something has changed (I Need A Doctor sequel!) (IRONSTRANGE)

not who we used to be

this chapters song: two ghosts by harry styles
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The whole day threw Tony into a whirlwind of emotions, who knew spending all day in a Sanctum, for wizards, for chirsts sake, could be so boring and long. All there was to do was to read books, avoid Stephen, look at the artifacts, and watch Peter swing from the ceiling using his web shooters.

The only task particularly annoying was ignoring Stephen. It seemed as if all of the sudden, he wanted to reconnect and spend time with Tony, when frankly, he could barely stand to look at the guy.

But if Tony was a hundred percent honest with himself, he knew he still loved Stephen. He never stopped. So seeing him, especially on a day like today, was rougher than he could ever imagine. He wanted to hate him, to be angry, and push him away forever, but he simply couldn't stay mad at him. He couldn't find it in him to hate Stephen. Not one ounce of his body could do it.

But of course, that's what he told everyone. That he detests Stephen, never wants to see him again, and genuinely couldn't care less. Which of course was a lie. If anything, Tony could care less. He cared too much and that was a problem, he'd been hiding it for a couple years now, but now that Stephen was near him again, it was practically impossible for him.

And as he watched the sunset from the large window in the sanctum, he knew night brought worse problems and conditions for himself. Since Stephen left, he hadn't been sleeping the best on his own. Knowing no one could comfort him, he was petrified of sleeping. Many thought his fear was irrational, convincing Tony it was as well. So he never got help for it, which is quite stupid when you think about it.

So when it came for bed, at least, in the sanctum that is, Stephen set out futons for the two along with blankets and pillows. Stephen helped Tony in silence, but of course caught up with Peter while setting things up. Talking about graduation, any colleges he might apply to, and anything else he may have missed in his time absent. Despite all that happened, Peter still believed people were good at heart and couldn't help but be kind to Stephen. It was just simply his nature.

Around 10pm their talking stopped, and he could hear the candle get blown out, followed by a soft "Goodnight Mr. Dr. Strange." from the sleepy boy, and an even softer "Goodnight Peter." Around 11pm, Tony could hear Peter's soft snoring through the thin walls of the sanctum, as he struggled to even get a moments rest.

It wasn't until 2am that Tony decided to sneak around the sanctum to try and find water, or a bathroom, or anything that could possibly occupy him. By now, he probably would've been finished building one of his new projects in his lab, but no, he had to be stuck in a sanctum wasting time.

He fumbled around the dark and empty building, before bumping into a dark figure, which completely spooked him into screaming, that is, until a hand covered his mouth and brought a candle up to reveal some light, Tony's soft brown eyes meeting Stephen's piercing green ones.

"Can't sleep?" He asked, removing the hand from Tony's mouth to allow him to speak. "Yeah... No just thirsty." Tony said quickly correcting himself, it seemed as if whenever he couldn't sleep the two of them ended up talking, which was the opposite of what he wanted right now.

"Listen, I know i'm probably the last person you want to talk to right now, but please know I never stopped thinking about you the past two years. I could explain more I just," He took a deep breath, thinking over his next choice of words cautiously. "I don't want to freak you out."

"Then don't. I don't think you understand what you did to me Stephen. And until you do, I would just save your breath." Tony grumbled, his arms crossed as he quickly broke the eye contact Stephen initiated.

"Okay Tony, you were right." Stephen said in clear defeat. "I shouldn't have left you the way I did, I just," He raised his hands, releasing the spell he had set on them to let them shake. "They consumed me. This ruined me mentally. I wasn't in a good spot, and I wasn't thinking. I should have been thinking but I wasn't and I lost the man who taught me how to love again." He admitted, letting his hands fall back at his sides. "I just want to explain to you why I was gone for so long, and why I want to make things better." Tony sighed, looking to the ground as he took everything in. "Can we please get lunch sometime, I want to make this right."

"Friday. 12pm. Don't be late." Tony said finally, after weighing his choices. "Where?" He asked. "You know where."

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hi guys here's an update bc i suck LOL i'm so sorry. i started my new job and i'm working like 5 days a week and it's killer. the only time i have to myself is time to rejuvenate or rest so i'll do my best to regularly update i'm just not sure if i can :( i want to work on this so bad but don't have a lot of time or energy!!!! but i'll try my best because i love this story and everyone supporting it wow thank u enjoy the angst.