imaakira

[imaakira]

Joel Miller x F!Reader | 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒔: 𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓🌻

Summary: In the early days of summer, Joel spent a lot of time shut away in his office. Those days often reminded him of the ones he had spent with Sarah. To quiet his thoughts, he would immerse himself in wood carving.

It was thanks to your little girl, Summer that you managed to get him to come out. You wanted to enjoy this sunny day with your small family, along with Ellie, Tommy, and his loved ones. A moment to step away from the everyday routine and to remind Joel that he’s not alone. Based on the refrain of "seasons" by amistat.

Warnings: established relationship, grief, guilt, fluff, lots of soft Joel Miller

Do not: claim, repost, copy, or translate my stories anywhere else.

I apologize in advance but English is not my mother tongue. 🧡

~*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪°~

“Where do we go, go from here?

May our light live on to see another year,

Down to the water, down to the deep,

Let's start small again and re-build from here.”

At the beginning of summer, the air was already heavy with the light scents of pine and freshly cut grass. Sunlight filtered gently through the faded curtains of the study, drawing golden, shifting lines across the floorboards. They came to rest on Joel’s shoulders, warming his white t-shirt as he leaned over a piece of raw wood—focused, almost absent. He carved slowly, with that strange patience he only allowed himself here, in this enclosed space, between four walls he had learned to tame.

He held the wood the way one might hold a precious memory—with grave tenderness, laden with a heavy silence. Each stroke of the knife carved an old groove inside him. Through the repetitive motion of the blade, Joel saw Sarah—not in a dream, but in that kind of invisible, fragile presence that only broken hearts know how to recognize. There was warmth, a nearly imperceptible softness in the air, and sometimes, when the sun touched his skin just so, he felt like she was there. Right beside him.

“If you love someone, you can always see their face.”

He told himself that every time. And he still saw her, sometimes. In a flash of light, in the warm breath of a summer breeze, in the features of their granddaughter.

A butterfly was taking shape under his fingers. Delicate, fragile, carefully chiseled. He hadn’t planned the design it had just come. The butterfly was Sarah, but it was also Ellie, it was you, and most of all, it was Summer. His little world. The people he never thought he deserved, yet now held in his hands, like that transformed piece of wood. He had learned to love again in his own way.

A soft knock sounded at the door, but he didn’t react. Lost in that suspended moment, his thoughts wrapped in the fine dust of wood and still-burning memories.

On the other side, you waited a moment. Hearing nothing, you looked down at Summer. Her little fingers were already tapping the handle impatient, curious, alive. You smiled gently.

- “Yes I know sweetheart… let’s go see your daddy.”

You opened the door carefully. Joel hadn’t locked it—he rarely did anymore. Upon entering, the first thing you noticed was the light—soft, almost sacred. The second was his hunched back, his silent figure, and the precise movements of his hands.

You didn’t dare speak. You didn’t want to break this moment of calm, however painful it was. You stepped forward slowly, your hand brushing the doorframe, holding in a breath.

But Summer didn’t wait.

With a joyful, clumsy burst of energy, she escaped your arms. Her little bare feet pattered across the floor, unsteady, quick like fluttering wings. Her shy laugh echoed in the room like sunlight breaking through a cloud.

- “Da... dada!”

She clung to Joel’s leg, her short arms wrapping around it as best they could. The sudden movement made Joel flinch, pulling him back to the present. He looked down, first surprised, like waking from a distant dream.

Then his gaze settled on Summer, and something in him cracked, gently. His face softened, his shoulders loosened, and he carefully set his tools down on the desk. He ran a trembling hand through the little one’s curls, touching her like a miracle. He closed his eyes for a long moment.

- “Hey, my little sweetheart…” He murmured, voice hoarse with an emotion he didn’t always know how to name.

You stood still, throat tight. It wasn’t just a tender scene. It was something deeper, more fragile: Joel, vulnerable, his eyes misted over, holding an entire world in his arms. A world he had nearly lost a hundred times. A world that, today, had come to find him.

And he let Summer hold him. He lifted her gently into his arms, pressing his forehead to hers. A peaceful silence, soft like the sawdust floating in the sunlight.

Summer blinked, fascinated by her father’s face. She raised a chubby hand and, with the clumsy delicacy of toddlers, pinched the tip of his nose.

Joel blinked, surprised, and a faint laugh escaped his throat—a rare laugh, quiet, broken at the edge of breath but real. Summer giggled too, that crystal-clear laugh that stirs the soul. Then, as if she had discovered some hidden treasure, she let her fingers explore the contours of Joel’s face.

His rough cheeks. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. The scruffy beard. She pinched, tapped, tugged gently on a gray lock slipping from his temple.

Joel didn’t move. He let her. He looked at her the way one looks at something sacred. With awe. With infinite caution. As if any sudden movement might cause this small, warm, living thing in his arms to vanish.

He drank her in with his eyes. They shone with a mix of raw love and vulnerability. And fear too—the fear that this moment might only be a dream. That this too-perfect happiness might be an illusion.

But no. Summer was here. Very real. Her warm breath on his skin, her scent of milk, sunshine, and flowers. Her curious gaze, so pure it almost hurt.

- He murmured softly, just for her, almost without realizing, “You know you’re melting this old heart of mine, little one…”

She placed both her hands on his cheeks then, as if to frame his face. Joel closed his eyes, unable to hold back the emotion tightening his throat. It was tenderness—pure and whole. Something he thought he had lost forever. Something he had never dared hope to feel again.

He opened his eyes again, his lashes damp. Summer was smiling. One of those disarming smiles, for no reason and with no condition. A shiver ran down his spine—not from fear. No. From love. A deep, fierce love, so gentle it hurt.

And so he allowed himself to smile too. A real one. Not the ghost of a grin. A tired, trembling smile—but true. He pressed his lips softly to his daughter’s warm forehead, leaving a silent kiss. A promise he didn’t yet know how to put into words.

You watched from the doorway. You didn’t dare move, witness to a moment so intimate it seemed to belong to another world.

Then he slowly turned his head toward you. His eyes searched for you, hesitant. He didn’t know what to say. He had never known how to name feelings like these, especially when they brushed so close to pain. He held Summer like a fragile treasure.

- You smiled gently at him. “Come,” you said softly. “Let’s go outside. Just for a bit. You need it.”

He didn’t argue.

A few minutes later...

You, Joel, Summer, Ellie, and Tommy had decided to go for a walk outside of Jackson. Days like this were rare too rare but deeply necessary. In a world where every morning could bring a new wave of dread, where routine itself could turn into a cage, there was a vital need to break free, to breathe differently, somewhere else.

Tommy, true to himself, had suggested a safe place off the beaten path a quiet river tucked away in a clearing a few kilometers from town, but far enough to feel like somewhere else, to believe—for just a moment that everything weighing on you no longer existed.

No horses. You had chosen to walk. A way to honor slowness, to welcome silence, to let your thoughts unravel in time with your steps. Ellie and Tommy led the way, exchanging quiet words, laughing softly now and then. You heard them in waves, without really listening like a comforting background murmur.

You walked beside Joel, and against his chest, Summer slept peacefully in the cloth baby carrier. She had curled up as soon as you started walking, her little head nestled against her father’s heart, arms folded close, as if that cocoon was the only world she needed.

Joel’s arms were wrapped around her gentle and protective. One of his hands cradled her fragile head, making sure it was properly supported, shielded from any jolt or sway. He could feel the warmth of her tiny body against his t-shirt, the soft breath of her sleep against his skin. And in that simple sensation, he found a calm he couldn’t put into words. It wasn’t much a light weight, a warm breath, a steady rhythm but for him, it was everything.

You could see it, in the way his shoulders were a little less tense, in the way he sometimes glanced down at her, as if he still couldn’t quite believe it. As if this small life, curled against him, was holding together all the pieces he thought he’d lost.

You didn’t know what to say. No words seemed right, or simple enough. So, quietly, you slipped your hand into his. He turned to you, surprised at first, then his gaze softened. His fingers closed around yours, and with the tip of his thumb, he brushed the top of your hand a barely perceptible gesture, yet full of everything he couldn’t say. A silent thank you. A maybe I’m here. Or simply this matters to me.

Up ahead, Ellie turned slightly, squinting back at the two of you.

- “They’ve been super quiet for a while now, don’t you think? Did something happen?” She asked in a hushed voice, as if afraid to break something delicate.

Tommy gave a small smile, hands in his pockets.

- “Nah I don’t think so. That’s just how they communicate, I’d say.”

He glanced back over his shoulder, then added:

- “And besides, communicating with my brother? Not exactly a walk in the park. You know how it is.”

Ellie grinned.

- “Oh yeah, don't tell me about it.”

And in the distance, the river was already murmuring—promising a peaceful moment you would, at last, share together.

A few hours later...

By the riverbank, everyone naturally found their place, as if nature itself had planned this moment for you.

You and Ellie had stayed close to the water, challenging its calm surface with stones you tried to skip. Your laughter—clear and light—floated in the air, and in a way, it helped. It sounded like a reminder that joy was still possible, even in small bursts.

Joel had wandered a few steps away, finding a patch of shade where he could sit, Summer still curled against his chest. She was still asleep, lulled by the steady rhythm of her father's heartbeat. He held her like a fragile treasure, wrapped in his arms, his gaze drifting toward the blurred horizon of the river.

Tommy joined him silently. He sat beside him without a word at first, simply watching the water too. For a few minutes, only the sounds of the river and distant voices filled the space between them. Then Joel spoke, his voice low, almost uncertain.

- “How’d you manage to move forward with Benjamin?” He asked plainly, eyes still fixed ahead. “I mean… with everything we’ve been through, all we’ve lost… You managed to build something.”

Tommy didn’t answer right away. He took a slow breath, as if searching for the right words.

- “I don’t always feel like I have, you know? Not every day. Some mornings I wake up and… I wonder if it’s all gonna fall apart. If I even deserve it, after everything we’ve seen. But…” He turned his head toward Joel, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I figured something out. It’s not about deserving it. It’s about holding on. Choosing, every day to stay standing. For him. For Maria. And, yeah… for me too, sometimes.”

Joel nodded slowly, his brow furrowed with the emotion he couldn’t quite voice.

- “Sometimes I feel like… all of this could be taken from me in a second, you know? Like… I don’t really deserve her. Or Summer. Or this life.”

Tommy glanced down at the little one sleeping in Joel’s arms, then looked briefly toward you, standing there by the water with Ellie, your figure soft in the distance.

- “Joel, look at who you’re holding,” He said quietly. “That’s your daughter. Look at the woman over there with Ellie. That’s your wife. You may not see it that way… but you made it too.”

- He paused, then added even softer: “And I know you’re scared. I am too. But we’re still here. And so are they. They love you, man. For real.”

Joel didn’t answer right away. He looked down at Summer for a long moment, feeling her tiny hand slowly open and close against his chest in her sleep. And that warmth so small, so real, made something catch in his throat.

He whispered, almost to himself:

- “I don’t know how to do this… without messing it all up.”

- Tommy placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder—firm, but full of brotherhood. “Then you learn. One day at a time. Like everyone else.”

And for a while, they stayed there—two brothers marked by loss, by scars, by silence—but who, despite it all, still held on to that flicker—fragile, persistent—of a future still possible.

A few minutes later...

A few hours later, the golden light of the sun had begun to dip gently toward the horizon, wrapping the river in a warm, soothing glow. The air smelled of moss and leaves, and a rare calm settled over that little corner of the world.

You, Joel, and Summer were in the shallow water, your feet sunk into the smooth, cool pebbles. Even though your pants were rolled up to your knees, the water had crept higher, soaking the fabric with each step. But none of you cared anymore.

Maria and Benjamin had joined you in the meantime. They’d settled not far from Tommy and Ellie, on a blanket laid directly on the grass, with something to eat fruit, bread, some dried meat, and a few sweets Maria had probably saved for a special occasion. Laughter rippled along the water’s edge, voices mingling softly, never disturbing the serenity of the moment.

Joel was crouched in the water, his hands submerged halfway, holding Summer with infinite gentleness. She lay in his palms like a tiny boat, her little legs barely kicking above the surface, her arms opening and closing in small curious gestures.

Slowly, Joel lowered her so that her back touched the water. A slight shiver ran through her tiny body, but instead of crying, Summer let out a clear, crystalline laugh. Her feet splashed, her fingers moved excitedly, mesmerized by the reflections dancing around her. She burst out laughing, eyes sparkling with discovery.

You felt your breath catch. You watched her, in awe, stunned by how she accepted this world, this new sensation without fear, without resistance. She welcomed it with absolute innocence, with absolute trust. It was like watching her be born a second time.

You turned to Joel, his arms still submerged, holding his daughter with that rare tenderness he offered to no one else. He said nothing, but his face spoke for him. His eyes were fixed on Summer, glistening, slightly misty. His jaw was tight, but his lips trembled just slightly, like he was holding back a breath too heavy with emotion.

- “I was afraid she’d cry, that she’d hate it,” You murmured, gently breaking the silence between you. “That it would be too cold, too strange… But look at her. She’s laughing.”

Joel let out a low, deep chuckle, one of those rare sounds he only allowed in moments when he was truly present. He shook his head slightly, unable to look away from his daughter.

- “She’s braver than I ever was at her age,” He murmured, his tone filled with quiet awe.

The river kept flowing gently around you, as if it was cradling your happiness with care. There was no rush. The world could stop here—you had everything you needed.

A few hours later...

The sun had begun to sink lower, casting golden and warm reflections across the river. The air had grown softer, calmer, as if even the wind wanted to slow time.

You and Joel had entrusted Summer to Tommy and Maria, who had offered to put her down for the evening, with Ellie’s cheerful help. The little one would get to spend some time with her big sister—and you, a rare moment alone together. One of those fragile moments you keep in secret, far from life’s noise.

Later, Joel had wandered off, drawn to a deeper part of the river. Barefoot, he stopped at the edge of the water, his gaze fixed on the eddies slipping between his toes. His T-shirt clung slightly to his back from the damp air. He seemed far away, lost in thoughts larger than himself.

You watched him from the shore for a moment, your heart beating fast. You knew that look the one he wore when silence grew too heavy, when memories threatened to surface. So, without really thinking, moved by a slightly mischievous, slightly tender impulse, you stepped quietly toward him… and gave him a gentle push.

His feet slipped on the wet pebbles, and he fell backward, landing in the cold water with a splash, the breath knocked out of him. Water splashed around him, soaking half his pants and the bottom of his shirt. He looked up at you, eyes widening slightly, caught between surprise and laughter.

- “I must’ve really messed up today, huh?” He said, his voice low, half-mocking, but still carrying that old guilt he always held too tightly.

You walked over to him, slowly, your legs sliding through the clear water, the cold pebbles underfoot. You knelt gently between his spread legs, your knees sinking into the riverbed, and placed your trembling hands on his damp cheeks.

He didn’t say anything. He didn’t move, either.

It was only when you leaned in and pressed your lips softly to his that he seemed to return to himself. And even then, he hesitated. Not because he didn’t want to but because receiving had always been harder for Joel than giving. Love, for him, had always been a kind of armor heavy, battered, forged from years of loss.

And yet this time, he let you.

When you pulled back, foreheads resting together, his eyes stayed locked on yours. And he whispered, rough, almost like a confession dragged from deep inside him:

- “I’m scared.”

You didn’t move. You didn’t rush to fill the silence. You let him breathe, let him release what he carried.

- “I’m scared that all this… is too beautiful. Too fragile. That it’ll slip away. That I’ll lose it again. You. Summer. Ellie. This… happiness.” He paused, his gaze drifting to the water.

- “I don’t know how to hold on to it. I don’t even know if I deserve to.”

You felt your heart tighten. So you pressed your forehead a little more against his, your fingers sliding to the nape of his neck.

- “You think we’re asking you to be perfect?” Your voice was soft, calm barely a whisper in the murmur of the river. “To be a rock, a fearless father, a flawless husband?”

He blinked, unable to answer.

- “Joel… look at me. You don’t have to know how to do it. You just have to be here. To keep showing up. Even when it’s scary. Especially when it’s scary.”

You paused, then your hand rose to gently wipe a droplet from his cheek—or maybe a tear. You didn’t ask.

- “You know what I see? A father who holds his daughter like she’s made of light. Who walks slower so he won’t wake her. Who still carries the heaviest memories, but chooses every day not to drown in them.”

Joel closed his eyes for a moment, as if your words sank too deep. When he opened them again, they were full of that rare tenderness he kept so tightly guarded. Full of that old, gentle ache that would never fully leave but tonight, at least, felt a little lighter.

“My dear there's a light, a light that shines within,

Let's start small again we are still here,

I'm gonna hold on, hold on to this feeling,

Then I will hold on and grow stronger through the seasons.

And as we move from dark to light,

In the moments of doubt, I won't look for escape,

Darling, love will be our guide.”

~*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪°~

If you want to be marked on my future stories, let me know in the comments. Thank you again for reading ! 😊

[imaakira]

Joel Miller x F!Reader | "𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑠, 𝑚𝑦 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑠." 🦋

Summary: Your childhood had been marked by the weight of trauma and the constraints of a strict religious upbringing. From an early age, you were taught to keep your distance, to distrust physical contact, to see tenderness as a weakness and love as either a sin or an illusion. So you grew up behind walls, with deeply ingrained defense mechanisms.

Real relationships, the genuine kind, were foreign to you. You watched them from afar, never daring to get close and then Joel came along. Quietly, without grand gestures. Just with that gentle way of looking at you, of listening without asking too many questions, as if he already understood everything you weren’t saying.

He didn’t try to change you or force his way past your barriers. He was simply there. Patient. Steady. Not as a lover, not yet, not exactly... but as the one person you had trusted enough to share your story. With him, for the first time, you began to see the possibility of letting your guard down and maybe, slowly, of healing.

