Chapter 16
The next day, like his friends suggested, Tony decided to go out with Stephen to find out what he really wanted. He was waiting for Stephen to come into the lab, but instead, Steve walked in.
"Steve, what are you doing here?" Tony asked, surprised.
"Uh, I want to tell you something," Steve said.
"Okay, come on in," Tony replied.
"Tony, I think we should stop acting like boyfriends. If you're going to make a move on Stephen, I don't want to be a laughingstock," Steve said.
"Steve, you're not a laughingstock. Everybody knows that I love you," Tony said.
"Love me as a friend, isn't it?" Steve scoffed.
"What's going on?" Tony asked.
"Nothing. I just don't want to act like your boyfriend anymore. That's it," Steve said.
"Okay, I get it. But there's something else. What aren't you telling me?" Tony asked, grabbing his hands.
"There's nothing. I should go now," Steve said, pulling his hand away.
Just then, Stephen entered the room and saw Steve and Tony standing close. He stood there awkwardly for a second.
"Bye, Tony," Steve said and left the room without even acknowledging Stephen.
Stephen came in and sat in his usual spot. He noticed Tony's worried look.
"You two had a fight?" Stephen asked.
"Uh... no," Tony said, snapping back to the moment.
"Does it still hurt?" Stephen asked, pointing to Tony's cheek.
"A little," Tony admitted.
"Keep applying an ice pack. It helps the swelling go away," Stephen advised.
"Why are you acting so nice to me?" Tony asked, genuinely concerned.
"I told you, I care about you," Stephen said.
"How did that happen all of a sudden?" Tony asked.
"It's not a sudden feeling. I've wanted to be your friend for a long time, but then we both ended up hating each other," Stephen explained.
"So, you asked me out to be friends?" Tony asked, a little disappointed.
"Yes, but if you don't want that, it's alright," Stephen said.
"You owe me a coffee, Strange. Take me out," Tony said.
"Okay," Stephen said, chuckling.
"Does today at 5 PM work?" Stephen asked.
"Yes, but you have to take me. Jarvis won't allow me to drive," Tony said.
"Sure. I'll come to pick you up," Stephen said.
"Okay, let's get to work?" Tony suggested.
"Yeah," Stephen agreed.
As promised, Stephen took Tony to the new coffee place.
"Mmh... this coffee is the best," Tony said, moaning after a sip.
"What's your obsession with coffee?" Stephen asked, chuckling.
"Coffee is life. I can't live without it," Tony declared.
"But it's not that good for your health," Stephen said.
"Oh, please. Your doctor side is boring," Tony groaned.
"So, you think my other side is interesting, don't you?" Stephen asked, smirking.
"When did I say that?" Tony asked, flushed.
Stephen chuckled, seeing Tony turn red.
"What's your plan for the weekend?" Tony asked.
"Nothing much. I might spend it with my family," Stephen said.
"We're planning a movie night at Thor's. Do you want to join?" Tony asked timidly.
"Uh, I don't think so. Your friends wouldn't like that, especially your boyfriend," Stephen said.
"Steve is really nice. You'll see if you spend time with him," Tony said.
"Why do you want me to spend time with your boyfriend?" Stephen asked, chuckling.
"Oh, please! I was just offering you company because I felt sorry for your lonely ass," Tony said, rolling his eyes.
"I don't need your pity, Stark. I can take care of myself," Stephen scoffed.
"Speaking of that, doesn't your boyfriend have a family? I noticed he came alone to the party. And what about your other two friends?" Stephen asked.
Tony was really annoyed by Stephen repeatedly calling Steve his boyfriend, but he let it go and said,
"Steve is from Queens. His mother is there. He came here for his education. He's going to be a military candidate next year."
"Mmh, that's why he's beefing up," Stephen scoffed.
"You're just jealous of his perfect body," Tony said, smirking.
"Oh, I don't think I need his body to make people fall for me, do I?" Stephen said with a flirty smile.
Tony was flustered.
"Uh, Nat and Clint are orphans. They grew up together, but we're their family," Tony said, changing the subject.
"Oh, okay. You guys seem very close," Stephen observed.
"Yes, we are. When Rhodey left for military school, I was all alone. Then I found them," Tony said.
"Who is Rhodey?" Stephen asked.
"He's my best friend. He always protected me from being bullied by older students in school," Tony said.
"So, did you have any serious relationships before the muscle man?" Stephen asked.
"His name is Steve," Tony said, rolling his eyes.
"Whatever, it's weird to call him by my name. Back to the question," Stephen said.
"No. Nobody wants to date me because I'm a slut," Tony said, chuckling humorlessly.
"Stop saying that, Tony," Stephen growled.
Tony looked at Stephen's face and saw concern there.
"Have you tried the muffins here? They're really yummy," Tony said, trying to distract.
"Alex, two chocolate muffins," Tony ordered.
"Sure, Tony," the barista said and handed them over.
"Isn't he cute?" Tony asked pointing to the barista.
Stephen just rolled his eyes.
"Oh, these are too good. We should come here often," Tony said, moaning with a mouthful of muffin.
"Stark, don't make this a habit. This is a one-time thing," Stephen said, chuckling.
"Oh, is it? I thought there might be a second and third date," Tony said, fluttering his eyelashes.
"Ask your caring, smart, strong, romantic boyfriend for a date. Why bother me?" Stephen scoffed.
"He won't go on a date with me," Tony said.
"Why?"
"Because he's not my boyfriend," Tony explained.
"You broke up?" Stephen asked, a little hope in his voice.
"We were never together to break up. We were just pretending. And Steve got tired of acting. He doesn't want to do it anymore," Tony said.
