A/N - ok this is not really canon compliant to any one world. There will be shades of how Strange is in the comics, and some from the movie. And of course - some of it comes from my own fevered brain. Time Gems are not a thing. He has the Eye, but the gem I'm having Marisa give him is specifically tailored for him to go to HER specific universe. Because the Multi-verse is a thing. And her universe belongs to me.

Stephen woke up in the Sanctum the next day, smiling to himself. The evening had not gone exactly as he'd planned, but he could tell there was something growing between himself and his duchess. And she was going to be his duchess. When she sang, it felt like her magic was somehow merging with his. Like a half he didn't know he was missing had been found.

She'd promised that she would be his guide, and that there would be more explanations about Mark and his offer soon. But right then, she had just wanted to dance and forget for a few hours. And who was he to say no to another dance?

She'd told him that Wong was her godfather, and he'd let it slip that Wong had suggested he'd seen her naked. After a moment of shock, she'd laughed and it was like music. Wong had delivered her when she was born, there weren't hospitals when as there are now, she'd explained. Strange made a note of that, just how old was Wong?

She'd not taken him up to her suite, but they had danced together again and talked for hours. She'd told him a bit more of her life, and admitted that the reason Mark could enter Timescape was that he had helped her renovate the building into a nightclub when she'd bought the abandoned building. She could not refuse him entry, but that didn't mean she had wanted him there. She wouldn't talk any further about Amy, and he didn't push. He remembered their final dance of the evening...

"You were close to him." It was not a question and Marisa had bitten her lower lip. Stephen had held back from kissing her again, but he was not sure how long that would last with her constantly grazing her teeth over her lip when she was nervous.

"I was engaged to him. I thought he was a good man, I was very young and he - well, he was my..." Stephen put a finger on her lip and tried not to imagine her taking it into her mouth. Her eyes grew wide and he held her a bit closer as they danced. She was a fascinating blend of innocent and seductress, even if she couldn't see it.

"You don't need to explain. Everyone has past romantic arrangements they regret. Everyone has hurt or been hurt. It's human nature to try to connect."

"And have you? Tried to connect with anyone?"

He had briefly thought of Christine, and was happy to say that their friendship was stronger than ever, even if their relatonship had ended. He liked to think that it had made him a better man, and hoped that Christine would find happiness with someone who deserved her.

"I have. She's a friend, a good one. But I haven't been romantically interested in anyone for a very long time. Until now."

"Really?" Her eyes had had a haunted look in them for a moment, then she'd smiled as the music ended.

"Tomorrow. I will come to the Sanctum Sanctorum with your Gem, and we'll begin." He could see she was tired and kissed her hand. Wong had already gone home, and their new research assistant had left hours ago. He kissed her hand again, lingering a bit longer as he stared into her eyes.

"Until tomorrow." A portal opened and he stepped through. As he did so, he could feel her sigh echo through his body.

Until tomorrow indeed, he thought.

Stretching, he got up and walked to his window overlooking the city. His cloak entered, carrying up a tray of coffee and Blueberry Cheesecake cupcakes from Molly's Bakery, Strange's favorite. Setting down the tray, Cloak lingered for a moment, seemingly observing the sorcerer staring out of his window. After a moment, Cloak left the room, knowing Strange would summon him when needed. Humans were not always pleasant, but Cloak was pleased to know that the latest Sorcerer Supreme was a fair man. Who liked to eat cupcakes for breakfast. But who was Cloak to judge?

After showering and taking special care with his hair, Stephen wandered into the library to see Melanie being given a tour by Wong. He watched them interact, as if they were on the same wavelength, speaking of ancient texts and artifacts. Looking at the girl more closely, he realized she seemed almost familiar to him. When he realized who she reminded him of, he frowned. Something was going on 'behind the scenes', as they said, and he was going to find out just what that was. Coughing lightly to get their attention, he inwardly smiled as they jumped apart, startled.

"Sorry, I was just seeing how Ms. Baker was finding her new job? Was your room acceptable? Anything we can do to make things nicer for you?"

"No - I mean, the room is fine. I'm honored to be here," Melanie stammered.

"I'm pleased. We don't have many women visit, so if there is anything you want to change in your room, feel free. Don't worry about the cost, it's part of the perks of working here." There was a knocking at the front door, and his heartrate sped up. He glanced at his watch, then remembered it didn't tell time anymore - a very prominent reminder of his broken hands and the life he'd left behind. Shrugging, he grinned at the two researchers and saluted.