Warnings: established relationship, grief, guilt, fluff, lots of soft Joel Miller Do not: claim, repost, copy, or translate my stories anywhere else. Notes: Maybe a part 2 where I further develop their relationship, and maybe Y/N and Joel get to have a special night 🤭 I apologize in advance but English is not my mother tongue. 💙 ~*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪°~

- Hey, easy… I won’t go any further... Tell me if it’s too much, alright? - N-no… it’s okay… it’s just that… - Look at my hand.. Breathe slowly with me…

Joel’s voice was low, steady, almost a whisper. He moved his hand slowly, with infinite care. His fingers barely grazed your skin, just a breath, a warmth. He moved inch by inch, cautious, approaching that place where the memories still hurt. He didn’t take his eyes off you. Not for a second.

He wanted you to feel that you were here, now. Safe. It was an exercise he had suggested. Every day, if you had the strength. And sometimes, you said no and he welcomed that no with the same respect as a yes. He was never there to force you. Only to walk with you. - W-wait… The words barely came out. Your throat was tight, your body trembling against your will. There was nothing to fear. Just you. Just him. You gently clutched the sleeve of his shirt, like an anchor. You had come a long way. You let Joel hold you sometimes. And today, that was already a lot. You didn’t need to go faster. - We’ll stop here for today. His hand withdrew gently, without haste. Then he opened his arms slowly, a silent invitation. He wouldn’t come to get you. He waited for you to come to him.

- You’re such an old man… You murmured, barely a breath. You came to take refuge in his arms. They wrapped around you with infinite tenderness. Your face naturally found its place against his chest, and you let your breath calm, lulled by the steady beating of his heart. - Yeah, I know… but you love me like that. His hand moved down your back, slowly. Listening. Ready to stop at the slightest sign. You said nothing. So he continued, gently rubbing, up and down, a reassuring, steady pressure. - It’s okay… you’re safe here.

What happened between you two? How did you meet? Well, in a rather… violent way. You had been living in Jackson for a few years already. You did your part, like everyone else. You helped where you could, within the community, and you sat on the council alongside Maria and Tommy. It was a simple daily life, paced by the needs of others, and it suited you.

Every Friday night, Jackson held a party. A moment to release pressure, to laugh, to pretend the world was less harsh than it really was. But those moments never appealed to you. Too many people. Too much noise. Too many fake smiles. So that night, as usual, you were at the stables, finishing up with the horses.

You weren’t alone. Henry was there. Your friend. Your partner. The one you went on patrols with, the one you trusted. But that night, something was off about him. He was different. His insistence was no longer kind. He wanted you to come to the party with him, and you kept refusing. Again. And again. But he wouldn’t hear your no.

Bit by bit, he had cornered you in a part of the stable. And then his hands… Hands that should never have touched you like that. Your breath caught. Your heart raced. It was like your body was closing in on itself. A raw, ancient panic and suddenly, you weren’t there anymore. Your body acted on its own.

Your fist flew. Then another. And another. You had pinned him to the ground. You hit him. Again. Again. You didn’t even see him anymore — he wasn’t him, he was what he represented. A line crossed. A fear awakened. You weren’t yourself anymore.

And then… a hand grabbed your wrist. Firm, but not harsh. A voice, calm, deep, steady, broke through the frenzy. - I think he got the message, Y/N. It was Joel.

Everything was a blur. Your breathing was ragged, your hands were shaking, covered in blood. You were crying, unable to speak. You had no bearings left. Nothing. Just that hand still holding you. Not to stop you. To keep you from falling. He helped you up, slowly, gently, he didn’t ask a single question, he understood, he saw. - Come on. The others will take care of Henry. Let’s go clean this up. Not a word too many. No unnecessary talk. Just his presence. Calm. Steady. He didn’t judge you. He didn’t turn away. He gently brought you back to yourself that night.

And somehow… that night was where it all began between you.

Joel had taken you to the infirmary. Luckily for you, everyone was still at the party. The place was deserted, empty. Just the two of you, surrounded by silence. No looks, no whispers, no questions. Nothing but the irregular beats of your heart, the sound of his footsteps, and the dim light casting your shadows.

You hadn’t looked at him. You couldn’t. Shame clung to your skin like a heavy veil, keeping you from breathing, from speaking, from moving. So you let him do what he needed to do. Not out of submission, but surrender. As if your body recognized something in Joel.

He took his time. He didn’t speak right away. He just pulled out the bandages, gently, almost with modesty. Then his fingers — rough, calloused hands from a life too heavy — came to meet yours. He wrapped the bandages around your bloodied knuckles, without rushing, without pressing. - I don’t think Henry will try anything like that again. His voice was deep, a bit awkward. A trembling attempt at humor to lighten the mood. He wasn’t good at that sort of thing. But he tried.

And that was already a lot. His fingers brushed your skin. Slowly. Carefully. And for the first time that night, your breathing no longer hurt. You finally looked up. Your eyes were red, swollen from tears, fear, rage… But in Joel’s gaze, there was nothing but a tired peace. A raw calm, with no expectations. You let him finish. In silence and when he was done, you pulled your hands back. Quickly, too quickly. - Th… Thank you? Your voice was broken, nearly absent. But you spoke.

He nodded gently, stood up to put away the bandages, cleaned up the rest, still silent, as if everything that needed to be said had already been said. Joel. I’m Tommy’s older brother. We’ve crossed paths… but we’ve never talked. He didn’t force a response. He just placed that there, like a smooth stone by the side of a path. Then, he moved toward the door. I’ll leave you be. If you need anything, I’ll be at the party. Tommy needs me there. But… I don’t think you really need anyone tonight. He gave you one last look. Not insistent, not intrusive, just present. - Rest well. And he left, without a sound, just as he had come, but you knew, without knowing why, that he wasn’t far.

And that brings you here. Months have passed since that night. Since the infirmary. Since that moment when, without knowing it yet, something had begun. Little by little, you had opened up to Joel. Not all at once. Not in a grand act of trust. No. But in fragments. A word, a memory, a glance a bit longer than the others. And Joel, too, had opened up. Slowly, cautiously. Like a door you thought had been locked forever.

You had given each other something. A nameless space.

Something fragile. Real. Something that asked for nothing. There weren’t many words between you. But the silences were full. Full of understanding, respect, attention.

And above all, there were the hands. That’s where it had all started, after all. Your hands spoke for you, when your voices couldn’t. A brush on the shoulder to say I’m here. A fleeting touch on the fingers to say I understand. Simple, everyday gestures, almost invisible to others, but for you, they said everything.

You weren’t ready to give him everything. And he never asked for it. So he suggested those little exercises, morning and evening. Moments to ground yourself. To breathe. To reclaim your body where it had once been broken.

He would simply ask: - May I? And you’d nod, or say no and it was always okay. When you said yes, he was there. Present. Patient. His hands brushed against yours, touched your arm, sometimes moved up to your shoulder. Nothing invasive. Nothing more than what you could accept.

And you did the same. You were there when he sat in silence for long minutes, lost in thought. You would come sit beside him, your knee grazing his. Sometimes, you gently took his hand and you stayed like that, together, in silence.

You never said I love you. It wasn’t necessary. What you were building had its own language. A language of hands, slow gestures, calm breaths, and meaningful silences.

And it was enough. For now.

~*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪°~

If you want to be marked on my future stories, let me know in the comments. Thank you again for reading ! 😊

[imaakira]

Joel Miller x F!Reader | "𝐵𝑢𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑙𝑦 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡"🦋

Summary: a warm moment between Joel Miller and his wife, Y/N. Based on the refrain of "butterfly effect - demo" by Sophie Holohan.

Warnings: adorable, sweet, caring, mostly Miller fluff Do not: claim, repost, copy, or translate my stories anywhere else. Notes: this chapter is dedicated to @defeima ✨ I apologize in advance but English is not my mother tongue. 💙 ~*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪°~

- Y/N?

- Mmh...?

- Do you remember?

They were seated, more precisely lying on the ground, facing each other. Ellie was asleep just behind Joel, in her own sleeping bag, in a deep slumber.

The journey had been long for the small group.

- What exactly?

- Our first encounter?

Joel's gaze never left that of his wife. Despite the darkness, he managed to discern her relaxed and peaceful expression. Each rising day was a moment of reflection for him, on how lucky he had been to stumble upon this beautiful person.

Y/N's gaze upon Joel in this situation was marked by a deep affection and an undeniable connection. Her eyes captured every detail of his face, as if trying to read his most intimate thoughts. Through this shared look, an unshakable trust in Joel could be discerned, a testament to a strong bond forged through time and shared trials.

Joel and Y/N don't share the same sleeping bag, yet it doesn't prevent her from slipping her arm under her wife's head. Y/N joyfully accepted her husband's gesture and settled gently against his arm, a smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Despite the passing years, Joel remained the man he had become due to everything he had experienced. However, when Y/N stood by his side, it was as if his barriers fell in an instant. She possessed a power over him he couldn't explain, but it left him feeling liberated and happy, far from his fears and regrets.

- Nostalgic Joel, who would have thought?

- Baby, don't play that game, answer me.

The tone used by Joel was imbued with serenity, his words flowed gently, and his attention was focused kindly on every uttered word. He wasn't stern but rather tranquil, expressing a certain thoughtfulness and a sincere desire to understand Y/N's response. It wasn't the first time Joel had been nostalgic; with Ellie and his wife, it was complex for him not to be.

- How could I forget that day, the day when our little butterfly made our paths cross.

"The wing of a butterfly brushed my cheek."

A few years back...

At that time, Sarah was young, the age to go to school, and that day was her first day. The little girl was so excited to join her school that she ran around without paying much attention to where she was going.

Unbeknownst to her, she brushed against someone on the street and continued on her way. Joel, who was just behind his daughter, was absorbed in his phone. He had an issue with one of his clients.

"So you bumped right into me, then you said, "Sorry", I said the same."

Joel bumps into the young woman Sarah had brushed past a few seconds earlier. Once everyone returned to their senses, the young woman dropped her coffee.

- Sorry, I didn't see you.

- I—I'm sorry.

Before the young woman could bend down to pick up her coffee, Joel interrupts her motion and helps her stand upright.

"Said you'd buy one in exchange. For my number and my name."

- I'll buy you a new one, I can't do it right now because I have to take my daughter to school. But...

- Dad, hurry up, we're gonna be late!

Sarah's words reach Joel like a distant whisper carried by the wind. For a moment, he's caught in her gaze, meeting the young woman's eyes, then he feels the urgency pressing on him. Sarah's voice snaps him back to reality, and he lets out a frustrated sigh, pulling out a contact card and handing it to the young woman. That little girl was going to kill him if he didn't hurry.

- I have to get my daughter to school, but send me a message during the day, and I'll let you know when we can set up a time to settle my debt.

Joel didn't give the young woman a chance to say anything before he was already running towards Sarah. Y/N could see from afar the beautiful relationship between Joel and his daughter. The little girl had latched onto his arm as if not wanting to let him be so far from her.

Y/N had crossed paths with Joel in an unexpected way, as if destiny had woven their lives into a chance encounter. As she walked peacefully down the street, a series of fortuitous circumstances guided her to this precise moment.

In an instant, she went from being a stranger in the crowd to locking eyes with Joel, triggering a subtle yet profound connection. In this serendipitous meeting, Y/N found far more than a simple encounter; she discovered an unexplainable connection, a presence that would shape the course of their future.

"One date turned to two, then four, then ten."

Joel had kept his promise, he offered Y/N a coffee later in the week. A few days later, he invited Y/N for coffee, marking the beginning of a series of meetings and exchanges. This simple act evolved into a sweet and anticipated routine, weaving a special bond between the two adults.

Each shared cup was more than just a warm beverage; it was an exchange of smiles, confidences, and precious moments that fortified their budding connection.

Y/N didn't send a message immediately after the brief encounter with Joel on the street. An inexplicable sensation nagged at her, creating a knot in her mind and stomach. Was this something new? No, she had experienced past relationships that had left scars, both physical and mental. So, this time, she was cautious.

After meeting Joel, however, a gentle surprise brushed her heart. From him emanated a reassuring calm, a soothing contrast to the turmoil of the past. The moments shared in his company chipped away at the barriers she had erected, allowing a glimmer of hope to shine through. Mistrust was still there, but it had conceded some ground, allowing for a new possibility and perhaps, just perhaps, a chance for healing.

Rushing wasn't at the top of her to-do list, and Y/N was acutely aware of that. Now, she regarded it as crucial to take her time, to observe with meticulousness, and to savor each moment life presented. This newfound perspective was the result of maturity acquired over time.

Guided by this objective, she approached the situation with newfound patience, allowing things to develop naturally, without pressure or undue haste. Each step was taken deliberately, each emotion weighed and considered. Life, with its promises and uncertainties, was approached with more thoughtfulness and serenity.

If Joel was to become significant in her life, Y/N was resolved to explore this possibility step by step. However, bestowing her trust was a separate and delicate matter. She had learned from past lessons, from scars left behind by others. Now, her trust wasn't granted lightly. Each interaction with Joel was like a canvas painted with care, each thread of trust woven with attentiveness. She had decided that if Joel was to earn her tangle of emotions, it would have to be gained over time, confidence, and a deep mutual understanding.

"Hello" turned to "Never leave my mind again"

Every morning when Y/N woke up, her first thought was of him. Sometimes, it was stronger than her, an invisible yet comforting presence accompanying her. Though he wasn't physically by her side, she felt his warmth and influence, as if Joel had left an indelible mark on her mind. This thought gently cradled her, providing a sense of well-being.

On his part, every night as Joel prepared to sleep, it was her who occupied his thoughts. It was something new for him, a pleasant reminder of emotions he might have set aside for a long time. He never thought he would feel these emotions again for someone. The night became a time of silent reflection, a moment to explore these feelings with newfound delicacy.

Both of them, each on their own, navigated this new reality, exploring the contours of their nascent emotions, opening up slowly to each other while relishing the comfort of these thoughts that accompanied them in waking and sleeping.

Being attracted to someone again was a familiar territory for Joel, but it was imbued with a new complexity. Memories of a past relationship merged with the freshness of this burgeoning emotion. He found himself walking down paths he thought he had left behind, with the sensations of that time blending with the current palpitations.

It was both a reminder of what he had experienced before and a discovery of renewed feelings. The scars of the past intertwined with the gentleness of the present, creating a unique blend of caution and excitement. Despite the distance from the past, these emotions never seemed to truly fade away.

Joel navigated this sea of emotions with caution, allowing the past to inform him without defining him. Attraction to someone else was both a reminder of his humanity and a challenge for his heart, an opportunity to once again be touched while keeping a watchful eye on the lessons of yesteryear.

Until the unexpected arrival of Y/N.

After the sudden disappearance of Sarah's mother, Joel had focused on the education and well-being of his little butterfly. Joel's own happiness was no longer his priority; Sarah had become his number one priority. He wrapped his protective arms around her, filling the void left by her mother's absence. Every morning, he prepared her breakfast with care, ensuring she started the day with a smile. Evenings were filled with stories and laughter, a sacred ritual that chased away the shadows of uncertainty.

Y/N had a power over him, just as he had a power over her.

- You're wonderful, you're beautiful, you're unique, and when you have the chance to know and build a beautiful relationship like you do, you never let it go. And I don't intend to let you go, Y/N.

"Now you sleep by my side and kiss my neck."

Joel, Y/N, and Sarah had become an inseparable family. Their home resonated with laughter, whispered conspiracies, and shared moments. Each day was marked by a natural harmony that seemed as if destiny had finally found a way to bring these souls together.

The daily routine was where small gestures and shared looks spoke volumes. Joel and Y/N complemented each other in a way that went beyond words, a deep connection nurtured by mutual understanding. Evenings were punctuated with gentle exchanges and joint plans, while weekends were dedicated to family getaways that forged unforgettable memories.

Y/N had opened her heart and home to the Millers, feeling no regret. Each moment shared with them was a silent affirmation that her decision had been one of the most beautiful in her life. Sarah's radiant smile and the moments of complicity between Joel and Y/N were living proof that their little family was a precious treasure, a sanctuary where love and joy were the steadfast pillars of their everyday life.

"And I thank the world for the butterfly effect."

Returning to the present...

Through Joel's warm eyes, Y/N captured the reflection of their deep connection. Every exchanged glance was an open window to their thoughts, a silent exchange of trust and understanding. In these moments, words seemed superfluous, as they could read emotions in the corners of each other's gazes, an intimate communication reserved for those who had experienced so much joy and pain together.

- If Sarah hadn't bumped into me, would you have found your way to me, Joel? Was it destiny or the work of a theory?

Thanks to Sarah, their paths had intertwined in a way that transcended chance. A shared smile between them was tinged with gratitude toward the little butterfly who had orchestrated their meeting. Sarah, their sweet little girl, had unintentionally healed invisible wounds and brought together two souls destined to cross paths.

- Clearly, you and I were meant to be, and destiny decided so. The universe brought you to me, and I'm grateful every night to have you by my side. Day and night, Y/N.

The gratitude in Y/N's heart was revealed in every carefully spoken word, a sincere declaration of appreciation for this unexpected bond that had mended parts of herself she didn't even know were broken. Each night spent by Joel's side was a living reminder of this quiet healing, a deep bond forged through their little butterfly and shaped by destiny.

- Thank our little butterfly, for it was in part thanks to her that on the day I met you, I felt repaired, even without knowing it.

After experiencing a torrent of experiences, both good and bad, by his wife Y/N's side, Joel felt a depth of sentiment he could never have anticipated. Every challenge overcome had strengthened their bond, every shared smile had etched a precious memory in his heart. He felt simultaneously weary and alive, marveled by the power of their relationship and life itself.

Their joint adventures had sculpted his being, transforming him into a man filled with a wealth of emotions, grateful for every moment spent with Y/N, regardless of its nature. Each moment, whether good or bad, had become an essential chapter in their story, woven into the fabric of their unwavering love.

- You take care of me as I take care of you.

Joel and Y/N had woven between them a deep and protective bond. Every gesture, every exchanged look, was imbued with gentle care. Like two souls who had traversed similar paths, they instinctively understood each other's needs and desires.

Joel cared for her with gentle determination, ensuring her safety and well-being as if she were an extension of himself. His arms were always ready to comfort her, his presence a refuge in times of storm. He listened patiently, without judgment, offering words that healed.

On her part, Y/N had a unique way of reading between the lines of Joel's thoughts. She cared for him with evident tenderness, finding subtle ways to offer him moments of respite. A thoughtful look, a comforting embrace—she understood when he needed support without him having to say a word.

