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Rhodey’s life had never been easy. Going to MIT at a slightly younger age compared to other students, trying to success in a military career in the 1990s while being black and most importantly, being an Omega in a world that still tended to look down on them… It was not easy.
Despite that, Rhodey still considers himself lucky. He is currently a colonel, he has a decent life, good support, a loving family and he values more than anything else in the world, his friendship with his best friend.
Rhodey has so much to say about Tony Stark. Life may have been complicated for Rhodey, but he knows he has it much easier than Tony. Being the son of Howard Stark. Even while being an Alpha, Howard used to be a complete asshole to Tony and there is not a day when Rhodey is not happy that he died. He has poisoned Tony so much and never has shown a once of care toward his son. Tony had been so self-destructive during his years at MIT, abusing alcohol and drugs and Rhodey had tried to help him as much as possible.
Removing Tony from the hold of Ty had been hard but if needed, Rhodey would do it again without hesitation. Ty is maybe even worse than Howard, and Rhodey still remembers the day he has hit Ty. Watching the disbelief in the prick face had been worth the pain, the bastard clearly not expecting to be hit by an Omega.
Rhodey usually tries to not think too much about Ty.
Tony had lived his twenties and a major part of his thirties like a madman. He had partied so much, engaged in numerous one-night stands, abused substances, tried to stop but fell back into it again.
Rhodey is not judging Tony, even if Tony may think otherwise. The Omega is not proud of himself when he thinks about how he has handled the matter. He regrets not having been enough present. He knows he had to construct his career at the time and couldn’t be present, but maybe by being more involved, Tony wouldn’t have felt the need to destruct himself as much. Rhodey also regrets the fact that at a certain point, their friendship greatly suffered, with months without contact from each other. Maybe he is not alone to blame, but sometimes he still feels like he failed on Tony. Hence, he now tries to reach more toward his friend.
Also thinking about post Afghanistan, how Rhodey has been somewhat dismissive of Tony’s concerns; he is still tormented at night by all of this. Thankfully, everything is better now. They had a discussion, and even if Tony tried to deflect like always, Rhodey had not let that happen and apologized for everything.
He now tries to be a good friend. Even if it is killing him. It is somewhat hard to pretend that he doesn’t have feelings for Tony, for many years now. Rhodey can almost say confidently (at least, to himself) that it started at MIT.
He is pathetic.
He knows he is good for Tony as a friend. Rhodey understands that there will be nothing more. Tony has always been vocal about the fact that he is not interested in having an Omega mate. In addition, he has proved it throughout the years, in engaging with only Betas or even Alphas. Never Omegas. There is no luck for Rhodey. In his misfortune, he was nevertheless happy at the time to realise that Tony wasn’t interested in Pepper, even if she is a Beta. At least, he doesn’t have to be jealous of her, because he adores her and it would have broken his heart a little.
He has come to term with it. He is okay being by himself. Tony has asked him many times when he intends to settle, but Rhodey always responds that he is not interested. That he is happy in just focusing on himself and his work.
Maybe Rhodey has miserable heats, but that is his issue. When he was younger, he had a few contacts or ways to go through his heats but not anymore. He heavily relies on his suppressants and abuses them.
Nobody will complain to him about that at work; his superiors prefer it that way even if they will not express it verbally. Oh, Rhodey is not stupid, and he knows that the military is misogynistic about Omegas being in their tropes. They feared so much him losing control, which never happened. Less hassle for them and for Rhodey. He is proud of his control over this part of himself that he has not always been fond of. Is not still either.
Being an Omega is a hassle. Trying to control and reign in all his wants for Tony has been a pain in his ass. A reason more why he relies so much on suppressants. Rhodey will not destroy what he has constructed so damn hard.
Even if sometimes, all he wants is to bask in the comforting scent of Tony. He scents so good. Reigning his feelings does not mean that Rhodey doesn’t indulge in his own fantasy in private. Even if he always feels guilty afterwards. Well, it is not as if anybody is aware.
Rhodey would love so much to just put his nose right into Tony’s neck, and inhale greedily his scent. It would be so perfect with Tony being at the almost same height as him. They are also built the same. Rhodey would have intoxicated himself with the scent of Tony; Tony could have put his hands on Rhodey neck, and he would have melted. It would have been so perfect.
