Chapter 17
Tony couldn’t sleep that night. He kept replaying his moments with Stephen. He had flirted with anyone and everyone he met, but it never meant anything. With Stephen, it was different. When Stephen responded to his flirtation, it made Tony’s heart flutter even more, even though he knew Stephen didn’t mean anything by it.
Tony picked up Stephen’s scarf and smelled it. It smelled like him, and Tony couldn’t stop smiling. He didn’t know why, but the thought of being with Stephen was all he could think about. He couldn’t wait for morning to see him again.
When dawn broke, Tony was getting ready for the day. He wanted to look his best, though he didn’t know why. Deep down, he knew Stephen would never be attracted to him, but a tiny bit of hope lingered. Tony searched for the perfect outfit in his closet when Jarvis entered the room and saw him awake.
“Good morning, Tony. You’re up early,” Jarvis remarked.
“Jarvis, what are you doing here?” Tony asked.
“I brought your coffee,” Jarvis replied.
“You do that?”
“Then how did you think your coffee arrives every morning?” Jarvis asked with a chuckle.
“I never really thought about it,” Tony admitted.
“What are you doing?” Jarvis asked.
“Help me find something nice to wear,” Tony said.
“Are you going somewhere?”
“No.”
“Is someone special coming over?”
“No one’s coming,” Tony said.
“Then why do you want to look nice?”
“What? Can’t I wear something nice for myself?” Tony frowned.
“Of course, you can. Isn’t Stephen coming over today?” Jarvis asked.
“Yes, he’ll be here...” Tony started, then paused to look at Jarvis, who was smirking at him.
“Why did you ask?” Tony questioned.
“No reason. And Tony, you always look nice. Anything will be fine,” Jarvis said as he placed the coffee on the table and left.
Tony waited in the lab for Stephen’s arrival, but by 11, he still hadn’t shown up. Tony texted him, but there was no response. He began to wonder if he had scared Stephen away by kissing his cheek. Maybe Stephen wanted to stay away from his gay ass.
Tony left the lab, feeling disappointed. Jarvis noticed his expression.
“What’s wrong?” Jarvis asked.
“Stephen didn’t come,” Tony said in a small voice.
“Try calling him,” Jarvis suggested.
“I texted him, but he’s not replying,” Tony said.
“Then go to his house. It’s only two blocks away, isn’t it?”
“Should I?”
“Only if you want to,” Jarvis replied.
“But we’re not that close,” Tony said.
“Then go and ask him why he wasted your precious time,” Jarvis said.
“Yes! I can yell at him for making me wait and ruining my nonexistent plans. Thanks, J,” Tony said, hugging his butler before running out.
“This boy,” Jarvis muttered with a chuckle.
Tony stood in front of Stephen’s house, debating whether to ring the doorbell. Taking a deep breath, he pressed the button.
A minute later, the door opened. It was Stephen’s mother.
“Hey, Tony. Good morning,” she greeted warmly.
“Hi, Mrs. Strange. Stephen said he’d meet me at the lab at 10, but he hasn’t come,” Tony said.
“Oh, Stephen’s unwell, Tony. He’s had a fever since last night and is resting. Would you like to see him?” Beverly asked.
“Uh… Yes, if it’s no trouble,” Tony replied.
“Not at all. Please come in. Stephen’s in his room,” she said.
Tony sheepishly followed her. Beverly led him to Stephen’s bedroom.
“Steph, how are you feeling now?” Beverly asked, gently caressing Stephen’s head.
“Mom, not great,” Stephen groaned, his voice raspy and his eyes still closed.
“Look who’s here to see you,” Beverly said.
Stephen opened his eyes slightly and squinted at Tony.
“Tony?” he asked, surprised.
“Yeah,” Tony replied.
“You two talk. I’ll be outside. Call me if you need anything. And Tony, keep your distance. We don’t want you getting sick,” Beverly said as she left the room.
Stephen sat up, leaning against the headboard.
“Why did you come?” Stephen asked.
“I came to yell at you for wasting my time waiting for you, but it seems you’re not in a state to hear it,” Tony said.
“Yeah, I really can’t handle yelling right now,” Stephen groaned, touching his forehead.
“Sorry, I meant to text you, but I fell asleep,” Stephen said.
“How did you get sick?”
“Probably from last night’s walk,” Stephen said.
“Someone claimed they were too hot for the cold to affect them,” Tony teased with a smirk.
“I am hot, but sickness doesn’t work like that,” Stephen retorted.
“Oh, now you get it? And you’re studying medicine, aren’t you?” Tony mocked.
“Yes, and I’m great at it,” Stephen said.
“Sure, a doctor who can’t even avoid getting sick,” Tony quipped.
“Are you here to start another argument, especially when I’m sick?” Stephen asked, chuckling.
“Of course. You know I love arguing with you,” Tony said, fluttering his eyelashes playfully.
Stephen laughed, which quickly turned into a cough. Tony handed him a glass of water.
“Here, drink this,” Tony said.
Stephen sipped slowly as Tony observed him. Stephen’s pale skin was even paler, his flushed cheeks betrayed his fever, and his beautiful eyes looked tired instead of striking.
Tony reached out and touched Stephen’s forehead.
“Oh god, you’re burning up,” Tony said.
“I told you, I’m hot,” Stephen replied with a weak smirk.
Tony rolled his eyes.
“Did you take any medicine?”
“Yes. Remember, my parents are doctors,” Stephen said.
“Oh, the privilege,” Tony muttered.
“Did I ruin your plans, Tony?” Stephen asked.
“Mm-hmm. I could’ve gone to the park with my friends if you’d told me earlier,” Tony said.
“I’m sorry,” Stephen said.
“You’re forgiven since it’s my fault you’re sick,” Tony teased.
“Thanks. Now go before you catch this too,” Stephen said.
“Alright. Call me when you’re feeling better. We have a project to finish,” Tony said.
“Sure. Bye,” Stephen said.
“Bye,” Tony replied, walking out.
Outside, he saw Stephen’s siblings playing.
“Hi, Tony,” Victor chirped.
“Hi, Victor,” Tony replied.
“You’re my brother’s best friend, right?” the boy asked.
“Uh… we’re not…” Tony started.
“I helped Stephen make you his best friend,” Victor said proudly.
“Oh, really? Thanks, Victor,” Tony said, chuckling at the cute boy.
“Leaving already, Tony?” Beverly asked.
“Yes, Mrs. Strange. I have some work to do. Bye,” Tony said.
“Alright. Come by anytime,” Beverly said smiling.
“Thanks,” Tony replied as he walked away.
Tony felt relieved after seeing Stephen. He had been scared Stephen hated him for kissing his cheek, but Stephen seemed okay and wasn’t acting strange. Back in his room, Tony held Stephen’s scarf in his hands, enjoying the softness of the fabric and its scent. Stephen had affected him like a virus—weakening his knees and making his heart skip a beat.
Oh, he was in so much trouble!