Their relationship was a graceful dance of exchanges and mutual care, where each step was guided by deep affection and sincere respect. In this balance, they found the strength to navigate the challenges of the world around them, knowing they were united in their commitment to care for each other, no matter what life might bring. - You're stuck with me until the end of your days, you know that, right Joel?

- What?

- Yes.

- Forever?

- For eternity.

- It goes both ways. You're stuck with me too.

- I quite like that.

Initially, Joel displayed a faint smile that gradually transformed into a gentle chuckle. Leaning in slightly, he closed the distance between his lips and Y/N's, sealing the moment with a tender kiss. As the night drew to a close, they fell asleep facing each other, finding solace and warmth in each other's presence, before drifting into peaceful slumber.

~*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪°~ If you want to be marked on my future stories, let me know in the comments. Thank you again for reading ! 😊

[imaakira]

- MY MASTERLIST DOCTOR STRANGE -

Here is my masterlist, which will allow you to more easily access my stories. Enjoy reading ! 💙

- PS : Hope Strange does not come from any comics ect.. , just from my imagination. I always wished that Stephen and Christine and a child together. I named it that way because for me it is a name that corresponds and represents a lot to their couple, hope.

-

Doctor Strange

The stories sometimes focus on Stephen, Christine and Hope. Sometimes just Stephen and Christine.

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑀𝑦 𝐷𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑟 »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐹𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑡𝑠 - I »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐹𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑡𝑠 - II »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝐷𝑜 𝐼 𝑆𝑎𝑦 𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑𝑏𝑦𝑒 ? »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐻𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦 𝐵𝑖𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑑𝑎𝑦, 𝐻𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑦 »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑎𝑠 𝐷𝑎𝑦 »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐻𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐻𝑢𝑠𝑏𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑊𝑖𝑓𝑒 »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐼 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 ? »

[imaakira]

Joel Miller x F!Reader | "𝐼'𝑚 𝐴𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑏𝑦 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑆𝑖𝑑𝑒"✨

Summary: Joël was always there by your side, supporting you when you needed it the most. However, on that night, it was him who needed you.

Based on the refrain of "I'm Always by Your Side" by John Park.

Warnings: established relationship, grief, guilt, fluff, lots of soft Joel Miller Do not: claim, repost, copy, or translate my stories anywhere else. Notes: the chapter is quite short, but I wanted to place this little one here. I hope you'll enjoy it!

I apologize in advance but English is not my mother tongue. 💙 ~*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪°~

"When I walk down a road I don't know well and I'm full of scare and doubt."

Today was a special day: Sarah's birthday. At the same time, Tommy had organized a party with the help of Ellie and Y/N. There wasn't a particular reason to celebrate, but for some of Joel's close ones, it was evident that this night wouldn't be easy for him.

Being the reserved man he is, Joel acted as usual by withdrawing from the commotion and the people. He stayed alone in his garage, surrounded by his tools.

His wife, Y/N, was well aware that he wouldn't be present at the party to take his mind off things. She knew the place where he found refuge when his nightmares and doubts decided to torment him again.

She found him alone, sitting on a chair, his gaze completely lost in front of him.

The moonlight gently slid through the garage window, revealing a scene that contrasted with the usual bustling life within. Y/N's gaze fell upon Joel, alone in the midst of this typically animated space. But on that night, his silhouette was hunched, shoulders sagging under the invisible weight of his thoughts.

A shiver of concern ran through Y/N as she saw him like this, lost in the labyrinth of his dark thoughts. His eyes, usually filled with a glimmer of assurance, now seemed to reflect a despair she had already seen on that night when everything had changed. The tools, usually his pride and passion, lay abandoned, silent witnesses to the inner storm tormenting him.

She approached hesitantly, fearing to shatter the fragile silence enveloping the room. Her heart tightened at the sight of the one who had always been her rock, now vulnerable and broken.

- Joel, she had said softly, pronouncing the name like a caress in the darkness.

"When you called my name, I can see the light, guiding me home like the stars in the night."

- I'm here, she had whispered, No matter what you're going through, you don't have to do it alone.

He had turned slowly, his eyes meeting hers with deep melancholy. A silence lingered between them, charged with unspoken emotions. Y/N felt powerless in the face of his torment, searching for words that could bring some semblance of comfort.

His gaze wavered, a mix of emotions passing through his tired eyes. There was sadness, gratitude, and something else, something he might have been trying to hide. But in that moment, within the halo of moonlight, their hearts communicated more than words ever could.

- I know our little butterfly is missed by you, a pain we've shared, but I sometimes feel you're trying to bear it alone, to protect us. But Joel, I want you to know that I'm here, that we're together. Your pain is mine too, and there's no need to conceal it.

Y/N's hand found Joel's, and he gently clasped her fingers. Y/N continued, trying to make him understand that they were there for each other even in the darkest moments.

- I don't want you to think you're protecting me by keeping this pain at a distance. We've gone through it as parents, as partners. And even though the years have passed, there's no limit to the time I'm willing to spend listening to you, supporting you. We're a team, Joel. And together, we can face anything.

"I think of you, I think of you. I'm lost without your arms around me."

Joel's eyes shimmered with contained emotion, and Y/N felt he finally understood what she was trying to convey. In a peaceful silence, they continued to gaze at each other for a brief moment, hand in hand, finding comfort in each other's presence.

The love story between Joel and his wife, woven carefully over the years, was an example of unconditional support and deep companionship. They had weathered storms and celebrated moments of joy together, forming a duo that complemented each other perfectly.

Joel had always been a pillar for his wife, supporting her with endless patience and kindness through life's ups and downs. When she faced difficult times, he had been her rock, offering a shoulder to cry on, words of encouragement, and a reassuring smile to guide her through the darkness. He had been her confidant, her best friend, and her partner in all things.

But on that night, roles seemed to be reversed. While the outside world was enveloped in darkness, it was Joel's soul that was darkened by tormenting thoughts and complex emotions. He had always tried to stay strong for his wife. However, even the strongest need a moment of vulnerability, a space where they can let their guard down and share their deepest fears.

"I'm always by your side, my love and this love's entirely for you."

Silence had become a language of its own between them, a language they had learned to speak with their hearts over the years. As Y/N gently spoke about the pain they had shared, the loss they had faced, emotions swirled in a whirlwind of thoughts and memories. Joel looked at her, her words imbued with understanding and love, and he knew she was right. He had kept this pain to himself, believing he had to bear it alone to protect her. But looking at her, seeing the caring in her eyes, Joel realized how wrong he had been.

The weight Joel had carried for so long seemed to lighten as she spoke. He felt the walls he had erected to shield himself slowly crumbling, making way for the vulnerability he had carefully concealed.

And then, in that peaceful silence, their gazes locked, conveying more emotions than words ever could. Joel opened his arms, inviting her into his embrace. Y/N nestled against him, her head resting on his shoulder. Joel could feel her warmth, her steady breath, and he was struck by how present she was, how willing she was to share her pain, their pain.

"Cause I worry too much, all my fears amplify. How could I live without you?"

Words seemed unnecessary in that moment. Everything Joel felt, everything he wanted to express, was in that embrace. It was as if Y/N had found the fragile seams of his heart and strengthened them, creating a bond stronger than ever between them.

Joel allowed himself to let go, to release the tears he had held back for so long. It was a moment of liberation, of connection, and he felt enveloped in his wife's love.

Through this silent embrace, they transcended words. They had found a way to share their deepest emotions, to show that they were there for each other, that they could face any pain together.

And in that moment, Joel knew he no longer had to carry this pain alone. Y/N was there, ready to share it, ready to be his support, and he felt deeply grateful for the love they shared.

"Nothing can stop us, no one can hurt us."

"I'll be forever in your arms, I'm always by your side, my love."

"From now on, my everything's for you, with you, from you."

"And this love's entirely for you, with you."

~*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪°~

If you want to be marked on my future stories, let me know in the comments. Thank you again for reading ! 😊

[imaakira]

Joel Miller x F!Reader | "𝐵𝑢𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑙𝑦 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡"🦋

Summary: a warm moment between Joel Miller and his wife, Y/N. Based on the refrain of "butterfly effect - demo" by Sophie Holohan.

Warnings: adorable, sweet, caring, mostly Miller fluff Do not: claim, repost, copy, or translate my stories anywhere else. I apologize in advance but English is not my mother tongue. 💙 ~*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪°~

- Y/N?

- Mmh...?

- Do you remember?

They were seated, more precisely lying on the ground, facing each other. Ellie was asleep just behind Joel, in her own sleeping bag, in a deep slumber.

The journey had been long for the small group.

- What exactly?

- Our first encounter?

Joel's gaze never left that of his wife. Despite the darkness, he managed to discern her relaxed and peaceful expression. Each rising day was a moment of reflection for him, on how lucky he had been to stumble upon this beautiful person.

Y/N's gaze upon Joel in this situation was marked by a deep affection and an undeniable connection. Her eyes captured every detail of his face, as if trying to read his most intimate thoughts. Through this shared look, an unshakable trust in Joel could be discerned, a testament to a strong bond forged through time and shared trials.

Joel and Y/N don't share the same sleeping bag, yet it doesn't prevent her from slipping her arm under her wife's head. Y/N joyfully accepted her husband's gesture and settled gently against his arm, a smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Despite the passing years, Joel remained the man he had become due to everything he had experienced. However, when Y/N stood by his side, it was as if his barriers fell in an instant. She possessed a power over him he couldn't explain, but it left him feeling liberated and happy, far from his fears and regrets.

- Nostalgic Joel, who would have thought?

- Baby, don't play that game, answer me.

The tone used by Joel was imbued with serenity, his words flowed gently, and his attention was focused kindly on every uttered word. He wasn't stern but rather tranquil, expressing a certain thoughtfulness and a sincere desire to understand Y/N's response. It wasn't the first time Joel had been nostalgic; with Ellie and his wife, it was complex for him not to be.

- How could I forget that day, the day when our little butterfly made our paths cross.

"The wing of a butterfly brushed my cheek."

A few years back...

At that time, Sarah was young, the age to go to school, and that day was her first day. The little girl was so excited to join her school that she ran around without paying much attention to where she was going.

Unbeknownst to her, she brushed against someone on the street and continued on her way. Joel, who was just behind his daughter, was absorbed in his phone. He had an issue with one of his clients.

"So you bumped right into me, then you said, "Sorry", I said the same."

Joel bumps into the young woman Sarah had brushed past a few seconds earlier. Once everyone returned to their senses, the young woman dropped her coffee.

- Sorry, I didn't see you.

- I—I'm sorry.

Before the young woman could bend down to pick up her coffee, Joel interrupts her motion and helps her stand upright.

"Said you'd buy one in exchange. For my number and my name."

- I'll buy you a new one, I can't do it right now because I have to take my daughter to school. But...

- Dad, hurry up, we're gonna be late!

Sarah's words reach Joel like a distant whisper carried by the wind. For a moment, he's caught in her gaze, meeting the young woman's eyes, then he feels the urgency pressing on him. Sarah's voice snaps him back to reality, and he lets out a frustrated sigh, pulling out a contact card and handing it to the young woman. That little girl was going to kill him if he didn't hurry.

- I have to get my daughter to school, but send me a message during the day, and I'll let you know when we can set up a time to settle my debt.

Joel didn't give the young woman a chance to say anything before he was already running towards Sarah. Y/N could see from afar the beautiful relationship between Joel and his daughter. The little girl had latched onto his arm as if not wanting to let him be so far from her.

Y/N had crossed paths with Joel in an unexpected way, as if destiny had woven their lives into a chance encounter. As she walked peacefully down the street, a series of fortuitous circumstances guided her to this precise moment.

In an instant, she went from being a stranger in the crowd to locking eyes with Joel, triggering a subtle yet profound connection. In this serendipitous meeting, Y/N found far more than a simple encounter; she discovered an unexplainable connection, a presence that would shape the course of their future.

"One date turned to two, then four, then ten."

Joel had kept his promise, he offered Y/N a coffee later in the week. A few days later, he invited Y/N for coffee, marking the beginning of a series of meetings and exchanges. This simple act evolved into a sweet and anticipated routine, weaving a special bond between the two adults.

Each shared cup was more than just a warm beverage; it was an exchange of smiles, confidences, and precious moments that fortified their budding connection.

Y/N didn't send a message immediately after the brief encounter with Joel on the street. An inexplicable sensation nagged at her, creating a knot in her mind and stomach. Was this something new? No, she had experienced past relationships that had left scars, both physical and mental. So, this time, she was cautious.

After meeting Joel, however, a gentle surprise brushed her heart. From him emanated a reassuring calm, a soothing contrast to the turmoil of the past. The moments shared in his company chipped away at the barriers she had erected, allowing a glimmer of hope to shine through. Mistrust was still there, but it had conceded some ground, allowing for a new possibility and perhaps, just perhaps, a chance for healing.

Rushing wasn't at the top of her to-do list, and Y/N was acutely aware of that. Now, she regarded it as crucial to take her time, to observe with meticulousness, and to savor each moment life presented. This newfound perspective was the result of maturity acquired over time.

Guided by this objective, she approached the situation with newfound patience, allowing things to develop naturally, without pressure or undue haste. Each step was taken deliberately, each emotion weighed and considered. Life, with its promises and uncertainties, was approached with more thoughtfulness and serenity.

If Joel was to become significant in her life, Y/N was resolved to explore this possibility step by step. However, bestowing her trust was a separate and delicate matter. She had learned from past lessons, from scars left behind by others. Now, her trust wasn't granted lightly. Each interaction with Joel was like a canvas painted with care, each thread of trust woven with attentiveness. She had decided that if Joel was to earn her tangle of emotions, it would have to be gained over time, confidence, and a deep mutual understanding.

"Hello" turned to "Never leave my mind again"

Every morning when Y/N woke up, her first thought was of him. Sometimes, it was stronger than her, an invisible yet comforting presence accompanying her. Though he wasn't physically by her side, she felt his warmth and influence, as if Joel had left an indelible mark on her mind. This thought gently cradled her, providing a sense of well-being.

On his part, every night as Joel prepared to sleep, it was her who occupied his thoughts. It was something new for him, a pleasant reminder of emotions he might have set aside for a long time. He never thought he would feel these emotions again for someone. The night became a time of silent reflection, a moment to explore these feelings with newfound delicacy.

Both of them, each on their own, navigated this new reality, exploring the contours of their nascent emotions, opening up slowly to each other while relishing the comfort of these thoughts that accompanied them in waking and sleeping.

Being attracted to someone again was a familiar territory for Joel, but it was imbued with a new complexity. Memories of a past relationship merged with the freshness of this burgeoning emotion. He found himself walking down paths he thought he had left behind, with the sensations of that time blending with the current palpitations.

It was both a reminder of what he had experienced before and a discovery of renewed feelings. The scars of the past intertwined with the gentleness of the present, creating a unique blend of caution and excitement. Despite the distance from the past, these emotions never seemed to truly fade away.

Joel navigated this sea of emotions with caution, allowing the past to inform him without defining him. Attraction to someone else was both a reminder of his humanity and a challenge for his heart, an opportunity to once again be touched while keeping a watchful eye on the lessons of yesteryear.

Until the unexpected arrival of Y/N.

After the sudden disappearance of Sarah's mother, Joel had focused on the education and well-being of his little butterfly. Joel's own happiness was no longer his priority; Sarah had become his number one priority. He wrapped his protective arms around her, filling the void left by her mother's absence. Every morning, he prepared her breakfast with care, ensuring she started the day with a smile. Evenings were filled with stories and laughter, a sacred ritual that chased away the shadows of uncertainty.

Y/N had a power over him, just as he had a power over her.

- You're wonderful, you're beautiful, you're unique, and when you have the chance to know and build a beautiful relationship like you do, you never let it go. And I don't intend to let you go, Y/N.

"Now you sleep by my side and kiss my neck."

Joel, Y/N, and Sarah had become an inseparable family. Their home resonated with laughter, whispered conspiracies, and shared moments. Each day was marked by a natural harmony that seemed as if destiny had finally found a way to bring these souls together.

The daily routine was where small gestures and shared looks spoke volumes. Joel and Y/N complemented each other in a way that went beyond words, a deep connection nurtured by mutual understanding. Evenings were punctuated with gentle exchanges and joint plans, while weekends were dedicated to family getaways that forged unforgettable memories.

Y/N had opened her heart and home to the Millers, feeling no regret. Each moment shared with them was a silent affirmation that her decision had been one of the most beautiful in her life. Sarah's radiant smile and the moments of complicity between Joel and Y/N were living proof that their little family was a precious treasure, a sanctuary where love and joy were the steadfast pillars of their everyday life.

"And I thank the world for the butterfly effect."

Returning to the present...

Through Joel's warm eyes, Y/N captured the reflection of their deep connection. Every exchanged glance was an open window to their thoughts, a silent exchange of trust and understanding. In these moments, words seemed superfluous, as they could read emotions in the corners of each other's gazes, an intimate communication reserved for those who had experienced so much joy and pain together.

- If Sarah hadn't bumped into me, would you have found your way to me, Joel? Was it destiny or the work of a theory?

Thanks to Sarah, their paths had intertwined in a way that transcended chance. A shared smile between them was tinged with gratitude toward the little butterfly who had orchestrated their meeting. Sarah, their sweet little girl, had unintentionally healed invisible wounds and brought together two souls destined to cross paths.

- Clearly, you and I were meant to be, and destiny decided so. The universe brought you to me, and I'm grateful every night to have you by my side. Day and night, Y/N.

The gratitude in Y/N's heart was revealed in every carefully spoken word, a sincere declaration of appreciation for this unexpected bond that had mended parts of herself she didn't even know were broken. Each night spent by Joel's side was a living reminder of this quiet healing, a deep bond forged through their little butterfly and shaped by destiny.

- Thank our little butterfly, for it was in part thanks to her that on the day I met you, I felt repaired, even without knowing it.

After experiencing a torrent of experiences, both good and bad, by his wife Y/N's side, Joel felt a depth of sentiment he could never have anticipated. Every challenge overcome had strengthened their bond, every shared smile had etched a precious memory in his heart. He felt simultaneously weary and alive, marveled by the power of their relationship and life itself.

