IronStrange Oneshots

Engraved (1/?)

      Stephen awoke to the sun rising, his hands searing in pain once again.  He stretched and glanced into the mirror.  The ghost of a once present smile on his face.  He stared at his wrist, where small symbols were engraved in his skin.  They looked like some sort of technology.  Stephen had no idea what they meant, but he knew they had something to do with his soulmate.  He got in the shower, trying to wake himself up.  As soon as he stepped out of the shower and got some clothes on, the Cloak attached itself to him.  He headed to the library of the Sanctum, cautious not to wake Wong.  He flipped open a book and started reading.  "Good morning, Wong."  He greeted without looking up from his book. 

      "Morning.  You really need to get out of the Sanctum once in a while.  You practically never leave."  Wong complains.  

      "That's because I don't have a life, much like most sorcerers."  Stephen informs, still not looking up from his book.  

      "You need friends.  You can't just rot here with the books."  

      "Trust me, I would love to have friends.  The thing is, I'm a bit of an asshole."  Stephen deadpanned.  

      "I'm going to find you some friends.  Maybe even get you invited to a party."  Wong exited, leaving Stephen alone again.  Rain began to patter on the window, disturbing Stephen's peace.  He sighed, getting out of his chair.  He walked down the stairs, bumping into Wong.

      "Ah, Stephen.  Just in time.  I believe I've found you a group of friends."  

      "Really?  Who?"  Stephen asked, curious.  

       "The Avengers.  They seem to have no life, just like you.  They're having a little get together tonight and I thought you'd like to join."  Wong notifies.  

      "How?  They have no idea who I am."  

      "They researched you and Stark found security footage of you battling a threat.  They're interested in meeting you."  Wong explained, a bored look on his face.  "The party will be at eight o'clock.  I suggest you look at least a tiny bit presentable.

      Stephen rolled his eyes, making himself some tea.  "They won't like me, you know."  

      "There's so many Avengers nowadays.  One of them is bound to like you.  At least tolerate you."  Stephen heads back to the library, thinking about the party and the heroes attending.  It doesn't take long for him to become lost in his book again.

      A few hours pass and Stephen finally leaves the library.  He checks the time.  Seven thirty-four.  He needed to get ready.  He decides on something causal that went well with Cloak.  At around seven-fifty he had Wong show him a picture of the Avengers Compound in order for him to make a gateway.  When he arrived, quiet music played in the background.  Almost everyone was there, with the exception of a few.  He caught the eye of a certain God of Thunder.  "Ah, yes!  The Doctor of Strange!"  Everyone turned his direction.  Stephen, who always had something to say, was silent.  

       "Hey, Strange.  Welcome to the party.  It's not much, but we enjoy a party once in a while."  Tony Stark spoke up, walking towards him.  "Say hi guys."  Everyone murmurs a greeting.  The party resumes.  Stephen was amazed by the man's ability to be so comfortable with people he just met.  Stephen, intrigued by the hero, went in his direction.  He stood with someone he recognized as Steve Rogers.

      "It's a pleasure to meet you, Doctor."  Steve greets.  He holds out his hand.  Stephen takes it.  "The pleaure's all mine."  Tony smiles and shakes Stephen's hand.  He glances at his wrist.  The Eye of Agamotto and other ancient magical ruins were engraved there.

      "Make yourself at home.  Don't be afraid to mingle."  Tony assures.  Stephen mingles with the other Avengers for awhile, Tony's wrist engravings on his mind.  Could he really be his soulmate?

      "Tony, I know it's none of my business, but....."  Steve trials off.  "Strange had your arc reactor and some of your other technology on his wrist.  Which means he's your s-"

      Tony cuts him off.  "That doesn't mean anything, Steve."  

      "It means everything, Tony.  Don't try to ignore it.  He seems like a good guy, maybe you should try to-"  

      "I'm not ready for something like that again.  It'd be nice.  No, it'd be absolutely wonderful to find my soulmate.  But, what if it's not me?  I'd be heartbroken again."  

      "Tony, he has your arc reactor on his wrist.  How could that not be you?"

      "You know what?  I'm going to talk to Rhodey."  Tony walks away, leaving a laughing Steve behind.  As Tony is walking towards Rhodey, he catches Stephen's eye.  He excuses himself from his conversation with Bruce and Sam.  

      "Hey, Stark.  I was wondering if you would want to get a coffee with me sometime?"  Stephen braced himself for rejection.  

      Tony hesitates.  "Um....sure.  Just Tony would be fine.  Just a coffee?"

      "Just a coffee.  Sunday good for you?"  

     "It'd have to be sometime around seven.  I'm busy all day until later."  

      "Seven is great.  I'll see you at the cafe on Bleeker street."  Stephen half smiles.  "See you around, Tony."  

      "See you around, Strange."  

      "Call me Stephen."  He leaves with a smile plastered on his face.  

A/n:  According to Kevin Feige, after the credits of Endgame they added a small tribute, a deleted scene, and a few surprises.  Welp, looks like I'm gonna go watch that heart shattering movie again.  Oh, btw, thank you all sm for reading this oneshot book!  It's gotten so many views now!