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

Chapter 3 - I Need To Ask You a Favour

Stephen stood there, practically frozen by the sight of Christine. They hadn't really seen each other since his days in the hospital. And as much as he thought he was over her, he couldn't deny to himself that she looked good.

'Well no duh, that's why she's so clearly taken.'

He mentally slapped himself, pulling his gaze away from her, realising he had been staring awkwardly. But something about seeing her here, with someone, made him feel a little self-conscious.

Not because he was jealous or still particularly in love with her.

But because he was now hyper-sensitive to the fact that he was here, alone. Of course, the one night he decides to show up to one of these things he's tested against his ex and her new partner. Just his luck.

There she was, glowing with someone by her side. Someone to laugh with and love. And while their romantic relationship had ended years ago, he didn't want to look hung up on her. Not when he so clearly wasn't. Or... was he?

As he looked around the busy room with that thought still lingering away in his mind, he started to become more aware of just how many couples were surrounding him. Even most of the team had brought a plus one; either a guest from outside the team or another member of the Avengers themselves.

Well... everyone except for one...

So, Stephen pushed himself off the counter and walked over to a certain Avenger standing by herself, a drink in hand and enjoying her own company.

"(Y/l/n)." He greeted, approaching with a friendly nod, and placing himself beside her along the edge of the crowd.

"Strange." She replied, surprised to see him here and attempting to mingle. "Don't usually see you at these things."

He smiled, shrugging casually as he met her curious gaze. And after a comfortable moment of silence, Stephen spoke, his tone a little more serious, trying to hide his bubbling nerves.

"I need to ask you a favour."

(Y/n) turned to him, her head tilted slightly, an odd smirk lining her lips.

"Oh, straight to the point. Alright."

"Look, I wouldn't be asking you this if it wasn't... important. And I trust you a little more than I do some of the other team members." He said, not a stutter fumbling over his words.

"Ooo, ok, now you've piqued my interest." She smirked, seeing a passing waitress and gently taking a new drink off, passing it over to him, "What can I do for you?"

Stephen smiled gratefully at her actions, accepting the drink and taking a refreshing sip before starting, "You see that woman, over there. Near Stark, reddish hair?"

(Y/n) followed his gaze through the crowd, seeing the new guests starting to mingle nicely among the others.

"Light blue dress?"

"Mhm."

(Y/n) watched for a beat longer, studying the way she moved, the way she talked, and smiled. And noting the man she kept her arm glued to.

"That's my ex."

Stephen's words snapped her thoughts away, her jaw-dropping at the information.

"Her? Y- you used to date... her?!"

"Shhh- calm down." He attempted, causing her to giggle bashfully at her own reaction.

"I'm sorry- I just. Wow, you must have really messed something up, big time-"