Chapter 5
"Stephen, can you do that beer magic you did when we first met? I really need one," Thor said.
"No, Thor. Peter is here. I can't give you alcohol in front of him," Stephen replied.
"Come on, he's not that young," Thor whined.
"It's okay, Dr. Strange. I've been to a party where some of my friends got drunk," Peter said.
"You went to a party where alcohol was served? Peter, you're just 15. You shouldn't have gone there. Did someone force you to drink?" Stephen asked, concerned.
"No, no. I left the party early. That was the first time I was invited to a party, and I was just curious to go. Mr. Stark, you knew about it. You let me leave early during our lab time," Peter explained.
"Tony, you allowed Peter to go to a party? Did his aunt know about it?" Stephen asked, glaring at Tony.
"In my defense, I didn’t know the party had alcohol," Tony said, tensing up.
"Of course, you did. I told you about it, and you told me to have fun," Peter added.
"Really, Stark?" Stephen asked sharply.
"Yes, I said it. Because… a little fun won’t hurt anyone. I’ve done worse at his age," Tony admitted.
"You might have, but that’s no excuse," Stephen began, but Thor interrupted.
"Okay, mom and dad, your kid went to a party where drinks were served. Is it that big of a deal?" Thor said, rolling his eyes.
"Who are you calling mom and dad?" Tony frowned.
"You two are acting like it—like an old married couple," Thor teased.
"We’re not," Stephen protested.
"Yes, you are, and it’s annoying," Thor retorted.
"Mr. Stark, Dr. Strange, you don’t have to fight because of me. I won’t go to another party," Peter said.
"Nonsense! You should go to parties and have fun, kid. Make memories while you can. Get drunk, go wild, live your life!" Tony exclaimed.
"Wow, what great advice to give to a kid!" Stephen scoffed.
"Or what? Should I tell him to meditate and be spiritual?" Tony shot back.
"Meditating is better than getting wasted at a young age. You should stop encouraging him to do that," Stephen countered.
"Why blame me for what Peter did? If it’s my problem, you could teach him righteousness," Tony replied.
"Peter is a good kid. You’re the one spoiling him," Stephen said.
"You hear that, Pete? Happy now?" Tony asked Peter.
"Oh, can you two get a room or something? My mom and dad were better than this," Thor groaned and walked away.
Peter chuckled at that.
"Why does he keep saying that?" Tony frowned.
"Dad, mom, can I go with Mr. Thor?" Peter asked, mocking them.
Both adults glared at the boy.
"Oops, sorry. You guys continue," Peter said and followed Thor.
Stephen and Tony were left alone.
"You really think I’m spoiling the kid?" Tony asked in a quiet voice.
"I didn’t mean it like that. I meant, you need to say no to him sometimes," Stephen clarified.
"I don’t want to make him upset," Tony admitted.
"All kids have to hear both no and yes. They should know that not everything in life comes easy," Stephen explained.
"Yeah, you’re right. Maybe you could be a mentor for him," Tony suggested.
"He has you. Why would he need someone like me to mentor him?" Stephen asked.
"Because he likes you and thinks you’re cool," Tony said.
"I like him too. He’s a good kid," Stephen said, smiling.
Tony watched Stephen, noticing how genuine his smile was and how his eyes shone. Ever since the kiss, Tony couldn’t help but see how beautiful the man was, especially when interacting with Peter.
Stephen caught Tony staring at him. His cheeks grew warmer.
"I… I should go," Stephen said quickly and left.
Later, Stephen was showing Peter some minor magic while Tony was trying to fix his suit. He really missed Friday.
Thor was snoring loudly, asleep.
"Doctor Strange?" Peter asked.
"Yes, Peter?" Stephen replied.
"Are you guys allowed to get married?" Peter asked.
"Of course we are. Why do you ask that?" Stephen chuckled.
"Because I read in a book that monks in Tibet can’t get married," Peter explained.
"We’re not monks. We’re sorcerers. We can live normal lives," Stephen said.
"Then, can I join you guys? I really want to learn magic. It’s been my dream since I saw Harry Potter. But I don’t want to be a monk. I want to get married," Peter rambled.
"Wow, thinking about marriage at your age? Is there someone special?" Stephen asked, smirking.
"Uh… yes. Her name is MJ. I really like her. She’s different from others, and me being Spider-Man didn’t change the way she acts around me," Peter admitted.
"You’re lucky, Pete. You found someone who accepts you for who you are," Stephen said.
"So, do you think we’ll be happy with someone who accepts us for what we are, not with someone who wants us to change?" Peter asked.
Stephen was surprised by the question.
Tony looked up from his suit, glancing at Stephen and Peter.
"If someone loves you, they should love you wholly, not partially, right, Mr. Stark?" Peter asked.
"Pete, you think someone can love you without making any adjustments?" Tony asked.
"Not everyone can do that, but if you find someone like that, someone you're not afraid to talk to about what you want in life, you should hold on to them," Peter said.
Stephen and Tony locked eyes, feeling like Peter's words were directed at them. What he said was true—no one can stay happy by hiding their true self.
They were lost in each other’s gaze, but were interrupted by Thor’s loud yell.
"Thanoooos!" Thor shouted in his sleep.
"You alright, Point Break?" Tony asked.
"I was dreaming of killing Thanos," Thor said, sitting up.
"He’s already dead, Thor," Tony reminded him.
"I know, but I wanted to kill him myself," Thor said.
"You’ll feel better when we reach Earth," Tony said, worried about Thor.
"Thor, if you really want, I can make a beer for you," Stephen offered, seeing Thor sad.
"You will?" Thor grinned.
"Yes."
"You’re the best, wizard!" Thor said, hugging him.
"Alright, alright," Stephen said, chuckling.
"Can I get one?" Tony asked, smirking.
"No," Stephen replied.
He conjured a glass of beer, which Thor gulped down happily, then smashed the glass on the floor.
"Another, Stephen!" Thor demanded.
"You can’t break the glass, Thor," Stephen scolded
"Sorry, I was just excited," Thor said sheepishly.
Tony and Peter chuckled at that.