Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a fresh morning but Tony's mind was not, nowadays he did not feel welcome in his own home. When he had built this compound he had too much hope for it coming alive not in only the structure but also because of its companion. What he dreamt of came to be true but not exactly how he wanted it. He had thought that the Avengers would be a family of different people with different sets of powers under one roof. Avengers are all here as he had thought, they are bonded together as a family too as he had wished but he wasn't involved in that family.

 It didn't take even a year for the government to cave in and call the Avengers back into the land with open arms, it wasn't as easy as people used to think it was, he scrapped himself raw to help bring them back into the States dropping the criminal charges, along with all the negotiation that he has to push through consists that he would be the one to house them in the Compound keeping them under the surveillance and his watchful eyes. With soaring heart, he accepted the deal knowing very well that it would turn out to be his worst decision, and he wasn't wrong. He couldn't help but flinch every time he got a glimpse of that metal arm which was wrapped around his mother's throat, his body shook in fear with his hand finding itself on his chest trying pathetically to cover it whenever Rogers passed his eyesight, he went still with fear gripped his heart doubting every moment that he would be stabbed in the back worse than ever whenever Natasha scrutinized his every move, his chest constricts in pain whenever Barton threw a comment his way, he still remembers the jab Clint has sent on him regarding Rhodey and it still hurts the same, he didn't know what to make of Wilson but he always felt uneasy in his company due to his wandering eyes which haven't stopped judging him, and last but not the least every cell of his body turns on the fright and flight response pushing his nerves making him want to flee at the very site of her and her red wisps. This Compound was supposed to be his second home but it feels like his prison, a very glorified version of Raft for him, it feels like he is trapped in here with a bunch of people who wouldn't bat an eye before killing him in cold blood. 

Since the Avengers came to live together his every day felt like a battlefield where he tried to hide from the people before they came upon him for some or other reasons that sometimes did not exist. It all felt the same every day but today something was different, his mind was anxious about something and his heart wasn't exactly afraid like every day, it was hinting at something. He knew that something was going to happen, he was feeling the same dread he used to feel that day When Stephen decided to leave. His heart came to his throat jumping in dread thinking again and again of what he had done this time for someone to leave him. The only few someones whom he loves and wants to cling to them were Rhodey, Pepper, Happy, and now Peter. His hands trembled, and wiping his face he pulled up his phone going through the last chats he had with those people reading and re-reading every word finding any mistakes that he might have made but he couldn't find out. 

"Stark!"

Tony flinched at the interruption, his phone falling on the floor from where he sat on the couch, a yelp came out of his mouth in the scare and looked at Barnes wide-eyed. It took him a little while to control his breathing and those moments were enough for everyone to gather around giving him the hostile attention that he didn't want. 

"What?" He replied finally when he got a handle on his emotions which were now filled with uneasiness at being cornered. He noticed the way everyone was standing except Barnes was conveniently covering the exits of the living room. 

"Just asking,  are you OK?" Bucky whispers his question hesitantly when he recognises that his interruption wasn't welcomed by the man. 

"Yes, I am fine, you can leave now," Tony said reluctantly bending down to pick his phone up.

His flippant reply wasn't appreciated by Rogues, especially Rogers whose fists tightened at his sides seeing the person who hadn't yet had a civilized conversation with his team from the time they were back and now he was talking to Bucky arrogantly when the man is being good with him. 

"Can't you behave like a good human being for once? He was concerned about you and you!!" Clint scorned. 

"For that, he should be human first, monsters don't care for others" Wanda pitches in red swirling around her hands in an instant making Tony alarmed, and she smirks seeing the look on his face because of her.

Tony sat alarmed, his eyes shifting from one person to another, fear gripping his heart noticing the instances everyone had taken that were directed to him. In this room, at this moment the safest person he could find seems to be Barnes, the irony, he feels that person is the safest who is been a killing machine for over seventy years.

 The door to the room opens alerting everyone and when they glance at the door they all fall behind trying to be non-threatening as they recognise the person being Rhodey and behind him is Pepper Potts. 

Tony sighed in relief looking at his friends coming at the right time otherwise he was damn sure that someone would have gone physical very soon. But also he couldn't shake the worry that engulfed him again seeing Rhodey and Pepper there, together, that definitely meant something had happened or something was going to happen and he did not like this even a bit. 

Tony stood up, a little wobbly on his feet for the first few seconds which didn't go unnoticed by Rhodey, Tony shrugged in an attempt to smile at his friend's questioning stare. Pepper looked disappointed assessing the environment she could see the occupants hiding their eyes and shuffling from one foot to another nervously, a little embarrassed at being caught except Wanda who stood too proud as if whatever she did or was trying to do was right. The only person who looked ashamed and guilty was Barnes, standing awkwardly in the middle of the room surrounded by his own teammates. 

The silence in the room was broken by Rhodes, who finally stepped up and demanded "What's going on here?"

