All's fair in love and war.

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

<He's been here for hours, talking with old colleagues and helping a friend get better recommendations for their work. He took a drink of his martini and his faces scrunched up in displeasure at the strength of it. That was when he felt eyes on him and raised his head, looking around for the source. His eyes caught sight of the man at the bar and his stomach fluttered at the sight of him. Tony Stark. He recognized him from removing his reactor some years back before his accident.>

Now I see why all of these champagne flutes and silver platters don't sparkle like they should. There was something more dazzling in the room. What is a man like you, doing in a boring place like this?

You're exactly as they said, Tony. Straightforward and charismatic, but if you want my attention you're going to need more than fancy words. I'm here because a friend of mine asked it of me, but I'm on my way out for the evening. You've been here for a while too, I saw you briefly discussing stocks with the board of directors. That seemed like fun, considering they don't listen half of the time.

[He smirked as the man refrained from laughing and he found himself wondering if he could actually get him to do that somehow. He knew if he could succeed, it would be the most amazing sound in the world. He seemed to think for a moment about how he said he would need more than his silver tongue to impress him.]

More than fancy words huh? Well, how about this then. You leave with me, let me take you to a nice dinner and you can tell me how exactly it is I know you. Maybe we could be each other's type, if we play our cards right. I may even let you sneak into my lab to have a look at my playground. What do you think?

Sorry Stark, it looks like play time will have to wait. Perhaps another day I'll take you up on that offer. For now, there's other matters to attend to. Do worry, I'm sure we'll find each other again.

<He finished the drink, set it on a tray near where the man was standing and pulled his square from his pocket as he jumped the rail of the building.>

[He had never been one to follow another person's lead, but he knew that he wasn't going to let this man fight that thing alone. There were still answers he needed and if getting them meant taking a couple hours out of the day to beat a giant slug back to wherever it came from, he was fine with helping.]

"Activating Cluster Canon."

Make it 75% capacity, J. This is a big boy.

[He held his arms up as panels came from the back of his suit and began to him loudly, pouring energy into the slots that opened up on his forearms. Once fully charged they joined into a large beam and shot the creature ahead of them, taking off two of it's mandibles which made it fail and fall backwards.]

Not bad, Tony. Seems you're more than just fancy words and money after all. You may just reel me in yet.

<He winked at the man and watched the smirk that formed on his face as he approached him. He felt that pleasant tingle run down his spine once again as the man stepped up in front of him but before either of them could say anything, the authorities showed up on the scene. He looked at the man who looked minor annoyed.>

I'll leave you to deal with the press since the camera loves you. If you leave your door open for me tonight, I promise to come to you. Should you choose to lock it, I will wait until we meet again on your terms. Enjoy your playtime, "Mr. Stark."

Exhausted by the end of it and drained from.tje conference, he returned home and sat down in one of the chairs, exhaling as he rubbed his face. He loved what he did yes, but there was always some idiot who made everything out to be the heroes' fault. 'Should have let the slug have him before we threw it back' his tired mind spoke, making him roll his eyes and shake his head.]

Right, and then it would actually be reason for people to say it's my fault. No thanks.

[He let his mind wander as he lowered his hand and looked towards the sliding door that led out to the patio. He thought about what the man had said, about coming around if he left the door open. He didn't know that man's name, yet he knew he was undeniably connected to him somehow. He decided that he did still want answers tonight, despite his tired mind and body, so he got up to go unlock the door and head off to take a shower before his guest arrived.]

[Cloak reaches up and gently pokes his cheek with his collar, making him grunt and tell him to stop. He tries on the other side but Stephen shakes him off. The artifact makes a huff motion and pulls him away from the stairs.]

<He grunted and exasperatedly called for his partner before noticing the artifact was pointing at something on the table inside of the door, so he looked. It was the note about Christine asking him to go to the meeting. The meeting. Tony. His shoulders slouched as he reached up and pat the artifact on the pauldron.>

Sorry, Cloak, I should have known you were trying to get me to do something. Thank you for not letting me forget.

<Seeing his partner was satisfied, he put on his sling ring and focused on getting himself to Tony's home. The portal opened on the pool deck that overlooked the ocean so he slowly stepped through, feeling his stomach tighten. He didn't know why he was nervous, he didn't have any reason to be...that he knew of. His hand reached out and grabbed the door handle as the portal closed behind him, giving it a small pull and sure enough, it was open. He took a deep breath and slid it open, stepping in and closing it behind him before turning around to see the man coming down to stop across from him. Their eyes met and he felt his heart flutter and even Cloak perked up in their bond. The artifact lifted him off his feet and he allowed himself to be carried over to the man, settling down in front of him.>

You clean up well in the hygiene sense as much as you do the fashion one. I'm starting to think that all those stories I heard weren't just people inflating your ego. I may genuinely be in trouble with you...

Flattery will get you whenever you want it to, that I can assure you, blue eyes. You know as I was washing off the dust thanks to your giant mollusk issue earlier, I realized something. I never got your name. It seems rude that you have mine but you haven't even given me a hint as to what yours may be. Think we should fix that?

Oh I'm sure that we can discuss where it gets both of us at a later time. As for my name, it's Stephen Vincent Strange, but I am known to everyone as Doctor Strange. But somewhere in the back of your mind, you knew that already.

<The man watched as it took Tony a moment to recollect where the name was from and when his eyes widened slightly, he found his smirk softening into a small smile. He reached up, placing his hand on the man's chest where his Arc Reactor used to occupy the center of his sternum. He could feel the man's heart drumming against his ribs, sensed through the energy coursing through his body that the organ was still healthy and helping to keep the man it belonged to alive and healthy.>

Yeah, I'm the one who took it out of you back in '12.

You've made some major changes in your life since we met, blue eyes. By even back then, you made quite an impression on me with your wit keeping up with my kan. I gotta say, I was as taken with you then as I am now. Though I admit, I'm a bit confused by the changes you've made. Love the grey and the goatee, but the last time I saw you, you definitely didn't have the hocus-pocus thing going on. You were pretty grounded in science like I am. I'd love to know every single reason for the change, but right now, I really want you to kiss me.

<He reached out and reached up slowly, cupping the back of the man's head as he leaned in and captured the man's lips with his own as he closed his eyes.>

<It was exactly as he had imagined since that first time that he lay eyes on the man: Warm and a little rough. The man's goatee brushed against his, making a very pleasant tingling sensation as their lips moved in a quiet dance of union. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around the man and they moved closer together as he let out a small noise of content. Tony's lips were slightly chapped, they tasted of strawberries and mango, probably from a smoothie or fruit the man had before he arrived. He could feel goosebumps cover his skin under his robes at the feeling the kiss filled him with.>

He found himself being guided to walk backwards and before he realized what was happening, he was lying on his back on the sofa with the sorcerer kneeling over him. As they parted from the kiss, his eyes met the icy blues that looked down at him, now darkened to a beautiful cerulean from the heat of the moment.]

Damn, blue eyes. And you said I moved fast, but I think you're just as quick as I am. And I'm going to see if you can keep up.

[Before the man could think on it or answer him, he grabbed the eye shaped pendant hanging around his neck and pulled him down to resume the kiss that they had been locked into a moment prior.]

[Cloak let go of his partner's shoulders and settled in a near by corner with a clear air of embarrassment as it covered it's collar with it's edges as the two men kissed.]

<He snorted in amusement into the kiss with the inventor, sensing his partner's embarrassment through the bond he shared with him. After a moment or two more, the man broke the kiss and met Tony's eyes once more to see the excitement in them and he couldn't help feel a little smug.>

Oh I assure you I can keep up and I'm about to show you just how well. Now be a good boy and show me where the "dwellings" are.

Well then, Mister Doctor. Let's see what you got~

[He put the tie around the back of the man's neck as he moved in close and straddled his waist, feeling the man's hands grabbing his hips. He pulled him back into the kiss by use of the tie, purring against his lips as he does.]

He pushed the man up to his feet and in a flick of his wrist, their clothes were in piles on the floor. He couldn't help but feel a little smug when the man made a noise of surprise and broke the kiss to look at him in surprise and grin with mischief. He returned it, his hands running over the smaller man's back to pull him into an embrace as he did.>

Oh, my nerves aren't the only thing that is hard as iron right now, doctor. I can definitely handle you, but if you keep showing me handy little spells like that, I may just have to learn magic myself.

[He pushed the man back to sit back down on the bed and straddled his waist.]

Now, enough with the sassing contest: Show me what you got.

Do you see the way he talks to us? He acts like we don't have doctorates and are perfectly capable of ensuring that HE is also in "tip top shape" when we give him a "full body examination" in return. He replies with a bit of a laugh.

@the-eldritch-sorcerer @redandgoldwarhero

<He couldn't help but smirk, making the same small laugh as his variant as he followed after the men with a shake of his head. He carefully wrapped his arm around the thinner male's waist as they headed up the stairs, keeping in step with him as they did. There was a bliss and excitement that he had never experienced before accompanying the thrill of the idea of being with a variant of himself. Did that make him narcissistic? Probably, but that just confirmed what a bunch of people told him and it made him smirk. They probably didn't think it would go this far when they said it.>

You gotta admire that straight forward personality of his, though. The man knows what he wants and he's more than happy to make sure that he gets it by doing whatever it takes. Not what we'd ever deny him that, now would we, Sin? But I wonder-

<He leans over as they reach the top of the stairs and paused as Tony looked at them with intrigue. He whispered very softly against his dark variant's ear, his free hand resting on his chest as he pulled him as close as he could with his arm around his could, gently.>

Do you have all the same sensitive spots that I do? Or do I get to explore your body just like he does?

@sinisterstrange616

I appreciate the view, gentlemen, but I'd prefer it if we were in the bedroom where I can enjoy it more without the risk of someone looking in the windows. And before you say anything, no I'm not worried about someone seeing us. I'm worried about them seeing what's mine~

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

And we love you as well, Sin. I'm thankful that I could find my way to you so that you could come here and start to heal. To help me heal as well as reach a new level with Tony.

<He stepped up behind his variant and kissed the exposed, cool skin above the collar of his robes before holding him close while him and Tony were locked in their kiss. He was curious enough to slowly start undoing his variant's robes, familiar enough with them since they were similar to his own to undo them with ease, not bothering the two men. He slid his hands up Sinister's torso to his chest and ran his fingers over the paler man's left pectoral muscle. If they were indeed similar, the scar where they'd been stabbed by the shadow blade would be sensitive.>

@sinisterstrange616

He then looks down at Tony carefully examining his head and face to make sure he didn't hurt himself during their accidental fall. You didn't hurt yourself on the way down did you? Stephen asks with concern still feeling incredibly guilty.

(yes I know this photo is technically in bed but it still works for this context 😂)

@redandgoldwarhero

I'm fine, Gandalf. Though I feel really stupid right now with that noise I just made. Saved the universe twice, stopped countless threats and went in front of the press. Never made a noise like that until you two came along with your magic and charisma maxed out at 10. My midlife crisis is two wizards; the "strangest" thing possible.

@sinisterstrange616

[In his personal realm after death, he was looking over blueprints he has been working on when a familiar shout made him drop his papers and look around. That had been Stephen's voice, he was positive, and the man was in distress. Without thinking twice, knowing now that he could move freely anywhere he wished, he summoned his armor and took off out of the realm to go look for the man whose distress called to him. He found himself flying through some kind of vortex and appeared in a world that was shattered and in pieces like a jigsaw puzzle. Quickly he flew to where he sensed Stephen life energy fading and found the man impaled on the fence.]

Oh my God. Strange, hang on!

[He flew over and cut the spikes off the fence as close as he could get them to the man's stomach and tossed them aside. He lifted him off of the fence and used the nano machines produced by his suit to seal his wounds enough to stop the bleeding so he could carry him into the Sanctum. He was confused by the water but went up the stairs nonetheless and to the living room where he lay him on the couch.]

Hang in there. Don't die on me just yet, Mister Doctor. Some doctor you'd be, giving into a wound this simple.

