Email Me
Summary: Follows Forget Me Not. Conversations through inter-dimensional email.
Warning(s): M/m; sex; Spanking. AU. Spoilers for the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Pairing: Peter Andrew Parker/Stephen Strange
###
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Subject: Testing testing
Hi!
I think I got the kinks worked out, but unfortunately not before you actually left, so...here's hoping this email actually penetrates from my dimension to yours? Hope your trip went well! Although I suppose you're travelling by portal now, so no long plane journeys. But I hope you got to your destination safely enough. How's America getting on with her training?
Peter
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: Testing testing
I received it! We now can send email to each other. Good job! America and Wong are getting along well. Too well... It makes me nervous. But she is learning. Portals are much quicker, although Wong always points out that if one is capable of traveling quickly using a normal method, we should. Even if they are easy, there is always some risk to portals.
Stephen
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Re: Testing testing
That's great that it worked! No strange characters showing up? I think my first attempt ended up coming back to me in some kind of weird other dimensional code. Hmm...maybe I could try translating it. It could be a message. (Or, more likely, an error message bouncing back from a dimension that doesn't speak English).
What sort of risks are there with portals? Apart from the obvious of making one extremely travel sick?
Peter
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: Testing testing
The biggest risk is ending up in a location you didn't plan for. That normally only happens if one is either very tired, ill, or in too big of a hurry to focus correctly, though. There are a few cases of traveling too often though, which stresses the body which can lead to serious illness or injury. Wong constantly nags me about it, so I doubt I'll ever reach that point
Stephen
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Re: Testing testing
It sounds like Wong is doing my job for me! :) But seriously, magic sounds a bit more dangerous than I would have first thought. It's probably a good thing there's no magic in my dimension...although I still think I could use it in my web shooters.
What are your plans for today?
Peter
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: Testing testing
Wong is training America how to summon a book. (And this after his nagging me about using a portal to go two blocks down the road. Yes. I was tired... if I wasn't tired, I wouldn't have needed to use a portal instead of walking. He didn't appreciate me pointing that out to him, of course.) So... I'm actually free for the rest of the day and I've decided I'm going to soak in a hot tub and go to bed early. After eating a peanut butter and banana sandwich. America made one of those for me the other day and I've discovered they aren't as disgusting as I'd thought they would be.
Stephen
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Re: Testing testing
Didn't you just tell me that opening portals is a bit more dangerous than non-magic users would think? It kind of seems like you should have just walked those two blocks. Especially if you were tired.
Peter
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: Testing testing
It's dangerous if you can't concentrate enough to focus on where you are going. And it does put strain on the body. But I wasn't that tired. My legs were sore and tired from being on my feet all day, but I could concentrate well enough. I was focused enough to move out of the way of the motorcycle I stepped out in front of before it could hit me. If I was too tired, I would have been hit.
Stephen
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Re: Testing testing
If you weren't tired, you wouldn't have been stepping out in front of a motorcycle at all! You're lucky you weren't actually hit.
I think we need to talk when you get back.
Peter
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: Testing testing
Wong told me to take tomorrow off. If we must... talk... I could go to our dimension tonight. Since we have the permanent portal set up, I would not need to use magic to get there.
Stephen
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Re: Testing testing
It's probably better to get it over with. But you should probably eat something and maybe still have a soak in that hot tub. It'll probably help with the aching muscles.
Still love you.
Peter
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: Testing testing
I love you too. I'll go through now. I prefer soaking in our private tub anyway. You can come through and let me know when you have arrived.
Stephen
***
Peter didn't immediately step through the portal to meet Stephen. He didn't have peanut butter and bananas in his apartment, but a quick knock on his aunt's door and he was able to collect the supplies. Then, after making the sandwich, he headed through to the pocket dimension...immediately seeking out Stephen.
Stephen had indeed gone straight to their hot tub upon arriving in their dimension, running the water as hot as he could stand it and dunking under to allow the heat to soothe sore muscles. His eyes were closed and only a knowledge that falling asleep in the tub could be dangerous kept him awake.
Peter headed to the hot tub, making sure he made enough noise that Stephen knew he was approaching. He stepped over and crouched down next to it, kissing Stephen's cheek. "Hey."
Stephen smiled, peering at Peter through one half-open eye. "Hey yourself..." he said, in a soft, affectionate tone that no one but Peter ever heard. He finally opened both eyes completely, letting his gaze go over the younger man, checking for visible injuries or wounds. Even if Peter had quick healing, he still worried.
