Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"What?" Rhodey asked a bit annoyed.

He was relaxed back on his bed and attempting to read his textbook. He could feel the eyes of his roommate staring at him with such intensity that he almost wondered if he was trying to activate some kind of power that would make Rhodey explode or bore literal holes into him with laser eyes. There was a four year difference between the two and Rhodey still couldn't believe it was allowed. On one hand it was only four years, but on the other hand four years is huge in adolescence. When they first became roommates, he couldn't help but wonder what kind of parents would allow their 14-year-old to live on campus where the average student was more than four years older than him.

When Rhodey showed up on move-in day to see Tony, who seemed to embody all of the rich kid stereotypes, he wondered what he had done to deserve it. As Tony's butler moved him in and even offered to help Rhodey and his family with moving him in, he couldn't help but feel a bit bitter and irritated that he hadn't at least been warned. This seemed like the job for an RA, or a volunteer, or even just a random older student who had already experienced what it was like to have roommates. When he began to ponder the legality, he decided it was possible he had been hand-picked because he technically was still a minor at the beginning of the semester. That said, the two had swiftly bonded and got along beyond that of roommates who just coexisted.

As they got to know each other, Rhodey started to notice just how odd his roommate was, especially when he wasn't actively trying to perform for other people. He had even gotten used to the fact that Tony was rarely, if ever, silent, especially when he was trying to concentrate. Tony's constant mutterings and fidgets actually even became like white noise that helped Rhodey concentrate. So the current silence would have been distracting enough, even without the staring. The staring just made it disconcerting and annoying. Tony could be a bit socially inept outside of the strict rules and environments he was used to, but even he knew not to stare. When Tony didn't respond, he looked up from the textbook to see calculating eyes and an expression that he couldn't quite place.

"What Tony?" Rhodey tried again, this time kinder and less distracted. Rhodey sighed and closed his book, giving Tony his full attention. Something shifted in Tony's expression and he fidgeted uncomfortably at his desk. "Is something wrong?"

"I don't get it," Tony told him. Rhodey actively fought the urge to get frustrated at the vague response. If there was anything he had learned in their almost one year of being roommates, it was patience. He gestured for Tony to continue, so he did. "I mean we're friends, right? Or are we just roommates?"

"Yes, Tony. For the hundredth time, I consider us friends," Rhodey responded, hoping that it would be just another quick conversation where he reassured Tony that they were friends and moved on.

"Right but... why? I don't get it," Tony repeated.

"Don't get what?" Rhodey prodded.

"I've... had friends before and I always understood what they got from it. How they benefited from our relationship. But I don't get how you do. You don't seem like the type to want to use me for money?"

Rhodey just stared back at Tony now, who appeared torn between looking away from discomfort and staring him down to feign confidence. As Rhodey took his time trying to think of a response, Tony's expression hardened into a steely challenging expression. 

The main issue was that he was fighting through the impulse to be offended at what felt like an accusation. He knew that Tony hadn't had a lot of friends and that the social circles he was used to sounded like an unheard-of level of Hell, but the question still hurt. Especially since he went out of his way to not let the other boy pay for anything, which was harder than it sounds.

"You don't have to get anything from being friends with someone. People become friends because they like being around each other," Rhodey told him. It was said a bit curtly but with the approach of explaining friendship to a child. 

"No, I know. It's just, that I've had friends before... I think. I mean I've had people who have called themselves my friends before. But they didn't treat me like you do." Tony huffed in frustration and looked like he was about to leave it alone and give up. This time though, Rhodey didn't react and just let Tony sort himself out. He continued, "You're so... nice to me. And we barely know each other. That means that either I have never had a friend before or for some reason, you're just that much nicer and like me that much more than most people."

