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#tony stark x stephen strange
gfmaximoff · 8 months
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Tony: Sometimes I drink milk straight out of the container.
Peter: The cow???
Tony: What?!
Stephen: Peter, WHY?
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💀 headhunted 🖤 on AO3
READ HERE
by @winterspiderpurrs & @professional-benaddict
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Peter Parker is a home nurse, headhunted for an assignment by a colleague, Doctor Stephen Strange. The assignment involves a guarded mansion, an NDA and a very important patient. Tony Stark, the mafia boss, but right now his title is "horrible patient". The boss is recovering from a gunshot wound, and over the next few weeks, Peter will become closer and closer with the mafia family. Will he stay, or will the family's methods scare him away?
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the-bobest-bob · 8 months
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Okay who's gonna be my homoerotic best friend who's also j as sexy and hot as me and we go on adventures together and everyone ships us but it will never be canon cause we're both in a straight relationship with partners that we have little to no chemistry with that diminishes both partners character potential to just a sad hetero relationship to stop the gays
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xenocorner · 11 months
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Quick ironstrange thing that was originally gonna be smut but ended up being something soft and cute.
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zerotoxicdragon · 8 months
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Tony, sweating: Stephen, there’s something I need to ask you-
Stephen: Finally! You’re proposing!
Tony: How’d you know?
Stephen: Tony, you’ve dropped the ring five times during dinner.
Stephen: I even picked it up once.
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fandomloreblog · 3 months
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Yo Ironstrange fans, you wanna see canon interactions of the bickering Magician and Scientist: Marvel Midnight Suns.
Been playing the game for about a week now, and this game has single handedly sucked me into that ship. You have Tony “I’m terrified of the demonic Abbey” Stark having to share an underground Forge powered by a literal fire demon with Stephen “I’m too tired for this” Strange fucking around with with this sciencey gamma stuff called COIL, artifacts that got stolen from the New York Sanctum, and other goodies.
Not to mention there is a canon interaction on Superlink (A LITERAL CHAT FIC IN GAME) where Tony and Stephen consume an entire can of Espresso Chocolate and end up a mixture of delirious/drunk and end up becoming best buds, until Steve throws them both in the shower to sober up.
SPOILERS FOR THE END OF ACT 1: Another little gay thing is that Stephen’s would-be last words when faced with a near death experience, according to an actual voice line, was to tell Tony not to touch his stuff.
I. Am. In. Love. With. These. Idiots.
This game is what is single-handedly fueling my MCU Rewrite/AU I’m doing with my ocs and I am all for making Ironstrange canon for it.
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alphinna · 6 months
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anybody have these ironstrange stories
-they’re having a petty fight
or
-Wong’s so done with them
or
-Stephen helping Tony with a panic attack
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sarcasstic-jpmvr · 5 months
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Tony: Hey Stephen can you help me with-
Stephen: I would jump in an open fire with a can of gasoline in my hands for you, continue.
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late-to-the-party-81 · 10 months
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In perfect balance
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Request: For the Inspire Me! event, how about Tony/Reader/Stephen lounging around after a few rounds of hot sex? Some fluff, lots of snark, maybe leading into them all going at it again.
AN: Thank you @couldntbedamned for this spicy request, I hope this tickles your fancy!
Beta’d by @navybrat817
Dividers by @firefly-graphics and moodboard by me
Master list
Summary: From the outside the three of you shouldn’t work, but somehow, together, you’re in perfect balance. 
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Relationship: Tony Stark X Reader X Stephen Strange
Word Count: 2.6k
CW: Polyamorous relationship, Explicit sexual content (oral sex - M and F receiving, Anal fingering, Anal sex), Brat Tony Stark, Domme Reader, Dom Stephen Strange, Tony has Mommy and Daddy issues, slight Mommy kink, edging, multiple orgasms, aftercare, fluff and snark.
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You flopped back on the pillows with a thud, a smile plastered to your sweat covered face as you stared up at the ceiling and inhaled the scent of roses that filled the room. You let the post orgasmic haze suffuse you as you half-listened to the affectionate bickering that was going on over your prone form. What was it about middle-aged, egotistical white men with goatees that made you go weak at the knees?
To be fair, they were allowed to have inflated egos - both were geniuses in their own way - extremely successful and powerful. However, this meant they were caught in a constant game of one-upmanship. 
“I think you’ll find, Tony, that it’s what I did this time that tipped our Angel over the edge.”
“Pphhtt. As if. It was clearly what I was doing with my tongue. I’m very talented, you know.”
You stifled a giggle as you practically heard Stephen rolling his eyes.
“Yes, yes, you’re super-talented and able to make women come with just a crook of your finger.”
There was the sound of someone shifting across bed sheets and you turned your head in time to see Tony bracing his body over Stephen’s, a gleam in his dark brown eyes.
“Not just women, my dear wizard. As you well know.”
Ice blue eyes glared back, although you could detect the hint of softness there too.
“Alright, you raving ego-maniac. But I still maintain it was my skills this time. And I’m a sorcerer, dammit, not a ‘wizard’.”
“Potay-to, potah-to.”
“Hhmmph.” Stephen gave Tony a light shove, and the self-styled playboy-genius-philanthropist allowed himself to be rolled to the side, landing right next to you.
It would come as a surprise to absolutely no-one that out of the two men, Tony was the more flamboyant in bed. He loved his gadgets and toys, and neither you or Stephen were going to complain about that. He often took the lead, not because either you or your sorcerer boyfriend were submissive, but because Tony was such an endearing brat that you couldn’t help but smile at the glee on his face when he bought one or other, or both, of you to earth-shattering orgasms. 
He didn’t always get his way, though. You’d happily admit that some of your favourite times with the two were when Stephen was in A Mood ™, that special kind of mood where he felt the need to dominate and claim. Wong would have a fit if he knew what kind of things Stephen was using his powers for. You doubted that he’d approve of the Eye of Agamotto being used as an edging tool. 
A shudder washed over your body as you remembered the last time that Stephen had come home, cape swirling, face stern, dragging you both into the bedroom without a word. Neither you or Tony had been able to walk properly for a good three days after - magic demon tentacles tended to have that effect.
Tony also had a soft spot from when you also helped take control of him. The man had so many Mommy and Daddy issues that he’d make Freud’s head spin. It had become apparent in a short space of time that his teasing of you was an attempt to make you snap, make you chastise and punish him.
However, if they weren’t competing and bickering about sex, they were competing about who spoiled you better. Both knew that roses were your favourite flower and if Stephen conjured some for you from the air, then Tony would spend weeks cultivating a new strain, naming it after you. Which was why this room was now full to the brim with different coloured and sized blooms.
“Come on, Angel-cake. Put us out of our misery - which one of us got you to O-town this time?”
As you’d mused, Tony had rested his head on your chest, and was now looking up at you with doe-eyes, while one finger trailed circles around one of your breasts, making your nipple pucker. You threaded your fingers into his thick hair, giving it a gentle tug that made his eye-lids flutter.
“Tones, you know the only answer I’m going to give you is that it was both of you. Keep me out of your juvenile tally game.”
“Yes, Mommy.”
You tapped him on the end of his nose.
“Brat!”
“Don’t pretend you don’t love it.”
“I never said that. Just reminding you that I know your game, Mister.”
“And what game would that be?” He raised his head slightly, but kept his eyes on you as he swiped his tongue over the nipple he’d been paying attention to. You arched your brow and tightened your grip in his hair, trying to ignore the zip of arousal that darted from your breast to your pussy.
“Stephen…” You called out to him and turned your head to see him coming out of the en-suite, washcloth in hand. He crossed to the bed and sat down next to you, virtually ignoring Tony as he dropped a kiss to your lips.
“What is it, my divine Angel?”
“Some-one is being a needy brat.”
Stephen allowed his gaze to drop to Tony, who started to squirm in your grip under the intense scrutiny.
