For One Night Only | (Doctor Strange x Female!Reader)

Chapter 2 - I Know

The top floor of Avengers Tower was alive tonight; champagne flutes, wine glasses, beer bottles clinking. The satisfying hum of everyone chatting and mingling their night away, the glamorous but not over-the-top outfits shining through the crowds.

"You always know how to throw a party, Stark."

The billionaire approached the sorcerer, his eyes pleasantly glancing over Strange's well-pressed and put-together outfit: his white button-down and black slacks tied together by his black suit jacket. Noting the effort Strange obviously put into his outfit caused Tony to raise a surprised but cheeky brow.

"Why thank you, Wizard, I'm surprised you even showed up."

Tony found his place against the bar next to Stephen, both men leaning against the counter, eyes glancing over the room and the buzz that seemed to emanate from all the bodies mingling.

"Yeah, well, it's either this or I won't stop hearing you complain about my constant absence for the rest of my life."

The two men shared a light chuckle before Stark's eyes found a passing waitress, her hands carefully but confidently carrying a tray full of champagne flutes; the golden liquid sparkling away under the room's light. And just as the woman was about to walk completely past, Tony reached out and delicately plucked two off, handing one over to Strange. Their glasses shared a gentle tap before indulging in the crisp beverage.

"So," Stephen said, feeling refreshed after his sip, "how long am I obliged to be here?"

Tony lowered his flute from his lips as he felt a smirk line them, a breathy chuckle escaping, "Long enough for us to see you get drunk this time."

Stephen chanced a glance towards the host, a brow raised at his comment, seeing him take another large 'sip', his flute already almost empty.

"Yeah, no, that's not happening."

"Aw, come on!" Stark whined, "You're never here, let's have some fun!"

"And embarrass me in front of the entire room? Gee, sure know how to entice your guests into coming back next time around, Stark."

"You don't strike me as the kind of guy to get embarrassed easily."

"Need I remind you of my position-"

"Yeah, yeah," Tony waved off, "Sorcerer Supreme, Master of the Mystic Arts, yada yada." His eyes roamed the room with blank thought, before a little annoying itch got the better of him, "All alone tonight, Strange?"

"Is that a problem?"

"No- no. Not at all." Stark defended, his gaze now registering the guests and their plus ones, "Just tryna figure out why you'd not want to get wasted tonight."

"I already told you-"

"Got a certain someone you're trying to impress?"

But Stark's attention quickly snapped back to Strange hearing him choke on his drink. And before he knew it, he was smirking at the sorcerer's unamused expression.

"Did I say something... wrong? I mean... I'm just tryna understand what would be holding you back from letting loose for once in a while."

But Stephen simply rolled his eyes, his dismissive reaction unknowingly prompting Stark to question his reaction, wondering if there was something a little more to it. But as his mind started to wonder about the possibilities of Strange's insecurities, his eyes roamed, a satisfying grin appearing upon his face once he registered everyone's attire.

"Everyone's dressed to the 10s tonight." He brought his hand up to his chest, heartfelt, "I feel like a proud parent."

Stephen followed Stark's gaze, slowly beginning to nod in agreement.