Already Gone

It was known that Stephen Strange had always been a very success-driven man. Always wanting to be the best at everything, he had to be at the top. Which is why it shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise that with his goal of becoming Sorcerer Supreme, between all of the training and practising, everything else in his life unrelated to his goal was pushed to the side. Forgotten about, like an old toy fallen down the back of the dresser. And when it came to the ultimatum of having power, or love… Well, he made his decision. A year and a half of a relationship, a life together, gone like it was nothing. 

And for Tony, well… of course it was hard, being shoved to the side by a man you love, like you never mattered. But he’d tried to keep on going, trying to bounce back, like it was nothing. Except, it was. He’d been ruined for such a long time, and truth be told he knew he’d never truly gotten over it. 

But in his own way of healing, he’d tried to distance himself. From everything that reminded him of the other. 

Until he couldn’t, of course. 

Because after three years, it just had to come back to haunt him. He’d been at home, asleep, when his apartment was attacked. Someone, or something, had been looking for Stephen. He didn’t know why it had tried to go through him, after all these years of not having seen the man, but he narrowly escaped. The entire interior of his apartment had been destroyed and he’d been injured, but at least he was alive. And with nothing more than his wallet, his phone, and his charger on his person… he didn’t really have a choice in where he could go. 

Tony knocked at the door, silently overthinking if he’d knocked too loud, or too hurriedly. But the answer came anyway as the door opened in front of him, and he stood there, in pyjamas and a lounge robe. It was one in the afternoon, but… critiquing what someone does with their day was not the point of this visit. He stared at Tony, silent for a few seconds, eyes calculating. It had been three years, so there was really no expecting the reaction a surprise visit would have. 

But he just seemed… confused, a little startled. 

“How… How did you find me?” Stephen asked, not being able to find any other words.

It was a silly question, in hindsight, he was basically famous now. Everyone knows who he is, and there’s really no hiding any personal details when you’re so in the public eye, and living in the city. 

“Find you? You’re like, famous. It’s pretty… known where you live.” Tony said in response, a little awkward. But then again… it was the first time they’d spoken in three years, was there a way to make that not awkward?

“Ah. True enough…” Strange trailed off, a little abashed. “Can I do anything for you?”

Tony hesitated for a few seconds, as if second guessing if this was the best idea. But it was kind of… necessary. There was no way around it.

“Something is after you. And it attacked me, at my home, trying to find you. I don’t know why, I haven’t even seen you in years, so…” He murmured, as he looked around for a brief second, still a little on edge.

Stephen’s expression changed from confused, to one of growing concern.

“Something… attacked you? And mentioned me?” He asked, stepping back and holding the door a little wider, to give him space to enter. “Come on in.”

He gave a small nod while stepping inside. “Yeah, it was just… some kind of creature, or something. It didn’t really have a- a form. It was kind of just… there, suddenly, and it spoke. It destroyed my apartment. It kept- It kept asking where you were. It- it was looking for you, as if you were hiding. It left eventually, but it- it told me it would be back, even though I told it, I don’t… I don’t even know you anymore.”

Strange seemed even more surprised, and his eyes widened slightly, as his mind flooded with the infinite types of beings that this could have been. “It… destroyed your apartment? Like-” He paused for a second as he changed his train of thought. “Are you hurt? Are you alright?”

Tony gave a small nod, crossing his arms over themselves, and Stephen’s eyes glanced down. He didn’t know how he’d missed it before, the bruises and scratches over his arms, though they seemed to have been cleaned up. Upon looking back up, now paying more attention, he noticed faint bruising coming from under the slight fringe hanging over his forehead. It was new.

Tony noticed him staring and let out a sigh, uncrossing his arms to push his fringe out the way, showing the gash across the right side of his forehead with a few stitches through it and clear surgical tape over the top. “It looks a lot worse than it feels. I had to get it taken care of before I came here.” He told him, trying to move on, the injuries weren’t a part of the real problem here. 