While lost in thoughts, a hand settles on his right shoulder, gently bringing him back to the present. Rhodey silently curses himself for being so distracted and silently thanks his scent blockers because it would be embarrassing explaining why he is slightly aroused.
Looking up, he sees Sam curious look directed at him. “Sorry I was a little distracted, what is it?”
“Nothing really man, you just kind of zoned out, I wanted to check.” Sam answers. It is only now that Rhodey notices that the common area is full. Everybody is here except Tony.
As if summoned by an entity, the man himself appears from the elevator.
Rhodey really tries not to stare but it is a lost cause, and Tony anyways notices him and go his way. Distantly, Rhodey registers that Sam is still touching him.
“Rhodey-bear! What’s up?” Tony then continues to the coffee machine. He gives a slightly curious look while he waits for his coffee but doesn’t say anything else. Sam finally drops his hand and nods at them before joining Clint on the couch.
“Just enjoying my permission. I thought I would stay for the two weeks here,” Rhodey gives has an explanation.
“Mama Rhodey will not be happy to not see you.”
“Oh, don’t worry; she’s in vacation so I’m not gonna be missed.”
“Well, then I will get you all to myself!” Tony responds with one of his cooky grin. Rhodey snorts at that. He knows that Tony will still spend an unreasonable amount of time in his workshop. While being here, he will make sure that Tony eats and sleeps regularly. Even if he is self-cringing at acting as a mother hen, he can't bring himself to stop doing it.
“Give some of him to us too!” Sam snarks from the couch. Tony only mumbles unintelligibly and starts drinking his beverage.
At the end of the day, after they place an order in the afternoon for some pizza, have a little coma on the couch, and they all start drifting elsewhere to their own occupation, Rhodey follows Tony to the workshop and plays with the bots while Tony works. Rhodey loves to play fetch with DUM-E and U. He is the one responsible for the way they could sometimes misbehave, even if he loves to play innocent when Tony accuses him of corrupting them.
When the bots start to grow bored, Rhodey decides to go sit on the ratty couch. Without noticing, he quickly starts to fall asleep.
Rhodey wakes up, notices that it is somewhat bright and that there are sheets below him. It is clearly daytime. Rhodey only remembers being in the workshop with Tony. He wonders if the latter is the one who carried him to bed. Rhodey is thankful from not suffering of neck pains from a night on the couch.
Tony is nowhere to be seen and a look at the clock shows that it is already more than 10 a.m. Which is new for Rhodey who usually only sleeps until 8 a.m. on his days off.
He quickly goes to relieve himself in the bathroom and brushes his teeth, before going in search of the genius. He enters the elevator and goes first for the common area but find nobody. Thankfully for Rhodey, Jarvis intervenes:
“Mister James, you won’t find any of the Avengers on the building, as they went to S.H.I.E.L.D. for a debriefing.”
“Thanks for the head up, J.” Rhodey scratches his head, a little annoyed that they didn’t wake him. He wonders what he is supposed to do in the meantime.
He goes to the fridge, in search of something to eat. He will watch some T.V. show and hope that the others will not spend all day at S.H.I.E.L.D.
Some hours later, Rhodey finally stirs from where he is slumped on the couch, as he hears movement behind him. He turns his head and sees that it is Sam. He greets the other.
“Not too much bored?” Sam salutes him. Rhodey just groans, and Sam scoffs at that.
“Weren’t you with the others at S.H.I.E.L.D?”
“Actually no, I wasn’t needed this time.” Sam does not elaborate and Rhodey doesn’t probe for more information.
“Hey, since you’re clearly not busy, are you interested to go out later? We could, I don’t know, find something to eat outside.”
Rhodey watches Sam and see that he is trying to play it nonchalantly. He is suddenly slightly embarrassed, because he can see that Sam seems interested. He feels slightly foolish and coy for not noticing it earlier. Now that he thinks about it, Sam has always been very tactile, and what Rhodey considers as kindness and friendliness might be a sign of affection.
Well, it is not often that Rhodey get hit on, and he can’t say when the last time was. He is just an old Omega, without kid. He is also too much focused on his career and best friend.
