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The day had been annoyingly draining for Stephan. He had only one surgery early in the day, but it was more the family of patients that chipped away at his energy. He didn't have to be the Doctor on a case for them to want his input on things, and they always seemed to catch him right as he tried to go home.
He slumped against the wall of the elevator as it climbed to his designated floor. Once home, Stephan dropped his things on the couch and went straight for the Lab in search of his husband. Hopefully the genius wasn't in the middle of something that could go catastrophically wrong with little interference.
F.R.I.D.A.Y let him in, and the Sorcerer followed the blue glow in the distance. Slowly he came up behind Tony, who was in front of a Holoscreen figuring some sort of equation, and wrapped his arms around his waist as he nuzzled his head into the nook of the genius’ neck. The gesture startled the other but then a smile settled on his lips.
“Tough day in the O.R? Or just a draining day overall for both the Sorcerer AND the Doctor?” Tony raised one hand and rustled his fingers against Stephan’s sideburn and goatee. He couldn’t help but chuckle when he got a muffled response that just sounded like a mumbled mess of groans.
Stephan raised his head ever so slightly so he could be heard and repeated himself. How the morning’s surgery went smoothly and how he kept getting pulled into cases that he wasn’t involved in by the patient or their families just to practically repeat whatever the Surgeon had just told them as if it coming from him made any difference. Then he'd have to explain it in sugar-coated terms. The last family was the worst in his eyes.
They'd webMD everything they were told and were quoting some satire website that scared them to thinking the second the scalpel started to cut that one could possibly die before even any blood loss took place, and how they couldn't see why the particular procedure their love one was getting required them to be fully to semi-awake. Stephan groaned into the back of Tony's head as he recounted how he had to prove their “facts” were complete bull without losing his cool and using a spell to make them forget it all. He was relieved that he was able to find highly acclaimed news that the satire site was created as a joke just to see who'd believe it.
Tony turned around in Stephan's arms to face him,and planted a quick kiss to his lips, “Eh, seems like practically everyone trusts the internet first and it's hard to convince otherwise, but I did always wonder why some head surgeries did need you awake to be honest though.” he started to rub the man's temples in a small attempt to redirect his brain.
With a tired sigh, Stephan melted a little in his husband's hands. Somehow the man just knew how to make him forget the day's stresses and replace them with calmness or other little,devious ideas.
Stephan pulled Tony closer as his hands went lower,tugging at the shirts, trying to get to the skin underneath, and the genius loved where the sorcerer's mind was going. The perfect way to forget the day.
Just as Tony had undid Stephan’s tie, there was the sound of incoming steps, and the couple scrambled to situate themselves to appear as though nothing was happening. It was Steve calling them to an Avengers meeting.
By the way, the reason why some patients need to be awake during brain surgery is to preserve critical functions such as speech, language or movement. To make sure nothing is unintentionally taken away during the procedure due to where they are in the brain…just to answer your question.” Stephan slumped his shoulders some as they followed the soldier.
“At least something got answered…” Tony whirled his finger in the air in sarcastic celebration followed by an eyeroll. He then took his husband’s hand into his own as they walked.
The meeting felt like a waste of time. Steve even had started it by saying something about it mainly regarding things S.H.I.E.L.D and other important agencies notice about the team that they believed needed to be addressed, and just spoke half-heartedly on each so-called point. He just got through them so he can tell whomever it was done.
Everyone parted ways afterwards. Bruce went up into the lab, Nat went down to the training floor, Clint and Thor left the tower to do who knows what,and Steve stayed in the conference room to give his report.
Tony and Stephan headed off to the kitchen, and decided to try for a little appetizer before dinner.
“Now where were we?” Stephan playfully whispered into the genius’ ear as he leaned them both against the countertop.
With a little,devilish grin Tony wrapped his arms around Stephan's neck, “The Doctor was just about to give me a thorough exam and consult…c-cold hands!” he jumped the moment the sorcerer's hands found his skin,and it made his husband laugh a bit as he mumbled that he had to make it authentic.
It was more gushy affection than Cloaky could handle and it shimmied off of the sorcerer's shoulders and took a supposed guard position in the living room to get away.
