Chapter Text
July 2010
“Angh- It was such a waste of time.” Tony dramatically flopped onto the chair across from Stephen at the casually set dining table. Another dinnertime to be shared, this time a dual-effort chicken carbonara, with homemade garlic bread and colorful collection of summer vegetables. Stephen took his seat, a tempered bottle of red wine in hand, -dry and sweet like they both liked- which he popped open and distributed into their ready glasses.
Tony reached for his drink taking an appreciative sip before continuing his story. “It was supposed to be the quickest of meetings: get in, sign the contract, get out but NO. General what's-his-face insisted on discussing changing the already completed ironclad contract.”
“It is truly incredible how some people think they can outsmart your genius by pure brute force.” Stephen remarks after a bite of his pasta.
“I know, right?!” Tony exclaimed, swiping a piece of bread through the sauce. “Well, it was also annoying ‘cause I already had so many loose threads to close today and this man was testing my patience even while I was wearing my don’t-fuck-with-me suit. You know the one with sharp shoulders and silver lining.” Tony gestured to his collar and wriggled his shoulders for emphasis.
Stephen smirked, “Yes I know that suit, those shoulder pads could cut vibranium; makes you look great.”
Tony felt the sizzle of the compliment go down his spine, before he reoriented to the story of his day. “Regardless of the delay, the contract was signed and now War Machine and seven bots of the Iron Legion are officially on loan to the government.”
Taking a couple more bites, Tony thought of the weeks of stress it took to ensure the government understood that they would never own an ironman suit and every loan came with stipulations. War Machine exclusively operated by Rhodey could be taken on classified military engagements but the Iron Legion remotely controlled by TILDA could only be used for defense and relief missions. The bots didn't have weaponry inputted into the suit and any attempt to add some by the army made the signed contract null and the government liable for a court hearing, which Tony would win.
“Let me guess, the general fancied himself a deal maker and tried to get a reversal on the ‘no weapons on the Iron Legion’ rule.” Stephen explained as he poured another glass of water and wine for both of them.
“Exactly.” Tony rolled his eyes with an added dismissive sound. “And Rhodey kept making signals that I should be patient with the buffoon and his team. Oh, please, just because you’re going to win doesn't mean you have to humor the losers. What a frustrating way to start the day, but things did get better.”
“What's the big news?” Stephen prompted even though he had some idea of the good report.
Tony smiled wide and leaned forward, unable to contain his excitement, “It's done, the mass buyout is finished. I own one hundred percent of the shares of Stark Industries.”
“Congratulations. I know it took longer than you wished,” Stephen gave a short, sincere clap of applause.
“Yeah, after the Expo a couple of them tried to hold on, but enough of the papers had been signed that legal had no issues forcing them to bow out of the new and improved Stark Industries.” Tony reached forward with both hands on the table, stopping shy of touching Stephen's sleeve, “I feel as though I haven't stopped talking this whole time. Tell me about your day, did it happen? Are you free?”
Stephen’s eyes followed the movement of Tony’s hands and he let his arm close the inch distance between them, so they could each feel the heat the other emitted.
Stephen turned his focus back to the question. “It was probably the longest conversation I have ever had with Boltner, a completely draining back-and-forth, and only because I wasn’t opposed did he manage to convince me to take some cases that could benefit from my expertise. But by the end of the week, I will be a free man. Able to dedicate all my time and energy to our cause… and you.”
Stephen seemed to be looking into Tony’s soul as he said his last words. But even without the overly intense energy the words were given, Tony couldn't have stopped the thrill in his heart. The idea of being the object of Stephen's undivided attention was simply salivating. Tony tried to recover and respond from his long pause of reveling in his thoughts, “Then, Friday will be a very special day, we have to celebrate your freedom this weekend. Let’s set a date and time.”
“Yes, absolutely, let's set a date.” There was no tease in Stephen's voice.
The conversation rolled naturally from there, but there was an unspoken promise in the air.
_________________
In Stephen’s purview the week passed by quickly, two or three surgeries a shift to wrap-up his time at the Metro.