[He pat the man's face carefully since he still had his gloves on. It was no use, the man was passed out.]

Well I see that doesn't change. I save your magical ass and you just complain about how I did it rather than thank me.

[He couldn't help but smirk as he digistruct his glasses and put them on to examine the man's body, the screens coming up on the lenses.]

Okay J, talk to me honey. What do I need to do?

"There is a lot of trauma done to his organs from the spikes on the rails. With the proper amount of time management, the nano machines can fix the damage done to his spleen and intestines."

Well time is all we got, so let's get these off and start working on patching him up.

[The man opened the dark purple and black robes, giving him better access to the wounds as he focused all of his suit's nanotech to the gloves and pulled up a couple of holographic screens to watch and make sure they repair the damage fully before he can move on to taking out the glass.]

[He kept an eye on the screen, watching as the nano machines slowly replicated his tissue and began to seal the wounds in his pancreas, intestines and spleen. Over the course of a couple of hours, the screens finally blinked with a confirmation.]

"All reconstruction of the organs' tissue has been completed, sir. Successful replication peaked at 98%. However, he is still in need a blood transfusion and to have the external wounds sealed shut."

I'm working on it J. Give me a bit longer.

[Once he was sure that all of the damage was repaired, he withdrew the machines to seal the external wounds shut which took another hour and a half. With his wounds finally shut, Tony withdraw the machines completely and they returned to the reactor on his chest. Reaching into the vortex to his personal limbo, he grabbed a pair of tweezers and a pan, putting it aside and began removing the glass from the man's body. While he did so, he tried to figure out how he was going to get blood back into the man so he didn't succumb to the wounds.]

There, I think that's all of it. Now I have to figure out how to get blood back into him.

"Miss Potts has the same blood type as Mister Strange. If perhaps you could replicate her type using your nanotech, you could double his blood cell count."

This tech isn't meant to be used that way, J. Just...just give me a minute. The limbo is kicking in again...

[He had to take a moment to regain himself as the flashbacks of how he had died hit him all over again and caused him to fall backwards into a sitting position.]

[He came out from under the flash a few moments later, catching his breath and rubbed at his forehead before getting up off of the floor and saw that the man had come back to consciousness while he was lost in his flashbacks.]

Good morning sleeping beauty. You didn't even need a kiss from prince charming huh? Well that's disappointing. Let's have a look at you.

[He checked the wounds on his stomach to make sure they were still sealed and not draining.]

T-Tony? Stephen stutters rubbing his forehead as he tries his best to concentrate in his drugged state. I thought you..... How are you here? He says clearly confused.

Yeah, still dead. I just managed to figure out that it's not really that different from being alive. Except you don't have to deal with all the corporeal things like limitations or being sick.

'Tony...?'

[Pepper called to him and he looked at her as he stood up from kneeling beside the man. She looked like she was going to burst into tears any moment so he immediately went to her and shushed her gently, pulling her close so she could hold onto him. After calming her down, he pulled back, rubbing her arms.>

It's okay Pep, I'll explain, I promise. Right now, I need you to help me save Mister Wizard so that he doesn't end up like me, okay?

'Okay. What can I do?'

<He reached into his personal realm again and took out a few supplies before pulling up some screens to prep Jarvis for observation.>

Come over here and sit for me. I'm going to make a blood transfusion line from you to him. It's not my personal preference to get it straight from the tap, but if I don't he'll likely keel over for good this time.

Cloak raises off of Stephen's shoulders and brings Pepper a few pillows and a blanket. It gives her nuzzles in thanks grateful she's helping to save Stephen's life. It is also careful to not poke her with its pointed collar.

[He poked the man carefully in the side with a with a laser stick that would help him find their veins as Pepper gently pet the Cloak before settling it. Tony pointed the stick at the man with a smirk.]

You be nice or I'm going to let you join me at the Overpass. I could use the company.

[Despite his words, he began highlighting the man's veins and tying a tourniquet on his arm. He pressed on his arm to bring the vein to the top and then did the same for Pepper. With careful calculations, he hooked the two of them up so that Pepper's blood without drip through an IV flow and into Stephens body. He stayed very mindful however since this was his widow and some version of his lover from a different branch of the Multiverse. It felt weird to him, seeing both of them like this and knowing they're corporeal, when he's not.]

'Tony are you okay? I mean...you know. You've got that look when you're upset.'

[He looked at his widow and thought about all of the times he had with her and couldn't help but smile, albeit a little sorrowfully as he nodded, his age showing as he did.]

I'm fine, Pepper. Just tired from handling this and my limbo episode before you got here. It's complicated, boring stuff. And who knew, right? That you could get tired as a ghost. Seems defeating the purpose.

[He then turned to Stephen and gave him a charming smile.]

How are you feeling, sleeping beauty?

Stephen groaned a bit in discomfort when Tony poked him.

I feel a bit better Stark..... About your condition I can help with that. He says quietly as his eyes briefly flash purple.

His more sinister astral form appeared in front of Tony.

Good afternoon. I now know you're Tony Stark. Sorry if I scared you earlier..... Tell me, what do you know about dream walking? He asked.

Just that it's dangerous if you're not careful because you can effect the world around you in ways that aren't meant to happen. According to another other you that I met at the Overpass who's also dead, it can cause something known as an incursion.

[He checked on their blood transfer, making sure that it was going okay. He couldn't help but admit the tone in the other man's voice was making him blush a little and his stomach twist in excitement. It sounded like an adventure and that would breathe new life back into him.

Pepper saw it too and she smirked a little, rolling her eyes at him. He stuck his tongue out at her playfully before chuckling and looking back to the Astral Projection once he was satisfied that they were both doing okay.]

But when have I ever been one to follow rules~?

Cloak taps Tony gently before it wraps itself around him to the best of its ability.

'I know that look and you know what I'll say. Making you behave yourself was the one thing that I never succeeded in doing. If you want to do this, I already know that I can't stop you, Tony.'

[He gave the woman a loving smile in return but it turned to a smirk at her saying he didn't behave himself. The screen beeped to signal that the blood transfusion was complete, so he turned it off and dismissed the screen. He began to slowly unhook both of them, putting cotton on the needle sight and wrapping self adhering tale to it. He gave pause to think about the offer and what Pepper said before sliding his hand down the man's forearm to hold his hand.]

I appreciate the offer, Sparkles, but...my life with Pepper and Morgan? It's over. It was beautiful and wild and everything that it was meant to be. But it's over and I have no one to blame but myself. That being said though, I wouldn't mind staying here with you. You called to me when you hit that fence, I felt the immediate pull to you - and I've been in my own personal realm for three years without hearing anyone. If you called me, that means that I'm meant to be here. I mean, if you want me.

[He gave the man on the cough a warm smile. Yes it was hard to move on, to not be with his wife and little girl, but he wasn't going to endanger his world when he'd sacrificed himself so it could be there for his daughter to grow up. He also thought that it was a little bit of a thrill to be here with this man who obviously needed him since his voice was the only one he'd ever heard.]

[He didn't like the idea of not being with his little girl either, but after seeing that she would grow up to be a beautiful and strong young woman, he had found peace with his choice. He looked over to Pepper, who stood up and walked over to him, petting his hair affectionately as he looked up at her with all the love he always had. She returned it without hesitation and the two stayed there for a moment before parting.]

I hope you understand, Pep.

'Of course I do, Tony. You know I'll always love you, but I want you at peace. That's what matters to me now. If being here with Stephen helps you feel that, then stay here with him. But know if you change your mind, I'll welcome you home with open arms.'

Cloak gently gives pepper a hug before tightening itself around her. It was grateful that she helped to save Stephen's life and it wouldn't forget that.

[He watched Pepper return the hug to Cloak and smiled warmly before the woman looked at him. There was a look of recognition on her face and he nodded to her.]

Yeah, our little lady has a gift. She really has been telling you the truth when she said I'm the one that she's been talking to at night.

'Oh god, I need to apologize to her. I thought she was just working through her grief. Promise me next time you come back, you'll let me know too.'

I will, I promise. But for now, you need to go. Cloak, take her home.

[He stood up and kissed the woman, embracing her one more time as the Cloak nodded before leaving with the blonde haired woman. When they had both left, he walked back over and sat down next to the wizard with a sigh.]

So, how did you end up on that fence anyway?

Mr. Stark wake up. You have an hour before the meeting and you being presentable with clothes ON would be preferred to Pepper, Jarvis and I. Jarvis open the blinds please.

*He opened the curtains before hand so that the sunlight would actually come in.*

"Of course, Master Renner."

[He grunts in shock as the automatic blinds open before he covers his head with the pillow. He could hear the man moving around the room, undoubtedly picking up the clothes he'd left hanging over the chairs and dresser the previous night. After a moment, he moved the pillow and threw it at his personal assistant's backside.]

You know there are better ways to wake me up than trying to send me into the Twilight Zone first thing in the morning. Maybe next time try climbing in bed and giving me a kiss with those beautiful lips of yours?

Keep hoping, boss. Maybe one day you'll actually convince me. But not today, so get up and get in the shower.

Boss if you keep thinking that hard, your mind is going to burn out before you ever get to the meeting. There is nothing about me that requires such deep thought. You already know me as well as you are going to.

[He reached over and grabbed the man, guiding him to stand close and looked up at his eyes, seeing the dusty tiny of a blush on his cheeks but he regarded him with intrigued honey brown irises. He felt his stomach do that weird flip twist that it always did when he could tell his P.A was deducting him and he found himself tightening his grip on the man a little. He made a lot of poor choices when it came to the man, to Pepper, he knew. But he also always tried to make it up to them.]

When you get a chance today can you go down to Hank's place and grab the papers I had him notarize? They're probably in by this point and I'd really like to get busy with progressing the project for the next series of R-78s.

*He knew it was harsh, but he also had been working for Tony long enough to know HIS habits as much as the man was learning his own. It didn't thrill him to be this hard on his boss, especially not when it caused the gem he kept hidden in his chest to hurt. But he knew if he didn't put his foot down, the man would just ignore everything around him and all the work he put into keeping the house clean. After he finished drying the last dish, he turned to the man, drying his hands.*

And do try to stay WITH Jason and Roy today. The last time that you went out and ditched them, they had to track your cellphone to the hotel. If you plan to leave them, make sure to let them know for once.

Now why would I do that exactly? That means that they would come looking for me and you'd get to stay in the background instead of actually doing what I pay you for.

You flattering me is not going to win you any favors boss. Please just at least try to tell them so they can tell me beforehand in case I do have to come rush to your aid.

*He turned the water off, done rinsing the dishes and set them in the strainer to grab a towel and dry his hands with that same calm smile as he looked back at the man who was now giving him a look of thought. He could just about guess what Tony was thinking and his smile turned to a smirk.*

You're not going to get me to break, Mr. Stark. I told you, I won't get mad unless it's to protect you or Ms. Potts from harm. I admire your efforts, and while you do press every single button I have, I cannot and will not use my temper on you.

[In his personal realm after death, he was looking over blueprints he has been working on when a familiar shout made him drop his papers and look around. That had been Stephen's voice, he was positive, and the man was in distress. Without thinking twice, knowing now that he could move freely anywhere he wished, he summoned his armor and took off out of the realm to go look for the man whose distress called to him. He found himself flying through some kind of vortex and appeared in a world that was shattered and in pieces like a jigsaw puzzle. Quickly he flew to where he sensed Stephen life energy fading and found the man impaled on the fence.]

Oh my God. Strange, hang on!

[He flew over and cut the spikes off the fence as close as he could get them to the man's stomach and tossed them aside. He lifted him off of the fence and used the nano machines produced by his suit to seal his wounds enough to stop the bleeding so he could carry him into the Sanctum. He was confused by the water but went up the stairs nonetheless and to the living room where he lay him on the couch.]

Hang in there. Don't die on me just yet, Mister Doctor. Some doctor you'd be, giving into a wound this simple.

[He pat the man's face carefully since he still had his gloves on. It was no use, the man was passed out.]

Well I see that doesn't change. I save your magical ass and you just complain about how I did it rather than thank me.