“This does not surprise me in the slightest, my love. I don’t think our recent exertions were energetic enough for him. You know how restless he’s been.”
Thinking back over the last few days, you realised Stephen was right - Tony had been in his lab, tinkering, and while that was good exercise for the mind, it wasn’t for the body, and your engineering genius of a partner no doubt had a lot of physical energy to expend. He also probably wanted to have all the thinking taken away from him. He wouldn’t ask for it outright - he’d be too embarrassed, but he knew if he was bratty enough then either you or Stephen or both would understand and take control.
“Hhmmm. And would you be a good boy for us, Tones?”
“Well, that entirely depends on your definition of good.” Tony waggled his eyebrows and you and Stephen gave each other knowing looks, before Stephen addressed Tony.
“We’ll take that as a no. Come on. Up you get. Give Angel some space to work.”
You expected some chat back, but Tony leapt up like an exuberant puppy, standing at the foot of the bed. Stephen moved to stand behind him, wrapping his long arms around Tony’s frame. Tony held onto Stephen’s forearms and the both looked at you expectantly. You sat up and then moved onto your hands and knees, crawling down the bed until you were in front of them before coming up onto your knees. With one hand you cupped Tony’s face and with the other you cupped his cock, which was already trying to make its recovery known. You moved your face towards him, close enough that your breath fanned over his face.
“Are you going to listen, baby? Listen to me and Stephen? Or are you going to be naughty and have to be punished?”
“I thought we’d already established that - ow!” Tony let out a pained shout, his eyes going wide as you gave him a slap on the cheek.
“Try again, baby-boy.” Your voice was low and dark and you gave a firm squeeze with your other hand that made Tony rise up on his toes a bit. You saw Stephen’s icy eyes glimmer with amusement.
“I’ll be good, Mommy. I’ll be good.”
“Aaww. There he is. My good boy. Now, lie down for me, Tony. I wanna sit for a while.”
Tony scrambled out Stephen’s embrace and threw himself back on the bed, bouncing on it before scooting his body up the mattress and patting his cheeks.
“Your seat awaits, m’lady.”
You leant over him, biting down on his lower lip before turning and lowering your pussy over his face.
“I’m warning you now brat, that I’m not getting up until I’m satisfied.” In response Tony just shook his head, worming his tongue deeper between your folds before getting to work. You shifted slightly, and sighed as Tony started to drag wave after wave of pleasure out of you. At least he wasn’t fucking around with that.
The bed dipped and you met Stephen’s smile as he climbed up between Tony’s legs. His lips met yours as you balanced your weight by placing your hands on Tony’s hips. Stephen’s mouth was hot and demanding, sending further jolts of pleasure through you. The kiss was short-lived though, as Stephen pulled away so he could work his ‘magic’ on Tony.
He took Tony’s cock in hand, stroking it a few times to get it to full hardness, before sending a wink in your direction and swallowing Tony down. Tony moaned into your pussy and you rocked against his face to remind him what he was supposed to be doing.
“You don’t get to come until I say you can, Tony. You got that? So you gotta be good to me, baby.”
Tony’s hands roamed over the lower half of your body, digging into your hips and groping the soft flesh of your ass. He wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you down, feasting on you with gusto. Little pants and moans left your lips and you and Stephen couldn’t help but exchange glances and smiles, silently conversing about how good Tony was being.
When Tony jolted under you, you realised that Stephen was breaching him with his long fingers. You knew how that felt and made a mental note to congratulate Tony later on his restraint. For now, you just decided to tease him. “Good boy, baby. Let Stephen in. Just enjoy it, but don’t come yet. I’m almost there. Keep doing that. Mmm… yes!”
Your orgasm was tantalisingly close and it wouldn’t take much to tip you over the edge. Tony thrust his tongue as far into your pussy as he could and you rocked back and forth, stimulating your clit on the facial hair covering his chin, and then you were right there. 
Trembling. 
Crying out. 
Covering Tony’s face in your release. 
But you weren’t done yet. You tilted your hips and Tony got the message, shifting his ministrations to gently suck on your engorged bundle of nerves.
However, he seemed to be losing focus, because after a few moments he stopped sucking. You could feel his fingers tensing, digging into your skin and you realised he was close to coming. You reached out, wrapping your fingers in Stephen’s grey streaked hair to get his attention. He sometimes got a little lost when giving oral. 
“Slow down, love.”
Stephen let Tony’s cock fall from his mouth and stilled his hand. His lips were red, and smeared with saliva and pre-come, and he’d never looked so wonderfully debauched. You leaned down and gave him a kiss, squeaking into his mouth as Tony came out of his near-orgasmic stupor and started to work you over again. You continued to kiss Stephen as you ground onto Tony’s face, reaching your second orgasm. Feeling wrung out, you rolled off Tony.
He sat up, hair sticking up, face wet and red and you giggled at the state of him, but no sooner had you done so, Stephen went back to his task of opening Tony up.
“Legs apart, Tony.”
Tony just whimpered, and did what he was told, nodding his head and fisting the sheets.
With the click of the lube cap, Stephen perfunctorily prepped him, working two, then three fingers into him. You watched with a hazy gaze, enjoying your front row seat.  A whine came from Tony’s lips as Stephen pulled his fingers free and swatted at Tony’s flank.
“Up, brat. If you have energy to burn, and you want to cum, then you can fuck yourself on my cock.”
The two men quickly changed places, Stephen lying down and Tony climbing atop him. You passed Tony the bottle of lube and he applied a liberal coating to Stephen, a sparkle in his eye. He was about to ease himself into position when you gripped his chin between your thumb and forefinger.
“Don’t stop being a good boy, now. Make Stephen cum first.”
Tony didn’t say anything, but he pouted, and you pulled his lower lip into your mouth, sucking on it hard, before letting it go with an audible pop. Placing your hands on his waist, you helped to steady him as he sank down onto Stephen’s cock, his mouth hanging open and his eyes rolling back.
“Good boy. Such a good boy.” You poured your praises into his ear, watching him relax as you did, until his ass became flush with Stephen’s thighs. Moving carefully, you shifted your position until you were behind Tony, able to wrap your arms around him peer over his shoulder if you so wished. With his own hands braced on Stephen's chest, he started to move, slowly at first, so he could feel Stephen’s cock rubbing over every nerve-ending within him, but he slowly picked up speed. 
Stephen moaned and closed his eyes, his hands searching out Tony’s hips, either to provide an anchor for himself or to help Tony move - you weren’t sure which.
“Oh! That’s it, Tony. Fuck, you feel so good. Keep doing that.” 
Tony bit his lip and continued to move. From over his shoulder you watched his aching cock bob lewdly. It looked angry and red, leaking copious amounts of pre-cum with each downwards movement. You even realised he was whimpering.
You trailed your hands down his chest, teasing his dark nipples up into stiff peaks, flicking and pinching them, almost cruelly. You knew he was close, but where would the fun be if you didn’t make it at least a bit difficult for him to follow your rules.
“Stephen! Angel! I’m so close.”
“Hold it, baby. Get Stephen there first. You can do it.”
You saw tears start to run down Tony’s face as he battled the sensations threatening to overwhelm him. You kissed some of them away before looking down at your other boyfriend.
Stephen’s face was almost similarly contorted, although without the tears. His eyes were screwed shut and you could see the veins pulsing in his neck, and the way his fingers curled viciously into Tony’s hips. There would no doubt be bruises left by them that Tony would wear with pride for the next week.
“Tony! Yes! I - I’m cumming!” 
Stephen’s body went taut and as he spilt into Tony you wrapped your fingers around Tony’s desperate cock. 
Tony let out a strangled cry as you pumped him, once, twice and then he was spilling over your hand and Stephen’s chest. He sobbed his way through his pleasure, movements almost frenzied in the way he dragged every ounce of pleasure he could from Stephen’s now flagging cock and your hand.
