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Captain America is halfway through his ‘That was reckless, are you trying to get yourself killed, do we need to be Concerned’ lecture when Tony bursts into the infirmary and hurries over to where Stephen is sitting.
“Thanks, Cap, appreciate your concern, I’d like to be alone with my partner now, thank you,” Tony says. He doesn’t even look at Cap as he speaks, instead sliding in between him and Stephen and taking Stephen’s face gently in his hands.
“Tony—” Cap begins, so Tony leans forward and gives Stephen a long, deep kiss. There’s one last, exasperated sigh and then the sound of footsteps retreating.
When he’s gone, Tony breaks the kiss. Stephen leans forward and rests his head on Tony’s shoulder. “I really wasn’t trying to get myself killed,” he says softly.
Tony strokes the nape of his neck. “You forget death was permanent again?” Stephen nods slightly. “I know you need to be out there, helping,” Tony says, “but are you sure it’s not too soon?”
Stephen pulls back, taking Tony’s hands in his. “If I don’t experience new battles, then Dormammu continues to be the template I return to,” he says. He looks tired, lost. “They’re just so similar. I wish—” he cuts himself off.
“Wish what?” Tony prompts.
“You’re the only thing that never makes me think I’m looping,” Stephen admits, gripping his hands tighter. “I wish I could take that with me.”
Relief washes through Tony at the realization that there’s something tangible he can do to help. “I could add a private channel to your comms,” he says. “Just let me know when I need to keep up a running commentary; you know I can talk forever.”
Stephen laughs and pulls Tony into another kiss. “That would be perfect,” he murmurs against Tony’s mouth.