Their joint adventures had sculpted his being, transforming him into a man filled with a wealth of emotions, grateful for every moment spent with Y/N, regardless of its nature. Each moment, whether good or bad, had become an essential chapter in their story, woven into the fabric of their unwavering love.

- You take care of me as I take care of you.

Joel and Y/N had woven between them a deep and protective bond. Every gesture, every exchanged look, was imbued with gentle care. Like two souls who had traversed similar paths, they instinctively understood each other's needs and desires.

Joel cared for her with gentle determination, ensuring her safety and well-being as if she were an extension of himself. His arms were always ready to comfort her, his presence a refuge in times of storm. He listened patiently, without judgment, offering words that healed.

On her part, Y/N had a unique way of reading between the lines of Joel's thoughts. She cared for him with evident tenderness, finding subtle ways to offer him moments of respite. A thoughtful look, a comforting embrace—she understood when he needed support without him having to say a word.

Their relationship was a graceful dance of exchanges and mutual care, where each step was guided by deep affection and sincere respect. In this balance, they found the strength to navigate the challenges of the world around them, knowing they were united in their commitment to care for each other, no matter what life might bring. - You're stuck with me until the end of your days, you know that, right Joel?

- What?

- Yes.

- Forever?

- For eternity.

- It goes both ways. You're stuck with me too.

- I quite like that.

Initially, Joel displayed a faint smile that gradually transformed into a gentle chuckle. Leaning in slightly, he closed the distance between his lips and Y/N's, sealing the moment with a tender kiss. As the night drew to a close, they fell asleep facing each other, finding solace and warmth in each other's presence, before drifting into peaceful slumber.

~*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪。★*・゜・＊♪*.♪°~ If you want to be marked on my future stories, let me know in the comments. Thank you again for reading ! 😊

[imaakira]

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 ? »

Stephen Strange / Christine Palmer

Summary : Christine had been pregnant for many months now. Once Stephen returned home, Christine asked him if he wanted to feel the baby’s blows. How would the great Doctor Strange react to this situation ? Warnings : Fluff

Do not : Claim, Repost, Copy, or Translate my stories anywhere else.

I apologize in advance but English is not my mother tongue. 💙

Christine was sitting quietly in their common room. Sitting on a chair, she also had a footrest. This allowed him to be in a comfortable enough position to forget back pain for a few minutes. Stephen had prepared this little corner for her just before going on a mystical mission, even if he was not there physically when he woke up, this little gesture showed a certain presence. Later in the day, Stephen will be back early. In fact, ever since Christine told her that the baby was moving more and more, he certainly didn’t want to leave her alone at home or in case something happened. Stephen came home early also for another reason, he wanted to touch Christine’s stomach to see if the baby would react to his gesture but he was terrified inside. He was the great Doctor Strange and yet he was afraid of a little being who was not yet born. - « Are you writing a letter to one of your suitors ? » Asked Stephen kindly. He was standing against the edge of the doorway with his arms folded across his chest. Christine lifts her gaze from her sheet and then brings it to her husband. She didn't say anything, just that she saw him biting his lower lip, amused by the situation. - « Honey, tell me, who is the lucky one ? » He sounded arrogant and it paraded in his voice, daring her to play her game. « An Avengers ? Doctor ? » Christine smiled in the corner, understanding what Stephen was trying to do. She pays her attention to her sheet, occasionally looking at her husband with an amused look on her face.

- « Oh, no, don't tell me it's me. » Stephen stared at her, he was rather proud of himself for having played this game. Especially since Christine was absolutely not against it, he knew very well that if he crossed certain limits, he would stop immediately.

- « And the award for most oversized ego goes to… » Once she finishes her sentence, Christine will wave her hand wide to liven up her words as she observes Stephen. He was an arrogant man, sure of himself, even too much, but he could be attractive, adorable when he wanted.

- Stephen couldn't hold back his laughter in front of the scene and the accompanied gesture that Christine makes. He then sees her put her hand against the bump in her belly, as if something was wrong. Being the overprotective man that he was, he steps out of the door and quickly walks over to his wife. « How is our little angel ? Always so restless since his last days ? »

- Christine looked up slightly to see Stephen again. She could see in his eyes that he was dying to come and touch the baby, but he must have been just as scared. « Do you want to touch ? » Christine smiled slightly, stroking her stomach with one of her hands. She tried to reassure him as much as she could through her question and her gaze.

Stephen fidgeted at first, unable to say a word. Instead, he displayed multiple expressions on his face. It was only very recently that the baby started to get restless and he never dared to put his hands there for fear of making risky manners with them. Christine's question had agitated and at the same time reassured him. Once he's calmed down, he smiles at Christine to make sure he understands her request.

- Christine gives him a big smile in return. « Come, you don't have to be afraid Stephen, this baby is a human being like you and me. »

Without a word, Stephen approaches with a little hesitation. Cloak leaves his shoulders to come nest next to Christine. He showed Stephen that he would be there if anything happened. Even though it was a cloak, a simple mystical object for some wizards, Cloak could feel a lot of things. And he could feel that the baby was growing day by day, and he was eager to know the child that was to be born.

Stephen smiles at his best friend, then kneels down in front of Christine. His hands were shaking, even with magic, they were freezing. But it is with courage that he comes to lay his hand gently against the bump. And a few seconds later, he felt a blow against his hand. Both surprised, but happy to have felt this.

- « Did you feel that ? »

- « Yes, it was...a very nice feeling. » But before Stephen withdrew his hand, he was given a second blow, less hard than the previous one. « The baby is not yet born and has already chosen… »

- « Honey, you can't say you're already his favorite just because you got two blows. » Christine was smiling and laughing at the same time, lego that owning Stephen was quite fun to watch from her point of view sometimes.

- « Did you get multiple blows ? » Stephen stays on his knees in front of Christine, smirking after asking her question. - « No, but that doesn't prove anything. »

- « Mmh… Mmh…" Stephen gets up from his position and comes to place a soft kiss on Christine's lips. He was smiling, because he was happy and because he knew he was right. « We'll see then that once this child is born. »

Sweetheart, you look a little tired

The days passed and the baby continued to grow, which greatly exhausted Christine. His body made him go through quite uncomfortable pains, which sometimes prevented him from closing his eyes at night. Stephen had noticed it and he was going to do everything to make him forget his pain.

When did you last eat ? 

Christine's appetite had changed, especially when it came to her tastes on certain dishes or foods. At first, she was allowed hormonal changes that increased her appetite, but as the baby grew, her appetite diminished. There too, Stephen wanted to support her, learning to cook some meals. Green vegetables were the main ingredients that Stephen added to his dishes.

Tell me, is something wrong ? It's okay if you can't find the words 

Stephen saw it and sensed it, Christine was hiding things from him. Her feelings about the current situation. He could decipher it without her saying a word, he could read it through her and through her body. Stephen knew her.

Let me take your coat  And this weight off of your shoulders

There was always communication between them, but now it was different. One evening, silence weighed on their common room. Stephen placed his trembling hands against his wife’s belly. Yeah, his body changed, they didn’t really have time for them for the fun side, so much that the list would be way too long. However, Stephen didn’t care about any of this, he wanted to show her that he would be there for her and their baby and that no change about her could change his mind about the fact that he loves her with all his being.

Tell me where it hurts 

After that night, Christine apologized to Stephen and she opened up to him again. Explaining why she didn't say much about how she felt. She had fears, regrets, in the face of this pregnancy and the days that have advanced. Christine was thrilled to be able to give birth, but she was also terrified of what could happen during delivery. Luckily for her, Stephen was there to protect and reassure her.

I will love you without any strings attached

Eventually, over the next few months, Stephen received many blows from the baby. Christine was amused to see her husband's attitude, he was happy to be the favourite, that was a certainty for him. Christine had the right every morning and evening, to several papouilles on the stomach. Even if his body no longer allowed him to do much for the moment, Stephen did his best to prove him just the opposite. For many nights, he was also always behind her, grabbing her hand to clasp her fingers and place them on her stomach. It wasn't a lot but it was a beautiful closeness that Stephen wanted to share with Christine but also with their child. Despite his absences, he would be there for them, for his family.

- Stephen will drop a sweet kiss behind Christine’s head by finishing through sweet words « We will experience the birth of our child as the most accessible chance to grasp the meaning of the word miracle. »

- Tag : @j08dog @wild-storm-33 @toviedo @darkgreencape @michxlle7 @liliwandamoff @strangesthirdeye @gleek-diaries-of-90210 @hellorachelmarianamorgan @just--a-magpie @pinkthick

If you want to be marked on my future stories, let me know in the comments. Thank you again for reading ! 😊

[imaakira]

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐿𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝐴𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑌𝑜𝑢 »

Stephen Strange / Christine Palmer / Hope Strange A simple photomontage between The Originals and Doctor Strange.

Summary : Stephen had to leave for mystical problems, but Christine did not fail to remind him that she and Hope were eagerly waiting for him. She sends him a small photo of their daughter accompanied by a letter.

[imaakira]

- MY MASTERLIST DOCTOR STRANGE -

Here is my masterlist, which will allow you to more easily access my stories. Enjoy reading ! 💙

- PS : Hope Strange does not come from any comics ect.. , just from my imagination. I always wished that Stephen and Christine and a child together. I named it that way because for me it is a name that corresponds and represents a lot to their couple, hope.

-

Doctor Strange

The stories sometimes focus on Stephen, Christine and Hope. Sometimes just Stephen and Christine.

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑀𝑦 𝐷𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑟 »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐹𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑡𝑠 - I »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐹𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝑜𝑢𝑏𝑡𝑠 - II »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝐷𝑜 𝐼 𝑆𝑎𝑦 𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑𝑏𝑦𝑒 ? »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐻𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦 𝐵𝑖𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑑𝑎𝑦, 𝐻𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑦 »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑎𝑠 𝐷𝑎𝑦 »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐻𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐻𝑢𝑠𝑏𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑊𝑖𝑓𝑒 »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐼 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 »

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 ? » 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐿𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝐴𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑌𝑜𝑢 »

[imaakira]

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐼 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 »

Stephen Strange / Christine Palmer / Hope Strange

Summary : Tony, Steve and Natasha came to the Sanctuary to try and change Stephen’s mind about the plan to defeat Thanos. But the man was adamant about his choice, his family before everything else. Warnings : Fluff, hugs, anger...

Do not : Claim, Repost, Copy, or Translate my stories anywhere else.

I hope you enjoy this modified version of the original scene, I really enjoy writing and imagining it. 💙

It was noon, a quiet afternoon for the Strange family. Christine had been entitled to a few days off since the events that occurred on earth because of Thanos. She had been allowed to spend a few days off with her family and that was more than enough. On Stephen's side, it was a bit the same but different from Christine's situation. He had imposed it on himself, strange, no ?

Since the defeat against Thanos, there have been many losses, there were Avengers who still had the courage and the hope to fight are looking for a solution to turn back time. Unfortunately for them, the Sorcerer Supreme on rare occasions wasn't motivated by this idea. During the battle, he saw many comrades disappear in front of him. So he promised himself that when he was back on earth, he would return as soon as possible to his family, Stephen did not want to make any more mistakes.

It is as if in a few seconds, he had seen his life pass by.

Stephen was spared by Thanos and like Tony now, he had a family he had to protect. The wizard we know rarely makes those kinds of choices, but ever since Hope was born and married to Christine. His life had changed a lot and he was no longer the same because he had several positions to manage. Husband, father and protector of the earth.

The wizard quietly descended the steps of the sanctuary with his hands in his pockets. It was so quiet, normally the place is a lot busier but since the events of the fight against Thanos it was a different atmosphere. He would look into his special room, a room where Hope had many toys and drawing tools available. He swept his eyes across the room in front of him, in fact he had been looking for Hope for a while now because it was lunchtime. The young Strange liked to hide through this great sanctuary, many places are offered to her to be able to hide there and perhaps manage to surprise her father, she could only very rarely. Amazingly, Stephen couldn't find Cloak either, the cloak was also missing.

- « Hope! We eat ! » Stephen raised his voice around the room to see if anyone answered, but nothing, no one. Silence was his only response.

- « Hope Strange, for the second time, would you like dinner ? » Stephen keeps calling her, but this time the question was asked in a much softer tone. With his hands in his pockets, he continues to walk around the room. He had absolutely no idea what was going to happen in a few minutes.

- Hope comes out of her hiding place, behind a piece of furniture at the back of the room, this one was near the entrance that Stephen was going to take. With Cloak on her shoulders, she quickly jumps up and stands in front of her father. She had managed to obtain the mystical ring from her father, thanks to the help of Cloak. Awkwardly placing her hands in front of her, Hope blurted out a few words, « Define "lunch" where you'll be sent to another universe. »

Stephen jumps up slightly, his hands leaving his trouser pockets. Then raising them to show Hope he was surrendering was pretty quick. Stephen smiled slightly at the situation he found himself in. Whenever he was allowed to, he could thank the world a thousand times over for bringing Hope to his side.

- « Okay, I surrender. » Stephen kneels down next to Hope and points to the ring on her hand. « But first of all, you shouldn't wear this, it's a pretty important and dangerous mystical item. » He then grabs her little hands and comes to remove the ring, Hope lets herself be done with a smile on her lip. « That's it, it's better this way. » He replaces his ring on his belt.

- « One day, I will also have my own ring ! » Hope jumps slightly in excitement, she had a lot of energy to expend.

- « Maybe one day, darling. If not, tell me, how did you get my ring, I'm not fooled, someone helped you get it ? » Stephen had already noticed the absence of her ring long before Hope's arrival, he suspected Cloak had something to do with it.

- Before Hope says anything, Cloak lifts her shoulders and stands in front of her. He didn't have the ability to speak, but that just says he was guilty. « Please dad, don't blame him, it was just an idea to have fun together. » Hope portrays a lot of significance to Cloak, it was just a cape and yet the two carry a lot of connections.

- Stephen remained in his position and smiled at the two. He couldn't be angry. There was no harm in this little scene and so he didn't mind having some sort of break after the events he had been through. He only wanted one thing right now and that was to enjoy the moment with his family. « I am not angry, on the contrary, I am happy. Thank you both for preparing this little surprise for me. »

- Cloak makes several gestures to make it clear that he accepts Stephen's words and is confident that he wasn't mad at him. He had nevertheless directed his daughter in this situation, his role and to keep her on the straight and narrow. The latter then rests on Strange's shoulders, Stephen smiles upon his return. « Welcome back to my shoulders, my friend. »

- When Cloak joins his father, Hope simply reaches out to his him. Stephen understood and he came to pick her up in his arms and lift her up. « Dinner is ready, do you want to eat ? Your mom makes one of your favorite meals. » He will come and put a few locks of his hair behind his ear, allowing him to observe his daughter's beautiful face and blue eyes.

- « Yes ! » Hope nodded several times after giving her answer. Her little hands were on Stephen's shirt so she could keep her balance. Stephen had obviously placed his hand against her back. Even though she was older now, she was still his little baby, he didn't want anything to happen to her.

Stephen goes to the kitchen with Hope in his arms. Both shared small smiles, they didn't need to talk to have a warm moment between father and daughter. Once in the center of the sanctuary, the doors will open, behind this gesture are Tony, Steve and Natasha. Stephen looks at them with a rather frustrated and worried look. Hope remained turned towards her father, strangely she didn't want to see who was behind her.

- « Settle in the living room, I'll be there in a few minutes. » Stephen resumes his walk with his daughter and heaves a sigh. Some being more determined than others, do not seem to want to let go.

The team only responds with a simple nod and walks into the room indicated by Stephen.

Hope could see her father's facial expression, the people who had just walked into their house weren't going to make the rest of the day easy. She was still young, but she understood some priorities, and it certainly has to do with recent events.

- Stephen silently puts Hope in the kitchen. « Stephen !, Hope ! Do you want ?…» Christine stopped in her words, she saw through this great silence that something had just happened at home. Her husband’s face also made her understand that the questions had to be postponed. Hope will meet her mother near the kitchen table, Christine comes to rub the top of her head gently. Both observed in the greatest silence Stephen, he did not want this discussion with his friends and yet it was his duty.

A few minutes later...

Stephen had brought several glasses on a tray, using his magic he will come to fill them and make them available to the team. He placed his large hands against his chest, his gaze focused on the team in front of him. The atmosphere was heavy and heavy. As he settles on one of the sofas in the living room, Tony will come up to speak first.

- « Listen Strange, we all know your answer to what we are about to say, but we have made great strides that will allow us to achieve our goals today. This is going to sound crazy to you but- »

- Steve comes in his turn to speak and follow the discussion, « After all that you have seen, what we have experienced, why would it be impossible to succeed ? »

Stephen was particularly silent against his team. Tony took the time to explain in detail that he had to make her understand things. He had a chance to bring everyone back, they had found a concrete and real objective. And yet, this did not make the sorcerer react more than that.

- « So you are telling me that you want to put our lives in danger because a friend of yours, Scott, is that right ? You managed to... how do you say ? » The magician was playing with his ego and his arrogance, but playing with lives again was out of the question.

- « A time heist. » Tony responds quickly but in a dry tone. He always had trouble communicating with the wizard. Even though their relationship had evolved since he was a father and husband, there was still that role to play, the great Doctor Strange. He had an ego and arrogance as big as him, so winning would be a never-ending battle between the two men.

- Stephen comes out of his couch to get up and get closer to the team. In a very calm tone, he says, « Why didn't we think of this before ? Let me think about it… because it’s ridiculous. It’s just a pipe dream. »

- Steve grew impatient with Stephen's behavior. He knew he was doing it because he was protecting his family, but Stephen wasn't the only one on this earth who had someone to protect at all costs. « The stones are in the past. We can go get them back with this plan. »

- Natasha comes out of her silence to add a few words, « Then we can snap our fingers and bring everyone home. »

- « Or do you mean make it worse ? » Stephen's hands in front of him, against his chest, and he continues to remain calm and serious in front of his team.

- « I would be surprised. You can't do worse than what he did. » Steve doesn't take his eyes off Stephen. He intended to fight for him to listen to reason.

