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[thewarningafter]

@beyonce

You've reached Dr. Stephen Strange. Leave a message and my secretary will get back to you.

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[thewarningafter]

I think I knew what I was getting into the first time I saw what it took to save the Earth and didn't run away screaming.

[There was screaming that time. Intermittent and involuntary, but there was some screaming.]

People died. We died. I did what I thought was right.

[cahooted]

[He's very quiet for a moment. When he speaks again his voice is layered with pain.]

So it's true. You and Peter, you... back in your world...

[thewarningafter]

Yeah.

[It's odd to think about. He hadn't expected to have to live with that decision. Not in this sense.]

If it's any comfort, knowing me there's a chance it wasn't going to be permanent. Not...all of us, at least. I looked into the future and I did what was needed to move us into the one timeline in which we win. I just...don't remember what that looked like anymore.

[cahooted]

I hope you're right. If not, you can just... look, you just come to my universe, okay?

[Somehow he knows it won't be as easy as that but that won't stop him from offering.

Another pause.]

I'm not allowed to mess with time. One of the big nos of the Library. Sometimes it's hard.

[thewarningafter]

If we're not dead we're going to have work to do.

[He lets out a little sigh.]

No knowledge is forbidden, only certain practices. Most people can't wield it anyway.

[cahooted]

Yeah.

... Do you want me to talk to Peter?

[thewarningafter]

You think it'll make any difference?

[cahooted]

Well, I can try. No promises, but... I really think you guys should talk.

[thewarningafter]

I've listened to everything from the time I lost. I know what kind of things I said to him. He's hurting right now. He has reason to be, and maybe it's easier for him if he has someone to be the bad guy. To be responsible for it.

[cahooted]

I know, he...

[Flynn exhales. He's been doing quite well avoiding to think about what he knows because thinking about it makes his heart hurt.]

He told me what happened. Which is why I think he needs his friends. And you need yours.

[thewarningafter]

He has Gamora.

[Stephen lets out a sigh.]

Look, I don't...I don't think you're wrong. I just don't know that either of us is ready to let this go. Not without knowing what comes next. Why I even did it.

[cahooted]

That's what I said when I avoided him. Gamora was pretty mad about that.

It's okay, I won't push it. I just... think the situation is bad enough as it is.

[thewarningafter]

Well, she's not the one messaging me about it.

I'll...I will. Soon. [That's a lie.] If you did talk to him...I wouldn't object.

[cahooted]

I can pretend to be pretty mad about it?

[A small smile.] Alright, I'll give it a shot.

[thewarningafter]

[Stephen lets out a mirthless little huff of laughter.]

Let me know how that goes.

[cahooted]

I'll keep you posted.

Take care of yourself, yeah? And hey, if you ever wanna talk or need anything, just. You know. Drop me a line.

[thewarningafter]

You too, Flynn. Take care of yourself.