Due to instinct, every person in the room stood straight in attention at his commanding voice, especially since he was now the Captain of the Avengers who would be leading them to every battle they would appear in hereafter. When the pardons were passed Rhodey made sure that few of his demands were approved before the rogues landed on American soil, and this was one among them. In the last few months, he had made sure that everyone knew who the Captain was and never to disobey or disrespect him if they were not willing to face the consequences following that. 

After a few moments of silence when no one spoke, Tony said "Nothing of matter, leave it, you tell me why are you guys here."

"Are you sure?  Because I could tell that something was happening here, I don't know maybe like ganging up on someone." Pepper responded, her voice cold and hard digging under their skin in the right way which made them squirm at their place. 

Tony who was about to speak shuts his mouth knowing the look on Pepper's face too well. She isn't going to stop until she gets to the bottom of this little impromptu get-together they seem to be having. He sighed, moving towards his friends leaving it to them to deal with whatever the fuck has just transpired, only hoping that his fear did not come out to be true. 

Among all of them, Steve squared his shoulders and made eye contact with Pepper, he finally replied "Pepper it's just-"

"Ma'am or Miss Potts for you Mr. Rogers, we aren't friends anymore. The same for all of you." She said glaring at every one of them individually daring them to contradict her. 

That got her different reactions, some eye rolls, a few shakes of the head and Steve's exasperated sigh, her interruption only seemed to subdue that one person whom she didn't want to, Barnes. It was hard, but all of them had come to understand and separate two different personalities of which one was whom they hated for killing Tony's mother and the other they couldn't help but sympathize with thinking of the suffering he had to go through for years. They understand but it doesn't mean that they are ready to associate with him, it might take time for them especially Tony to be normal when they see him in the vicinity, the only thing they can do at this point is to avoid interacting with him unless it's absolutely necessary because not only them but Barnes too needs some space after whatever has happened. 

Steve exhaled, stepped forward and spoke "Listen can we just not move it past all of this, is it really necessary to be squabbling among each other, we are a team, a family and it's high time that we act like one."

"You. You guys are the team and family as you say. Not all of us. We work with you just because we are forced to, if given a chance I would get rid of the lot of you without giving a second thought." Rhodey spat, moving to stand right in front of Steve, he then tilted his head to the side and continued stepping a little more into Steve's personal space dominating the moment completely, he whispered so only Steve could hear "We might have been a family once but you broke it into pieces by ramming your Shield into the heart of that supposed family." 

Rhodey revelled in the way Steve's heart stopped at it, his face losing its colour. He backs away from Steve a little addressing the whole room "We are not family anymore and looking back I don't think we ever were. So I don't think there is anything left to move on for. We are colleagues who have to work together that's it, nothing more, but still I would expect you all to stay civilized like a co-worker should while living here, next time I hear that you all conspiring against a certain someone I will make you regret your stay." 

"Rhodey enough, please..."

"No," Pepper said glaring at Rouges, especially Rogers and Wanda "They need to know where the lines are and not to cross them because this time there won't be any chance for forgiveness, I'll personally make sure that they go through the consequences that they deserve."

"What do you mean by that, why the hell we are being treated as criminals when it is your friend who betrayed us? Fucking traitor." Clint snapped when he lost his patience because of their behaviour. He was already pissed because his wife isn't ready to talk to him and has filed for a divorce and he feels that the day is not far when he would never be allowed to meet his kids ever again, all this is happening because of Tony. If Tony had listened and behaved as was asked then this might not have happened, but no he had to go against Steve and cause all these troubles by sending them to raft and showing them as a criminal to the people. And now when they are finally home his friends are behaving as if they were the reason everything went down not even once looking at the real backstabber in their own circle. 

Tony flinched at being called a traitor and that didn't sit well with Rhodey, he clenched his fists and moved forward to bash that mouth which was calling names to his best friend. As soon as he moved the others took their position ready to fight Rhodey. Barnes moved back, trying to hide himself from all this, he didn't want the fight to break out. He was just concerned looking at Stark who was all alone in the room, hyperventilating, very close to a panic attack. He just wanted to help, that's all.

Before both parties could make any move FRIDAY alerted them, "Boss!! Something is happening."

"Wha-What!?"

All of them stilled, waiting for the confirmation, those who had super hearing strained their senses to hear something untoward happening. 

"FRI? What is it?"

"I do not know Boss. My sensors are detecting an energy spike in this room" All eyes automatically went to Wanda who looked confused herself "Behind you boss."

All heads whipped in that direction in time to see orange sparks forming in the air that took the shape of a circle forming a portal, Tony's breath hitched at the presence of a portal a few feet apart from him, Rhodey was quick to pull Tony away from the portal whereas others got ready to attack whoever was on the other side. Tony's suit flew in followed by Vision, before it could cover Tony they saw the man standing on the other side, the man who was supposed to be dead. Everyone has various expressions going on their face but the extreme reactions came from three people Tony, Natasha, and Clint. 

Chapter Text

Stephen closed the portal with a small flick of his finger and stepped into the living room, terrified to confront his family, especially Tony, who he could feel staring at him, unsure of how to approach, what he would say and do, and most importantly, still not ready to look him in the eyes and say anything that would not make him feel the same pain he had felt before.

