James “Rhodey” Rhodes has had an acute fear of losing Tony. Ever since his kidnapping in Afghanistan that led to him becoming Iron Man. The glowing blue chest piece a glaring reminder of how he’d failed him.
Rhodes knew Steve hadn’t been expecting the loaded question. After having saddled up to him at the bar but he needed some kind of guidance. And who better than the star spangled man with a plan. Who’s known loss like an old friend for decades.
Steve looked at him then at Tony and back because ofcourse. The man can’t understand how to set up a voicemail. But when it comes to shit like this he’s sharp as a tac.
“The truth? Is it doesn’t get easier.. you just get used to the pain. I lost Bucky then I lost everyone I ever cared about. You still have Tony.. despite his best efforts to get himself killed.” Steve sighed “you love him.. that’s why you put up with all that he’s done.” Rogers is reading him like a damn book after years of hiding it.
“My advice? Tell him.. before it’s too late.. I waited to tell Bucky and well. History and Hollywood had a fun time. Making specials and movies about how well that went.” Steve threw back his specially made drink. Guaranteed to get him trashed if he has too much of it. Before leaving Rhodes to think about his question turned heart to heart.
“I hate it when that perfect prick is right” Rhodes muttered downing his own drink. Before promptly remembering that it’s neat vodka. Because he told Nat to surprise him and she decided to fuck with a distracted him.
Damn firey red headed short stack.. not that he’d ever tell her that. Mainly because Rhodes likes breathing. And insulting a former Widow is a good way to expeditiously end your life.
Once he could see again without his eyes tearing up. Rhodey scanned the room spotting Tony who’s by the window. The Avengers are hosting a New Years Day party. And he knows the only reason why Tony hasn’t dipped yet.
Is the fact that he’s got his latest obsession Wynona Earp going in one ear. Because secretly the man has crippling anxiety. Anxiety that’s only gotten worse after Afghanistan.
Rhodey only figured that one out because Pepper let it slip. That it used to be Stain’s job to be his buffer from the world. She’d had one too many preseco and Rhodey is the one she info dumped to.
He didn’t miss the way Tony’s eyes lit up with relief when he saw him. “Shnookums” Tony exclaimed because like Stucky. They to already act the part “hey handsome.” Rhodes greeted “what episode are you on” Tony smiled some “Wynona just found out he’s Doc Holiday.”
Tony politely went through the motions of telling a woman how hot she is. And to be fair the lady is beautiful. But he also knows the man hasn’t even so much as kissed a woman. Since before leaving for Afghanistan.
Pepper thinks it’s Stain’s betrayal and that he was Tony’s crush. But Rhodey knows better.. there’s no way it wasn’t Yinsen. Three months of trauma bonding and how broken up he was after the man’s death.
“So what did you and Cap talk about” Tony asked pulling the man from his thoughts. Rhodey sighed deciding to be honest “you.. I was.. asking for advice. A what if scenario.” Tony quirked a brow “me?” Rhodey loves being able to take him by surprise. Not something that happens often with his ADHD brain.
“You know how mentioning Bucky Barnes is normally fighting words?” He knows Tony saw Steve perk up at that. Then him and Rhodey exchange knowing looks. And poor Tony looked confused.. Rhodes knows how the man hates being confused.
“Turns out you just need to ask the right questions.” Tony looked really confused now and Rhodes couldn’t help his amused smile. “Here.. why don’t I explain somewhere more private.” There was a mixture of both relief and almost unbearable curiosity in those dark eyes.
Waving off Hogan, Rhodey looped an arm around Tony’s waist. Shielding him from everyone and their mother looking to get his attention. Before moving them to his apartment
They got upstairs and Tony crossed his arms “what am I missing? And what is this about Bucky all the sudden?” Tony hit him with that look.. the one that means you know something he doesn’t. And Tony reserves every right to be mad about it.
Rhodey sighed “I had a heart to heart with Rogers. And he told me if I let my fear of losing those I care about. Rule my life then I’ll miss out until it too late.” Tony for all his brilliance seemed confused for a minute. “When you went missing Tony.. I lost my god damn mind. I was a man possessed looking for you. I thought I’d lost you.. it scared me to death.” Rhodey confessed “then you came back.. fuck you were so different. Then you started putting yourself in harm’s way. I couldn’t handle it… I’d almost lost you once.”
Tony was listening concern in those big dark eyes. “Look what I’m saying is.. you’re like what Bucky was to Steve for me. What I’m trying to say is I love you Tony. I love you and I’m so scared of losing you like Steve lost Bucky.” Tony let Rhodey hold on tight like he’s afraid the man will melt away.
They sat on the faux marble flooring for a long time before Rhodey finally calmed down enough to look him in the eyes. “I love you to Rhodey.. ever since I came back from Afghanistan.” He leaned in to kiss him Tony kissing back with enthusiasm.
“Oh and Tony.. I hope you know that if we do this.. you are mine. No more cover guys or girls.. the only arm you’ll be hanging off of at the gala is mine.” Tony blushed moving his hair out of his face “I think I’d like that Rhodey.”