Rhodey just continued staring at Tony, who had finally relented and looked away. He appreciated how difficult it must be for his usually closed-off friend to be so vulnerable as he debated what to say. What does someone even say to that? They were roommates and friends and even though they'd basically only known each other for a few months, Rhodey had grown to really care for the other boy. He had very little regard for his own personal well-being, which led to Rhodey feeling a sense of responsibility towards him. He was also one of the most complex people that Rhodey had ever met. That said, if there was one thing that he had learned Tony appreciates, it was honesty. Well-timed, carefully phrased honesty that left nothing up to interpretation. 

"I don't know," he admitted thoughtfully. Tony's eyes snapped to meet his own, questioning his intentions. Rhodey continued, "I mean I wasn't there. So I can't know how your previous friendships were. And I don't think that I am just that much nicer than most people."

"That's... Not helpful."

"I don't know man. Maybe I do like you more than most people. That's what they say happens when you're surrounded by like minded people right? And I'm pretty sure the personality match these roommate assignments." Rhodey paused before continuing with a smirk, "Or maybe something's just wrong with me." 

Tony relaxed at the joke and rolled his eyes. He threw a crumpled up piece of paper at Rhodey who laughed and batted it away. 

Chapter Text

During the summer between freshman and sophomore year, Tony and Rhodey texted nearly every day. That is, they texted nearly every day between when Rhodey saw Tony for his birthday and about halfway through the summer. Even though the two lived only a few hours from one another, neither one had much time to travel and see each other in person. Rhodey got a summer job apprenticing a mechanic and Tony did what he would only describe as "work for his dad". Rhodey was starting to become concerned about the silence from Tony when it had reached two weeks of not even being left on read; it was an abrupt shift from their constant communication for the past month and a half.

Rhodey would have wondered if he had been blocked if it didn't seem like such a ridiculous implausibility. If Tony was present on social media, he would've checked on him that way. There was, of course, the usual amount of articles and tabloids reporting about the ins and outs of the Stark family household and Stark Industries, but there was nothing specific enough to Tony to give him any clues. He had even tried calling, despite knowing that Tony could seldom be reached that way, and it predictably went to voicemail.

Rhodey realized that if it were anyone else, he would be angry. However, Tony's behavior was so out of the norm that he was just concerned. Even when Tony was deep in concentration, Rhodey would usually see that Tony eventually read his message. If he couldn't or didn't want to respond, he'd send a meme or emoji as sort of an acknowledgment of having read the message and a promise to respond later. It was one of Rhodey's rare weekdays off and with both his parents at work and his sister at a friend's, he had the house to himself. He had just finished making himself an omelet and was about to sit down to eat when his phone rang. He looked at the Caller ID and was surprised to realize that it was Tony.

"Hello?" he answered when he picked up the phone, not bothering to conceal his shock.

"Hey. Rhodey," Tony rasped, pausing between the words like he was unsure of himself. This piqued Rhodey's interest. Any anger he had immediately dissipated, and his concern intensified. On the other end, Tony's voice was slightly muffled like he wasn't talking directly into the receiver. There was a lot of loud background noise as well. Tony continued, "I'm not calling too early, am I? Are you busy?"

"No!" Rhodey responded, mentally kicking himself for responding so quickly and loudly and hoping that he didn't spook Tony when something was so clearly wrong. It wasn't even early. Rhodey looked at his phone screen and confirmed that it was 9 a.m., then decided to elaborate: "I actually just finished up. What's up?"

"Oh um... Do you like the zoo?" Tony sounded hesitant and before Rhodey could respond, he quickly added, "Or the aquarium!"

"What?" was unfortunately all Rhodey could bring himself to say.

"I... well I have time off. Sorry, I know I haven't been responsive... Howard, he gave me the day off. And Jarvis is... he offered to take me anywhere. And we live so close. I figured if you're free, we could do something?"

"Like the aquarium or the zoo," Rhodey parroted.

"Oh. It doesn't have to be? That's just what I came up with. It's dumb. I kno-" Tony mumbled, but Rhodey cut him off.

"It's not dumb. And I am actually off, so I'm free all day. Which would you prefer?" There was more silence on the other end, but then Tony admitted that he had never gotten the opportunity to go to any zoo before and the Zoo360 had him absolutely enamored. "Alight then. Let's go to the zoo. What time were you thinking?"