It seemed like they finally got a precious moment to themselves that didn't mean hiding in their room in their own home. Tony was now sitting on the countertop's edge, mostly being held up by Stephan, and not touching the floor anymore. The only sound was the slight drip of the coffee maker next to them, and Stephan’s muttering into Tony's neck.
Just as Tony went for the first button on Stephan's shirt, Clint and Thor rushed in with a horde of poptarts plus other random snacks, and unloaded them all on the island.
Stephan practically dropped Tony as they scrambled to straighten themselves up a second time that afternoon.
“What are you two up to that you came in like Hulk was pissed off and on your tail?!...and you were supposed to be on guard.” Tony yelled and looked over at a Cloaky who was now hiding behind Thor.
“Movie marathon once Peter gets home!” Clint cheered as he ran to turn on the TV, “Yes, we are going to enjoy this incredible bounty and as many movies we can partake in until we pass out!” Thor added while following with the first wave of snacks with Cloaky holding onto him.
They left the trio alone and just grabbed a cup of coffee then trudged to their room. The kitchen appetizer had gone cold.
The cups were put onto the dresser and Stephan laid his head on Tony’s lap once they settled down on their bed. Both then let out a unison grumble. Stephan reached up to play with his husband's goatee and was greeted by a tired smile.
“All I wanted to do was help you decompress from your day without us having to hide away in our room!...well,unless we WANT to be in here. Why's it seem like we can't get two minutes of open loving in our own place!? I built it, for Christ's sake…” Tony traced the scars on the hand cradling his chin as he squished his face into it.
As he snuggled into his husband's lower stomach, Stephan just smiled, “I know, and I loved the few little moments we did get. I'd have to admit. Almost getting caught in full swing has its own fun, but not having to quit the moment so easily…sorry I dropped you so suddenly.” his expression physically showing his apology.
Tony leaned down and gave an acceptance kiss to Stephan's nose, and then he ran his finger against the shirt button he had worked on in the kitchen.
After a few quiet moments of sweet,little kisses and playing with each other's hair, Tony jumped up and let Stephan's head bounce on the mattress when he jumped up from the bed. He went over to their dresser,brought back a small booklet. It was a pamphlet about a winery trip destination with packages strictly aimed at Valentine's day time.
Stephan leafed through it. Surprisingly to him, nothing in the packages was sappy, but in fact truly romantic.
“It came in the mail a couple of days ago, and I kept forgetting to show you…it's a winery in California and was thinking that perhaps we could go…have just US time. I know you have your favorite wines and so do I even if I'm more of a bourbon man myself…maybe we'd find some new ones?” Tony started blushing in a way that his husband hadn't seen since the very beginning of their relationship.
The genius’ eyes averted his sorcerer's gaze because he knew the second their eyes met, his blush would become a deeper shade of red. He attempted to keep some of his self-proclaimed cool intact regardless of it being his husband or the fact that they were in their bedroom with no witnesses.
Stephan got up from the bed and cast a small spell that pulled Tony into his arms, “I love the idea. Just us,beautiful scenery,some good wine, and most enjoyably we'd be away from crowded chaos. Even for a little while. Let's do it.” He gave Tony a kiss to his temple.
They pulled up a small holoscreen from Tony's watch and booked the earliest they could get.
Luckily for them, there wasn't much preparation to take care of. Most of what needed to be done was to make sure all work related issues were taken care of and Tower damage control. Peter didn't need a babysitter, but they did prefer him to be with Ned more so for the reason that antics with him were less likely to result in injuries and only sleep deprivation. They set an emergency only Avenger contact rule: “unless we're the only option, no calls.”
The couple left around six in the morning,and the instant Tony sat on the couch of the private jet, he was out like a light. He just cuddled into Stephan practically the whole ride. Using him as a pillow.
Once they got to their suite, both just dropped their luggage next to the bed and went straight for the balcony. The view was magnificent. Vineyards as far as one can see and the Wineries looked peaceful along the horizon. Stephan wrapped his arms around Tony and they took in the sunrise before taking a long lounge on the bed before a shower then to the first activity.
