What is this?

Chapter eight

Two weeks had passed, Tony mostly ignoring Steve. However every now and then they had had some nice talks during the pair-assignments in the English class. Or when they had ended up in the same place, for example during school lunch, because their friendgroups were now fused together, Tony did smile at Steve. And what confused Steve the most, Tony had touched him at times when it couldn't exactly be explained just as friendly behavior. But mainly Tony had ignored Steve, still mind set on the whole 'let's pretend the weekend didn't happen' thing. And that still hurt Steve. Maybe even more now that Steve had accepted his crush on Tony.

Otherwise it was a normal wednesday. Steve was walking to the schools cafeteria as Natasha joined him.

"Hey. You coming to Tony's party?" she asked.

"What party?" Steve gave Natasha a confused look.

"Oh you don't know? Tony is turning 18 this friday and he's having a huge party. The whole gang is invited, and that means also you", she explained.

So Tony is turning 18. That made him a few months younger than Steve. And he was having a big birthday party Steve didn't know about?

"I don't know if that's a good idea... I mean Tony hasn't personally invited me and he doesn't really like me.."

"Oh please! Tony didn't invite any of us personally, he just kinda announced it. Plus Tony's lying to himself, in reality he really wants you there."

"But-"

"No buts cap. You are coming."

During their little talk, they had walked to the cafeteria. It was chicken-noodle-soup day. They got their servings and walked over to the table where their friends were.

"At what time did your celebration start Stark's son?" Thor questioned mouth full of food.

"At seven pm, but you guys should come at six or something", Tony looked at Steve when answering the question.

Steve wasn't sure if the look was more like 'I don't wanna talk about this when he's here' or 'I wanna make sure Steve caught this information'.

"Is there a theme?" Clint wondered.

"Nah, just something classy yet casual. Like no sweats, but there's no need for a full on suit", Tony laughed.

They all continued eating, chatting about school and the usual stuff. Then Steve felt something hit his thigh. He peeked under the table and saw someone hand a paper note. Steve took the note and read it not being too obvious about the whole thing.

"So now that you've heard of the party, I guess it's fair to ask if you're coming? -Tony"

Steve kinda felt happy. Tony didn't say he wasn't allowed to go. At least not straight away.

"If I'm allowed to, then definitely. But I understand if you don't want me to -Steve"

"Nah, it's okay -Tony"

That little conversation they had passing the note around under the table made Steve actually really happy. And the fact that he was allowed to go to Tony's birthday party made him even more cheerful.

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The day had ended and Steve was walking towards the outdoors. He was, once again, joined by Natasha.

"I noticed your little note-conversation" she whispered.

"Oh, you did?"

"Yeah. I assume you asked if it was okay for you to come to the party. What did he say?"

"He said it's okay if I come. So I guess I'm coming?"

"Told you~ We are going giftshopping tomorrow with Bucky, Clint and Pietro. You wanna come?" she hummed.

"I'll come. What time?"

"Right after school. Probably to the mall, I can drive us."

Steve nodded as an answer. They continued walking, staying mostly silent. With Natasha staying quiet didn't really bother Steve. Or anyone else for that matter. Natasha was one of those people who didn't make the silent times awkward. And she wasn't really the one to smalltalk either. Then their ways parted.

"So tomorrow after school?" Natasha confirmed.

"Yeah. I'll be the fifth wheel", Steve chuckled.

"Probably, but hey remember you're doing it for your boyfriend", before Steve could answer anything the redhead was already gone.

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"Bruce, do you think Pepper has heard of the party?" Tony asked his bestfriend.

They were laying on Tony's room's floor. Or Tony was, Bruce was sitting against the bed.

"She texted me a couple of days ago. She actually asked me if it was okay, or wise, for her to come."

"Pfft, maybe okay but probably not wise", Tony scoffed.

"Yeah, I told her that it would be too soon. I guess she understood, I'm not really sure."

For a moment they stayed quiet. Tony still didn't like talking about Pepper. He might be the biggest flirt, but he would never ever cheat. Tony replayed the memories from that friday. Steve had really helped him. Oh yeah, Steve.

"Will Steve really come?" he thought out loud.

"Hm? Steve? Well he's invited so why wouldn't he come?" Bruce wondered.

"Mmm. I just haven't been the nicest to him. Even though without him things might've gotten a lot worse..." Tony actually started to regret his behavior towards Steve.

"Well you can apologize at the party. I'm sure Steve will forgive you", Bruce smiled at his bestfriend.

"Yeah, hope so.." Tony gave a half-smile back.

He did want to apologize. And he really did hope Steve would forgive him.