He has been crying all night long, over his inability to fulfill the promises he made to his partner, whom he had fucking loved, worshipped, and cherished in every moment they were together. He can still see Tony's face from the day when he had left; he knew that he was leaving a broken man behind with very little chance for himself to ever be back together because he knew he had hurt Tony deep down, which would be hard to forgive.

He had hoped to arrive much earlier than today, while she was still alive, The Ancient One. Since he knew they would have clicked together like a piece in a puzzle and would have constantly joked about magic and science, he had wanted Tony to meet her. However, he was unable to attend, and by the time he decided to let him know that he was still alive, it was too late and he lacked the bravery to approach Tony, who had already lost his fiance to his grief. Even now, he still lacked the courage to confront them, but this time he forced himself to come here because it was vital, not because of the Avengers' differences, but because the universe's existence depended on it, and Tony had been warning them for years that it was in danger and this could only be saved with his assistance.

Tony staggered backward as though he had been hit while staring at the person in front of him; he was shocked by what he saw; Stephen, his Stephen, who had abandoned him a year prior and was thought to be dead, was standing only a few steps away. He denied shaking his head and closing and reopening his eyes to see the truth and to watch this illusion of his lover vanish into thin air as it always did, but he was still standing, alive, beneath the same roof as him. Before sleep drew him in, he wanted to scream with joy and feel relieved to have his man back, for whom he had wished every damned night. He ought to have celebrated, but instead he chose not to. Beneath all of this joy, there was resentment that was growing, resentment for his departure, resentment for not being informed that he was still alive, resentment for not being there for him when he needed him the most, and apprehension that it was all a lie, that it was only a dream, and that he would wake up with a shock and lose everything all over again. He was unable to make up his mind about what to do or how to feel. Should he just leave this place before Stephen has a chance to abandon him again, or should he go ahead and give him a bone-crushing hug or slap him for vanishing on him and being dead? Ultimately, all he could do was stand there, numb to the bone, staring with tears in his eyes at his not-so-dead lover.

The rest of the room was in a similar stunned silence, save for the tears; everyone had questions in their eyes, but no one had yet found the courage to speak, so they just stood there looking at each other, waiting for someone to start a conversation, their eyes constantly moving from Strange to Tony and back again.Wanda was getting frustrated because it was taking too long for a response to arrive. To be honest, she did not like the idea of someone else knowing magic being in front of her; it bothered her a little. She acknowledges that Vision is actually stronger than her, but half of the team is afraid of him because he is Stark's creation, and the fact that he sided with Stark also shows how easily he can be manipulated. Her magic made her a unique addition to this team. She was the only member of her team with the ability to defeat the entire Stark team, but now this man, who is undoubtedly going to join Stark, appears to know magic very different from hers. She is unsure if he is more powerful than her or if whatever he possesses is just a clever party trick that kids like. Even if Strange is not as strong as she is, Stark's team would still have an advantage in the field of magic, and she did not like it at all. Therefore, she cannot dismiss him just yet until she has tested him and learned everything there is to know about him. That can be altered, though, and she would have accomplished two of her goals at once if she became able to instill a few ideas in Strange to avoid Stark and follow her example. One, her team is stronger and more credible with another magic user under her control. Second, if Stephen—Stark's lover and fiance—sided with her and against him, it would finally and completely break Tony until nothing remained of him. Then, she would strike—nu-huh, correct, she would let Strange strike for fun—and enjoy the chaos that would result because, as far as she knew, Tony would never hurt Strange, no matter how angry he is. However, this is not true for Stark's friend, who would fight back, and it would be entertaining to watch Stark rush to save Stephen from his friends only to be killed by him. All she needs to do is take over Strange's mind, and it might come to pass. She pushed the red toward the man a foot away from her, letting it drip out of her fingers with joy.

Wanda's eyes gleamed as her magic touched Strange, who stiffened slightly, letting her know that he was aware of it, but since she saw no resistance, she was certain that he did not know what she was really after. She tried to push in and get a glimpse of his mind, but she was blocked by a barrier, and her forehead furrowed in confusion; she had never come across someone who had a wall like that around their head that prevented her from entering; once she had found the barrier surrounding the Winter Soldier, but with a little push, the wall collapsed, exposing the entirety of his jumbled brain. Keeping that in mind, she progressively increased her force and pushed again, pounding over the wall surrounding Stephen's mind in search of any tiny opening—even a tiny puncture would let her finish her mission.

Stephen knew instantly what Wanda was going to do when her magic first traced around the wall of his mind, and he rolled his eyes in frustration because he knew that, despite the fact that it was expected of her, she would attack as soon as he entered the room. Since it was not his top priority at the time, he let her play without reacting to her attacks, but eventually he lost it and turned to face her because he knew that if this continued, he would soon get a headache.

"Will you stop already?"

Nearly everyone recoiled at that cry.

Wanda froze, her eyes widening at being called out like that in front of everyone, and she glanced around to see who would be most willing to stand by her, but before she could read their expressions, she was called out once more.

