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Tony’s heart leaps into his throat as the bad guy lifts his hands and launches a massive fireball directly at Stephen. He turns in the air and dives for his husband at full speed, boot jets whining. As he lands, Tony flings up his arm, a nanotech shield blooming to life just in time. The fireball impacts, spraying flames safely to either side of them.
When he turns to check on Stephen, Tony finds him watching with an amused smile. Tony can’t help feeling a little nonplussed. He doesn’t need gratitude, not from Stephen, but it’s like he didn’t even register the danger.
“Tony,” Stephen says. “Not that I don’t appreciate the save, but… I do have shields of my own.” Raising his hand, a mandala flares and catches a follow up fireball.
Tony gives silent thanks that the armor hides his bright blush. “I didn’t forget,” he says. “It’s just fun seeing fire spray off the shield.”
Stephen laughs. “Yes, dear,” he says, knowingly.
There were, Tony thought, some downsides to being known so well.