[He couldn't help but smirk as he digistruct his glasses and put them on to examine the man's body, the screens coming up on the lenses.]

Okay J, talk to me honey. What do I need to do?

"There is a lot of trauma done to his organs from the spikes on the rails. With the proper amount of time management, the nano machines can fix the damage done to his spleen and intestines."

Well time is all we got, so let's get these off and start working on patching him up.

[The man opened the dark purple and black robes, giving him better access to the wounds as he focused all of his suit's nanotech to the gloves and pulled up a couple of holographic screens to watch and make sure they repair the damage fully before he can move on to taking out the glass.]

[He kept an eye on the screen, watching as the nano machines slowly replicated his tissue and began to seal the wounds in his pancreas, intestines and spleen. Over the course of a couple of hours, the screens finally blinked with a confirmation.]

"All reconstruction of the organs' tissue has been completed, sir. Successful replication peaked at 98%. However, he is still in need a blood transfusion and to have the external wounds sealed shut."

I'm working on it J. Give me a bit longer.

[Once he was sure that all of the damage was repaired, he withdrew the machines to seal the external wounds shut which took another hour and a half. With his wounds finally shut, Tony withdraw the machines completely and they returned to the reactor on his chest. Reaching into the vortex to his personal limbo, he grabbed a pair of tweezers and a pan, putting it aside and began removing the glass from the man's body. While he did so, he tried to figure out how he was going to get blood back into the man so he didn't succumb to the wounds.]

There, I think that's all of it. Now I have to figure out how to get blood back into him.

"Miss Potts has the same blood type as Mister Strange. If perhaps you could replicate her type using your nanotech, you could double his blood cell count."

This tech isn't meant to be used that way, J. Just...just give me a minute. The limbo is kicking in again...

[He had to take a moment to regain himself as the flashbacks of how he had died hit him all over again and caused him to fall backwards into a sitting position.]

[He came out from under the flash a few moments later, catching his breath and rubbed at his forehead before getting up off of the floor and saw that the man had come back to consciousness while he was lost in his flashbacks.]

Good morning sleeping beauty. You didn't even need a kiss from prince charming huh? Well that's disappointing. Let's have a look at you.

[He checked the wounds on his stomach to make sure they were still sealed and not draining.]

T-Tony? Stephen stutters rubbing his forehead as he tries his best to concentrate in his drugged state. I thought you..... How are you here? He says clearly confused.

Yeah, still dead. I just managed to figure out that it's not really that different from being alive. Except you don't have to deal with all the corporeal things like limitations or being sick.

'Tony...?'

[Pepper called to him and he looked at her as he stood up from kneeling beside the man. She looked like she was going to burst into tears any moment so he immediately went to her and shushed her gently, pulling her close so she could hold onto him. After calming her down, he pulled back, rubbing her arms.>

It's okay Pep, I'll explain, I promise. Right now, I need you to help me save Mister Wizard so that he doesn't end up like me, okay?

'Okay. What can I do?'

<He reached into his personal realm again and took out a few supplies before pulling up some screens to prep Jarvis for observation.>

Come over here and sit for me. I'm going to make a blood transfusion line from you to him. It's not my personal preference to get it straight from the tap, but if I don't he'll likely keel over for good this time.

Cloak raises off of Stephen's shoulders and brings Pepper a few pillows and a blanket. It gives her nuzzles in thanks grateful she's helping to save Stephen's life. It is also careful to not poke her with its pointed collar.

[He poked the man carefully in the side with a with a laser stick that would help him find their veins as Pepper gently pet the Cloak before settling it. Tony pointed the stick at the man with a smirk.]

You be nice or I'm going to let you join me at the Overpass. I could use the company.

[Despite his words, he began highlighting the man's veins and tying a tourniquet on his arm. He pressed on his arm to bring the vein to the top and then did the same for Pepper. With careful calculations, he hooked the two of them up so that Pepper's blood without drip through an IV flow and into Stephens body. He stayed very mindful however since this was his widow and some version of his lover from a different branch of the Multiverse. It felt weird to him, seeing both of them like this and knowing they're corporeal, when he's not.]

'Tony are you okay? I mean...you know. You've got that look when you're upset.'

[He looked at his widow and thought about all of the times he had with her and couldn't help but smile, albeit a little sorrowfully as he nodded, his age showing as he did.]

I'm fine, Pepper. Just tired from handling this and my limbo episode before you got here. It's complicated, boring stuff. And who knew, right? That you could get tired as a ghost. Seems defeating the purpose.

[He then turned to Stephen and gave him a charming smile.]

How are you feeling, sleeping beauty?

Stephen groaned a bit in discomfort when Tony poked him.

I feel a bit better Stark..... About your condition I can help with that. He says quietly as his eyes briefly flash purple.

His more sinister astral form appeared in front of Tony.

Good afternoon. I now know you're Tony Stark. Sorry if I scared you earlier..... Tell me, what do you know about dream walking? He asked.

Just that it's dangerous if you're not careful because you can effect the world around you in ways that aren't meant to happen. According to another other you that I met at the Overpass who's also dead, it can cause something known as an incursion.

[He checked on their blood transfer, making sure that it was going okay. He couldn't help but admit the tone in the other man's voice was making him blush a little and his stomach twist in excitement. It sounded like an adventure and that would breathe new life back into him.

Pepper saw it too and she smirked a little, rolling her eyes at him. He stuck his tongue out at her playfully before chuckling and looking back to the Astral Projection once he was satisfied that they were both doing okay.]

But when have I ever been one to follow rules~?

Cloak taps Tony gently before it wraps itself around him to the best of its ability.

'I know that look and you know what I'll say. Making you behave yourself was the one thing that I never succeeded in doing. If you want to do this, I already know that I can't stop you, Tony.'

[He gave the woman a loving smile in return but it turned to a smirk at her saying he didn't behave himself. The screen beeped to signal that the blood transfusion was complete, so he turned it off and dismissed the screen. He began to slowly unhook both of them, putting cotton on the needle sight and wrapping self adhering tale to it. He gave pause to think about the offer and what Pepper said before sliding his hand down the man's forearm to hold his hand.]

I appreciate the offer, Sparkles, but...my life with Pepper and Morgan? It's over. It was beautiful and wild and everything that it was meant to be. But it's over and I have no one to blame but myself. That being said though, I wouldn't mind staying here with you. You called to me when you hit that fence, I felt the immediate pull to you - and I've been in my own personal realm for three years without hearing anyone. If you called me, that means that I'm meant to be here. I mean, if you want me.

[He gave the man on the cough a warm smile. Yes it was hard to move on, to not be with his wife and little girl, but he wasn't going to endanger his world when he'd sacrificed himself so it could be there for his daughter to grow up. He also thought that it was a little bit of a thrill to be here with this man who obviously needed him since his voice was the only one he'd ever heard.]

[He didn't like the idea of not being with his little girl either, but after seeing that she would grow up to be a beautiful and strong young woman, he had found peace with his choice. He looked over to Pepper, who stood up and walked over to him, petting his hair affectionately as he looked up at her with all the love he always had. She returned it without hesitation and the two stayed there for a moment before parting.]

I hope you understand, Pep.

'Of course I do, Tony. You know I'll always love you, but I want you at peace. That's what matters to me now. If being here with Stephen helps you feel that, then stay here with him. But know if you change your mind, I'll welcome you home with open arms.'

Do you see the way he talks to us? He acts like we don't have doctorates and are perfectly capable of ensuring that HE is also in "tip top shape" when we give him a "full body examination" in return. He replies with a bit of a laugh.

@the-eldritch-sorcerer @redandgoldwarhero

<He couldn't help but smirk, making the same small laugh as his variant as he followed after the men with a shake of his head. He carefully wrapped his arm around the thinner male's waist as they headed up the stairs, keeping in step with him as they did. There was a bliss and excitement that he had never experienced before accompanying the thrill of the idea of being with a variant of himself. Did that make him narcissistic? Probably, but that just confirmed what a bunch of people told him and it made him smirk. They probably didn't think it would go this far when they said it.>

You gotta admire that straight forward personality of his, though. The man knows what he wants and he's more than happy to make sure that he gets it by doing whatever it takes. Not what we'd ever deny him that, now would we, Sin? But I wonder-

<He leans over as they reach the top of the stairs and paused as Tony looked at them with intrigue. He whispered very softly against his dark variant's ear, his free hand resting on his chest as he pulled him as close as he could with his arm around his could, gently.>

Do you have all the same sensitive spots that I do? Or do I get to explore your body just like he does?

@sinisterstrange616

I appreciate the view, gentlemen, but I'd prefer it if we were in the bedroom where I can enjoy it more without the risk of someone looking in the windows. And before you say anything, no I'm not worried about someone seeing us. I'm worried about them seeing what's mine~

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

<He's been here for hours, talking with old colleagues and helping a friend get better recommendations for their work. He took a drink of his martini and his faces scrunched up in displeasure at the strength of it. That was when he felt eyes on him and raised his head, looking around for the source. His eyes caught sight of the man at the bar and his stomach fluttered at the sight of him. Tony Stark. He recognized him from removing his reactor some years back before his accident.>

Now I see why all of these champagne flutes and silver platters don't sparkle like they should. There was something more dazzling in the room. What is a man like you, doing in a boring place like this?

You're exactly as they said, Tony. Straightforward and charismatic, but if you want my attention you're going to need more than fancy words. I'm here because a friend of mine asked it of me, but I'm on my way out for the evening. You've been here for a while too, I saw you briefly discussing stocks with the board of directors. That seemed like fun, considering they don't listen half of the time.

[He smirked as the man refrained from laughing and he found himself wondering if he could actually get him to do that somehow. He knew if he could succeed, it would be the most amazing sound in the world. He seemed to think for a moment about how he said he would need more than his silver tongue to impress him.]

More than fancy words huh? Well, how about this then. You leave with me, let me take you to a nice dinner and you can tell me how exactly it is I know you. Maybe we could be each other's type, if we play our cards right. I may even let you sneak into my lab to have a look at my playground. What do you think?

Sorry Stark, it looks like play time will have to wait. Perhaps another day I'll take you up on that offer. For now, there's other matters to attend to. Do worry, I'm sure we'll find each other again.

<He finished the drink, set it on a tray near where the man was standing and pulled his square from his pocket as he jumped the rail of the building.>

[He had never been one to follow another person's lead, but he knew that he wasn't going to let this man fight that thing alone. There were still answers he needed and if getting them meant taking a couple hours out of the day to beat a giant slug back to wherever it came from, he was fine with helping.]

"Activating Cluster Canon."

Make it 75% capacity, J. This is a big boy.

[He held his arms up as panels came from the back of his suit and began to him loudly, pouring energy into the slots that opened up on his forearms. Once fully charged they joined into a large beam and shot the creature ahead of them, taking off two of it's mandibles which made it fail and fall backwards.]

Not bad, Tony. Seems you're more than just fancy words and money after all. You may just reel me in yet.

<He winked at the man and watched the smirk that formed on his face as he approached him. He felt that pleasant tingle run down his spine once again as the man stepped up in front of him but before either of them could say anything, the authorities showed up on the scene. He looked at the man who looked minor annoyed.>

I'll leave you to deal with the press since the camera loves you. If you leave your door open for me tonight, I promise to come to you. Should you choose to lock it, I will wait until we meet again on your terms. Enjoy your playtime, "Mr. Stark."

Exhausted by the end of it and drained from.tje conference, he returned home and sat down in one of the chairs, exhaling as he rubbed his face. He loved what he did yes, but there was always some idiot who made everything out to be the heroes' fault. 'Should have let the slug have him before we threw it back' his tired mind spoke, making him roll his eyes and shake his head.]

Right, and then it would actually be reason for people to say it's my fault. No thanks.

[He let his mind wander as he lowered his hand and looked towards the sliding door that led out to the patio. He thought about what the man had said, about coming around if he left the door open. He didn't know that man's name, yet he knew he was undeniably connected to him somehow. He decided that he did still want answers tonight, despite his tired mind and body, so he got up to go unlock the door and head off to take a shower before his guest arrived.]