"You are attacking me and trying to use your dirty magic on my mind just a minute after I entered here. Please try not to do that again because if I sense that you are using your magic on me in any way, you will find that you are lacking it."

Everyone was jolted out of their reverie by that accusation, and the reaction was complete chaos, with rogues shouting over each other to refute his claims and defend her while Tony and his friends stood stunned by what they saw, Stephen was alive, honing over robes and a cape that seemed to be roaring behind him without wind; his presence suggests that he is somehow connected to someone or something related to magic because he was standing here inside the compound coming out of a damn Portal! They had not been able to comprehend this when he suddenly accused Wanda of trying to take over his mind, which is not so unlikely in her case.

Tony stumbled from his position as a sharp pain shot through his head making him imbalanced. His mind was already busy processing the presence of his fiancé after years of no contact when all this shouting started giving him a headache. He felt tired all of a sudden not having the energy left within him to stand there and be involved in this commotion. He just wants to be away from all the prying eyes and in peace with the only man for whom he had called his, to ask the questions that are nagging his mind, to ask an explanation for why did he not come back, why didn't he inform Tony that he was alive. He is owed an explanation from the man standing in front of him but all these people are wasting their time creating such chaos knowing very well that Wanda can and would have done what she has been accused of, it is in her nature to go seeping into others mind just because she could so he wasn't appalled when she was accused but he sure got curious to know how Stephen get to know about her doing this because as from his experience, which he has a lot, no one would be able to get to know of her being in their mind until they catch the scarlet shade in victims eyes, it was intriguing, and he wants to know about it. But, the most important thing he wants to know about now at this moment is how was Stephen alive and why was he not informed. And this time he voiced his question out.

"How?"

As the shouting continued, Tony's voice became muffled, so he moved forward to stand in the center in front of Stephen, dividing the two groups, and yelled, "EVERYONE SHUT THE FUCK UP!" as loudly as he could.

The room was silent, and everyone was staring at Tony in confusion. To be honest, they had all temporarily forgotten about Tony because they were preoccupied with themselves, but observing the billionaire face-to-face with his undead fiancé distracted them from their pitying arguments.

Given that he was the one who injured him and thought Tony would wait for him, Stephen was unable to hold Tony responsible. However, it appeared that Stephen was mistaken, and Tony moved on. His only option at that point was to make an effort to apologize and save what little remained of their shattered relationship. Stephen's heart pounded as he saw Tony approach and take a position in front of him; when Tony screamed, he undoubtedly stumbled. He looked around for the love he had lost two years prior, but all he saw were icy eyes filled with anger and agony.

He whispered "Anthony" while choking.

"Shut up!" shouts Tony.

"Not today. You will hear and I will speak today, and I do not want a word out of your mouth before I am finished. Is that clear?"

When Tony yells, Stephen flinches and nods, rooting at his place. Cloak senses his master's distress and clings to Stephen, providing him with a moment's respite before the storm arrives.

Tony's mind felt content when he saw that reaction, reasoning that Stephen deserved it for all the suffering he had caused him, but his heart stumbled as he looked at Stephen's face with a hint of fear.

He composed his resolve and asked the first question.

"How? How in the hell are you still alive? Since I knew you were dead, you were meant to be dead. We all grieved for you, you idiot.

"Anthony wha-"

"Do not even dare talk until I am done."

"Do you know how it fucking hurt to know that you died and I did not even get a chance to try to get us back, get you back in my life again," Tony growled, effectively cutting him off. "You first left me, without telling me why, and then you vanished from the face of the earth. You are the same man for whom I was willing to burn the world, and it took me fucking months to even catch a glimpse of you. You go to Nepal with no regard for us, destroy what life we have, and pass away there without ever telling me that you were alive. What was the point of keeping this a secret? I had the fucking right to know that the man I love was still alive, and I deserved at least this much. Why in the world do you not want me to know that you were alive? FUCKING WHY? STEPHEN!!"

Stephen muttered, "How would you know that I died that day?" after giving Tony a puzzled look.

Startled by the question, Tony glanced around to make sure he had heard correctly. "Did he seriously asked me how did I know if he was dead?" he asked Rhodey to reassure himself.

Rhodey nodded, and Tony spun around to face Stephen, screaming in his face, "I knew because it was all over the news you fucking Moron."

"No Anthony, that's not possible. Everyone knew when I lived there that I had been in an accident but was still alive and receiving intense care, so why did you see it on the news? No one was supposed to know about it. How would I know that you believe I am dead when that was never the story in the first place?"

Tony frowns at whatever it was that was being said and asks, "What rubbish are you talking about?" He had no idea that this conversation would go in a different direction.

"That day, Anthony, I was saved and taken care of."

"But...but I saw you fall off the cliff, and they said you were dead on the news. I saw you, it was you. Do you want to tell me that I did not recognize you and I saw someone else?" After hearing Stephen's words and realizing what he had witnessed, Tony asked, perplexed and furious.

