#whump!stephen

Over and over did he die.

Stabbed. Again and again.

The pain always sharp. Always sudden. Never lessening.

The blade went through his chest, his heart breaking before the eyes of the Avengers, and the light died from his eyes.

Then time rewound.

And he was stabbed again.

Again they gasped as the blade forced its way through.

And they again felt the pain of losing him.

Then time rewound.

Again he was stabbed.

But this time there was something different.

This time Tony glitched in the air. He had not returned to where he had been.

Instead he was that tiny bit closer.

And the others saw it.

Time rewound.

Stephen choked on his breath as the sword dug into his heart.

Tears fell from the eyes of the Avengers as they struggled to move.

To help him.

Time rewound.

The Avengers cried with grief and rage as they were moved away.

Stephen was stabbed again.

Thor reached out.

Their light died.

Time rewound.

Stephen’s eyes widened and closed tightly as the sword came for his life.

But while pain blossomed, it was different from before.

This time as he fell, arms caught him tightly.

Hands pressed against the gash on his side.

Rain fell upon his face.

Stephen looked up to find grief and love pouring from the Avengers.

Time continued.

Life went on.

Love gave them that one moment.

To save a life.