Many of his co-workers -Greg, Nielson, and the variety of nurses who would miss the gossip- had expressed regrets at his departure, but Stephen was well aware that many of them would be glad to see him go and many more were jealous of where he was going. All except Suresh and Christine who were actually sad to lose his company on the daily, but were genuinely aware that Stephen planned to save more lives working at Stark Industries and thus didn't begrudge him his career change.
But Stephen could admit to himself that the week passed by quickly not because of the ease of his tasks or anticipation of his final day, but because of his plans for Saturday morning. Stephen had finally determined that after his obligation to the Metro was concluded he would confess his romantic feelings to Tony. So when the dawn of Saturday morning arrived Stephen was no coward and refused to delay his intentions.
Stephen carefully pulled his arm from under Tony’s head, where they had once again fallen asleep cuddled up to each other. Stephen paused after he detached himself from Tony to stare at the sleeping face some inches in front of him. Tony’s lashes fluttered in his sleep and with his jaw relaxed little puffs of air escaped his lips. The room was still dim as JARVIS had not yet begun his wake-up procedures and still Tony glowed from the nano-particle housing unit he never removed, which added to the natural brightness of his cheeks.
Stephen truly couldn't believe it took him as long as it did to realize his feelings for Anthony, when his mind could only think of soft, mushy things as he gently sat up and shifted out of the bed to make his way to the bathroom to begin his morning absolutions.
When he was done he came upon a stilling drowsy Tony who yawned.
“Wats goin’ on? It's a free ‘ay.” Tony’s words were barely understandable, but Stephen replied anyway.
“I’m going to get breakfast started, you can stay in bed a little longer. We will have an easy day.” Stephen watched Tony close his eyes again, before making his way out the door.
Once he reached the kitchen, the windows opened automatically as JARVIS intoned: “Good morning Doctor, it's 7:35am, with weather conditions expected to be sunny with occasionally cloudy moments.”
“Good morning to you as well JARVIS, did you have a good rest?” Stephen shifted around the cabinets to pull out the ingredients for Tony’s favorite breakfast, making a mental calculation of whether he could finish before Tony arrived at the table.
“While I do not rest as you do, it was a quiet night, no new threats or unexpected happenings,” JARVIS replied.
“I am glad the world was calm.” Stephen clicked on the stove and let his mind run while he completed his memorized recipe. Unknowingly he whispered to himself, “No disasters today, please universe. I need all the luck I can get.”
Following suit JARVIS whispered as well, “Are you speaking of finally letting Sir know of your romantic feelings for him.”
“How did-,” Stephen startled, almost dropping the spatula before regaining his composure. “Of course you noticed, a genius just like your father. Well, I thank you for not letting him know before I was ready.”
“Of course, don’t thank me for such a pleasure. And if it will help, I have calculated the odds of your success to be 97%. There is much evidence that your feelings are mutual,” JARVIS sought to reassure the doctor.
Plating the breakfast, Stephen looked up in alarm, “There’s a 3% chance of failure?!”
“Well, Sir’s actions can never be fully predicted.” JARVIS rushed the words out as Tony yawningly shuffled into the kitchen and sat at the table as JARVIS gave him the same morning statistics Stephen received.
Tony wiped at his eye, “What has a 3% of what?” He looked at the meal set before him and raised a brow, “All my favorites. What are you buttering me up for?”
Dressed in sweatpants and one of his greased-stained lab shirts, Tony’s suspicious glare didn’t have the intended intimidation effect.
Stephen smiled softly, “Ignore that percentage for now and let's eat before we get into my agenda for the day.”
Tony wanted to say more but the plate of freshly made powdered French toast, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and strawberries -with the crowns removed- took his attention. Stephen stayed silent and let Tony ramble on about his plans for their joint research studies between bites, as he felt anticipation and nerves build within him.
After they both had their fill of the meal and before Stephen could stand and begin the clean-up process, Tony stopped him with a hand, “Okay, I’ve been as patient as I could be, what is it you have to tell me?”
Stephen settled back into his chair and pushed their plates to the side. Pausing after his actions to look in Tony’s eyes, Stephen read the concern within them and noted how nervous he was making the other man and decided to rip the band-aid off.
“Tony, I like you.” Simple and to the point.
Tony breathed a huff of annoyance, “I’d hope so, remember saving my life, becoming my partner in this crazy time travel adventure, it’d all be hard if you hated me. I’m specifically asking about what’s making you so antsy,” Tony ended his words with a snort.
