A/N: Alright my faithful followers, here comes the chapter we've all been waiting for. My gosh I have been procrastinating about this one like you wouldn't believe, and all my close friends had the displeasure of listening to me rant. Thanks y'all!
PS: as my friend Joe so eloquently put it, Astrid has claws. Big claws ;)
"Angels show up in the strangest of places..." -Skillet
Friday night Astrid made sure she was home by six so she could get ready for the party. That whole week she'd spent fussing over what she should wear. It wasn't easy to choose since there was certain to be a measure of elegance at this social gathering, and Astrid only had so much money to spare. She'd had the luck to find a lovely secondhand dress shop a few blocks up the road that carried very trendy and elegant dresses of all styles. The place fit her paycheck too, which was the most important aspect. After an arduous search Astrid at last found a lovely blue gown that met her qualifications.
At 6:30 she took a quick shower, then dried off her hair, and brushed out the straw-gold locks in rapid strokes. Then Astrid slipped on the satiny midnight blue gown, adjusting the straps slightly and then smoothing it out. She allowed herself a moment to admire her reflection in the mirror. The dress was cinched at the waist, then fell softly down to her ankles. A lovely ruffle that began at her waist and ended at the hem complemented the gown nicely. Overall it was elegant and yet not overbearing. Astrid thought she looked quite nice in it. Perhaps even... attractive. She blushed and shook her head at the thought. Astrid was going out to be with friends, not to find a possible boyfriend. Astrid hadn't had a boyfriend since college. After everything that had happened in her life, she just didn't care about "relationships" any more. At least not one's like that. She was beyond those things now.
Noticing that she only had 35 minutes left to get ready before Peter and MJ came to pick her up, Astrid quickly got to work on her hair and makeup. It didn't take her long to do the basics: concealer, foundation, blush... and a light shimmery face powder to add definition. Then she added some shading to her lids, applied eyeliner, mascara, and then finished it with a light gloss of rose pink lipstick. Admiring herself once more, Astrid had to admit that she had done one heck of a job. Astrid's lovely shoulder length hair fell in soft waves, the curls caressing her bare shoulders. The clock read 7:28. At the last moment she slipped on her heels. Then, giddy with excitement Astrid tossed on a shawl and practically flew down the stairs.
"Oh Astrid don't you look just lovely!" MJ exclaimed when Astrid slipped into the backseat of the car.
"Hey Astrid," Peter said, smiling at her from the rearview mirror.
"Hiya Pete. Thank you," Astrid directed towards Mary Jane. She buckled herself in and then they set out. Peter was dressed nicely in a black suit and tie, while Mary Jane looked wonderful in her shimmery cream gown.
"You look absolutely beautiful," Astrid told MJ with a smile. "The dress goes perfectly with your hair."
MJ laughed. "Thank you. Red hair makes almost any outfit impossible. But I managed." she shrugged. "I'm so glad you came Astrid. All this time I've been worrying myself over nothing. I thought that you might change your mind, because I know that times have been tough lately... And I was worried that we might have thrust you into an awkward situation just asking you at random like that."
"No, it's completely fine MJ," Astrid said sincerely. "I'm really happy that I'll get to spend the evening with you guys, and, in all honesty I think I just needed to get out of the house. So this is wonderful," she smiled softly.
"See, MJ, I told you you were worrying for nothing," Peter chided playfully.
"Oh please. I was just being concerned for my friend. Besides, it'd be good for Astrid to have some fun. Right Astrid?" MJ asked over her shoulder, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "And as beautiful as you are, I'm sure you'll have no problem finding a date."
Astrid laughed nervously. "That's okay. I'm not really looking for one." And I don't really need one, she added silently.
The business party was located on the other side of town, at a fancy hotel known as The Plaza. Peter explained that Stark had been having some recent business dealings with OsCorp Industries, and thus had decided to throw a party for the affair. Stark had invited several business associates and many of his close friends, including Peter and his wife.
"Apparently this is supposed to be a big deal," Peter said absently as he navigated the car through the streets. "I expect the place to be pretty crowded, since the business affair will affect a lot of the corporate giants."
Astrid was beginning to feel self-conscious about her dress, and even her mere presence. She was wondering what the spaghetti straps and the low back said about her personality. Did it say, 'Hey, I'm delicious, come and eat me up'? Astrid didn't want to go around looking like a walking advertisement. A panicky feeling started to set in.