[Cloak reaches up and gently pokes his cheek with his collar, making him grunt and tell him to stop. He tries on the other side but Stephen shakes him off. The artifact makes a huff motion and pulls him away from the stairs.]

<He grunted and exasperatedly called for his partner before noticing the artifact was pointing at something on the table inside of the door, so he looked. It was the note about Christine asking him to go to the meeting. The meeting. Tony. His shoulders slouched as he reached up and pat the artifact on the pauldron.>

Sorry, Cloak, I should have known you were trying to get me to do something. Thank you for not letting me forget.

<Seeing his partner was satisfied, he put on his sling ring and focused on getting himself to Tony's home. The portal opened on the pool deck that overlooked the ocean so he slowly stepped through, feeling his stomach tighten. He didn't know why he was nervous, he didn't have any reason to be...that he knew of. His hand reached out and grabbed the door handle as the portal closed behind him, giving it a small pull and sure enough, it was open. He took a deep breath and slid it open, stepping in and closing it behind him before turning around to see the man coming down to stop across from him. Their eyes met and he felt his heart flutter and even Cloak perked up in their bond. The artifact lifted him off his feet and he allowed himself to be carried over to the man, settling down in front of him.>

You clean up well in the hygiene sense as much as you do the fashion one. I'm starting to think that all those stories I heard weren't just people inflating your ego. I may genuinely be in trouble with you...

Flattery will get you whenever you want it to, that I can assure you, blue eyes. You know as I was washing off the dust thanks to your giant mollusk issue earlier, I realized something. I never got your name. It seems rude that you have mine but you haven't even given me a hint as to what yours may be. Think we should fix that?

Oh I'm sure that we can discuss where it gets both of us at a later time. As for my name, it's Stephen Vincent Strange, but I am known to everyone as Doctor Strange. But somewhere in the back of your mind, you knew that already.

<The man watched as it took Tony a moment to recollect where the name was from and when his eyes widened slightly, he found his smirk softening into a small smile. He reached up, placing his hand on the man's chest where his Arc Reactor used to occupy the center of his sternum. He could feel the man's heart drumming against his ribs, sensed through the energy coursing through his body that the organ was still healthy and helping to keep the man it belonged to alive and healthy.>

Yeah, I'm the one who took it out of you back in '12.

You've made some major changes in your life since we met, blue eyes. By even back then, you made quite an impression on me with your wit keeping up with my kan. I gotta say, I was as taken with you then as I am now. Though I admit, I'm a bit confused by the changes you've made. Love the grey and the goatee, but the last time I saw you, you definitely didn't have the hocus-pocus thing going on. You were pretty grounded in science like I am. I'd love to know every single reason for the change, but right now, I really want you to kiss me.

<He reached out and reached up slowly, cupping the back of the man's head as he leaned in and captured the man's lips with his own as he closed his eyes.>

<It was exactly as he had imagined since that first time that he lay eyes on the man: Warm and a little rough. The man's goatee brushed against his, making a very pleasant tingling sensation as their lips moved in a quiet dance of union. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around the man and they moved closer together as he let out a small noise of content. Tony's lips were slightly chapped, they tasted of strawberries and mango, probably from a smoothie or fruit the man had before he arrived. He could feel goosebumps cover his skin under his robes at the feeling the kiss filled him with.>

He found himself being guided to walk backwards and before he realized what was happening, he was lying on his back on the sofa with the sorcerer kneeling over him. As they parted from the kiss, his eyes met the icy blues that looked down at him, now darkened to a beautiful cerulean from the heat of the moment.]

Damn, blue eyes. And you said I moved fast, but I think you're just as quick as I am. And I'm going to see if you can keep up.

[Before the man could think on it or answer him, he grabbed the eye shaped pendant hanging around his neck and pulled him down to resume the kiss that they had been locked into a moment prior.]

[Cloak let go of his partner's shoulders and settled in a near by corner with a clear air of embarrassment as it covered it's collar with it's edges as the two men kissed.]

<He snorted in amusement into the kiss with the inventor, sensing his partner's embarrassment through the bond he shared with him. After a moment or two more, the man broke the kiss and met Tony's eyes once more to see the excitement in them and he couldn't help feel a little smug.>

Oh I assure you I can keep up and I'm about to show you just how well. Now be a good boy and show me where the "dwellings" are.

Well then, Mister Doctor. Let's see what you got~

[He put the tie around the back of the man's neck as he moved in close and straddled his waist, feeling the man's hands grabbing his hips. He pulled him back into the kiss by use of the tie, purring against his lips as he does.]

Mr. Stark wake up. You have an hour before the meeting and you being presentable with clothes ON would be preferred to Pepper, Jarvis and I. Jarvis open the blinds please.

*He opened the curtains before hand so that the sunlight would actually come in.*

"Of course, Master Renner."

[He grunts in shock as the automatic blinds open before he covers his head with the pillow. He could hear the man moving around the room, undoubtedly picking up the clothes he'd left hanging over the chairs and dresser the previous night. After a moment, he moved the pillow and threw it at his personal assistant's backside.]

You know there are better ways to wake me up than trying to send me into the Twilight Zone first thing in the morning. Maybe next time try climbing in bed and giving me a kiss with those beautiful lips of yours?

Keep hoping, boss. Maybe one day you'll actually convince me. But not today, so get up and get in the shower.

Boss if you keep thinking that hard, your mind is going to burn out before you ever get to the meeting. There is nothing about me that requires such deep thought. You already know me as well as you are going to.

[He reached over and grabbed the man, guiding him to stand close and looked up at his eyes, seeing the dusty tiny of a blush on his cheeks but he regarded him with intrigued honey brown irises. He felt his stomach do that weird flip twist that it always did when he could tell his P.A was deducting him and he found himself tightening his grip on the man a little. He made a lot of poor choices when it came to the man, to Pepper, he knew. But he also always tried to make it up to them.]

When you get a chance today can you go down to Hank's place and grab the papers I had him notarize? They're probably in by this point and I'd really like to get busy with progressing the project for the next series of R-78s.

*He knew it was harsh, but he also had been working for Tony long enough to know HIS habits as much as the man was learning his own. It didn't thrill him to be this hard on his boss, especially not when it caused the gem he kept hidden in his chest to hurt. But he knew if he didn't put his foot down, the man would just ignore everything around him and all the work he put into keeping the house clean. After he finished drying the last dish, he turned to the man, drying his hands.*

And do try to stay WITH Jason and Roy today. The last time that you went out and ditched them, they had to track your cellphone to the hotel. If you plan to leave them, make sure to let them know for once.

Now why would I do that exactly? That means that they would come looking for me and you'd get to stay in the background instead of actually doing what I pay you for.

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

<He's been here for hours, talking with old colleagues and helping a friend get better recommendations for their work. He took a drink of his martini and his faces scrunched up in displeasure at the strength of it. That was when he felt eyes on him and raised his head, looking around for the source. His eyes caught sight of the man at the bar and his stomach fluttered at the sight of him. Tony Stark. He recognized him from removing his reactor some years back before his accident.>

Now I see why all of these champagne flutes and silver platters don't sparkle like they should. There was something more dazzling in the room. What is a man like you, doing in a boring place like this?

You're exactly as they said, Tony. Straightforward and charismatic, but if you want my attention you're going to need more than fancy words. I'm here because a friend of mine asked it of me, but I'm on my way out for the evening. You've been here for a while too, I saw you briefly discussing stocks with the board of directors. That seemed like fun, considering they don't listen half of the time.

[He smirked as the man refrained from laughing and he found himself wondering if he could actually get him to do that somehow. He knew if he could succeed, it would be the most amazing sound in the world. He seemed to think for a moment about how he said he would need more than his silver tongue to impress him.]

More than fancy words huh? Well, how about this then. You leave with me, let me take you to a nice dinner and you can tell me how exactly it is I know you. Maybe we could be each other's type, if we play our cards right. I may even let you sneak into my lab to have a look at my playground. What do you think?

Sorry Stark, it looks like play time will have to wait. Perhaps another day I'll take you up on that offer. For now, there's other matters to attend to. Do worry, I'm sure we'll find each other again.

<He finished the drink, set it on a tray near where the man was standing and pulled his square from his pocket as he jumped the rail of the building.>

[He had never been one to follow another person's lead, but he knew that he wasn't going to let this man fight that thing alone. There were still answers he needed and if getting them meant taking a couple hours out of the day to beat a giant slug back to wherever it came from, he was fine with helping.]

"Activating Cluster Canon."

Make it 75% capacity, J. This is a big boy.

[He held his arms up as panels came from the back of his suit and began to him loudly, pouring energy into the slots that opened up on his forearms. Once fully charged they joined into a large beam and shot the creature ahead of them, taking off two of it's mandibles which made it fail and fall backwards.]

Not bad, Tony. Seems you're more than just fancy words and money after all. You may just reel me in yet.

<He winked at the man and watched the smirk that formed on his face as he approached him. He felt that pleasant tingle run down his spine once again as the man stepped up in front of him but before either of them could say anything, the authorities showed up on the scene. He looked at the man who looked minor annoyed.>

I'll leave you to deal with the press since the camera loves you. If you leave your door open for me tonight, I promise to come to you. Should you choose to lock it, I will wait until we meet again on your terms. Enjoy your playtime, "Mr. Stark."

Exhausted by the end of it and drained from.tje conference, he returned home and sat down in one of the chairs, exhaling as he rubbed his face. He loved what he did yes, but there was always some idiot who made everything out to be the heroes' fault. 'Should have let the slug have him before we threw it back' his tired mind spoke, making him roll his eyes and shake his head.]

Right, and then it would actually be reason for people to say it's my fault. No thanks.

[He let his mind wander as he lowered his hand and looked towards the sliding door that led out to the patio. He thought about what the man had said, about coming around if he left the door open. He didn't know that man's name, yet he knew he was undeniably connected to him somehow. He decided that he did still want answers tonight, despite his tired mind and body, so he got up to go unlock the door and head off to take a shower before his guest arrived.]

[Cloak reaches up and gently pokes his cheek with his collar, making him grunt and tell him to stop. He tries on the other side but Stephen shakes him off. The artifact makes a huff motion and pulls him away from the stairs.]

<He grunted and exasperatedly called for his partner before noticing the artifact was pointing at something on the table inside of the door, so he looked. It was the note about Christine asking him to go to the meeting. The meeting. Tony. His shoulders slouched as he reached up and pat the artifact on the pauldron.>

Sorry, Cloak, I should have known you were trying to get me to do something. Thank you for not letting me forget.

<Seeing his partner was satisfied, he put on his sling ring and focused on getting himself to Tony's home. The portal opened on the pool deck that overlooked the ocean so he slowly stepped through, feeling his stomach tighten. He didn't know why he was nervous, he didn't have any reason to be...that he knew of. His hand reached out and grabbed the door handle as the portal closed behind him, giving it a small pull and sure enough, it was open. He took a deep breath and slid it open, stepping in and closing it behind him before turning around to see the man coming down to stop across from him. Their eyes met and he felt his heart flutter and even Cloak perked up in their bond. The artifact lifted him off his feet and he allowed himself to be carried over to the man, settling down in front of him.>

You clean up well in the hygiene sense as much as you do the fashion one. I'm starting to think that all those stories I heard weren't just people inflating your ego. I may genuinely be in trouble with you...

Flattery will get you whenever you want it to, that I can assure you, blue eyes. You know as I was washing off the dust thanks to your giant mollusk issue earlier, I realized something. I never got your name. It seems rude that you have mine but you haven't even given me a hint as to what yours may be. Think we should fix that?

Oh I'm sure that we can discuss where it gets both of us at a later time. As for my name, it's Stephen Vincent Strange, but I am known to everyone as Doctor Strange. But somewhere in the back of your mind, you knew that already.