- « I have to say I sometimes envy that certainty, but high hopes don't help if there isn't a logical, tangible, and certain way to this time heist. » As he finishes that sentence, Stephen returns to his couch. « The most likely outcome will be our final demise, that's for sure. »

- « Not if we follow the rules of time travel. In other words, no discussion with ourselves, no sports betting... » Tony comes to sit on one of the sofas near Stephen's. He, too, was determined to make it clear that he had to come with them and get things done.

- « Excuse me, Stark, but I'll stop you right now. Are you seriously telling me that your plan to save the universe is based on Back to the Future ? »

- « No. »

- « Well, I was afraid, that would be ridiculous. »

- « Strange. » Natasha interrupted the two men in their discussions. « We have to intervene. »

- « We did it, and here we are. » Stephen was so angry he felt bad. He felt so helpless to have left his many past lives before his eyes. He sometimes wondered if he really deserved his title of Sorcerer Supreme.

Steve continues to observe the wizard without saying a word, Natasha on the side, almost tears in her eyes, looks away.

- « Strange, I know that you are at great risk. You have a wife, a daughter, like me, you have a family. But there are many people who have lost loved ones because of Thanos. » Tony takes a deep breath before continuing. « And now we have a chance to bring everyone back and you dare to tell me that you don’t even want… » - « Indeed, I don't even want to try. I can't. » His words left the team speechless against him. But Stephen was very serious in his words. On the side of Hope and Christine… - « Mom, will dad be okay with the other adults ? » Hope helped her mother prepare the meal.

- « Your dad is a hero, and he's a big boy too. However, maybe you can do something to help him. » Christine prepared cutlery and plates for the kitchen table.

- Hope will stop on what she was doing and get closer to her mother. « That is to say ? » - Christine puts the last cutlery she had in her hands and turns to her daughter to smile at her. « Go save your father, sweetheart. »

- « Count on me ! » Hope will give her mother a big smile and run away to join her father in the living room.

Christine lets out a chuckle when she sees her daughter running off. She cared a lot about her father, it was even indescribable. And seeing her rush to his aid without thinking was just as adorable. Christine was really happy to have given birth to a little angel like her and to be able to bring happiness to Stephen and to her.

- A sound of footsteps against the ground is heard throughout the sanctuary, it was Hope running towards the living room where the adults were. Without thinking and without looking at Tony, Steve or Natasha. Hope goes to her father to land in his arms. « Mom told me to come save you. » - « Nice work, honey, I'm saved now. » Stephen gently grabs Hope in his arms and hugs her. He kissed her cheek quickly, but gently, thanking her for coming. « I wish you had come to ask me something else. Anything. » He starts to get up from his couch with Hope still in his arms, the girl had her arms around his neck to hold herself properly. « Good to see you, but… »

- « Stephen. » This time, Tony knew better what to call it. « I fully understand your reasons and I'm really happy for you. The gaze quickly turned to Hope. « But we have a second chance. »

- « My second chance is here, Tony. I can't risk losing her. » After a few seconds of silence, Stephen then adds to his words, « If you don’t talk about work, you can stay for dinner. »

Stephen leaves his team at the center of the sanctuary to return to his concerns this morning, that is to say enjoy the time with his family. Hope lifts her head to face her, the little one with a question that had been on her mind for some time. She had not understood much about their discussion, but it concerns the fact that her father should be absent.

- « Dad ? »

- « Mmh ? »

- « Are you going to stay with me and mom ? »

- « Yes, sweetie. I promise you. I will always be there with you and protect you always and forever. »

-

Tag : @elenarayaspi @ladyotaku14 @www-zoloft-com @onecritfail @miru020 @averytiredanonymous @glitterylokislut @hellorachelmarianamorgan @vexedvalerie @darkgreencape @myradiaz @gleek-diaries-of-90210 @lordofthundersstuff @julyrogers

If you want to be marked on my future stories, let me know in the comments. Thank you again for reading ! 😊

[imaakira]

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐻𝑢𝑠𝑏𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑊𝑖𝑓𝑒 »

Stephen Strange / Christine Palmer

Summary : Stephen was back after long weeks of absence. But he was far too tired to do anything. Christine did not like to see him in this state. So she was going to do everything possible to make him have a very pleasant evening.

Warnings : Fluff, hugs, allusions to smut...

Do not : Claim, Repost, Copy, or Translate my stories anywhere else.

I hope you like this chaptire, happy New Year to all ! 💙

- « Do you trust me ? So let it be, Stephen. » Christine smiles at her husband and gently grabs his hand and then guides him to the bathroom.

Stephen dragging his body behind his wife, fatigue makes him heavy to carry. Nevertheless, he was happy to be home. When Stephen returned home, Christine quickly realized that he was exhausted from his last mission. Her mission was to relax him to the fullest, he and his body were in great need.

Once in the bathroom, Christine closes the door and returns to Stephen. His gaze simply tells him to let go and enjoy. First she took off her clothes, then she took care of her husband's clothes little by little very gently. She didn't want him to make the slightest effort. Once the step is complete, she gently lures him with her into their shower, she turns on the hot water and lets it gently run over their bodies.

Stephen said nothing, but his eyes said a lot. The feeling that the water gave on his body was really nice. He will then put his forehead against Christine's and enjoy this sweet moment with her. Their eyes formed at the same time, like their bodies, one against the other, bound together.

A few hours later...

After this little moment in the bathroom, the young couple went directly to their common room. Both wear very little clothing, of course avoiding getting sick. Christine was simply wearing one of Stephen’s shirts and underwear, Stephen was only wearing underwear. In truth, they did not need more because the warmth of their body was enough for them. And then they also had a simple blanket that covered some of the size of each.

*As in the gif above* Christine was lying quietly, surrounded by Stephen's legs, head against the shoulder, just under the chin. It trailed with her fingertips behind his back and just over his other shoulder. Stephen, by silence, reacts in turn, does the same. His fingers gently caress his wife's back.

There they were, both in each other's warmth, not wanting to lose an inch of closeness. None utter a word, but gestures and looks were more than enough for the couple as a mode of communication. Stephen sometimes let out a simple little laugh against the caresses that Christine applied to him, in return Christine could not help but smile when she saw him in this relaxed attitude.

This love and warmth allowed Stephen to melt into the arms of his wife and find himself in those of sleep, it did not take him long.

Stephen was in a deep sleep, in front of Christine. His face had long been less tense, rested. His breathing was quite steady, he was having one of his best nights rest. But his wife wanted to give him an even better evening, in her own way. Fingertips, Christine gently caresses Stephen's arm, he does not seem to react to this gesture, which reassures Christine. She didn't want to wake him up, but simply give him back the happiness he gave her when he was there and whenever he could.

Christine continued her little caresses on his arms, always gently and slowly, he was so handsome when he slept, she had the impression of having an angel in front of her. Then she gently removed her fingers and slipped them into her husband's. Strangely, Stephen felt a kind of contact through his sleep and without controlling his body, his fingers came to intertwine with those of Christine. She smiled slightly at his gesture, he was completely asleep and yet he could be incredibly sweet and adorable. Christine's thumb has come to caress the top of Stephen's hand, this time it does not move at the gesture. She then continues her caresses and will raise her husband's hand to bring it to her lips. There she placed a tender kiss on his skin, and there Stephen moved slightly, barely opening his eyes this time.

- « Sweetheart ? Wh-... What are you doing with my hand ? » Stephen was still half awake and he didn't quite realize that Christine was kissing his hand.

- « Nothing special, just kissing her. I can stop if you want. » Christine spreads her lips a few centimeters away from her hand, plunging her gaze into that of her husband.

He felt his wife's warm breath against his hand. Stephen says nothing, he smiles. His other hand goes under his ear to allow him to be well installed and to observe the view he had in front of him.

- Christine takes his silence as a yes, then resumes her gesture, this time placing a kiss near her engagement ring. She will say a few words in a soft, low voice. His goal was to get Stephen's attention, even though he was half asleep. « I promise to love you, respect you and encourage you through the triumphs and obstacles of our life together. I- »

- Stephen will come and interrupt him to finish his words. « I pledge with love and loyalty to share with you the rest of my life. » He could never forget his wishes to exchange with her that day. Even half awake, his spirit was there. Stephen smiled at his wife, he looked into Chrisitne's blue eyes.

They loved each other, and they never expected to find themselves in this situation. But love and chance do things well. They had points in common, sometimes disagreements on certain subjects, moments of anger and fatigue. But whenever something or someone comes between them, Stephen and Christine always end up finding each other. And when they were reunited again, nothing could separate them because they were too busy enjoying each other's love.

A few hours later...

Stephen came to stand on top of Christine, keeping his fingers intertwined, his lips never leaving hers. The rhythm slow and gentle at the same time, they traveled through their kiss. Christine withdraws her fingers from those of her husband and carries them gently on her back. Faced with this gesture, Stephen gently breaks the kiss to bring his gaze to his wife, he wore a slight incomprehension on his face. She had something in mind, Christine slid her hand against his skin along his back, until she reached the edge of his boxers.

- « What do you intend to do, Mrs. Strange ? »

- « I intend to touch what is mine, your body, Mr. Strange. »

She never took his eyes off him, and he also began to understand what she was trying to do. Christine grabs the tip of her garment to start making it fall, that’s where Stephen intervenes without abruptly. Grasp her wrist without force in the gesture and bring it right next to her.

- « Sorry my love, but I don't have the energy to meet your needs tonight. Excuse me. » Stephen releases the hold he had on his wife's wrist, coming back again to slide his fingers with hers. Continuing to stay above her.

- Christine smiled at Stephen. She didn't want to pressure him or even force him. She couldn't blame him for being tired, she knew what it was like when her body wasn't doing anything. « If you can't make me happy, do I have the right to give you a good night's sleep ? That is to say, kiss you, sprinkle you with little kisses on the lips until sleep catches up with you ? »

- Stephen returns to where he was before, that is to say alongside Christine. Then his arms come to take her waist and gently pull her towards him. He smiled like a child, he still couldn't believe he had managed to have someone like Christine by his side. « I'm all yours my love. »

- Christine then gently brings her face closer to hers. They bathed in the love of the other. Her lips rest gently but then withdraw. She made this gesture several times. Stephen smiled again and again, every time he kissed, it was a smile on his face. Then, Christine stops in her gesture, observing Stephen who seemed to fall into the arms of sleep, once again. Getting closer to him again, she lies down and finds herself facing him, just a few centimeters from his face. « Tonight, like every day, I have butterflies in my belly when I’m with you. I no longer count them, they are born of your smile, of your permanent attentions, they multiply again when I look at you and your eyes sparkle. Thank you, my love. »

She left him her last words before falling into the arms of sleep. Christine wished with all her heart that Stephen had heard her words just before falling asleep. It took only a few seconds for his doubts to fade away, Stephen had laid his forehead against his, and let slip a light laugh in his sleep, he had heard and he was satisfied.

- Tag : @hellorachelmarianamorgan @stupidthoughtsinwriting @gleek-diaries-of-90210 @apollo11fangirl @hisenglishrose @lordofthundersstuff @michxlle7 @liliwandamoff @pinkthick

If you want to be marked on my future stories, let me know in the comments. Thank you again for reading ! 😊

[imaakira]

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐻𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 »

Stephen Strange / Christine Palmer / Hope Strange

Summary : After a night of fun, Stephen and Christine were completely exhausted. Hope, who had been awake for a while, was determined to get them out of bed to enjoy the day.

Warnings : Fluff

Do not : Claim, Repost, Copy, or Translate my stories anywhere else. The story is very short, but I still wanted to write this little thought about them. 💙

It was early, much too early for the young couple to lift a finger. Yesterday evening Stephen returned late from a mystical mission and as usual Christine waited for him quietly at home, but this time in their common room. Stephen, who had begun by looking around the living room, had not found it and, thanks to his great intelligence, he had found where his next place to look might be. The rest happened pretty fast, in fact, Stephen was exhausted and Christine was exhausted, but that didn’t stop them from taking advantage of this evening to have just the time together. They did it in the greatest calm, the room where Hope slept was only a few centimeters from theirs and it would be a shame to wake her up because of this kind of noise. To sum up, the night had been very hectic for the couple, they had fallen into each other’s arms after the act, too exhausted to pursue a second task. But before Stephen falls into a deep sleep, he snaps his fingers and makes night clothes appear for him and Christine, without the slightest effort.

A beautiful morning is announced for the Strange family. One like the other, does not want to get out of this embrace, the heat that their bodies produce was far too pleasant to detach. During the night, Stephen had passed his arms around his wife's waist, he wanted to know that she was against him and not far from him, a mark of love but also of affection towards Christine. Christine on her side had trained her fingers in those of Stephen, this small gesture came to respond to his warm embrace.

Hope Strange, this little girl was overflowing with energy, she was tireless. She had been awake for a while now, her goal was to get her parents out of bed to enjoy this beautiful day together. The little exit from his room to join his parents' room, his little feet left a slight noise on the floor but nothing very disturbing to interrupt a deep sleep.

- Hope opens the door of the room and sees her parents still deeply asleep in their bed. She had an idea in mind, Hope knows that she could leave her life there after doing this but the girl was determined to wake them up. Building momentum, Hope jumps and lands on her parents. « Mom ! Dad ! Get up ! »

- « Aah... » Both of them suddenly came out of a sweet moment. Christine didn't need to look ahead to know who was behind it all. Unlike Stephen, he was half awake but present, and he also knew full well that his daughter was related to the hectic awakening. He will let out a big sigh to lie on his back on the mattress. « This child is going to put me six feet under long before my enemies do. » Stephen laughing at the situation he found himself in.

- « Get up ! The sooner you get up, the sooner we can get out ! » cried Hope seeing her parents not moving any more despite her intervention. She will then come and stand between them and take a look at each.

- Christine was delighted to have had a child like Hope, she had both Stephen's character traits and hers. This determination that she always wanted to do things right, could only make her proud. Christine will hug Hope and rub her nose against her daughter's. The little one will let a little laughter pass at this gesture. « You really are a special little girl. »

- Stephen turned to his wife and daughter. A sight in front of him that he couldn't take his eyes off, they were adorable and beautiful at the same time. He in turn puts his arms around Chrisitne's waist, which leads to him enclosing Hope between him and his wife. « I'm really lucky to have you both. »

-

Tag : @dailyplanets @michxlle7 @gleek-diaries-of-90210 @lordofthundersstuff @darkgreencape @lokiethar @pinkthick @liliwandamoff @hellorachelmarianamorgan If you want to be marked on my future stories, let me know in the comments. Thank you again for reading ! ☺️

[imaakira]

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑎𝑠 𝐷𝑎𝑦 »

Stephen Strange / Christine Palmer / Hope Strange

Summary : It was only a few hours before Christmas. Hope proposed as a gift the return of her father tonight, and she wished it with all her heart. Christine could not promise him anything, Stephen had been away for a while. Will he be back tonight with his family ?

Warnings : Fluff, Reunions, Hugs...

Do not : Claim, Repost, Copy, or Translate my stories anywhere else. I apologize in advance but English is not my mother tongue. 💙

Today was a pretty special day, there were only a few hours left before Christmas. Of course, this isn't the first time for the Strange Family, but seeing snow was a whole other discovery for Hope.

Stephen had been on a mission with Wong for a good week now. Neither of the two men has called since their departure day. Hope was still very young and did not pay more attention to this. Nevertheless she asked her mother every morning when he will return, she had the right answer as silence. Hope did not hold it against her mother, she understood perfectly this silence as an answer. He could come back at any time, no one could know.

To avoid thinking too much about her absence, Hope and Christine prepared the house together for the Christmas celebrations. The decorations, like the tree, the stockings by the fireplace, the dining table and a whole bunch of other things. His activities allowed them to think about being focused on one thing, the present moment. Like every year, Tony invited Stephen's family to join the Avengers meal. Christine saw this meal as something good for her and Hope

The little girl one spent most of her time asking a lot of questions about the equipment, the powers of each Avengers. Of course, this made more than one laugh, Hope at this point and the perfect copy of her father, the thirst for knowledge. After spending half of his energy on it, the rest is there for him to enjoy the time he has left as a child.

Fortunately for the small family, the snow has decided to show the tip of its nose. It was going to give many children another day on the streets of New York. Hope, who had never seen this in her life before, does not miss the opportunity to observe it with attention and great curiosity

- « Mom there’s something strange out there ! » Hope had her face leaning against the living room window. The young Strange had never seen the snow before.

- « What’s the matter, honey ? » Christine was making tonight’s dinner. Something hearty despite a meal with all the Avengers tomorrow morning.

- « What exactly is this white texture on the outside ? It stays on the ground and at the same time it comes from the sky. » His gaze rose and stooped without removing his face from the glass. She still had much to learn from the world around her and her special little things.

- Christine takes a break to join her daughter. Wiping her hands on her kitchen apron, she crouches down at Hope’s height and looks at the window in turn. « You have snow in front of you to make sure it’s harmless to our lives. Just say it’s a winter gift. »

- « Snow ? It looks soft and cold at the same time ! Can I go and see with my own eyes what it’s like, Mom ? » Hope dropped the window and turned to her mother, staring at her eyes. Nothing could bring her back, she was determined and excited.

- « Of course my dear . But on one condition. I want to see you in a warm outfit before throwing you into this freezing cold, okay ? » Christine sits up and then comes to rub the top of Hope's head. - « Yes, I promise ! » After her mother's validation, she ran to her room to equip herself with a good outfit to go outside.

A few hours later...

Hope had gone up to her room, packing up her things and going back to the drawing she had started last night. Despite the hour, she wasn't particularly tired, but rather looking forward to Christmas. A sound of a familiar portal was heard at the entrance to his room, a tall figure emerges from the portal. This takes Hope out of her deep focus.

- « Dad ! Cloak ! » Hope puts the drawing tools on her bed and quickly gets out of it. She then throws herself on her father to hold him as hard as she can.

- « Hey hey, take it easy darling. » Stephen smiling slightly, hurried to continue the embrace with Hope against him. He lifts her up to look her in the eye with more ease. Cloak leaves Stephen's shoulders to come and greet the young Strange.

- « You got scratches on your face and you smell bad, Dad, did you fight monsters ? » The young Strange and her curiosity come to test Stephen. His fingers touch gently the substance still present on his clothes and his scratches on his face.

