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Clint had been serious about finding someone for Tony.
Stephen watched queasily as Clint pushed Tony towards a pretty brunette at the superhero gala they were attending. Tony laughed about it, easy and unbothered, giving the woman a charming smile. Tony’d always been charming; this wasn’t new.
Except Tony normally spent these galas with Stephen. But he was ‘giving Stephen space’ to come to terms with Tony’s feelings without ‘pressure’. Stephen had been grateful for the consideration, when Tony had offered. He’d needed to come to terms with this.
“Lia’s a scientist,” Natasha said from beside him. “A friend of Bruce’s. She and Tony would make a good match.”
“I’m sure.” Stephen turned away. He couldn’t watch.
This was good. Tony’d admitted he’d held a torch for Stephen for over five years. Tony deserved to find someone who’d return Tony’s feelings.
Stephen wanted Tony to be happy.
The ugly twist in Stephen’s stomach said otherwise.
He kept himself from looking for Tony for almost thirty minutes before his gaze sought Tony out. Hoping—
Tony was still with Lia, leaning against the bar and listening to her talk. Stephen searched Tony’s face, trying to determine if Tony was giving Lia the smile that belonged to Stephen.
Vishanti. What was he doing? Was he really going to be jealous of Tony finding someone? It wasn’t like he had some sort of claim on Tony. It wasn’t like Stephen had feelings, right? This was good. Tony’d find someone, Stephen wouldn’t have thoughts of Tony loving him in his head, their friendship would go back to how it’d been before Stephen had overheard Clint and Natasha.
Tony threw back his head and laughed.
Stephen moved before he could stop himself, reaching Tony’s side. “Tony,” he said, interrupting Lia and not caring. “Dance with me?”