Stephen eyed the injury in the few seconds it was on display, before he had nodded. “Okay, right. Well, I don’t-” He sighed, shaking his head. “Okay. Describe it to me, this thing. I need to try to determine exactly what it could be, so I can try to figure out where it came from. And why.”

The other hesitated for a few seconds before he spoke again, with a sigh. “I told you. It didn’t really… look like anything. It was just like- an entity of… darkness. It was large, and just floating about. When it spoke, it was just like the voice was all around me, not coming from it directly. Things started just… flying everywhere, breaking stuff. All my stuff.”

Stephen seemed concerned, but focused on figuring out the key details, it didn't sound like anything he’d heard of or read about before. “Okay. And what exactly did it say?” 

“Just… It just kept asking where you were, and to give you to it. And once… everything was destroyed, and it couldn’t find you or something, it told me it would be back, to find you. That I had to hand you over.”

The sorcerer sighed once again, lost in his thoughts for a few seconds. He wasn’t sure what it could be, possibly someone powerful who had it out for him… But with how vast the world was now, open to so many universes, it could be an infinite amount of people. “Okay… we’ll need to keep an eye out. I need to warn others, and put the word out. If something comes up again, you need to call me.”

Tony stayed silent for a few seconds, confusion clear on his face, but Strange didn’t seem to quite grasp why as he started explaining further.

“You’re in danger, and whoever could be doing this wants to hurt me, and they would clearly have no issue using anyone I know to get to me. Including you. So we need to be safe. You know where the sanctum is. If you need help, or something comes up, come here.”

He wasn't sure if Strange wasn’t thinking straight, or if he just… thought it wasn’t very serious, even though his words made it seem otherwise. “Right, but… My apartment is just- It’s destroyed? And even if I went back, wouldn’t it find me if it went back there, again?” He asked, confused.

Stephen went quiet for a second, as he finally thought that part over. He didn’t know if it was the confusion, or the surprise of seeing him again so suddenly that had his mind scrambled, but either way he couldn’t afford to not be at the top of his game right now. 

“Oh, right. Of course. I can make a few calls, if you give me a moment. We can find somewhere safe for you to stay until we deal with this, and until your apartment is… habitable again, if you need.”

Tony nodded a little, the thought of being somewhere safe until this was all over making him feel more comfortable. As much as he could be, having to run to his ex for help like this. “Uh, yes, please.”

The other nodded, glad that he agreed, so at least he knew where he was if something else happened. “Right… Do you want a change of clothes before we go? I have some spares, if you’d like.” He offered, seeing Tony’s clothes were… a little raggedy after the events of last night. 

“Oh… Uh, that’d be great, if you don’t mind.” He agreed hesitantly, wondering if that was weird. His mind flickers back to all those years ago, when he used to love stealing Stephen’s clothes, wearing them around the house. He used to pretend to be annoyed, but they both knew that he’d loved it really. But he’s shaken from his thoughts as Stephen lets him know it’s not a problem, and walks off to find him something to change into. 

Tony sighs, hands rubbing over his face, stressed by this… whole situation, really. He thought this part of his life was over, far from over. But now he was back, and it just felt… weird. He walked around a little as he waited for Stephen to return, looking at the displays that were hanging up around the walls, pieces of art or framed artefacts of sorts.

After a few minutes the sound of footsteps coming closer sounded from behind him and he turned, greeted by Stephen heading towards him, a set of clothes in hand. “Here.” He said, as he handed them over. “The bathroom is down the hall, on the left at the end. Feel free to freshen up, and leave your clothes in the basket. But don’t take too long, we have to get going, soon.” 

Tony nodded in reply, mumbling a quiet ‘thanks’ as he took the clothes from him, following his directions down the hall, to the bathroom. He locked the door behind him, heading over to the counter, to look at himself in the mirror. With a small sigh he looked at the wound on his forehead in the mirror, frowning at his reflection. He shook his head as he moved to wash his face as best as he could without wetting the stitches or tape, drying himself off on a towel at the side. Upon inspecting the clothes he discovered Stephen had given him a pair of loose sweatpants and a shirt, along with a zip-up hoodie. Clearly he considered that he would want to be comfortable.