As he is reflecting on a gentle way to deflect this conversation diplomatically, Sam clearly sees it coming and interrupts:
“Well, you don’t have to feel uneasy. I know that you only have eyes for Tony. Still, I wants to give it a try.” Rhodey is speechless. Is he so obvious that Sam knows his secret?
“Can you consider not rejecting directly this idea of going out with me? It doesn’t have to be today.”
This evening Rhodey is with Tony in his own quarter, watching a movie that the Omega can't even pretend to pay attention to, so lost in his own mind. Although while preoccupied with his earlier conversation with Sam, Rhodey still clocks Tony’s strange behaviour.
“Okay, tell me what’s wrong?” Tony pretends to be engrossed in the movie, but it is the credits, and the way his shoulders are hunched up to his ears is giving him away. He also won't look in Rhodey’s direction. He lasts a full minute before giving a big sigh.
“Please, Rhodey bear… Don’t be angry with me.” Rhodey starts to prepare himself mentally for anything, because all those years of friendship with Tony, mean than he knows when to call for his patience.
Tony is raptly watching his reaction, “Yup, seeing your face, that’s why I don’t want to say anything!” Rhodey takes a deep breath: “Just tell me what it is.”
How could he equally love this man and be annoyed with him?
Tony seems to sense that Rhodey self-control is thinning and just confesses: “I saw you earlier. With Sam.” Rhodey’s brain go into overdrive because he is certain of one thing:
“You weren’t even here earlier. You were at S.H.I.E.L.D, so how could you have ‘seen me with Sam’?” He quickly notices Tony biting the inside of his cheek; he usually does that when he is not ready for a conversation.
“You’re just going to focus on this? I thought you would be more-”
“Tony.”
“Well, as I said I saw you. On a monitor.”
“Tony, wait, did you watch me on the camera? Seriously?” Rhodey is slightly exasperated to learn that Tony surely watched the whole exchange. “Thank you very much for the privacy, seriously Tones, did you watch everything?”
“I’m sorry, I know I was wrong, it’s just- I’m really sorry.” Tony is fidgeting a lot, and Rhodey just wants at this point to assess how much he heard.
Then suddenly, Rhodey freeze completely and can't even hide it. It feels like he will almost have a panic attack. Beyond Sam asking him for a date, Sam also confessed knowing about Rhodey’s feelings for Tony. Which is clearly not something that Rhodey wants Tony to hear. He starts to sweat, and he just can't bear to look over for Tony’s face.
“I just heard Sam asking you for a date, and then I swear I stopped.” Rhodey takes a shaky breath. He tries so hard to control his breathing and just calm down. He is aware that he is overacting. However, he feels like he can be excused as it is important. It would be the worst way for Tony to learn about it, thank you very much.
“Really?” Rhodey asks in a tiny voice. He is just so mortified. Also angry with Tony.
“I swear to you, I stopped immediately when I noticed that it was private. Jarvis can attest to this.” Even before Rhodey can ask Jarvis, the AI replies: “Sir isn’t lying Mister James; I immediately stopped the audio and video.”
Somewhere in the back of his mind, Rhodey also acknowledges that Jarvis may be aware of his feelings for his creator.
“Thanks for the confirmation, Jarvis.” Rhodey sees Tony wince. Surely because Rhodey did not relax until Jarvis validation, not believing in Tony’s words alone.
There is a long silence after Jarvis intervention. Neither of the two men dare to speak, both feeling embarrassed for different reasons.
“Did you accept Sam’s invitation?” Tony suddenly asks out of nowhere.
“Are you seriously asking me this right now?” Rhodey snarks incredulously.
“You can’t blame the guy for trying to make a move Rhodey-bear. I think you should consider going on a date with Sam. He’s really caring, one of the most attentive among the Avengers.” Tony continues, as if he can't help getting himself further into trouble, in true epic Tony Stark Self-Sabotaging Moment™.
Even if Rhodey is aware that it is stupid to feel this way, he is hurt. He doesn’t need Tony to play matchmaker. It is in some measure, the final nail in the coffin. The evidence that nothing will ever happen between Tony and him. Rhodey is aware that he spends his time telling himself that he is happy to at least be Tony’s friend but seeing that ‘friend’ clearly encouraging him to try something with someone else: he can say whatever he wants, the hurt is still present.
