Stephen
Chapter 14:
Blair looked out over the crowd of nicely dressed men and women who filled the ballroom floor of Stark Tower. Tony hadn’t been kidding when he said gala. The crowd was dressed to the nines and Blair had been introduced to more senators and government officials tonight than she could even possibly remember. At least the mind casting was interesting though. Her powers danced in her head as she extended them across the ballroom floor, a good number of guests were worried about their rusty dancing skills, while a small number completely let go and just danced, the music was the only thing that occupied their consciousness.
Blair looked down at the red gown she was wearing and pulled it up a little higher on her chest. She was glad Natasha insisted she wear a floor length dress tonight. Blair had never seen so much glamour and wealth in person and she felt like an imposter just standing in the room. Another of Colonel Rhodes old military friends approached the table and Blair excused herself, she could only handle so many military glory stories in one night and she had been pretending to nurse the same drink for a couple hours at least.
As she walked away from the table she saw Steve wading through the crowd. Grabbing his sleeve she raised her voice above the music.
“Hey Steve, I’m going to go get some air on the balcony. Just so you know.” she said
“I understand.” he said, raising his eyebrows at her as a group of drunken older men stumbled by them.
Blair wove her way toward the edge of the crowd, setting her untouched drink on a waiter’s tray as she passed. When she finally broke free of the crowd she headed towards the back of the room to the balcony doors. However before she reached them a hand caught the back of her elbow.
“Miss Coleman, I was hoping we could have a word.” a deep baritone voice said from behind her.
As she turned to face the man her vision started to blur and gravity slammed into her as she faded from reality... the last thing she saw before she blacked out was a man with dark hair and intense blue eyes. His arms caught her right before she hit the ground.
****
Natasha’s POV
“Hey guys, I think we have a problem.” Natasha spoke quietly into her hidden earpiece, moving through the crowd towards Blair’s crumpled form.
“A man approached Blair right when she was having a vision, I’m headed toward her now. Southeast corner of the ballroom if anyone else can get there.” Natasha finished. Releasing the button on earpiece she moved more quickly through the sea of guests.
“Hi!” Natasha said plastering a fake smile on her face she slide in between Blair and the man. “Sorry about my friend, sometimes this happens. Too much to drink” she rambled, still smiling at the man.
“Oh it’s no trouble.” the man said looking up at her “I’m a doctor actually, I’d be happy to help. Does this happen to your friend frequently?” he inquired.
“Quite” Natasha said curtly, annoyed with the man’s persistence.
Right as Natasha was about to tell the man to leave, Bruce and Steve emerged from the gala crowd.
“Stephen, it’s nice to see you again, I didn’t know you’d be here.” Bruce said smiling and extending his hand toward the man.
The doctor rose from his crouched position on the floor and shook Bruce’s hand.
“It’s been a while.” he said by way of greeting.
“Natasha, this is Dr. Stephen Strange, we actually worked together briefly in our doctorate programs.” Bruce, said introducing her.
“Pleasure.” Natasha responded smiling even more fakely, she stayed couched on the floor next to Blair supporting her head. She trusted her instincts and they were telling her not to trust this man.
“I thought you were doing neurosurgery now.” Bruce questioned Strange.
“Hmmm well I had a bit of a career change.” Strange said slightly sarcastically.
Tony emerged from the crowd, Wanda following closely behind him.
“Just came to join the party.” he looked around clapping his hands together. “Are you are..?” he said finally noticing Strange.
“Dr. Stephen Strange” he introduced himself.
“Well doctor I’d be happy to show you to the bar, I think my friends here will be retiring for the night but Steve here is the life of the party.” he exclaimed thumping Steve on the back and turning back toward the crowd.
“Well, Mr Stark…” Strange began “I’m afraid I was not actually invited to this party. I was hoping to speak to Ms. Coleman before the night is over. It’s of utmost importance. I’m sure you understand.” he said curtly.
“If you have any questions regarding the Avengers team I’m sure Tony or I could answer them for you.” Steve said stepping protectively between Strange and Natasha and Blair.
“Nat…” Blair’s eyes fluttered open and she looked up at Natasha groggily.
“I’m afraid I’ll need to speak directly to Ms. Coleman.” Strange said glancing down at her. Turning to face Tony her continued. “The safety of our universe may depend on it.”