Chapter 1
It was a beautiful summer morning, and Tony and his friends decided to go on a picnic since their year-end break had just started. The group was sitting in the park, enjoying food and fun.
"Guys, let's play Truth or Dare. It's been a long time since we played it," Thor, the always cheerful boy in the group, suggested.
"Uh, it's boring, Point Break. Come up with something else," Tony groaned.
"It's not boring. You're just scared to do the dares," Natasha teased.
"I'm not scared," Tony said, frowning.
"Then why don't you want to play it?" Bruce asked.
"Because... Okay, fine, let's play," Tony conceded.
"Okay, who’s in?" Thor asked, clapping his hands.
All his friends, except Loki, raised their hands.
"Brother, you're not playing?" Thor asked.
"I'm not in for your stupid games, but I’ll watch," Loki replied.
"Okay, then I’ll go first. Steve, Truth or Dare?" Thor asked the boy sitting near him.
"Uh, truth," Steve said, a bit unsure.
"Do you have a crush on someone in our group?" Thor asked.
"Uh... Yes," Steve admitted.
Everyone oohed at that.
"Tell us, Steve, who is it?" Thor urged.
"Only one question needs to be answered. I did it. So no more questions," Steve said, smirking.
"Please, Steve, tell us," everyone demanded.
"No, let's move on with the game. It’s my turn," Steve said.
"Bruce, Truth or Dare?"
"Truth," Bruce replied.
"Who is your favorite friend among us?" Steve asked.
"Guys, I like you all. You're all my favorites," Bruce said diplomatically.
"That can’t be true. You must have one favorite among us," Steve insisted.
"Okay! Tony," Bruce said.
"What? Bruce, I thought I was your favorite," Thor said with a betrayed expression.
"Tony was the first friend I made here. We also spend more time together," Bruce explained.
"I know, Brucie Bear. I love you too," Tony said in a sweet voice.
"I can't believe this," Thor said.
"Stop being whiny, brother," Loki said, rolling his eyes.
"Okay, it’s my turn, right?" Bruce asked.
"Yes," everyone confirmed.
"Tony, Truth or Dare?" Bruce asked.
"Truth," Tony replied disinterestedly.
"See? I told you Tony is scared of dares," Nat said, smirking.
"I'm not," Tony insisted.
"Then, pick dare," Clint challenged.
"Alright, dare. Shoot," Tony said, crossing his arms.
"Oh, I don’t know what dare to give," Bruce said, nervously chuckling.
"I’ll give you the dare," Loki offered.
"No, you can't. You're not in the game," Tony protested, knowing Loki would come up with the worst ones.
"What's the problem? I'm just helping Bruce out," Loki said, shrugging. "Or if you can't face it, it’s okay," Loki added, knowing Tony’s pride would get hurt easily.
"Fine. What is it?" Tony asked.
"You should go and get the number of that cute boy sitting on that bench," Loki said, pointing toward a boy who was reading a book.
"That's it? I could easily do that. Who wouldn't give their number to Tony Stark?" Tony scoffed.
"Less talk, Stark. Go and get it. Also, you need to call that number in front of us. No cheating," Loki instructed.
"Okay, watch me," Tony said and walked confidently toward the boy. His friends watched him go.
"Loki, that's the simplest dare you could give Tony. You know, people are dying to get his number," Clint said.
"You think I’d go easy on him? Just wait and see," Loki said, smirking. They all waited for the drama to unfold.
Tony walked with full confidence. Being the popular kid in the neighborhood and school had given him the privilege of being liked by everyone. Everyone wanted to be his friend or date him, and Tony loved that attention. But sometimes, it was really tiring as well.
The boy on the bench was engrossed in reading a very thick book. Loki was right; he was kind of cute. Tony had never met him before. He stood near him and said, "Hey, you busy?" Tony asked with his charming smile.
"Can't you see that?" the boy responded coldly, not even looking up from his book.
"Yes, I can. So, I'm Tony..." Tony started.
"I know who you are, Stark. Any reason to interrupt my study?" the boy interrupted.
Tony was surprised. Nobody had ever talked to him like that.
"Yes, I'm here to... Can I get your number?" Tony asked, a little nervous now. All his confidence vanished as the boy spoke.
The boy finally took his eyes off the book and looked at Tony's face. His blue eyes pierced into Tony's as if studying his intentions. Tony felt his cheeks grow hotter under the boy's pointed gaze.
"No," the boy said firmly.
A short yet strong answer.
"Why?" Tony asked, frowning.
"Stark, do you really think you can ask anyone you see for their number, and they’ll be entertained by that? Not everyone is obsessed with you. Get over yourself," the boy said, chuckling.
Tony's ego was bruised. How dare he talk like that to him? Nobody had ever rejected him, but this boy just did—plainly and brutally. Tony kept staring at the boy.
"If you don’t have anything else to say, please leave. I need to study," the boy added.
Tony was fuming with anger, but he had nothing to say in return. He stomped back to his friends.
"Did you get his number, Tony?" Loki asked innocently.
"Who the hell does he think he is? I’m gonna show him who Tony Stark is," Tony said and stormed off.
"What just happened?" Steve asked, confused.
"It seems like that boy said no to Tony," Natasha said.
"Loki, who is he? Everyone wants to befriend Tony, but this boy just rejected him," Bruce said.
"That’s Stephen Strange, our new neighbor. He moved in two days ago."
"Our neighbor? How come I didn’t know?" Thor asked.
"You were at football camp last week, remember? Stephen and his family came to our house," Loki explained.
"Oh! The doctor family you mentioned," Nat said.
"Yes, and man, I thought I was the most vicious with words, but Stephen is next-level. Tony’s lucky he didn’t make him cry," Loki said.
"This boy is so strange," Bruce remarked.
"Yes, he is," Loki agreed.
"Okay, guys. I should leave now. I have plans with Wong and Mordo," Loki said, leaving the group.
"Tony is very upset," Steve said.
"Yes, let him cool off a bit. Then we’ll talk," Bruce suggested.