He found it… vaguely amusing, that he even had these. The man was usually only ever seen wearing his signature sorcerer outfit, or some form of suit. Maybe some jeans. Not that Tony went out of his way to keep track, though. Pictures of him on the news, or online, seemed to follow him everywhere. But he changed into the clothes as he tried to clear his mind, putting his other ones into the basket like Stephen had told him to.

After a few moments of silence, mentally preparing himself, he left the bathroom again. He headed back down the hallway, seeing the other still waiting, seeing him still… in the pyjamas and robe he’d answered the door in. He looked him up and down in silent questioning, assuming he would have also changed, while he was gone.

Stephen smirked lightly before he summoned his cloak, it flying into his open hand out of seemingly nowhere and Tony watched as he swung it around his body before putting it on, his outfit seeming to have changed out of his pyjamas and robe, into his usual outfit. He never failed to try to show off, and turned once ready as Tony rolled his eyes, using his sling ring to open a portal.

“Alright, come on, let’s get going.”

Tony stared at the portal for a few seconds, before he shook his head. “No.” He said, simply. “I’m not doing… that. Can you just drive me?”

Ever since Stephen broke up with him, he had tried to avoid magic, where he could. It was hard to do in New York nowadays, where it seemed something new came up every few days, but he didn’t really want to associate with it anymore. He knew it was the reason Stephen had broken up with him, and so he had some form of resentment towards it.

“Oh.” The other had said, seeming a little confused, but he closed the portal as he turned his body back to face him again. “I haven’t driven in years, actually… but yes, I can make an exception for today.” He said before he glanced over him, wondering as to why he had refused the portal, it would have only taken seconds to get there. “Are you… alright?”

Tony seemed to know what he was questioning just by his tone, and he nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just…” He sighed, scratching the top of his head. “I swore to stay away from magic. I don’t want anything to do with it, after… us.” 

Stephen went silent for a few seconds, thinking over what he had said, before he cleared his throat. “Ah, I see.” He replied simply, not wanting to push, but he did seem a little disappointed. “Very well, come on.” 

They quickly left the building, knowing it was smart to get Tony away as soon as possible. Stephen didn’t really have the need to drive anymore, and he certainly didn’t enjoy doing it since his accident, but still had a car for if the need for one ever came up. And it seemed right now that was the case. They got in as Stephen unlocked it with the key he’d grabbed on the way out, and started up the engine. 

Tony looked over at him after a few seconds, before speaking up. “Didn’t you say you have to… make a few calls?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. “To know where we’re going?”

The other chuckled as he looked back over at him, shaking his head. “I did, while you were changing. Now buckle up.” He told him after doing it himself, as he started to pull out. 

He didn’t reply to him again but he did just that, putting on his belt, before staring out the window as they started driving down the busy streets. Luckily despite the busyness, the traffic didn’t seem to be too bad, likely thanks to the time of day. Everyone would probably be at work or school by now. 

The silence was heavy in the confines of the car, Stephen focusing on the road, and Tony continuing to stare outside. Despite his wish to stop thinking everything over, he just couldn’t stop his mind from going. He felt… strangely disappointed. He didn’t know what he had expected, showing up at Stephen’s door. But it hadn't been to be shipped off to some house, while the other dealt with it all.

He didn’t know what else he would have wanted… to stay with Stephen? No. That would have been… even more awkward. And weird. But then again, maybe he might have felt more safe. Not because of Stephen specifically, of course, but the man was apparently the most powerful sorcerer out there now. That was all.

“Are you alright?” Stephen’s voice cut through the silence after a few minutes, concerned by the empty silence and his demeanour, the way he was staring out the window. 

There was a few seconds without a reply, before Tony spoke again, stoically. “Not really.” He’d said simply, not even turning his head to spare the other a glance.

Stephen wasn’t even sure what to reply to that, the response blunt, but he could tell something was bothering him deep down. He knew how much he’d been through since last night, of course, but it felt like it was… something more. “Would you like to talk about it?” He eventually asked, sparing him a quick glance, no more than a flicker in his direction. There was certainly no way he was taking his eyes off the road again.

