#magicthunder

Stephen was perfectly content to lie down and never get up again for at least a month. Sweat pooled in the dip of his collar, a dull pounding ache dancing along his lower back and inner thighs. He was almost sure a week's worth of fitness had been done in a few meager hours.

Beside him, Thor looked as serene as ever, a satisfied smile on his sweet lips. He watched Stephen behind heavy lids and sloping lashes, tapping a unfamiliar tune against his sternum. When the sorcerer finally settled back against the pillows, Thor leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Stephen's flushed lips.

"I'm impressed," Thor smirked, brushing charcoal colored fringe from Stephen's brow. "Most mortals can't keep up with me."

"At this point, I've had more non-human partners than human ones. There's been some practice to prep for this exact moment." Stephen chuckled warmly.

Thor pulled his hand away, sinking into the mattress. He fit well in the overall aesthetic of Stephen's Sanctum bedroom, swaddled in hand embroidered blankets and cushy duvets. His golden skin shone like the sun against the darker fabric. When he closed his eyes, the scar that bisected his right eyelid stood out a bit more, flitting along the delicate skin there. Stephen fought the urge to reach out and stroke a finger down the pinkish line, press his lips there and pray he could deliver a healing kiss.

"I understand the weight you hold."

Thor's eyes fluttered open. His gaze was hard to read.

"Scars," Stephen elaborated, holding up his quivering hands. "Especially scars like that. The ones that carry meaning."

"I'm sure you do." Thor's voice was free of judgment, his tone honest.

"It makes us stronger but... It still fucking hurts, doesn't it?"

Stephen propped his chin up on one of Thor's pillowy pecs, his pursed lips curling into a gentle smile.

"That's what I really admire about you-- you've been kicked in the gut so many fucking times but you always get back up and go in swinging."

"Are you not the same?"

Blinking rapidly, Stephen willed his flushing cheeks to calm. Despite months of dating, a compliment from a literal god still made his heart tremble.

"That's... Different." Stephen amended.

"Is it?" Thor reached down, cradling one of Stephen's hands in his own. His thumb stroked along the sorcerer's map of scars, caressing every line and phantom stitch. "You suffered great loss and pain and yet you never quit, no matter how difficult it became. That sounds awfully familiar."

Lifting a shaky hand, Thor pressed a soft kiss to each of Stephen's fingers. The slightest hint of tongue dragged against callused fingertips, tasting the memories there. 

"I would've loved to see it. You in the medical field. I'm sure your work was magical in its own right." The corners of Thor's eyes crinkled in a charming way as he smiled.

"You flatter me," Stephen replied, his voice shaking a fraction. "And I... Would've loved to have seen Asgard. I. I've only seen what can be found in books but what I have seen was breathtaking."

A distant glassy film descended upon Thor's gaze. He seemed distant, no doubt recalling memories of his fallen home. Losing your family was hard enough. Losing your planet had to be just as bad, if not worse. Stephen was well acquainted with the concept of having everything taken away, the floor dropping out beneath his feet. His own pain wasn't comparable against the Asgardian's though and he was humble for it.

Stephen went to speak, only to snap his mouth shut. He wanted to soothe the ache in Thor's heart but knew deep down that some things were better left unsaid until the time was right.

"I know it isn't much," Stephen began, burying his face in the column of Thor's neck. "But you'll always have the Avengers. They all really care about you and I know they'd be willing to go to the ends of the fucking multiverse for you."

Thor gently guided Stephen's face upwards so their eyes could meet, hazel and baby blue meeting pale green. Though guarded pain lingered behind Thor's gaze, a sparkling display of admiration shone a bit brighter.

"And you?" He whispered.

Thor:

Stephen showing off the Thor sigil while wearing Asgardian armor

Featuring a very impressed god of thunder--

Blame the ever-talented @albaaca

Stephen wasn't particularly fond of getting injured. He wasn't embued with a super soldier serum and he wasn't a mutant nor an alien being. He was just a man who knew a smattering of magic. As such, he healed at the same rate any average human would, landing him in the infirmary for twice, sometimes even three times as long as his fellow heroes.

The logistics were all that ran through his head as he caught his breath from behind tactical cover. Stephen could already diagnose himself with confidence-- a cracked rib, a sprained wrist, a shattered ankle, and a shallow cut across his lower back that definitely needed stitches. He wasn't allowed to use magic to heal himself (SHIELD didn't trust his medical expertise once sorcerery was involved) so he'd have to hide somewhere before the battle ended to knit bone and skin back together, hopefully maintaining only a badly twisted ankle.

"Ah, sorcerer! There you are!"

Stephen looked up from his musings, surprised to find Thor mere inches away. The god of Thunder looked perky, even more so than usual. Fierce battles tended to boost his mood by at least tenfold. He looked Stephen over, no doubt cataloging whatever wounds he could see on the surface.

"You are injured," Thor announced, gesturing at Stephen's leg. "The good Captain made mention that you'd vanished and seemed worried."

Stephen scoffed. His relationship with Captain America was still under construction. The thought of him being concerned seemed ludicrous.

"Yeah well. Tell him I can handle myself." Stephen retorted.

Thor quirked an eyebrow, mischief glinting in his eyes. He stood up straight, arms crossed.

"Then walk."

Blinking rapidly, Stephen made a show of righting himself, sliding up the wall to regain his footing. His legs trembled like jelly in an earthquake, his arms visibly weak. He made half a step before collapsing, his face nearly hitting jagged concrete before Thor caught him with two strong broad hands.

"As I expected," Thor rumbled a laugh. "Let me assist you, Strange. It's unwise to aggravate such injuries."

Stephen muttered under his breath, a yelp pulled from his throat as Thor hoisted him into the air. He adjusted his grip, easily carrying the sorcerer bridal-style. Stephen felt ridiculous, his standard blue robes folding and fluttering around him, the Cloak tucking itself under his body. He could feel the heat of Thor's palms through the thick fabric, glowing like twin irons.

"Don't worry," The Asgardian winked coyly, flashing a brilliant grin. "I shall evade the Captain's line of sight to save you the embarassment."

Stephen felt heat blossom across his cheeks. Thor was an obelisk of raw power, held back by the glow of a sunny disposition. Heart hammering, Stephen let his hands trail upwards, winding loosely around the god's neck.