Work Text:
“You know, when they said they were going to get me the best…” Stark rasped. “I thought they meant for my surgery.” Stark’s other guests had already been by, and now Stephen was finally meeting his soulmate.
Stephen gestured at the nurse. “Water, please,” he said quietly. Stark needed some. He moved closer. “I didn’t operate.”
Stark’s hand came up and he rubbed behind his ear where his soul mark rested, covered by bandages. Stephen’s mark was in the same spot; he reflexively reached up and touched it.
“Yeah, Pep told me.” Stark smiled. “Doctor Stephen Strange. The best of the best,” Stark continued. “An interesting twist of fate for me, there.”
“You could say that.” Stephen took the spot next to Stark’s bed. “Doctor West.” He took a deep breath. “He did a remarkable job.”
The nurse’s eyes widened as she brought the water. Stephen knew the compliment would be around the hospital by the end of the day. Stephen took the water and put it in reach of Tony.
“I’ll make sure to commend him,” Stark said. His gaze focused on Stephen. “But I’ll be honest, he’s not really the doctor I’m interested in talking to, right now.”