Stephen straightened, it seemed he had to be more direct. Bold. “Truthfully, I love you…Tony, I’m in love with you.”
“What?,” the soft confusion from Tony.
Stephen prepared himself for a long, rambled explanation. Reaching his hands halfway to Tony’s, across the table of breakfast remnants, “I didn't realize I was so far gone until the last day of the Expo. But I should have known it was coming. I mean two people can't- won’t be able to share their entire lives: deep secrets, long conversations, pseudo intimacy, and ‘fake date’ without at least one catching feelings. And I admit I had preconceived notions about you before we actually met, the personality you put on for the media is very realistic and fooled me as well."
Stephen laid everything bare, "If I am being completely honest with myself then these emotions started in the future-past after I looked at those 14 million futures of you trying to save the unsaveable over and over again, sacrificing yourself for the world in small pieces at a time. I came out of those visions a little in love with you. It would have been impossible not to be.”
Tony's face still did not shift from its surprised disbelief, “Are you serious?,” a question asked quietly.
“I don’t think I have ever been more serious in my life. I’d like to actually take you on dates, hold your hand for more than the cameras, and I'd love to speak the truth when I say ‘I’m dating Tony Stark’.” Then an equally quiet question, “Would you want that too?”
“But this could get so complicated. It could become messy so easily!” Tony’s mind began working again. Puzzling through the idea of adding real feelings into this ‘relationship’ of theirs.
“I have thought of that. We both have experiences of dating a friend and having it not work out and still maintaining the friendship, so I think we’d be fine on that front. Though I do hope we last. And when it comes to Thanos, I doubt either of us would become so distracted we forget our purpose here. Thanos is coming, whatever our actions, we cannot change that fact,” Stephen reached the rest of the way to grab hold of Tony’s hand, “But still I hope you’d agree, that we can still have our joys and moments of happiness while that inevitability makes its way here.”
Tony pulled his hand from Stephen’s, eyes trained on the table. “I have to think, Will you give me some time?”
Stephen exhaled audibly as he stood up, “Of course. Take all the time you need,” Stephen looked back at the unmoving Tony as he exited the room.
_________________
After seeing Tony sit still for many minutes JARVIS felt it appropriate to interrupt his musing, “Sir, are you alright?”
Tony heard the words but continued to think, ruminating over all of Stephen past behavior and how it matched the newly revealed information. Stephen’s possessiveness and ease in the fake relationship (Tony had always thought it weird that the doctor so easily agreed to the scheme, it makes sense now with the additional knowledge of the 14 million futures -half in love with him) and his unease with Pepper explained by Stephen feeling like a sneaky homewrecker. But what bothered him most was how not-weird it all was.
I mean a time traveler shows up at your home saying come with me to the past to save the world, then you begin fake dating for convenience and then it turns into actual love -that should all be weird.
“JARVIS, did you know about this?” Tony lifted his eyes to JARVIS’s nearest sensor.
“Yes, Sir, I was aware the Doctor planned on confessing today.” JARVIS paused, weighing his words before continuing, “I have also been witness to the growing feelings between the both of you. And you, according to my calculations, would have made your confession within the next month. The doctor simply beat you to the finish line.”
Tony rolled his eyes at the camera, “This is a bad idea. All my relationships always turn sour and the only reason Pepper and I worked in the future-past was because we were so desperate for normalcy that we ignored all the reasons we didn't work in the previous attempts.”
“I believe the Doctor has already reassured you that adding a romantic element to your lives wouldn't change the plans in place nor your ability to work together. What is the actual issue here, Sir?” JARVIS sounded genuinely confused by Tony's hesitation.
“The problem is how much I want it -this -HIM. But emotions are never logical and this is a very bad idea,” Tony pressed his palm to the table as he stood.
“Sir, may I remind you that ‘My best inventions come from my worst ideas’.” JARVIS played the clip quoting Tony at some other point in time. Tony wanted to laugh, that statement began recurring in his life from the first time he stated them on DUM-E’s creation day and perhaps he needs to take a chance now like he did then.
Walking with purpose to the elevator, Tony asked, “How long has it been since breakfast JARVIS?”
