Work Text:
Stephen let out a sigh as he passed through the portal into Kamar-Taj. It had been a long week of depressing news and nonstop action having to deal with supernatural threats around New York and the Eastern Seaboard. He was exhausted, emotionally drained, and ready for a vacation that likely wouldn’t come.
As he shuffled around the compound, he finally spotted Wong who took one look at him before shuffling the newer sorcerer away to his office. The older man hadn’t changed much from when The Ancient One was around and yet the room seemed more grounded and homey.
“You look like both you and your emotions got run over by the subway. What happened?” Wong asked bluntly and Stephen couldn’t help but let out another sigh before sitting down in the deceptively comfy chair across from Wong.
“How do we keep doing this?” Stephen asked, “Day after day and not seeing any respite or ultimate change to keep things from going horrible on a daily basis?”
Wong’s face softened.
“You focus on the positives. How many people did you save or help today? Their experience will likely change their outlook. Then take a step back and see how many days and how many people in them you have affected. It’s small compared to the things that happen but bad things will always happen. That’s why we’re here: to help when they do. The thing to remember is that good things always happen too, even if you don’t immediately see them.”
“I suppose that’s true…”
“The other thing is that even we as sorcerers need breaks. All you need to do is ask. I’ll watch the New York Sanctum for a week. You go relax somewhere and don’t look at the news or any relics other than the Cloak of Levitation. You help others by helping yourself.”
Stephen finally let out a breath that released a lot of the subtle tension from his body. Ever since the war with Thanos, Stephen hadn’t exactly had a proper break. Well, other than his stint in the hospital after the accident, he hadn’t had a vacation in at least a decade.
“Thanks Wong. I…appreciate it.”
Wong smirked.
“Even stubborn bastards like you need to take a break, even if it’s not leaving your bedroom for days. Enjoy your time off, Stephen. You deserve it.”