Forfeiture

unexpected visitor

"What the hell is wrong with you!?"

"Because I hate you that's why....you've just ruined everything I had going for me"

Tony was living in his personal hell. After his fight with Steve, he had flown far away to Cali and stayed at one of his vacation houses there, drinking, alone. He hated his life, and to be honest he hated himself too. He was not in a good place, he really had wanted to be friends with Steve but ever since that little ant-pest took him away along with his chance at love, he had given up on life and was wasting away. If anyone had even noticed he was gone, they probably would’ve come by now so he just slept around the small beach house. Whoever did eventually come would probably be sorry, Tony was sure of that.

Suddenly a portal formed on Tony's left and out came Strange. "Ah so you did fly away, I was told to check on you Stark" the sorcerer crossed his arms.

Tony was currently laying on the floor in a drunken state, but he was still coherent and he glanced up at him with a disinterested expression. “Psh, if they were my real friends THEY would’ve come, not YOU.”

"Well too bad I came anyways. I'm not surprised that you came all the way here just to drink yourself stupid" Stephen hardly liked dealing with Tony. It isn't that hard to pull yourself together but if you're as messed up as Stark then it could take a lifetime. "But I can't say I'm not someone who does care somewhat. You can't keep doing this to yourself, it's not healthy"

Tony laughed coldly but was cut off harshly by a few hiccups. “Healthy-shmelthy. Do I look like I give a sh*t about anything anymore?” He cut Strange off before he could answer, “-exactly.” He rolled onto his side and reached for one of the many bottles lying around. “You’re wasting your time, which is kinda ironic isn’t it?” He glared through his drunkenness at him. “Last thing I wanna do before dying is feel good, so beat it magic boy.”

Stephen rolled his eyes and with a hand gesture he made the bottles roll farther away from Tony's reach. "You're not the boss of me Stark, I'm not leaving" 

“I didn’t want to have to do this…” Tony grunted as he pushed himself to his feet and yanked on the repulser which was attached to his arm and he aimed at strange. “Nighty night…” Before he could shoot he fell backwards.

Stephen quickly went over and caught Tony in his arms. "Yeah you're in no condition to do that. You're far too drunk, it's best if you laid down and went to sleep"

“Don’t start telling me what to do now DADDY,” Tony slurred and tried weakly to pull away from him. “I’ll die soon anyways so it’s best for you to just save yourself the grief and get the hell out…”

"Like I'd let you die, c'mon I'm taking you to bed right now" Stephen held Tony and went through the first door he saw which luckily was a bedroom.

Tony grumbled and still tried to resist as Stephen laid him down gently and for once he looked like how he felt on the inside. Lonely, frustrated. All those dark emotions seeped up to the surface in the form of tears now and they flowed fast from his eyes. “Gods Stephen…” his voice broke.

Stephen actually felt bad for Tony. Throughout the man's life there isn't always good and with the emotions it left him at this was something he didn't deserve. "Let it all out…" the sorcerer did his best to soothe and relax the mechanic. "I know it can be hard...but it doesn't have to always be like this for you if you pick yourself back up, step by step.." he tried to wipe Tony's tears, even if his hands did shake a bit.

More tears came and Tony sniffled, crying harder than before. It felt good to release all this pent up tension that he’s been hiding behind all this time, and he held onto the man who had come for him. He felt terrible about everything mean he’s done and how horrible his life had turned out. 

"You don't have to go through your life alone...I can be there for you.." Stephen looked at Tony. He wants to stand by tony, be close to him. Perhaps he cares for the mechanic more than he realizes.

Those words seemed to touch Tony's fragile heart and he wiped his eyes messily, trying to see through the blur of tears and look at, well basically his savior. He wasn't planning to stick around and live much longer, but having someone might not be so bad..."T-I don't want to get hurt again..." he whispered, meeting his gaze. "A-And I don't want to hurt anyone else like I hurt him..."

"I wouldn't dare hurt you ever Anthony...and I know you're strong, I know you can get through this," Stephen helped wipe away whatever was left of Tony's tears. "I'll be there for you now and always."

Tony didn't quite understand what Stephen was really saying. You wouldn't just promise anyone that, he knew for sure. He even felt himself blush slightly as he reached up and stroked his jawline absentmindedly. Maybe he wasn't quite sober yet or something.. "W-Why are you telling me all this, you sound like you're pledging your life to me or something...

Stephen felt warm inside. "Perhaps I am..would you let me?" Strange looked at Tony perhaps Lovingly and with so much care. "Even if you say no I'm not going anywhere." he smirked slightly.

His stubbornness and confidence seemed more attractive to Tony than he realized, and he also then realized that he wanted this man no matter what. He nodded slowly and for once he didn't feel like making a snide comment. "Y-Yes... I want you- I want you to STAY,
that is.."

Stephen chuckled softly and held Tony's hand. "Then I will stay.."

Tony suddenly felt his heart flutter at his touch and all he wanted was to give himself away to Stephen. "O-Okay..

"I think it's best right now that you rest.." Stephen gently laid Tony back on the bed. "You must be very tired after earlier.."

Tony nodded and despite himself he yawned deeply and stretched a little, finally feeling more at peace. He felt like he could keep Stephen and be happier with him there forever. "T-Thank you Stephen, really..."

"Your welcome Anthony.." Tony seemed very sweet looking when he's tired and Stephen mentally awed at it. "Now rest...I'll be here when you wake."

Tony closed his eyes and snuggled into the covers comfortably, praying that Stephen really would stay with him, not just now, but forever and ever.