"Oh. Uh. I don't..."

"How about this, you just let me know when you're 30 minutes out. I'm not doing anything today, so it's really fine. I'll meet you at the zoo."

"Okay." The relief in Tony's voice conveyed the release of more tension than Rhodey had realized was there and Rhodey could swear he could hear a smile in Tony's voice when he cleared his throat and repeated, "Okay. Great."

Rhodey frowned slightly at the sight of Tony. To put it bluntly, he looked terrible. Makeup was hiding what was clearly a bruise that took up just about all of his right cheek. Tony had done a good job concealing the coloration, but Rhodey knew what he looked like well enough to know that his cheek was slightly swollen. He also had a split lip and dark undereye circles to match. Despite it being 80 degrees, Tony was wearing an, albeit thin, jacket that was zipped all the way up. Concerned as he was at the sight, he couldn't help but chuckle at the goofy smile on Tony's face and his utter delight at seeing his friend and roommate. Tony bounded over to him and let Rhodey lead the way through the gates.

As they spent their day making their way through the different exhibits, Rhodey watched as Tony became more and more comfortable. By the time they had finally had their fill of the Zoo, Rhodey realized that he too had let go of the stress that he didn't know was weighing on him. This opportunity with the shop was a good one. They gave him good hours and paid far beyond what he would consider a fair wage, but it was a lot. When Rhodey noted the amount of sweat beginning to coat his friend's forehead, he recommended that they go find someplace to eat. Preferably, he added, somewhere that wasn't within the confines of the zoo's property. As they sat there eating lunch, reveling in the air condition, Tony suddenly became less animated and found Rhodey's eyes with a serious expression on his face. 

"Thank you," Tony said with the utmost sincerity. Rhodey must have looked perplexed by the sudden tonal shift because Tony shifted slightly and explained, "You make me feel safe. I'm able to relax around you."

Rhodey couldn't help but just stare at Tony. They really hadn't known each other long and it was clear that the guy had trust issues... and attachment issues... and judging from the look he was sporting that day clearly other... issues. But Rhodey felt the same way. It was the most fun he'd had all summer, and it was at the zoo, of all places. Tony would explain what all of this was about, what was hiding under his jacket, and how it was related to his two-week disappearance when he was ready. So, there was nothing to say except,

"Of course, Tony. You're my best friend."

"What a sap," Tony smiled so warmly that Rhodey couldn't help but smile himself. "You're my best friend too Honeybear."

Chapter Text

Rhodey stood there passively staring at a panicking Tony, unsure how to help. He was more confused than he had felt about Tony in a while and the unmoored state left him feeling utterly useless. It’s not like things had been easy to navigate lately, but he knew Tony well enough that up to this point nothing had been too unusual or surprising. As they rounded up the semester and entered finals, Tony had gotten the news that his parents had died in a car accident. So far his grieving process seemed to involve less sadness about the deaths specifically and more global concern about what it meant for him moving forward. Tony had also expressed feeling like he wasn’t sad enough and the guilt that it was causing. Some of the looks and comments that he had received around campus for not requesting extensions and fleeing home immediately certainly didn’t help. At one point a pacing Tony had angrily ranted in their dorm room about not being able to drop everything to leave, especially after they had both received permission to stay on campus past when students were expected to leave so they could finish a project. And expecting people as “infamously overachieving” as MIT students to understand. The funeral was set for exactly 2 weeks after the accident to give time for the investigation of the accident, the medical examiner’s autopsy and an independent autopsy requested by the Stark estate. So Tony was just fine with returning home on his original agreed upon date, which happened to be the day before the funeral. 

None of that was the cause of this breakdown. Three days before they were set to go home, Tony and Rhodey were at lunch when Tony received a call. He blanched and dropped his phone on the table, then blinking owlishly he told Rhodey that his godfather was now his legal guardian. Unfortunately, “That’s a good thing right? I thought you liked your uncle” was the wrong thing to say in response. Tony stood abruptly and when Rhodey stood as well to help with the impending panic, Tony backed away from him and held up a hand. Tony started to tear up and mutter to himself between chocked gasps. 

