Chapter 6
Stephen decided that what he felt for Tony was just a phase and that it would pass. He needed to concentrate on what he really wanted—Christine. His family loved Christine, he loved Christine, and she was the best person he could ever have. Following his father's advice, he decided to spend more time with Christine, so he took her on a date.
"Steph, why was your mood so off yesterday?" Christine asked.
"I don't know... I was thinking a lot," Stephen said.
"About what?" Christine asked.
"About us. Christine, I love you, and I don't want to mess up our relationship. I want us to be friends forever," Stephen said.
"Steph, we're going to be friends forever. We're not going to mess it up. We just started dating, so give it some time. We'll figure it out," Christine said, holding his hands.
"Thanks. We'll figure it out," Stephen said.
"So, Steph, tomorrow is your house party, right? Who all are invited?" Christine asked.
"Uh... I don't know. Mom and Dad did all the work. I guess they've invited the whole neighborhood," Stephen said, rolling his eyes.
"That's kind of great, you know. You could make some new friends. Do you think Tony will come over?" Christine asked.
"I hope he won't," Stephen scoffed.
He really hoped not because it would be difficult for him to move on if he kept seeing Tony.
"Come on, stop with the hating. I'm sure you two could be best buds. You're both intelligent, smart, and a bit cocky," Christine said.
"You think?" Stephen asked.
"Yes, I do. But let's leave that aside. Now, let's talk about us," Christine said.
"Yeah, sure," Stephen agreed.
Meanwhile, Tony, Bruce, Thor, Clint, and Nat were hanging out at Tony's place.
"So, guys, are you going to Stephen's party tomorrow?" Thor asked.
"Yes, his parents invited my parents," Bruce said.
"I'm going too," everyone else chimed in.
"What about you, Tony?" Thor asked.
"I don't have a choice; my parents want me there," Tony said.
"Don't worry, Tony. Just ignore Stephen's presence. We can still have fun. It's been a long time since we went to a party together," Natasha said.
"Yes, I need some booze," Thor said cheerfully.
"Oh, please! It's a party hosted by parents who have invited our parents, and we're just going as 'the kids.' Do you really think we'll be allowed to drink? Some of us aren't even legally old enough," Tony pointed out.
"And by 'some of us,' you mean yourself," Clint teased.
"If I can't have it, none of you can," Tony said, glaring.
"Sorry, bud, I'm not signing that contract," Clint said.
"Me neither," the others agreed.
"Oh, shut up," Tony groaned.
As they were talking, Steve entered the room.
"Hey, Steve, where have you been?" Nat asked.
"I was at the gym," Steve said, sitting near Tony.
"Man, you've got some nice biceps here," Tony said, touching his arms in a flirty tone.
Tony was always like that with everyone.
"Thanks," Steve said, blushing hard.
Nat rolled her eyes, seeing the boy all flushed.
"Steve, are you coming to the party tomorrow?" Thor asked.
"At Stephen's? I'm not sure," Steve replied.
"Why?" Bruce asked.
"That guy has an attitude I can't stand," Steve said.
"Same here. But I'm going. Please come, Steve, or I'll be the only one at the party who hates the host's son," Tony said.
"Alright, let me see," Steve said.
"Thank you," Tony said, hugging him, making Steve blush even harder.
"Okay, guys, help me find an outfit," Tony said.
"Sure," his friends agreed.
Thor, Bruce, and Clint followed Tony.
Nat sat next to Steve and asked, "Steve, are you going to do anything about this situation?"
"What situation?" Steve asked.
"Steve, others might be idiots not to see it, but I'm not. You're totally into Tony," Nat said.
"I'm not," Steve said.
Nat kept staring at him.
"Okay, I am. But what can I do? He’s already said he doesn't want to date any of us. And he doesn't see me that way," Steve said.
"Steve, talk to him. Tell him how you're feeling. What if you two are on the same page?" Nat suggested.
"Nat, I don't know. What if he hates me after that? I can't lose him," Steve said.
"Listen to me. I'm sure Tony likes you, and he is looking for an actual relationship. It's time to make a move," Nat said.
"You think so?" Steve asked.
"Yes. Tomorrow at the party, I'm sure Stephen is going to be mean to Tony. And guess who will be there to comfort him?" Nat asked, smirking.
"Who?" Steve asked, frowning.
"You, idiot," Nat said, rolling her eyes.
"Okay," Steve said.
"And that's the moment you ask him out," Nat added.
"What if..." Steve started.
"Steve, stop overthinking. Just do what I said. I'm sick of seeing you all love-sick over Tony," Nat said.
"Okay, I think I should pick out my outfit for tomorrow," Steve said, blushing.
"Yes, go find something that makes you look your best," Nat said cheerfully.
"Thanks, Nat," Steve said and left the room.
When Stephen and Christine returned from their date, Stephen's parents were preparing for the party.
"Hey, kids. How was the date?" Eugene asked.
"It was good. Are all the preparations done? Do you need me for anything?" Stephen asked.
"No, no, everything is fine. I just want you to be a warm and gracious host to our guests," Eugene said.
"Dad, I'm not a rude person," Stephen said.
"You're not, but sometimes you're very opinionated, which can upset others," Beverly said.
"I don't do that," Stephen said, feeling offended.
"Mom, you're wrong," Donna said, making Stephen want to kiss her for supporting him.
"Stephen isn’t opinionated sometimes; he's always like that, and he's great at pissing people off," Donna added.
"WHAT? Donna, you're in big trouble," Stephen said, glaring.
"See? He can't even handle criticism," Donna said.
"Okay, kids, stop it. Go to bed. You have a lot to do tomorrow," Beverly said.
Christine and Stephen walked to their rooms.
"Christy, do you think I'm opinionated?" Stephen asked.
"Uh, sometimes," Christine said, then went to her room, leaving Stephen in the hall.