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“—it’s hard to say who has it worse,” Clint was saying, pulling Stephen’s attention from his book. “Steve’s been in love with Barnes since what… 1940? But at least Barnes knows. He’s just too damaged right now to do anything about it. Tony’s just… pining. Has been for ages.”
Stephen tried to make sense of the words. He hadn’t been aware Tony was pining for anyone. He’d have thought Tony would have said something. Stephen had told Tony all about Christine.
Stephen watched Natasha and Clint pass by the open doorway, heading to the gym. “Yeah, well, Stephen…” What?
“Entirely oblivious,” Clint said, a laugh in his voice. “Gotta feel bad for Tony. Think we should help him find someone actually interested?”
“Clint…”
Stephen’s brain froze, blocking out everything.
He didn’t know how long he sat, trying to make sense of everything. Tony… Tony had feelings for him? Whistling pulled him out of his fog. Tony.
Tony swanned in, cheerful grin on his face. “Hey, Merlin, what’s—” He paused, frowning. “You look like someone smacked you.”
Stephen stared at him, tried to see anything that might indicate ‘pining’. Tony looked at him the same way he always had, soft warmth and subtle happiness, like seeing Stephen…
“How long have you been in love with me?” Stephen blurted out.
Tony froze, shock on his face. His smile turned sad. “How many years have we known each other?” he asked, tone a little wry. The words spun in his head. Five years? His heart raced. “Who said what?” Tony asked.
Stephen was barely able to respond. “Clint passed by…”
Tony scowled. “Damn it, Clint.”
“I… Why didn’t you say anything?”
Tony shrugged. “You don’t feel the same. Saw no point.” He leaned forward squeezing Stephen’s shoulder gently. “Don’t worry about it, Stephen.”