At long last they turned onto the street that led to the Plaza hotel. There was a line of cars slowly trickling to the hotel's entrance, where valets stood at attention ready to relieve the drivers of their vehicles. The line of cars advanced slowly, moving like snails through syrup. Astrid shivered and wondered again if it was too late for her to back out of this whole mess. It probably was.
After several long stops they eventually made it to the hotel's front entrance. Peter paid the valet and the three of them stepped out into the cool November chill. As Peter headed into the building, Astrid pulled Mary Jane aside suddenly.
"MJ, do you think this dress is okay?" she whispered, gesturing at the outfit.
"Of course it is Astrid. You look wonderful in it!"
"Well, I mean, it kinda has a low back and-"
Mary Jane rolled her eyes, and smiled reassuringly. "Astrid, it's fine. You have great taste honey. Now let's go!" she waved for Astrid to follow her inside. "I thought you wanted to have some fun."
"I do!" Astrid said, a little indignantly. They stepped into the building, and were confronted by a huge throng of people, all talking and bustling about in the foyer.
"Oh my," Astrid gasped. Peter had said there would be a lot of people, but she hadn't expected this many. She was suddenly fully aware of just how much skin she was showing. Astrid longed for her shawl, but unfortunately she'd forgotten it in the car.
"There you are!" Peter said as he made his way through the crowd to stand next to them. "I come inside thinking you guys are with me, then the next second I look and you're not there."
"Sorry Pete," MJ leaned up and pecked her husband on the lips. "I was helping Astrid with something."
Peter looked at Astrid, his brows furrowing slightly. "Is there a problem?"
"No, no." Astrid shook her head quickly. She wished Peter would stop treating her like a china doll. She understood he cared about her as a friend but he acted like if he left her alone she'd commit suicide or something. He needed to calm down and relax. "I'm just getting used to the atmosphere is all." She smiled in reassurance but inside she felt fake. She didn't belong here, with all these rich and affluent people. She was just a girl from the sticks, the backwoods of Georgia. She wasn't anybody special.
Peter nodded distractedly, then turned to MJ. He was saying something about conversing with a few of his old colleagues, though Astrid couldn't be sure due to the din of voices echoing in the Plaza's foyer. She wasn't much up for meeting new people just yet, so she figured maybe she'd go and have a look around. Besides, she'd only drag her friends down. They should have fun without having to babysit her.
"Hey, um... I was thinking I'd go and take a look around the place," she told Peter.
"Sure," Peter said, though he looked confused. "Just be careful. This place is a madhouse." Astrid nodded and slipped away to lose herself in the crowd.
It wasn't long before Astrid grew disenchanted of the crowd theme. The people themselves were quite fascinating to watch, and some of their conversations seemed interesting but most of them were beyond Astrid's understanding. She overheard groups discussing the rise and fall of stocks, the rapid marketing change, and what the latest fads of the season were. Actually, she changed her mind. Most of the conversations were boring. She felt completely out of place here. She must stick out like a sore thumb.
Entering the ornate high-ceilinged ballroom, it was then that she saw him. And she would have never noticed him had it not been for Tony Stark. The billionaire himself was easy enough to spot, since he was standing on a slightly raised platform at the front of the room, conversing with several other businessmen. Astrid recognized Stark from all the photos in newspapers and magazines she'd seen him in. A few of those she'd edited herself. It wasn't Stark who held her interest now, rather, it was the man behind him. He stood off to the side, hands clasped in front of him, an air of bored patience about him. He looked as though he was just waiting for the chance to pull Stark off to the side and give him a few choice words. The man's gaze flickered to hers and Astrid hurriedly looked away.
'How perceptive of you,' a quiet voice said from the back of her mind. Astrid wasn't sure if that was her own thought or if she was hearing things now. Slowly, that familiar feeling of oddness swept over her, raising the hairs on the back of her neck and causing her fingertips to tingle. This was definitely her mysterious stranger. She had finally found him.
And, of all places, at a party.