"I didn't do any Spider-Man stuff. Just Peter Parker work." Peter moved so that Stephen could easily see, though. "Still not found any sign of Harry, though." He was also looking over Stephen's body, doing his own checks.
Stephen didn't heal quickly and even though his work mainly involved magic... He'd been in a few battles where he'd been hit by flying objects, or had been thrown into walls himself. He had several bruises and scrapes and cuts scattered over his body. "You'll find him. I have no doubt of that..." he said, quietly but earnestly.
"I hope so." Peter picked up the plate. "I want to take a look at those injuries and get them treated. Do you want to eat first?"
"You made me my sandwich!" Stephen sounded inordinately pleased. "I can eat while you do that... I already treated the ones I saw..." He carefully stood and stepped out of the tub, looking for the big fluffy towel he'd set to the side.
"Of course. And Aunt May sent some cookies with me, when I said I was seeing you." Peter put the plate down in easy reach, then picked up the towel and handed it to Stephen. While the other man was drying off, he went to retrieve the first aid kit.
Stephen quickly dried, then picked up the sandwich and began eating, a satisfied moan escaping. He was very hungry. He didn't bother dressing. It was just Peter and himself in this dimensional plane and Peter planned to treat his injuries, so it was easier not to.
Peter smiled, noticing that Stephen was eating, and moved over to begin treating the injuries, carefully and gently. "There's other food I can cook, if you want something hot."
"Hmmm... Maybe later..." Stephen smiled. "This helps a lot...."
"Good. I want to help you." Peter continued to treat every injury on Stephen's body, no matter how minor they were.
Soon, Stephen had finished the sandwich and Peter had treated all the injuries. Stephen sighed softly. "I guess we talk now?" he asked quietly.
Peter nodded. "I don't think it'll do any good to put it off." He reached out to take Stephen's hand. "What happened?"
Stephen blinked, then looked down at the treated injuries. "This wasn't because I portaled..." he felt the need to point out. "This is from a rogue magic user that I had to chase down earlier this morning. He didn't want to be caught, of course, and was throwing things at me. Cars. Billboards. Other people..." He winced. "Luckily, I managed to keep innocents from being injured, but I was working so hard to keep everyone else safe and alive that I missed a few times and he got me." He shrugged faintly. "Wong has just as many cuts and bruises. I should probably make sure he has someone to look after him..." He got distracted with worry about his friend and brother in all but name.
"Do you need to step through and make sure he has someone?" Peter asked, noticing that Stephen was worried and wanting to ease some of that.
"Noooo... I paid attention to what you did with the emails and set my phone up to be able to use that method with emails and texts... I should be able to contact one of the apprentices and ask them to check on him. He's usually pretty good about taking care of himself, so if he needs help, he will let them know when they check..." Stephen had pulled out his phone and was sending a text to the apprentice he knew spent the most time with Wong. As soon as he'd sent it, he watched and waited. A few seconds later, there was a ping and he was smiling. "They're going to check on him now." He beamed at Peter. "This is really useful... How'd I luck into falling for someone so smart...?" he teased, giving Peter an adoring look. It was only partly to distract from the conversation; he really did appreciate Peter's intelligence and was obviously attracted.
Peter smiled and leaned forward, kissing Stephen lightly. "I mean, you're plenty smart yourself. You learned quickly." Kissing Stephen's cheek, he whispered in the other man's ear, "But you're still in trouble."
Stephen winced slightly at the words and sighed. "Because I portaled while tired instead of walking two blocks..." he acknowledged. "Being tired and sore was more of a reason not to do so than an excuse to. I know...."
Peter nodded. "You're lucky you did manage to get out of the way of the motorcycle," he said softly, unable to hide how worried learning of Stephen's actions had made him.
Stephen nodded, leaning forward and kissing Peter's cheek. "I'm sorry I worried you...."
"I know. And I forgive you. When this is over, it'll be a completely clean slate," Peter promised, gently squeezing his hand.
"Can't believe I'm being spanked for doing something I shouldn't, by my boyfriend, at my age..." Stephen whined. "...For the second time, no less."
"I know it's not a fun thing, but I do think it's helpful for our relationship," Peter said quietly, beginning to lead Stephen towards their bedroom.
"I... I can't argue one way or the other about that," Stephen said quietly. "If it helps you feel better and more secure, then I'll submit to it. I know taking chances that aren't strictly necessary is something that bothers you."