"No Anthony, I am not saying that. I am sure you recognize me, and you are not mistaken; I did fall off the cliff, but I was saved. At the time of the fall, I had no idea what had happened, only that I had been saved by the same people I had sought treatment from, and they took care of me once more. Anthony, I did not die. I promise, Anthony—trust me, I would have come to you if I had known what rumors were circulating."

"Trust, you want me to trust you. Stephen, is there anything left between us that we can trust? After everything that had transpired, how could I possibly believe you now? I know you were coming to see me when you fell off the cliff, but since you claim to have been saved, why did not you come back to me if you were still alive? Why?" Tony asked.

"I am sorry, Anthony. Although I acknowledge that I am to blame for my absence, Anthony, I had good reason and will let you know when the time is right. For now, though, you must have faith in me."

Although it hurts to know that he no longer has Tony's trust, Stephen begged him to believe him for the time being because if he didn't, it would undoubtedly stand in the way of his plans to defeat Thanos and would be detrimental not only to them but to the entire universe.

He was desperate to convince Tony to believe him, so he spit out the only thing he could think of "I can show you."

"What?"

"I can show you everything that transpired that day, from the beginning to the end, including what I did, what was going on around me, how I was saved, and even the accident. I can show you everything."

Everyone who had been a silent spectator became interested in whether that was actually possible after hearing that phrase, with the exception of two people: Natasha and Clint. They exchanged glances, both of them thinking that whatever Stephen had just said could not possibly happen because they would be completely screwed if it did. They know very well to not be on the other side of the Iron Man, and they also knew that they were no super soilders to even have a chance to stand against him. They will undoubtedly see the merchant of death rather than Iron Man if Tony learns that SHIELD was the one who threw Stephen off the cliff and forced him to leave Tony.

"I have some spells that I can use to show you the past or the future, and I can use them to show you what really happened." Stephen guarantees.

Even though Tony was not prepared to accept that someone could see into the past and future, he still said, "Show me."

Those two words definitely caused the spy twins to shudder and their faces to go white.

Chapter Text

Here is the next chapter, hoping my writing didn't get too rusty and you like this chapter 🤞🏻

__________________________________________

The compound members stood in stunned silence, waiting with bated breath for Stephen to start the magic, if there was any, to start the spell and show them the past. 

"It'll take quite some time, so if you wish to be seated, please do" Stephen said softly.

All of them looked at each other with mixed feelings, and apprehension could be seen in the eyes of most of the occupants, but they did take a seat around Stephen leaving him in the middle of the two clearly divided groups.

On his left were the rouges with Steve sitting between Barnes and Wilson, and beside them were Natasha, Clint, and Wanda, while on the right were seated Rhodey, Tony, and Pepper squished together, touching each other either for comfort or to anchor themselves. Whereas Vision planted himself behind them standing on guard.

Even though there was pin-drop silence in the common room, all their mind held chaos within it, Wanda was angry and jealous of sorts for not being able to breach Stephen's mind, and Stephen was more powerful than her, not only that she was also curious to know how could he be able to see in past and future and can also project it for others to see. She was scrutinizing him to see if she could also learn this technique.

Steve and Bucky were just curious to know the story behind Stephen's disappearance but were more curious about the supposed spell that he was going to perform, Steve might have not liked Stephen earlier for the reason he didn't know but he do know what he meant to Tony, he would deny if asked but a little part of him was angry on behalf of Tony when Stephen left. He had had a glimpse of the darkness that surrounded Tony after Stephen's departure, and he didn't like that; no one deserves it.

Sam was neutral in this situation. Well, he did participate in the chaos when Wanda was blamed because, as a teammate, he was supposed to defend, but a part of him knew that she must have tried to enter his mind, that he could accept, but seeing the past! That is something he never thought of but he has learnt to accept the weirdness of this world pretty quickly.

On the other hand, Tony's friends and Tony were not all sure what to make of this situation, they were still in a bit of denial not ready to accept Stephen's return because they knew him to be dead, and also angry for leaving, and then not informing them that he was alive, but their love toward him was ready to forgive him and embrace him back into the family. For now, their attention was diverted towards the magic that was going to be performed to show the past by their Stephen.

Clint and Natasha were the only ones who didn't want Stephen to succeed in whatever spell he was to perform, but for a while, they did consider fleeing from the scene before their face were shown in it. They had not only tried to kill him but had also enjoyed hurting him; they had been so sure of themselves that they didn't consider checking him if he was dead or not, and now they would be paying for their little slip-up, but to their defence, they had pushed Stephen off the cliff. There was no way he should be alive which made them intrigued to know what happened that day but also dreaded because then all would know what they had been doing behind their back to have a certain control over Tony, which might disturb even Steve and they fear he could change the sides, and if they lose control over Steve, they are doomed. 