Astrid walked along the edge of the crowded ballroom. She snagged a glass of punch from the drinks table and settled herself at the far right side of the room, where she could inconspicuously keep an eye on her mystery man. She glanced again at the dais where Stark and his cronies were standing. The dark-haired man was still there, patiently waiting to say his piece. Astrid wasn't sure how much luck he'd have talking to the billionaire. It looked like Stark was already drinking and if he wasn't drunk yet, he soon would be.
"I've been looking from hell to high heaven for you," Astrid muttered darkly. "and I finally find you in the most unlikely of places." Astrid wondered what the stranger's relation was to Tony Stark. Were they business associates? Not likely. Though, dressed elegantly in a dark suit and tie, the man certainly looked the part. It unnerved her somewhat, how outwardly calm he appeared. It was as though his face were a mask and behind that mask any number of things could be going on. What a mystery.
Astrid had to force herself to look away, once she realised she'd been staring again. She had the strangest feeling that he knew who she was, though he had barely glanced at her once. The thought made her scalp prickle. How could he suddenly show up, now? When she'd just given up hope of ever finding him again. Was it some sort of sign? Sneaking one more look at the man, Astrid knew she had to talk to him. Somehow, before the night was out, she'd have to get his attention and speak with him. She'd waited too long to let this opportunity slip away from her.
Astrid waited. She paced. She racked her brains for ideas, for ways to start the conversation, how to even get his attention! Should she come clean and say who she really was? That she was the one present from the ceremony about a month back? It sounded crazy, but he of all people should know what she was talking about. But would he even remember her? All these doubts swirled around in her mind like a hurricane, accomplishing nothing except to give her a headache. Astrid drained her glass and suddenly wished it was something stronger than punch. She stared dismally into the empty glass.
"I need some air," she announced to no one in particular.
Music had just started and couples were getting paired up when Astrid slipped out of the room. Perfect timing. Phew, she'd escaped. Astrid wasn't much of a dancer, and she definitely didn't need to make a fool of herself by getting stranded on the ballroom floor. By now the hotel lobby was mostly empty, save for the occasional straggler like herself. She felt constricted though, like she was slowly suffocating. She couldn't think straight. Astrid turned down one of the hallways, her heels making clicking noises on the marble floor.
Halfway down the hall she stopped, leaning her head against the wall. It was much quieter out here. She could think better without so much noise trying to cram its way into her skull.
'Okay, he's here. He wasn't some hallucination I had due to stress and a lack of sleep. I guess this crazy obsession of mine wasn't so crazy after all. So, now that I've found him, what am I gonna do?' Astrid furrowed her brows, thinking hard. She knew she had to go and talk to him, but it was the approach that scared her. She wasn't exactly the most sociable of people. Maybe... Maybe it was better if she didn't know the truth. Just forget it ever happened, like he said. Yeah. Sure. Astrid banged the back of her head into the wall in frustration.
'Here's what you're gonna do,' she told herself firmly. 'You're gonna go back in there, march right up to him, and tell him how badly you've been needing to talk to him!'
"Hey there."
Astrid was abruptly pulled from her thoughts. She quickly plastered on a smile for the blonde-haired man who had addressed her.
"Yes? Um, can I help you?" she asked, a little too brightly. Astrid hoped this guy would go away soon. She was on a mission and she couldn't afford any more interruptions.
"You could help me get to know you a little better," the guy said smoothly. His brown eyes bored into hers hungrily. He placed his hand on the wall, leaning closer to her. The scent of his heavy cologne filled her nostrils, making her want to gag.
'Uh-oh,' Astrid thought helplessly. Better get rid of this guy fast!
"I saw you leave the party and I thought this would be a great time for us to talk." He gave an easy half-smile, probably thinking it made him look good. Which, Astrid noticed, unfortunately it did.
"UM-" Astrid squeaked. How to get rid of this guy?! Alarm bells were going off in her head, screaming "WARNING WARNING WARNING".
"My name's Kyle," he said, looking at her from under his heavy lids. She noticed his eyes traveling downwards.
"Sorry, but I'm not interested..." she said weakly.
"What might your name be?" Kyle acted as if she hadn't even spoken. His gaze rested on a point just below her collarbone.
Suddenly, she snapped. There was no way she was going to be treated like somebody's toy.
"My eyes are up here, jackass!" she raised a hand to slap him.
"Excuse me," a new voice said. "Is this man bothering you?"