Finally he collapsed over Stephen, body limp. His eyes were closed and he dragged in breath after ragged breath. Stephen threaded his fingers through Tony’s hair, gently petting him, his own eyes closed as he also recovered.
You quickly got off the bed, crossing to the bathroom to wash yourself up and grab a couple more washcloths. On your return you found that in the minute you’d been gone, Stephen had managed to extricate himself from the warm clutch of Tony’s body and rolled both of them on their sides, Tony’s face still nuzzled into his neck.
Stephen took one of the washcloths from you, and wiped his chest and cock clean, while you used the other one to freshen Tony up. He wasn’t asleep, but he wasn’t fully awake either, caught in that nebulous, soft place that can only be reached by an earth-shattering orgasm.
With all of you clean enough for now, you climbed back onto the bed, pulling the counterpane up to cover your three forms as you curled up behind Tony, hooking an arm and leg over him.
You could all do with a small nap after that, and you had no doubt that upon waking properly Tony would be back to his teasing, almost insufferable self. For now, though, the perfect balance of your unusual trio had helped him find the release he needed. Next time it might be you or Stephen’s turn, but no matter what form your collective loving took, it was always just what you all wanted.
The three of you lapsed into slumber, the scent of roses still clinging to the air.
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Tag list: @darsynia @xoxoviva @jobean12-blog @tuiccim @sidepartskinnyjeans @krissy25 @goldylions @wheezy-stucky @doasyoudesireandlive @chemtrails-club @peaches1958 @pono-pura-vida @writing-for-marvel @mrsmischief209
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popcorn-plots · 1 month
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GASP
In my AU, idk about anyone else's, but in my AU, Donna dies when Stephen is just starting highschool. Eugene turns abusive afterwards, usually pretty drunk and just. not good.
When Stephen is an adult and acting as a parent to Peter... when he finds out Flash's real name is Eugene... Stephen flips. He knows the name doesn't matter, but it pisses him off that Peter is going through the same kind of bullying that he went through at Peter's age.
So anyways both Tony and Stephen (more Stephen) understand what Peter's going through and it breaks their hearts because they were in the exact same boat at Peter's age.
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pkg4mumtown · 2 years
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No context; only cute, freezing men.
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space-mermaid-writing · 11 months
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Is this seat taken? [IronStrange]
Summary: “You know, when someone is asking you to watch their stuff, the one thing you shouldn't do is run off and abandon said stuff.“
Stephen looked at him over the edge of his book and raised a brow. He didn't even wonder how Stark knew. “Your stuff was perfectly safe.“
“Yeah, sure.“ Tony’s words dripped with sarcasm.
(Your regular coffee shop AU but they still have their powers)
Relationship: Tony Stark/Stephen Strange
Tags: Coffee Shop AU, different first meetings, they still have powers, fluff, strangers to lovers, bamf Stephen, Stephen keeps his magic a secret until the last second, a lot of banter, soft idiots falling in love
Ko-fi | Read it on AO3 | Masterlist | Word count: 6.6k
Author’s note: I started this last year, abandoned it and recently dug it out to finish it. Bon appetit.
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Is this seat taken?
There was this small coffee shop in Greenwich Stephen liked. It was just right around the corner of the Sanctum and sometimes he went there to read and enjoy one of their brews.
The Sanctum was his home, but sometimes it was too quiet. Stephen was still a people person, even after all these years. He liked the buzz around him, like feeling the energy of life.
Like today.
Of course, it was rush hour and the shop was crowded. Stephen joined the queue and scanned the tables while waiting his turn. They were all occupied, but at some there was still at least an unoccupied seat.
There was a woman with a fidgety baby – no thanks. At the next table another young woman, clearly waiting for somebody. At the one in the corner sat some guy with a hoodie, base cap and sunglasses combination, working on a laptop. He looked kinda sketchy, but was probably the quietest of them all.
He ordered and waited at the side for his cup. With that in his hand, he went to Sketchy Guy. “Is this seat taken?“
He got a short glance in response, but it was enough to recognize the man. “Help yourself.“
Stephen didn’t reveal his discovery. He was here to read. And so he sat down and opened his book.
They sat in a comfortable silence until his table neighbor rolled back his shoulders and stretched his arms. “Gotta run somewhere quick. Can you keep an eye on my stuff?“
“Sure,“ Stephen hummed with the indifference one typically had toward strangers.
The other man gave him a quick, scrutinizing glance before taking off his sunglasses and placing them on the table. Then he went to the restrooms.
Stephen used the interruption to magically refill his drink. The rush hour had died down and the barista behind the counter had time to take a breath and refill the baked goods.
That actually wasn't such a bad idea, Stephen thought. His stomach could use some food. With a small flick of his fingers, he laid a protective spell over the table and then stood up to take a look at the cake of the day.
Refills were one thing but Stephen wouldn't be the reason that took the coffee shop out of business.
With a plate of apple pie he went back to his seat to continue reading.
Stark came back and put on his sunglasses again. Stephen hardly minded him. Until he heard a scoff.
“You know, when someone is asking you to watch their stuff, the one thing you shouldn't do is run off and abandon said stuff.“
The sorcerer looked at him over the edge of his book and raised a brow. He didn't even wonder how Stark knew. “Your stuff was perfectly safe.“
“Yeah, sure.“ His words dripped with sarcasm but for once Stephen didn‘t take the bait. He wasn‘t here to start an argument and – honestly – he simply didn‘t care enough about that man‘s opinion. So he kept his tongue silent, while Stark packed his belongings into a backpack and left.
At last Stephen had the table to himself.
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When Stephen entered the coffee shop two weeks later, it again was rush hour. He should really keep a tab on time, but after three exorcisms in one week he deserved a break. Unfortunately a lot of people seemed to think the same.
Scanning the crowd while waiting for his drink he weighed his options.
There was a free seat next to someone on their phone. Distracting.
Two teenagers. Nobody wanted to sit with teenagers.
And then there was… well, at least this was going to be entertaining.
Stephen took his cup to the table in the corner. “Is this seat taken?“
“Help your-…“ Brown eyes met blue ones. “…nope, absolutely not. Liars don’t get a seat at this table.” He was apparently quite petty and still didn’t take their last meeting well. Stephen didn't let it bother him and sat down anyway.
"Didn't you hear what I just said?" Stark asked. He was wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap indoors again, as if that would suddenly make him unrecognizable. The glasses weren't even fully tinted.
“I did. The thing is, I’m not a liar, Stark.”
Stark leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. If he was upset that his ridiculous attempt to remain incognito had failed, he didn't let it show. Or perhaps his annoyance at Stephen's presence simply outweighed it. "Is this some kind of practical joke? Did someone from the team set you up to annoy me?"
Stephen opened his book and flipped through until he found the right page. “You don’t have a lot of faith in your team.”
“What’s your deal then? Is this for your youtube channel? Any hidden cameras?”
“I just want to read in peace and enjoy my coffee.” Demonstratively, Stephen pointed to his book.
Stark was not very convinced. “I’m keeping my eye on you.”
“I’m flattered.”
Silence spread as the two men went about their work. But Stephen could not concentrate, he was hyper aware of his surroundings. It might have been because he was running on too much coffee and too little sleep. Or maybe the last demon he had exorcized had cursed him after all, before the sorcerer had managed to banish him back to his own dimension.
After a few minutes of reading the same paragraph over and over without really taking in what it said, he rubbed his forehead – and caught Stark's gaze, who was indeed watching him as announced.
"Okay, I'm curious," Stephen said, "if you're that paranoid, why ask a stranger to watch your stuff in the first place?"
"Statistically speaking, someone is less likely to steal if you give them the task of watching."
“So, you asked me because you didn’t want me to steal your stuff.” He huffed a laugh. “I’m not interested in your technology.”
