Work Text:
Stephen took a deep breath as he approached where Doctor Stark was cleaning his desk,.
Doctor Stark looked at his approach. “Stephen,” he said, warm smile on his face. “I meant to congratulate you on your performance on the final. If I could, I’d have given you bonus points on that essay. Unfortunately, you’ll have to be satisfied with your perfect score.”
Stephen flushed. “Thank you, Doctor Stark.”
He took a deep breath just as Doctor Stark’s phone rang.
Doctor Stark glanced at it. “One minute, Stephen. I need to take this,” he said, answering the call. “Hey Sweetheart, you normally don’t call during school hours.”
Stephen felt his heart fall. Sweetheart.
How could he have thought someone like Doctor Stark was possibly available? It had been a pipe dream to start with, but now…
Doctor Stark finished his conversation, turning his attention back to Stephen. “Now, what can I do for you, Stephen?”
“Nothing,” he said quickly. “I just wanted to thank you.”
“You were a pleasure to teach, Stephen. You’re going to go far.”
He was, Stephen knew it in his bones. And maybe, someday, when he was the world’s best neurosurgeon… maybe then he’d have a chance.