#616 stephen

And I realized that Christine's eyes immediately brimmed with tears--

testament not only to the truth of her love for him (as if the engraving on the watch wasn't enough already), but of the amazing chemistry which Benedict and Rachel shared.

If Doctor Strange III ever actually happens (which I've doubted for some time now ever will😠), I simply can't envision Charlize/her Clea having the same. I will forever rue the MCU choice to not have Clea be an alternate version of Christine. Such a huge mistake and missed opportunity, especially given how they committed so damn hard--in both What If...? & MoM--to show Christine was Stephen's truest love. IN EVERY UNIVERSE.

Hmmm...I'd say you have me on the horns of a dilemma, Nonny--but then I realize I have a handy cheat. And I'm not gonna hesitate to use it.

Beauty would pick her Stephen--616 Stephen--hands down.

Knowing his history, the heavy sacrifices he has made, and witnessing his kindness and big heart first hand, she truly sees him as the finest man in the world. Even though he doesn't want children because he thinks he wouldn't be a good parent. Because she thinks just the opposite, and is sure that with the right woman to support him, Stephen would happily surprise himself and be a fantastic dad. Plus, she's optimistic enough to think she might persuade him eventually. And as someone said to me earlier, she's a formidable woman--though I think with a velvet touch when it comes to fulfilling her dreams.

As for me, with how I feel right now--it's got to be Defender Strange.

There's just something about him. He's fiercely protective, but as so many fic writers have head canoned, he's soft and warm and loving at his core. He's brilliant, multi-lingual, and somehow I imagine a bit of a poet. I bet Defender Stephen would be an amazing father, for boys and girls. A strong steady presence, he'd be a very active participant in their education. And what woman wouldn't want a man who watches her body change with growing life, and falls in love with her anew each day?