Tony raised a brow. “You sure? I saw your phone last time. It’s the most ancient thing I’ve seen this century and you could really use an update. Not that you would have gone far with the stolen stuff.”
“I’m offended how little you think of my abilities of thievery.” Stephen wasn’t offended. He was amused. This conversation was way more interesting than his book. Yeah, he really needed a good, solid 20 hours of sleep. Maybe more.
Stark was about to retort something – Stephen's words only reinforced Stark's sour mood – when his phone made an alarming beeping noise, interrupting the two men. The engineer sighed and put on his sunglasses.
“Is it really this important, Fri?”, he asked no one specific in the room. Then, “Fine, I’m on my way.”
Stark turned his face to Stephen. “You’re lucky I gotta go. Someone is attacking the city hall using ice blasts.”
The corners of Stephen's mouth twitched up. “Do you need someone to watch your stuff while you’re gone?”
Stark was still wearing the glasses so Stephen couldn’t see the roll of his eyes, when he collected his laptop and left with a muttered, “Asshole.”
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It was 2 am when Stephen entered the coffee shop. Surprisingly he wasn’t the only patron at this ungodly hour. There were two students at a table in the back with various books and notes clattered in front of them, fueling on more caffeine than was healthy for them. With a small smile, Stephen recalled his days in medical school and later as a resident. It had been good times. Sometimes he felt that even back then he got more sleep than he did now as the Sorcerer Supreme.
The late opening hours of the coffee shop were among the reasons why he loved it. With a book and a cup of tea, he sat down at a table by the window. Despite the late hour, he wasn't tired, but there was an eerie mood in the air and he kept his third eye open – masked by a simple glamour – just in case.
The door of the coffee shop opened with a soft ring and a few minutes later a shadow fell on the sorcerer. He looked up and spotted Tony Stark, wearing his sunglasses and base cap as usual, even though it was the middle of the night.
“Three times’ the charm, I heard.” He looked tired, had dark circles under his eyes and a cup of coffee in his hand.
“Apparently,” Stephen replied.
Stark waited a moment, but Stephen didn't offer anything else. He sat down anyway, although enough other tables were unoccupied. Tonight he was not looking for privacy, but distraction.
Stephen seemed to notice that, because he pushed his book away, turning his attention to the other man instead.“How did it go the other day? The City Hall is still standing, so I guess you were successful.”
“Yeah. We got her before she turned it into a winter wonderland. She is currently under investigation with those powers.” Stark sipped his coffee. He was careful just to share information that made the news anyway, not sure how much he trusted this man in the coffee shop he seemed to meet quite regularly. He side-eyed Stephen. “So, you’re always sitting here with your books. Are you secretly the owner of this coffee shop, who likes to go undercover and talk to people? You know, like offering them life lessons.”
Stephen chuckled. “I can barely afford a beverage here every now and then. I definitely don’t have enough money to open a shop and keep it running.”
“What’s your deal then? What language is this even?” Curiously, Stark peered into his book.
“Sanskrit.”
“Gesundheit.”
“I read it for work.”
“Must be either an exciting field of work or an extremely boring one.”
“I find it quite interesting.”
There was a pause, before Tony said, “Don’t tell me all the details at once.” For the fact that this man could drive him up the wall with ease, he was quite secretive about his own person.
There was a small smirk on Stephen’s lips. “I will tell them, if you spill yours.”
Stark mirrored the smirk. “Touche.” He was sure that between the two of them he held the more delicate secrets with the Avengers and Shield, but he understood the sentiment. “Are you a librarian?” he asked anyway, because he was intrigued by this man who wasn’t intimidated by his name and face.
“No, that would be Wong,” Stephen said. “My work is more on the practical side.”
Stark had lots of follow-up questions. “What is the practical side of a librarian? Are you secretly going on adventures to retrieve long lost artifacts? What is this book even about? And what’s a Wong?”
“Excuse me, gentlemen.” They were interrupted by a barista, who stepped to their table and looked apologetic. “We would like to close.”
The men looked up in surprise. The students had disappeared and the barista had put the chairs up on every other table but theirs. They were the last patrons.
"Yes. Yes, of course." Stark got to his feet and reached for his jacket. Stephen followed him. “Sorry for making you work overtime.”
The barista politely waved it off, his voice full on customer service. “It’s fine, really. It’s just…”
“You want to go home and sleep. We get it.” Tony made sure to add an extra tip in the jar for their trouble.
No sooner than they stepped outside the door the sign on the window behind them was flipped to 'CLOSED'. The morning shift would arrive in a few hours, but until then the two men were without a place to pass the time.
Stark turned his head to Stephen. “Need a ride home?”
“I live only a few blocks away.”
“I’ll walk you. The streets can be dangerous.” And with that he started moving in the direction Stephen had pointed. The sorcerer followed him. He didn't mind Stark's company, it was nice. So was the silence in which they walked.
It might have been the late hour, but neither of them felt the need to continue their previous conversation or to start a new one.
It took them only a few minutes to reach the doors of the Sanctum.
Stark eyed the old building. "I don't know what I was expecting, but it fits with your weird books."
Instead of being offended by this, Stephen followed Stark's gaze and tried to see the Sanctum through the eyes of a stranger. To him, it was the epitome of home. He had never felt as much at ease anywhere as he did here. Even the expensive penthouse apartment he had lived in when he was a neurosurgeon didn't come close. Maybe his parents' farm when he was a little boy. But not even that anymore, since Donna left.
The building might be old, but it was reliable. It was a safe haven. And only those who needed it could see it.
He turned his head back to Stark.
“Why did you visit the coffee shop in the middle of the night?”
The inventor tilted his head, not questioning this weird change of topic. “Call it the side effects of my line of work.”
And didn’t Stephen understand that way too well? It was the same for him. He walked up the steps to the door.
“Hey,” Stark stopped him. “You never told me your name. I call you Annoying Coffee Guy in my head but, you know, a name would be nice.”
“It’s Stephen. Doctor Stephen Strange.”
Tony raised his eyebrows. He couldn’t help it, it sounded kinda made up. But whatever. “Nice to meet you, Stranger.”
Stephen rolled his eyes, but his smirk betrayed him. Behind him, the Sanctum door opened on its own. "Goodnight, Tony." He stepped into the dark interior and behind him the door closed again.
If Tony smiled on the whole way back to his car then, well, wasn’t that anybody’s business but his own.
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“So, your doctor title isn’t in some weird linguistic field but you’re an actual doctor.” Tony didn’t even pretend to look for a different table, before he sat down.
Stephen looked up, hiding the fact that he was pleased about it. “You googled me,” he said instead.
“I bet you did the same after realizing who I was.”
Stephen did a thing with his eyebrow, like Tony just said something really dumb. “I didn’t need to google you. Everybody knows who Tony Stark is.” He has the courtesy to keep his voice low enough for others not to listen in on that part. “It’s hard to ignore when your face is plastering the news every few weeks.”
“Well, what can I say? The press loves me.” Tony’s smile twisted into something more professional he used in interviews. “Don’t believe everything they say, though. That story with the Bengal tiger was definitely exaggerated.”
Now Stephen raised one of his eyebrows and Tony wondered how it was possible for a man to be this expressive with these?
“I will keep it in mind.” It was Stephen’s only comment on the matter, before he turned back to his book. It was a sign for Tony to pull his laptop out and start working.
There was a comfortable silence between them. The coffee shop around them was in full swing and Tony liked having background noises.
He was absorbed in his work until a voice interrupted his thoughts.
“Excuse me. I don’t mean to bother you. I just wanted to thank you for the help you do around here.”
Tony knew the game. Despite his – admittedly poor – disguise of 'just add a base cap', he was often approached by people. And it was fine. He always tried to make time, even if it was just for a minute. He switched to his PR smile he wore like a second skin and flashed it to the person (an older woman, apparently another patron) – and he was just about to open his mouth when he noticed that the older lady was actually talking to Doctor Strange.
