Chapter 1
Tony had loved Stephen since they first met in high school. However, Tony didn’t realize just how in love he was until he saw Stephen go on a rant about space and how much he loved it. It was then when Tony realized where their first date would be. If Tony ever asked, that is. Tony decided that today was the day, and that he didn’t want to wait any longer.
They were walking out of human anatomy together. Tony didn’t technically need the class, but he wanted to spend more time with Stephen. They walked towards Tony’s car, where they would drive back to the apartment that they shared with Rhodey.
“Hey, Steph, I wanted to ask you something real quick,” Tony said, stepping into the car. Stephen hummed in acknowledgement, but didn’t say anything. “Would you like to go on a date? With me, I mean.”
“Tony, did you just ask me on a date? Like, a romantic date?” Stephen asked and panic grew in Tony’s chest. He knows that Stephen is gay, but maybe Tony isn’t his type. Tony nodded, not trusting his voice. “I would love to. I was starting to wonder if you were ever going to ask me, you know.”
“You knew? You knew this whole time and didn’t say anything?” Tony stared in both relief and shock.
“I had my suspicions,” Stephen laughed. “So, when were you thinking?”
“Well, what about this Saturday? I know for a fact that we’re both free.”
“I think that sounds amazing,” Stephen smiled at Tony and leaned back as Tony started to drive away. Both of them were smiling like idiots.
As soon as they walked into the apartment, Rhodey knew something happened.
“Holy shit, did you finally do it, Tones?” Rhodey asked immediately, knowing that Tony has loved Stephen for forever. Both Tony and Stephen smiled, Tony eagerly nodded and Stephen ducked his head down. “Fucking finally, man. I’m tired of hearing you pine over Strange. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for guys, but it’s about damn time.”
“Well, I have a paper to write, so I’ll see you guys for dinner,” Stephen said, making his way to his room. There was still a smile on his face as he walked away. The second he shut his door, Rhodey turned to Tony.
“So, where are you going to take him? Have you thought about it yet?”
“Honeybear, I’ve had this date planned for years now. I know that you know that,” Tony punched Rhodey’s shoulder then went to sit on the couch.
“I know, but just humor me. I know you probably have everything worked out already, but I still want to hear the plan,” Rhodey joined Tony on the couch. “If you’re worried he’ll over hear us, you and I both know that he listens to music too loud. Wow, you guys really are perfect for each other.”
Tony laughed and agreed, then he started to go through the plan for what felt like the hundredth time. Hell, it may be his hundredth time talking about this plan with Rhodey. It’s taken years of fine tuning on Tony’s part, and it was finally going to pay off. He went over everything with Rhodey. From where they were going to what he was going to wear and how we hoped Stephen would react.
They talked about the plan for about an hour. Rhodey even came up with a name for the plan, just in case they had to talk about it infront of Stephen. From now on, they would strictly refer to it as “star trip” and nothing else. .
“Hey, Strange. How’s your paper coming?” Rhodey asked as Stephen walked out of his room.
“It was a pain in my ass, but it’s done. What’s for dinner tonight?”
“I’m going to start cooking soon, anything in particular you want?” Tony looked up from his spot on the couch.
“This is probably going to sound like an odd request, but could you make your mom’s lasagna?” Stephen seemed to huddle into himself as Tony stood, walking over to him. “If it’s not too much trouble.”
“Yeah, I can do that. I’m pretty sure I still have some of the sauce she sent me back with. It’ll take a little while to thaw, so dinner will probably be ready in about two hours, maybe two and a half. That work for everyone?” Tony stood in front of Stephen, wanting to reach out to him. He held himself back though.
“Yeah, that sound’s good,” Stephen replied, staring into Tony’s eyes. “Do you need any help?”
“I don’t think I need any help, but I would love some company,” Tony said, taking a step back towards the kitchen.
Tony walked into the kitchen with Stephen following behind him. Rhodey watched as the two love sick idiots walked away, glad that they finally got their shit somewhat together. He knew that they each loved each other, but had realized it at separate times. Tony knew when Stephen went on that rant about space. Stephen didn’t get the chance to realize it himself.
Over Thanksgiving a few years ago, Tony and Stephen went to the Strange household. Rhodey was going to come with them, but something came up at home that he couldn’t leave. Either way, Stephen’s love was obvious enough that Donna pulled him aside after dinner and confronted him. From her point of view, it seemed like Tony and Stephen were already dating, and had been for years, and she was mad that she didn’t know. Stephen explained that no, they definitely aren’t dating. Later that night, Stephen laid awake thinking about what it would be like to tell Donna that they were dating. His heart grew twenty sizes and that's when he realized he would do whatever he could to be with that man.