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Stephen’s latest battle with dimensional invaders has left the Sanctum contaminated with dangerous energies. Even with the help of apprentices, the clean up will take at least a week. Stephen can’t stay there, he can’t be away from New York for that long with the Sanctum so compromised, and he certainly can’t afford an extended hotel stay.
Forced out of his home, he realizes he has no one to call.
Well. Maybe one person.
“I was beginning to think you’d lost my number,” Tony says when the portal has closed behind Stephen.
“I didn’t want to impose.” He didn’t think the man he’d nearly killed truly wanted to hear from him.
“So what’s up, Doc?” Tony asks, smirking.
Stephen can’t muster a glare. He steels himself. “I need a… personal favor.” Tony’s eyebrows go up, inquiring. “I need a place to stay.”
Tony lights up.
The next thing Stephen knows, Tony is bringing up floor plans and asking him which one he likes best and offering to remodel, “For next time.”
Stephen can’t remember the last time someone was so eager to have him around. He meets Tony’s bright gaze and, instead of protesting, finds himself suggesting adding a library.