<The man watched as it took Tony a moment to recollect where the name was from and when his eyes widened slightly, he found his smirk softening into a small smile. He reached up, placing his hand on the man's chest where his Arc Reactor used to occupy the center of his sternum. He could feel the man's heart drumming against his ribs, sensed through the energy coursing through his body that the organ was still healthy and helping to keep the man it belonged to alive and healthy.>

Yeah, I'm the one who took it out of you back in '12.

You've made some major changes in your life since we met, blue eyes. By even back then, you made quite an impression on me with your wit keeping up with my kan. I gotta say, I was as taken with you then as I am now. Though I admit, I'm a bit confused by the changes you've made. Love the grey and the goatee, but the last time I saw you, you definitely didn't have the hocus-pocus thing going on. You were pretty grounded in science like I am. I'd love to know every single reason for the change, but right now, I really want you to kiss me.

<He reached out and reached up slowly, cupping the back of the man's head as he leaned in and captured the man's lips with his own as he closed his eyes.>

<It was exactly as he had imagined since that first time that he lay eyes on the man: Warm and a little rough. The man's goatee brushed against his, making a very pleasant tingling sensation as their lips moved in a quiet dance of union. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around the man and they moved closer together as he let out a small noise of content. Tony's lips were slightly chapped, they tasted of strawberries and mango, probably from a smoothie or fruit the man had before he arrived. He could feel goosebumps cover his skin under his robes at the feeling the kiss filled him with.>

He found himself being guided to walk backwards and before he realized what was happening, he was lying on his back on the sofa with the sorcerer kneeling over him. As they parted from the kiss, his eyes met the icy blues that looked down at him, now darkened to a beautiful cerulean from the heat of the moment.]

Damn, blue eyes. And you said I moved fast, but I think you're just as quick as I am. And I'm going to see if you can keep up.

[Before the man could think on it or answer him, he grabbed the eye shaped pendant hanging around his neck and pulled him down to resume the kiss that they had been locked into a moment prior.]

So tell me more about what happened to you. Sinister, you said you've come to be called because of the things that you've done trying to win Christine's heart. You also mentioned something about Tony Stark?

<He was fascinated more so now than he had been to begin with. Sure he knew that there was a chance he had caught feelings for Tony after seeing himself living quite a few lives with the man when he was trying to find a way to stop Thanos, but he had never thought it would effect another version of himself to the same degree. He watched his pale features closely as he took another sip of his tea.>

@sinisterstrange616

Stephen fidgets with his robes as he looks at his variant sitting across from him. I've dream walked into Earth 616 during the battle with Thanos... My variant gave the time stone to Thanos to spare Tony's life. At first I was confused as to why he would do such a thing. The more I thought about it he truly cared about him whether he wanted to admit it or not. I saw Stephen blush when Tony would sit beside him, talk to him, etc. So in that universe I spared Stephen. Normally I would done him a favor and put him out of his misery like I have with so many other Stephens...... Tony is different than Christine, he gets what it's like to have to balance a life of saving the world with one that people consider a normal life as well. I dream walked into that Stephen more than I have others just so that I could spend time with Tony. I'll never forget the first time I woke up with him in my arms. Stephen says with a smile.

Well, Sin, I may be able to help you feel that again. My Tony is still alive and well and if you can promise me that no harm will come to him, then I will call him here to meet you. I know what it's like to feel like darkness is settling in around you and I don't want to see you suffer more than you already have. If seeing Tony will help you, I will call him here.

<He slowly reached over and placed his hand over the other man's scarred one, his cerulean eyes watch the man's stormy blue ones to see what his reaction would be.>

<He stood up and kissed his variant's knuckles softly, watching his eyes as he did before letting his hand go slowly. He stepped to the side and put on his sling ring, holding up his hand and opened a portal to what appeared to be some kind of living room on the other side.>

Tony, if you're not busy, I could certainly use your presence for a time. I have someone here with me who would be interested in meeting you. Just don't bring your suit this time; I don't fancy the idea of having to undo scuff marks from my Sanctum floors again.

@sinisterstrange616

It was once and an accident. I wasn't expecting to have to take off that fast for a call. Now who did you need me to-

[His eyes caught sight of the man standing up from the table and he felt his breath stop in his chest. He looked from Stephen, to the other man and made sure his rational mind wasn't playing tricks on him. He tapped his hands together in thought before pointing at the pale skinned male and looking at the other one.]

Is that some sort of magic thing you were telling me about the other day?

[After Stephen nodded, he lowered his hand and looked at the gaunt male, slowly approaching him and searching his eyes. He knew those eyes from...somewhere. They were Stephen's, but inherently different. They looked tired, broken and lonely and it made his heart ache for this man.]

So you're another variant of Stephen then? From that weird thing he says the universe does somehow?

@sinisterstrange616

@redandgoldwarhero

You have my word that no one here wants you gone, Sin. If it's selfish of me to want one of my variants who has suffered so much because of love to be happy, then I guess I never learned my lesson on my own ego. But it seems so cruel when all you want is someone to finally care, that you've gone to such great lengths - as far as corrupting yourself - just to be shot down again. As I said, I want to help you feel better, no matter what I have to do in order to ensure that you at least begin to feel human again to some degree.

And come on, we both know Tony is too dumb to be scared. He's the kind of intelligent that makes it dense; that sort of smart stupid. Like that annoying kid from down the block that gets kicked out of all of the Halloween parties for hyper-analyzing the horror movies and their storylines.

<He brought Sinister's hand up and very gently kissed his damaged knuckles, having been watching Tony's expressions to make sure he knew that he was just teasing him. He enjoyed the way he knew he could pull reactions out of the billionaire unlike everyone else could and gave himself a good amount of points when Tony's jaw actually fell open. He gave the inventor a playful smile, winking at him.>

@sinisterstrange616

[He found himself laughing at the man and his attempt to lighten the mood in the room, which had worked extremely well, at least for his side of the situation. He knew exactly what Stephen was referencing and just rolled his eyes at him but kept the smile as he shook his head.]

Says the doctor who complained about the fact there's nowhere near that much blood in the human body! We both picked that movie apart and Peter got more enjoyment out our complaining than he did the actual movie. And don't thing I won't be getting you back for that little "smart stupid" quip.

[He looked at Sinister then and his smile stayed as he stepped closer and took his hand, still looking at the dark variant's eyes as the other Stephen chuckled.]

He's right though. I'm not scared because I know your eyes, I remember them from a dream I had some time last year. And you said that you puppeteered Stephy's body a couple of times huh? I thought he acted a little different once in a while and his eyes looked tired. I'm guessing that was you then and now that I know it, I can say that you're definitely more interesting in the bedroom. Your counterpart here like a to "analyze" positions too much.

[He smirked as Stephen mock gasped and put his hand over his heart as if to pretend he was hurt. He reached up with his free hand and rest it against the dark variant's face, petting his defines cheek bone as he did. His smile fades into a look of worry as he notices the pale color of his skin.]

You're so cold to the touch... What has your world done to you?

@sinisterstrange616

@redandgoldwarhero

No one deserves to be punished just for trying to find love and happiness. Not even you, no matter what you may think. Here you're safe and if you want, we will help you find what it means to be loved again.

[Cloak unattached from his Stephen's shoulders and hovered over to latch onto Sinister's. The cloak gave him an affectionate squeeze and wiped away his tears gently.]

Cloak, what did I tell you about doing that without consent?

@sinisterstrange616

[He reached up, poking Cloak on the collar with a smile and he grunted as the artifact wrapped around him to pull him closer to the man he was already holding onto. He looked at the man's grey blue eyes and smiled, keeping him close to comfort him. He noticed the look on Stephen's face and smirked.]

Oh don't worry honey, you're next~ You're so cute when you're jealous, puffing up your chest and I'm pretty sure your hair stands up a little, too~

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

@redandgoldwarhero

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

He's pretty smart, as far as magically enhanced artifacts go. Most days I call him my wife because he's so overprotective of me and constantly making sure I don't do anything I'll regret later. Despite what most people think, I owe him a lot and I'm glad he chose me.

[Cloak rippled happily and went back over, resting himself back on Stephen's shoulders and curling his collar up behind his ears, nuzzling him in affection]

Levi, don't. You know that tickles me. If you're going to tickle someone, make it Tony, please.

<Regardless, he found himself feeling better as the feeling of jealousy waned and he smiled a little at his partner squeezing his shoulders reassuringly. It wasn't that he was mad at either of them, maybe just that now he was starting to see what loneliness could do to him through Sin. Maybe he was mad at himself. Because now he was reevaluating everything about himself and how he had always handled his feelings for Tony. Now there was also the warmth that was settling in his Sacral Chakra for his broken variant. He found himself wanting nothing more than to try and make the man happy, as much as Tony very obviously did.>

@sinisterstrange616

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

[He winked playfully at the artifact who puffed up a bit on Stephen's shoulders in almost a proud manner and it made the man laugh a bit. He kept one arm around Sin's waist, as he purred at the cloak before looking at the man who was watching them closely. He noticed the look on his face and his expression softened into one of worry, something he didn't usually feel when it came to the man, unless he was injured from a recent mission. Not wanting to see the man he cared about upset on top of the one he was holding onto, he attempted an amused smile.]

Stephen, what's the matter? You look like your world has rearranged itself all of the sudden. Aren't you used to that kind of thing?

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

<He saw the grin on the man's face and sighed, knowing that Tony enjoyed that little inflation to his ego and for some reason as if always did, it made him smile. He loved complimenting the man, but now more than anything, he wanted to make both of them feel loved, not just like a mistake or a physical attraction. He turned his attention to the variant of himself and gave him the same warm smile he had earlier as he reached out and took his hand again.>

But now thanks to Sin, I'm wondering if maybe there could be something more. For you and I. For him with both of us. If, that is, he chooses to stay here.

@sinisterstrange616

Suddenly his variant's cloak brings him a cloak that looks very similar to his cloak from his world. Stephen's eyes go wide when he realizes it is his cloak. H-how? He stutters utterly amazed.

@redandgoldwarhero

[He winked at Stephen who chuckled and watched as the purple and gold cloak flitted happily around the man, clearly ecstatic to see him. The artifact wrapped around his shoulders so Tony took his glass with a smile and went over to a near by table, putting it down and took down two others.]

Well I don't know about you gentlemen, but I feel like this is reason enough for a toast~

[He filled the glasses and set the bottle down, picking up two with one hand and one with other. He handed the two in the same hand to the men and kept the other to himself.]

To recalculating, new beginnings and reunions. To us, from here onward.

@sinisterstrange616

To us indeed, and whatever endeavors the coming time may bring with us, especially with you being involved, Tony. Considering I'm always cleaning up your messes. Perhaps two of me may be enough to..."keep you grounded."

<He felt pretty confident in himself as he watched the man's face turned a bright red across from him. Indeed he was curious where this would go, but more than anything he was just happy to get the small push they needed to actually make it official. He also found himself excited to see what would come of having a relationship with his variant who - despite being himself at the foundation - was so vastly different from himself.>

@sinisterstrange616

@redandgoldwarhero

[He snickered before taking a sip of his own drink and listened to the two of them talk about who was the dominant variant. He chuckled a little when the darker variant bumped him with his hip. He hummed in thought as he lowered the flute he had been drinking from as he bumped the man back in turn.]

Now now, gents, let's not go arguing about who the first variation is. You're going to need your strength because I have every intention of putting both of you through a "full body scan" to see how healthy you both are. We'll see which one of you is the more dominate version.

[This caught both men's attention immediately and he bit his lip with a suggestive smile, looking the two of them up and down.]

[He proceeded to set his glass aside and gently grabbed both of them by the front of their robes, so they set down their glasses as well. He nodded towards the stairs where he knew Stephen's bedroom was at before letting go and led them up the stairs. He would see how easy they could "ground him" for the rest of the day.]

{End Chapter Two}

@sinisterstrange616

So tell me more about what happened to you. Sinister, you said you've come to be called because of the things that you've done trying to win Christine's heart. You also mentioned something about Tony Stark?