“So is my sweet Genius going to tell me the first thing we're doing at this fine winery or will I find out once there?” Stephan buttoned up his shirt whereas Tony followed his hands by undoing the first two.
“A brunch of course. One where we'll get to enjoy something stronger than a mimosa, and some qual-” Before Tony finished his train of thought he looked back at the door and at his watch as if waiting for an interruption, “quality time that's oh so much sweeter that we can get past a little peck to the cheek.” to which he was greeted by a few kisses that went from his cheek to his collarbone.
At the brunch two dishes that hit pretty high for them were the surprisingly simple avocado toast with a poached egg paired with a Sauvignon Blanc wine, and French toast made with brioche and paired with a Dry Riesling. They both asked F.R.I.D.A.Y to note the dishes for the future breakfasts and as something to show Peter.
After breakfast they were off to a little town nearby that was a perfect little shopping spot. It had a cozy,welcoming Farmer's Market. Yes, people recognized them,but respected that while there they weren't heroes,nor the billionaire genius and renowned neurosurgeon. They were just husbands enjoying a trip together.
There were stands of handmade crafts and food. Stephan found a leather satchel that screamed Peter to him and even got one for Ned. Tony got a set of puzzle toys for Clint and Thor to see how long they'd keep them occupied and not causing unnecessary trouble. They found a set of preserves for Steve and teas for Bruce. For Nat and Pepper, they got a couple of bracelets.
They returned to their suite about a little less than an hour before sunset. Just as they set down their load, Tony’s watch buzzed and a Holoscreen popped up. It was Peter.
“Hi Dad. Hi Papa.” Their son was in a bedroom that wasn't his own,so it was safe to say he was with Ned and by the looks of the stockpile behind him they were going to have some gaming fun.
They said their hellos to Ned when he passed by the screen, and returned attention back to Peter, “Hey there, Underoo, everything good? Tower in one piece?” Tony raised his eyebrow with a laugh, “Hello, my boy, looks like you two are going to get into some snack fueled fun. Better not go ALL night. Your Dad might be able to survive, regardless of my disputes, on less than two hours a night at times,but I know you can't.” Stephan added, eyeing all the sugar behind the teen.
Scooting a little to his left, Peter tried to hide the bulk of what his Papa was talking about as if to hide evidence. Tony was just sitting back laughing and trying to tell him it was too late to hide anything,but it wasn't clearly coming out. Just spaced out words and chuckles.
Peter slumped in his chair, “Paaaaapaaa, we're just playing games. We'll stop…eventually…snacks come with the territory. Dad,not helping, you've had a pink box of donuts in the Lab for a long stretch project. Same thing. Just wanted to tell you guys goodnight.” His pout turned into a little devilish grin when he saw how his Papa was looking at his Dad.
The goodnight call took a fun turn. Tony looked at Peter with playful betrayal, and Stephan’s gaze just bounced between his husband and son. After the silent scolding was done, he told Peter to just not overdo it and pay for it the next day. The remark was responded with the typical teen response of an eye roll, a laugh, and the claim that it won't happen like that at all.
The family said their goodnights and closed the call, and the husbands changed into some comfy lounging wear.
Stephan grabbed a bottle of wine and Tony followed with two glasses. They settled down on the balcony’s couch with the bottle on the table in front of them.
With glasses filled the couple cuddled together as they watched the sunset and stars that followed, “It took me taking you all the way to California just to get you all to myself. I didn't even have to use the name drop card, which I like since I started not caring about any bit of my status when it comes to you, to get the room. Just a perfectly timed call. Only room left. So no neighbors to…hear us.” Tony played with the underside of Stephan’s chin up to his goatee.
“Oh my naughty genius. The others aren't a bad bunch,but I do agree that the sudden interruptions were starting to get to me, and even the cloak guard wasn't enough…I wanted to conduct my own experiment in the Lab, and there were too many unforeseen variables to conduct it properly…now I can…and with the company of some good wine.” Stephan wrapped his arms around Tony and pulled him close, slipping a hand into his robe.
This trip was going to be quite pleasant as well as much needed. They'd probably visit the little town and Farmer's Market again,but for now they were going to enjoy some starry night alone time...full of lovin’,wine, and no interruptions.