Stephen glanced at everyone before starting the spell trying to read the expression on their faces, he let his eyes linger over the spy twins and smirked knowing that today he finally had the upper hand over SHIELD., he had waited for this day for two years and had lost too much because of their games but from today onwards he was going to set the rules of the game they were playing, he would be the one who would bring them to ground and he is going to absolutely love it when his Anthony will burn them to the ashes. They have no idea how powerful he has become, he will give them the taste of the true power bit by bit, but not today, today he will manipulate the spell to blur their faces specifically, or anything that would clue them to be SHIELD., he would for sure let people see that it was a murder attempt not an accident, just that, he would for sure disclose everything but with a slow pace, on his terms when it would benefit him the most. He revels in seeing the stiff postures of the spies and then lets the magic flow through his body onto the Eye of Agamotto.

All were captivated watching the tendrils of green flow out of the necklace that Stephen wore and were truly speechless when it showed them a room where Stephen was.

~  Stephen was busy buttoning down his shirt with slight difficulty as his hand kept shaking, even though he failed a few times, there was still a glow on his face instead of frustration as it used to be.

He was disturbed by the knock on the door, he paused on the last button and said "Enter".

Two people entered the room, laden with robes over their bodies, one in deep red, layered with gold accents, along with blue bracers, and the other was in dark green with gold trim and intricate patterns on the lower skirt. ~

None of the members let out even a puff of breath looking at the scene in front of him, they are yet to realize that they are actually seeing the past in front of them like a movie.

~  "Wong, Master Mordo, please come in," Stephen greeted them, inviting them inside.

One of them scoffed, " Why is he Master and I am just Wong, I will let you know that I do have a higher rank than you here".

"Yeah, A Librarian, I know."

Mordo laughed, clapping on Wong's shoulder "I will miss this, you getting on Wong's nerves. No one can do it the way you do it."

Wong glared at both of them, Stephen chuckled "It is so easy to do, you know Master Mordo-" 

"Oh, lose the Master here at least, we are in personal quarters and I am your friend first, then Master." Mordo interfered.

Stephen gave him a big smile and continued, " ok, Mordo, you know when I first came here, I never saw him smiling, so I tried to do that, but then I found, it is much easier to instigate him than make him smile. Tell me, have you ever seen him do that?"

"No, I have also not seen him smile, maybe his face doesn't know the steps to smile, even I have considered a few times to cast the spell which could help stretch his lips you know to see how he would look" Mordo replied glancing at Wong's stoic face, who glared in return. 

"And I know a few of the spells which could seal them permanently."

 Stephen laughs aloud while Mordo sputters, Stephen continued to get ready.

"So, all ready to go home?" Mordo asks clapping on Stephen's back.

Stephen grinned toothily, nodding his head "Only one thing is left" he said while picking up the broken watch that was on the bedside table, he flipped it to see the engraving..

"My love for you increases by every second.

Even when the time stops,

I'd still love you."

– AES

He caressed the engraving softly with his shaking thumb, his eyes teared remembering the moment Anthony has gifted him with so much love. He remembers the joy that was lighting up Tony's face when he barged into the room holding the watch in hand, disheveled by the four days lab binge.

"It is broken, but you still keep it. Something special about it." Mordo asked.

Stephen chuckles, it sounded wet.

He wraps the watch snug around his wrist, locking it in the place, he replied "This is something more than special Mordo. This is the physical proof of love, his love. Anthony has made this one for me, in his lab, this watch, it's so sacred for me. It shows how much he loves me. It reminds me that there is someone out there who loves me and will always do. It reminds me of having a home. It reminds me of having someone just for me. It reminds me of him."

"Will he forgive you? For leaving" Mordo whispered. 

Stephen's head snapped up at that, he looked at Mordo and shakes his head, denying.

"As much as I know about my Anthony, and I think I know him alot. He will never forgive me. He will never forgive me for leaving, for breaking the promise we had made."

"Then why are you going to him when you know he won't accept you back?" Wong questions.

Stephen's fingers still on the clasp, thumb pressing into the worn metal like it might anchor him.

He doesn't look at Wong when he answers.

"Because forgiveness and acceptance aren't the same thing," Stephen says quietly.

Wong frowns. "Explain."

Stephen exhales, slow and uneven. "Forgiveness is about what I did to him. About the nights I disappeared, the promises I broke, the fear I carved into him when I left. That wound... I don't expect him to heal it for my sake." His voice dips, rough at the edges. "Anthony doesn't owe me forgiveness. Not now. Maybe not ever."

Mordo watches him closely as Stephen finally lifts his gaze.

"But acceptance," Stephen continues, "that's about what still exists between us despite the damage. About what never actually died." His hand tightens around the watch. "He might never forgive me for leaving him with the terror that I wouldn't come back. I know that. I carry that knowing every day."

"Then why go?" Wong asks again, softer this time.

Stephen's lips curve into something fragile. Almost a smile. Almost a grief.

"Because love doesn't evaporate just because it's wounded," he says. "Anthony may not forgive the man who left—but he might still accept the man who loves him. The man who has always loved him. The man who came back."

Silence settles around them.

"I'm not going to him to be absolved," Stephen finishes. "I'm going to him because even if he can't forgive me... he might still make room for me. And if there's even a sliver of space left where his love still recognizes mine—"

He looks down at the watch, reverent.

