These Little Moments / Ironstrange

2~ Books

"Strange? That weird guy's at the door again!" I heard Wong call out from across the sanctum. I put down my plate, the soft slice of cake bouncing as it made contact with the table. It had only been a day since Stark's last visit and, honestly, I'm happy to see him again. I spent all of last night in my astral form, researching the man. If I'm being honest with my myself, his story almost rivals my own. Being kidnapped, building a suit from scratch, and fighting interdemensional evil is pretty impressive to say the least.

And he's not a bad baker.

I stood at the top of the main staircase, a certain billionaire waiting for me at the bottom. He noticed me immediately, his eyes lighting up as he smiled in greeting. I descended the stairs with the Cloak of Levitation flowing behind me. What?; I know how to make an entrance.

"Stark," I nodded at him. "Back so soon? How can I help you today?"

"This is gonna sound like a weird question, but do you happen to have any books on the Chitauri here?" He asked nervously. "I figured you might have some seeing as your whole schtick is saving the world from universal threats."

"I'm sure we do. Here, come with me. You can settle into the sitting room while I get you those books."

~*~*~

I walked back into the sitting room, about 20 books loaded up in my arms. I actually had to summon a few extra hands to help me out, which seemed to freak Tony out as he caught sight of them.

"What are those?" He asked, standing up and backing away from me.

"Books."

"No I mean," he paused and motioned in wide circles with his own hands. "I mean those."

"What? Never seen the haath incantation in person before?" I teased, placing the books down on the coffee table.

"Can't say I have, Gandalf."

"Strange," I corrected.

"What is?"

"My name."

"Well I think it's a lovely name, wizard. Don't be so hard on yourself," he smirked knowingly.

I groaned, "Just start reading, Tiny."

He sat back down but paused mid-reach for a book, "Tiny?"

"Yeah Tiny. Two can play at your little game."

"Well I find your nickname a bit offensive," Tony complained, taking the top book from the stack.

"Not my fault you're so short," I smirked, taking a sip from my freshly summoned tea to hide it.

"Watch it, Strange."

~*~*~

A few hours had passed, the sun beginning to set in the sky. A warm glow was cast through the windows, highlighting Tony's nose and cheekbones. I had grabbed my own book, but Tony's face was a bit more interesting at the moment. His face was stone as he focused, deeply set in his research. He brought a finger gracefully to his lips and licked it before gently turning to the next page in his book. Focus certainly looked good on him, that was for sure. His chocolatey eyes scanned the words, long lashes covering them. They glanced from side to side before looking up. Directly at me. I turned away quickly, but it was too late.

"Need something, Strange?" he teased, those soft lips turning up at the corners in a sweet smile.

You.

No. Stop Stephen, you know you can't do this again. He's Tony Stark, a Playboy. Falling for him will only break your heart.

I sighed. "I was wondering..." I began, the man across from me setting down his book to listen. "Why did you just now want to research the Chitauri? It's been, like, 3 years since the attack on New York, so why now?"

His normally cheerful face fell and immediately I felt horrible for asking. However, he took a breath and spoke.

"Every night, I wake up in a cold sweat from this one nightmare. And every night it's the same," he folded his hands in his lap, fiddling with the tips of his fingers. "I see the Chitauri breaking through the sky through their great big portal of death. They destroy the city and all of the Avengers, but I can't do anything to stop it." I saw tears form in his eyes and rushed to his side. His bleary eyes made contact with mine and something broke inside of me. Shuddering sobs filled the room as I took his fidgeting hands in my own shaky ones. His skin was rough and calloused, but he grasped mine tighter as if they were his anchor to reality. "Nothing I did would stop it. I tried sacrificing myself, destroying the scepter, killing as many of those Chitauri assholes as I could..." He went silent. The only noises in the room were his choked breaths. I ran my fingers over his knuckles, desperately trying to bring him out of this, but he shook his head and smiled ruefully.

"I'm so helpless, Stephen."

~*~*~

A/N: Okay I know I said this would be a slow burn, and it will, but I can't help myself from throwing in a l i t t l e bit of premature fluff and angst. I hope y'all stick around though cause the fun is just beginning.