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Andrew has always preferred Stephen. Even when he was a baby, he always calmed down faster with Stephen, smiled more with Stephen, managed all his firsts with Stephen cheering him on.
Tony hoped, privately, that when he got a little older, Andrew would appreciate him more. He’s four now, and it’s still Stephen that he runs to with his triumphs and Stephen that he wants comfort from.
Buying his affection isn’t the solution, Tony knows it isn’t, but it feels like the only way he can get Andrew excited and affectionate with him. Thank you hugs aren’t as good as I love you hugs, but they’re better than nothing. Even if they do get him in trouble.
“Tony, I already said no,” Stephen says after Andrew has run off with his latest toy. He’s frowning.
“Come on, he’s so excited!” Tony waves after their son. “How can that be wrong?”
Stephen sighs. “We’ve had this discussion. If he gets a new toy every week, all he learns is that everything is disposable, and he never gets to appreciate anything in depth.” They have had this discussion. Tony pauses a little too long, searching for a light response. Stephen gives him a searching look. “What’s wrong?
Damn it, Stephen knows him too well. “Nothing,” Tony says.
“Nothing means you don’t want to talk about it,” Stephen says. “But this is about Andrew. We need to talk about it.”
Tony rubs a hand over his face. “He doesn’t love me,” he finally admits. “I know buying him stuff isn’t a great substitute, but—”
Stephen takes Tony’s hand and pulls him over to sit on the couch, looking into his eyes intently. “Tony, Andrew absolutely loves you.”
Tony looks down at their clasped hands. “Not as much as he loves you.”
Stephen’s hesitation is telling. Andrew’s preferences are pretty obvious, after all. “I don’t know how to fix this.”
“You can’t,” Tony says, sighing. “I just… Everyone says that kids love unconditionally. I guess I thought—” He shrugs.
“He does love you unconditionally,” Stephen insists. “Okay, he has preferences, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you.”
Tony snorted. “I guess you still love me more than anyone else,” he says wryly.
Stephen just pulls Tony into his arms and holds him for a while.