“You know what? I might just do that, thank you so much.” Rhodey is aware that he is acting like a jerk, but he isn’t in the mood to hear any more of what Tony wants to say. Rhodey is up against a wall; so, he tries to protect himself from further words from Tony and further hurt.
Tony goes silent after that, not even commenting on Rhodey’s response.
“I think I’m going to bed.” Tony clearly hears the dismissal because he gives a half-crocked smile, before rising, and going to the elevator. Rhodey doesn’t even wait for him to reach it, before he stands up and goes to his room. Once there, he instantly asks Jarvis:
“J, could you also forget what you may have heard between Sam and me?”
“What do you mean Sir? I haven’t heard anything.” Jarvis responds with an innocent air. Rhodey just raises an eyebrow.
Well, at least thinks Rhodey, this weird tension between Tony and him will dissipate after some time apart. Everything will soon go back to normal.
Correction.
One week later, Rhodey can safely say that this last week was one of the worst. Rhodey’s vacation is almost at its end, and he didn’t see Tony that much after that second night. Tony ended up disappearing for four days, for some work related in another state. Still, Rhodey knows that Tony is avoiding him. This expert would otherwise have used every excuse possible with Pepper, to spend time with him.
Meanwhile, Rhodey ended up going out with Sam. And it wasn’t bad. Sam is a good friend, good company and it is almost never awkward. Rhodey is used to Sam’s lingering glances when they go outside, but he never pressures Rhodey with reciprocating his feelings.
Yes, Sam ended up confessing that he would love that more happened between them, but he also assured Rhodey that he can act as always and give his answer when he is ready.
So really, Sam is wonderful and the awkwardness is all coming from Rhodey. It is tricky to act as if everything is normal with Sam, while also worrying about the state of his relationship with Tony.
Rhodey calmed down after that night and regretted the way he dismissed Tony. Even if the latter was clearly in the wrong for watching Sam and Rhodey, and giving his opinion - Rhodey knows Tony and can safely say that it wasn’t out of malice. It isn’t Tony’s way of acting and if he said that he was sorry, it meant that it was really the case.
So now, Rhodey is spending all his time with Sam but missing the lack of interaction with Tony - which is making him anxious and a little bitter. The latter is mostly due to the staring the other Avengers are giving to Sam and him. It is evident that they noticed the shift in the dynamic and are curious.
Rhodey is relaxing in the kitchen, when Bucky suddenly appears, nods at him and goes to the fridge. Rhodey goes back to his thoughts and doesn’t see Bucky coming towards him with a bottle of water.
“Hey, I need to ask you, it’s been in my head since: are you interested in Sam? Or do you plan to reject him?”
Rhodey is completely stunned from Bucky’s questions. Just out of nowhere. The fellow Omega isn’t usually one to pry into other people’s businesses. Rhodey is aware that even if Sam and Bucky usually bicker a lot, they care for one another and will always be ready to protect the other.
“I know that you don’t owe me an answer but, I just want you to really understand that Sam, he’s serious about you. So, don’t just hang out with him because things are cold between Tony and you.” Bucky concludes his thought with a little shrug and a pointed look towards Rhodey.
And Rhodey can understand this protectiveness coming from Bucky. He would have one hundred percent been the same, if it was Tony with someone else. But still, it doesn’t mean that he isn’t annoyed to have this thrown at his face, when the whole thing is already messing with his head and he doesn’t know what to do about it.
Rhodey would prefer if people didn’t intervene in his matters. He already feels like an asshole for not giving a clear answer to Sam, because he knows is love for Tony will prevent him from taking an interest in someone else. Still, he finds himself enjoying spending time with Sam and knowing that someone is into him.
Maybe he is horrible and conceited in reassuring himself that he is still desirable, even when being already in his forties.
“You don’t understand how you’re lucky. Really lucky to have someone like Sam being into you.” Rhodey looks at Bucky and wonders if-
“Thanks for the compliment Bucky, but it will not be necessary.” Sam intervenes. The two other men haven’t noticed his coming into the kitchen, engrossed in the conversation. Bucky seems somewhat pained by the intervention but doesn’t speak further. Sam sees his conflicted expression and continues:
“Seriously, I know what I’m getting in, and I don’t need any help, even if I appreciate your intervention.”
