Strange Connection (Stephen Strange x OC)

Chapter 23

"Hey, I left and came back twice and you two were still kissing—I gave you enough time before interrupting."

"What could possibly be so important that you'd interrupt us, Wong?"

"You asked me to let you know when the package arrived."

"Ah yes, I did." He looked down at her. "I hate to let you go, but this is a special present for you."

"From you?"

"Not...exactly."

She frowned. "What does that mean?"

"It's best you see it. Mrs. Potts told me she was sending it over a few days ago when she found it in your room at the cabin. I'm glad it arrived after we mended things so that I can be with you when you see it."

"I don't—I don't understand."

Stephen looked at her, his eyes sweet but—sad. He turned to Wong. "Do you have it?"

"Right here," Wong said, and a large silver briefcase appeared in his hands.

"Please bring it in."

**—**—**

A few minutes later they were sitting on the couch, Strange on one side of her, Wong on the other. There was a thumbprint identification module on the front of the briefcase. Ariana touched her thumb to the small square and the case unlocked. A moment later she opened the case and gasped. Sitting in perfectly molded foam was the purple crown Tony had given her years before on her birthday when he first called her "Princess Plum." Next to it were two small silver wristbands. Before she could react, a screen on the inside of the lid came on and Tony's face appeared.

Hey Princess Plum. I'm recording this message before I head out with the gang on this Time Heist thing. There's a couple things I need to say to you, Princess, and I just can't say them in person right now.

First, I know I make fun of you a lot for the whole magician thing. I guess part of me always hoped you'd take after me and get in a metal suit, not pick up the mantle of the Wizard of Bleeker Street. But, really, I should have told you this sooner. I'm so proud of you. I can't believe how hard you've trained and how strong you've become. You've always been strong, you've always been so smart...and amazing...but now, I'm pretty sure you could kick my butt. Anyway, the point is. I'm proud of you.

Second, I want to be sure you know something about why I'm doing this. I mean, on a bigger scale, it's for everyone. It's to get back what Thanos took. But on a smaller, more personal scale, I'm doing this for you Princess. Because, you need Mr. Wizard like I need Pepper. I reckon you two were meant to be together and if there's anything I can do to see that sparkle in your eye again, or at least know it's back, even if I don't make it. Then, that makes this worth it.

Third, I've left a little present for you. You may be a Master Magician now, and have all that Wakanda fighting prowess, but your big brother had to leave you a little something of his own to fight with, too. Next time you're in that mirror dimension you told me about, slip these silver bracelets on and see what kind of magic you can do with them. If you can harness your own physical strength, and the powers of all that magic, I bet a couple mini arc reactors with built in repulsors will be a piece of cake for you, princess.

Now, one last word. Mr. Wizard, I hope you're here for this. God I hope you made it out of this thing alive. No matter how strong and powerful she's gotten, I'm still holding you accountable for her safety. God so help me, if she gets hurt, I'm coming back from the dead to haunt you the rest of your days. But, in the mean time, consider that old debt you owed me to be paid.

Princess Plum, you wear this crown for at least five minutes every year on your birthday. Because if you don't, the same goes for you. I'll come back and haunt you.

On the video, Tony grew quiet a moment, staring off beyond the video, before looking back to the screen.

You know, I still remember when I first met you, Princess. There, on that pile of rubble in the middle of New York City. I wish it'd been under different circumstances, but I'm so glad I ran into you that day.

Never forget. I love you, Ariana. Now go out and do that hero thing and make your big brother proud.

The screen faded to black and Stephen pulled a now weeping Ariana into his arms. After a few moments, she pulled back.

"Did you—did you know what it was?'

"Mrs. Potts only said that it was something from Tony for you. I knew it would be emotional for you, no matter what it was."