“You don’t have to, of course. I know it’s none of my business. But I’m just… concerned.” He added as he pulled to a stop at a red light, looking over at him properly, taking him in. 

Tony had never been the best at keeping his emotions in for long, despite trying to always seem nonchalant, like nothing could bother him. But it was quite the opposite, everything building up in him, until he exploded. He sighed at Stephen’s words, silently questioning why he would be concerned, wasn’t it a little late for caring?

“I thought I wouldn’t have to deal with this stuff, ever again. You- You broke up with me, Stephen. For this.” He started, glancing at him for a second before back out the window. “Because you wanted more . You wanted to be more powerful, the all mighty Sorcerer Supreme. Fine. Okay. But I thought I was out, that I wouldn’t have to think about it again. But then… years later, now, my whole apartment is destroyed. I’m injured. I have nowhere to go. Why? Why did they come for me ? I have nothing to do with you anymore.”

There was another few seconds of silence while they both bathed in the words, before Stephen cleared his throat. “I… I’m sorry.” There’s a hint of something in his voice, that Tony can only pinpoint as hurt, and he refused even the slightest possibility of that. “You’re right. I broke up with you, because I needed to focus on that. It’s important, and it required all of my focus to perfect. But that doesn’t mean I can’t care.” 

He paused for a second, before pressing on. “I’m worried about you. I’m sorry that something came for you, and I wish I knew what it was. But I will figure it out, when you’re somewhere safe.”

Tony scoffed a little at the implication of him caring because in his mind, there was no way he did. Not after what happened, and certainly not after all this time. “Well, it doesn’t really matter what happened now. It happened. I just… want it to be over, and I can go back to my normal life.” He murmured, pausing for a second, not being able to stop himself from sounding a little bitter. “And you can get to your- literally- magical life without me, like you wanted.”

Strange didn’t say anything for a while, but when he did, his voice sounded like it almost cracked as he called his name. “Tony.” He said, a frown playing on his lips. “I want you to be safe, and I want to help you. I want you to be okay. I’m sorry if it seems like I left you behind, but I swear, I really don’t want you getting hurt. I do care.” 

Tony sighed a little, the tone in his voice verging on desperate, as he tried to get him to listen to what he was saying. He felt a small amount of guilt at the way he’d said it, the words having just fallen out of his mouth. But he couldn’t take it back now. It was how he felt deep down, anyway. 

“... I want to believe you, I do. But I just- I can’t.” He said quietly, before speaking up again as he continued. “Look, we can talk, once you’ve… dealt with this. Destroyed it or whatever. And then we’ll go our separate ways again, civilly, yeah?”

Strange nodded, even though they weren’t looking at each other. “I understand. If that’s what you want, then of course. But… are you sure?” He asked him. “I just… I worry about you now. That’s all. But if you are sure, then I will happily abide.”

“You haven’t checked up on me, not once since you broke up with me. Just… nothing.” He said, his tone no longer blaming or harsh, just… weakened. “I’m not sure how much ‘worry’ can be in there. But it’s… it’s okay. We’re adults. And I’m fine, really. Let’s just get wherever I’m gonna be staying, and you can go… put a stop to this.”

The other sighed when he was finished, not taking the cue that Tony was done with the conversation. “You’re right.” He said, glancing at him briefly again. “I was so caught up in everything. Training, and studying, and the Sanctum. I just… I didn’t even think to reach out again. And I am sorry for that, now. You deserved, and still deserve, better than that.”

The silence hung heavy for what felt like minutes, but in reality it was only seconds. Both of them wondered who was going to say something, but eventually Tony did speak up, with nothing of substance. 

“I don’t want to talk about it right now.” 

He’d said, turning his head further as he looked out the window, shielding his face a little more. He knew how easily Stephen used to be able to read him, and even though it had been so long, he feared he’d take one look at him and it would be over. 