Rhodey is in a serious mess. He knows that he needs to give a clear answer to Sam before he goes back to work. He just can’t let the status quo continue indefinitely.
“Could you give Bucky and me some time, Rhodey?” The latter clearly sees a dismissal when it is one. And even if he could have protested that he was the first present in the kitchen, he just acquiesces and goes back to his quarters. He is in fact relieved to escape this tension.
Once in his bed, the frustration rises in him again. His cowardice to give a clear answer to Sam, the scraps of conversations between Tony and him that are so meaningless. Rhodey tried to text him, but Tony’s answers are always brief. It is as if he isn’t interested and it frustrates Rhodey.
He doesn’t have much time left before he must leave.
Rhodey laughs bitterly because the final blow to his shitty situation is to have learned that he can’t rely any longer on his suppressants. He received a mail from his doctor the previous night and apparently, nearly a lifetime relying on suppressants isn’t good for the body. It has become vital for his well-being to consider stopping and quickly.
However, who is he supposed to cope with the thought of stopping what he always used? The whole thing is just stressing him out. He will need to inform his hierarchy, and he isn’t sure that the new will be well-taken. Oh, he has since long proven himself, but it remains news that could compromise his work. He will also need to schedule an appointment with his doctor.
God, Rhodey isn't even sure what his scent really is now. It has been years that he hasn't had a sniff of himself. When he was still young, he would sometimes stop taking his suppressants to regulate his body and allow for a heat, but with the years, he just didn’t allow any rest for his body.
His doctor had been so mad with him. She is a tiny woman so ferocious, but Rhodey is even more stubborn. He knows that he compromised his body, but he still wouldn’t change a thing.
In the privacy of his own room, Rhodey lets himself imagine how Tony would react in scenting him. Would he find it pleasant? Would that turn him on, get him hot?
It isn’t often that Rhodey get lost in a fantasy, but he visualises how Tony’s pupils would dilate from the pleasure alone of being emerged in a pleasant scent. Maybe he would only give a tiny growl, because even if lost in pleasure, Tony is still somewhat self-conscious of acting on instinct and coming across as rude because he is an Alpha. Therefore, this growl would just escape him, and he would try to shut it, but Rhodey would nevertheless hear it.
Perhaps, while still in a fog, Tony would try to reach towards Rhodey. He would grab his shirt and come closer, until they were so close that Rhodey would feel Tony’s breath on his face, making him shiver slightly. Tony would then continue to get into Rhodey’ space, and the latter would feel a pressure on his leg that he would know wasn’t from him. Rhodey, who also never lets himself be controlled by his instincts, would fight against the whine that would build in his throat.
Just this close from the man he is after, Rhodey would get a whiff of the wonderful scent of Tony: musky to leave him dizzy. The bulge against him would be a great distraction from anything else and he would feel a stir in his groin-
“Mister James, you wanted me to alert you when Sir arrived.” Jarvis informs. Rhodey clears his throat loudly. Fantastic. Rhodey is well on his way to get a hard on and takes deep breaths to calm down before asking:
“Is he already in his workshop?”
“Yes, he just went a moment ago but put on the lock mode. Do you want me to inform him of your presence?” Jarvis inquires of the colonel.
“No, don’t warn him, I will just go see him unannounced.” Rhodey declares.
Well, Jarvis reports of Tony’s arrival truly soothed him, and since there is not any longer any problem of indecency, he goes in direction of the workshop.
In front of the workshop, he just writes the override code on the door, and the later just opens smoothly. It does help that he assisted Tony with Jarvis code, when they were younger. Tony seems to be playing fetch with DUM-E and U. Rhodey would have loved to assist more to this scene, but Tony quickly notices him and stops.
“Hey, I didn’t think you would be here.” Tony initiates the conversation with the most casual thing. He goes to his workstation and starts messing with his notes. Rhodey isn’t stupid and clocks quickly that Tony is just buying himself some time.
“You seemed really busy those last days. Haven’t seen much of you. How are you doing?”
