Stephen watched Tony, observing the shorter man's actions. The other Avengers were curled up on the couch watching a movie together, but Tony didn't join them. After a few minutes, Bruce got up and walked over to Tony. The two conversed a moment before walking away. Stephen got ready to follow them, but was stopped by Rhodey, who had a knowing look on his face.

"You like Tony, don't you?" Rhodey started, then, in the same conversational tone, "If you ask him out and then hurt him I'll kill you. Otherwise, go ahead, man." He then walked away and Stephen wondered how it was possible to get the shovel talk before you had even accepted your feelings for the person. Still wondering, he wandered in the direction of the lab, deciding he may as well tell Tony how he felt at the same time he asked why he never interacted with the other Avengers.

When he got to the lab, Bruce was walking out. All he said was a soft, "Good night, Doctor," before presumably going to his room to wait for Thor. Stephen sighed and went into the lab, finding Tony half asleep at a desk.

"Tony. Tony. Can I talk to you for a second?" Tony slowly blinked.

"Yeah? Why?"

"How come you never interact with the other Avengers? Are you guys okay?" Tony let out a short, sarcastic, barking laugh, the kind that hurt's people who love the person's souls.

"We're not okay at all, Stephen. Steve tried to kill me not three years ago. Bucky wants to be friends, but is overly attached to Steve. Natasha, who I think of as my sister, I can't read her like I used to. I was never that close to anyone else, Bruce is the only one I really care about." Stephen listened, worried for Tony.

"In theater terms, you don't have a healthy ensemble, which limits your ability to work together."

"Yeah." Tony looked down sadly. "Nobody really cares about me, Stephen. Bruce and Rhodey are the only ones who even try. I'm unlovable." Tony started crying, small tears sliding down his cheek. Stephen frowned, wiping away one of the tears. Tony cried harder, reaching to bat Stephen away. Stephen sighed, pulling the shorter man close to him.

"I care, Tony. You know the 14million futures, how there was one where we won? There were only two where you weren't a sweet and caring person. Seeing you over and over and over showed me how broken you are, and how hard you work to make no one else feel that way. Seeing you over and over made me fall in love, Tony. I love you. It might be too early for that, but I love you." Stephen sat down, pulling Tony to straddle his lap. Tony snuffled as Stephen petted his hair, calming him down and keeping him safe.

"I — I love you too. Ever since you, you, ever since you gave up the Stone for me. You didn't let me die, when it was so easy just to say no and keep your artifact. And that hit me. Sometimes, Stephen, caring is all it takes for someone to fall in love." Tony rested his head in the crook of Stephen's neck. Stephen smiled as he rubbed Tony's back.

"Let's get you to bed, then. You look exhausted." Tony immediately sat up, panicking. Stephen pulled the words 'scared,' 'nightmare,' and 'no.' He held onto Tony's forearms, pulling him close again.

"I'll stay with you in case you have a nightmare, Tony. Come on." Stephen picked Tony up, carrying him out of the lab and into his bedroom.

Tony sighed softly as he flopped into the huge bed, Stephen sitting down next to him.

"Do you want to cuddle?" Stephen asked, kissing Tony's forehead. Tony leaned back, grabbed Stephen's face, and pulled him into a kiss. Stephen's eyes widened as he sank into it. When Tony finally stopped, Stephen was frozen. He touched his lips lightly, then looked to Tony.

"I guess we're dating now..." he said softly. Tony nodded.

"You said you'd cuddle me?" He asked, barely audible. Stephen smiled and set Tony in his lap, rubbing his back. Tony relaxed, hiding his face in Stephen's chest. Stephen rubbed Tony's back until he was sure the shorter man was asleep, then wrapped his arms around Tony and rested his chin on his head.

That night, both men slept peacefully.