Stephen only spoke up once more, the final word of the journey. “Okay.” He’d agreed, softly. Luckily the drive didn’t take much longer, the awkward silence not having much time to linger, around fifteen minutes. It felt so short, but also like a whole lifetime. He turned the engine off when they arrived, but didn’t move to get out of the car.

“This is like… a safe house, of sorts. It should be stocked with canned foods and stuff, non perishables. There should be some clothes that fit you too, if you have a look through the closets. They’re all new, just in case they were needed.” He murmured, glancing up towards the house, before back over at Tony. “It’ll just be a few days, till we can figure this out, and stop it.”

Tony gave a small nod, also looking towards the building. “Okay… Aren’t you gonna like- come up with me? How do I get in?” He asked, since he didn’t have a key or anything, and he doubted the door to a safehouse was just left unlocked. 

“No, I should get going… I need to get back, and get started on trying to work out what the hell this thing actually is.” Stephen said with a sigh, as he rubbed at his forehead. “Someone has just been by, they’ve updated the wards for you, so you won’t need a key. It’s unlocked, but nobody else can pass the door apart from you. And me, if I need to come by again.” 

He would have much rather a key, but as much as he hated magic, he knew this was probably much safer. It would feel weird walking in by himself, to a place he’d never been, knowing he was stuck here for the next few days. 

“Uh, okay…” Tony murmured, clearing his throat. He hesitated for a few seconds before he tugged out his phone, handing it over to Stephen, without looking at him. “Your, uh, number. For if something happens, or I need something, since I can’t leave.” He said as Stephen took it from his hands, to input his number.

Once it was handed back to him he cleared his throat, taking off his seatbelt. He opened the car door, stepping out before he turned to look back in the car, clearing his throat. Neither of them spoke for a second, before Stephen broke the silence.

“A few days, okay? I’ll make sure this gets taken care of, and I’m- I’m sorry, again. For all of this. Just get in touch if you need anything, okay?” He said, as he leaned forward against the steering wheel, so he could see Tony outside the car. 

Tony gave a small nod, but couldn’t bring himself to say much of anything else. “Okay.” He said simply, before he took a step back, hand on the door ready to close it. “Thank you. Bye.” 

And with that the car door closed, and he started heading back up towards the house. He eyed it as he got closer, a little unsure. The sound of the car engine turning back on sounded from behind him, and he spared a small glance, but his gaze didn’t linger. He hesitated for a second before he reached out for the handle, letting out a soft breath as he managed to push it, the door swinging open. 

The noise of the car pulling away could be heard as he entered, quieting as the door closed behind him, Stephen having waited until he knew he was safe inside before he took off. Tony looked around the small house as he tried to adjust to where everything was, his mind numb yet buzzing with everything that had happened in the last day. 

Despite how alone and isolated he felt in the house, unable to leave and having none of his things with him, time seemed to fly by. Perhaps it was due to how early he decided to go to bed, both mentally and physically exhausted. The bed wasn’t his own, but with how done he was with the day, it was the most comfortable thing he had felt in his life. He luckily didn’t have much time to dwell on what had happened, sleep taking over him quickly, for once. 

This was the second time.

The second time in a row he’d been woken from his sleep, to something in the room with him. His heart was already racing when his eyes flew open, his subconscious knowing something was wrong, the portal forming in the corner of the room proving it was right. The same portal that had been in his own bedroom, barely twenty four hours ago. 

This was meant to be a safe house, Stephen had promised. How did something get in? How did it know where he was, again? He scrambled to grab his phone as the portal grew bigger, hands shaking wildly as he found the contact the other had put in just yesterday, pressing the call button. 

It rang, and it rang again, before the call was picked up. 

“Hello?” Stephen’s voice came from the phone, but it was only met with silence. “Hello? Tony?” He asked again, assuming who it was.

The worry in his tone grew as he continued to receive no reply, and he wouldn’t. The phone lay on the floor of the bedroom, nobody around, the house as empty as it had been before he’d got there. No sign of the portal, what had come out of it, or Tony. 

“Tony?” He continued to call from the other end of the call, the sounds of him rushing around clear. “Fuck-” He hissed, before the call disconnected, leaving the house in heavy silence once again.