. Tony had to admit he was surprised Takeshi had kept the woman with so many complaints against her. Whether she had been in the right or not, Tony would have fired her after warning her to stop. After what she had done to him earlier, he could tell that she had quite the temper and that temper, if unchecked, would get her into some trouble, which it had already seemed to do.

JC escorted him to his car and…promptly got in? Tony was taken aback when she slid into the back seat beside him.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked incredulously as she shut the door behind him.

"I told you I was to be your guard during your entire stay here. Mr. Takeshi has made all the arrangements. I will be staying in the same hotel with you and escorting you wherever you go," she explained and motioned for the driver to go.

"He didn't say anything about this. I don't need a babysitter," he said indignantly.

"These are seriously dangerous men that are after you, Mr. Stark. If they want you dead, they will not stop at trying to attack you at Mr. Takeshi's office. They will make an attempt anywhere, and many attempts that I have stopped have occurred in the bedroom while the person was sleeping. I can't protect you at night if I am not near you," she said simply.

Tony breathed a frustrated sigh. He had come here to get away from people like her, people that reminded him of Pepper. He wanted to have some fun on this trip, and he wasn't going to have any with her hanging around him all the time.

"So what does that entail exactly? Will you be sleeping in my room?" he asked smartly.

"No," she replied coldly. "I will go over the final details when we arrive."

They sat in silence for the remainder of the trip to the hotel. Tony just stared out the window at the masses of people and vehicles that went by. Not even Malibu ever felt this congested. It still amazed him that such a small place could support such a population. Every now and then he stole a look at JC who's eyes didn't seem to miss a thing. She stared out of each window, her gaze constantly looking for some invisible threat. Every time they stopped at a light she would become more rigid as if expecting someone to race up and attack the car. She even noticed the few times he had stared at her. It had only been for a brief moment, but every time he did, her icy eyes would lock with his and force him to look away. Maybe it was just a coincidence, but it was a damn unsettling one.

When the car finally pulled up to their hotel JC stepped out first and crossed over to Tony's door before the car could come to a complete stop. She opened his door and motioned for him to get out. Now he realized that maybe Pepper wasn't so bad. At least she didn't treat him so coldly. They bypassed the front desk and went straight for the elevator. They stopped on the fifth floor and JC escorted him down the hall where she produced a key which opened the door.

"This will be your room, Mr. Stark," she said as she led him in and closed the door behind them, latching the chain and throwing the bolt. "Here is your key. Your luggage is by the dresser. This door," she said as she opened a door in the middle of one the walls, "leads to my room. It is to remain unlocked and open at all times. I can't help you, if I can't get to you. Also, I will have an extra key to your room, just in case."

"You realize this gives me zero privacy," he complained.

"I will not be watching you dress, Mr. Stark. You will have more than enough privacy."

"That wasn't exactly what I meant," he said with a small smirk.

"I am well aware that you are a Playboy, Mr. Stark. However, I think you can survive a few days without an extra body to warm your bed. Are there any other questions?" she asked, folding her hands in front of her.

"Just one. Takeshi tells me you're the best of the best, yet you carry no weapons. I find it a bit difficult for a bodyguard to do a good job without at least a sidearm. You obviously carry none. So, what exactly do you do? You some kind of martial arts specialist or something like that?"

She stared at him for a moment with quiet regard, a smirk playing on her face and a dangerous sparkle in her eye as she took a few steps closer to him and began to circle him. She reminded him of a predator closing in for a kill. Apparently Takeshi had been rather accurate in his description of calling her a tiger.

"You already have an idea of what I can do with my hands," she said silkily as she ran a finger across his back from shoulder to shoulder. The movement sent a shiver down his spine. She circled him until she was back to his front. "But you require more proof of what I can do. Is that what you're saying?" she said in a dangerously soft tone.

Tony gulped audibly. There was something terrifying about her rather sensuous movements. He imagined that this was what a male black widow felt like just before his mate killed him. "Yes," he said with as much conviction as he could muster, hoping his voice didn't betray his current unease.

If it was possible, her smirk turned more sinister as she put one hand to his chest and pushed him backward. He landed on the bed with small grunt as he attempted to regain his composure. She went for the belt of her satiny shirt and began to slowly untie it as if giving him one last chance to back out. His tie suddenly felt too tight around his neck, and he could feel his heart rate increase as he continued to watch her. He'd come this far. He would see it to the end.

The belt fell limply at her sides as she pushed back the shoulders of her shirt letting it fall to the floor with a quiet 'swoosh'. Tony's imagination swam with erotic ideas until her shirt had hit the ground. What she had been hiding under the shirt couldn't have shocked him more. She wore a tank top but what she wore over that tank top was more than a little terrifying. A vest that must have held at least twenty throwing knives adorned her body. Knives scared Tony. He spent most of his time surround by guns, explosives, anything that made a big boom. That stuff he was comfortable with; it was familiar. But knives were a different story. They were one of the most infallible weapons. A gun could jam, or malfunction, or run out of ammo. A knife could keep on killing, dull or sharp, as long as it was in skilled hands. And he knew she had skilled hands; and she had a lot of knives to use her skills with.

A strap went across her chest, and at the end of that strap were several spare clips of ammo for a pistol, but he saw no gun that went with them. It made him wonder where on her person she was hiding that, if she was. He had seen the bulge the clips made and had written it off as being a cell phone case or something. Oh how wrong he had been.

How had he missed this? He had been standing less than a foot away from her and he couldn't tell that she was hiding weaponry beneath her shirt. Sure, her shirt had been loose around her body which could have accounted for that, but still he could hardly believe that he missed that.

"As you can see, I am very much armed, and I do have a sidearm that I keep in my room and at the office where I can easily reach it," she said as she took several more steps toward him. Adrenaline surged through him with excitement and fear as she stood just barely a foot away from him and lowered herself until she was at his eye level. "Does this answer your question?"

"Yes," he croaked and cleared his throat which he was suddenly aware was very dry.

"Good," she said sweetly and smiled brightly. Her eyes were no longer dark and predatory but clear and innocent as he had seen them when he had first met her. The way she so easily went from one mood to the next just added to his new found fear of her. She turned and picked up her shirt and quickly tied it back around her torso. "If there is nothing else you'll be needing, I would suggest you get some rest. Mr. Takeshi plans on giving you a tour of his facilities tomorrow, and there is also the gala tomorrow night to celebrate the merger. That means a long day for you, Mr. Stark. Good night," she said and stole away to her room.

Tony stared after her in awe. Takeshi obviously hadn't over exaggerated as Tony had thought. She had to have been aware of how arousing her show had been. She had been in complete, dominating control, and she had known it. It only made him wonder more what other talents she possessed. She wouldn't be an easy target to conquer, but Tony was confident in his prowess. After all, he had seen The Bodyguard before. The bodyguard and client had wound up in bed at least once. Why couldn't it work out for him, too?

A little voice in the back of his head warned him that he should squash the idea completely; she would probably kill him, if he didn't. But then there was that other little voice that said it was ready for a challenge, and JC Wilcox was certainly a worthy challenge.