A Strange Turn of Events

Our Gimmick

"Strange!"

He feels his body being shaken.

"Stefen come on!"

I tremble a bit, seeing him like this is chilling, and while normally that would be a pun, it isn't this time. His face is pale, his breathing dangerously shallow.

"Stephen!"

I, for once, pronounce his name correctly.

"Come on, I brought your ass over here, what am I supposed to do if you die?!"

He remains still and I start to panic until, is that his lip curling? Son of a-

"REALLY?!"

"You said my name."

"Ponce!"

I shout, slapping his chest lightly as to not spur a coughing fit. His body rumbles in a chuckle as I can't stay too mad at him. I suppose never hearing your name said properly could get annoying, but that's our gimmick , something we just do. No extensive backstory, but it has a tone to it that symbolizes our whacky, or should I say, Strange , friendship rather nicely.

"Come on... I was really worried. That was just cruel~"

"Oh no worries, I am in very bad shape."

"And yet he still talks."

The third voice spooks me a little but I merely turn to discreetly shuffle my knees out from under Strange before either male notices.

"Hey Mordor- whoops"

That seems to distract him. Good. Mordo shakes his head with a smile.

"How is he?"

"He's a jerk"

I reply, hearing an impish snicker from the man in question. Strange moving to get to his feet.

"I'm doing much better. Thank you Mordo."

Seemingly satisfied with the response, Mordo informs us that training will resume tomorrow before leaving the room. I break the quiet.

"You learned to channel hmm?"

"Yeah, wasn't too hard when I stop worrying about.. about."

"Can you teach me?"

"I thought you-?"

"I force it. It works for me but it's tiring..."

"Of course you do.."

"Strange."

"Alright I'll teach you. I need the practice anyway."

We sit on the mats across from one another and he instructs how to direct the energy without pounding it into submission. After redirecting my ego, it's fairly simple. Making portal after portal without issue.

"That is much easier!"

"You're a natural."

He snickers. My shoulders slump, even without magic drain, I'm exhausted. I was stressed for the past few hours, fatigue weighing my eyes closed before I force them back open.

"Tired?"

"Yeah Steph, I was up taking care of you for 3 hours."

The doctor glances behind himself to the floor,

"Sorry"

"Not your fault... you can make it up to me though."

Strange quirks a brow.

"Oh? I did just instruct you... though if you insist.."

I nod, getting up close as I shuffle towards him.

"Your hair has been quite unruly as of late."

"Yeah so?"

I swear I hear him mumble 'not as much as yours' but I leave it be for now.

"Fix it."

I order.

Strange's head tilts, looking at me as though I have 3 eyes.

"Did I stutter Strange?"

"No, just- I don't see how that would make up for-"

"You look like a caveman Strange! In this state, next time you get sent to Everest the yetis might adopt you."

"Ouch~"

"TRIM YOUR HAIR OR SO HELP ME!"

"Okay okay"

He puts up his hands in mock surrender, feet already shuffling towards the bathroom as he gets up.

"I'll fix it. Just calm down."

Strange can't help a small chuckle even as I cross my arms, brows set in a pout. The door closing behind him as I watch the light shift under it, eventually spacing out and letting my gaze go out of focus. I don't know how long he stays there, only that the click of the door opening jolts me back to Earth with all haste. Out steps Stephen and I have to take a second to recognize him before I crack a smile and applaud.

"Very nice"

He bows with dramatic flair.

"Why thank you."

"Much better, you look like you again."

He chuckles at that, but something about it felt... dry.

"Hey..."

I start but he raises a hand.

"I'm fine."

"If you say so. Hey, think of how surprised Mordo will be. And Tao, she'll be impressed."

"I still cannot believe she lets you call her that."

"Eh... she likes me I guess."

My arms stretch upwards and I let out a yawn.

"Oh yeah... Strange. I'm glad my trick worked."

The doctor flushes and stammers.

"I- wha- but..- How did you know?"

"I didn't.. but I do now"

"H-hey!"

"Who's the jerk now?"

"You!"

"A-... shut up Strange."