Only a scar: Doctor Strange x Fem!reader

Chapter 6 - Power outage

Cozied up under a plush blanket, leather of the sofa you sat on warm as the light from the crackling fire. Books lined each shelf, one plucked from the mass to entertain you that cold evening; and not because the power had gone out. You really hated when that happened, not because you were scared of the dark because you just couldn't sleep during one, especially without the option of proper light. That's what you hated.

Your magic was a source but the luminescent purple wasn't always so welcoming, especially if there was a looming creature down the hall. So instead of retreating to your room, you made your way here to light up the fire place for a large scale coverage, closing the library door and distracting your tired mind.

"Couldn't sleep?"

Jumping at the sudden voice, you stare up to see Stephen still in his sorcerer robes. "Power is out, and I'm not exactly that tired... what are you doing still up?"

"Last rounds of the sanctum to make sure everything is safe," he hums, peering an eye to the book. "You know that's upside down, right?"

"Who said I was reading it?" You scoff in embarrassment.

"You looked really focused trying to decipher it," he moved around to check the library as his last stop. "Why aren't you in your room?"

"No light," you mutter, shutting the book and curling up.

"Scared of the dark?" He laughs breathlessly.

"Not fond when I don't have options for sight," you huff out as he made his way back to watch the pops of burning wood.

"Nothing to be ashamed of, every child is scared of the dark,"

"You're insufferable, and I'm 29 you know?"

"Yeah, but it's funny seeing you mad," Strange then points to the empty spot your legs didn't occupy anymore, "you don't mind, do you?"

"Only if you keep talking,"

His gloved hand ran across his lips thoughtfully making yours turn upwards. The small couch was hard to lay on without overstepping personal space, so you sat up slightly, staring down to the illuminated carpet.

"Why do you keep wearing those gloves?" You suddenly blurt out.

"Thought you didn't want me to talk," he reminds dull-like.

Looking over his features subtly, you lower your head into the dip between your knees. "Sensitive topic? Been there," you didn't know why you tried to make small talk, you hated it... But something urged the ease of building tension.

"You wouldn't understand,"

"A lot of people say that... but whatever it is, I'm sure someone can relate in one way or another," you lower your hands to hug yourself a little. "Everyone's got something that's a sensitive topic,"

Stephen felt the calming tension with made his heart slow into an even beat, instead of that racing one that kept him on his toes 24/7 around everyone. He fiddled with the fingers of his gloves, the slight shake being forced away as best as possible by the crossing of his arms.

"You seem tired, get some rest," he suggests, catching your side glance. "Want me to escort you back? Fight the monster in your closet?"

"Oh, the gay joke potential that just gave me," you yawn before waving away his offer. "I'll stay here,"

"All night?"

"It's nice," you mutter under your breath as he stood hesitantly.

"Alright... well," he walked away before turning his head. "Goodnight, L/n,"