<He was fascinated more so now than he had been to begin with. Sure he knew that there was a chance he had caught feelings for Tony after seeing himself living quite a few lives with the man when he was trying to find a way to stop Thanos, but he had never thought it would effect another version of himself to the same degree. He watched his pale features closely as he took another sip of his tea.>

@sinisterstrange616

Stephen fidgets with his robes as he looks at his variant sitting across from him. I've dream walked into Earth 616 during the battle with Thanos... My variant gave the time stone to Thanos to spare Tony's life. At first I was confused as to why he would do such a thing. The more I thought about it he truly cared about him whether he wanted to admit it or not. I saw Stephen blush when Tony would sit beside him, talk to him, etc. So in that universe I spared Stephen. Normally I would done him a favor and put him out of his misery like I have with so many other Stephens...... Tony is different than Christine, he gets what it's like to have to balance a life of saving the world with one that people consider a normal life as well. I dream walked into that Stephen more than I have others just so that I could spend time with Tony. I'll never forget the first time I woke up with him in my arms. Stephen says with a smile.

Well, Sin, I may be able to help you feel that again. My Tony is still alive and well and if you can promise me that no harm will come to him, then I will call him here to meet you. I know what it's like to feel like darkness is settling in around you and I don't want to see you suffer more than you already have. If seeing Tony will help you, I will call him here.

<He slowly reached over and placed his hand over the other man's scarred one, his cerulean eyes watch the man's stormy blue ones to see what his reaction would be.>

<He stood up and kissed his variant's knuckles softly, watching his eyes as he did before letting his hand go slowly. He stepped to the side and put on his sling ring, holding up his hand and opened a portal to what appeared to be some kind of living room on the other side.>

Tony, if you're not busy, I could certainly use your presence for a time. I have someone here with me who would be interested in meeting you. Just don't bring your suit this time; I don't fancy the idea of having to undo scuff marks from my Sanctum floors again.

@sinisterstrange616

It was once and an accident. I wasn't expecting to have to take off that fast for a call. Now who did you need me to-

[His eyes caught sight of the man standing up from the table and he felt his breath stop in his chest. He looked from Stephen, to the other man and made sure his rational mind wasn't playing tricks on him. He tapped his hands together in thought before pointing at the pale skinned male and looking at the other one.]

Is that some sort of magic thing you were telling me about the other day?

[After Stephen nodded, he lowered his hand and looked at the gaunt male, slowly approaching him and searching his eyes. He knew those eyes from...somewhere. They were Stephen's, but inherently different. They looked tired, broken and lonely and it made his heart ache for this man.]

So you're another variant of Stephen then? From that weird thing he says the universe does somehow?

@sinisterstrange616

@redandgoldwarhero

You have my word that no one here wants you gone, Sin. If it's selfish of me to want one of my variants who has suffered so much because of love to be happy, then I guess I never learned my lesson on my own ego. But it seems so cruel when all you want is someone to finally care, that you've gone to such great lengths - as far as corrupting yourself - just to be shot down again. As I said, I want to help you feel better, no matter what I have to do in order to ensure that you at least begin to feel human again to some degree.

And come on, we both know Tony is too dumb to be scared. He's the kind of intelligent that makes it dense; that sort of smart stupid. Like that annoying kid from down the block that gets kicked out of all of the Halloween parties for hyper-analyzing the horror movies and their storylines.

<He brought Sinister's hand up and very gently kissed his damaged knuckles, having been watching Tony's expressions to make sure he knew that he was just teasing him. He enjoyed the way he knew he could pull reactions out of the billionaire unlike everyone else could and gave himself a good amount of points when Tony's jaw actually fell open. He gave the inventor a playful smile, winking at him.>

@sinisterstrange616

[He found himself laughing at the man and his attempt to lighten the mood in the room, which had worked extremely well, at least for his side of the situation. He knew exactly what Stephen was referencing and just rolled his eyes at him but kept the smile as he shook his head.]

Says the doctor who complained about the fact there's nowhere near that much blood in the human body! We both picked that movie apart and Peter got more enjoyment out our complaining than he did the actual movie. And don't thing I won't be getting you back for that little "smart stupid" quip.

[He looked at Sinister then and his smile stayed as he stepped closer and took his hand, still looking at the dark variant's eyes as the other Stephen chuckled.]

He's right though. I'm not scared because I know your eyes, I remember them from a dream I had some time last year. And you said that you puppeteered Stephy's body a couple of times huh? I thought he acted a little different once in a while and his eyes looked tired. I'm guessing that was you then and now that I know it, I can say that you're definitely more interesting in the bedroom. Your counterpart here like a to "analyze" positions too much.

[He smirked as Stephen mock gasped and put his hand over his heart as if to pretend he was hurt. He reached up with his free hand and rest it against the dark variant's face, petting his defines cheek bone as he did. His smile fades into a look of worry as he notices the pale color of his skin.]

You're so cold to the touch... What has your world done to you?

@sinisterstrange616

@redandgoldwarhero

No one deserves to be punished just for trying to find love and happiness. Not even you, no matter what you may think. Here you're safe and if you want, we will help you find what it means to be loved again.

[Cloak unattached from his Stephen's shoulders and hovered over to latch onto Sinister's. The cloak gave him an affectionate squeeze and wiped away his tears gently.]

Cloak, what did I tell you about doing that without consent?

@sinisterstrange616

[He reached up, poking Cloak on the collar with a smile and he grunted as the artifact wrapped around him to pull him closer to the man he was already holding onto. He looked at the man's grey blue eyes and smiled, keeping him close to comfort him. He noticed the look on Stephen's face and smirked.]

Oh don't worry honey, you're next~ You're so cute when you're jealous, puffing up your chest and I'm pretty sure your hair stands up a little, too~

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

@redandgoldwarhero

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

He's pretty smart, as far as magically enhanced artifacts go. Most days I call him my wife because he's so overprotective of me and constantly making sure I don't do anything I'll regret later. Despite what most people think, I owe him a lot and I'm glad he chose me.

[Cloak rippled happily and went back over, resting himself back on Stephen's shoulders and curling his collar up behind his ears, nuzzling him in affection]

Levi, don't. You know that tickles me. If you're going to tickle someone, make it Tony, please.

<Regardless, he found himself feeling better as the feeling of jealousy waned and he smiled a little at his partner squeezing his shoulders reassuringly. It wasn't that he was mad at either of them, maybe just that now he was starting to see what loneliness could do to him through Sin. Maybe he was mad at himself. Because now he was reevaluating everything about himself and how he had always handled his feelings for Tony. Now there was also the warmth that was settling in his Sacral Chakra for his broken variant. He found himself wanting nothing more than to try and make the man happy, as much as Tony very obviously did.>

@sinisterstrange616

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

[He winked playfully at the artifact who puffed up a bit on Stephen's shoulders in almost a proud manner and it made the man laugh a bit. He kept one arm around Sin's waist, as he purred at the cloak before looking at the man who was watching them closely. He noticed the look on his face and his expression softened into one of worry, something he didn't usually feel when it came to the man, unless he was injured from a recent mission. Not wanting to see the man he cared about upset on top of the one he was holding onto, he attempted an amused smile.]

Stephen, what's the matter? You look like your world has rearranged itself all of the sudden. Aren't you used to that kind of thing?

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

<He saw the grin on the man's face and sighed, knowing that Tony enjoyed that little inflation to his ego and for some reason as if always did, it made him smile. He loved complimenting the man, but now more than anything, he wanted to make both of them feel loved, not just like a mistake or a physical attraction. He turned his attention to the variant of himself and gave him the same warm smile he had earlier as he reached out and took his hand again.>

But now thanks to Sin, I'm wondering if maybe there could be something more. For you and I. For him with both of us. If, that is, he chooses to stay here.

@sinisterstrange616

Suddenly his variant's cloak brings him a cloak that looks very similar to his cloak from his world. Stephen's eyes go wide when he realizes it is his cloak. H-how? He stutters utterly amazed.

@redandgoldwarhero

[He winked at Stephen who chuckled and watched as the purple and gold cloak flitted happily around the man, clearly ecstatic to see him. The artifact wrapped around his shoulders so Tony took his glass with a smile and went over to a near by table, putting it down and took down two others.]

Well I don't know about you gentlemen, but I feel like this is reason enough for a toast~

[He filled the glasses and set the bottle down, picking up two with one hand and one with other. He handed the two in the same hand to the men and kept the other to himself.]

To recalculating, new beginnings and reunions. To us, from here onward.

@sinisterstrange616

[In his personal realm after death, he was looking over blueprints he has been working on when a familiar shout made him drop his papers and look around. That had been Stephen's voice, he was positive, and the man was in distress. Without thinking twice, knowing now that he could move freely anywhere he wished, he summoned his armor and took off out of the realm to go look for the man whose distress called to him. He found himself flying through some kind of vortex and appeared in a world that was shattered and in pieces like a jigsaw puzzle. Quickly he flew to where he sensed Stephen life energy fading and found the man impaled on the fence.]

Oh my God. Strange, hang on!

[He flew over and cut the spikes off the fence as close as he could get them to the man's stomach and tossed them aside. He lifted him off of the fence and used the nano machines produced by his suit to seal his wounds enough to stop the bleeding so he could carry him into the Sanctum. He was confused by the water but went up the stairs nonetheless and to the living room where he lay him on the couch.]

Hang in there. Don't die on me just yet, Mister Doctor. Some doctor you'd be, giving into a wound this simple.

[He pat the man's face carefully since he still had his gloves on. It was no use, the man was passed out.]

Well I see that doesn't change. I save your magical ass and you just complain about how I did it rather than thank me.

[He couldn't help but smirk as he digistruct his glasses and put them on to examine the man's body, the screens coming up on the lenses.]

Okay J, talk to me honey. What do I need to do?

"There is a lot of trauma done to his organs from the spikes on the rails. With the proper amount of time management, the nano machines can fix the damage done to his spleen and intestines."

Well time is all we got, so let's get these off and start working on patching him up.

[The man opened the dark purple and black robes, giving him better access to the wounds as he focused all of his suit's nanotech to the gloves and pulled up a couple of holographic screens to watch and make sure they repair the damage fully before he can move on to taking out the glass.]

[He kept an eye on the screen, watching as the nano machines slowly replicated his tissue and began to seal the wounds in his pancreas, intestines and spleen. Over the course of a couple of hours, the screens finally blinked with a confirmation.]

"All reconstruction of the organs' tissue has been completed, sir. Successful replication peaked at 98%. However, he is still in need a blood transfusion and to have the external wounds sealed shut."

I'm working on it J. Give me a bit longer.

[Once he was sure that all of the damage was repaired, he withdrew the machines to seal the external wounds shut which took another hour and a half. With his wounds finally shut, Tony withdraw the machines completely and they returned to the reactor on his chest. Reaching into the vortex to his personal limbo, he grabbed a pair of tweezers and a pan, putting it aside and began removing the glass from the man's body. While he did so, he tried to figure out how he was going to get blood back into the man so he didn't succumb to the wounds.]

There, I think that's all of it. Now I have to figure out how to get blood back into him.

"Miss Potts has the same blood type as Mister Strange. If perhaps you could replicate her type using your nanotech, you could double his blood cell count."

This tech isn't meant to be used that way, J. Just...just give me a minute. The limbo is kicking in again...

[He had to take a moment to regain himself as the flashbacks of how he had died hit him all over again and caused him to fall backwards into a sitting position.]

[He came out from under the flash a few moments later, catching his breath and rubbed at his forehead before getting up off of the floor and saw that the man had come back to consciousness while he was lost in his flashbacks.]

Good morning sleeping beauty. You didn't even need a kiss from prince charming huh? Well that's disappointing. Let's have a look at you.

[He checked the wounds on his stomach to make sure they were still sealed and not draining.]

T-Tony? Stephen stutters rubbing his forehead as he tries his best to concentrate in his drugged state. I thought you..... How are you here? He says clearly confused.

Yeah, still dead. I just managed to figure out that it's not really that different from being alive. Except you don't have to deal with all the corporeal things like limitations or being sick.

'Tony...?'

