Epilogue
"Christine, it's his first birthday since we're dating. I want to surprise him with the best gift," Stephen was talking to Christine on his phone.
Tony and Stephen have been dating for 9 months. Their relationship went surprisingly well.
Most people predicted that they wouldn't survive more than 2 months because of various reasons.
One was that Tony would get bored of Stephen soon, and he would start dating like his old self, which was completely wrong, and this was predicted by people who didn't even know Tony personally.
The second one was, Stephen would get tired of Tony, because what he felt for Tony was a phase, and it would go away.
This was also wrong because anyone who knows Stephen can see how much he is in love with Tony.
And the third one was the most probable and possible reason:
That both of them have similar personalities, which will result in constant headbutting and end up in a breakup.
Tony's and Stephen's friends and family also feared that.
Stephen and Tony fought over even simpler things like the flavor of ice cream and complex things like finding variables for their project. But they made up to each other with a kiss on the cheek and a coffee.
So, yes, they both have completed 9 months of dating successfully.
"Stephen, Tony is gonna like anything you give to him, even if it's a simple rock. Stop overthinking," Christine said, tired of her friend's rambling.
Yes, Christine and Stephen made up and became friends again. Because they both know that they need each other as friends, and it's better they stay that way.
"Yes, you're right. Tony loves me. And this is not a rock," Stephen said, looking at the gift box in his hand.
"Yeah, now hang up the call and go to your boyfriend's house and surprise him. It's 11:45 already," Christine said.
"Okay, okay, good night," Stephen said and hung up the call.
Stephen checked himself in the mirror for the last time. He was wearing a perfect suit. He walked towards Tony's house and knocked.
Jarvis opened the door for him.
"Hey, J, where is Tony?" Stephen asked in a hush.
"In his room. Go," Jarvis said.
"No, Bruce, he didn't even remember my birthday," Tony said, pouting.
Tony was in his room on a call with Bruce. Stephen told Tony that he had to go to his hometown for some important function and that he would only be back after a week. Tony asked him if he could come before the 29th of May, but Stephen asked what was so special about the 29th, which made him disappointed.
"That can't be true," Bruce said from the other side.
"Yes, it is. I thought I could celebrate this birthday with him. But he doesn't even care," Tony said.
"Hey, we're going to celebrate it tomorrow on our way. All of us have done all the preparations. Don't tell that I told you," Bruce said.
"Oh, your parties are never a surprise. I know you guys will give me one," Tony said, chuckling.
"Alright, bye Tony, happy birthday in advance," Bruce said and hung up the call.
Tony checked his phone. It was 11:59, and no text or call from Stephen.
He took the framed photo of him and Stephen from the table and said, "You're the worst boyfriend, Stephen."
"Oh, am I?" Tony startled from the sudden familiar voice.
He turned to see Stephen standing there.
"Stephen, you're here?" Tony asked, surprised.
"Of course, I am. How could I miss my one and only boyfriend's birthday?" Stephen said.
Tony went to him and hugged him tightly.
"I thought you forgot it."
"I'm good at making you believe that, am I?" Stephen asked, chuckling.
"Yes," Tony said, pouting.
"Okay, okay. Happy birthday, my love," Stephen said and kissed Tony.
"Thanks. What's my gift?" Tony asked.
"Mmh... About that, I'm not sure if you’ll like it or not," Stephen said, a little nervous, giving the gift to Tony.
Tony took that and opened the gift.
In that box, Tony saw a playlist of all rock songs, a book of neural engineering, and Stephen's Black Sabbath T-shirt.
"These are the things that connect us, our common interests. So, I thought..." Stephen started nervously.
"Stephen, I love it," Tony said, smiling widely.
"You do?" Stephen asked.
"Yes, and can I keep this T-shirt for me?" Tony asked.
"Yes, I know how much you love it. You always wear it when you get a chance," Stephen said.
"Yes, I like it. But you need to wear it sometimes because I love it because it smells like you," Tony said.
"Oh, okay, noted. I can recharge my smell when needed," Stephen said, carrying him in his arms and making him lie on the bed. And he slowly kissed him.
"Steph?" Tony called.
"Yeah?"
"My friends are planning my party tomorrow. Will you come?" Tony asked.
"No, your wanna-be-soldier friend won't like that," Stephen said.
"Steph, he is my friend. I need you two to get along," Tony said.
"Tell your friend to stop throwing daggers with his eyes at me whenever he sees me," Stephen said.
"Stephen, he accepts you as my boyfriend," Tony said.
"No, he doesn't. He still thinks he has a chance with you."
"See, you're the spoilsport. You're starting fights," Tony said.
"I'm telling the truth," Stephen said.
Tony pushed Stephen and turned his back to him lying on the bed.
"Hey, come on. We can't fight on your birthday," Stephen said softly and wrapped his arm around him.
But Tony didn't turn.
"Okay, I will come to your party and be decent with him," Stephen said.
Tony turned to face him, smiling.
"Thanks," Tony said.
"And you know what Steve told me about you?" Tony asked.
"I don't care," Stephen said.
"You should. He said you're good for me, and he is happy that we found each other because you make me happy," Tony said.
"He said that?" Stephen asked, surprised.
"Yes, Steve doesn't have feelings for me. He is dating someone else now," Tony said.
"Who is it?" Stephen asked, relieved.
"Bucky, his childhood friend. His frequent visits to his hometown are not just to see his mom, it's to see Bucky as well," Tony said, chuckling.
"Oh? I'm happy for Steve," Stephen said, grinning.
Tony looked at Stephen with a baffled look.
"What?" Stephen asked, frowning.
"You called him Steve," Tony said.
"Yes, that's his name, isn't it?" Stephen said, not so entertained by Tony's intent.
"Yes, but you never called him that. You like him now, don't you?" Tony asked, smirking.
"Stop it, Tony," Stephen said, rolling his eyes.
"Oh yes, you do. You're going to be great friends. My bestie and my boyfriend," Tony said, chuckling.
"Shut up," Stephen said and kissed him again.
"Stephen, it's my birthday wish. I want you two to be friends," Tony said, pulling away.
"Okay, okay, I will try," Stephen said, rolling his eyes.
This time Tony kissed first. They were both lost in each other.
Tony was having the best birthday of his life because Stephen was with him by his side.
~The End~