Bewildered, he needed a second to close his mouth. That was a new one.
Stephen smiled politely at the women. “Of course. I’m happy to help.” He eyes wandered briefly to Tony, he had definitely noticed his misapprehension and it seemed to amuse him.
“My granddaughter was one of the kids with… bad teeth.” The lady paused for a moment as if to add something else, but then didn’t.
Tony thought it was weird, but Stephen didn’t bat an eye.
“Are the new teeth working well?”
“Yes, very.”
The doctor nodded, satisfied. “I’m glad I could help and that your granddaughter feels better. I’m making sure the tooth fairy will leave her alone in the future.”
The older lady smiled and left to get back to her own table.
Tony looked at Strange. “I didn’t know you were also a dentist.”
Stephen was not. But explaining that he had fought a tooth fairy gone rogue would be too soon in their… whatever they had going on.
So instead, he deflected.
“You first thought she was talking to you,” he stated, still amused about the fact.
“Well, naturally. No one told me, you are some local doctor hero.” He emphasized the word mockingly, but his words were genuine.
“It’s complicated,” Stephen said cautiously. “It hasn’t been the same since…” He trailed off, looking at his slightly trembling hands. After all this time it still wasn’t easy for him to talk about it.
“The accident?” Tony helped out and Stephen nodded. Of course Tony found the articles from it when he did his research. It was one of the first things that came up in google when you put in his name. Stephen wondered if that would still be the case if he hadn’t completely disappeared afterwards. Maybe if he had started working as a consultant or continued as a researcher, it would be different.
“Some scars never truly heal, I guess.” Tony’s words interrupted his trails of thought. The engineer put his fingers on his own chest, where the arc reactor had been for many years.
Their eyes met and there was a certain understanding between them. They were both middle aged men, both with their own demons and trauma.
“Do you like what you’re doing now?” Tony asked and Stephen nodded.
“I can’t imagine doing anything else.” And he meant it. “What about you? Being Iron Man can’t be easy.”
“Oh, I tried to live another life. To do something else. Didn’t work out. I come as a package deal.” Tony’s breakup with Pepper had been all over the news when it happened. They had broken up and he made her CEO. One of the best decisions of his life, even if it had been heartbreaking. But they worked better as friends. A lesson he learned the hard way.
Tony didn’t know why he added that last sentence. Or maybe he did, but he wasn’t ready to face that reason yet.
“I figured.” Stephen wanted to say more, but at that moment his phone rang. Since there were basically only two people who had his number, he glanced at the display (it didn't even have a touch screen, Tony noticed in dread. It really belonged in a museum).
"It's work," Stephen apologized and stepped away for a moment.
Tony emptied his coffee. His eyes fell back on his laptop, which still had his latest project open. He saved the progress and turned it off.
“Sorry, that was Wong,” Stephen said, coming back. “There was an incident at work. I have to go.”
“I’ll walk you.”
For a second it looked like Stephen was going to refuse, but then he nodded and they both packed up their things. It wasn't far to the Sanctum and he wouldn't lose much time walking instead of opening a portal in the next back alley.
He had told Tony that he lived and worked in the same building. So the engineer was not surprised when he took that direction. They walked most of the way in silence, each preoccupied with their own thoughts.
Only when they were almost at the Sanctum did Tony speak up again. “So, Wong, the librarian, is your co-worker.”
“And friend,” Stephen added fondly.
Tony turned his face to him. “Are you two… like a thing?”
“What? Wong? No!” The sorcerer chuckled. “That would be weird. No, I’m not seeing anyone.” He met Tony’s eyes, amused, but there was also the inevitable counter question. "What about you?"
They had arrived in front of the Sanctum and stopped. Although Wong's call had been urgent, Stephen lingered, not wanting to leave the company of the engineer yet. Standing in front of him, the difference in size between them was much more present than when sitting at the table. It was endearing to watch Tony look up to him, while he took a step closer to him.
“I’m seeing someone right now.”
“Yeah? Is he any good?” Stephen asked huskily.
“I guess there’s only one way to find out.” The air grew thick around them. They were definitely having a moment, Tony felt it – and then they were interrupted by the ringing of a bicyclist who sped past them way too close.
"Hey!" Tony jumped back, but managed to stay on his feet without stumbling. Stephen had sidestepped into the other way and looked equally surprised.
“Jeez, kids these days. You okay?” Tony asked.
“Yeah.” Stephen did a subtle gesture. The cyclist wouldn’t get far with a now flat tire. The sorcerer was not petty at all.
He looked at Stark, who shrugged his shoulders. “I guess work is waiting for you.”
“I guess.” Stephen was unwilling to have their moment ruined by a random bicyclist and he walked back up into Tony’s personal space. “I was wondering if you would like to–“
“Yes.”
“You don’t even know what I was going to say.” Stephen raised an eyebrow.
“It doesn’t matter. I’m in,” Tony replied breathlessly. His eyes darted between Stephen’s eyes and his lips. “Also, I’d really like to kiss you. Wanted for a while actually.”
The sorcerer smiled. His trembling hand came to rest on Tony’s cheek, holding him gently, before kissing him. Tony closed his eyes, leaning more into it.
Unfortunately, it had to remain a short kiss, a soft promise for the next time they would see each other. Stephen wished they had more time, but duty called. His fingers brushed over Tony’s skin when they broke away from each other.
There was just one more thing he had to do, before he left. Because Tony deserved the truth.
“I have to tell you something.”
“What is it?” Tony knitted his brows. This sentence after a first kiss usually came with nothing good. He braced himself for being told that Stephen was still in a complicated relationship, maybe even married. Or terminal ill. None of these options were appealing.
And Stephen probably could have found better words. But he was distracted by Tony, by his closeness, by the kiss, his scent, his brown doe eyes and their dark lashes. He may be the Sorcerer Supreme but he was also just a man. Which was why he blurted out, “I can do magic.”
Tony laughed, relieved, and to Stephen it was the most beautiful sound on Earth. “I’m sure you can. But wait for it for an actual date, alright, magic man?”
“I’m serious.”
“I’m looking forward to a demonstration.” Tony nipped Stephen’s lips, partly because they looked delicious and partly to shut him up.
Behind them the Sanctum’s door opened. Stephen really had to go.
“I’ll see you soon.”
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Wong was not amused that Stephen had taken his time to arrive and Stephen felt a bit guilty because it turned out to be an actual emergency.
Despite everything he was a responsible human being. And therefore he sent a text message to Tony (he had no idea how or when the engineer had managed to save his number into Stephen’s phone) before he disappeared from this dimension for some time.
S: “Hell broke loose. Won’t be in the city for a few days. Text you when I’m back.”
T: “Do your worst, magic man.”
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Stephen was gone for a week. It felt even longer in the dimension, which Mephisto had invaded and which he and Wong defended.
Time worked weird like that.
When he returned home, he fell face first on his bed and slept for 30 hours straight. Afterwards he felt recovered enough to contact Tony and invited him for a date. He was aware that he had to clear it to the engineer what his actual job was.
Tony would understand, he was sure.
Stephen needed three tries to magick a good enough outfit. The first was way too formal, the second too casual. He settled for dark pants, a grey sweater that shows off his arms in just the right way, and a red scarf that is the Cloak of Levitation in disguise. The sorcerer knew if he tried to leave the cloak at home, he would just follow him like a lost puppy anyway.
The restaurant they agreed to meet was in midtown. Tony arrived first and stood up when Stephen entered the room. The engineer rocked a classic black and white combo and looked incredibly handsome. Before today Stephen had only seen him in hoodies to blend in, but today Tony had made sure to impress his date.
They sat at a table at the window.
“Good to see that hell spat you out in one piece,” Tony joked and Stephen froze for a moment, thinking what Tony knew. But then he remembered the text message he had written to the engineer, before he left.
