Two Oruguitas (Marvel Fanfic)

Chapter 34: A Proposal

🦋Chapter 34: A Proposal🦋

Stephen could not believe what Matthew had just said. He was going to propose to Mariana? To marry her? He felt as if he was suddenly pulled down a huge ocean in a storm with giant waves, crashing down on him as he desperately tried swimming up to the surface. However every time he did so, his now heavy heart as heavy as an anchor had dragged him down beneath the surface, further into the cold water.

It was quite clear to Stephen that things will never be the same ever again. Stephen realized Matthew was waiting for a response, something from him. So despite knowing Matthew couldn't see him, Stephen forced a smile as he mustered the courage to try and be happy for Mariana, but it ached his heart so much. He felt as though a knife had struck his heart and was wedged inside, twisting inside his heart, unable to find it and rip the source of pain from his heart.

"Wow, that's huge news." Stephen mentioned, unable to say anything else.

"Yeah." Matthew confirmed with a nod.

"Why are you telling me this?" Stephen asked, blurting it out in utter confusion. 

Matthew had wanted to tell Mariana's family and friends first, so he could get their blessing. He had already gotten the blessing of Mariana's team who worked together at S.H.I.E.L.D. that had become part of her family, and the blessing of her siblings, finally meeting Robbie. All of them threatened him in their own way, urging him to take care of Mariana. Despite Matthew having his abilities and being a vigilante, the idea of a team of spies, agents, and powered superheroes threatened him was a scary thought, especially Quake and May. They both intimidated him. So now all that was left was to receive Stephen's blessing.

"I thought I would ask Mariana's family and her closest of friends for their blessing." Matthew explained.

Stephen's heart clenched. He wanted to say no, to tell him that he can't marry her, that he wasn't worthy of her, but he couldn't. Not when the image of Mariana came back to haunt him. Stephen inhaled deeply before giving Matthew his answer.

"I...I give you my blessing. For her." Stephen announced, hesitantly.

Matthew wore a grateful smile. "Thank you."

Stephen gave him a nod in response. Before he took a step towards him, wearing a pleading look on his face. "Take great care of her. Never take her for granted."

Despite Matthew not being able to see his face, he could hear the raw emotion in his voice. Matthew immediately replied. "Don't worry, Doctor Strange. She will be happy and loved."

"Thank you." Stephen answered.

There more to his words than he led on, but if Matthew had an inkling, he made no comment. Instead, he bowed his head in response to his words. As soon as Matthew left, Stephen slumped down in his chair at his desk. He then took out Mariana's watch, the one he always carried with him in his pocket. Stephen always kept the watch with him, feeling like he had a part of Mariana with him.

He then took out a ring from his pocket. It was a simple rose gold ring with a small round diamond, but it meant much to him as it was all he had left of his mother, who meant the world to him. That wedding ring had been passed down from her mother, his Grandmother Sofia. He can still remember the words his mom told him as she gave him the ring.

"Give this to the woman you want to share the rest of your life with, the woman you love with all your heart, and wish to share a part of you."