Strange takes that moment of rest, grateful for it, catching his breath and waiting for that pattering heartbeat in his throat to calm down. Note to self: get better at the goddamn cardio.

But as he finally straightens and rejoins Julius on climbing that terminally-winding stairwell, his head whips to the side upon hearing that last tidbit. “Is that sort of common phenomenon common here?” he asks; a little sharp, a sudden attention-to-detail prickling in his words which shows it isn’t just idle curiosity. He’s been hungry to learn everything he can about this world, and this one’s a particularly juicy morsel.

“Because that sounds familiar. I was experiencing some— strange dreams, for a while. Someone far more experienced with multiverses told me that our dreams, our nightmares, are glimpses into alternate worlds. At least that’s how it works back home.” A beat, and now it is curiosity asking: “Did you see anything?”