Chapter Text
Stephen Strange, what an interesting man.
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Of course, many people heard about Dr. Strange throughout his medical career. His papers, his miracle cases, his ego.
Tony Stark had definitely heard of the man, even if he was living in Malibu while Stephen Strange lived in NYC. He had even (in boredom-fueled-curiosity) researched the man. He was interesting, for sure.
“Tony, let’s go. The flight to New York leaves in an hour. Your suitcases are already in the car.”
Pepper called, pulling his thoughts away from their current subject matter.
“Remind me why we have to go to this?” Tony grumbled, getting up from his desk and following Pepper despite his protests.
“Because I’m the CEO and you own the company, we’re expected to show up at functions like this. Besides, the man JARVIS told me you were researching will be there. Stephen Strange, was it?”
“Wha- I was not- I don’t know what JARVIS told you but I haven’t been ‘researching’ anyone!”
“Sir, you spent three hours Googling Dr. Stephen Strange.” JARVIS, the traitor, interrupted.
“Fine, okay, I was curious! Sue me. He was in the news so much for ‘miracle cases’. I wanted to know what he was about.”
“Well good thing you’ll be able to ask him at the party,” Pepper smirked.
“No. No, no, no. That sounds like a spectacular way to embarrass me, and I’m supposed to be doing less of that.”
“Iron Man is afraid of a little social interaction?” She teased as they climbed into the car.
He didn’t respond, choosing to instead just grumble and buckle his seat belt a tad aggressively.
“I’m taking that as a victory,” Pepper informed him.
Roughly six or seven hours later, Tony and Pepper stood in the NYC apartment Tony kept for his business trips. Pepper was already dressed for the party, waiting mildly impatiently for Tony.
“Tony, we’re going to be late. Hurry up!”
“I’m almost ready, Pep. Hold on.” He gave her a playful grin as he walked out of his room. Her eye was caught by a slight glint of metal from his pocket.
“Tell me that’s not something Iron Man related in your pocket.” She sighed.
“Not in my pocket, no. This,” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin. His coin. “Is my reminder.”
Pepper had given him an ultimatum a while back. Start attending meetings for his alcohol abuse or she’d put him in a facility to help him.
He chose the meetings. And he was six months sober. It was nice, especially once the palladium poisoning had been dealt with, he felt great!
“Oh,” She smiled softly. “I’m very proud of you. Now, let’s go.”
He followed her to their car outside, placing the coin back in his pocket.
“So, I’ll introduce you to Doctor Strange once we get through all the pleasantries and greetings,” Pepper stated matter-of-factly once they were in the car.
“Wha- no! I thought we dropped this! I’m not going to talk to him!”
“You spent three hours researching the man, you’re speaking to him.”
Once at the party, Pepper was all smiles and warm greetings. She excelled in this spotlight, in a way Tony never had. Tony, on the other hand, was doing his best to dodge the unwanted attention from reporters while still staying by her side.
“Are we done yet?” He mumbled to her as they got another photo taken. “I’m kind of sick of paparazzi.”
“Yes, we can go enjoy the party now.” She chuckled, before turning to excuse them from the reporters.
The two of them headed inside, the warm lighting infinitely better than the constant bright flashes of cameras.
“Oh! There he is.” She smiled, grabbing his arm and pulling him with her towards Stephen Strange.
“Pepper- come on- no-” He tried to protest, but stopped abruptly when they were within the doctor’s earshot.
“Doctor Strange, correct?” Pepper greeted the man with one of her brilliant smiles.
“Yes, that’s me. You’re Pepper Potts, right? CEO of Stark Industries? It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” The man offered his hand for a handshake politely.
“Oh! I wasn’t aware you knew me. It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Doctor.” She shook his hand. “I’m sure you’ve heard of my friend, Tony.”
It caught him off guard, the casual way she referred to him. A nice change of pace, he supposed.
The Doctor’s - very blue - eyes flicked toward him. “Tony, yes. I believe I’ve heard of you.” His tone was playful, making Tony smile at him.
“I believe I’ve heard of you too.”
“Oh! This is Christine Palmer, my friend and fellow doctor at Metro-General.” Doctor Strange said as the woman nudged him gently.
“A pleasure to meet you as well, Ms. Palmer.” Tony gave a polite smile.
“Perfect! Someone for me to talk to while these two boys get to know each other. Walk with me, Christine?” Pepper offered her arm to the other woman.
“That sounds lovely.” Christine agreed, taking Pepper’s arm and walking away with her.
“Was that odd to you as well?” The doctor asked Tony, brows furrowed in confusion.
“Pepper is scheming against me. She caught me reading an article about you and decided I needed to get to know you.” Tony shrugged. Half truths weren’t technically lies, were they?
“Well, if our companions are scheming against us and have decided we have to get to know each other, may I buy you a drink?”
“So long as it’s non-alcoholic, I have a very strong streak going and I would hate to break it.”
“Very well, Mr. Stark.” Strange smiled, turning to the bartender. “Two non-alcoholic beverages, please. Surprise me.”
Tony kept an eye on the bartender while she made their drinks, just to be sure it was non-alcoholic, but continued to speak with Strange in the meantime.
“Fair warning, Doctor. My reputation has a bad habit of affecting those who spend too long near me. Say the word and I leave you alone.”
“I think I’ll be alright, a little paparazzi never scared me.” The man grinned and Tony knew this was bound to be an interesting evening.