"—then that's home enough." ~

Every person sitting in that room looked at Tony and Stephen alternatively, waiting for a reaction from them, what kind thouTheirion even they don't know, but they still watched, breathing in the silence of love they both have for the other.

Tony sighs, controlling his tears that were ready to slip out of his eye. He knows how true those  words are, he knows his heart still beats for Stephen and he knows he wants Stephen to come back in his life again but he also knows that it wouldn't be same as before. It might have been if he had came back to him before, but now, after faking his death, he isn't sure he would be able to welcome him back, not yet.

Stephen read Tony like an open book, as Tony's thoughts progressed his heart shrank a little at the denial clearly shown on Tony's face. He couldn't hold his tears and it slipped, he wiped it, quickly, so as no one notice but Tony, he did. He saw the flick of Stephen's hand wiping the tears, it hurt him but he turned away.

~ "But what if you tell him the truth, will he forgive you?" Mordo questioned.

"In an instant."

Wong was amused with the quick reply, he asked "Then are you going to tell him everything."

"No, not yet. Only then when the time is in my favor." ~

"What truth?" Steve asked, the question that rang in everyone's mind.

Tony looked at Stephen with questioning eyes. Their eyes met. Stephen breathes in before replying.

"I will tell you everything Anthony, whatever you ask, but not now."

"Why?" Wanda chips in.

Sam too came forward asking "yeah my question too, why not now, when you believe that it will make Tony forgive you?"

"Because as I said earlier I will tell only when the time is in my favor," he said, looking directly at the spy twins. Which was caught by Rhodey, he frowned but didn't say anything. 

"When?" Tony finally spoke, gaining everyone's attention. "When will the time come?"

"Soon, give me a week at maximum. After this week I will tell you everything."

Clint flinched, and so did Natasha. Rhodey notices, he kept his eyes on them but asks Stephen. 

"What will change in this one week?"

"I will have proofs." 

Natasha went rigid. Clint ticked his jaws. Rhodey noticed everything, each of their reactions and he knew that they had to do something with Stephen, he promised himself to get the bottom of this because seeing the spies twitching he knew it is something big.

Stephen continued "I know that my Anthony will believe me even without the proofs but it's not only Tony whom I want to know the truth, I want the whole world to see it, and believe it. Because I don't want the world to turn against my Anthony when he takes up my side." 

Stephen then continued the memory without giving anyone the time to respond but his words did keep revolving inside everyone's head, especially,  Tony's.

~ The door to his room opened again, and entered a bald women draped into yellow robe, behind her entered a little puppy whose one hand was broken. 

All the three men bowed to her in respect.

"So, all set to go." She asked.

"Yes." Stephen replied, crouching to scratch the puppy's head, "Hello! Little Murphy. How are you today?" 

"He is already missing you. Why don't you take him with you, he is your dog." She exclaims.

"Not yet The Ancient One, I have too much work to do, I wouldn't be able to take care of him." Stephen said while Murphy barks not liking Stephen's answers.

"Alright, I think it's time you leave if you don't want to be late."

The Ancient One's gaze lingered on Stephen for a moment longer than necessary, as if she were memorizing the way he stood—worn, stubborn, held together by will more than flesh. Then she inclined her head.

"Go," she said simply.

Stephen straightened, slipping his sling back into place. He looked at Mordo first, then Wong. A quiet understanding passed between them—unspoken goodbyes layered with worry.

"Don't let him eat incense again," Stephen murmured, nodding toward Murphy.

Murphy barked sharply, tail wagging, then whimpered when Stephen stepped back.

Stephen crouched once more, pressing his forehead gently to the puppy's. "I'll come back," he whispered, more promise than certainty. "Be good for her, okay?"

Murphy licked his fingers, whining.

Stephen stood before he could change his mind, turned, and walked out.

The door closed.

Murphy sat frozen for half a second—then chaos.

He barked. Loud. Insistent. He pawed at the door with his uninjured leg, whining so pitifully it echoed through the Sanctum. When that didn't work, he limped to The Ancient One and nudged her robe, tugging at the hem with tiny teeth.

She sighed mid-meditation, one eye cracking open.

"Peace," she murmured.

Murphy barked again. Louder. Accusatory.

Minutes passed. Murphy refused to settle, pacing, whining, circling the door like a restless ghost.

Finally, The Ancient One opened her eyes fully.

"...Very well," she said.

With a flick of her fingers, the door of the Sanctum creaked open.

Murphy didn't hesitate.

He bolted.

The streets of Kathmandu were alive with noise and color, but Stephen moved through them like a shadow, head down, shoulders tight. He could feel it—the wrongness. The way the air pressed in. The way footsteps seemed to echo just a beat too long behind him.

He turned a corner.

Then another.

Black.

They came out of nowhere—three, then four men, faces hidden beneath dark hoods, movements sharp and practiced.

Stephen broke into a run.

Pain flared immediately, white-hot, his broken hands screaming as his body jolted forward. He pushed through it, breath ragged, feet slapping against stone as the city narrowed into winding gullies.