"I've lost too many people to unnecessary things. I don't want to lose you too," Peter admitted softly. He led Stephen into the bedroom and towards the bed, taking a seat on it.
"I know. I don't want you to lose anyone else and I don't want to lose you either..." Stephen whispered softly, following without protest.
"Thank you." Peter squeezed his hands gently and then drew Stephen down across his lap. He wrapped an arm around the other man's waist, holding him tight and secure, before lifting his hand and bringing it down in the first firm smack that he then repeated.
Stephen hissed as the spanking began, but didn't fight. Instead, he reached down to hold onto Peter's ankle.
Peter began to cover Stephen's entire backside with the swats, keeping back on his full strength so that the smacks would sting, but not be unbearably so. When he started to cover Stephen's bottom with the swats for a second time, he began to speak. "I know we can't live permanently in the same dimension, not without risking harm to both of our worlds, but I still want you to stay safe even when we're not together."
"I... I know. I want you to stay safe too. I need to be more careful. Not... not be so egotistical that I think I can do anything without worry..." Stephen hissed out. It obviously hurt. He did his best to hold still, but couldn't stop himself from squirming.
"I love you, Stephen," Peter said, tightening his grip on the other man as he continued to swat firmly, turning Stephen's bottom to a darker shade of pink. "We have a responsibility, to each other and to those who depend on us, to stay safe."
"We... we do. I need to think of that. I... I'm so used to being in control of myself and everything. I need to think about you. Need to think about what my actions will do to you and everyone else..." Stephen began to cry as the sting turned into a burning ache.
"If it's hard to force yourself to take a break, to rest, maybe it's worth talking to Wong," Peter suggested, even as he used the swats to emphasise what he was saying. "When he can see things have got too much, he can insist you take the day off. Like he did for tomorrow. He's technically your boss, right?"
"Y...yes..." Stephen said, his voice catching before the tears became vocal.
Hearing the tears, Peter finished up with a final few smacks to Stephen's sit spots and thighs. Then, he stopped, helping the other man to stand and hugging him close and tight.
By this time, Stephen was crying hard and couldn't stop. Once stood, he just clung to Peter, pressing as close as possible, trying to apologize without words. It wasn't the pain that caused the tears, it was knowing how he'd disappointed his lover and worried him.
Peter hugged Stephen close and tight, kissing the side of his neck and head. "I love you," he whispered, reiterating how he felt. "I need you to stay safe."
"I love you too... So much..." Stephen whispered in a shaky voice, once he'd regained a very small bit of control over his emotions. "We belong to each other... Can't take myself away from you...."
"Just like I can't take myself away from you," Peter murmured. "I know it's hard to remember. To think. Messing up and making a mistake isn't the end of the world. It's not going to change anything between us," he promised.
"I mess up so often, though..." Stephen despaired, cuddling closer, betraying how insecure he really was. He'd been left before, because of his inability to 'learn' and change his behavior, after all.
"It doesn't matter how long it takes, or how often you 'mess up'," Peter said firmly. "I'm not going to give up on you. I'm not going to walk away from you. I will never leave you," he promised.
"Take me? Please?" Stephen begged. He needed to feel that Peter wasn't giving up or walking away, not just hear it. He knew he could trust Peter in his head, but it was hard to push down his insecurity enough to not be scared anyway. "Help me feel it?" he whispered, swallowing back the remainder of his tears as he gave his lover a hopeful look.
"Of course." Peter drew Stephen in for a deep, tender kiss, then leaned back on the bed, pulling his lover down with him. He began to rub his hands over the other man's body, then began to follow the same path with his lips and teeth...tasting and gently nipping Stephen's bare skin.
Stephen shivered, gripping onto Peter desperately at first, but slowly relaxing the longer Peter worked his magic. He began to stroke over Peter; hesitantly at first, but then more assuredly when Peter didn't pull away or act like his touch was unwanted. He kissed where he was able to reach as well.
Peter smiled, shifting so that Stephen could easily touch and kiss in return. "It feels good," he murmured encouragingly, fingers gently stroking over the other man's member.
Stephen whimpered as his member was stroked, continuing to rub his hands over Peter's arms and back, squeezing gently, needily, as he continued to kiss. His breathing became more frantic as he roused. "Need you so much..." he said, in a shaky voice.
"I need you too," Peter whispered, before leaning down to gently kiss the tip of Stephen's member, then slowly engulf it in his mouth.
Stephen gasped from need, moaning softly, his member twitching in Peter's mouth. "I... I'm not going to last..." he whimpered apologetically, as his arousal spiked and he was quickly hanging on the edge.