[Pepper called to him and he looked at her as he stood up from kneeling beside the man. She looked like she was going to burst into tears any moment so he immediately went to her and shushed her gently, pulling her close so she could hold onto him. After calming her down, he pulled back, rubbing her arms.>

It's okay Pep, I'll explain, I promise. Right now, I need you to help me save Mister Wizard so that he doesn't end up like me, okay?

'Okay. What can I do?'

<He reached into his personal realm again and took out a few supplies before pulling up some screens to prep Jarvis for observation.>

Come over here and sit for me. I'm going to make a blood transfusion line from you to him. It's not my personal preference to get it straight from the tap, but if I don't he'll likely keel over for good this time.

Cloak raises off of Stephen's shoulders and brings Pepper a few pillows and a blanket. It gives her nuzzles in thanks grateful she's helping to save Stephen's life. It is also careful to not poke her with its pointed collar.

[He poked the man carefully in the side with a with a laser stick that would help him find their veins as Pepper gently pet the Cloak before settling it. Tony pointed the stick at the man with a smirk.]

You be nice or I'm going to let you join me at the Overpass. I could use the company.

[Despite his words, he began highlighting the man's veins and tying a tourniquet on his arm. He pressed on his arm to bring the vein to the top and then did the same for Pepper. With careful calculations, he hooked the two of them up so that Pepper's blood without drip through an IV flow and into Stephens body. He stayed very mindful however since this was his widow and some version of his lover from a different branch of the Multiverse. It felt weird to him, seeing both of them like this and knowing they're corporeal, when he's not.]

'Tony are you okay? I mean...you know. You've got that look when you're upset.'

[He looked at his widow and thought about all of the times he had with her and couldn't help but smile, albeit a little sorrowfully as he nodded, his age showing as he did.]

I'm fine, Pepper. Just tired from handling this and my limbo episode before you got here. It's complicated, boring stuff. And who knew, right? That you could get tired as a ghost. Seems defeating the purpose.

[He then turned to Stephen and gave him a charming smile.]

How are you feeling, sleeping beauty?

Stephen groaned a bit in discomfort when Tony poked him.

I feel a bit better Stark..... About your condition I can help with that. He says quietly as his eyes briefly flash purple.

His more sinister astral form appeared in front of Tony.

Good afternoon. I now know you're Tony Stark. Sorry if I scared you earlier..... Tell me, what do you know about dream walking? He asked.

Just that it's dangerous if you're not careful because you can effect the world around you in ways that aren't meant to happen. According to another other you that I met at the Overpass who's also dead, it can cause something known as an incursion.

[He checked on their blood transfer, making sure that it was going okay. He couldn't help but admit the tone in the other man's voice was making him blush a little and his stomach twist in excitement. It sounded like an adventure and that would breathe new life back into him.

Pepper saw it too and she smirked a little, rolling her eyes at him. He stuck his tongue out at her playfully before chuckling and looking back to the Astral Projection once he was satisfied that they were both doing okay.]

But when have I ever been one to follow rules~?

Cloak taps Tony gently before it wraps itself around him to the best of its ability.

'I know that look and you know what I'll say. Making you behave yourself was the one thing that I never succeeded in doing. If you want to do this, I already know that I can't stop you, Tony.'

[He gave the woman a loving smile in return but it turned to a smirk at her saying he didn't behave himself. The screen beeped to signal that the blood transfusion was complete, so he turned it off and dismissed the screen. He began to slowly unhook both of them, putting cotton on the needle sight and wrapping self adhering tale to it. He gave pause to think about the offer and what Pepper said before sliding his hand down the man's forearm to hold his hand.]

I appreciate the offer, Sparkles, but...my life with Pepper and Morgan? It's over. It was beautiful and wild and everything that it was meant to be. But it's over and I have no one to blame but myself. That being said though, I wouldn't mind staying here with you. You called to me when you hit that fence, I felt the immediate pull to you - and I've been in my own personal realm for three years without hearing anyone. If you called me, that means that I'm meant to be here. I mean, if you want me.

[He gave the man on the cough a warm smile. Yes it was hard to move on, to not be with his wife and little girl, but he wasn't going to endanger his world when he'd sacrificed himself so it could be there for his daughter to grow up. He also thought that it was a little bit of a thrill to be here with this man who obviously needed him since his voice was the only one he'd ever heard.]

So tell me more about what happened to you. Sinister, you said you've come to be called because of the things that you've done trying to win Christine's heart. You also mentioned something about Tony Stark?

<He was fascinated more so now than he had been to begin with. Sure he knew that there was a chance he had caught feelings for Tony after seeing himself living quite a few lives with the man when he was trying to find a way to stop Thanos, but he had never thought it would effect another version of himself to the same degree. He watched his pale features closely as he took another sip of his tea.>

@sinisterstrange616

Stephen fidgets with his robes as he looks at his variant sitting across from him. I've dream walked into Earth 616 during the battle with Thanos... My variant gave the time stone to Thanos to spare Tony's life. At first I was confused as to why he would do such a thing. The more I thought about it he truly cared about him whether he wanted to admit it or not. I saw Stephen blush when Tony would sit beside him, talk to him, etc. So in that universe I spared Stephen. Normally I would done him a favor and put him out of his misery like I have with so many other Stephens...... Tony is different than Christine, he gets what it's like to have to balance a life of saving the world with one that people consider a normal life as well. I dream walked into that Stephen more than I have others just so that I could spend time with Tony. I'll never forget the first time I woke up with him in my arms. Stephen says with a smile.

Well, Sin, I may be able to help you feel that again. My Tony is still alive and well and if you can promise me that no harm will come to him, then I will call him here to meet you. I know what it's like to feel like darkness is settling in around you and I don't want to see you suffer more than you already have. If seeing Tony will help you, I will call him here.

<He slowly reached over and placed his hand over the other man's scarred one, his cerulean eyes watch the man's stormy blue ones to see what his reaction would be.>

<He stood up and kissed his variant's knuckles softly, watching his eyes as he did before letting his hand go slowly. He stepped to the side and put on his sling ring, holding up his hand and opened a portal to what appeared to be some kind of living room on the other side.>

Tony, if you're not busy, I could certainly use your presence for a time. I have someone here with me who would be interested in meeting you. Just don't bring your suit this time; I don't fancy the idea of having to undo scuff marks from my Sanctum floors again.

@sinisterstrange616

It was once and an accident. I wasn't expecting to have to take off that fast for a call. Now who did you need me to-

[His eyes caught sight of the man standing up from the table and he felt his breath stop in his chest. He looked from Stephen, to the other man and made sure his rational mind wasn't playing tricks on him. He tapped his hands together in thought before pointing at the pale skinned male and looking at the other one.]

Is that some sort of magic thing you were telling me about the other day?

[After Stephen nodded, he lowered his hand and looked at the gaunt male, slowly approaching him and searching his eyes. He knew those eyes from...somewhere. They were Stephen's, but inherently different. They looked tired, broken and lonely and it made his heart ache for this man.]

So you're another variant of Stephen then? From that weird thing he says the universe does somehow?

@sinisterstrange616

@redandgoldwarhero

You have my word that no one here wants you gone, Sin. If it's selfish of me to want one of my variants who has suffered so much because of love to be happy, then I guess I never learned my lesson on my own ego. But it seems so cruel when all you want is someone to finally care, that you've gone to such great lengths - as far as corrupting yourself - just to be shot down again. As I said, I want to help you feel better, no matter what I have to do in order to ensure that you at least begin to feel human again to some degree.

And come on, we both know Tony is too dumb to be scared. He's the kind of intelligent that makes it dense; that sort of smart stupid. Like that annoying kid from down the block that gets kicked out of all of the Halloween parties for hyper-analyzing the horror movies and their storylines.

<He brought Sinister's hand up and very gently kissed his damaged knuckles, having been watching Tony's expressions to make sure he knew that he was just teasing him. He enjoyed the way he knew he could pull reactions out of the billionaire unlike everyone else could and gave himself a good amount of points when Tony's jaw actually fell open. He gave the inventor a playful smile, winking at him.>

@sinisterstrange616

[He found himself laughing at the man and his attempt to lighten the mood in the room, which had worked extremely well, at least for his side of the situation. He knew exactly what Stephen was referencing and just rolled his eyes at him but kept the smile as he shook his head.]

Says the doctor who complained about the fact there's nowhere near that much blood in the human body! We both picked that movie apart and Peter got more enjoyment out our complaining than he did the actual movie. And don't thing I won't be getting you back for that little "smart stupid" quip.

[He looked at Sinister then and his smile stayed as he stepped closer and took his hand, still looking at the dark variant's eyes as the other Stephen chuckled.]

He's right though. I'm not scared because I know your eyes, I remember them from a dream I had some time last year. And you said that you puppeteered Stephy's body a couple of times huh? I thought he acted a little different once in a while and his eyes looked tired. I'm guessing that was you then and now that I know it, I can say that you're definitely more interesting in the bedroom. Your counterpart here like a to "analyze" positions too much.

[He smirked as Stephen mock gasped and put his hand over his heart as if to pretend he was hurt. He reached up with his free hand and rest it against the dark variant's face, petting his defines cheek bone as he did. His smile fades into a look of worry as he notices the pale color of his skin.]

You're so cold to the touch... What has your world done to you?

@sinisterstrange616

@redandgoldwarhero

No one deserves to be punished just for trying to find love and happiness. Not even you, no matter what you may think. Here you're safe and if you want, we will help you find what it means to be loved again.

[Cloak unattached from his Stephen's shoulders and hovered over to latch onto Sinister's. The cloak gave him an affectionate squeeze and wiped away his tears gently.]

Cloak, what did I tell you about doing that without consent?

@sinisterstrange616

[He reached up, poking Cloak on the collar with a smile and he grunted as the artifact wrapped around him to pull him closer to the man he was already holding onto. He looked at the man's grey blue eyes and smiled, keeping him close to comfort him. He noticed the look on Stephen's face and smirked.]

Oh don't worry honey, you're next~ You're so cute when you're jealous, puffing up your chest and I'm pretty sure your hair stands up a little, too~

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

@redandgoldwarhero

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

He's pretty smart, as far as magically enhanced artifacts go. Most days I call him my wife because he's so overprotective of me and constantly making sure I don't do anything I'll regret later. Despite what most people think, I owe him a lot and I'm glad he chose me.

[Cloak rippled happily and went back over, resting himself back on Stephen's shoulders and curling his collar up behind his ears, nuzzling him in affection]

Levi, don't. You know that tickles me. If you're going to tickle someone, make it Tony, please.

<Regardless, he found himself feeling better as the feeling of jealousy waned and he smiled a little at his partner squeezing his shoulders reassuringly. It wasn't that he was mad at either of them, maybe just that now he was starting to see what loneliness could do to him through Sin. Maybe he was mad at himself. Because now he was reevaluating everything about himself and how he had always handled his feelings for Tony. Now there was also the warmth that was settling in his Sacral Chakra for his broken variant. He found himself wanting nothing more than to try and make the man happy, as much as Tony very obviously did.>

@sinisterstrange616

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

[He winked playfully at the artifact who puffed up a bit on Stephen's shoulders in almost a proud manner and it made the man laugh a bit. He kept one arm around Sin's waist, as he purred at the cloak before looking at the man who was watching them closely. He noticed the look on his face and his expression softened into one of worry, something he didn't usually feel when it came to the man, unless he was injured from a recent mission. Not wanting to see the man he cared about upset on top of the one he was holding onto, he attempted an amused smile.]

Stephen, what's the matter? You look like your world has rearranged itself all of the sudden. Aren't you used to that kind of thing?

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

<He's been here for hours, talking with old colleagues and helping a friend get better recommendations for their work. He took a drink of his martini and his faces scrunched up in displeasure at the strength of it. That was when he felt eyes on him and raised his head, looking around for the source. His eyes caught sight of the man at the bar and his stomach fluttered at the sight of him. Tony Stark. He recognized him from removing his reactor some years back before his accident.>

Now I see why all of these champagne flutes and silver platters don't sparkle like they should. There was something more dazzling in the room. What is a man like you, doing in a boring place like this?

