Rhodey, Tony, and the rest of the Avengers + co, were recuperating in the lab. Ultron had startled them, and they were trying to figure out the next line of action. Rhodey was busy thinking of what to do when he heard them talking about the person Ultron killed. He wasn’t focused on their conversation, until Tony projected a picture of the remains of JARVIS’S code.
Rhodey’s heart dropped. JARVIS had been Tony’s baby, one of his favorite creations. Rhodey loved the thing, and he hadn’t even created it. One look at Tony’s face and Rhodey knew Tony was upset. He was grieving, his creation, his child, and probably the real Jarvis all over again.
Just as he was about to say something, Thor walked into the room, and promptly grabbed Tony by the neck and lifted him in the air. Rhodey faintly heard Tony say “use your words” but Rhodey just saw red.
“Put him down. Now.” Rhodey said harshly, with the click of a gun’s safety to punctuate the sentence.
Everyone looked at him like he was crazy, but Thor dropped Tony.
“He created this monster because he was messing with things he didn’t know about. Who knows what this thing is going to do next, who it’s going to hurt next?” Thor bellowed.
Rhodey kept his gun trained on him. “So what? You snap his neck? Don’t ever put your hands on him again. You could’ve killed him!?” Rhodey was enraged, his little brother, had just been lifted up by the neck and they all thought this was okay?
Thor scoffed. “I barely touched him, you are being dramatic.”
Dr. Cho hesitantly spoke up. “I’m sorry you were holding him up by his neck, that is extremely dangerous? It easily could’ve been lethal had you not put him down when Rhodes told you to.” She looked wary of Thor, when earlier she was nursing a crush on the guy. Finally, someone in the room had some sense.
“And you guys” Rhodey gestured to all the Avengers with his other hand. “didn’t do a thing?”
Tony went up to Rhodey and put a hand on his shoulder. He eased the gun down as Rhodey put the safety back on and put it back in her waistband. “Rhodey, honey bear, it’s okay.” The reassurance wasn’t that helpful, because his voice was slightly raspy, and he was rubbing his neck slightly.
“No, it’s not okay Tones. If I ever see any of you put your hands on Tony, or let someone else, you will not live long enough to defend yourself. Do I make myself clear?” Rhodey had never felt this angry or disgusted in his life. These people were meant to be heroes! Not the one who you have to protect your little brother from.
“So, it’s just no big deal that he created this monster?” Thor questioned.
“I didn’t say that, but we don’t fully know what happened here. I do know you would’ve been upset if when you got to earth one of us was treating your brother like that. What was your defense back then, he may be crazy, but he is of Asgard? If you’re allowed to defend your brother, then I can defend mine.”
“He’s right, and that was just when Bruce had called Loki crazy. You physically assaulted Tony, and you could’ve killed him.” Natasha said, seeming to realize the error of not interfering.
Thor cringed at his hypocrisy being called out. “I do see where you are coming from.” He seemed to ponder for a moment before continuing. I might have been too hasty in letting my anger control me, and I forgot that I am on earth, not Asgard. I apologize for my oversight, and I will not let it happen again.” He at least seemed genuine in his apology.
“Darn right it won’t happen again. Also, Captain, next time a member of your team physically assaults another, you better do something. I’m planning on filing an official report about this, and don’t think I won’t mention you either Maria.” Rhodey said. The avengers seemed to forget that Rhodey was in the military, and he wasn’t stupid. None of them would be walking away from this unscathed.
“Come on Tones, let’s get your neck and arm checked out.” Rhodey led Tony out of the room with a gentle hand on his back and a stern look at all those left in it, as Dr. Cho exited with them.
As the Avengers watched them leave, they realized that maybe Rhodey was more dangerous than they had previously thought. As they stood there the conversation from the hallway drifted in.
“You didn’t have to do all that Rhodey. It was awesome though, I haven’t seen you like that since Stone or Bain.” Tony said with a chuckle.
“Of course, I’ll always protect you from bullies, Tones.” Rhodey said kindly, as if he hadn’t just pulled the carpet out from under Steve Rogers feet.