Peter pulled back at the words, gently stroking Stephen's hip. "You don't need to hold back." As he said the words, he reached for the lube. He coated his member in it and then began to slowly push inside Stephen.
Stephen groaned as he felt Peter push in, stretching him open. The sensation was almost more than he could stand. When his mate pushed past the tiny bundle of nerves, rubbing firmly, he couldn't withstand it. He clenched tight around Peter and began to spasm in release, a soft keening whine escaping as he lost all control over his body.
"Good," Peter breathed, satisfaction obvious in his voice at drawing that reaction from his lover. Grasping Stephen's hips, he began to thrust. It didn't take long for his own member to grow and swell inside the other man.
Stephen pulled his knees up toward his shoulders to make it easier for Peter, looking up with a besotted, sex-dazed smile on his face. He was very relaxed, although he was still tight, squeezing around Peter in an attempt to keep him inside and close as possible. His arousal had been sated, so the thrusting served to make him more sensitive inside. He moaned softly, happy at the feeling.
As he continued to thrust inside Stephen, Peter leaned over and kissed the other man. He pushed his tongue past Stephen's lips, exploring him inside there as he continued to thrust into his lover, very quickly reaching the point of no return himself.
Stephen groaned again, opening and accepting Peter's tongue, playfully twining his alongside. Peter was the only one he felt able or willing to submit so fully to, but doing so filled him with a contentment and happiness he didn't experience any other time.
Peter continued to kiss Stephen hungrily...almost greedily. He gripped his lover's hips tightly, thrusting until he reached the very edge...and then he held himself there for as long as he could stand, just experiencing the sensation of being inside Stephen, before he toppled over the edge, his orgasm rippling through him.
Stephen's own hands had moved to Peter's shoulders and were gripping tightly as he gave all of himself to his mate. When he felt Peter's orgasm pouring into him, he moaned in satisfaction. If having Peter rub him into sensitivity felt good, having Peter fill him inside with his warmth felt better. He felt light headed from holding his breath, not wanting to tear away from the kiss long enough to breathe.
As the waves of his orgasm receeded, Peter slowly pulled away from the kiss and instead nuzzled against Stephen's neck. "I love you," he whispered, the tone of his voice more like a satisfied purr than anything else.
"I can feel that..." Stephen's voice was wrecked and pleased. "...Love you too," he added on, in a sleepy voice. His long day had caught up to him and between the warm bath soothing his aches, the spanking easing guilt, and the thorough claiming releasing what little pent-up energy he still had, he was drained. He lay splayed wide open under his mate, arms loosely around Peter's shoulders. "You can take me again when you feel up to it..." he offered, with a happy grin. "Even if I'm asleep... Just roll me over onto my tummy and push in..." He snorted in amusement. "Can't imagine a better way to wake up than feeling sensitive inside from you and having evidence of belonging to you dribbling out of me.... Unless it is to wake up with you thrusting inside me and enjoying yourself." He gave Peter another love besotted smile, obviously trying hard to stay awake for post-coital conversation.
Peter smiled and nuzzled in close, kissing Stephen's neck. "You can sleep," he murmured. "I'll take care of any cleanup...then we'll sleep in each other's arms." A happy, peaceful look was on his face. Truthfully, he could think of nothing better to do than sleep next to the man he loved. Even if he didn't feel the need to claim Stephen again before the other man woke up, it was enough just to be with him. "I miss you when we're not together," he said softly. "Even if all we did was cuddle...I'd be happy." His own smile turned adoring and besotted.
Stephen leaned up and gave Peter a chaste kiss. "I'll like that. Sleeping tangled up in your arms is one of my most favorite things," he admitted. He wasn't typically a cuddler, but he loved cuddling with Peter.
Peter smiled. "It's one of my favourite things, too," he admitted, kissing Stephen back just as chastely. He began to pull out of Stephen, so that he could clean both of them up before they fell asleep.
Stephen let out a happy little moan as he felt Peter pulling out, even that action causing the sensitivity to flare and his member to weakly twitch. He was too exhausted to rouse again, but he loved feeling his mate moving in him; pushing in or pulling out. He watched through half-closed eyes as Peter retreated to get cleaning supplies. He was asleep before Peter returned.
Peter returned and quickly took care of cleaning them up, so they wouldn't get stuck together. Then, he crawled back into bed next to Stephen, wrapping his arms around his lover and cuddling in close.
