Tony Stark was infamous for his coffee addiction. The Avengers teased his constantly over it, but he didn't mind it. Besides, something good eventually came out of it- though he didn't know it at the time.

~

It was seven am on a Monday morning when Tony had woken up and discovered that he was out of coffee. He had rushed to the store in sweatpants and a tank top, only just managing to find an old MIT sweatshirt to complete the look.

A few minutes later, Tony walked into the closest Walmart in a baggy sweatshirt, sweatpants, slippers, uncombed hair, pushing a shopping cart at seven thirty on a Monday morning.

Paying no attention to the cashiers gawking at him, he made a bee-line towards the coffee isle.

He reached his destination and breathed a sigh of relief. Only focused on his goal, he reached for the biggest container of pure black coffee, he failed to notice the slightly trembling, scared hand reaching for the sane thing- until they collided.

Snapped out if his tired haze, Tony quickly withdrew his hand and looked up to see an equally tired man standing over him. The man mumbled an apology and stepped back.

Tony took in the man's appearence. Tall, short black hair with grey stripes above his ears. His eyes were a piercing blue, though one seemed just a little more green than the other. He had a goatee much like Tony's own.

He wore a blue sweatshirt over a grey shirt and baggy, dark grey sweatpants much like Tony. The most unusual aspect of his apearence, however, was the red cape settled on his shoulders.

(It changed to 7 years old and now I'm remembering Endgame and now I'm sad-)

"I'm so sorry, please, take it." The man said in a deep voice.

Tony shook his head. "No, you. You reached first."

The man gave a strained smile. "No, I insist. I don't even like coffee, I prefer tea. I'm just getting it for a friend."

Tony felt his cheeks warm and he hurriedly grabbed the coffee, trying to hide the blush creeping up his neck. "Um. Thanks." He forced out, keeping his head down and turning away, choosing not to grab another three buckets like he had planned.

Instead, he hurriedly shuffled to an open cashier, feeling the gaze of the mysterious man bore into his back.

He quickly tried to check out but realized he had left both his wallet and phone at his penthouse.

"Sh*t." He cursed. "I forgot my wallet-"

A five dollar bill was slammed in front of his face. "Then I'll pay." The same man from earlier said.

"What, nO-" Tony protested. He was a multi-billionaire, he could pay for his own coffee- wallet or not.

The man shot him a look as if saying, 'im paying whether you like it or not'.

Tony rolled his eyes and accepted his fate. "Fine. You pay."

The man smirked and the two checked out, walking outside.

The two were about to part when Tony pulled him around. "Who are you?" He asked.

The man smiled. "Stephen Strange. Doctor Stephen Strange."

"Ah. I'm sure you know who I am."

Stephen studied his face for a moment before realization dawned on his face. "Tony. Tony Stark, right? Or, should I say Dr. Stark?"

Tony laughed. "Not many people remember my doctorates, but trust me, Tony's just fine."

Stephen smirked. "Alright, Tony." Tony felt his face flush again and butterflies unexpectedly erupted in his stomach.

"How can I repay you?" Tony asked.

"What?"

"For buying my coffee. How can I repay you?"

Stephen put up a hand. "No need, Tony. It was nothing, I promise."

Tony stuck a hand on his hip. "Please?"

"No."

"I insist."

Stephen chuckled. The sound was like magic to Tony's ears. Wait-

"You dare use my own words against me, Potter."

Tony burst out laughing. "You'd get along great with my son."

"Wait, you're married?" Stephen asked. Was that... disappointment in his eyes?

"No. Adoption." Tony shrugged, "I'm still single."

"Ah." An awkward silence fell between the two. Stephen reached out his hand.

Tony stared at it, confused.

"Give me your phone."

Tony looked up. "I left it at home today..."

Stephen sighed and pulled his own phone out of his pocket. Unlocking it, he passed it to Tony. "Put your number in."

Tony complied, still somewhat confused but weirdly feeling like he could trust Stephen.

"I'll text you when I get home." Stephen sent him a wink and opened a portal. Tony could only stare, his face red once more and Stephen walked through and disappeared.

~

When Tony got home, he found his phone and discovered a new text.

From: unknown
Meet up for lunch today?
I'll pick you up at 12.
Send me your address.

Tony stared at the message, his mouth open in shock.

When Peter wandered into the room and asked his dad what was happening, Tony softly smiled.

"I think... I think I just got asked on a date."