- (Y/n)'s POV -
The next morning, you awoke at the crack of dawn. Or maybe just after. Your desk was filled with clutter from books you were reading and studying. You may have been experienced, but that never stopped you from furthering your studies. And after getting ready, you made your way to The Ancient One, as you did every morning to run down your duties for the day.
"I would like to see him this morning, I feel he may be a lot of work." She says, causing you both to smirk.
"I wish you luck" You hum in response, happy she was going to be taking him under her wing instead of leaving him to Mordo or yourself.
She, however, could sense this. As always.
"I would like for you to train him."
"Wha-"
"Master Mordo as well. He may be better to spar with. You, however, may be a better mental teacher to someone like him." She added, holding up a finger to stop you from interrupting.
You slumped into the chair opposite her and sipped your tea. This was the only breakfast you ever ate so you savoured it as best you could. But this news was not helping you enjoy your morning. You gave her a questioning look. Though training new students was never too terrible, you always preferred the physical training, especially when it came to someone like Strange - you didn't want to endure his stubbornness.
"What's the worst that could come of it? I thought you said we could use a man like Strange?" She questioned, smirking behind her steaming cup of tea.
"It wasn't me that said that." You groaned, but you knew there was no arguing with her.
She had been nice enough to give you the afternoon lessons to teach, which you preferred. And you had time before you were bound to Strange.
"Could be a new friend?" She said getting up, causing you to choke on your tea.
You despised this protective side of her, always seeing you as the 8-year-old you were when you first arrived at Kamar-Taj.
She laughed, seeing your face.
"I'm joking."
But you knew she wasn't.
She saw how you were emotionally distant to everyone in the temple. Only herself, Mordo, Wong, and up until recently, Kaecilius, ever got through to you. Although it was usually nothing very much, she saw how you felt more relaxed around them, as opposed to your high walls always being up; that alert state you were constantly in.
"Well if he calls Dormammu, I'll be the first to let you know." You stated as you got up to leave, making your way to Strange's room.
---
Stephen awoke once the sun had worked its way through his blinds. He was surprised at how comfortable the bed was, considering how uncomfortable it looked. After you had left yesterday, he took a long overdue shower and, with tiredness overtaking him, he instantly fell asleep. All with just one thought.
You.
He had his now broken watch on his desk, with an engraving on the back from Christine, his ex-girlfriend, colleague, and now friend.
Time will tell how much I love you.
And even though he read it knowing who it was from, he couldn't help but think about you. He was intrigued. After all, you had potentially saved his life yesterday, and you didn't even know him. Now all he could think about were the small details.
Your smile.
The way your hair was braided and how it fell over one shoulder.
Your (y/e/c) eyes.
Your name.
Or at least, your last name, since you never really introduced yourself yesterday.
He got out of bed and expected the worst for the day, but he was grateful he at least had a bed, warmth, and food.
Opening the dresser, he found a set of grey robes awaiting him; a symbol of his rank as a new student - a novice. He slipped on his new attire, which was again, surprisingly comfortable, before hearing a knock at his door.
---
"Come in" You heard the voice say.
As you opened the door, you noticed his hair wasn't as messy as it was upon his arrival, a sign of a shower having been taken. And his new clothes. You remembered when you dressed in your grey robes for the very first time, and how you had to ask The Ancient One to help you. A small smile crept upon your lips at this thought, not realising you were staring at Strange.
"Good Morning" He smiled, having noticed the stare. His voice snaped you out of your thoughts.
"Oh.. yes. Good Morning." You replied, with an awkward smile. "The Ancient One has requested for you, Mr. Strange." You informed, holding the door open and gesturing for him to follow.
"Please, call me Stephen." He corrected as he followed you out of his room.
Stephen, Stephen Strange.
Though it was still early, the temple was alive. Classes were starting and students and teachers were already rushing around. Realising you had walked ahead, he quickened his pace and caught up to you.
"I... um... never got your name yesterday..." He asked awkwardly, walking up and taking his place next to you.
"(Y/l/n)." You replied, still looking straight ahead.
"No, I got that." He let out a small chuckle, "I meant your first name." He asked again.
"I don't know if we're ready for that just yet." You replied casually, smirking as you looked over at him.
"So risking your life for someone doesn't put you on a first-name basis?" He asks with a cocky smile. You narrowed your eyes at him. There was a certain charm to him as he spoke, lacing his words with more confidence now that he had rested well for the first time in however many days.
He knew what he was doing.
"Alright then."
You stopped in your tracks.
"(Y/n)."
You held out your hand to him, expecting him to shake it and get this formal introduction over with. He smiled at your gesture, but then after some hesitation, decided not to shake it, having forgotten about the scars that now lined his hands and uncontrollable shakes. You had also forgotten about it, recalling the unsteady movements his hand made in the sanctuary the previous day.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"It's ok"
He cut you off, returning the gesture with a warm smile and nod. And with that awkward interaction, you both walked to The Ancient One who was once again sitting in her sanctuary.
Once there, you gestured for Strange to take a seat opposite her. Reluctantly, he sat down as you kindly flashed him a smile, and mouthed 'good luck', making him scrunch his face into an awkward smile as you turned to leave.
"Master (Y/l/n), care to join us?" The Ancient One spoke, making you jump suddenly and turn back around.
Strange looked at you with a pleading expression while The Ancient One looked ammused.
"Sorry, I have a few things to do this morning."
Liar.
"I shall see you at training later this afternoon Mr. Stra- Uh... Stephen." You corrected. And with that, you turned and hastily walked out of the sanctuary.
As you made your way to the library, you didn't know why you declined so awkwardly. Maybe it was the look The Ancient One gave you; like she was toying with your thoughts. Or maybe it was the way Stephen looked at you, and you just didn't want to give him the satisfaction of convincing you that easily.
Yes. You knew you were stubborn.
Whatever it was, you had to do something with your free time now so it didn't seem like you were avoiding them.
"So..." you said to yourself, now standing at the entrance of the library, "which ones of you haven't I read yet."
Ta daaa.
I hope you're all enjoying this so far. I means the world to me that people are actually reading this so THANK YOU. Again huge shout out to for the inspiration. I realised the necklace in the backstory is very similar but I've changed it's abilities to what they were originally in their story.
Until next time <3