- Stephen smiled at his daughter's curiosity. Sometimes he regrets that she is the heiress and sometimes not. He leaves his room with her to go down the hall. « Yes, I fought some monsters. They were tougher than I expected, luckily Wong was there to help me. »

- « Could I one day fight with you too ? » Hope is young, full of energy and does not yet know the true dangers of life and what it means to be a wizard.

- « Of course, one day, perhaps. But not before learning and understanding the real consequences of being a wizard. » With a gesture of the hand, Stephen’s outfit was completely clean, Cloak had also received a small cleaning. He only had a few scratches on his face.

Christine finished putting things in the living room. Her attention turned to two familiar voices. Was he back after this little absence ?

- « I also found out what snow was ! » Hope was slightly agitated in her father's arms. Despite Stephen holding her tightly, Hope clung to her costume.

- « Oh, that's a nice discovery I tell you. I can't wait to hear all the details. » Stephen watched his daughter with wide eyes during his explanation. She was growing up so fast, too fast even.

- « Look what Christmas brings me as a present. My two loves. » Christine breaks the silence and approaches them. She felt an indescribable happiness, seeing her daughter and her husband together, happy.

Stephen always keeps Hope close to him and, without a word, he stepped forward to put a kiss on Christine’s lips. The young mother smiles after receiving this sweet and adorable gesture from her husband.

- « Yuck! » Hope's words make Stephen and Christine laugh. « You're going to get this kind of time you too, when you're older. »

- « But don’t worry, you still have time. » Once Hope heard her father’s words, her response was immediate. « I don’t want to be with anyone because later I’ll be busy being a great witch as strong as Dad ! »

- « Everything in its own time, darling. » Christine goes to lightly rub her daughter's cheek, which makes her smile and laugh at the same time.

- Once this short moment is over, Stephen gently puts his daughter down, straightening up to meet her gaze. « Hope, can you grant us a few minutes, to me and to your mother ? »

It was without a word and shaking her head that the young Strange headed towards the living room and more precisely towards the Christmas tree. She understood what her father was asking without even ask questions.

- Stephen will smile as he watches Hope do, he was proud of her. His eyes will rest on his wife again. His hands will rest on either end of her face. « Forgive me for not giving my news, I- »

- Christine is going to come and interrupt him and put her face to his hands. « Stephen, you don't have to apologize for that. » She raises her hand, showing him the ring on her finger. « This ring is proof of my trust in you, in our love and... » His hand then landed on one of hers, the one who also had the ring. « She will always be there to remind you. »

- With the help of his thumb, Stephen will caress the bottom of his cheek. Letting slip a little laughter of the situation. « And I will always be there to protect you. This is one of many promises I made to you that day. »

- Christine closes her eyes for a moment to enjoy this sweet moment. Leaving her thoughts to return to the world of reality. « Now, what do you say we enjoy this night by the fire and wait in the heat for Christmas ? »

- « Yes, that's a good proposal. Also, I think a little girl is waiting impatiently for us to join her. » Stephen runs his thumb over the top of his cheek one last time. 

A few hours later...

Christine was lying quietly on Stephen's chest, who lay on the sofa in the living room. Her ear was placed just above her heart, her beat echoed softly, Stephen's shaking hands rested and stroked his wife's back, she reacted slightly to the touch with a small laugh of satisfaction. Through the silence, they listen to each other's breathing. Christine pulls the blanket she had on them a little more and then releases a little sigh.

- « Is everything all right, darling ? » He asked in a calm and calm tone, and he noticed that something was wrong with the silence.

- The strong voice of her husband brings the young mother back to reality. Christine brings her gaze to Stephen's. « I'm perfectly fine , my family is reunited for Christmas. What more could you ask for ? »

- « The truth ? I sense you are concerned about something. » Stephen raises his hand to rest it just above her head leaving small caresses.

- Christine looks at her daughter lying on the other couch right in front of her, Cloak had landed on her to be her cover. « You would have seen her this morning, it was the first time she found out what snow was. I’m sorry you couldn’t see her, so happy. I may exaggerate a bit, but… it’s like I saw him take his first steps. »

- « Watching her grow up so fast scares you more and more, doesn't it ? » Stephen turns his gaze to his daughter He fully understood her behavior and her concerns, as a parent it's normal to be afraid for your child.

Christine nods her head slightly against his chest. She was worried, worried about her child. She realized that 'one day she'll go the way of Stephen.

- « I know you already know what I'm going to tell you but we cannot decide Hope's future for her. Whether she becomes a wizard, a nurse, whatever other profession, we will be there for her. » Stephen continues his caresses against Christine's back, trying somehow to reassure her about the future.

- « Yes, you are right. Let's forget about it and enjoy this Christmas evening, as a family, just the three of us. » Christine climbs a little higher on Stephen's chest, lying just below his chin.

- « Relax now, honey. » That’s kind of ironic coming from Stephen, but he was right. Concerns and fears are a subject to be postponed. For the moment, he wanted only one thing, to enjoy not thinking about anything.

A few minutes later…

- « If this continues, I I'm going to start getting jealous that Hope is becoming Cloak's favorite. » Despite his words, Stephen was happy that Cloak had become such an important mystical object to his family.

It is in silence that the clock in the living room rings and comes to end, Christmas has just arrived in the Strange house.

Hope moves slightly after her sleep has been disturbed by the living room clock. Cape also reacts, withdrawing gently so as not to rush it. The girl rubs her eyes and straightens slightly from her lying position, her gaze is turned towards her parents. Hope had not yet realized what time it was and why the clock had rung, the sleep was still present on it.

- « Hope, come lie down with us. » Christine patting Stephen’s chest slightly to make him understand to join them.

- « Yes… » The poor thing was still half awake, she got up with difficulty from the sofa where she had been recently, Cloak following her closely. 

Christine has a big smile on her lips and moves to the side to make room for her daughter. Opening her arms wide, she waited to welcome Hope against her and Stephen.

- « Can I say a word ? It's not that I'm against it, but I may not be able to stay in this position with you two all night or I'll leave my body there. » Stephen didn't want to reject this offer in any way, or even seem disagreeable.

- « Mmh.. No. Consider it your punishment for being away for so long without giving your family any news. » Christine looks at Stephen, she has a smile on her face, satisfied with her answer.

- « Noted, honey. » Stephen stopped talking, observing Hope without her walk to join them.

Hope had her eyes half closed, she was completely exhausted from that day, which is quite normal for a child her age. She then puts herself in her mother’s arms and settles gently on her father’s chest so as not to hurt him during the movement. Once well placed, Hope gradually enters her mother’s arms and through her warmth.

- Christine settles back on her husband's chest to properly hug her daughter. Letting the heat and sleep do its job, the young mother said a few words before falling asleep. « Merry Christmas.. my loves. » She said through a low and soft tone.

Stephen hugged Christine and Hope to strengthen his hold on them. He was happy and at peace. Stephen had managed to get the best Christmas present, to reunite his family by the fire without any problems in sight.

-

Tag : @hellorachelmarianamorgan @lordofthundersstuff @nv00

@il-0-v-3-youuuu @atoz26 @liliwandamoff @gleek-diaries-of-90210

@pinkthick @michxlle7

If you want to be marked on my future stories, let me know in the comments. Thank you again for reading ! ☺️

[imaakira]

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐻𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦 𝐵𝑖𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑑𝑎𝑦, 𝐻𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑦 »

Stephen Strange / Christine Palmer

Summary : It was a rather special day, Chrisitne’s aniverssaire. That night, Stephen wanted to impress her by giving her the most beautiful birthday present she can get.

Warnings : Fluff Do not : Claim, Repost, Copy, or Translate my stories anywhere else. I apologize in advance but English is not my mother tongue. 💙

I'm not going to tell you the main lines of the character that is the great Stephen Strange, you all know how he is. But do you think he is able to swallow his arrogant side and his pride to please the woman he loves with all his heart on his birthday? Well yes, he has the skills and the will, he was going to be gentle and passionate with her.

It has never been easy for him to express his feelings and fight his fears every day, whether in friendship or in love. Luckily, Christine showed him a completely different version of companion life. Neither one is perfect, each has its faults and its qualities. And tonight, for Christine's birthday, Stephen wanted to impress her on such a special day.

Some evenings when Stephen returns from his mystical missions, he is tired, injured and dirty. However, this does not prevent Christine, after a long day at the hospital, from waiting for him and being there to welcome him in her arms when he returns home. No matter what state he was in, she loved him. She was there for him, but also to kiss him, cuddle him, reassure him, feed him, massage him... Stephen ended up wanting to do the same to him, in his own way, even if he had never done before. That is, to think about the well-being of someone other than himself.

Nothing could be hidden from Stephen like Christine’s birthday. Over time, he’d learned things she really liked, like a coconut cupcake. It was a rather peculiar mix but Stephen was not going to waste time on this reflection, he just wanted to make her happy. Christine is a very social person, so she has a nice list of friends, but that night Stephen only wanted her for him. Just him and her.

Stephen returned from his mission much earlier than usual, he didn't really give Wong or the other teachers a choice. He had a goal in mind and he intends to achieve it, even if he were to receive a whole type of remark the next day.

Conversely, Christine had been coming home for a few weeks very late at night. The hospital didn’t give her a moment’s respite, sometimes she stayed there. Stephen could not blame her, he knew what it was like to have overtime as a doctor but also as a hero. Fortunately for him, Christine’s colleagues were ready to take over despite the crisis so that she could fully enjoy her birthday.

A few hours later…

- Christine came at the moment of return to the sanctuary, depositing her keys and her bag as usual at the entrance. « My body won't last long- » Before she finished her sentence, her attention went to the living room. There was light.

- « Stephen ? » It was unlikely that it was him, it was still too early. Her questions will end when she feels big hands coming from behind that will then settle on her waist.

- « I'm here, my love. » He put his chin on her shoulder and leaned his body against hers, slightly amused by the situation.

- Christine was surprised, almost speechless to see him here. Not that she wasn't happy to see him, it was a nice surprise. « What are you doing here at this hour ? Doesn't the world need you to save it ? » She asked happily.

- « Aren't you happy to see me ? And to answer your second question, the world will be waiting because I have someone to impress and make happy tonight. » While his hands held her tightly, they didn't shake, surprisingly.

- « I am very happy to have you for me much earlier than usual. Tell me, who is this person who deserves all this attention from you ? » For now, Christine remains in the position where she felt safe and at peace, that is to say in the arms of her husband. 

- « She's in my arms. » Stephen was calm, he was confident. He had taken the time to prepare this evening with care and attention and he was eager to show it to her.

Christine does not answer Stephen in words. Raising her hands from her waist, she turns around to face him. And in another gesture, she will come slowly to kiss him. Having her all night was more than enough for her as a birthday present. What Christine didn’t know was that Stephen knew about this special day.

Stephen will in turn respond to his kiss, putting his hands on his waist and amplifying the embrace of their body. They smiled like two children, they were happy and that was the main thing.

- Then Stephen slowly steps back and looks into his eyes. « I’d like you to do something for me tonight. See you in the bathroom in a few minutes. » He’ll get closer to his pillow and whisper a few words. « I’ve prepared a little something for your birthday. See you soon, my love. »

Christine had a slight chill when he approached her to say a few words. She was slightly surprised to know that he knew about her birthday but after a few minutes of reflection, it was obvious, it was the great Doctor Stephen Strange, nothing could escape her.

Everyone on his side was getting ready, and Stephen began to feel stress and fear. His hands were shaking, but he remained confident. Christine on her side was impatient and happy. She knows very well that he is doing everything he can to fight against himself and tonight was going to be a good proof that he would pass over his fears.

A few minutes later…

- Christine was the first to be ready, as requested, she headed for their bathroom with a towel around her waist. Light let show itself from under the door, without a word Christine will open it and enter the room. What was in front of her was almost a dream, Stephen had prepared a bubble bath with lots of candles all around. She couldn't help but observe all the details that her husband had prepared in this room. Then she removes her towel from the waist to settle gently in the tub. « It's impossible, I feel like I'm dreaming… » Her body began to feel the benefits of the heat of the bath, her eyes accompany her on her way to sleep.

- « And here is something that is against the laws of nature… » Stephen's voice was still from across the room. He will gently push the door ajar and go inside. He had only a towel around his waist and brought as promised a cupcake accompanied by a small candle.

Christine still had her eyes closed but she smiled when she heard his voice, the bubble bath had completely allowed her to relax. Stephen had managed to make an impression with this surprise, it was only the beginning.

- Stephen closes the door with his foot and approaches his wife. He smiled when he saw her completely rested in the bath, it was one of his goals tonight and he had succeeded. « A coconut cupcake, your favorite. » By stooping, Stephen will come and hand it to him.

- Opening her eyes, she couldn’t help but smile even more. Stephen cooking, he certainly helped himself with his magic or maybe not, it was the most important gesture. « You really outdid yourself tonight, my love. » She takes the food and is going to come and watch it for a while. “I felt a little judgment in your voice about choosing this mix, you know, you should try it, I’m sure you’ll love it. »

- Stephen will come to get rid of his towel and will join Christine shortly after in the bath in front of her. « Oh, you know, at this point in my life, I know what I love. » After his words, he installs his legs along the bathtub, of course leaving room for his wife.

- From the corner of her eye, she watched him take off his only garment, she was really spoiled tonight. Once he’s settled in, Christine will blow out the candle and get as close as possible to Stephen, always holding the cake in her hands. « And if I put the frosting somewhere… » With one of her fingers, she’ll come and get some frosting and look at Stephen with a smile on her face. « Interesting ? » In passing to apply the cream on her stroke, she has not left her eyes.

- Stephen was silent for a few seconds, toying with his gaze between Christine and the cream on her neck. He liked the fact that she was challenging him, it wasn't the first time she had done it. « It is unfair... »

Christine had a smile on her ears, she was particularly proud to see him in this posture. Placing the cake on one of the windowsills near the bathtub, she will then gently approach him and offer him access to his neck.

- Stephen understands what she expects of him and he will carry out her request. Once close enough, Stephen stops a few inches before putting his lips to her skin. The hair of his beard tickled Christine, his body couldn't help reacting. « Are you all right, my love ? » His voice rings soft and strong.

Christine won't answer, instead she'll continue to smile in her corner and bring her neck closer so that Stephen's lips can rest there. Once done, she will close her eyes to enjoy this sweet moment, her hand resting on her husband's shoulder.

- His lips came to collect every inch of the frosting, Stephen took the time to apply the gesture gently and carefully. « Mmh..Okay, maybe I judged this perfume a little too quickly. » After a few words, he will drop a light kiss on her neck, then pull back to be face to face with his wife.

- « See, I told you. » Still smiling, she will hold Stephen's face with both hands, stroking him lightly and then her hands will go behind his back to continue the caresses. She could feel through his gesture how relaxed his shoulders were.

- Stephen kept staring at Christine, his hands had captured her waist so he could keep her close, he didn't want to lose her. « Happy birthday, honey. » Then he rested his forehead against hers, enjoying the caresses and the moment with her.

- Christine happily accepted Stephen's gesture, resting her forehead against his. « Stephen, what you did tonight is... indescribable. Nobody until this evening had taken the time to give me this kind of gift. »

- Stephen will recover slowly, meeting his gaze. « I would then be the first and the last to have given you this gift. No one will make you leave my arms and my heart. » Then, before giving Christine the opportunity to answer, Stephen will come and gently capture her lips.

Christine will raise her hand to his face, responding to his kiss. This kiss was all sweetness and passion, the perfect reflection of the love he had for each other.

Stephen will leave one hand around his waist, the other will land against his cheek. Everyone had their eyes closed, enjoying warmth, love, silence and serenity. Until today, they had very little time just for themselves, so Stephen had succeeded in his mission.

- « I love you. » She said through the kiss, she couldn't help but smile on her lips. One of his hands will come to free one of her locks, leaving her beautiful face in front of her.

- « Me too, but more than you. » Stephen speaks his words once he pulls back from the kiss.

- « I'm going to let you win this game tonight, exceptionally of course. » Christine is going to put foam on Stephen's nose. He reacted by closing his eyes directly.

- « I'm going to keep showing you that I'm right about this. » Stephen gets up directly from the tub, holding Christine in her arms through the movement. He had put a lot of water outside the tub during the move, but it didn't matter, he'd clean up later.

- « Stephen ! » She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck and placed her head against his bare chest.

- With a quick gesture with his fingers, Stephen makes appear on him and Christine a bath towel, he did not want her to catch cold. « Let’s go to bed now. »

- « That's a good proposal, my hero. » Christine didn't change her position, she was too well settled in Stephen's arms. She felt through her ear his heartbeat, which was quite stable, he knew what he was doing.

Once in the bedroom, Stephen gently puts Christine into their bed. He lets her into her night clothes, and he was going to do the same. Once the clothes are put on, Stephen goes to meet his wife near the bed, she had fallen asleep. The benefits of the bath and the time spent with it had completely helped him to be soothed and relaxed.

He settles down slowly, without waking her by his gesture. Stephen will put his legs and hands around her body and keep her close to him. During her sleep, she will come to let herself go in the warmth of her arms. Stephen had achieved his goal, making his wife happy and giving her the best birthday present.

-

Tag : @hellorachelmarianamorgan @holmes-the-meddler @vikingqueen28 @pinkthick @liliwandamoff @allie131313 @michxlle7 @lokiethar

If you want to be marked on my future stories, let me know in the comments. Thank you again for reading ! ☺️

[imaakira]

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - « 𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝐷𝑜 𝐼 𝑆𝑎𝑦 𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑𝑏𝑦𝑒 ? »

Stephen Strange / Christine Palmer / Hope Strange 

Summary : A tragic event occurred in the life of the Strange family. Based on music Dean Lewis - How Do I Say Goodbye. 💙

Warnings : Sadness, Anger, Fears, Injuries, Fluff

Do not : Claim, Repost, Copy, or Translate my stories anywhere else.

I advise you to read the story while listening to the music. Good reading💙

Early in the morning, Hope receives a message on her phone that catches her attention. It was her mother who said, “Honey, please come back to the shrine as soon as possible. Christine hadn't given her any other information and Hope feared the worst, certainly something to do with her father.

