#stephenwong

“Don't look back! Keep running, hurry!”

Wong's hand catches Stephen's outstretched arm and he's hauled forward through an open portal.  He collides with Stephen, who stumbles backward then falls to the floor of the Sanctum under Wong's weight and momentum. The portal winks out of existence as soon as Wong is entirely on the other side.  

“We did it!” Stephen laughs a little wildly, out of breath.  His hair is out of place and there is sweat on his brow.  

Wong scrambles to his knees and finds himself chuckling along with Stephen.  “It seems we did. Somehow.”

He's blindsided by Stephen grabbing at his shoulders and pulling Wong to Stephen's chest.  The sorcerer's arms wrap around Wong and hold him there in a tight desperate hug. Making sure this was real.

“We did it,” he repeats, sounding unbelieving and relieved all at once.  Stephen gives slack to the hug and lets his eyes roam over Wong's face.  “I was worried you-- Are you hurt? I couldn't protect you and get the spell off at the same ti--”

“I am fine, Stephen,” Wong assures him as he grabs one of Stephen's hands and squeezes it to comfort his worry.  

Stephen doesn't seem placated in that regard and his free hand moves from around Wong's shoulder to his face.  His fingers brush briefly over Wong's jaw before they settle at Wong's neck.  His voice is quiet and earnest when he says “I-- I couldn't do more, Wong.”

“I know,” Wong says softly, eyes intent on Stephen's.  He did know.  He was aware of Stephen's limitations when casting, especially spells that take all of his concentration. He also knew Stephen was aware Wong was capable of taking care of himself during those times.

Then he realizes.  Stephen must be truly surprised they made it out in tact.  He must know more so than Wong how close it had been.

Stephen watches him with a hard crease across his brow and a tight frown.  He licks his lips before pulling his hand free of Wong's loose hold. He mirrors his other hand on the opposite side of Wong's neck then leans in.  

Their lips meet in what is an insistent press from Stephen until he quickly lessens the pressure as if immediately becoming unsure of what he was doing.  His fingers tighten against Wong's skin, trying to pull him closer and its a request Wong cannot deny.  He leans closer and tries to respond to Stephen's hesitant mouth with a more direct approach but Stephen leans away with a small gasp.

“Stephen,” Wong breathes.  He's unsure of what he wants to say or do in the wake of Stephen's kiss but he curls his fingers into the fabric of Stephen's tunic.  

“I-- I -- I'm sorry?” Stephen looks down, then at Wong's mouth before looking away again.  

“Don't,” Wong shakes his head.  “Do not say that.”

Stephen looks back at him when he speaks and the corner of his mouth quirks.  “I'd apologize for that if you hadn't just forbidden it.”

He watches silently as Wong continues to stand motionless at the bottom of the stoop.  As the storm had thundered its way nearer, Wong had become quieter than usual.  Stephen had found him at different windows throughout the day, staring out at the dark clouds rolling across the sky like they were the key to something he needed.  His face had been severe, his mouth turned in a hard frown and his eyes distant. 

Stephen hadn’t asked what was bothering Wong this time.  He had asked in the past.  He had been concerned by the sudden changes in Wong’s mood and demeanor.  Wong usually carried himself with such confidence. With such calm assuredness that the turn toward melancholy had sent Stephen into a state of worry. 

and I totally forgot about how absolutely domestic Stephen & Wong were at the beginning of this movie.  Stephen going to go down to the deli to get them sandwiches. 

and then Wong calling the “Hunk of Hulk of Burning Love” as “our” favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavor