The Rouges Meet Tony's New Family

From the moment they met, Rhodey had always protected Tony.

He remember that day. The day he met the billionaire, who hid his true personality, and only Rhodey was not blind enough to see it.

He had protected Tony from the bullies at MIT, from the assholes that tried to take advantage from him at parties.

He wished he could go back in time and correct his mistakes, back when Tony was dying. Rhodey would have done a lot of it differently if he could.

That day he swore it would be the last time he failed, and any time he saw someone threatening his little brother, he would give them hell.

Which meant Rhodey had a new target. Captain fucking America.

Rhodey had just barely gotten out of surgery, when Vision (who looked absolutely broken) told him how he and T’Challa found Tony.

When he saw his brother, pale in that hospital bed, struggling to breath, it had given Rhodey nightmares up to this day.

When he heard the Doctors discussing about putting the reactor back on his chest, Rhodey felt like he was gonna blow up from his rage. Rage against the man that probably saw himself as a hero for doing this.

It was a miracle that it all turned out ok. Thor had just come to visit Jane and she told him what happened. He had returned with an Asgardian exiler and a healer sent by Odín (who they later learned was actually Loki) to heal Tony’s chest. He wonders if seeing this helped the God with this big change, during the whole Ragnarok ordeal.

It took two months for Tony to wake up after he came back from Siberia. Rhodey cried like he never had before. Even more than in Afganistán.

But that did not mean his rage lowered.

At that point, Rhodey wanted Rogers and his friends to burn. He wanted nothing more than to fly to Wakanda and blast Rogers in the head.

However, when Tony regain his strength, a determination had filled him. He had finally realized how toxic Rogers and his friends were. He however didn’t want revenge, or anything like that. He just wanted to to move on, to show that they weren’t part of his life anymore.

Rhodey of course supported that. Even though the assholes had hurt him, it compared nothing to what Tony went threw. So he supported him on his question to move on. Though he did worry that Tony would go back to fill something for them. The Rouges had been around for years after all.

It was another gift from fate, that just a month later, Yelena came into their lifes.

Rhodey will admit, he did trust her at first, with what he knew of Romanoff. But Yelena quickly proved to be different than her sister.

And the closer she and Tony got, the more he healed, the more he moved on from what Rogers did. She had been the one that helped the most, and for that, for her actions and caring, she had gained Rhodey’s trust, not to mention she became a friend to him as well.

So neadless to say, he fully supported them when they began their relationship. In fact, he’s pretty sure this is the woman for Tony. So much he’s already thinking of a best man speech.

It’s thanks to her, and to all of the wonder people they came across during this two years, that he felt more prepared when the Rogues were brought back.

Rhodey wasn’t happy with the pardons by all means. But he understood why Tony had done it. Thanos was coming, and from what Thor, Loki, and the Guardians told them, this guy is like nothing they had ever faced. So yeah, the more the better.

Doesn't mean he is just gonna forget and welcome the Rouges back with a hug. Oh no.

Rhodey is in charge now, and he is gonna make dam sure the Rouges follow the rules, or they know what happens if they fail to follow the rules, and if specially, if they ever hurt Tony again.

They would pay.

"Someone is looking sharp today." Tony remarked as Rhodey came to the common room to get some breakfast. "Are you finally asking Hill out Platypus ?"

"Haha Tony." Rhodey chuckled. Picking up some pancakes that Bruce had made. "I wish it was something like that. But now, I am joining the meeting with the lawyers and the Rouges."

"Ah, so you want to make sure Rogers knows who is boss."

"Precisely. Its about time Rogers acknowledged my rank, and treated me with the respect as such."

"Isn't Hill in there though ?" Yelena said from Tony' side. "I mean I get the power image, but.....are you sure you don't want to impress her ?"

"Hah, she's got you there Honeybear. I don't see the problem. Maria clearly likes you, you should ask her out."

Rhodey just shook his head in a good nature manner.

Its not that they are not wrong. Rhodey would like.....to ask Maria out. He hasn't dated someone in so long.

And besides, he had teased Tony a lot when he chickened out of asking Yelena, and their feelings were even more obvious. So.....yeah this is earned.

"By the way. I heard certain someone visited Rogers at night. Snack threw the inexistent security system, since FRIDAY just allowed her in."

Yelena gave a smirk, "I just wanted to make some things clear."

"Well....Rogers did not even see your face, and his word means shit right now. And it's not like I can't blame you. So......we can past it. It was...only you right ?"

"Eh actually." Bruce said. "Val....kinda did the same to Romanoff."

"You gotta be.....it was recorded right ?" Romanoff being ambushed. Rhodey had to see that.

When Rhodey got close to the room, he as expected, heard arguing.

"This is total bullshit !" Barton shouted.

Maria sighted "I really don't understand what the problem is Barton."

"What do you mean we have to pass some training to get sent back into the field, we don't need it !"

"You five have never fought with this current team. From what I understand, until yesterday you all thought Mr. Rogers would still lead them team."

"Which is bullshit that he isn't. Just because Stark..."

"Barton for the love of god, SHUT THE HELL UP !"

Rhodey smirked at that. As soon as she yelled, Barton shut up. Nice to know she still has that effect on them.

"We are just confused Maria." Rogers said. God, Rhodey hated just hearing that voice. "We were brought back, and suddenly everything changed."

"What were you even expecting Rogers. You were gone for two years, leaving others to do the work. Of course things changed."

"What is this training we need to do ?" Natasha asked.

"Mostly to know how to integrate you to the new roaster. To make sure you follow the rules from your leaders, and follow the Accords command structure."

"We are fit for battle." Rogers said, still not getting the point. No surprise there.

"Mr. Rogers. Please get this in your head. Training is not only about how hard you can punch. You also need to educate yourself on the Accords, on the new policies regarding coletaral damage, international cooperation, and everything else all Avengers need to educate with. Your refusal to learn to, shows clearly why you are not suited to lead the Avengers anymore."

"Yeah right, isn't that supposed to be Stark's job ? Deal with his fellow shitty politicians . That is all he is good at."

That did it. When he heard Barton insult Tony again. Rhodey could not keep himself out any moment.

"I am not suprised Barton." Rhodey said, entering the room. "After all, you all are used to blame Tony for all of your idiotic mistakes."

The Rouges all turned to him. Sam whispered his name.

Rhodey just stood at the front of the table.

"Do you have any idea, what Tony did for your family Barton. Do you have any idea, what would have happened if he did not get to them right in time."

Barton did not speak. Rhodey knew he knew. Laura had a letter waiting for Barton, and with that, were divorce papers.

"Stark is responsible for Laura divorcing me, that's all I need to know !" Barton finally yelled.

"Tony fucking saved your family from Ross, the bastard you accuse him to working for. You own him, Yelena, and Coulson's team that they are alive. As for the divorce, that is your own fault deep shit. Not only did you run off when Captain America called you, you continue to act like a child for two years about it. Maybe if you had been like Scott, who was more than willing to admit his wrong doings, and made amends, you would not be single now. But no, you keep your head in the sand, act like a fucking idiot, and continue to blame the man that your kids now call, Uncle Tony."

Barton growled like he was a wild animal. Pathetic.

"Now listen here." He turned to the rest. "I am here just for one thing..."

"Rhodes...." Rogers tried to say.

"Shut up Rogers ! And its Colonel Rhodes. Unlike you, I was not dishonorably discharged. Now I came to make somethings clear. First, the days you all ran the Avengers how you pleased. That is over. The time you lot got to do what you wanted, that is done. You answer to me now, and I will make sure you follow all the rules, or face the consequences if you break them. And there won't be any fancy Stark lawyers or money to save you from them."

The Rouges did not speak, but their faces clearly showed their displeasure.

Entitled idiots.

"Stark owns us" Maximoff had the gall to say. "After all, all he has is blood money. He could use it to repay for what we did."

"Tony owns you nothing you witch. And I would be careful if I were you. Not only was your pardon was easily the most contested of them all, you no longer have your powers to freely use. I heard from Strange who they have planned to keep you in check, in case you mess up, and let me tell you, she seems terrifying."

"That is enough Rhodes !" Steve said standing up. "You are over stepping here !"

"Oh am I overstepping ? Oh that's right, since she is one of the people that agrees with you blindly, we can't say anything about it. And you shut the fuck up. If that is over stepping, then why did you say nothing when Barton here, mocked me, after I fucking broke my spine, why was that not overstepping ? Or why did you say nothing, when you people spent two fucking years, trashing Tony's name in Wakanda. Yes, I fucking know of that, T'Challa told us. You wonder why the Wakandians didn't like you, they were disgusted by you. As are many now, you are a fucking disgusting man Steve Rogers. You are selfish, entitled, and a prick, who only cares about those who follow every word he says, and those who dare to disagree, are the bad guys in your mind. A man that doesn't care to take responsibility because he is Captain America. A man that is unwilling to talk his problems out, and always solves things with his fists, like a fucking immature child. You know what you are Rogers, you are a fucking bully."

Rogers' face turned red, and he clenched his fists.

"Go ahead, attack me, show everyone what I said is true. Make one move against anyone in here, and you will be spending the rest of your life in the Raft, I know powerful people that will make sure of it."

Rogers looked like he wanted to say or do something, but Romanoff dragged him down and whispered something to him. Who knows what she said (probably some lie so Rogers doesn't make things worst for her. Gods know this woman, who willingly abandoned her own sister, truly cares for no one but herself) but it did the trick, as Rogers sat down, his face scrolling.

"That hardly seems professional Rhodes." Romanoff then said. "A leader should not allow his emotions to dictate, specially when you are partly responsible for what happens to us."

"Oh yeah, because Rogers was so good at keeping his emotions at check, when he tore cities for his Bucky. Though Barnes is truly the only one I feel bad for here." It was not the Sergeant's fault that Rogers had done all this chaos for him. "And don't worry Romanoff, on the field, it will all be business. However, I do agree that it might be hard for me to set everything aside during your training, and provision. That is why, my second in command, Carol, is gonna be the one overseeing everything. She has not met you, so she is much more of a neutral party, though don't assume she likes you. I will recommend not pissing her off. After all, this is a woman that can goe toe to toe with Thor, any day of the week."

The Rouges did not speak again for a while.

"You said you wanted to say two things." Wilson said. "What is the second ?"

"Well this one should be obvious. But I will say it....you fuckers better not do anything against Tony, or the threats I made, will become true as quick as you can imagine. If he doesn't want to speak to you, that is his thing. If he doesn't want you in his space, then you respect that. You don't get his money, nor his tech. You might be here, but make no mistake, we haven't forgotten. And this time, no one will stand by anymore."

"That's not fair Rhodes." Rogers said. "We are Tony's family."

At that...at hearing that. Rhodey almost threw up.

After doing what he did in Siberia, Rogers has the....gall to claim he is somehow Tony's family ?

"You are not his family Rogers. I am. I am Tony's big brother. I am Colonel James motherfucking Rhodes, and I will never allow you to hurt my brother ever again."

With that, Rhodes went to the door.

"You know the drill. Break any rules, you are gone. The ball is on you. Maybe if you show some regret, and willingness, things could come out ok. But don't think for a second things are gonna go back to how they were. That era is dead, and though Rogers Cleary has trouble letting go of the past, that doesn't mean the rest of the world does."

"Actually." Maria said. "I think we better go on a break. I was just gonna speak about not breaking the rules, but Rhodey said it more than enough." She gave him a small smile, that made Rhodey's heart jump, and then turned serious to the Rouges. "We will meet again in two hours. I suggest you truly read your packages and ask genuine questions. Because if I hear another stupid one like, why do we have to pay for food, then I am gonna just give up."

With that, they, as well as the lawyers, left, leaving the disgruntled Rouges behind.

"That was impressive Colonel." Maria said. "Of all the years I have worked with Rogers, this is the first time I see him being speechless."

"Well, this people are constantly trying to get to my brother, and I am not gonna let that happen. Of course, I will have to take seconds to what Yelena leaves, if they do step out of line."

"Do they know about that ? About their relationship ?"

"Not yet know. I think the love birds want to make that little reveal themselves."

Sadly, Rhodey knows he can not prevent the Rouges from meeting Tony. That will happen.

But......he can rest easy, knowing that when that happens, Tony has people in his corner.

"So.....are you free this afternoon or....."

"Rhodey.....are you asking me for a date ?"

Rhodey had not even noticed what he said until it came out. "I....well...."

"It's fine....I haven't even dated in a while."

"Oh trust me. I haven't either."

"Hmmm....I finish work at five, meet me then."

With a small smile, she left with he lawyers.

Rhodey smiled and made a small celebration.

"FRIDAY, make sure Tony does not see me asking for a date."

"Too late Colonel. Boss is already seeing it. Though he is celebrating at your behave. Peter says congratulations as well."

"Of course they are."