ON HIATUS - Doctor Strange x Reader

Formalities

Sorry this is short...I've got something in my eye and I  can't focus on shtuff right now. I promise the next chapter will be longer. BTW...HAPPY NEW YEAR! We're officially in 2018!

After a hearty breakfast, I followed Stephen Strange through the maze of a mansion he called the Sanctum Sanctorum. Supposedly it was one of the barriers that protected the world from evil outside forces. "We have heroes such as the Avengers who take care of the more physical threats while sorcerers, such as myself, protect the Earth from more mystical forces."

"I guess I came across the right person then." I commented.

"More like I came across you." His smile was warm but his eyes held a message – one I couldn't decipher. "A true damsel in distress."

I gasped. "I am not a damsel in distress. I wouldn't have made it this far in life if I were."

"Touché,"

During our squabble, I noticed we had stopped and that the distance between us had shortened. Stephen's brilliant blue eyes were filled with some unspoken emotion that I was too scared to acknowledge. The light from the window cast half of his face in warmth while shadowing the other half, making his cheekbones more prominent. His dark hair and beard adding to the alluring effect that had come over me.

I tore my gaze from his and cleared my throat a bit, breaking whatever spell came over me. "Ah, anyway. What's your story, Strange?"

"I told you. I was a renowned surgeon before the car accident-"

"-and you learning magic in Kamar-Taj." I finished for him. "Yes, I know that but there seems to be more to the story. If you learned the magic that could cure your shaking hands, why not go back to the life you had? Why choose...this?" I gestured around us while shaking the book in my hand for emphasis.

Strange let out a sigh before turning to face the window directly. He observed the city below where people were walking about and cars traversed the streets. "Why did I choose this?" He repeated before turning to me once again. "I chose this because I realized that the world is much bigger than I am. I let my ego, my career, and my money rule my life. Once I got pulled into this...mystic war I realized there's more to life than fancy cars and money."

My brows knit together and my lips tugged downwards as I nodded. "That's fair. I can see that."

"Although, that's not to say that I'm not the best sorcerer around."

"Way to ruin the moment, Strange. You almost made me believe that you changed but I see your ego is still intact." I said jokingly.

"I wouldn't be Sorcerer Supreme for nothing, now would I?"

My expression turned serious. "Sorcerer Supreme?"

Puzzled, Strange tilted his head slightly as his dark eyebrows came together. "Yeah, is that a problem?"

My voice stammered as I quickly bowed to him and formulated an answer. "U-uh, n-no. N-not at all."

Strange didn't buy what I was selling and he cocked an eyebrow at me. "What is wrong?"

I didn't look him in the eye as I explained. "I apologize, Sorcerer Supreme. I didn't realize who you were and I have not addressed you properly since my arrival."

"Oh, come on now. You can drop the formalities. Just because I'm Sorcerer Supreme doesn't mean I expect special treatment." Strange's voice was casual and I glanced up at him as I straightened myself. He appeared to be amused at me being flustered and I wasn't sure how I felt about that. I felt myself inexplicably drawn to him and I had a strange feeling he knew it, as well. "Although appreciation and occasional praise is certainly welcome." He said jokingly.

I was still slightly stunned about being in the presence of the Sorcerer Supreme that I hadn't realized when I stood up Stephen Strange had taken a few steps forward. I could now smell his aftershave which lingered in the air around me like a thick cloud that fogged my head. I gasped when he brought a hand up to gently push a strand of loose hair from my face, his hand slightly trembling. I still could not meet his eyes but I could feel his intense gaze on me, observing my face.

"Why help me?" The question left my lips before I could process them. Strange exhaled a nasally laugh before responding. "Us sorcerers take care of the mythical and magical threats. If there are monsters after your tome then I deem your quest worthy of importance."

Strange had not moved away from me. If anything, it felt as if he grew closer to my person. Gently, he tipped my chin up with the tip of his index finger which forced me to look him in the eyes. Without a word, his lips pressed against mine and my initial reaction was shock before I felt myself reciprocating the kiss. It was short but sweet, as he pulled away from me and pulled me to his chest.

"I would apologize but you returned the kiss soo..." Strange trailed off and I snickered. "Your ego is so big and monstrous that it deserves its own section in my book."

"Hey!" He pulled away and gave me an offended look. "I even offered my help and I get thanked with this?" He asked jokingly. Again, I snickered before leaving his embrace. "I don't mean to pull rank but I am Sorcerer Supreme you know..." He said with a sneer and raised eyebrow. At the near mention of his title I quickly straightened up.

"Uh...I'm very sorry-"

Strange let out a laugh at my sudden change in demeanor. "Might I ask why you take my title so seriously?" He questioned.

One of my feet nudged the other while I fidgeted with my hands. "Well, I had heard stories of the Sorcerer Supreme. Impressive stories and that there's a long line of people who are granted the privilege of the title. The Sorcerer Supreme is the most powerful person in the mystic arts and had helped out numerous times with what could have been mythological catastrophes." I explained.

"Ah. Well, I've only just recently come upon the title due to an...unfortunate event." Strange didn't explain any further but the implication didn't fly past me. "I'm sorry for your loss." I stated. Clearly whatever happened caused him distress because his facial features changed to a more sorrowful one and I could tell by his eyes that he was reliving a memory.

"It's okay. Life and time goes on." He stated before silence fell upon us again. After a few moments, he spoke up. "What do you think about learning sorcery? You've already taught me about various mythological beasts the least I can do is help you with your magic."

I contemplated this for a few minutes, unsure of the success since my previous attempts failed.

"What the heck? I've got nothing to lose. Let's give it a shot!"