Chapter 16
Stephen Strange's POV
All is calm and quiet at the Sanctum right now. Wong and I are back to protecting ancient relics here as well as the Time Stone. I'm never giving up the Time Stone to anyone ever again. It holds too much value to be willingly handed over to a mad Titan. I'm heartbroken that the only outcome of us winning against Thanos in the end was by Tony sacrificing his life and snapping his fingers with the stones in the gauntlet. I searched through every single outcome and I swear on my life that was the only outcome in which he won.
I do miss Tony. I felt like him and I could have been good friends and strong allies in the future. Since we both lived in New York, it would have been a strong platonic and work connection. Sadly now his wife has to raise their child as a single mother though she has several people helping her out. I would know because I've been monitoring them from time to time. Little Morgan is a cutie. She looks exactly like Tony. She his mannerisms and everything. She even raises her eyebrows the same way that he did. Like father, like daughter.
I'm standing on a porch on the third floor of the Sanctum looking out at the city. The traffic is bustling once again, corporate workers rush about the streets heading in and out of their places of work, Starbucks cups everywhere, and the occasional large bird flying by. All feels right in the world again. I can't believe I was gone for five years. Wong survived the snap and has filled me in on everything that has happened since then. A lot sure has happened while I was gone. It was like a whole other world in the soul realm. Half of the universe was in there just waiting for the day where the remaining Avengers would undo what Thanos did to the universe. I'm happy to be back. I will continue to do my very best protecting the world from anymore threats. The world is never going to be perfect but I highly doubt anyone will try to replicate what Thanos did.
Thanos made all of the other villains us Avengers have faced over the years look like child's play. We were all shocked that we lost back then because the heroes usually always come out on top. Wong startles me a moment later, nearly causing me to tumble off of the railing. He helps me steady myself. "Sorry to have startled you Stephen. I just wanted to know if you wanted me to order some takeout for dinner. Wang's is having a special on their rice dishes right now, buy two and get the third free. Does that sound good?" I nod. "That sounds great Wong. Feel free to place the order." He nods and goes off to make a call to Wang's. The food arrives half an hour later and the two of us dig into it in the kitchen.
"Thank you for letting me know about the rice special. It's absolutely delicious, all of it. My favorite dish though is the chickpea rice. It's healthy yet satisfying. What's your favorite rice dish?" "Mine would have to be the tomato basil rice." I smile at him. "I'm glad to hear that. Wong, I know this is out of the blue, but do you miss dating?" He smirks. "Why would I miss dating? I love being a free man, having all of the time in the world to commit to work and my crafts. I tried dating and it isn't for me. Why do you ask?" I sigh. "This might sound stupid coming from me but I do miss dating. I had my romantic chapter with Christine but I haven't had love since then. I miss it. I love the work we do together but yet I crave something more, that missing puzzle piece if you will."
He shrugs. "That's fair I suppose. Just because I don't want to date anymore doesn't mean I should stop others from doing so. I'm sure you'll find love again Stephen, just let come to you though. Chasing after others is exhausting. I chased after too many women and it only came back to bite me in the ass. Learn from my errors." I nod. "Thank you for the input Wong. You're a good friend and I'm honored to work with you every single day." We have a bro hug before going back to eating. It feels wholesome, I really needed it.
Hoped that you guys liked this chapter! :) -Mary