Summer Romance || Starker AU (REWRITTEN)

3

Seeing Tony was the best part of my day, and it seemed like seeing me was the best part of his. My mom started leaving us alone in the kitchen to get other household chores done, and Tony and I became very close very fast. I learned a lot about what he does for work, but we dabbled a bit into his personal life as well. He gave me advice on different things I struggled with, one topic being my sexuality. I felt very comfortable with Tony. He was the only person in the world with whom I felt like I could truly be myself. I felt as though I could sit and talk to him forever. 

"I have to head out for work soon, Pete." Tony smiled from across the table. 

I frowned, "Can you stay just five more minutes?" I asked desperately. 

Tony chuckled. "You want me to stay that bad?" He smirked. 

I giggled, "Maybe."

Tony leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. "Tell you what. I'll come over after dinner and you can show me that video game you were talking about. Sound good?" 

I blushed, smiling widely. "That sounds perfect." 

I watched as Tony stood up, grabbing his coat off of the table. "Oh, and don't forget, we have the fair next week. You haven't chickened out yet, right?" 

I giggled again, "Of course not. I'm going." 

Tony left, leaving me at the table with a numb feeling of sorrow. I didn't feel okay unless Tony was around. He had the ability to change my mood so easily. It was genuinely scary to think about. How can a man I met two weeks ago make me feel like I can't survive without him?

~~~

After some chores, I found myself nose-deep in a book, trying to distract myself from the burning feeling consuming my body. The hours couldn't go by fast enough. I waited patiently to hear his voice again and to smell his cologne. I didn't understand my infatuation with this man. I had never felt this way about anyone, and I barely knew him. We had never gotten too personal, but everything about him pulled me in so close. 

 The days blended together after Tony left in the mornings. I spent time catching up with my mom, but after a while, after everything was said, there was nothing left to catch up on. My time with my mom didn't become boring, though. We always found things to do, whether it be board games or talks over dinner. 

I finished cooking some food for my mother and me when I heard a knock echo throughout the kitchen. Mom went to grab the door, and I stayed put, plating my mother's food.

"Oh, Tony! What a pleasant surprise." My mother called out. 

My head turned swiftly as Tony walked through the door. 

"Hey, I was stopping by because..." His voice lowered as he mumbled something into my mom's ear. I felt my face heat up, partially because that is just what that man does to me, but also because I was sort of offended in a way. What could he say to my mom that he couldn't in front of me?

"Oh! Congratulations!" My mom giggled to him, playfully hitting his arm. She smirked and laughed, making me very curious about what they were being so secretive about. 

"Do you think he would mind? I wouldn't want to third wheel the kid..." Tony mumbled, but just loud enough to where I could hear. I wondered if this was on purpose. I wondered if he was talking about me, and what he possibly could be so secretive about, especially since he hinted towards me with his body language. 

I perked up, looking towards them, "What's up?" I asked, smiling awkwardly.

My mom shot a glance at me, then at Tony, before speaking. "Do you want to tell him?" She giggled playfully. 

"Tell me what?" I chuckled nervously, stepping towards them and standing up.

Tony chuckled a bit as well, crossing his arms around his body. "Well..."

I looked him up and down, then my glance floated to my mother, then back to him. I eagerly waited for an answer. The curiosity boiled inside of me, filling me with anxiety. 

"We're going to have some company at the fair, Pete." Tony smiled towards me, winking. 

My head fell sideways, and I chuckled nervously once more. "What do you mean?" 

Tony's arms fell beside himself, almost in a defeated way. "Well, I met someone. We've been talking for a few days and we decided that, because of our schedules, the fair coming to town is the perfect opportunity to see each other." 

My heart sank, and my smile faded slightly, "Like a date?" 

"Yes, like a date. Now if you aren't comfortable with tagging along I-"

I cut him off swiftly. I didn't want to seem like I wasn't interested in hanging out with him, but the thought of accompanying him and this mystery person on a date seemed like nightmare fuel. I knew that I was going to get into my head, but no part of me wanted to let Tony down, so I agreed to go. 

This cannot be that bad.