Even asleep, Stephen knew when his lover was near and gravitated into him, much more snuggly and clingier in his sleep.
Peter relaxed as Stephen pressed in closer, kissing his lover's head and closing his own eyes. It didn't take long before he too slipped into sleep.
*****
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Subj.: training schedules
I miss you. I won't be able to meet you in our place tonight though. I need to be in Kamar Taj for the next three days to train and supervise new recruits. And as I have not had to do so for several months, I've been delegated supervision during the night hours. Maybe that will be good for us? I know your aunt misses having you around at night.
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Re: training schedules
I think Aunt May would probably be happy to have me around for the next few nights. I hope training and supervising the new recruits go well.
Oh - I also promised Aunt May I'd ask if you'd join us for dinner the next time you have an evening free. She's noticed how happy I am since we found each other again :) Everything's almost perfect. If I could get my best friend back....
Peter
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: training schedules
As long as nothing goes wrong, I will have the entirety of next week free. We can do dinner with your aunt Monday night?
Have you found any leads on Harry?
Stephen
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Re: training schedules
Monday night would be great. I don't think you've mentioned any allergies or intolerances, but just to make sure...do you have any I'm not aware of? So I can let her know, as she wants to cook.
I found a petty criminal who's had dealings with a person styling themselves as 'the green goblin'. I'm going to pay him a visit as Spider-Man and see if it's actually Harry...or someone else entirely.
Peter
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: training schedules
Are you sure it isn't a trap? And no. I do not have any allergies.
Stephen
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Re: training schedules
I don't think so? I'm hoping I might be able to get a message to Harry. Ask him to meet me. I think I made headway on the cure. I just need the chance to give it to him.
Peter
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: training schedules
Is that safe? The last time you two met... I don't like the idea of you meeting him alone.
Stephen
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Re: training schedules
I'm just meeting the criminal. Leaning on him a bit for information. It could be a dead end.
Peter
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: training schedules
Okay. Well, be careful. If he does give you information, wait till I can go with you as backup.
Stephen
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Re: training schedules
I will do. Thanks. I love you.
Peter
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: training schedules
I love you too!
S
*****
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: training schedules
Two days and nights down... One to go. How'd your meet go? Find out anything useful?
S
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Re: training schedules
I'm looking forward to seeing you! The meeting was...not exactly productive. I'm...a bit worried about this burn I got. It's not healing as quickly as injuries usually do.
Peter
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: training schedules
Burn? Why and how did you get burned?! I thought the guy you were meeting was a low level snitch who wasn't dangerous!?
S
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Re: training schedules
...I tried meeting Harry. It was supposed to just be to talk.
Peter
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: training schedules
I thought we'd agreed that you wouldn't meet or confront him until I could be with you?
Stephen
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Re: training schedules
I thought I might miss my chance to try and get through to him.
Peter
From: Stephen Strange
<StrangeS@ny.sanctum.org>
To: Peter Andrew Parker
Re: training schedules
So, you took this chance instead of waiting for a better one. One where I could support and protect you... which you said you'd wait for. After all the times you've admonished me for taking chances with my health... At least I... No. This is a conversation we need to have in person. Email can't possibly convey my feelings accurately. I'll see you Monday for dinner at your aunt's. Please, don't try anymore meets. Not with crazy ex- best friends anyway.
Stephen
From: Peter Andrew <peter.andrew.parker@gmail.com>
To: Stephen Strange
Re: training schedules
I won't. I'm sorry.
Peter
****
The last day and evening had been hectic and there had been more than one time where Stephen had been tempted to do something for expediency's sake. But each time, he'd taken a deep breath, looked at Wong, and refrained because he heard Peter admonishing him about not taking unnecessary chances. He was proud of himself. Although it didn't help with the sense of righteous indignation that Peter had basically done what he had spanked Stephen for. It didn't help that the Internet had gone down in Kamar Taj and so he'd had no way to contact Peter or be contacted. For all he knew, Peter had run into his crazy friend again and been killed. That's why, as soon as his shift was over on the third night, he'd gone straight back to his apartment in the New York Sanctum and checked his email... Only to discover it wasn't working there either.
Frustrated and worried, he'd taken a shower and crawled into his bed for a nap before he needed to get ready to head to Aunt May's house. If he hadn't planned to meet Peter that evening, he'd be heading over immediately, despite being worn out and it being more dangerous. Since he was meeting Peter, he made himself act responsibly and rest first.