"The Lady Marisa is coming to visit today, Wong, I know you really didn't get a chance to talk with her, so maybe you can do that while I go over some expectations with Ms. Baker. I'll be down in a few minutes."

Wong nodded and bowed to Melanie, who bowed back.

"When I return, I shall have your first assignment for you."

"Of course, I look forward to it, Master Wong." Bowing again, he left the room, wondering just what Stephen was up to - Wong was in charge of Melanie's duties, but as always, Wong would wait to see how things played out.

Turning to Melanie, Stephen let his mind circle her aura, he was getting the feeling that he could read her mind if he'd wanted to, was this Marisa's doing? Had she opened up a new ability to him?

"Ms. Baker," he started.

"Melanie, please. I am but a student," she interrupted. Stephen nodded.

"Melanie. Is Wong aware of your talents?" At her surprised look, he continued. "You are hiding some very interesting skills behind that demure façade. You could do considerable damage in a fight. I can sense it. So - how much have you told Wong about your abilities and where you got them?"

"I - I don't know exactly. My uncle said he was going to tell me more about my heritage, but he was killed a long time ago. He prepaid for my undergraduate studies, but died before I started graduate school. The funny thing is, he only showed up a few times during my childhood - he said he was traveling. When I'd ask where, he'd get a funny look on his face and say 'It's when, actually'. I have no clue what that means, even now."

"Is your family close? Perhaps your parents..." Stephen started to ask, but she shook her head.

"My parents wouldn't tell me anything and I left my home to learn what I could on my own before college. They have tried to contact me, to bring me home, but I have no desire to go back there. I wish I knew what I was, but I don't. I hope you can sense I'm not lying, because I would wish to stay on as Master Wong's assistant." She started to blush. "And yours too, of course."

"Of course," Stephen said, hiding a grin. "Well, thank you for that explanation. We'll just have to put your heritage on our long list of research projects. I'm sure Wong would be more than eager to help you, since it's obvious he has a strong respect for your - talents."

"Thank you sir," she said and he bowed swiftly, almost running down the stairs. She was no threat, and he had a suspicion of what her past was, but he would keep it to himself for now. He had a lady waiting for him.


Wong answered the door and Marisa smiled widely, giving him a tight hug.

"Godfather, I have missed you."

"As I have missed you. Tell me, has travelling in time prevented you from remembering me until you needed to see the doctor?" His eyes held a hint of mischief, and Marisa grinned wryly.

"I apologize. Time passes differently for my kind. I haven't been on Earth since 1900, remember? The Council has been doing a fine job of keeping order. I - I guess I just wanted to be where Father was buried."

"And they treated you well?"

"Yes, of course, even being a half breed." There was no rancor in her voice, only a bit of weariness. "My mother is still a sore spot to many of them, being human. I was fortunate they allowed me to remain."

"I was told that she appeared at Timescape last night," he said, leading her into the parlor.

"She did. She didn't stay long. I know after last night that she and Mark are together, but I'm not sure how that happened. Father warned her many times that Mark wasn't to be trusted." She fell silent, remembering the arguments she had had with her father over her intended.

"I was attacked, mentally, last night. I think it was her. I think that she's never fully forgiven me for being more Father's child than hers. And for Mark to give her powers on top of everything else she has, I just don't know what more she wants. There can't still be any sort of competition. Father is dead, and she has Mark. You don't think she's after Stephen now too? Why would she show her face after so long otherwise?"

"My question is, are you after Doctor Strange?"

"What? Um, no - I just," she stuttered. "I don't know what I'm feeling, but I just can't stay away from him. But - Mother is so beautiful and I'm just me and," she stopped, embarrassed. "What does she want with him?"

"Your mother has always been attracted to power." Wong shrugged, not wanting to reveal more and thankfully was spared by the sound of Stephen's footsteps racing towards them.

"Oh, he's not avoiding me, after all," she joked.

"He was instructing our new research assistant in Sanctum matters. But he did seem eager to have you visit." At her slightly wary look, he shook his head and hugged her again gently.

"He is a good man, Marisa. And I don't say that lightly. And I can feel that he is feeling something strong for you, something that I don't quite understand, but it floods the senses. He is opening up to you in a way I never thought he could and I wish you nothing but the best with that. Trust him as I do, and you will never regret it." And with that, Wong opened a bookcase and walked through, heading back to the library by way of one of the many secret passages in the Sanctum. When Stephen appeared, Marisa was still staring at where her godfather had been moments before.


