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Tony blinked as Strange entered the dining room, Donna trailing behind him, as Tony sat down for dinner. “What are you doing here?” he asked. “You freed yourself, didn’t you?”
“I did,” Strange said. “You didn’t kick me out of your home, though.”
Tony had expected Strange to simply leave. “Doesn’t explain why you’re still here.”
“I want to be here.”
How did Tony respond to that? “Is your sister okay?” he asked finally.
Strange’s smile went soft. “Yes,” he said. “She is.”
Donna peered around Strange to look at him. “Thank you for saving me.”
Tony paused. “No thanks needed,” he started, keeping his voice gentle. “If I did help save you, I have no idea how.”
Strange took a seat, his sister copying him. “I fell in love with you,” Strange said bluntly.
“What?”
“The curse,” Strange started. “Demanded I share a kiss with someone I love and loves me in return—” Tony’s eyes widened, panic twisting through him. ”—who I literally couldn’t refuse.” Strange’s jaw tightened. “Not a common relationship dynamic; the gladiator contract, however, qualifies. But how do you fall in love with someone who strips away your choice? I certainly couldn’t and I tried. Likewise, someone who treats you that way doesn’t love you.”
Tony stared, frozen. “I don’t love—”
“You do,” Strange said, simply. “Donna’s free; that’s evidence enough. Not that we need to act on that. When you offered to free me, I felt hope for the first time in years. I realized you were someone that maybe I could fall in love with.” Strange smiled. “As you can see, the gamble paid off.”
Tony felt absolutely lost. “Well. Congratulations,” he said finally. “What exactly do you want?” he asked.
Strange smiled. “That’s why I’m still here. I want to figure that out.”