Once at the Sanctum Sanctorum, Hope does not think for a second more and rushes towards the entrance of the building, with a quick gesture, she gets rid of the doors. It was quiet, much too quiet, usually the sanctuary was much busier. 

The young Strange goes up the stairs of the building, to then go to the floor of the bedrooms. Many voices could be heard from where Hope was, but there was no way of knowing what they were saying to each other, no way of knowing who owned the voices. It is therefore in a rather calm march that she heads towards the hubbub.

The further she went, the closer it took her to her parents' bedroom. This earlier presentiment was beginning to be confirmed. Her lips began to quiver, tears inches from falling. She had to walk through that door and figure out what was really going on.

Hope sees her mother, Uncle Wong and other Kamar-Ta teachers in the room. In front of all his different silhouettes, a hand that protrudes from the bed attracts his attention. It was her father’s and she seemed to be covered in scratches. Before Hope can say anything, Christine and Wong call her.

- « Hey, Hope... », « Sweetheart.. » They both had expressions on their faces that said a lot, even too much. Her uncle waves her over and, without a word, the other teachers watch young Strange approach. His father was lying there, hooked up by pipes, covered in wounds and bandages on parts of his body. Christine goes to take her daughter's hand, she was shaking, she was angry and sad at the same time.

- « What happened ? » The words came out with difficulty, but Hope wanted to understand why her father was in this state and why so many teachers were at his bedside. One of the teachers said, « Your father went alone to take care of a mission that no one knew about, it was about another universe. » Wong then added, « Apparently, this mission was very close to his heart, and apart from your mother, no one else knew about it, until today. »

- Hope glanced at her mother, « Mom ? » Christine gently let go of her daughter's hand and turned to her husband. « He asked me to keep this secret, he knew that this mission was going to be very complicated to accomplish alone, but stubborn as he is, even despite my worries, he went there, alone. He didn't want to involve you, he didn't want to admit it, but Stephen wanted to know you were safe. »

- Another teacher said, « I'm sorry to interrupt you, but your father needs quite complex treatment, as we are working to keep him alive.His injuries should not be taken lightly. » Wong puts his hand on Hope's back, a gesture to try to reassure her. « At the moment we don't know if he can be saved or not, it's up to him. » His mind analyzed every word he spoke, couldn't he save him? No, Hope didn't want to hear that, it was too much for her.

His mother shows very little reaction to anything they say, she suspects she was confronted with all of his information a few hours ago. It is in silence, that the young Strange takes a quick look at the silhouette of her father and leaves to reach the exit of the room. She needed to get some fresh air and take stock of everything she had just heard.

- She was sitting on the sofa in her father's office, this room was filled with many memories. Hope needed to be alone, but someone came to bring her out of this silence, it was Cloak his best friend. He will come to cover the young woman who has been seated. « Hey Cloak, thank you... » Cloak could tell from her tone and her face that something was wrong, he understood that she had just been made aware of her father's situation.

- « How could he leave us all behind ? » Wong will come out of silence to answer his question, « It’s okay to be angry, Hope. » It was his mother’s choice to let Wong talk to him. This kind of situation was not the first but it was the first time that Stephen returned to such a state. When Hope needed to talk about her father’s choices, Uncle Wong was always there to help her find answers.

- Christine stayed with the other teachers to help care for Stephen. Wong sits next to Hope, noticing Cloak on his shoulders. « I see a friend joining you. », « Don't change the subject, Wong. Why does he always have to risk his life like thi's ? »

- Wong fully understood Hope’s anger, despite her age, she was able to understand the reality and the importance of things. « If I tell you that it is because your father is a hero, it will not be sufficient justification. Stephen, your father, has always been like that and no one can change him. Your mother has already tried many times but.. Without success. »

- « I know he made that choice, because he had to, that’s his role as the Sorcerer Supreme. But that doesn’t justify him not telling us, you, me, the others. » Cloak will reinforce the hold he had on the young Strange’s shoulders, he wanted to show her some kind of support. Hope will come to thank him with a gesture of the hand, caressing him slightly.

- « Your father is a very intelligent man, he knows us all better than anyone. So he knew very well that if me, you and the others knew, we would have stopped him from doing what he was going to do. Except your mother, which is normal because she is his wife. » Wong didn't want to lecture Hope on morality, but simply explained to her that adult life is full of choices, doubts and fears and that sometimes the only person we can count on is the one who has the more confidence.

- « It means that- », Wong will come and cut the speech and complete by saying « It means that your father trusts you but he does not want to know that you are in danger. It’s the same reason your mother didn’t tell you about it, Hope. »

- Another voice will come into their conversation, Christine’s. « You are like him, my dear, always willing to do things well without thinking about the consequences upon arrival. Sometimes you forget the people behind you. »

- Hope looked at her father’s coffee cup on the table in front of her. Never, even today, could she hate her father. It’s partly because of him that she is what she is today. « Adult life doesn’t really make me want to be there. » Wong and Christine laughed together, it was normal at her age to feel that way. Although over time, Hope will more easily accept her father’s choices.

- « How’s Stephen ? » Wong gets up from the couch and turns to Christine. « They finished the care with certain spells, I helped them on certain points. Now it’s in the hands of care and Stephen to see if... » Hope also gets up from the couch with Cloak on her shoulders. « If he does not succumb to his wounds. »

A few hours later…

During the evening, Wong and the other teachers returned to Kamar-Taj to deal with some mystical issues and others during the student training sessions. Christine and Hope had moved into the bedroom to spend the night with Stephen. The young mother had fallen asleep on a chair not far from her husband and daughter. As for Hope, she couldn't sleep, her gaze hadn't left her father for very long hours now.

- « I have so much to tell you, but so little time ago… » Hope couldn’t get out of her mind that her father could die. The state of his body could not make him think of anything else. He breathed, yes, heavily. « So how can I say goodbye to someone who has been with me all my life ? »

- Christine wakes up slightly with a start after hearing her daughter’s voice and then sees her next to Stephen, saying a few words. « You gave me my name and the colour of your eyes… » Tears could not help but flow, she had a trembling voice, but that does not prevent her from continuing her words. « When I can’t, you always see the best in me, true or false, you’re always by my side… » It was the very first time that Christine saw her daughter so much confide in her father, in this way. « But I’m afraid, I’m afraid of what life could be without you. So how can I, how can I dad, how can I say goodbye ? »

After this moment, Hope leaned back in his arms and fell asleep next to her father, in her sleep she held Stephen's hand. Christine carefully and gently fetches a blanket and installs it on a part of her daughter's body. She had finally found sleep, she deserved it.

Weeks later…

Unbeknownst to Hope, Stephen finally woke up early in the morning, only Christine and Wong were there. The group of adults wanted to surprise him at the end of the evening. That day she had class, and as usual when she came home, it was to go and see her father.

Hope’s day was long and tiring, it was the exam period and she had to manage the training with Uncle Wong at the same time. As usual, she leaves her belongings in her room and then goes to her parents' room. Being in her thoughts, Hope had not paid attention to the few voices that came from the room. Once she opened the door, she did not believe what she saw, her father standing there in front of her, he was helped by Wong, he probably had trouble standing.

- « D-Dad ?... » Hope had a hard time placing her words in front of what she saw. The three adults turn to the young teenager, Wong and Christine, and observe her. Stephen on his side could see his daughter standing in front of him, she seemed exhausted and happy at the same time.

- Then, with a quick gesture, Hope will throw herself towards her father and will take him in his arms. This gesture will destabilize Stephen, leaving Wong’s shoulder to catch and offer a huge comforting hug to his daughter. « Hope, I’m so sorry… » Stephen felt on the grip he had with Hope that his whole body was shaking and, in the minutes that followed, his shirt would be covered with tears. It did not matter to him because he knew that he must have caused him a lot of anxiety and fear in his final days.

- The young Strange could not look her father in the eye, knowing that he was standing and especially alive could not make her more than happy. Despite the pain, Stephen will tighten the grip of his arms around his daughter and, with another gesture, he will put his hand against her back. « I heard you, your words in my sleep. Hope, don’t be afraid, because I will always be there with you, no matter the circumstances. »

- « Don’t ever do that to me again... » She spoke with tears, her words were almost understandable, despite the fact that she speaks with her face against her chest. Stephen will reach out his other hand to Christine, which she will hasten to intertwine with hers « I can’t guarantee that this promise will be kept because I can’t control the future, but- » Christine is going to come and interrupt her husband with a cheerful look on her face, « which your father is trying to tell you, He loves you with all his heart and will do whatever is necessary to pay more attention to the future. »

- « I can’t wait to see that. » Wong was amused by the situation his friend was in. Hope, on her side, will come and walk away from her father to give him the space he needed. She smiles at him, Hope is difficult for her father to pay attention to the next events. But now he was aware of his fears and doubts, he had heard it.

-

Tag : @hellorachelmarianamorgan @darkgreencape @tagthetrekkie @pinkthick @camille09hart @curiousgalacticsoul

If you want to be marked on my future stories, let me know in the comments. Thank you again for reading ! ☺️

[imaakira]

Come Home - Sherlock x Reader

Paring: Sherlock Holmes (BBC) x F!Reader

Word Count: 4,233

Description: Sherlock had sent Y/N away shortly after Mary’s death in hopes of protecting her… and preventing her from stopping him from doing what he felt he had to do to save John. Now that she’s back and has all the details, she’s not sure their relationship can survive it. 

Other Things: Hurt comfort. Angsty but there’s a happy ending. Timeline-wise The Final Problem doesn’t exist, this takes place shortly after the hug in The Lying Detective. Sherlock’s close enough to his mother to talk about feelings.

Warnings: Mentions prior drug use. Overall mentions/references the events of The Lying Detective and things Sherlock did in there (drug use, near overdose, setting himself up to be killed, etc). Breakup. Some swearing. 

Afficher davantage

[imaakira]

If I Would Have Known (Oneshot) || Doctor Strange × F!Reader.

Word Count: 5.6K

Themes: ANGST× 5, Mentions of Death by accident, Misunderstanding, Couple's Fight, Lots of Swearing.

A/N: I haven't written angst in a while. . . And I combined inspiration from three movies into this oneshot. I hope you like it! :D Also based on the song 'If I would I known.

It's not easy dating a hero—especially one as famous as Doctor Strange. An intelligent man with a sprinkle of ego and smugness, so they say. You were aware of what you were getting yourself into when you agreed to be in a relationship with him, but now you seem to have miscalculated your patience. 

He had a responsibility to protect this reality, and you were perfectly aware of it. But it seemed that his responsibility as your man was becoming less and less of a concern for him. While you were still in the "honeymoon" period of your relationship, which lasted for the first six or seven months, his whole universe was centred on you. You weren't accustomed to that, and it took you a little while to get used to the idea of a man treating you so well. When you did, you fell head over heels in love with his endearing antics. He lived up to that promise.

He used to sit there all day long with a mesmerised expression on his face as he listened to you rant about your experiences at work. When you were feeling down, his go-to ritual was to have a proper debate with your Samoyed, Froyo, who is quite talkative and enjoys engaging in conversation. When you weren't looking, he would sneakily leave you random post-it notes with sweet comments on them, knowing full well that he had placed them there using his portals.

You were a good partner to him and did your part as well. You gave him immediate care when he was hurt, and you fed him when he became so engrossed in his studies that he forgets to eat. Despite your desire to get to know him on a deeper level, you respect that he doesn't want to speak about certain topics, and you let it go, thinking he will tell you when he's ready. You were also the one that went with him everywhere he went in a heartbeat.

But as of late, just as you're getting closer and closer to the three-year mark of your relationship, you've been seeing less of him, like he’s hiding from you. You've been hearing his voicemail more often than you'd want to, which is frustrating for you, but you always try to put yourself in his shoes. 

You told him that maybe both of you needed a break, that maybe he just needed some space and Stephen seemed to agree with that. During that time, you left him alone, thinking that distance makes the heart grow fonder. 

And after a one week of being apart, just before the anniversary, you call him, asked him if he was ready and he said he was—he said that he missed you and couldn't wait to finally see you. So, you arranged a dinner date on your third anniversary.

•••

You chucked your phone on the table as you went straight to his voicemail again, for the fifth time. You were by yourself at a classy restaurant, sipping your third glass of wine as you waited for Stephen to show up for your anniversary date. It's been a little over an hour.

“May I get you some appetisers, Miss (L/N)?” The server asked, knowing that you’ve had nothing but wine since you arrived.

“I’m okay for now. Thank you.” You lifted your eyes and gave him a kind smile before he left you alone.

You blew some air out to calm yourself, thinking, 'He better be fighting some intergalactic octopus to be this late.’

After two hours pass by, you finally decide to just grab the bill and go home. You really just wasted your time sitting there waiting like an idiot for him. He didn’t even have the courtesy to leave you a text or call.

You were seething in anger. 

Leaving the restaurant, tipsy and disappointed, you chose to walk home alone at eleven o’clock at night. You didn't give a damn about the inappropriate looks that followed you or the cat-calling from thirsty men in the streets; maybe it was the wine that caused you to behave in such an irresponsible manner.

Your gut feeling told you that someone was following you, and you quickly lament the fact that you decided to walk home rather than call a cab. When someone grabbed your shoulder, your first line of defence was to hit them with your handbag as hard as you could. 

"Ow! (Y/N)! It's just me, Nic!" He used his arms to shield himself from your assault.

"Dr. West?" You blink hard, trying to clear your vision.

"Yeah, I've been calling, now I see that your mind is a bit cloudy." He chuckles, "Christine's wedding reception just finished, Stephen was there. . . Did you guys break up or something?"

"Oh? No—I uh. . . didn’t even know there was a wedding." You laugh, trying to mask the hurt that was forming in your chest. It was the one that felt suffocating.

"Oh. I see." Nic could see the shift to your demeanour and tries to change the subject, "I heard that you're studying to become a Doctor? Don't want to be a paramedic anymore?" 

"Y-yeah. No, I love being a paramedic, I just want to advance in my career." You smile, though it was clear to your voice that you're now upset.

"That's a good plan. I'm sure you'll exceed with high honours." He smiles, "Do you need a ride home? I can drop you off? Stephen was still there when I left." 

You swallowed and nodded, "Sure. Thank you."

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

You got out of Nic's car and thanked him as you hopped out. The car ride was pleasant, he just kept telling stories about how he got a new cat, that he's seeking therapy for the loss of his brother. You felt sorry for the man and you can understand because you blipped as well.

"Thank you Dr. West, I appreciate it," You thanked him as you got out of his car and before you could even shut the door he called out your name.

"Hey, (Y/N)?"

"Yeah?" You lean down to check what he wants.

Nic opened his mouth but hesitated to spit it out, "N-nothing, it isn't my place. Have a good night." He smiles a somewhat sad smile.

"Alright? Drive home safely." You returned the smile and shut his door. He honked the horn lightly as he left and you waved at him before entering your house.

Your samoyed, Froyo, immediately jumped at you for a hug, his tail wagging excessively at the sight of you, "Hey buddy! I missed you!" You knelt down and gave him kisses.

After freshening up, you prepared for bed and just stared at your phone. Before you were so angry but now you just felt lonely. Froyo's ears perked when he heard you sniffling and turned around to lay his head on your lap. 

Froyo whined softly and gently scratched you with his paw, as if telling you to stop crying. Then a soft knock followed by Stephen's voice came through the door.

"You up?" He asked as he peaked and entered the room.

You're sitting on your bed, now with your knees pulled up to your chest. When you see Stephen coming into the room, you quickly wipe your eyes, then turn the other way, "Yeah."

"You okay?" Stephen saunters in.

"I'm fine." You replied almost in a whisper.

"You sure?" He asked and stopped to stand at the end of the bed.

You nodded and cleared your throat, "What's up? What do you want?"

"I just want to say I'm sorry I missed our date, let me know how much it cost, I'll pay you back for it."

His response renders you mute. Pay me back? As if that would bring my time back.

"Can you pay me back my time?" You snapped but immediately felt guilty, "J-just leave me alone Stephen."

"I planned on going. . . It’s just I—"

You cut him off, your voice sounding more annoyed, "It doesn't fucking matter, okay? Would you just leave the room and shut the door? . . . Please." 

"I didn't know that dinner mattered all that much to you–"

"Exactly!"

"Hang on a second, could you let me talk? You told me that we needed a break, and all of a sudden you asked me to have dinner. I mean I just figured. . ."

"Oh Stephen—I-I just don't know how we got here. Our entire relationship, I have gone above and beyond for you, for us. I've cooked, I've cleaned up after your shit, I've been present every time you needed me. I support you, I supported your work. If we ever had dinner or anything, I did the plans, I took care of everything. And I just don't feel like you appreciate any of it. I don't feel you appreciate me. All I want is to know—and for you to show me that you care." Your voice cracked, red rimmed your eyes, the tears dripped down your cheeks.

"Why didn't you just say that to me?" He asked softly. His expression is pitiful.

"I tried—I've tried."

"Never like that, you might have said some things that meant to imply that, but I'm not a mind reader…" he lifted his shoulder in a shrug.

You shook your head in defeat, you sucked in a shaky breath and wiped the tears from your face with the backs of your hands, "It wouldn't matter, you are who you are. Just leave me alone ok? Right now. Just shut my door."

"Listen…" Stephen begins to slowly walk his way towards you, causing to scoot back onto the bed.

In a panicky response you say, "Alright Stephen! Just please, just leave the room. Stephen just—I don't want to be near you right now, please just shut the door, please." A single broken sob erupted from your throat. With reluctance, Stephen turned around and left you alone in your room.

It almost felt like a lost cause. It was power-draining. All these methods you'd tried. All these methods seemed to fail. He needed something? You'd be there. He needed to seek advice? You drop everything and call. Go above and beyond. That was easy. But now, the minute you needed it in return, it was difficult to return the favour, where was that love? What could you do?

All you knew how to do was give things to keep him happy. That always makes you feel happy—but now you realise you were compensating, and eventually there would be none left for you.

Your body is like an empty ink well, the contents of you splattered on the floor. And what for? You wondered. Was it worth the risk? Was it worth those glimpses of comfort and understanding that he offered you? Was it all a tremendous waste of time? 