***
The last day and night, Peter had almost obsessively checked his email...worried and slightly scared that he might have done irreparable damage to his relationship with Stephen due to his actions. As a result, while he was trying to help Aunt May with the cooking, he ended up underfoot more often than not.
"Go and sit down," she finally directed him. "You can't concentrate on anything at the moment."
Breathing in deeply, Peter did as she said...at least as far as leaving the kitchen. He was still pacing, though.
***
Stephen had woken feeling much more clear-headed and capable. It hadn't taken him long to get ready and soon, he was going through his portal to his and Peter's dimension... And then through Peter's portal to Peter's dimension. They had chosen a location for Peter's portal that wasn't in Peter's living space, in case Peter had to move, so he still had to walk to Aunt May's apartment if he didn't open another portal. He was anxious to see Peter, which was why he decided to walk. He wanted to be calm when he arrived at May's apartment.
It mostly worked. Thirty minutes later, when he knocked on May's door, only his eyes gave away his anxiety and worry about Peter.
Peter immediately opened the door, since he'd been pacing in the main room next to the hallway. He immediately looked relieved, having been half-worried that maybe Stephen wouldn't come at all, since there'd been no communication. "Hey...Aunt May's in the kitchen, finishing preparing dinner," he said softly, stepping back to let Stephen into the apartment.
Stephen visibly relaxed as he saw Peter standing, in one piece, in front of him. "I want to check on your wounds. Make sure they are healing right," he said. "But first... Lead me to Aunt May..." He smiled, wrapping an arm around Peter's shoulders. "The email went out. This has been the longest day...."
Peter let out his breath in a slow, relieved exhale, leaning into Stephen. "I was worried. When I didn't hear from you." He didn't protest Stephen checking his wounds. When the situation had been reversed, he'd done the same thing. Sticking close to his lover, he led the way into the kitchen.
May looked up, smiling warmly as the two of them entered. "Hello, Stephen. How have you been?"
"Hello, May... Much better now that I'm here..." he said softly, with a gentle grin. "Can I help with anything?"
May shook her head. "There's no need. It won't be long until dinner is ready. Would you like a drink?"
"Water is fine... Thank you." Stephen smiled, shifting into an out of the way spot where he could carry on a conversation easily.
Since his aunt was still finishing dinner preparations, Peter kissed Stephen's shoulder and then went over to the fridge to get the other man a glass of water.
May kept up a conversation while she was finishing the meal preparations, asking Stephen how his work was going and how long he was hoping to stay for.
Stephen explained as much of his work as he could without scaring Peter's aunt. Ever since Wanda had done what she'd done, there had been odd instances of dimensional breaks. It was something he needed to tell Peter about, so that if it started to occur in his dimension, he would know what was happening and could hopefully get help to stop it. He took the water from Peter with thanks and a smile.
May listened intently, asking questions, while the dinner finished cooking. She began plating up and herded Stephen and Peter to the table, so that they could sit down. "It sounds like you're very busy," she commented. "I hope you find the time to rest while you're visiting Peter."
"That is really the only time I am able to rest. When I visit Peter..." Stephen smiled crookedly.
Peter smiled at those words and reached out to gently squeeze Stephen's hand. "We should try and get you taking more vacations...." He began to eat.
"After this last week, I think I'll agree with you..." Stephen chuckled, beginning to eat as well.
Peter shifted slightly so that he could gently press his thigh against Stephen's, just keeping some contact there, as he continued to eat. Between mouthfuls, he commented, "I want to look again at phone calls between dimensions. You were able to send a text through, so it should be possible to get calls to go through."
May smiled at her nephew. "I think you might be the first person to discover ways of communicating through dimensions."
"Probably not the first." Peter shrugged. He'd finished the food that was on his plate and reached out to pile more on. "But I'll be the first in this dimension, considering no one here knows about other dimensions." At least not yet.
"Unfortunately, the one person I knew in my dimension that had the intelligence, means, and was most likely to attempt it died. But I've heard rumors of a few other people. I could try and meet them and connect you to them. Having someone working on it from both sides would probably help...." Stephen ate slowly enough that he could retain his manners, but he was obviously enjoying the food and obviously hungry. He'd used a lot of magic the last several days, even if it wasn't doing anything dangerous.
Peter nodded. "That'd be good. Maybe we could invite them into our pocket dimension for a short visit? Meet face to face."
May smiled, noticing that Stephen was obviously enjoying the food. "There's plenty more if you'd like seconds...or even thirds," she said. After all, she was used to her nephew eating a lot.