“You have no idea.”
They ordered and toasted when their drinks arrived.
“About what I said the other night,” Stephen started. “About magic.”
“Ah yes, I’ve never dated a magician. What party trick can you do?”
“It’s no party trick,” the sorcerer scoffed. He couldn’t blame Tony for not being serious but it bothered him anyway.
Fortunately, Tony relented. “Of course not, sorry.” He gestured for Stephen to continue.
“I think you have the wrong idea of wha-…” A big shadow approached the window they were sitting at, growing larger and larger. Stephen reacted on instinct when a car that had been flung across the road crashed into the window. Glass shattered and people screamed in shock. Green glowing lines appeared, covering the car and the shards, before someone got actually injured.
Stephen stood on his feet, the eye of Agamotto on his chest on full display and open.
Tony stared at him – as did all the other guests.
“What the fuck?!”
Stephen turned his face to him. His brows were drawn together in annoyance at the interruption and because there were clearly dark forces responsible for this, but his eyes were sorry.
"As I was saying… magic."
He moved his fingers and turned time back. The window repaired itself, the shards reassembled into a solid surface, and the car flew back. Stephen didn't return it the whole way back, but dropped it halfway in the street – like it had been picked up from midair. Until he knew who or what had thrown it, he didn't want to risk it coming hurtling right back in his direction again.
Tony, in the meantime, had also jumped to his feet. “You have a lot of explaining to do.”
“To my defense, I told you about the magic. It’s not my fault you didn’t believe me before.”
“Oh, so it’s my fault then?”
Stephen did not answer, his gaze was directed outside. Cars didn't just fly through the air. He noticed that the asphalt of the street was moving almost like something was pushing from underneath.
"I'll be back in a minute."
He took a step toward the window and the red scarf around his neck changed back into the cloak, which settled around his shoulder. At the same time his carefully put together outfit changed into his blue robes. With the second step he suddenly stood on the other side of the glass.
The cloak took him into the air so that he could get an overview of the situation. There was a crack in the asphalt that was spreading further and further, stretching along the entire road and causing chaos in the traffic.
That wasn’t good.
Tony jogged out of the restaurant, using the door, you know, like a normal human being.
“Hey! You don’t get to leave mid-argument! God, now I know how Pepper felt all those years. Are you actually wearing a cape?”
“It’s a cloak.” Stephen landed beside him. “Can this conversation wait until we figured out what’s happening here?”
“Fine,” grumbled Tony, not at all happy about giving in. “But only because this looks really bad.” He touched the house unit on his chest and the nanosuit bled over his body. He followed Stephen, who moved back into the air
“Friday says it’s all over the city, centered in Crotona Park in the north. Seems almost like something tries to break through.” Crotona Park was about eight miles away. Child’s play for his suit’s speed. “Can your magic keep up?”
Stephen smirked and opened a portal. “Can your tech?”
Oh, it was on! Tony hated the magic man. He wanted to kiss his stupid face.
He hesitated only slightly before he followed through the portal. It helped that Stephen had stepped in first and that Tony could actually see the other side. There wasn’t a black void. So he told himself it was fine. And it kinda was.
There’s even more chaos in the park. The earth was broken up, vaulted and something like lava leaked out. Some trees were on fire and there was smoke. It looked like Armageddon or the Judgment Day.
“Remember when I told you I wasn’t in town because hell broke loose?” Stephen had moved up next to him and Tony opened his face plate.
“Please don’t tell me…”
“They did the same in the twenty-third dimension. They are probably here because they are not happy I stopped them.”
Tony wondered briefly who ‘they’ were but anything related to literal hell couldn’t be nice. “Well, can you stop them again?”
“Yes, but you need to evacuate the park.”
“On it. Backup is on the way.” Friday had told him on screen that the team had already been notified, suited up and would hopefully arrive any second now.
Stephen dived right into… whatever it was he was doing. His fingers and arms moved in intricate gestures and gold glowing mandalas appeared, sealing the cracks and extinguishing the fire. The sorcerer was clearly in his element here.
Tony watched the man in awe before the readouts on his screen reminded him, he better got to work too. He set about getting the people out of the park.
Stephen did his best to prevent Mephisto from breaking into this dimension. He repaired crack after crack and fought back the attacks.
Wong appeared at his side. Alarmed by demons knocking in the city’s wards, he helped it to contain hell. He whirled around and cast his spells at every dark aura he noticed.
A smaller demon slipped out of a crater that had formed and jumped onto the armor of Tony, who had the misfortune of being closest to him. Wong created Crimson Bands of Cyttorak to catch it and hurl it back to where it had come from. Tony spun around and returned the favor by blowing away another demon that had just crawled out.
Stephen appeared from somewhere. “Tony, that’s Wong. Wong, Tony.”
Tony opened his face plate just to show his bewildered and very pretty face. "...what kind of ninja monk library do you guys operate?"
Because those robes, the acrobatic Moves of the librarian, and their glittering powers were pretty much the exact opposite of the ancient books and weird building Tony had associated with Strange. He was missing something and he didn’t like that feeling.
Any response was interrupted by the arrival of the Avengers, who were now checking in with Tony via comm. He gave them a rough summary of the situation, though he wasn't quite sure of it himself yet. But the words of the magic man had been clear and for now Tony decided to stick to them, because Strange clearly had more of an idea what was going on.
He joined the Avengers in getting the civilians off the battlefield, but let Friday keep an eye on the mages.
“How do we stop this? Nothing we do has any effects on it.” Rhodey asked his friend, as they tried to eliminate more demons with gunfire side by side. Unsuccessfully.
"They are Mephisto's creatures. Non-magical weapons are useless against them." It was Stephen who answered him and Rhodey turned to him, his brows drawn together, at this sudden and unexpected interference of this private conversation. “Excuse me, who are you?”
Tony sighed. “Rhodey bear, this is Stephen.”
“That’s Coffee Guy Stephen?” Rhodey asked skeptically. “He is the exact opposite of what you told m-…”
He was interrupted when a huge red hand erupted from the ground between them. Immediately, Stephen created a spell to hold the king of hell back. Wong rushed to his aid, but even together it was only a temporary solution.
They needed something stronger, Stephen realized.
This date was not going at all as planned. It was probably the worst date ever – without being too dramatic.
“I’m gonna end this nonsense once for all.” With these words, his cloak carried him high into the air.
Tony and Rhodey had been closest to the red hand and had been thrown back as it broke through the ground. Fortunately, their suits had caught them before they hit anything.
“What is he going to do?” Tony asked.
“Probably something extremely stupid,” Wong grunted, struggling to hold that spell on his own.
“I take it back,” Rhodey said to his best friend. “He is exactly your type.”
Stephen hovered over the battlefield. It looked bad. Not only had the ground turned into a crater field, more and more creatures from hell were slipping through the cracks.
With determined gestures he pulled powers from other dimensions, gathering them in his hands. He needed enough to shove back a force as great as Mephisto, the King of Hell, and to seal the tears between their worlds. In other words: he needed a lot.
He didn’t go for complicated spells or a finesse technique. He went for raw power and determination. His fingers drew golden light from the air that filled his body. The screams of the people decreased for him and he no longer heard the crackling of the asphalt tearing apart. His ears were filled with a white noise of static, almost like electricity.
Stephen closed his eyes and concentrated on this feeling, centering it inside him.
When he opened his eyes again, they glowed faintly, and he shot a giant beam of magic to those arms that tried to crawl onto Earth.
The red arms twitched, the clawed hands tried to grab hold, but had to retreat eventually. They moved back until they were gone.
Stephen took a breath and put his palms together. "I need your help for this, friend," he whispered to his cloak. Then he shot down to earth, gathering the last bit of energy he could muster between his hands. Only just before the center of the torn rifts did he slow down a bit, but his impact on the ground could still be heard loudly.