Arellia stood at her mirror, in the room that was still her own at Marisa's fortress. She waved a hand over it and chanted an old language long forgotten, and a man appeared.

"My friend, you are safe?" he asked and she nodded.

"Yes, but your treacherous she devil of a widow has joined forces with Markus. Why did you not tell me of this? I could have warned Marisa."

"I truly did not know. Have they attempted contact with my daughter?"

"From what Sian has told me, they were at Timescape last night and she felt Amy throw a hex towards Marisa. She was set to block it, but was beaten to it by someone else. Someone very strong."

"How did Amy get powers? The demon." He answered his own question and frowned. "Marisa doesn't know how I died. Until recently, I couldn't remember. Not until you found me. Now I cannot forget anything. But I am helpless."

"There may be a way to bring you back, in a fashion. You might not like it, but you would be here with me. I mean, with Marisa." Could ghosts blush? Arellia didn't really want to know, but her Anthony was smiling.

"With you and Marisa. There could be no greater pleasure for me," he said, then turned to something just out of sight. "The mists call to me, dear one. These visits are never long enough. If there is a way for you to get me back to where you are - please do it soon."

"I will," she vowed, and he faded. She touched the mirror and her heart, long dead, still felt the pain of separation from the man she had always loved. She whispered into the dark two words.

"My Anthony."


Marisa couldn't think straight. Stephen had feelings for her? She knew he had been flirting with her, but she had the feeling that he did that with most women he met.

Did he block attacks against crazed witches with all women? Her inner voice asked the question, and Marisa could not answer. Was she a pet project? Did he just protect her to get the Gem and move on without her? Her need for him was growing and it was nothing like her crush on Mark - this was a raw, untamed need. This was something primal that she couldn't control. She wanted more, and if Wong was right, she could have more.

"Marisa?" Stephen's voice brought her out of her thoughts and she looked at him, the lust still in her eyes from her fantasies. Something shifted in the way she looked at him, and his eyes darkened in response.

She didn't answer, but walked slowly until she was in front of him, biting her lower lip. A moment later, Stephen pulled her to his hard body and kissed her passionately, drawing moans from her that made him want more, so much more. His hands tangled in her hair and her hands gripped his shoulders, pulling him closer to her. This was madness, this was everything. Everything and never enough.

Gasping as she pulled away slightly, Marisa looked into his eyes and then to his lips, breathing hard. He pulled her to him again, letting his tongue push past her lips and demand her surrender. But she gave as good as she got and her hands were soon sliding down his back to rest on his hips, drawing him in closer to her, never close enough. Her music, always in the back of her mind, opened, calling to him and his magic answered, surrounding her with heat. She licked his lip and let her tongue enter his mouth, as her hands moved under his tunic to feel hot flesh tense under her touch.

He moaned and Marisa felt like she was the most beautiful woman in the world.

"You are, you are beautiful. And I've been waiting a lifetime for you." His fevered words thrilled her and she shifted her hips into his groin, delighting in the way his breath hitched. His eyes were wild when he looked down at her. He moved towards one of the low couches in the room and lowered her into it. She went willingly, pulling him down on top of her.

"Marisa," he gasped. "Tell me what you want."

"You, just you." He sucked at her throat, and Marisa's mind went blank. His voice was rich with sin as he rasped in her ear.

"You shall have me, then. Until you can no longer stand on your own, until you can no longer think without my voice in your mind begging you to let me have you. You will never again be alone. You are mine, duchess, and I will have you."

Marisa pulled him to her and kissed him hard. The two witches pulled at each other's clothing quickly, hands meeting willing flesh and lips sighing or biting in time with their dance. Just when Marisa thought she was going to lose herself in Stephen Strange, there was a loud knock on the door.

Stephen cursed and waited for Wong to answer the knock. When it came louder, he cursed louder and Marisa giggled. He glared down at her.

"This isn't over, darling. Now - let's see who has disturbed us and send them on their way."

Pulling her up to walk next to him, he made his way quickly to the door and swung it open. Standing there was the last person he expected to see.

"Clea?"

A/N - Clea is the ex wife. For storyline purposes, I'm already having them married and divorced. I never liked her and she's better off being an ex. Google her if you want, I'll be waiting at the start of the next chapter. Ciao!