”Look, it’s only two and a half years. And you’re in school, so it’s really just three winters and two summers living with him,” Rhodey tried, shaking off his moment of hesitation. 

”Three winters and two summers. 895 days in charge. It can’t be him. I can’t. I just can’t. I can’t do it,” Tony inhaled sharply and harshly wiped his hands across his face, digging his fists into his eyes. Then he nodded to himself and let out a content sigh, “I won’t.”

The sudden resolve in Tony’s voice and calm visible on his face and body were eerie in a way that Rhodey couldn’t place. He knew on a visceral level that whatever conclusion he had come to was not a good one. Later in the day Rhodey stepped out to call his parents and discuss the situation. The number one rule that his Roberta and Terrance Rhodes had made sure to instill in their children from day one is that they could always call them for help if they or someone they cared about where in trouble, and they would do everything that they could no questions asked. Well, “some questions” his mom clarified on one occasion when she was discussing “high school parties” with her pre-teen children.

“We’ll always need some questions to understand the situation and address it properly,” she had said, “But we promise to always only ask the necessary questions. We trust your judgement. If you’re concerned about a situation, we’re concerned. Full explanations can always wait until everyone is safe and comfortable talking about it.”  

And they meant it. When he was 16 and called his dad to jump his car at 1 am his dad was to him in under 15 minutes. And when he saw Rhodey’s friend asleep in the backseat, he only asked if everything was okay and if she needed medical attention. Later when his parents got the full story, their sole admonition was a reminder that he could have and should have gotten them involved sooner. 

This time, however, the situation was more complex. This wasn’t a matter of asking his dad to help him come to the aid a friend who found herself drunk and alone at a party where she didn’t know anyone. This was a question of wills and custody and lawyers and a godfather who was probably now in control of the entire Stark estate. 15 should be old enough to be emancipated, but Rhodey doubted that it would be that simple. His parents assured him that the Rhodes Household was always available for anyone who needed a place to stay and that they would figure something out.

The evening after the funeral Rhodey informed Tony of their plan and he broke down. He anguished over his parents’ death and over the guilt he felt about the way that the strained relationship was affecting his grief. He also expressed concern about the inevitability of the Rhodes family “getting sick of him eventually” and the undue burden of getting involved. Eventually he just sighed and shook his head.

”He’s never going to let this happen. He’s… Shit. There’s probably something about it in the will too.” At this Tony just slumped over in his chair and giggled a bit. The giggle turned into laughter and he laughed harder until he was red in the face and struggling to breathe, which led to a coughing fit. Rhodey tried to approach with a water bottle and frowned at the barely suppressed full body flinch.

”We’ll figure it out,” Rhodey assured him. When Tony scoffed softly, Rhodey continued before he could interject, “Look, I’m honestly a bit confused okay? You’ve always said the best things about the guy. But clearly the very idea of living with him long term… we’ll get it sorted because that’s not happening. Don’t worry about the logistics. You’ve met my mom. You really think some lawyers and papers are going to stop her?”

”Ha. Well far be it from be to doubt Mama Rhodes.” There was hardly any snark in his voice, but there was finally the hints of a real smile. He then sighed and admitted, “I just wish I could live with Ana and Jarvis, but that’s really not an option.”

”I know.”

Tony was right about one thing: the will had very specific wording and strict instructions. However, they were all almost exclusively about the company and the rest of his inheritance not already in a trust. They came up with a schedule for Obidiah's mentorship and arrangements for liasons and communication. Tony could live with the Rhodes family as long as it didn't interfere with the requirements that Howard outlined or generally impede his education. Terrance and Roberta Rhodes were named his legal guardians. That night Rhodey told Tony that the arrangement officially makes them brothers and that Tony could no longer doubt that he would always fight for him.