Narrator's POV

"How're things going at the Hong Kong Sanctum?" Stephen asked as he floated around the library upstairs with a book in his hands.

Wong's astral projection sat in a chair near him.

"Everything's been fine." Wong said. "We haven't had any trouble here. The Zealots are all gone, and we haven't sensed dark magic since you sent Dormammu away."

"That's a relief." Stephen said as he closed the book and looked for another.

"And how's business booming in New York?" Wong asked.

"It's been, great. Yeah." Stephen said.

"And how's Stark?" Wong asked.

"How would I know?" Stephen asked.

"I thought you only took the New York Sanctum to see him."

"To see him?" Stephen scoffed. "This is my responsibility. I didn't come here just to visit an old friend of mine."

"Sure. It's not like you rushed off to see him the day after you were assigned the New York Sanctum."

"I just went to say hi. He's a busy man and all, being part of the Avengers." Stephen said, looking into a book.

"Avengers?" Wong asked.

"Yes, earth's mightiest heroes." Stephen sighed, opening another book.

"Heroes?" Wong asked. "The only thing I've seen them do is destroy half the city while they have their fights."

"They're sort of like us, but messier. They can't fix everything with a spell and or open the mirror dimension to contain the threats." Stephen said. "They do a lot for this world and give us quite a hand."

"But we don't leave messes lying around." Wong said.

"Well, they've got their own fixer upper." Stephen said, scouting for another book.

"Who might that be?"

"Anthony." Stephen said.

"There you go again, talking about him." Wong asked.

"Oh, shut up." Stephen said.

"Admit it Strange. You just came to New York to see him." Wong said.

"You're just saying that because that's what you want to hear." Stephen said with his back to Wong, blushing secretly.

"He's being a distraction, Strange." Wong asked.

"No. I've-"

>knock< >knock<

Wong and Stephen suddenly looked up.

No one ever came to the Sanctums. It was very unusual for someone to come knocking at the door, unless their presence was requested or they were part of the Mystic Arts Commission.

"I wonder who that could be." Stephen said.

"You're not inviting people to the Sanctum, are you?" Wong asked. "You know these places are sacred."

"Relax, I wouldn't let a fly in this building." Stephen said.

"You better not." Wong said. "I must be on my way. I have my own Sanctum to take care of." He said.

"Goodbye Wong." Stephen said.

Wong didn't say anything before disappearing.

>knock< >knock<

Stephen looked down at the red collar that rested on his shoulders. "You didn't guide anyone here, did you?" He asked.

The cloak shook itself.

Stephen put the book away and made his way down to the first floor. He approached the door, peeking through the glass at the door's sides.

"Ah!" He gasped once he saw who it was. "What is he doing here?" He asked himself, hiding behind his door with his back against it. A hand rested against his forehead. "Did you invite him?" He asked the cloak.

The cloak once again shook.

"Then how did he-"

>knock< >knock<

"Is anyone home?" Came a voice from the other side of the door.

Stephen took in a deep breath and let it out. "Alright, be calm Strange." He whispered to himself before turning to the door. He opened it it. "Tony."

"Stephen." Tony smiled. "I was beginning to think that no one was home." He said.

"Uh, yes." Stephen said, looking around. "Mind telling me how you found this place?"

"It's the ugliest building in New York." Tony said. "Plus, it looks ancient."

"Alright, alright." Stephen said.

"It's got you written all over it." Tony said.

"Hm?" Stephen asked, stepping outside and inspecting the building. "I don't see..." He stopped when he heard Tony chuckle.

"You're still the same ole Stephen." Tony said.

"Haha..." Stephen chuckled nervously. He didn't get it. "Yeah." He said.

"Mind if I come in?" Tony asked.

"Not at all." Stephen said, stepping aside to allow Tony inside.

Tony came into the building, looking around at the structure and set up of the building. "Wow, it's even more you on the inside." He said.

"Thanks, I guess?" Stephen said, closing the door behind him. "What is your reason upon this visit?"

Tony turned to him. "Are you seriously talking like that?"

"That's how I always talk." Stephen said. "Is there something wrong with it?"

"Uh, yeah. We're not in the Middle Ages anymore." Tony said.

"Well, I was taught to be mannered in-"

"Wow, you've grown quite a lot." Tony interrupted looking at Stephen, now really getting a good look at Stephen.

"Yes." Stephen laughed, giving Tony a soft smile. "It seems I have outgrown you Tony."

"Seems that way, huh?." Tony said.

"Oh, yes." Stephen said.

"I came here to see how you've been."

Stephen tilted his head in confusion. "I just saw you yesterday."

"Did you? Maybe that was a different Anthony." Tony said, looking around with his hands behind his back, inspecting the place.

"No. I'm sure that was you." Stephen said.

"Hm. Dusty." Tony said, wiping his fingers across a wooden surface covered in dust.

"No, wait." Stephen rushes over to him.

"It's just dust." Tony said.

"Yes, but is the only thing you can't put back." Stephen said. "It makes it easier to see who's been here and what's been moved." Stephen explained.

"Ah." Tony nodded and kept looking around.

"You know, it kind of seems like you just came to see me." Stephen said.

"No, I'm just strolling around. You know, getting a look at New York." Tony said, walking around with his hands in his pockets.

"No you aren't." Stephen said.

"Okay, I'm not." Tony admitted. "I just wanted to see you." Tony said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Any particular reason why?" Stephen asked.

Tony thought for a minute.

Think of an excuse you idiot.

"I've been having some trouble sleeping." He said. "I just thought maybe you could use some of your magic voodoo to help me out, you know, like past times."

"There's people who can do that too now, you know that right?" Stephen asked. "There's sound healing therapy clinics."

"Yeah, been there. Doesn't work." Tony said, picking up a small copper cup and looking at it. "It just doesn't feel the same like when you used to do it."

Stephen, blushed.

The way he did it.

"So you want me to help you sleep better?" Stephen asked.

"If it's not too much to ask." Tony said.

"I don't know if I have time for that. My schedule's really full and constantly changing." Stephen said.

"Just whenever." Tony said. "Maybe twice, thrice a week."

"I'll see what I can do." Stephen said, smiling at Tony.

"Great." Tony smiled at him. "Making tofu or planning on trying it any time soon?"

"I haven't really looked into that. I was hoping you'd be able to help me out a bit." Stephen said.

"Of course." Tony said.

"Later though. You caught me at a busy moment." Stephen said.

"Oh, I'll let you be then." He said, going closer to the door. "I'll text you? Call you?"

"I do have a cellphone." Stephen told him.

"Alright, I'll get in touch with you."

"Okay, yeah." Stephen nodded.

"Okay." Tony said.

"Okay." Stephen said.

"Well, see you around Wizard." Tony said.

"You too." Stephen said.

With that Tony was gone.

A big stupid smile spread across Stephen's lips, his eyelids relaxed. His cheeks flushed red.

He felt the cloak's collar tapping his cheeks.

"Oh, quit it." He said, stepping out of the cloak, laughing.