At last Stark bade farewell to his associates. Stephen wanted to sigh in relief, but he held his composure. Anthony Stark turned to him with an eyeroll.
"Alright Strange, you got my attention." Tony squinted at the other man. "Geez, how long you been standin' there? This is a party man," he slapped him on the back. "You need to loosen up."
Stephen did sigh, now. "Anthony, I would have preferred to speak with you under different circumstances, however you kept blocking me out. And..." he glanced disdainfully at the glass of liquor held in Stark's hand, "It is unfortunate that you are already intoxicated."
Tony smirked. "What gave me away?" he asked, swaying slightly as he chugged down the rest of his drink. "You can glare at me all you want, but I still say you should try some. It might help you smile a bit more." Stark drawled lazily.
Stephen ignored his last comment and turned the conversation to the more pressing matter at hand. "Anthony, it's not too late for you to pull out of this deal. OsCorp Industries will bring you nothing but-"
"Oh, you have got to be kidding me," Tony slapped a hand to his face, groaning loudly. "Not this again. How many times have you told me now?" Tony started counting off on his fingers, then lost track, frowned and started over.
"Stark, this is your last chance to pull out. OsCorp is going down the drain. You pour your money into it you'll end up losing millions."
Tony shook his head. "No, see, here's where you're wrong. I'm a part of the company now. So because of me, my money, AND my ingenuity, the business can only improve. There's no way it could go wrong if I'm involved. Take it from an industrialist playboy billionaire, I know what I'm talking about."
"And what if this had something to do with your Iron Man technology?" Stephen was giving it one last shot. Time and again he'd tried warning Stark of the dangers involved if he chose to take a share of the company. Not surprisingly, the man refused to listen. Stephen had attempted explaining that this was more than the millions Stark Industries could lose. No, it was on a much wider scale than that. In the recent past, OsCorp had out of desperation done some shady dealings with AIM to keep the business afloat. By taking shares of the company, Stark was only further embroiling himself in this mess.
Tony cocked his head thoughtfully. "Okay, you've said that before and I'm beginning to think it's a threat."
Stephen glanced back at the corner where the young woman had been, but she wasn't there now. His eyes searched the room yet he couldn't find her. He needed to speak with her. Rather than replying to Stark's idiocy, Stephen quickly excused himself. "I'm sorry, I have to go now." Another moment and he was gone, having disappeared into the crowd.
"Finally got rid of him," Tony smirked to himself.
Astrid paused mid-slap to see that it was her mysterious stranger approaching. For a moment she was shocked by the sheer ferocity held in his clear eyes. There was death in that gaze. Then she blinked and it was gone, as though a veil had been thrown over it.
"Is this man bothering you?" he asked tersely, as though he already knew the answer to that he was just waiting for Astrid's permission to get rid of the creep.
Before Astrid could answer Kyle jerked his arm out of the newcomer's grasp. "She and I were just talking. Leave us the hell alone."
Tension was a tangible thing in this moment, Astrid could almost feel it's oily touch on her skin. Ignoring the man, her mysterious stranger turned his piercing gaze on her.
"Will you come and dance with me?" he asked simply. His look made it clear he was offering her a way of escape.
Astrid nodded quickly. "Yes! Yes," she said more quietly, not wanting to appear too enthusiastic. The blonde jerk was glaring daggers at her now. "Listen jerk," Astrid poked Kyle hard in the chest. "I told you I wasn't interested. So fuck off," she snapped, her nostril's flaring angrily.
The handsome stranger, deciding that that was enough, took her gently by the arm and steered her towards the ballroom. "Come along," he murmured.
Astrid was seriously pissed at that Kyle dude. The way he'd been looking at her as though she were some sort of meal! Subconsciously Astrid readjusted her dress straps so not so much cleavage was showing. Her cheeks burned in embarrassment. Well, she had gotten the stranger's attention all right.
"Um, thanks for the save," Astrid said, brushing a lock of hair out of her face. The man watched her curiously. He held the door to the ballroom ajar for her.
"Oh, I don't really dance..." Astrid shook her head, nervously taking a step back even though she wanted to go forward.
