Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.

Challenges listed at the bottom.

Word Count: 443


What Comes Next


Lightning flashed across the sky, creating beautiful patterns in the darkness, there for a second and then gone as though they'd never existed.

Tony sat on the balcony, grateful for the canopy he'd thought to install, since it was protecting him from the rain.

He'd never liked storms in his youth, but they reminded him of Thor now. He knew now that he didn't have anything to fear from the lightning.

"I've been looking all over for you!" Steve said, appearing on the balcony.

"I'm here," Tony replied, his lips tilting up in a smile.

"I see that. Why are you sitting up here all by yourself, Tones? We're about to eat, you should come and join us."

"It's a full moon," Tony said, nodding at the sky. "I was… looking. Guess I lost track of time."

"He'll come back," Steve said softly. "He loves you."

Swallowing hard, Tony nodded. "I know that. I just… time works differently for him, you know? Could be years for us, he'll only register it as a short period of time."

"Come and eat with us, Tones. Buck and I will keep you warm."

Sighing, Tony nodded and forced himself to his feet. Watching the lightning wasn't going to rid him of his problems, anyway.

Tony flew above New York lazily. He'd hoped flying would make him feel better, but it wasn't. Even his prized suit couldn't comfort him these days.

It had been months, and while Tony wasn't one to pine for anyone, he really missed his boyfriend.

And it wasn't even that he didn't acknowledge that Thor had reason to be busy. They were fixing the rainbow bridge, and Tony knew Thor wouldn't come back until it was done. He usually admitted that tenacity, but now, it just meant that it would be longer until he was in Thor's arms.

Turning in the sky, Tony headed in the direction of home. He had work he could be getting on with.

It wasn't like he'd be sleeping.

Hands on his shoulders startled him, and when Tony turned to see the culprit, he blinked.

"You're here," he murmured. "Am I dreaming?"

"Nay, Anthony. I am sorry I was away from your side for so long."

"Did you do it?" Tony asked, and when Thor nodded, Tony smiled.

"You can stay for a while?"

"I can. Though I think, before anything, you need to rest. Come, Anthony, let us sleep. I've missed having you in my arms."

Raising his arms—and ignoring Thor when he called him cute—Tony let Thor lift him bodily. Sleep—especially in Thor's arms—sounded like an excellent plan.

As did what would come after.


Written For:

Showtime: 5. Lightning Storm

Elizabeth's Empire: 15. Flying

Scamander's Case: 12. Flying

Lyric Alley: 13. Rid me of my problems

Forecast: 16. "Did you do it?"

Apple Bobbing: Apple 5: Rain

Leaf Picking: Yellow 7: "I've been looking all over for you!"

Spooky Playlist: 10. Wolves: Full Moon

Pop Figures: Movies: 04. Gizmo: Cute

Stickers: Chinese Fireball: Prized