“Oh, you know, Pepper just decided to squeeze me dry again. I’m helpless against it, so I had all those reunions to attend.” Tony justifies himself, without raising his head. He is clearly avoiding eyes contact. This exasperates Rhodey.
He comes closer and just goes straight for the jugular:
“Can we drop this boring act? I think we need to seriously discuss, you and me.”
Tony’s face falls completely and he just looks at Rhodey in the eyes. He suddenly becomes more serious before adding sombrely:
“What do you want to talk about?”
“I just want to address the elephant in the room, because this situation is just frustrating. You’re clearly avoiding me, and maybe you feel bad for what you saw and said. I’ll be honest with you: I was so mad at you, and I didn’t need your opinion on top of that. However, now it just feels like I’m the one that did something wrong, so just, please. Stop avoiding me. Also, don’t pretend that it’s not the case.” Rhodey finishes his tirade with his arms crossed.
Tony seems a little taken aback. He put down the notes that he is holding, since it is more of a nuisance, “I was just giving you some space. I knew you were angry, and I didn’t say that you should go out with Sam to annoy you. It’s just that there’s an ease when you’re together.”
“Thanks, but no. I’m not, you know, interested. So, no more of that.” Tony raises his eyebrow and Rhodey returns it.
“Okay, I will not get into your love life anymore Rhodey-bear.” Tony tentatively smiles his way. Rhodey sighs inwardly and feels relieved. DUM-E comes closer to Rhodey and jabs him with his arm, as if he wants him to move. Rhodey finally understands that the robot wants to push him towards his creator, so he follows his request.
No more of this silliness. Now everything would go back to the way they were.
“Is that you giving that pleasant, sweet smell?” Tony asks suddenly when Rhodey is closer. “It’s just, I think it’s you, I’ve smelled it since you’ve come here. Are you okay?”
Apparently, Rhodey should had given more attention to his doctor mail saying that now his scent will be progressively detected in the air.
If he contacted in the first place his doctor, it was because the date of his suppressant's renewal was close, but he didn’t have to worry about that anymore.
“Hum about that, I will stop using my suppressants. My doctor was adamant that I quit, for my health.” Tony looks at Rhodey with compassion, “I will just need to get used to it.”
Although Tony seems concerned about Rhodey's situation, the latter can only think about the fact that he will be able to take care of the genius. Rhodey only has three days top left to give is all.
The next day, after taking his breakfast with Tony, the genius goes back to his room for his bath, and Rhodey stays in the common room to wait for Sam’s arrival. When the Alpha arrives, he directly stops him and doesn’t falter. Rhodey has finally find the courage to talk to Sam - he knows he needs to end Sam’s misery. So even if having the conversation is still difficult, Rhodey understands it’s necessary. Sam’s face loses its energy as Rhodey talks, but at least, he doesn’t run away. Even if it sounds cliché, Rhodey explains that the problem does not come from Sam but from him. Rhodey doesn't know how much time passes while he's talking and talking.
Rhodey wonders if Sam will intervene to try to plead his case, but the latter surprises him again with how much of a gentleman he is, “you don’t have to worry that much of my reaction. I knew when trying that your answer in the end would be negative. Thank you for still giving me a chance. You could have declined right from the start.”
Rhodey groans at how much of a sweetheart Sam is, “Sam, stop! You’re too good, you can be mad at me for wasting your time.”
“What do you want me to say? I knew what I was getting into by trying with you when you were already in love. Just see it as a desperate and selfish act on my part.”
Rhodey runs a hand through his face. This conversation went so much better than he thought it would, but it still drained him. He feels like an asshole.
“You know, you have some protective friend ready to defend you. When they called me out on my bullshit, it gave me the courage to finally give you an answer.” Rhodey doesn’t want to completely jump to conclusions, but he thinks Bucky has feelings for Sam. That protectiveness of the other day reminded Rhodey of his own protectiveness towards the genius. Rhodey hopes that this conversation will light a bulb in Sam’s head that maybe Bucky is interested. Rhodey still stays realistic that this may not lead to anything.
“Are you trying to send me a message?” Sam smiles faintly at seeing Rhodey’s expression. The latter raises both hands in an innocent gesture and doesn’t respond. Sam laughs and doesn’t insist.
