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“You know, if I was less confident in your devotion to me,” Stephen said, wrapping his arms around Tony’s waist as Tony cooked them dinner. “I’d think you were ashamed of me. You’ve got a gala this weekend and you haven’t invited me.”
Tony snorted. “When we moved out here, we decided together I’d go to these galas alone.”
Tony wasn’t wrong. They’d had a long, careful conversation about Stephen’s privacy and Tony’s public appearances. “Only until I finish med school,” Stephen said. “Get my residency set up.” It was still a year away, getting his PhD and MD at the same time wasn’t a quick process, but it didn’t feel like it was coming fast enough. Stephen was sure about Tony’s love… but sometimes he still felt like a dirty secret.
He knew Tony didn’t like it either, but he was adamant they get Stephen through med school without Stephen having to worry about tabloid journalists stalking him.
Tony turned the heat off the stove, turning in Stephen’s arms. “I have been thinking about this,” Tony said. “Your privacy is still the most important thing. But you’re not a dirty secret.”
“I most certainly am not,” Stephen agreed. “So what are you thinking?”
“Obie’s still a bit of a homophobe,” Tony admitted, wincing.
Stephen made a face. “I don’t know why you put up with him.”
“He’s my godfather,” Tony reminded him, a little exasperated. They’d had the conversation before. “But Pepper’s been around almost three years… Hasn’t once tried to get in my pants.”
“High standards.”
Tony rolled his eyes. “What I’m saying is that… I think she’s trustworthy.” He gave Stephen a wry smile. “What do you think about meeting her?”
It felt completely ridiculous, to be so excited about meeting Tony’s PA. But… it’d be nice.