He smiled. "Nonsense. It's easy, I'll show you." The man held out his hand for her. Astrid tentatively took it and he led her into the ballroom. Things had quieted down somewhat, with couples gathered on the dance floor and soft music playing. The lights were dimmed, creating an ethereal atmosphere. On the far side of the room groups of men were gathered together conversing quietly. Astrid spotted Peter and MJ on the dance floor. MJ smiled and waved at her, then winked when she saw the man Astrid was with. Astrid blushed and rolled her eyes.
"Listen, I just wanted to talk is all..." she said, nervously flickering her gaze to his. She found herself being guided onto the dance floor, despite her tentative protests.
"Yes, well, I wished to speak with you too, and what better way to do so than if we were dancing?"
Astrid couldn't find an argument for that. It was like her brain had gone numb. She was having trouble focusing on the task at hand. Then she remembered, she had to talk to him about the cult! Very well, they could dance and then he'd see just how incapable she was at it.
His arm encircled her waist. Astrid felt a slight tingle when his fingertips brushed the skin of her back. He took her other hand in his.
"Just follow my lead," he said quietly. Astrid did, and miraculously she didn't trip or knock into anybody.
"I feel like I've seen you somewhere else..."
"Have we met before?"
Astrid laughed and glanced away. "I'm sorry, this is just so awkward for me... I'm surprised I haven't tripped yet." They glided easily across the floor. Astrid felt as though she were walking on clouds. Which was a lot easier compared to melting ice, she figured. Her nerves were on fire from the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She felt torn two ways, at once wanting to tell all and get it over with, but then hesitating at the last second. She still couldn't believe that she'd found him after all this time. There were so many things she wanted to ask him, number one being 'Where the hell have you been?'. She kept that one to herself of course.
"If I was being honest then I would have to admit that I don't know how to dance either," the man admitted.
"What? You're joking." Astrid scoffed. "I never learned how, but I can tell you know what you're doing."
The man shook his head, smiling in a self-deprecating way. "I just learn from observation. I'm a fast learner... But you're not doing so bad yourself. I can stumble for you, if it helps."
"No, please don't," Astrid laughed. "If you did I'd probably fall over!"
"Alright then, no stumbling," the man promised with a small smile. Then his grey eyes took on a more serious light as they searched her amber ones intently. "What is it you wish to know?" he asked softly.
Astrid took a moment deciding, having such a jumble of questions all crowding her mind that it was hard to choose one. Distractedly, she found herself admiring his angled features, how his dark hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail at the nape of his neck, and his steely grey eyes... The man looked like an 18th century aristocrat! It was charming, in a way. Astrid took a deep breath. It was now or never. Suddenly she knew what she wanted to ask him.
"Well, a name would be nice," she said drily.
"That's easy. Dr. Stephen Strange, at your service." Astrid expected him to do a little bow or something, but he didn't. They were still, miraculously, dancing.
Astrid couldn't hold back a chuckle. "Strange?" she cocked a brow dubiously. "Haven't heard that one before..." she muttered, trying in vain not to smirk.
The man, Strange, gave her a look. "It's not a common name," he replied drily. "Now, would you care to tell me your name?"
Astrid sighed. "Oh, I suppose. It's only fair. My name's Astrid Blake."
The man smirked. "Haven't heard that one before..." he murmured.
"Oh whatever. I was joking! Sorry," Astrid said hurriedly. Crap, she didn't want to offend this guy. Not when he was so far the only person who could help her out. "Okay Dr..."
"Call me Stephen, if you like."
"Um, Stephen," she said a little uncomfortably, not quite ready to be on a first-name basis. "I'm the vigilante you saw about a month ago. The night that you were stabbed... I've been looking all over for you because there's questions that I need answers to and right now you're the only one who can help me." He stiffened at her words, his eyes flickering to hers uneasily.
"Is that so?" Strange murmured thoughtfully. "You know, I thought I told you to forget the whole affair."
"I didn't listen." Astrid shrugged helplessly. "What? Does it bother you that I've been obsessively searching for you?" she smirked.
Her dance partner shook his head. "No, I guess not," he sighed. "I'd rather you run into me than one of the Druids' members..." his voice trailed off pensively.
"Druids? Is that the cult?" she asked eagerly. Finally! Answers at last!
"...Yes." was his vague reply. "I don't believe you should involve yourself, Miss Blake. I stand by what I said earlier, you should forget. It will be well for you if you do so."
