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“I got accepted to the medical program,” Stephen told Tony, running his fingers over the muscles of Tony’s back. “For Columbia.” That had been the plan from the moment he’d run from Nebraska.
Tony paused, then shifted in bed, turning to look at Stephen. “I feel like the proper response is to congratulate you,” he said slowly. “But I have a feeling that’s not what you’re looking for.”
“You’re graduating with your PhDs this spring,” Stephen continued, pushing past the implied question. “Taking over SI.” Stark Industries whose main offices were in Silicon Valley.
Tony stilled. They hadn’t talked about it, not really, but Stephen didn’t think they could keep postponing the conversation. ”Stephen—“
“I applied to Stanford. Their medical program is one of the top in the US.” He took a deep breath. “I got in there, too.” It wasn’t really a surprise, he was top of class, and—other than those weekends with Tony—worked constantly to get his clinical hours, far surpassing the recommended minimum. Sleep was for lesser mortals.
New York had been his dream, but Tony would be in California. Boston to New York was doable—over a year, now, they’d made it work—California to New York was a whole other beast.
“You didn’t tell me you were applying for med school, there,” Tony said quietly.
Stephen shrugged. “I didn’t know what you’d think.”
Tony’s answer came slowly. “I want you to be happy, Stephen. You’ve been talking about getting into Columbia’s med program since I met you.”
“I’ve known I wanted you since before your Spring Break even ended,” Stephen countered, a silent contradiction to what would make him happy.
Tony looked away. “You’d resent me. I couldn’t…”
Stephen pulled him back with a kiss. “I’m going to love you all my life.”