Stephen didn't know why he felt so happy hearing this information. But Stephen knew the look Steve gave Tony; it wasn't just friendship. There was more to it, but Stephen didn't want to acknowledge it now.
"Oh, I thought..." Stephen started.
"Now, I'm back to being the old Tony, who everyone wants to date for a day," Tony said.
"You can say no," Stephen advised.
"There's no point in doing that," Tony said with a small smile.
"Uh, Stephen, I should go. See you tomorrow at the lab?" Tony asked.
"Yeah, sure," Stephen said.
Stephen watched Tony walk away. The information that Tony was single made his heart flutter. But Stephen wasn't sure about his feelings or what to do about Christine. He was in a dilemma.
"How was the day out with Stephen?" Bruce asked. Tony, Bruce, Thor, and Loki were hanging out at Thor's house.
"Bruce, I don't think he has feelings for me. He just flirts with me to annoy me. That's it. He's in a serious relationship with Christine," Tony said.
"Stark, you're an idiot. So is Stephen," Loki said, rolling his eyes.
"What do you mean, Loki?" Tony asked, frowning.
"Nothing. It's fun to see you dancing around," Loki said and left the room.
"Loki always talks in riddles. I don't get anything," Thor said.
"Did you guys see Steve?" Tony asked.
"No," Bruce said.
"He's acting strange, isn't he?" Tony asked.
"Yeah, I noticed that too," Bruce said.
"Maybe Nat would know what's going on," Thor suggested.
"Mm... Yeah... Good night, guys. Bye," Tony said, standing up.
"Bye, Tony," Bruce and Thor said.
"I took Tony to the coffee shop," Stephen was FaceTiming Christine on the balcony.
"Oh? You guys are friends now?" Christine asked.
"I think so. He's actually good company," Stephen said.
"That's great, Steph. I told you, you two could be great friends," Christine said.
Stephen watched Tony walking out of Thor's house alone. It was late.
"Christine, I'll call you tomorrow. I have to go," Stephen said, ending the call.
Stephen wrapped a scarf around his neck and rushed outside where Tony was.
"Why are you alone?" Stephen asked.
Tony was startled by the sudden voice.
"Strange, you scared me," Tony said, putting his hands on his chest.
"If you're afraid of walking alone, you should have asked your friends to accompany you," Stephen said.
"It's okay; it's just a short distance," Tony replied.
"No, it's not. Don't you remember what happened last time? I'll walk with you," Stephen insisted.
"What are you, my bodyguard?" Tony asked, chuckling.
"No, but I think you need one. Isn't your father a billionaire? Ask him for one," Stephen suggested.
"Why do I need one? You're here, right?" Tony said in a flirty voice.
Stephen knew Tony was just playing along; he didn't mean anything by it. But those words made him blush a little.
"Do your parents know you're roaming around at night?" Stephen asked.
"They're in some other corner of the earth. They don't even care where I go or what I do," Tony said, chuckling.
"Are you alone at home?" Stephen asked.
"It's not a home, Stephen. But no, Jarvis is there to take care of me," Tony replied.
It was a very cold night. The chilly wind was making Tony shiver. Stephen noticed that. He unwrapped his scarf from his neck and gave it to Tony.
"You're freezing. Here," Stephen said.
"What about you?" Tony asked.
"I'm born hot. I'll be okay," Stephen said, smirking.
"Of course, you are," Tony said, chuckling. He wrapped the scarf around his neck.
"You know, my family always asks me to bring you home. They want to meet you," Stephen said.
"Why?" Tony asked, confused.
"They like you for some reason," Stephen said.
"Your family likes me?" Tony asked, surprised.
"I was surprised too. But yes, they do," Stephen replied.
"So, when are you introducing me to your parents, Stephen?" Tony asked in a sweet voice, nudging him.
"Soon, dear. We're not at that stage of the relationship," Stephen said, playing along.
Tony chuckled more.
Along the way, they bantered back and forth, engaging in not-so-subtle flirting. With each step, they walked closer together, shoulders touching. Their excuse was that it was cold.
Finally, they reached the tower.
"Thanks for walking with me," Tony said.
"You're welcome. But seriously, don't go out alone at night. It's not safe," Stephen said seriously.
"Okay, I will call you when I need to go somewhere at night," Tony said, smirking.
"Don't ever do that. Now go inside; it's cold out here," Stephen insisted.
"Good night, Stephen," Tony said, standing on his toes to kiss Stephen on the cheek before walking inside.
Stephen stayed there, surprised by Tony's act. It was just a peck on the cheek, but that simple peck made him grin widely.
Stephen entered his house, smiling. Donna was standing in the doorway.
"Where did you go?" she asked.
"I just took a walk," Stephen said.
"At this time? In this weather?" Donna asked suspiciously.
"Yes," Stephen said, unsure.
"I saw you following Tony," Donna said.
"He was alone. I just gave him company," Stephen explained.
"When did you become so caring about others?" Donna asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"What's your problem?" Stephen asked, annoyed.
"Tell me what's going on," Donna demanded.
"Nothing is going on," Stephen said.
"Stephen, I have been observing you for the last few days. Since you started working with Tony, you've become so nice, so happy—more than when you're with Christine," Donna said.
"You're crazy," Stephen replied.
"No, you're crazy. You're crazy about Tony, aren't you?" Donna asked, smirking, stopping Stephen's way
"Get out of my way," Stephen said pushing her to side and walked to his bedroom.
He sat on the bed, thinking about what Donna had said.
Was he that obvious? Or is his sister just good at reading him? But he knew one thing: he was crazy about Tony. But he didn't know what to do with that feeling.