"Run all you want," one of them snarled behind him. "You were warned. But here we are."

Stephen didn't answer. He couldn't. His lungs burned, vision blurring at the edges.

A sharp bark cut through the air.

"Murphy—!" Stephen gasped, heart lurching as he glanced back.

The puppy was there—limping, but fast, eyes fixed on Stephen, barking furiously at the men chasing him.

"No, no, go back!" Stephen shouted. "Murphy, go back!"

Murphy only ran faster.

They burst out of the gully, the city falling away behind them. The land opened—wind roaring, the cliff's edge looming ahead, jagged and merciless. ~

"Stephen, what is this? What's happening, it was an accident right" Tony asks braking the silence.

"Just watch"

~ The men laughed.

One lunged.

Stephen fought back on instinct—kicking, ramming his shoulder into one attacker, pain exploding through his arms as he tried to block blows he couldn't stop. Fists slammed into his ribs, his jaw, his back. He tasted blood.

Murphy leapt, snapping, growling with everything his small body had.

"Get that thing away!" one man shouted.

A boot connected.

Murphy was flung aside like a rag doll.

Stephen screamed.

Murphy hit the ground with a sickening sound, yelping sharply, his already broken leg twisting wrong beneath him.

"No—no—please—!" Stephen sobbed, dragging himself toward him, hands useless, trembling. "Please, I'm begging you—don't hurt him—"

The men paused, amused by his desperation.

"Look at you," one sneered, grabbing Stephen by the hair and yanking his head back. "You think running back to Stark after a year will save him, don't you remember what you were told to do?"

Stephen choked, tears streaking his face. "He will kill you all."

"Only when he will know the truth, what can he do when you met with an accident and died. How sad there was no body to recover."

They beat him again—methodical, brutal. Each blow stole more air, more strength. His world shrank to pain and the sound of Murphy's whimpers.

Finally, with a shove, they dragged Stephen to the edge.

"This is your last warning," one hissed into his ear. "You don't go back to Tony Stark. We will make sure that you never could."

They threw him.

Stephen fell.

Branches tore at him as he crashed through the trees below the cliff, body snapping and twisting until at last he caught—broken form tangled in limbs and leaves, blood dark against bark.

Unconscious.

Still. ~

"STEPHENNN" Tony, Rhodes, Pepper all cried, jumping up, trying to reach Stephen and hold him.

"Anthony, I am here, calm down, I am fine now. I am here, I am alive" Stephen held Tony's arm, squeezing it to send him comfort. Tony grabs Stephen's hand back in death grip, his fingers slipping across Stephen's wrist, finding the pulse, beating, stronger. He exhaled in relief, tears of fear slipping from his eyes. Stephen wiped them off, softly.

"What the fuck was that? who were they? Why did they attack you? What were they saying about warning? Say something Stephen." Pepper cried looking at Stephen standing front of her and then at Stephen who is unconscious and bleeding.

"In time Pepper, I will tell everything in time."

The rouges kept silent, they didn't know what to say of this, they all looked horrified, especially Barnes. He is an assassin, a trained one and he knew with surety that there is no way Stephen should be alive in this condition, he must have died, but then he is here, alive, breathing and perfectly fine, except his hands.

~ Murphy dragged himself to his feet.

Every movement hurt. His leg screamed. But Stephen wasn't there.

Murphy turned.

And ran.

A portal snapped open in the forest with a sound like thunder folding in on itself.

The Ancient One stepped through, Mordo and Wong at her side.

They found Stephen barely breathing—clothes torn, face swollen, blood matting his hair, body twisted unnaturally where he hung trapped among the branches.

For one terrible moment, Wong thought they were too late.

Then Stephen's chest shuddered.

Alive.

Barely.

The Ancient One raised her hands, eyes burning with quiet fury, and the world bent to her will.

Stephen was gone in a flash of golden light.

Taken home.

And somewhere behind them, a small puppy collapsed into the dirt—exhausted, broken, but alive—having done the only thing he knew how to do.

He saved his human.

Wong looked at Murphy, he picked him up, softly, so carefully trying not to hurt him even more. Soon they too went to sanctum. ~

Natasha seeing that they weren't exposed in any way finally spoke in confidence "It seems these people saved you, I just want to know why it took so long for you to let Tony know you were alive."

Tony flinched hearing that, he looked at Stephen questioning through his eyes, Stephen replied squeezing his arms again "Patience Miss Romanova, I will show you why I couldn't." 

Stephen then moved helping Tony sit back again, Pepper and Rhodey too sat back holding each other, they are still traumatized at what they saw.

Before Stephen starts Vision questioned curiously "Sorry to say Dr. Strange but that fall would have killed you."

"It did." Tony flinched again.

"Then how come you are here." Wanda asks, curious. Others nodded too wanting to ask the same question. 

Stephen answered, smirking "Magic. Pure and centuries old true magic, unlike yours, which is tainted. The Ancient One has a favor to call upon, it's because of that I am alive."

To be continued...