“It’s been 18 minutes since the Doctor left you to think.”
Tony nodded, stepping through the elevator doors, “Take me to him, JARVIS.”
_______________________
Birds do it. Bees do it.
Even educated fleas do it.
Let's do it; Let's fall in love.
(Ella Fitzgerald)
_________________
Traveling up to the sixth floor, Tony wondered what in the world he’d say to Stephen to accept his offer and how it would change their already complex relationship.
“The doctor is on the patio garden with U, Sir.” JARVIS directed Tony after he stepped out of the elevator. And Tony walked toward the open French doors to pause at the threshold and take in the scene before him. Stephen was holding a trough tilling the earth around his tea trees and herbs as he directed U on how much water to pour on each individual plant.
Tony had seen this scene before. Weeks ago U was bored, spinning her wheels in the lab and being quite annoying with her complaints. Stephen, without any external suggestion, asked U to help him in the garden which began their watering ritual. When Tony asked Stephen why he had U help him with something he could and had been doing by himself, Stephen's reply was something to the effect of ‘Why not?’ and later when Tony asked how much U enjoyed gardening the reply was instantaneous and eager.
According to U, all the bots had their roles: DUM-E claimed the management of cleaning the lab (regardless of how effectively he did so) and BUTTERFINGERS had his crafts and friendship with Levi so U was left without purpose and now Stephen had given her one. She spent all her free time researching all about the world’s plants and vegetation, always developing new ideas of how to flourish the garden or adding some useful method or another.
So Tony had seen these actions before, but this time Tony saw them in a different lens. Stephen was building a relationship with his child and in a manner which Tony, himself, had been unaware that U felt there was a lack of purpose in her existence.
Tony stayed back and watched the duo. The sun freshly peeked out of the clouds, the air was clear, the breeze was light, and Stephen seemed to glow in Tony 's eyes. Seeing the softness of Stephen’s directions to U, grew the affection Tony already had in his heart for the man.
Tony was quiet and meditative, occasionally he moved to refill U’s water pitcher and making eye-contact with Stephen, but the both were silent until every task in the little garden was finished.
“Thank you for your help U, it was a job well-done,” Stephen praised as U beeped happily and shifted her wheels toward Tony and the door.
“Yes, good job. I can see the effort you put in and don’t go trying to make DUM-E and BUTTERFINGERS jealous,” Tony teased and U gave several beeps of ‘No promises’ as she made her way to the elevator already opened for her.
Stephen moved to stand in front of Tony. Silent, but eyes hopeful.
“I have thought about it,” Tony started and Stephen hummed in response. “And I have come to the conclusion… that I’m in love with you too.”
The lift and softening of Stephen’s brows led to a blinding smile as he gazed at Tony’s more cautious grin.
Tony continued, “I just don’t know what our relationship- a true relationship- would look like.” Reaching a hand out Tony played with the frayed edge of Stephen’s collar, feeling a little braver about initiating touch.
Stephen grasped the nervous hand shifting it down over his heart, “I think we can do what we have been all this time, except everything would be for our pleasure and not because of anyone else's expectations. We already promised each other loyalty and honesty; the basics are already taken care of, albeit in a different context.”
Stephen stepped closer, eliminating the space between their connected hands and chests. “We’d go on dates not for the paparazzi’s photos and hold hands for more reasons than not losing each other in a crowd. None of our actions change, just our reasons for doing them.”
“Okay, we are actually going to give this an honest try and -,” Tony looked for assurance in Stephen's eyes, “-we will not let this distract from the main goal. We are simply not going to live in fear of Thanos’ arrival and we are simply enjoying life until he gets here.”
“Absolutely,” Stephen’s smile didn't dim as he trailed his hand down Tony's arm and rested both his hands at Tony’s hips, Tony’s arms trapped between them. Stephen smirk turned devilish, “and this way I can take you on our first official date and at the end of the night I can beg for a kiss at the door.”
“You wish,” Tony returned the tease, “I don't kiss on the first date.” Tony froze, his mind thinking a mile a minute with a realization.
“What is it?” Stephen asked, concerned about the sudden shift.
“It just… does that mean- can we- does this mean we can have sex?”
As casually as possible Stephen tipped his head and answered, “If you want to.”
