Chapter 27
The meditation techniques to retrieve Stephen’s memories were ongoing. It had been a week since he arrived at Kamar-Taj, and Master Hamir was training him.
“That’s all for today, Master Stephen,” Hamir said.
“Master Hamir, can I go back to New York? I want to see my son,” Stephen asked.
“Master Stephen, it is crucial to recover your memories as soon as possible. Kamar-Taj is without the Sorcerer Supreme, which makes it vulnerable to attacks,” Hamir replied.
“One day. That’s all I’m asking for. I will return after that,” Stephen insisted.
“Alright, let me discuss this with Wong,” Hamir said.
“Thanks,” Stephen bowed to him and returned to his chamber.
He waited restlessly for Wong to arrive. After some time, Wong entered the room.
“What did Master Hamir say, Wong? Can I have one day off?” Stephen asked eagerly.
“Not just one day—you can go for two. I convinced him, and he also believes you’re capable of making up for those two days,” Wong said.
“Thanks, Wong,” Stephen said, his face lighting up.
“Peter is a good kid, and he deserves his papa. So, get ready to go to the tower,” Wong added.
“Also, you need to talk to Stark. The last thing you told me before losing your memories was that you still love him and want him back,” Wong said before leaving.
Stephen didn’t know why Wong said that, but he was excited to go back. As much as he was eager, the Cloak of Levitation was equally thrilled, fluttering on his back.
“Yes, buddy. We’re going,” Stephen chuckled.
Stephen got ready and opened a portal directly to the tower.
“Welcome back, Doctor Strange,” FRIDAY greeted.
“Thanks, FRIDAY. Where is Peter?” Stephen asked.
“Peter is in his room with Miss Parker,” FRIDAY informed him.
“And Tony?” Stephen asked.
“Boss is attending a meeting with Miss Potts,” FRIDAY replied.
Stephen felt a slight sense of relief upon hearing that.
“Alright, can you inform May about my arrival?” he asked.
“I already have, Doctor. She is on her way with Peter,” FRIDAY responded.
“Thanks,” Stephen said.
Moments later, May arrived with Peter, who came running toward him.
Stephen knelt in front of the boy.
“Hey, Pete, how have you been?” Stephen asked.
“I’m good! Did you bring Levi?” Peter shrieked excitedly.
“Yes, I did,” Stephen said, tapping the cloak. It happily wrapped around Peter, making him giggle.
“Hi, Stephen. How are you feeling now?” May asked.
“I’m feeling better, May. Thanks for taking care of Peter,” Stephen said.
“No worries. Tony will only be back at night. Do you want me to stay?” May asked.
“No, I can look after Peter,” Stephen assured her.
“Alright then. Bye, Stephen. Bye, Pete,” May said before walking out.
Stephen picked Peter up in his arms.
“So, did you miss me?” Stephen asked.
“Yes, Papa! But I knew you would come back. Pete has been a good boy for Daddy all these days,” Peter said proudly.
“Thanks, Pete. Okay, tell me about your week,” Stephen said.
The boy nodded enthusiastically and started describing his week, while Stephen listened cheerfully.
Tony was exhausted from the long meetings when he arrived at the tower.
“FRI, is Peter asleep? Where is May?” Tony asked.
“Peter is watching TV. Miss Parker left in the evening when Doctor Strange arrived,” FRIDAY informed him.
“Stephen is here? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Tony asked.
“A little surprise won’t hurt anyone, Boss,” FRIDAY replied with a smug tone.
Tony chuckled and walked toward where Stephen and Peter were sitting. The boy was half-asleep, leaning against Stephen.
“Hey,” Tony said softly.
Stephen, startled by the sudden voice, relaxed when he saw Tony.
“Daddy?” Peter mumbled sleepily.
“Yes, champ. Shall we go to bed?” Tony asked.
Peter nodded and stretched out his arms.
Tony picked him up, carried him to his room, tucked him in, and then returned to the couch near Stephen.
There was silence between them.
“How is training going?” Tony asked, breaking the silence.
“Good. Some of my memories are back,” Stephen said.
“Oh? That’s great,” Tony said.
“It’s not that great. It actually hurts—knowing how unworthy I am of love,” Stephen admitted.
“Steph, you deserve the whole world. You’re not unworthy of love. I was an asshole who didn’t know how to treat you,” Tony said.
“No, Tony. I’ve lost almost everyone I ever loved—my dad, my mom, my brother, my sister. The people I love always leave, knowingly or unknowingly. It just happens. Maybe I’m fated to be like that,” Stephen said.
Tony sat closer and grabbed Stephen’s hands.
“Stephen, will you please listen to me?” Tony pleaded.
Stephen remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
“Everything I told you when you got out of the hospital was true. I still love you, and I want to take care of you for the rest of my life. I made a grave mistake, and I regret it every single day. Not a day has passed without me thinking about you and hating myself for hurting you. I know I have no right to ask you to come back into my life, but I need you, Steph. I want you to be mine for the rest of our lives—if that’s not too much to ask,” Tony said, placing a hand on Stephen’s cheek, his eyes filled with tears.
“How can I trust you, Tony? You cheated on me. You tried to hide it like I would never find out. And worst of all, I heard it from someone else. I was hoping with every fiber of my being that you’d say it wasn’t true. But you didn’t. And even worse, you said it was my fault. You were the only person I truly loved and trusted after my family, and when you said that, I felt like I was worth nothing. Like I was useless,” Stephen poured his heart out, tears streaming down his face.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Stephen. You are precious, and you deserve everything good in this world. I was an idiot who didn’t know how to cherish you. I’m the one who isn’t worthy of anything good, but somehow, I got you—and you gave me Peter. I will always be grateful for that. And I promise, I will never hurt you again. Not even with a look. I want to love you for the rest of our lives, Stephen. Please, let me,” Tony pleaded.
Stephen searched Tony’s eyes for any sign of a lie. But all he saw was love, adoration, and overwhelming guilt.
Stephen had only ever truly loved one person in his life—and that was Tony. Maybe that was why his heart always wanted to return to him. Maybe that was why his magic subconsciously tried to erase their darkest days.
Because Stephen belonged to Tony.
Stephen leaned in and kissed him—pouring all his desperation and longing into it. Tony, in turn, vowed through that kiss never to repeat his mistakes.
When they pulled away from the very passionate kiss, Tony whispered against his lips, “I love you, Stephen.”
“I... I’m not ready to say that yet,” Stephen admitted.
“I’ll wait as long as you need. But I’ll do everything I can to make it happen sooner,” Tony said, kissing him again.
As their lips met, a rush of memories flooded back into Stephen’s mind, filling the empty spaces.
Stephen pulled away, wincing.
“What happened?” Tony asked, concerned.
“My memories… they’re back. I came to the battlefield to save you because I couldn’t bear to see you hurt. Because I… I love you,” Stephen whispered.
Tony smiled widely, his teary eyes shining. He cupped Stephen’s cheeks.
“I love you too—more than you’ll ever know,” he said, chuckling before pulling Stephen into a hug.
Stephen melted into the embrace. He wasn’t sure if he could trust Tony completely yet, but he wanted to try.
Because his heart belonged with Tony.
Because he belonged to Tony.