The sorcerer poured magic like water into it. Golden light shot along the cracks, stitching them back together until they were gone.
As the crater beneath Stephen repaired , he was thrown backward by the force of magic. His loyal cloak caught him midair, because the sorcerer had no more energy to do it himself.
He definitely overdid it. He hadn’t been to full capacity anyway after last week and now he was drained even further. But it was fine. Mephisto wouldn’t get his hands on Earth today.
The cloak descended Stephen slowly. His eyes were still faintly glowing, an after effect from summoning these immense powers. His feet touched the ground and he stumbled as his knees buckled. The cloak immediately helped him by carrying his weight.
Tony was the first to approach him, jogging up to him “Holy shit, Strange. That was… incredible. Hey? Are you alright?”
“’m sorry,” Stephen mumbles. “I should have… I didn’t mean you to find it out like this.” He wanted to reach for Tony, when he noticed the strong trembling of his hands and retreated. They were even worse than usual and wouldn’t be of any use in the next few days.
“It’s fine.” Tony hugged him anyway, his suit retreating into the house unit on his chest.
It was not the right place nor the right time for the talk they definitely had to do. The streets were back in one piece but there was still chaos:cars were turned on their roofs or even stacked in piles, people were still in panic. The sirens of various ambulances were on full blast.
The Avengers did their best to start the clean up but also glanced at the sorcerer curiously. Wong was probably on his way to capture the demons that managed to escape.
Tony’s hug was tight and Stephen inhaled the scent of shampoo, sweat and smoke. He tried to hug back, but it felt awkward with just using his arms. His hands hung useless.
“I’m fine,” he repeated. “Just need some sleep.
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They met up a few days later when Stephen was back on his feet.
The sorcerer was grateful the other man had taken care of the cleanup and the press after the fight, so he and Wong could return to the Sanctum.
That was also where they were sitting now: in one of its cozy rooms with a fireplace. Stephen had made coffee for them both and his cup hovered in the air beside him. His hands were bandaged and still hurt, though less badly than right after the fight.
“You should join the Avengers.” It was the first thing Tony said after Stephen explained his magic abilities to him.
“No.”
“No?”
“Look,” Stephen sighted, because he had dreaded this conversation. “I appreciate you asking but we – the order of the Mystic Arts – are trying to be subtle. We operate in the background.”
His hands had healed enough to use magic and with a motion of his finger he guided the cup to his mouth.
Tony raised his eyebrows. “Okay, first off: what you did there in the park was anything but subtle.”
And didn’t Stephen know that. He was glad that Wong had backed him up when the elders had voiced their dissatisfaction about the incident.
“Secondly, so you’re telling me, you’re not only secretly a wizard, but also in a cult?”
“It’s not a cult,” Stephen said automatically.
“Uh-hu. A secret society with old ass looking robes? Definitely a cult. I hope you’re at least allowed to date or I will have a word with your cult leader.”
That made Stephen perk up. After everything that had happened Tony still considered dating him? That was more than he had hoped for.
“Well, technically,” he drawled and Tony braced himself for whatever Stephen would throw next at him. He couldn’t be sure with these wizards. “… I am their leader.”
Tony cracked a smile and laughed. Because of course he was. Everything with this magic man has been fucking strange so far and Tony loved every minute of it.
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Stephen and Tony laying in bed. They have been together for 7 years now. Maybe they are having late night talks, serious, bare it all talks. And maybe on this night, they talk about "the one that got away" they are happy together, and things are great and wouldn't trade each other for the world.
But both their pasts are complicated. Most people are not still best friends with their ex's who got together. Who knew that Pepper and Christine would end up as the love story of the century.
But surprisingly, they don't say those names- the one the other was expecting.
" See... there was this intern. His name was Peter; I never clicked so well with someone. But he was young.... Pepper said it was bad PR so we kept it quite. We didn't go public... we were together about a year, but I still wasn't off the wagon.. just better at hiding it at that point... there was a party. I can't really remember the night, but the next day he was gone. ..."
" Funnily mine was named Peter too.... his aunt was a nurse at the hospital, and he volunteered there a lot for the scholarship for his college. We fit well together, I knew he had recently gotten out of a relationship, but we were moving fast. I had a long day with intense surgery... one of the few patients I lost. I was angry. I know he was trying to encourage me. But I wasn't having it. I said.... so many hurtful things... Came home a few days later to a package of my things from his place at the door."
Would they realize they were talking about the same Peter??
And just who is Peter with now....
- WinterSpiderPurrs
A year later, Stephen and Tony are at a charity event. They already made their donations, but they have to show some face as well. The couple is very much looking forward to leaving soon and going on a date, just the two of them. Tony found a new exciting looking restaurant they want to try.
Seeing familiar faces in the crowd is to be expected, but this one feels different. It stirs up something in Tony, even after just one glance. His curls are shorter, but the colour is the same.
The young man turns, and their eyes meet. Tony doesn’t make the first move, too embarrassed to do so. He knows he was in the wrong way back then. But, the man approaches. God, Peter is even more beautiful now.
“Mr Stark! It’s been a long time.”
“Yeah, it really has. Mr Parker.” Tony manages to breathe out shakily. Peter’s smile seems so genuine, but there is something in his eyes. It is hard to pinpoint with all the memories swirling in Tony’s mind.
“Hey, honey. Ready to get going?” Stephen swoops in from behind, putting a hand on the back of Tony’s neck.
“Oh, Doctor Strange, too. Wow!” Peter gasps.
Only now does Stephen notice Peter and his eyes go wide in surprise.
“Peter! I didn’t expect to see you here.” Stephen says, reaching a hand out in a greeting. Peter takes it, but lets go quickly.
“Wait, you know him?” Tony asks, making Stephen turn to him with a puzzled look.
“Yes, uhm- he volunteered at the hospital. Is- is that- intern Peter?”
The husbands start talking over each other, not really listening to one another, but neither wants to back down either. By the time they look around, Peter has disappeared.
Date night probably isn’t going to go as they hoped it would.
——
i would love love looove if you continued it a little bit if you can hehe☺️☺️ maybe stephen and tony meet peter on their way out and see him with someone?? @winterspiderpurrs 💗💗
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winterspiderpurrs · 4 months
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Okay but Doctor Stephen Strange had a secret belly button fetish.
And one day it gets revealed that Peter Parker has a belly button piercing.
Stephen was trying to be good and avoid Peter cause of Tony.
Tony, who isn't going out with Peter but shows way too much interest. And glares at him when he gives Peter attention...
But he has GOT to see this....
He is willing to share.
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darsynia · 1 year
Text
Goodnight, Farewell, and Amen | Oneshot
(Tony Stark/Stephen Strange Angst)
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TBH I'm too wrung out by this to make a graphic. Yes, the title is referencing the finale of M*A*S*H*.
Summary: In a world where your Soulmate's final words spoken to you are written on your body, Tony Stark's aren't the typical goodbye. When he finally understands what they mean, he and his soulmate are out of time.
Notes: This is for my @avengersbingo square, Soulmate AU
I first saw the concept of Soulmate words being the last words your soulmate says to you in a story by JazzJo for the West Wing fandom, all the madness in my soul, which is achingly beautiful. This story uses the trope a completely different way, but please read hers.
Warnings: Canonical character death, Angst
Length: 1,719
Tags (guessing!): @starryeyes2000 @deepbatched @cabinofcontentment @chickensarentcheap @themaradaniels @starksbf
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Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen
If I tell you what happens, it won’t happen.
Tony has read those words on his skin over and over so often that he feels like they are indeed etched on his soul, not just his upper thigh. They’re the last words his soulmate will ever speak to him, and sure, he’s grateful they’re not the typical goodbye that seventy percent of the world bears on their bodies somewhere. The problem is, he can’t tell if there’s a hint in there, some kind of prophecy he could follow.