"It's very good." Stephen smiled at May. "I don't work off calories as fast as Peter, though, so I'll probably stop at two..." he teased, before answering Peter. "If they seem interested and I trust them, we can arrange that."
Peter nodded. "If we wanted, we could set up other meetings in our dimension. Not all the time, since I think we both like having our own private space, but it might be quite useful."
"Yes. Particularly if the people we are meeting have counterparts in any of our dimensions. We can speak of it later, though..." He turned toward May. "Peter's told me a lot about you..." He began talking to her and tried to keep the conversation on topics she could participate in
May responded, indicating that Peter had told her just as much about Stephen, and the conversation continued as they finished their meal.
Once they were done, Peter stood up to clear the plates. "You should go and sit down, Aunt May. Relax a bit," he said, when she tried to help. "Don't worry about cleanup."
Stephen stood and began to help clear as well. "It was a delicious meal. Thank you...."
May smiled. "I'm glad you enjoyed it," she said warmly. "I'm also glad you were able to come here today. It's been nice to see you."
Stephen smiled. It didn't take them long to clean up and they joined May in the living room where they spent a few more hours with her, chatting. Soon, though, it was time for them to go. "Thank you again for your hospitality," Stephen said to May, returning the hug she gave him. He waited for Peter to say his goodbyes and then followed his boyfriend to where the portal to their shared dimension was.
It didn't take long for them to reach the portal to their shared dimension. Peter stepped through and, once Stephen followed, he made sure that the portal entrance was once more hidden from view. It was unlikely that anyone would stumble across it...but unlikely didn't mean impossible.
Stephen waited then, putting his arm around Peter, he led him to their dwelling. As soon as they were safely inside, he began to carefully check Peter over, making certain he could take care of any wounds he saw. "Explain how you got hurt again? Why didn't it heal as quickly as usual?"
Peter held still, only moving enough to make it easier for Stephen to do what he needed to. "We were just talking," he said quietly...his voice hurt. "I thought it was going well. We were just talking. Then he pulled out...it looked like a flamethrower...and attacked. I guess it was a modified flamethrower, because that's how I got burned." The burn itself was on his upper arm. It was still noticeable, even though it was healing.
"He figured out a way to hurt you badly enough you couldn't heal quickly. You're lucky he didn't kill you..." Stephen's voice was strained as he began to treat the burn, making sure it was healing. "This is why I wanted you to wait until I could accompany you. I thought you were going to wait...." He'd heard the hurt in Peter's voice at what Harry had done and felt bad for him. He understood. He felt the same way when Mordo turned on him. Unfortunately, he couldn't make that pain better. Only time or Harry forgiving him and giving up his 'revenge' would do that. As long as Peter didn't get killed before then.
"I was going to. I planned to. I just...." Peter sighed. "I thought I might miss my chance. To come to a peaceful resolution. To try and make things right. I'm sorry," he said quietly.
"This..." Stephen carefully rebandaged the burn. "Is why I needed you to wait. He could have killed you. I would have lost you...." He swallowed hard as his voice caught.
Peter winced visibly, both at the words and at Stephen's tone, and slumped. "It was wrong...I was wrong," he said quietly, not trying to make any excuses. He held still while the burn was rebandaged, not trying to move away even once Stephen had finished.
"If I had done that... You know I can't let it go. Ignore it." Stephen's voice took on a slightly harder tone, as if he was expecting an argument. He'd never spanked Peter, but he knew he'd be getting a spanking if their positions were reversed.
"I know." Peter took a deep breath. "I don't expect you to. I mean...when we initially discussed it, I did indicate we should both be subject to this kind of relationship." He wouldn't fight or protest, knowing how things would go if it had been the other way round.
Stephen relaxed slightly at not receiving argument and nodded. "Well, no good reason to put it off, then..." Gently taking Peter's arm Stephen led him into the bedroom. Sitting on the bed, he carefully drew Peter over his lap, holding him securely in place before baring him. He then raised his hand and let it fall with a firm, crisp smack. he continued the firm smacks, rapidly covering Peter's backside from the crest of his bottom to mid thigh.
Peter healed quickly...but he could still be hurt. Still feel hurt. He didn't fight the positioning, or protest. He gripped the comforter as the spanking began, shifting slightly in reaction to the swats...though he made no attempt to get away or stop the punishment.