Astrid didn't get this guy. First he acted like he was prepared to share the secrets of the universe with her, then the next thing she knows he's clamming up again.
"Oh I see," she drawled sarcastically. "You don't think I can handle it. That just because I'm a woman I should live a safe life and never have anything to do with danger," she hissed angrily, wrenching herself away from him. Astrid stormed out of the ballroom, suddenly way too angry to consider saying goodbye to Peter and MJ.
"Ugh! All this time spent searching for a chauvinistic jerk!" she fumed. All the stress had reached its boiling point and she needed to vent.
"Miss Blake!" She heard the man call after her. Astrid ran out of the hotel. She stood shivering on the crowded sidewalk. People gave her odd looks as they passed her by.
"Astrid!" The man took her by the arm and whisked her back into the building. Before Astrid could argue any further she was led to a secluded corner of the foyer, where they could talk privately.
The man frowned, pacing back and forth frustratedly. Astrid opened her mouth to speak, but he held up a hand to stop her. "Just-" he sighed. "Just, let me say my piece. It is not that I doubt your abilities Astrid. I never said that, though I can see where it might be inferred. It's just that," he stopped pacing and stood in front of her. "There are things in this realm you can't even imagine. Evil things, dark twisted things. When one contends with these forces, it leaves a mark on them. A mark that doesn't heal, or fade, with time." He absently touched the place over his heart. Astrid could look into his haunted eyes and know he was talking about himself. Her anger evaporated all at once and was replaced by sympathy.
"My best friend was killed by a bunch of scumbags about six years ago," Astrid said hollowly. "Ever since then, I've been trying to make things right. To do right. I go after criminals to make sure they see justice. This is my purgatory, and there's no way I'm getting out of it. I won't be earning my freedom, because I don't deserve a freedom. I allowed my best friend to die. So there's a special place in hell for me. Don't try to "protect" me or whatever. Because I don't need it. I just want your help. And if you don't help me, then I swear to God that I'll search to the ends of the earth til I find these so-called Druids." It was a promise and he needed to know it.
A period of tense silence stretched between them. It appeared as though Strange was assessing her, weighing her words carefully. Straightening to his full height, he looked to have come to a decision.
"Very well. I will do my best to assist you in your quest for redemption, as well as to provide the answers you seek."
People began filing out of the ballroom, chattering excitedly. Astrid heard Peter call her name and she cringed. She couldn't leave just yet!
"Where can I find you?" she asked quickly. "Is there a phone number I can reach you by, any way for me to contact you?" Desperation betrayed itself in her voice.
She felt him slip something into her hand. "You can find me at that location," he whispered as he passed her by. Astrid held up a plain white business card. It read in simple curved letters Dr. Stephen Strange, 177A Bleecker St, Greenwich Village, NY. That was it. Astrid swore under her breath. A phone number would have been more helpful!
"Astrid! There you are! I've been looking all over for you," Peter came up and touched her shoulder lightly, breaking her concentration on the card. Astrid jumped, instinctively curling her hand around the small paper. She quickly put on a smile that she hoped wouldn't make her look guilty.
"Hey."
"Why'd you come out here?" Peter asked, furrowing his brows. "We saw you in the ballroom earlier, but later when I looked again you were gone."
"I'm sorry Pete," Astrid said, nervously tucking her hair back into place. "I, I just needed some air is all. Crowded places make me feel a bit uncomfortable."
Peter nodded in understanding. "Yeah, I understand. Sorry, I just get worried... C'mon let's find MJ."
They found Peter's wife locked in conversation with several other ladies. Peter just barely managed to pull her away from the group, insisting that it was late and they should be heading home.
The whole car ride back to Astrid's apartment MJ was talking animatedly about her evening. For the most part Astrid just smiled and nodded. Her mind was on other things though. She clung to the business card like it was a lifeline.
Dr. Strange is based on my own interpretation of him, and I'm borrowing elements from the animated movie until MARVEL studios grows a brain and decides to make him a live-action film. If you don't LIKE my Dr. Strange then you can show yourself to the door. That's it, right there, the little X button at the top of the screen. HOWEVER! If you do like my Doc Strange then please keep reading and reviewing :D
