Work Text:
Stephen’s expression is even and controlled as he answers. “It’s the infinity stones. Channelling that much energy creates a link between you and the energy that binds together the universe. That energy then… sustains you as you were when the link happened.”
Tony frowns. “You sound awfully sure of that considering you haven’t even scanned me.” Surely there could be another explanation. The infinity stones… If they’d done it, it was highly likely only they could undo it. And they were gone.
“You’re not the first case,” Stephen says quietly. “You’re actually confirming a theory.”
It takes a moment for Tony to understand. “Titan? The time stone?”
Stephen nods.
Tony sighs and sits heavily on one of the couches on the Sanctum’s sitting room. Stephen gingerly sits beside him, and Tony tosses him a weak smile to show he isn’t going to shoot the messenger. “Is it permanent?”
“I don’t know,” Stephen says. “We just don’t understand the infinity stones well enough. I’d have expected Doctor Banner to be affected as well, but he seems to be aging normally.”
Tony runs a hand through his hair. “I have to tell Rhodey. And Pepper. God, I don’t even want to think about SI…”
Stephen smiles ruefully. “You’re the first person I’ve told.”
“Not even Wong?” Tony asks, surprised.
Stephen just shakes his head. “It’s… There’s too much...”
“Yeah.” Tony blows out a breath. “I need coffee. You want to come get coffee with me?”
Stephen smiles. “Yes. Thank you.”