There’s a whole branch of psychology devoted to that, the deciphering of fate, the question of whether you’ve already lost the battle to prevent your death or your soulmate’s (or perhaps equally painfully, your separation, never to talk to each other again) once the words are spoken. Tony’s been haunted since his parents’ deaths by their final words to each other, confused call-outs during a traumatic moment. They’d expected those phrases would be spoken at the end of a long life, perhaps in hospice care-- but no, it was on the side of a road in misery, with no help and no hope.
After their deaths, Tony had wasted some of his inheritance on private investigators, trying to find the person he’d met when visiting his dad at an office building he no longer remembers. That person (oddly dressed, accent unplaceable) had told an eight year old Tony Stark that he would only know his soulmate for less than twenty-four hours. He’d loved that, something unique and different-- but when he’d excitedly told his mother, she’d gotten so angry that he was never allowed to go to that building ever again.
Now decades later, he’s got the arc reactor, Pepper, a host of superheroic friends, and the knowledge of life on other planets. Tony has figured out that the place he’d been banished from was SHIELD, and he imagines his mother was angry about the idea that her son would grow up a womanizer like his father. She’d probably thought that the prophecy was a jibe towards her, rather than a real prediction, but at seventeen, nineteen, all the way up to twenty-one when he’d taken over the company, Tony had wanted to find that person and know the answer for himself.
He’d never found them, but the strangeness of his soulmate’s last words has sat with him for years. Tony had done just as his mother had feared, pretending he was searching for his soulmate by spending night-long chunks of time with countless women. Plenty of them had tried to play it up during their morning farewell, so often that he’d learned to leave them satiated and sleeping, with no chance to speak those words as some sort of lasting incantation.
Pepper’s own words are mysterious enough, in a way the two of them don’t address (‘It’s been a wonderful second life, Darling’ is… nothing he can imagine ever saying). It seems possible that they are each other’s hearts but not souls. After a life as exciting as theirs, that’s okay.
They plan their wedding as they watch friends and loved ones make choices about their future in no small part weighed down by the lettering on their bodies. Then a man walks out of a golden, sparking circle and changes Tony’s life forever.
Stephen Strange’s interruption is actually a ‘saved by the bell’ moment, as Tony had been in the middle of trying to remove his foot from halfway down his throat, regarding Pepper, his arc reactor, and pregnancy. Strange clearly takes an instant dislike to him, probably on reputation, and Tony leans in. He’s heard enough comparisons made between the two of them (intellect, snark-ability, goatee style) that he’d be offended if there wasn’t at least a slight feeling of rivalry there.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t on the same side, though, and when the chips are down and Strange is in peril, Tony follows behind to save him. It’s the right thing for that moment, even if it’s not the right thing for Pepper or Peter. After almost fifty years on this Earth, Tony’s learned that there’s almost never an action that’s unequivocally good for everyone involved.
Tony’s reminded of that as he’s forced to watch Strange bargain the Time Stone for his life-- the exact thing he’d said he wouldn’t do. The reasoning is clear, but as Tony feels the magic reversing his deathblow, it’s confusing, maddening, even heartbreaking.
Their fight is over, both the physical one and the ongoing argument that’s sparked between himself and Strange since they’d met barely hours before. Strange retreats into a mental world of his own as the rest of them stand stunned and silent-- and then… dust.
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The words that haunt the next five years of Tony’s life belong to Peter and Stephen.
I don’t want to go.
There was no other way.
One represents a failure of Tony’s past, the other a potential failure in the future-- because he knows Strange had firmly believed his promise about sacrificing their lives for the greater good. If there had been another way, he wouldn’t have given up the Time Stone. Stephen Strange had seen a need for Tony’s life to continue instead of his own, but he’d offered no blueprint, no contingency plan.
That kind of trust is staggering, and Tony’s not sure he’s worthy of it.
He builds a life. In Peter and Stephen’s honor, Tony keeps his eye on two roles in particular: father figure and friend. He’s pretty sure he’s shitty at both, but the next years give him practice at being a father and a partner, at least, and he does okay without the requisite explosions in his wake.
What’s always there is the desire to make something of Stephen Strange’s sacrifice. That’s what draws him to the Avengers compound after sending Steve, Natasha, and Scott away. It’s what throws him back in time, what forces him to think on his feet-- because he can do it. He can bring the infuriating sorcerer back, along with everyone else. That’s the reason he’s alive, and consequently the reason everyone else isn’t. Because Tony’s read up on the man. He’s gone and spoken to people. Stephen Strange had been a lot like him: an arrogant man glorying in his niche until a devastating injury forced him into a new life. He had been a doctor, and over and over again, Tony’s heard the same thing from the people who knew him:
Stephen Strange was all about preserving life. He wouldn’t let half of the universe die just to save one man. Not unless it was the path to saving everyone.
It’s maybe a lot to live up to, now that Tony’s standing next to a compound in ruins, staring down another fight with Thanos.
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Tony’s riding high, after seeing so many people brought back to life. He’s hugged Peter and fought next to Pepper, watched everyone work together to keep Thanos at bay as they work to send the Stones out of his reach. He sees Strange and lands nearby; there are years of Things To Say crowding his throat, but the most important one comes first.
“You said one out of fourteen million we win, yeah?” Strange’s expression is full of dread, and Tony almost falters, but he can’t. He can’t. “Tell me this is it.”
“If I tell you what happens, it won’t happen,” Stephen says.
Tony’s bluster drops away. There’s no mistaking those words. Strange isn’t acting like anything momentous occurred, but something deep inside Tony is screaming that there’s one more thing to say. Probably the last thing. He wishes there was time to make it mean more, maybe even make it absurd, or at least make it memorable, but there isn’t.
He’s not that much of a dick anyway, Tony decides. “You better be right,” he says-- and there it is. Stephen freezes, recognition and understanding flushing his face. 
The following moment is short, but somehow it’s still a decent percentage of the time they’ve gotten to spend together. As Tony takes off to continue fighting, seven words reverberate in his head.
One of us is going to die. One of us is going to die.
The weight of that knowledge is almost enough to negate his repulsors, and the longer Tony battles with it dragging him down, the more he understands the shape it’s going to take.
The fact is, Stephen Strange has already died for him.
He’d died without knowing what Tony has feared since he was eight, that the soothsayer was right. Tony has already spent less than a day with his soulmate. If Howard Stark hadn’t interrupted the conversation right after that revelation, would he have learned a second, more triumphant secret? Would Tony have known since he was a child that he’d bring his soulmate back to life? What that would have done to his confidence, over the years?
He’s forced to compartmentalize all of this as he keeps fighting, and whether finding his soulmate has anything to do with it or not, Tony’s on his face in the dirt when the worst happens: Thanos is wearing the gauntlet again. Morgan’s face swims in front of his eyes, and Tony looks around to see who’s left to make a last great stand with him. That’s when he catches Stephen’s eye.
There’s a whole unlived lifetime in that look, in the seconds it takes for Strange to give Tony a single, miserable, hopeful signal.
This is the one.
‘I know what to do,’ Tony can’t say. ‘I owe you one,’ goes unsaid, too. When the time comes, when he’s picking what to say before the snap that saves his wife, his daughter, his soulmate, and the rest of the universe, Tony hopes they each understand what he says in their own context.
For Pepper, it’s an apology. He never could stop.
For Morgan, it’s an attempt to be her hero, one last time.
For Stephen, it’s about inevitability. He was the guardian of the Time Stone, and that’s the one thing the two of them never had: time. Without those roles, they never would have met. Without their deaths, the world would be a different place entirely.
He hopes they’ll remember him.
“I’m sorry, Pep.”
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zerotoxicdragon · 8 months
Text
Tony: Fuck.

Stephen: We've got to work on your cursing.

Tony: Why? I'm pretty good at cursing already.
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