“Well, all that remains for me to do is to wish you good luck in your conquest of Tony!” Sam claps his hands.
Rhodey almost winces at Sam’s suggestion, because Sam has no idea that Rhodey doesn’t want to tell Tony about his feelings, “thanks, but I think I will keep my feelings to myself. Tony doesn’t need to know about them, he would freak out.” Abruptly, Rhodey sees Sam’s facial expression change to one of fright. He doesn’t understand at first until he hears a shuffle behind him.
Rhodey feels a shiver run down his spine. He already knows who is behind him, but he is not ready to face reality. He would just love to play stupid a little longer, but he knows it’s useless, so he turns and his heart shatters. Tony’s expression is so confused and shocked. The latter clearly heard everything. Rhodey sees Sam comes next to him and mutters a little sorry, clearly feeling bad and maybe like he forced Rhodey to come out even if it’s stupid and it’s clearly not his fault. Rhodey is so focused on Tony that he doesn’t hear anything else. Distantly, Rhodey thinks that Jarvis is absent and it is with what Tony starts:
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t aware that you were talking privately, and Jarvis couldn’t warn me because he’s in maintenance.” Tony explains in a little voice. He also avoids eyes contact but his eyes come back to look at Rhodey from time to time, wide like saucers. It seems like despite him, he can’t look away.
Rhodey doesn’t even know what to add to this. Sam then intervenes, “we didn't notice you.” To which Tony only hums. Follows an awkward silence that nobody seems inclined to disrupt. Bucky enters the kitchen and quickly assesses the energy in the room. He doesn’t even utter a word and just sweeps Sam with him; the latter is not even struggling. He also gives a wince in Rhodey’s direction that Rhodey can’t even give back because he’s so frozen.
It’s only Tony and Rhodey remaining. The colonel panics but he knows he must also be brave because Tony is looking at him with so much shock and he must have so many questions.
“So just by seeing your face I know that you heard everything. I never planned for you to learn about my feelings.” It’s the first thing that comes to Rhodey’s mind. “You don’t have to worry about responding or feeling obligated to return those feelings. I know your position on Omegas. You’ve always been very clear about it-”
“For how long?” Immediately, Tony starts with the worst question in Rhodey’s mind. He doesn’t want to disturb Tony, but he also knows that Tony deserves the truth and if he doesn’t give it to him, the genius will always torture his mind trying to examine every interaction.
“Since we’ve been very young.” Tony just looks even more appalled by the answer.
“I didn’t notice.” He sounds so lost saying this.
“You didn’t notice because I didn’t want you to notice.” Tony looks so exhausted, “look, I value much more our friendship and didn’t want us to drift apart because of any feelings.”
“It’s just, I feel bad. Where you sad all those years? Did I come across as rude and were you pretending that everything was good?” Tony starts to ramble and that’s precisely what Rhodey didn’t want to happen.
“Tony, it’s okay, I managed and how I was feeling is not on you.”
“It clearly is. I’m just learning that my best friend has had feelings for so many years and I must have been an asshole in talking about my love life to you.” Tony continues but Rhodey starts to zone out a little. When Tony gets like this, it’s complicated to stop him. Rhodey would just love Tony to understand that he doesn’t want to lose what they have. Being close to Tony is what matters the most for Rhodey.
Rhodey understands that Tony is overwhelmed but he also doesn’t feel able of dealing with this now. Rhodey would also prefers to not give to many details to Tony as he will just be more agitated.
“I think I should give you time to calm down. I’ve already made my peace with those feelings, but I think you will need time to believe it.” Rhodey gives a little lie to not hurt Tony’s feelings, but it’s also true that Rhodey knows that he shouldn’t have waited for anything.
Rhodey notices that Tony never denied not having feelings for him. He tries to put on a brave face for as long as possible, but Rhodey knows that he also needs time to act as naturally as possible with Tony.
“See you later Tones.” Rhodey ends up the conversation and Tony doesn’t protest.
Once in his room, Rhodey is just left feeling sad. It feels like the end of an era. Rhodey pleaded his case as hard as he could, explaining that he wanted to preserve his friendship with Tony above all, but he is not even sure if after all that, Tony will be able to act as before with him. Does Tony feel betrayed? Maybe, and Rhodey isn’t sure he wants to know. It would just crush him further.
Now, the cards weren’t in his hands and wasn’t that the most depressing? Rhodey closes his eyes, let misery consume him for a moment.
Two days later, this awkwardness remains unchanged. Rhodey decided to not go on Tony’s whereabouts and let the latter come on his own terms. Rhodey knows that he can’t impose himself on Tony here.
Sam apologised again but Rhodey didn’t let him continue. There was no reason for Sam to feel bad - both were not aware of Tony’s presence, or they would have immediately stopped the conversation. No, it was only Rhodey’s lack of carefulness that led to this situation. It was maybe his payback for lusting on his friend and loving him.
Rhodey is currently doing his luggage since his little vacation has come to end. He doesn’t know when he will be able to come back here, and it’s quite terrifying. Leaving this tension; Rhodey is aware that this could breach his friendship with Tony in an irremediable way.
Rhodey turns around when he hears a knock on his wall. Of course, it’s Tony.
“Can I interrupt you?”
“Of course.” Tony sees Rhodey putting away his last belongings. Rhodey stays silent. He wants to see what Tony will say since he came on his own. “You’re almost ready to go.”
“Well, I’m leaving tonight.” Rhodey reminds Tony.
“I was really thrown out. Learning about your feelings.” Tony confesses. Rhodey wasn’t ready for the spontaneous change of direction in the conversation. Tony clearly didn’t want to waste any time.
“I know.” Rhodey replies softly.
“I didn’t want to let you go back to work like this, without seeing you before you go.” Tony smiles self-deprecatingly, “I will be straight with you: I’ve never seen you in that light Rhodey-bear. You’ve always been my friend. I really cherish our friendship, and I don’t want to lose it.” It’s a blow to Rhodey to hear it clearly even if he knows. He could always hold on to a glimmer of hope in his ignorance. Rhodey tries to rationalise that at least, there is the joy of knowing that Tony also esteems their friendship, not that Rhodey was really doubting that. A little reminder didn’t hurt.
“I also don’t want to lose you Tones. It’s okay, I'm satisfied with the way my life is.”
Tony who until now stayed near the door, comes closer to Rhodey. He looks straight into Rhodey’s eyes, “That’s not all I wanted to say.” Rhodey gives a nod to show that Tony can continue and that he is listening:
“I reflected a lot and hey, I may not be there at your point, but I want to try.” Rhodey is confused because suddenly Tony looks kind of shy.
“You want to try what?” Tony gives him a look, as if he’s a little slow on the take.
“When you have your next permission, we should try to go on a date.” Rhodey’s mind just short-circuit. He surely heard wrong because Tony didn’t just ask him out on a date when he’s out of permission next time. It’s just impossible. Not Tony. Not his best friend who’s not on relationship, on Omegas, and on anything remotely engaging.
“Tony, what?” It’s the only thing that Rhodey manages to say.
“It’s just, you are my best friend and I don’t know, maybe it could be even better if we were more. Then perhaps, you may want to think twice before you want to try going on a date with me, because I tend to destroy all my relations. I still don’t know how you’re still here.” And now, Tony was rambling. Rhodey knows that he needs to end his misery, but he is so surprised. Still, he knows that he heard correctly. Tony also looks so serious, but he is rapidly losing his confidence; maybe he thinks that Rhodey is not interested.
Which is crazy! Rhodey never ever thought he would get a chance. It’s the opportunity of his life and against him, he starts to slowly smile. It rapidly takes his whole face - he just can’t contain his happiness.
“Are you serious?” Rhodey interrupts and takes Tony by the shoulders. The latter quickly stop his rambling and focus again on his friend. Whatever he sees on Rhodey’s face seems to bring back his relief.
“I’m more than serious. You want to try this date for later, Rhodey-bear?” Tony says with a fond little smile.
“Of course I want to try it! I’m just so sad it’s not going to be now, and I will have to wait.” Rhodey lets out a little laugh.
Tony takes Rhodey’s right hand that is still on his shoulder and grips it. He grins and Rhodey knows that he can affront everything with this smile directed at him.