“Good to know.” Tony nodded to himself and in a swift motion grabbed hold of Stephen’s shirt to pull him in for an encapsulating kiss. The press of lips wasn’t heavy, the sweetness of the morning's maple syrup lingered and the softness of their meeting held promises for more to come. And importantly, for Tony, it didn't feel weird, it felt long overdue. As the kiss calmed and slowed into smaller pecks, Tony spoke onto Stephen's lips, air brushing past, “What was the 3% about?”
Stephen’s arms tightened around Tony’s back as he threw his head back for a boisterous laugh. “You never forget anything, do you?” Tony shrugged with a smirk as Stephen answered, “this morning JARVIS gave me a percent chance of failure that my confession would be unwelcome.”
“Considering, I don’t think I ever tried hiding my feelings from anyone,” Tony turned his head to face the sensor by the open doors, “that’s a large margin of failure, buddy.”
“I can never be completely sure about your predicated behavior, Sir. You are entirely ineffable,” JARVIS replied in an exasperated manner, now that his two oblivious chargers were finally together.
Tony returned his attention to Stephen, but still replied, “Damn straight I am.”
Placing his index finger on Stephen’s chest Tony’s eyes sparkled, “As for you, Pepper’s coming with some paperwork at lunchtime so we have roughly 3 months of talking, cuddling, and making out to catch up on in about 3 hours.”
The sun's rays were fully surrounding their little world; both men laughed joyfully as Tony dragged Stephen back from the sweet smelling garden to begin their love story with a more honest start.
_________________
It was 12:30 on the dot when Pepper entered the Stark-Strange kitchen, bearing her brown paper-bag offering and settled the goods and herself at their island chairs to wait for Tony, knowing that JARVIS had already informed him of her arrival. Pepper had learned her lesson of walking into Tony’s bedroom without prior notice. Once was enough.
It took less than two minutes before a ruffled Tony burst into the kitchen, coming to lean backwards on the kitchen counter facing Pepper. This Tony was flushed, breathing deeply, and trying and failing to straighten his shirt inconspicuously, lightly ignoring her to turn and grab a bottle of water from the fridge.
“You did remember I was coming today for the scholarship discussion, right?” Pepper raised her eyebrows, her lips quirked in a smirk, as she took in Tony’s debauched appearance.
“Yes, of course. Had JARVIS set an alarm and everything,” the reply rushed out, “I am absolutely ready, I can say this pitch in my sleep.” Tony huffed out a final calming breath before approaching to sit across from Pepper and pulling her paper bag offering closer to rummage through it. “You brought lunch- gyros- Pepper, you’re the best.”
“I know. Did you finish typing the different scholarship details for PR, marketing, and legal? And why do I anticipate the answer to be no?”
Taking another sip of water and a bite of food Tony replied, “Well, unfortunately Pep, I got a little busy this morning, so the answer is no. But I’m sure JARVIS would be an absolute doll and take notes while I explain it to you.”
“Uhm hmm, JARVIS is nice like that. What got you so distracted this morning?” Pepper let the question sit in the air for a second, before quickly correcting, “Actually don't answer that.”
Tony actually blushed, Pepper held in a gasp at the sight. Tony was never embarrassed, hesitative, or sensitive to any references to his private bedroom life. And Tony never blushed.
Pepper felt the beginnings of concern. “Is everything okay? Are you and Stephen doing well?”
Tony had put the food down, idly wiping his hands on a napkin, thinking his words over; knowing Pepper might not fully understand and yet still wanting to share his joy with one of the few constants in his life.
Clearing his throat, Tony answered, “Stephen told me he loved me.” A simple sentence that has entirely changed the trajectory of his second life.
Tony instantly knew he’d have to begin a masterclass in skirting around the truth, when Pepper’s eyebrows furrowed in disbelief.
“Tony, Stephen moved in with you, shook up his entire life, quit his job to work with you, and has been a steady partner in the wake of all this media turbulence. Did you believe he didn't love you? Has he never said the words before?” Pepper passionately defended the best relationship her boss/co-worker/friend has ever had.
After those words Tony had to pause, his hands stilling as he thought of his and Stephen's relationship from the outside perspective. Yes, they were faking most of their public interactions, but those real budding feelings were never really hidden that well if everyone could see Stephen’s love before he did. “I suppose I have always known it.”
