War Machine Coming at Ya

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“Give it an hour and something else will grab their attention better than a portal. “ Tony stated quietly.  “They’ll know soon enough… once we decide to tell them… what a shitstorm it will be …not looking forward to that…at all.”

~

“I can’t imagine what will grab their attention anytime sooner.” He sighed, nodding as he agreed. He didn’t want to say it, lest it made it that much more real but they couldn’t hide this forever. “You know you don’t have to be that someone, right? I’ve handled the news before. I can take care of that shit storm when it finally hits.” Grabbing his shoulder, he gave it a squeeze and said, “Let me take care of this one for you, Tony.”

Tony sighed heavily. “I know” he replied and looked outside at the said swarm. “But right now I’m here and not dealing with any of this. I’m on my cigarette break if you like”

~

Rhodey, of course, nodded as he sat down. “I tried to get the off the front lawn, but you know the reporters at the Bugle can be. I thought about calling Strange and seeing if he could portal them somewhere else but that probably would make things worse.” 

“I’m right here Rhodes…” Tony replied , sitting in the upper part of the living room. He wasn’t sure what he dreaded more, this or his own feelings…

~

Rhodey knew everything was a mess and honestly, how could anyone be functioning right now? But Rhodey was Tony’s best friend and he needed to make sure he was okay. Not to mention there were other problems that needed to be addressed. “There’s a media swarm outside, Tony. Ross is holding a press conference about some transfer from the Raft.”

“Tony.....Tony!” Rhodey called out as he walked through the door. ​“I know you’re here. Don’t make me as FRIDAY to tell me where you are.”

“You’re the only one I’ve told … so who officially knows. I’m sure some have maybe picked up something. “

“Thanks, just…keep it for yourself, will you ? I … don’t want to fuck this one up … not right away anyway”  Tony confessed.

~

“Yeah, of course, man,” Rhodey replied with a quick nod, “Is there anyone else that knows or am I the only one?”

-

“I mean.. we are kind of… a thing ? I suppose ?  …it doesnt mean that you are replaced…I honestly wouldn’t fonction without my besthusband.”

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Rhodey was surprised, but not really. Tony was good at many things but after being his friend for so many years, he learned how to pick up on certain things. “Well that’s comforting....but I’m happy for you.”

“And why would that be a reason to let her face that alone ? … She has gone through enough trauma in her life to add yet another one. Even the strongest  hero can fall, you saw it happen …with me. “

.

Rhodey raised his brow just a bit as Tony spoke. “Is this your way of finally telling me what’s going on between you and Natasha? Because I’ve noticed how you two have been sneaking off together recently and I’m starting to get a little jealous.”

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“It’s not about him … it’s not about saving him or finding him a way to redemption. His kids will be fine…eventually … I’m worried about her …I need to be there for her , Rhodey. “

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Rhodey scrunched his eyebrows together for a moment, not really sure what he meant. Until it clicked. “If you’re talking about Natasha, I don’t think you need to be worried about her. Terrified of, yes. But worried? I’m sure she’s dealt with harsher situations than this. Like the first Zemo incident.”

.

Tony smiled sadly. “ I have to be there…if not for him, then for those that are being shredded by all of this , those I am responsible for.  I could go to the Peak, but … that’s the easy way out. “

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“Look, Tony, I like Barton as much as the next guy, but he’s in this mess because of the choices he made. You’re not responsible for him. I get that you care a lot about his kids and you’re his friend, but there’s nothing you can do for him that you haven’t already tried.”

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“I am not looking forward to the next part , that’s all. “

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“What? The trial? You know you don’t have to be here for that. I’m sure you got plenty of work up on Peak to deal with.”

“hum hum… and which part is that exactly ?”

“The part where Osborne had to act like he was okay with what was happening.”

“It did. “

.

“Tony...I know that face. What’s on your mind?”

“See I still can surprise you sometimes. “

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“Which is a surprise in and of itself.”

“ Vanilla drenched in Salted Butter Caramel. I honestly don’t know where your brain went, but it’s disgusting … and no I wouldn’t want an american Firm to ruin an Italian classic. “

“I was thinking of something that was going to put me in a diabetic shock when you say it, but thankfully that’s not the case.”