at last. (Strangefrost story)

stay.

Heartbroken, desperate, angry. That's how Strange felt after he visited Loki's cell. He didn't know how to persuade his lover that he's alive and want things as it was before. But could it ever be as it was years ago? Was it even possible after all of this? What should he do to get Loki back? 

If only he knew what snaps him back from the dreaming. And then it hit him. Loki talked to him, was conscious. He thought this is his fictional world and this is how Strange have to keep it so he could find out what was the trigger.

Strange spent the next day in Avengers compound, visiting his friends, assuring them all that he's alright and back, ready to protect the world and the whole reality. He also wanted to know everything that happened during those five years and talk to Thor about his plan with Loki, promising him he would get his brother back. 

"I'm more than happy you're back but please, be careful. Loki is dangerous in such a state of mind and if he hurts you, he will never forgive himself or worse." The sorcerer was aware of everything Thor said, coming back in the Sanctum, heading downstairs.

He looked through the window, seeing Loki pacing inside, talking to himself. "Hello," Stephen said as he stepped out of the portal, startling Loki. "Why are you here again?" The god asked, seeming annoyed but deep inside he was glad Strange came, it felt so lonely there without him. "I wanted to see you. How are you?" 

A quiet sarcastic laugh bubbled in Loki's throat, "really?" He spread his arms, cocking his eyebrow, "what would sorcerer supreme say? Look at me, I'm a mess. And this place sucks. No offence but the hotel service fucked this up. I should demand a refund." Strange chuckled, he loved Loki's sarcastic side. He was so happy to see him joking again.

"And this is the second reason why I am here." The sorcerer smiled, pointing to the still opened portal, bowing slightly. Loki looked at the portal, then at Strange and at the portal again. "Like really? Do you think this is a good idea?" "Of course. You can't stay here." Stephen answered, chuckling at Loki's confusion. 

Very timidly, the god made a step to the portal, then another and another, stepping through finally, appearing behind the window. For a second, he thought this might be real when he saw the room, he spent so much time in, behind his back but pushed the thought in the back of his mind quickly, deciding to enjoy this illusion as long as he could.

Loki was tired. No, he was exhausted, drained. All those years of depressions and stress had badly affected him and Strange saw it. Suddenly, someone lifted the god from the ground, holding him gently in strong arms. "What are you doing?" Loki asked when he turned, seeing it's Stephen who was holding him. 

"You're tired. I'll take care of you." Strange said,  smiling, Levi flying them in the room Stephen prepared for Loki who's head was now lying on sorcerer's shoulder, enjoying his touch. In the room, Strange carried him in the bathroom, filling the tub with warm water, taking off Loki's dirty clothes, putting him carefully in, washing his pale skin gently as if he was afraid to break him like porcelain.

"Why are you doing all these for me?" Loki said after a while of silent sitting in the tub, hugging his legs close to his chest. "Because I love you," Strange answered without hesitation as if it was the most natural thing. 

To be honest, it took Loki off guard, not saying a word for the rest of the bath. Strange washed his body and his hair, dried him and clothed into a pyjama, carrying him in the bed, laying him under covers carefully. 

He was about to leave when he felt a hand grasping his wrist. "Stay... please." Loki pleaded. "Of course, I will." Strange smiled, getting under the covers, pulling Loki closer, his head on Stephen's chest, soon falling asleep, finally drifting into a peaceful slumber after so many years.

In the morning, the sun tore Loki from his deep sleep, stroking his cheeks. He turned on his back, his eyes still closed, feeling the soft covers. He replayed everything that happened yesterday, the bath, the strong arms holding him, the feeling of safety, his head lying on Stephen's chest... STEPHEN! 

His eyes shut opened, searching for the man he loved. When he saw he wasn't there, tears started running down his cheeks. He wanted to scream, thinking he woke up from the beautiful illusion again when he spotted a small piece of paper on the nightstand, a note. 

I'm in the kitchen. Love you Steph. 

Loki read the note, again and again, smiling like an idiot, getting up from the bed to head in the kitchen. When he entered the kitchen, his nostrils filled smell of pancakes and coffee. "Good morning," Strange greeted him with a warm smile, standing by the oven, preparing the second plate of the pancakes. 

Loki came to the sorcerer, hugging him from behind, hiding his face in the crook of Strange's neck. "Not scared of me anymore?" Stephen chuckled, enjoying the touch of his boyfriend. "I decided to enjoy this illusion as long and as much as possible." 

The sorcerer kept quiet, his heart sinking by the god's words but he reminded himself he would convince him soon. "Sit and pour yourself a cup of coffee, the breakfast will be ready in a minute," Strange said, not feeling Loki's arms around his waist as he went to sit down.

The pancakes were ready, Strange placing the plate in front of Loki, leaning in to give his a morning kiss but Loki suddenly flinched with a hurt expression. "Please don't," Loki breathed out, letting Stephen in shock, standing there, not understanding what just happened. 

"I'm sorry if I crossed a border. I didn't want to scare..." He was cut off by Loki standing up, placing his hand on Strange's mouth to silence him. "You didn't. I just don't... I just don't want to wake up, not yet," Loki said, sitting back down. It took the sorcerer a moment to process all the words. 

And then it hit him like a train. A kiss. That's what dragged Loki from his world, a smile creeping on Strange's lips as an idea popped on his mind. "Would you go on a date with me tonight?" The god looked up at his partner, smiling. "Sure."