Examining their actions from the outside would be the story of two genius’ falling head over heels for each other and perhaps the genius in Tony should have known two people sharing secrets, trust, and space as deeply as him and Stephen couldn't have possibly not come out of that headspace not irreparable changed and in love, “But today he told me and I felt it.”
Tony’s soft smile, the emotion shining in his eyes couldn't have elicited any other response from Pepper, but her stepping down from the high chair to move around the table between them to wrap her arms around Tony's shoulders. Tony didn't hesitate in his response to the hug.
“I’m just so indescribably happy right now,” he whispered the words like a secret into her hair.
Pepper's hands tightened even as she pulled her head back to place a kiss on Tony's forehead. “And I'm so happy for you. You are a good man, Tony. And you deserve love.”
Tony sniffled and resisted the urge to cry, as Pepper spoke those words looking unwaveringly into his eyes. And unknown to Pepper, a part of Tony’s guilty soul -which still thought of Morgan and married life to Pepper- settled.
He knew he was happier with these past few months with Stephen than the entirety of the years he and Pepper had attempted a relationship. Finally, truly, Tony released the regrets of his past and embraced this new life and circumstances. Moving his hands to grasp at Pepper’s, Tony thanked her for more than her words, more than she would ever know.
“There's no need to thank me for this. But rest assured, you should thank me for not having a conniption that the work you had already put off once is not completed. Especially if you want the announcement to happen on Wednesday.” Pepper returned to her seat pulling out a pen and compact notebook from her briefcase.
“JARVIS, please be a dear and script out Tony's explanation of the scholarship requirements.”
“Will do, Ms. Potts,” the ever vigilant invisible butler answered after remaining silent throughout the witnessed emotional discussion.
“Okay,” Tony straightened in his seat returning to pick at the forgotten lunch, “here are the big ideas: a United States based competition because that would be simplest and we can expand later, possibly, I’m not actually sure I’d want to do this again-.”
“Wait, you don't want to make this an annual thing?”
“No, this competition is for a very specific reason you can figure out later -Pepper snorted but didn't interrupt again- the competition will be for middle school students but like 11 to 15 years old's. Because at that age you can be reasoned with and forward-thinking, but aren't as cynical or creatively-bland like high schoolers are. And also one winner from each state or territory, because I think no taxation without representation should also be standard for all 16 territories, so that's 51 baseline winners.” Tony took a sip of his water.
“Baseline winners?” Pepper questioned.
“Yes, I’m thinking at least two states would have primary and secondary winners, you know if there's some really special talent in one area.” Really, because Tony felt a little bit sorry for the applicants in New York and Tennessee who would apply for the scholarships when it was rigged against them. But Tony wasn't being totally unfair; he knew both Peter and Harley would submit incredible projects.
“If you say so. So what do the winners get and how much time do they have to be special?” Pepper teased as she took some sparse notes of Tony's words.
“I was thinking March 1st, I know that's also around the time college applications are due right? It feels fun that way and the prize would be a full ride scholarship for any preferred college including housing, books, food, everything all four years on the condition of good grades and behavior. And -Tony hedged lightly- for the especially special an extra prize of a meet and greet with yours truly.” Don't judge him, he missed his boys and wanted to meet them in better circumstances this time around.
Stephen entered the room and saved Tony from questions, but also set his heart racing. This would be the first time they would be in the company of another with their new relationship. How should they behave? The same? Different? They should have discussed this before. But there was no room in their 3 hour cuddle-make out session for such a question.
Stephen was entirely put together; he didn't even seem bothered by Pepper’s presence- that bastard. Stephen made a beeline for Tony, who hadn’t shifted his chair, just turned his head to look at Stephen. Stephen set his forehead against Tony's temple before raising his chin, to place his lips on that same spot and breathe him in; glad for the unspoken permission to touch. Tilting his head to lean into the touch, Tony gave the softest smile in return.
Watching and feeling the emotions blossoming in the room, Pepper quietly cleared her throat, “We can finish this later, JARVIS please email me the notes.”
JARVIS replied in the same quiet manner as Pepper stood, grabbed her things and made her way out of the lovers home.