You felt like everything you did reminded you of him. Everything you said, spoke of him. Every thought seemed to be his.

"I want it back," you whispered in the dark, "All my love. It belongs to me."

Your body shook with tears. You'd awake in the morning with a stiff back and a tear covered pillowcase. But you couldn't help it.

You were powerless. Utterly. Powerless.

Erase the pictures, the memories, the hopeful glances at a future together. Or even the simpler things. The friendship, the familiarity, the fantasies, idealised stranger that he once was. The escape, the security, the arms... the arms that embrace and hold and fortify. Take it away, please. Every slight nuance sent you spiralling back towards yourself. And that emptiness.

How could I be filled again?

You have tried. You were trying. You were almost to the point where you were sick of trying. You no longer got hungry. You could no longer sleep. You were tired constantly. Sore. Spiteful. Strange. 

Making small talk with strangers. Reaching out relentlessly to friends. And in the end, shutting yourself in and pretending you were safe. But you could no longer hear your friends, or see their faces, you read messages blindly, answered questions stupidly, attempting a casual air of comfort when, in reality, you had none to give.

Would you burst?

Or simply fade until you no longer remember your reason for sadness? Your mother said not to be sad, it's not good for you. Like you didn't already know that. Like it was a choice.

Was it?

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

Three days later.

It was a cold and dark night, as if someone covered the sky with a pitch black curtain and blocked out the stars. There was a storm coming and the weather somehow reflected what you were feeling.

You're trying to keep your anger subdued. You're trying to keep yourself from turning around and punching him square between guilty eyes, but you've learned the hard way that punching isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. You allowed myself several moments to calm down before you responded; by ignoring him but it wasn’t working.

You couldn’t stay in the house with him for a second longer. Making your mind up, you began packing Stephen’s things from your house. And while you did you heard the future argument in your mind – the raw words, the screams, the tears.

You were furious, steaming in the head, as if you were a volcano about to erupt while you threw a bag on the bed, hastily entering the closet and digging out Stephen's clothing. You hear him calling out your name however, his very existence was the cause of your wrath. You didn’t want to look at him and packing up his stuff seemed a good distraction.

"(Y/N), (Y/N). Can we talk?" Stephen closely followed behind you like a guilty dog, "(Y/N), all I want to do—"

"What? What? WHAT? Stephen?!" You grabbed the night lamp closest to you and threw it on the wall, causing it to shatter,"WHAT?! What do you want?!"

Stephen flinches at your hostility and lifts his hands openly towards you as if to appease a lion. He can’t believe you just did that. You had never acted so out of control. 

Still, with a cool calm voice he replies, "I just want to talk to you, that's all."

"Oh now you want to talk?" Your head bobbles as you laugh out of spite. Your heart pumped fast.

Stephen cautiously steps closer to you, "(Y/N) you know me—"

You shook your head, "No, no, I don't know you. I don't know you. The Stephen I knew told me everything." You scrutinised him head to toe, "You? I don't know who you are."

"I was wrong. . ."

"If I hadn't gone—" You pointed at yourself, lips quivering with rage, "If Nic West didn't have the heart to tell me, would you have told me about this?"

"What–are you crazy? OF COURSE," Stephen raised his voice, losing a bit of his composure, "I would've told you!"

A dry sarcastic smile morphed into your lips as you nodded with false agreement, facing away as he came closer, "Yeah—like how you told me about the Christine's wedding reception huh?" 

You turn back around to face him, "What about the parking lot? Yes~ I think I heard something about you being in the parking lot with this woman. WHAT ELSE–haven't you told me Stephen? Because all I'm hearing are the things you haven't told me."

Stephen sighed deeply, his fingers twitching by his side, "What are you talking about?"

"I want to know who she is."

"You're blowing this way out of proportion." He sighs and tilts his head back, pulling his hands through his hair.

You beeline towards him with fire in your eyes. It is true that the quiet ones have the most intimidating anger. Stephen backed up from you as you asked desperately, "Who were you with, Stephen?"

"This girl I met. It was nothing. It was nothing!" He tries to emphasise but you slapped him harshly across the face with a satisfying clap. His head whipped to the side, his jaw flexed, trying to suppress his own wrath.

"Did you have sex with her?" You whispered, "Tell me. Did you cheat on me, asshole!?" you say, with more precise enunciation this time.

"She kissed me."

For several seconds, all you can do is shake your head in disbelief. You gritted your teeth in the beat of silence, with eyes filled with tears you screamed at his face, baring your teeth. The anger in your eyes is replaced with hurt. You immediately look away once the hurt takes over, and then you proceed to grab his stuff.

"It was one kiss and it meant absolutely nothing, baby! I pushed her away, she wouldn't leave me alone," Stephen followed you, "I did such a stupid thing! It was a stupid thing. I'm so sorry."

You shot him a look that can cut through metal, your face jumbled with sorrow and resentment, "You make me sick, you fucking slut!!"

"Slut?"

"I specifically asked you, 'Did anything happen in that party?' and what did you tell me?" You paused, pointing at him accusingly, "You said, no."

Stephen doesn't answer but his phone rang in the most inconvenient of times. Your attention shot towards the phone and you snatched it out of his hands with the strength that your anger gave you.

""Madeleine"? You have her number saved into your phone? Who is this dirty whore?" You growled.

"I didn't sleep with her! I didn't–"

"No. But you wanted to, right?!"

"No!"

"Bullshit. Is she prettier than me?" You jerked your head to the side as you taunted him.

"No!"

"Liar!" You screamed, one that hurt your throat.

"I'M NOT LYING TO YOU!" Frustrated, Stephen screamed back and he felt his voice box strained after.

You talked over him while you grabbed more of his clothes from the closet and threw it at him, "What am I supposed to do now, huh? What the fuck am I supposed to do now?!? You've ruined everything!"

"Will you listen to me!? NOTHING HAPPENED!" Frustration scattered over his face before coalescing into a mask of anger.

"Nothing?! You kissed her! You were out with another woman all night. I'm pregnant. Is that fucking nothing to you?!"

"Yes—No! What!?"

"How many times did you kiss her? Don't you dare lie to me." You charged at him again then harshly poked at his chest.

Stephen lowered his gaze at you, swallowing hard, "Several times."

The image of him kissing another woman—while you took your time reflecting during time apart from each other—flashed through your mind, and your anger erupted anew, you choked back bile, "Oh, God, you make me sick!"

"But it didn't mean anything, baby. She made me realise I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I know that now."

"I'm three months pregnant and you're already out trying to fuck other women! What's gonna happen 10 years from now? How could I ever trust anything you say again?!" You screamed, arms flailing and then there was silence, "Fuck you, Stephen. It's over." 

You grabbed his bag and bumped past him and ran downstairs, throwing it out on the front porch while he calls out to you.

"(Y/N), We're having a baby."

"No." You whip around, "No, I am the one having this baby. I'm the pregnant one, not you. And she's better off with no father than a lying asshole like you!"

"You're overreacting. It was a couple kisses. After three years, (Y/N), things happen."

"Not to me, they don't! GET OUT!" You growled.

"And go where (Y/N)?!" 

"TO HELL. Get out of here! Go back to fucking Madeleine!" You reached for your display samurai sword on the wall and pointed it at him.

"What, are you gonna fucking stab me, (Y/N)? I'm not leaving until we talk this through."

"Fuck you! Fuck you!" You cried and swung the sword around erratically causing Stephen to back off abruptly, he had to cast a spell which transformed the sword into butterflies to prevent you from hurting yourself. 

"FINE. I will leave! I can't bear another fucking second with you!" You swiped your keys and a coat and jogged towards your car on the driveway but Stephen grabbed your wrist and yanked you back. It was the first time he’d laid a hand on you out of anger.

"Get your hands off me,” you hissed. “Or you’ll regret it.”

"No." He replied in resolute baring his teeth. He knows you’re hurt, and he knows you hate him right now, but you have to understand how much you mean to him and how everything that happened was not his intention—because the alternative is unacceptable. It just is. He refuse to accept that this is it.

"Fine." You kneed him in the balls. Hard. Stephen released his hold on you and doubled over in pain. Without wasting any more time. You got in your car and reversed back out of the driveway with a screech. 

"(Y/N)! Come back here!!" Stephen shouted, sucking up the pain in his loins to run after your car.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

The storm was relentless, and unforgiving. Giant dark clouds loomed over the night sky, but they too were barely visible in the storm. Darkness surrounded them, an abyss. 

The rain was pouring down hard and fast like never ending bullets being fired from a gun covering the windshield, the street lights were blurred dots passing by the side of the car as you drove by. The engine roared loudly like a Lion signalling its location to the rest of its group. As the windshield wipers pushed the water away you saw, even though for a split second, the long and empty road that seemed as if it went on forever, before the rain covered the windshield once more.

Reality yanked you back into the present with jarring force. You bent over double the steering wheel, chest heaving, tears streaming down your face. Huge, heaving sobs, the kind that made your nose all snotty and your stomach hurt. Thick, salty rivulets ran down your cheeks and dripped off your chin onto the floor.

Your phone begins to ring on your coat pocket. You shifted your gaze away from the road and tried to reach your phone which was on the passenger seat. Your hand slipped from the wheel, sending the car sharply swerving to the left. At that moment, the roaring of the engine and the sound of the rain hitting the windshield went soft, everything played out in slow motion as the car rolled onto its roof and continued, almost over again onto the drivers side, and then with a crunch, the windshield cracking but not breaking, the car rolled back onto the roof, finally slamming forward, the heavy engine pulled the front of the car down, sliding further into a small embankment until the car settled, diagonally balanced on the front of the roof and the hood.

You freed yourself from the seat with the intent to crawl out onto the road even though your vision was a little bit hazy. The driver-side door was not an escape. Smashed from the impact, the window was spider-webbed with cracks but still in place. You turned to the passenger-side door and it looked undamaged, at least from the inside. You twisted and crawled toward it, pulling on the passenger seat until you got your hands on the handle. It won’t open! You slammed your hand on the door again and again. You saw the door was locked. You popped the lock with your thumb, and then used the handle and it opened.

You pushed hard and it opened a bit more. Struggling to get out without using your injured left arm, you wriggled out of the door onto the dirt and bushes.

Once you got out of the car, you gathered the strength to get up and began to walk back, limping. There was no one to help you on an empty road so you’ll find it yourself. Due to the heaviness of the rain, and the shock of the pain in your head overwhelmed all your senses, you were unaware that you were losing blood. Somehow you made it nearly two kilometres before collapsing on the ground. 

All you could do was lay there on the grass, in the middle of a ditch, on a long road, staring up at the glowing winter sky. You couldn’t get up anymore. You couldn’t scream. There was no one in sight. It was just you and the stars. The last thing you saw was Stephen’s face, terrified, his hand reaching out to you calling your name before everything turned to black.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ 

Once in the ICU, he seemed even more frightened than before, seeing you with tubes and lines attached to you to keep you alive was the last thing he wanted. Stephen held your hand tightly and begged for you to hang on. Your parents had to fly back to the country early after hearing about your accident. 

"Doctor Strange. . . there's a woman here insisting to see you."

Stephen turns around and sees the woman that was the centre of your arguments. Stephen shot up and glared at her, "You got some nerve stepping foot in here." 

"Stephen I'm so sorry I came onto you that night—I was drunk, I wasn't thinking clearly. I didn’t know–" 

"I don't want to hear it. This is all your fault. Get out." 

"I'm sorry, I just came to pay my respect—" She found the courage and stepped forward to give him the flowers.

"Pay your respects? My girlfriend is not dead."

"I didn't mean it like that."

"Get out." He whispered and when she just stood there, he erupted, "I SAID GET THE FUCK OUT!" He threw the flowers back at her like a baseball pitcher, then shoved her out of the room heartlessly.

Male nurses rushed towards Stephen as he lashed out, holding him back, "Sir, calm down."

"Don't you dare show your face to me again you fucking whore!" He screamed so harsh that his throat feels as if it’s ripping apart. Stephen thrashed against the two male nurses holding him back, eyes red with anger, "I'll fucking kill you if you do!"

"Ma'am please leave!" The nurse urged Madeleine to go, "Right now!"

"Sir! Don't make us call security." The nurse threatened Stephen.

"I'm calm! I'm calm!" Stephen yanked his arm out of the nurse's grip and stormed outside to get some air.

"Go out and get some air Doctor, you haven't left her side for over twelve hours."

Stephen straightened his top and stormed out of the ward. After filling his stomach and drinking his third cup of coffee, he goes back to the ward. His chest constricted when he heard the rapid beeping of the alarm, the all too familiar sound of emergency. Staff ran with the resus trolley, the ECG machine. 

“Doctor Evans, room 212, immediately, room 212.”

“Get a resus unit in here now nurse, how the hell did her stats drop so fast? She was doing well earlier.”

“She’s asystole doctor.”

“5 of epi, nurse, continue CPR, where’s that resus unit?”

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ 

Stephen could sense the eeriness in the air, it pierced the back of his neck like a sharp knife. The sound of people talking around him slowly fizzled into nothing but white noise. A cold drop of water fell directly onto his forehead and slid down like a cube of ice. Everyone had pulled out their umbrellas but he just stood there, frozen, surrounded by them. 

He wanted to cry but tears were stuck in his eyes, he wanted to shout but he couldn’t swallow the gulp of fact that he now has to face, so he was numb, with eyes filled with seas of tears but never falling. He couldn’t forget the variety of smells that were in the air. Odours of burnt rubber, scorched metal, and freshly cut vegetation were pungent and strong, it happened to him too.

He stood there surrounded by the darkness, being engulfed by it, drowning in it, as if it were grabbing him and pulling him with all its might, and he could not escape its grasp. Stephen looked at the light oak wood coffin slowly being lowered into the ground, which inside, housed what remained of you and the unborn child. Voices in his head screamed. The voice of your mother when she told him it was his fault. The sight of her leaning into the casket—the same one he was too guilty to look into—tears streaming down her face. As your mother stared into the casket of her daughter. 

"I'm sorry—I'm so so sorry." Stephen whispered and left the flowers he knew you loved beside your tombstone, he saw your parents wailing at the corner of his eye, Froyo laying down at their feet with his ears drooped. He hated every moment of the funeral because deep down, he knew that this was his fault. All this grief and sorrow that he and others are facing are because of him. He knew that if only he went to dinner with you—none of this would have happened; the argument, you running away. This was a pain that no time can reduce, he would have to deal with the shroud of guilt placed over him and regret his actions for the rest of his life.

Covered in beads of cold sweats, Stephen woke up panting and his heart racing, hand over the centre of his chest, the pain he was feeling in his heart still lingered. He looked around the room, the space next to him was empty. Stephen rolled out of bed in a panic, not bothering to put on a shirt and ran out of the room. 

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ 

Stephen! Stephen! Stop this at once! You'll cause an incursion and you'll be corrupted!! Wong's voices echoed in his head.

He rushed downstairs, and entered every room in search of you. When he arrived in the kitchen he saw you humming as you flipped pancakes. 

Then out of nowhere, he puts his arms around you and embraces your smaller frame tightly against his broad chest. Stephen plants kisses on your shoulders. You flinch, feeling ticklish, "Good morning to you too, Mister."

"It's Doctor."

"Okay, Mister Doctor."

"Very funny."

You giggled and pivoted around in his arms to face him. You touch his shoulders and feel how tense he is. Like he's holding something in. The smile faded from your face when you saw the sad look in his eyes. "Baby, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

He shakes his head and barely even whispers a 'no.' He brings his other hand up to yours, which is still gripping his shoulder. He squeezes both of his hands around yours desperately, then tilts his face toward his shoulder. He thought he was never going to see you again, yet here you are—in the flesh. Breathing, existing. . .living. He kisses the top of your hand, and you feel a tear fall against your skin. 

"Why are you crying?" You quickly turned off the stove and then cupped his face between your hands. Your thumb brushing off the tears that were dripping down his cheeks, "Stephen?"

He allowed himself to sink into your comforting embrace and took an inhale, he stared into your eyes deeply with his tear soaked eyes, as if it was the last time he was going to see it. A sob breaks free from his chest, and reaches forward and presses his lips to yours.

You pull away after one long kiss, "Stephen, say something. You're scaring me."

"I just—I had a dream that I lost you and when I woke up without you by my side I panicked." Stephen's voice turned raspy, you'd never seen him so in distress that it hurts to even look at him like this, "I just—I love you so damn much. I don’t want to ever lose you, losing you would be losing my life. I can handle a good beating or–or being stabbed but the thought of losing you is something I can't handle."

A small smile twitched in your lips, "Be still, my love. I'm not going anywhere, look at me." You tilt your head to connect with his eyes, "You’re stuck with my goofy butt for the rest of your life, no force in this universe can take me away from you. Not even death—because I'll haunt you down if you try to replace me."

Stephen laughs at your threat and finally you feel his shoulders relax, "Me? Replace you? That's absurd."

"You want to know what else is absurd?" You asked him.

"What?"

"I woke up this morning and suddenly wanted to eat bananas. So I made banana pancakes." You chirped with a tight lipped smile.

"That is absurd. . . You hate bananas." He said as-a-matter-of-factly.

You nodded and turned again to face the stove this time to preheat the now cold pan.

"(Y/N). . . Are you hiding something from me?" He asked quizzically, eyes narrowing out of suspicion.

"No~ I don't know what you're talking about." You sang and shrugged.

"Are you carrying something?" He trailed off, "Maybe, something like. . .a baby?" 

You gasped, "How did you know?! Are you psychic now too?" Stephen gives you a look, "Oh. Your dream?" 

Stephen nodded.

"Well? Say something? Are you happy? Sad? What kind of expression is that?" 

Stephen slowly cracks a smile and picks you up by the waist, spinning you around. You screamed and laughed, asking for him to put you down, "I'm over the moon! Let's get married."

"What?" You swallow hard and slowly look up at his face.

"Marry me."

"Stephen, we're already married." You laugh and slapped his chest teasingly, "What's gotten into you?" You shake your head and pull yourself away from him to continue cooking pancakes.

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"Nothing—I'm fine. Perfectly fine. I'm right where I'm supposed to be."