You're exactly as they said, Tony. Straightforward and charismatic, but if you want my attention you're going to need more than fancy words. I'm here because a friend of mine asked it of me, but I'm on my way out for the evening. You've been here for a while too, I saw you briefly discussing stocks with the board of directors. That seemed like fun, considering they don't listen half of the time.

[He smirked as the man refrained from laughing and he found himself wondering if he could actually get him to do that somehow. He knew if he could succeed, it would be the most amazing sound in the world. He seemed to think for a moment about how he said he would need more than his silver tongue to impress him.]

More than fancy words huh? Well, how about this then. You leave with me, let me take you to a nice dinner and you can tell me how exactly it is I know you. Maybe we could be each other's type, if we play our cards right. I may even let you sneak into my lab to have a look at my playground. What do you think?

Sorry Stark, it looks like play time will have to wait. Perhaps another day I'll take you up on that offer. For now, there's other matters to attend to. Do worry, I'm sure we'll find each other again.

<He finished the drink, set it on a tray near where the man was standing and pulled his square from his pocket as he jumped the rail of the building.>

[He had never been one to follow another person's lead, but he knew that he wasn't going to let this man fight that thing alone. There were still answers he needed and if getting them meant taking a couple hours out of the day to beat a giant slug back to wherever it came from, he was fine with helping.]

"Activating Cluster Canon."

Make it 75% capacity, J. This is a big boy.

[He held his arms up as panels came from the back of his suit and began to him loudly, pouring energy into the slots that opened up on his forearms. Once fully charged they joined into a large beam and shot the creature ahead of them, taking off two of it's mandibles which made it fail and fall backwards.]

Not bad, Tony. Seems you're more than just fancy words and money after all. You may just reel me in yet.

<He winked at the man and watched the smirk that formed on his face as he approached him. He felt that pleasant tingle run down his spine once again as the man stepped up in front of him but before either of them could say anything, the authorities showed up on the scene. He looked at the man who looked minor annoyed.>

I'll leave you to deal with the press since the camera loves you. If you leave your door open for me tonight, I promise to come to you. Should you choose to lock it, I will wait until we meet again on your terms. Enjoy your playtime, "Mr. Stark."

Exhausted by the end of it and drained from.tje conference, he returned home and sat down in one of the chairs, exhaling as he rubbed his face. He loved what he did yes, but there was always some idiot who made everything out to be the heroes' fault. 'Should have let the slug have him before we threw it back' his tired mind spoke, making him roll his eyes and shake his head.]

Right, and then it would actually be reason for people to say it's my fault. No thanks.

[He let his mind wander as he lowered his hand and looked towards the sliding door that led out to the patio. He thought about what the man had said, about coming around if he left the door open. He didn't know that man's name, yet he knew he was undeniably connected to him somehow. He decided that he did still want answers tonight, despite his tired mind and body, so he got up to go unlock the door and head off to take a shower before his guest arrived.]

[Cloak reaches up and gently pokes his cheek with his collar, making him grunt and tell him to stop. He tries on the other side but Stephen shakes him off. The artifact makes a huff motion and pulls him away from the stairs.]

<He grunted and exasperatedly called for his partner before noticing the artifact was pointing at something on the table inside of the door, so he looked. It was the note about Christine asking him to go to the meeting. The meeting. Tony. His shoulders slouched as he reached up and pat the artifact on the pauldron.>

Sorry, Cloak, I should have known you were trying to get me to do something. Thank you for not letting me forget.

<Seeing his partner was satisfied, he put on his sling ring and focused on getting himself to Tony's home. The portal opened on the pool deck that overlooked the ocean so he slowly stepped through, feeling his stomach tighten. He didn't know why he was nervous, he didn't have any reason to be...that he knew of. His hand reached out and grabbed the door handle as the portal closed behind him, giving it a small pull and sure enough, it was open. He took a deep breath and slid it open, stepping in and closing it behind him before turning around to see the man coming down to stop across from him. Their eyes met and he felt his heart flutter and even Cloak perked up in their bond. The artifact lifted him off his feet and he allowed himself to be carried over to the man, settling down in front of him.>

You clean up well in the hygiene sense as much as you do the fashion one. I'm starting to think that all those stories I heard weren't just people inflating your ego. I may genuinely be in trouble with you...

Flattery will get you whenever you want it to, that I can assure you, blue eyes. You know as I was washing off the dust thanks to your giant mollusk issue earlier, I realized something. I never got your name. It seems rude that you have mine but you haven't even given me a hint as to what yours may be. Think we should fix that?

Oh I'm sure that we can discuss where it gets both of us at a later time. As for my name, it's Stephen Vincent Strange, but I am known to everyone as Doctor Strange. But somewhere in the back of your mind, you knew that already.

<The man watched as it took Tony a moment to recollect where the name was from and when his eyes widened slightly, he found his smirk softening into a small smile. He reached up, placing his hand on the man's chest where his Arc Reactor used to occupy the center of his sternum. He could feel the man's heart drumming against his ribs, sensed through the energy coursing through his body that the organ was still healthy and helping to keep the man it belonged to alive and healthy.>

Yeah, I'm the one who took it out of you back in '12.

You've made some major changes in your life since we met, blue eyes. By even back then, you made quite an impression on me with your wit keeping up with my kan. I gotta say, I was as taken with you then as I am now. Though I admit, I'm a bit confused by the changes you've made. Love the grey and the goatee, but the last time I saw you, you definitely didn't have the hocus-pocus thing going on. You were pretty grounded in science like I am. I'd love to know every single reason for the change, but right now, I really want you to kiss me.

Mr. Stark wake up. You have an hour before the meeting and you being presentable with clothes ON would be preferred to Pepper, Jarvis and I. Jarvis open the blinds please.

*He opened the curtains before hand so that the sunlight would actually come in.*

"Of course, Master Renner."

[He grunts in shock as the automatic blinds open before he covers his head with the pillow. He could hear the man moving around the room, undoubtedly picking up the clothes he'd left hanging over the chairs and dresser the previous night. After a moment, he moved the pillow and threw it at his personal assistant's backside.]

You know there are better ways to wake me up than trying to send me into the Twilight Zone first thing in the morning. Maybe next time try climbing in bed and giving me a kiss with those beautiful lips of yours?

Keep hoping, boss. Maybe one day you'll actually convince me. But not today, so get up and get in the shower.

Boss if you keep thinking that hard, your mind is going to burn out before you ever get to the meeting. There is nothing about me that requires such deep thought. You already know me as well as you are going to.

[He reached over and grabbed the man, guiding him to stand close and looked up at his eyes, seeing the dusty tiny of a blush on his cheeks but he regarded him with intrigued honey brown irises. He felt his stomach do that weird flip twist that it always did when he could tell his P.A was deducting him and he found himself tightening his grip on the man a little. He made a lot of poor choices when it came to the man, to Pepper, he knew. But he also always tried to make it up to them.]

When you get a chance today can you go down to Hank's place and grab the papers I had him notarize? They're probably in by this point and I'd really like to get busy with progressing the project for the next series of R-78s.

@the-eldritch-sorcerer

<He's been here for hours, talking with old colleagues and helping a friend get better recommendations for their work. He took a drink of his martini and his faces scrunched up in displeasure at the strength of it. That was when he felt eyes on him and raised his head, looking around for the source. His eyes caught sight of the man at the bar and his stomach fluttered at the sight of him. Tony Stark. He recognized him from removing his reactor some years back before his accident.>

Now I see why all of these champagne flutes and silver platters don't sparkle like they should. There was something more dazzling in the room. What is a man like you, doing in a boring place like this?

You're exactly as they said, Tony. Straightforward and charismatic, but if you want my attention you're going to need more than fancy words. I'm here because a friend of mine asked it of me, but I'm on my way out for the evening. You've been here for a while too, I saw you briefly discussing stocks with the board of directors. That seemed like fun, considering they don't listen half of the time.

[He smirked as the man refrained from laughing and he found himself wondering if he could actually get him to do that somehow. He knew if he could succeed, it would be the most amazing sound in the world. He seemed to think for a moment about how he said he would need more than his silver tongue to impress him.]

More than fancy words huh? Well, how about this then. You leave with me, let me take you to a nice dinner and you can tell me how exactly it is I know you. Maybe we could be each other's type, if we play our cards right. I may even let you sneak into my lab to have a look at my playground. What do you think?

Sorry Stark, it looks like play time will have to wait. Perhaps another day I'll take you up on that offer. For now, there's other matters to attend to. Do worry, I'm sure we'll find each other again.

<He finished the drink, set it on a tray near where the man was standing and pulled his square from his pocket as he jumped the rail of the building.>

[He had never been one to follow another person's lead, but he knew that he wasn't going to let this man fight that thing alone. There were still answers he needed and if getting them meant taking a couple hours out of the day to beat a giant slug back to wherever it came from, he was fine with helping.]

"Activating Cluster Canon."

Make it 75% capacity, J. This is a big boy.

[He held his arms up as panels came from the back of his suit and began to him loudly, pouring energy into the slots that opened up on his forearms. Once fully charged they joined into a large beam and shot the creature ahead of them, taking off two of it's mandibles which made it fail and fall backwards.]

Not bad, Tony. Seems you're more than just fancy words and money after all. You may just reel me in yet.

<He winked at the man and watched the smirk that formed on his face as he approached him. He felt that pleasant tingle run down his spine once again as the man stepped up in front of him but before either of them could say anything, the authorities showed up on the scene. He looked at the man who looked minor annoyed.>

I'll leave you to deal with the press since the camera loves you. If you leave your door open for me tonight, I promise to come to you. Should you choose to lock it, I will wait until we meet again on your terms. Enjoy your playtime, "Mr. Stark."

Exhausted by the end of it and drained from.tje conference, he returned home and sat down in one of the chairs, exhaling as he rubbed his face. He loved what he did yes, but there was always some idiot who made everything out to be the heroes' fault. 'Should have let the slug have him before we threw it back' his tired mind spoke, making him roll his eyes and shake his head.]

Right, and then it would actually be reason for people to say it's my fault. No thanks.

[He let his mind wander as he lowered his hand and looked towards the sliding door that led out to the patio. He thought about what the man had said, about coming around if he left the door open. He didn't know that man's name, yet he knew he was undeniably connected to him somehow. He decided that he did still want answers tonight, despite his tired mind and body, so he got up to go unlock the door and head off to take a shower before his guest arrived.]

[Cloak reaches up and gently pokes his cheek with his collar, making him grunt and tell him to stop. He tries on the other side but Stephen shakes him off. The artifact makes a huff motion and pulls him away from the stairs.]

<He grunted and exasperatedly called for his partner before noticing the artifact was pointing at something on the table inside of the door, so he looked. It was the note about Christine asking him to go to the meeting. The meeting. Tony. His shoulders slouched as he reached up and pat the artifact on the pauldron.>

Sorry, Cloak, I should have known you were trying to get me to do something. Thank you for not letting me forget.

<Seeing his partner was satisfied, he put on his sling ring and focused on getting himself to Tony's home. The portal opened on the pool deck that overlooked the ocean so he slowly stepped through, feeling his stomach tighten. He didn't know why he was nervous, he didn't have any reason to be...that he knew of. His hand reached out and grabbed the door handle as the portal closed behind him, giving it a small pull and sure enough, it was open. He took a deep breath and slid it open, stepping in and closing it behind him before turning around to see the man coming down to stop across from him. Their eyes met and he felt his heart flutter and even Cloak perked up in their bond. The artifact lifted him off his feet and he allowed himself to be carried over to the man, settling down in front of him.>

You clean up well in the hygiene sense as much as you do the fashion one. I'm starting to think that all those stories I heard weren't just people inflating your ego. I may genuinely be in trouble with you...

Flattery will get you whenever you want it to, that I can assure you, blue eyes. You know as I was washing off the dust thanks to your giant mollusk issue earlier, I realized something. I never got your name. It seems rude that you have mine but you haven't even given me a hint as to what yours may be. Think we should fix that?