"You have to be careful, Peter. Just because you heal fast, normally, doesn't mean you are invulnerable or immortal. And if you promise me something, I don't think it is wrong of me to expect you to keep your promise. Especially if the promise was to not do something dangerous," Stephen said seriously, as he started a second circuit.
Peter's breath hitched and he whimpered softly. He was already close to tears...feeling hurt and upset about how Harry had reacted to him...so it didn't take long for them to begin slipping out of his eyes. "I'm sorry," he whispered, trying not to begin sobbing.
"I know." Stephen's voice was sympathetic as he began a third circuit, swatting slightly harder and faster. "But I need you to think harder next time. I know Harry is important to you and getting through to him is important. But it isn't more important than your safety."
"I will...I will think next time." Peter hadn't been fighting or resisting the punishment, but his body slumped, not even squirming now. He lost the battle against the sobs, though they werent due to the pain of the spanking so much as the pain and grief of his best friend trying to actively kill him. Again.
Stephen brought the spanking to an end with a few swats to Peter's sit spots before pulling Peter up to sit on his lap. He held the younger man tightly. "I'm so thankful he failed and you are still here with me," he whispered.
Peter immediately gripped tightly onto Stephen, burrowing close. It was hard to stop crying, but he did manage to whisper, "I am sorry. I'll wait for you next time. I promise."
"I love you so much," Stephen whispered, before kissing Peter deeply.
Peter pressed into the kiss, returning it, wrapping his arms around Stephen. He couldn't say the words of love back, but he did his best to convey them in his body language and in returning the kiss.
Feeling that Peter was alive and in his arms helped calm Stephen better than anything else. He began to run his hands over Peter's back and arms, before stripping him the rest of the way and beginning to squeeze and stroke.
Peter moaned softly into the kiss, pressing into Stephen's hands as the other man began to squeeze and stroke. His own hands gently ran over Stephen's shoulders and down his arms.
Continuing to stroke, squeeze and caress, Stephen reached out blindly and summoned the lube. He made generous use of it before slowly pushing a finger into Peter. Moving it around until doing so was easy, he then pushed in a second finger.
Peter's groan was loud and almost obscene as he felt Stephen push his fingers inside him. He shifted slightly, enjoying the sensation of being filled by his lover, and pressed against Stephen, his body growing warm and flushed with arousal.
Peter's reaction went straight to Stephen's cock and he was quickly fully aroused. With a possessive growl, he removed his fingers and pushed in, going slow to enjoy it fully. He pulled Peter's hands up above his head, holding them there, and kissed him deep again as he began to slowly thrust.
Peter groaned again, eyes glazinfg over with arousal. He made no attempt to free his hands, or move them even a little way from where Stephen had placed them. His own member was quickly growing full and hard, beginning to leak precum.
Stephen shifted his kissing to Peter's neck, sucking and gently biting a love necklace. He continued to thrust deep, but began to go faster and harder, shifting the angle so he rubbed over Peter's prostate repeatedly.
Peter gasped in a breath, whining softly at the feeling of the love bites...of the harder, faster thrusts. "Please." He was nearly mindless, only holding back from releasing because he didn't want to until he got permission.
"Let go..." Stephen groaned, his own release so close, he knew he'd climax as soon as Peter did.
Almost as soon as Stephen said the words, gave the order, Peter was releasing hard, his body arching as the waves of his orgasm rippled through him.
Stephen's own orgasm sparked as soon as he felt Peter climaxing around him. Under him. He growled softly in pleasure, knowing that he'd drawn that response from his lover. As soon as their bodies had calmed, he slowly and carefully pulled out, getting up to get cloths to clean them both up.
Peter blinked a few times, coming 'down' from the high of being taken, and gave Stephen a loopy grin as the other man returned. "Feels good."
"Good. If it didn't, I'd worry..." Stephen teased gently, as he began to clean Peter. He was quick and efficient, even if he lingered a little longer than was strictly necessary, just so he could touch. He cleaned himself after and then rearranged Peter so that they could both be under the sheets instead of on top of them. "Sleep now, I think..." he said, suddenly very weary.
"Mmm." Peter snuggled into Stephen, closing his eyes, tangling himself with the other man so they couldn't easily separate. "I love you." He kissed Stephen's chest, over his heart.
"Love you too. I'm glad you are here with me..." Stephen said softly, kissing the top of Peter's head and pulling him more tightly to him. He was able to quickly fall asleep, secure in the knowledge his mate was safe.
Peter quickly followed his mate into sleep, feeling safe and content in Stehen's arms.
The End