anne8510

[anne8510]

Part 2 to The Perfect Balance

A Little Loyalty Goes A Long Way

Rhodey knocked on the office door and steeled himself for what was bound to be a hostile conversation. He had made a few attempts to talk to Pepper after the scene in the lab with Tony and Peter but she had dodged him until today. As he opened the door he saw she was still finishing a call and waved him inside. "Yes, fine just get the contracts in order and send them over." Pepper stated clearly then hung up the phone.

"Good Morning James, it seems you have been trying to see me. I can't imagine what you want to talk to me about." Pepper said in a tight voice. "Well I think we both know things have changed significantly since the last time either of us spent a lot of time in this building. I wanted to tell you clearly face to face that what happened in the lab last week, the relationship between Peter and Tony is for real. They have my full support and I hope that you can respect Tony's wishes and requests without being petty regarding your own past involvement." Rhodey got his rehearsed speech out first, he used his crisp military voice that everyone knew he used when he was serious. He didn't want to get emotional at least not at first.

Pepper was silent then turned on a dime and looked angrily at him talking through gritted teeth "You think this fling is for real, spare me James but once again here you are doing Tony's dirty work. Must be nice to have a lap dog to do things for you." So much for not getting emotional, Rhodey thought before he started shouting "A lap dog! Wow hitting low right out of the gate. It's not me you're mad at. You're pissed that Tony is happy and that it's not with you. That's partly your fault! You left Pepper! Told him he was too much! Tony is always going to be Tony and you made him feel like shit for it. I'm glad he isn't trying to change who he is anymore for you. He is happy and I'm happy for him. Leave them alone! Focus on your own life." Rhodey always got mad quickly when he was forced to defend his best friend for just existing.

Pepper was up and passing behind her desk. She threw her hands up "I was good for Tony, he just couldn't stop playing superhero enough to see. Now this gold digging whore came in-" "No fucking way!" Rhodey interrupted "You know I'll go to hell and back for Tony but what you don't seem to know is that I will do the same for Peter. Do not tempt me Virginia. If you haven't noticed, which clearly you haven't felt the need to reach out or acknowledge that I am in fact paralyzed from 'playing superhero' myself. I would be in a wheelchair if my best friend wasn't a billionaire genius. Now when you wake up in a hospital room after free falling from the sky it is a real sobering experience. When all your other superhero friends are still fighting each other you expect to wake up alone. But I didn't wake up alone in a cold dark hospital. I woke up to a warm room with a cozy nonhospital blanket and one Peter Parker sitting next to my bed. Another thing you don't know is Tony was too busy to sit with me during those first few weeks, Ross was breathing down his neck, he still had to go after Cap and had his own injuries to deal with. He is after all Tony Stark -even had this damn business to run. But Peter is a college student who saw the whole thing go down and he made Happy take him to the hospital with me. He sat in the waiting room then my room for hours before I woke up. Also made Happy go get blankets, pillows and snacks so it wasn't so sterile when I finally came to. So just stop! I won't sit here and have you trash him! Now they are happy and good for each other! Healthy even! "

Pepper stood silent staring angrily at Rhodey, "Well isn't it just perfect that Peter is so wonderful and everyone loves him. The media will eat him alive and Tony knows it. Let's see how long he wants to be Tony Stark's dirty little secret. He won't be able to stand by his side like I did. He won't ever fit into that life and it will implode on both of them. Then perhaps if I feel like it I'll be there to pick up the pieces and show Tony where he should have been all along... with me."

"No one wants you here Pepper and Tony is finally happy. The media can shove it and you know perfectly well Tony doesn't give a shit what the media or anyone else thinks. Tony will help Peter learn to fit in and Peter is stronger than you know and he'll learn what he needs to. He already does it so much better than you ever did. So go back to California Pepper, make a life for yourself out there and stay out of Tony's!" Rhodey yelled as he turned and stomped out the office.

He walked a few steps away from her office door and rested on a wall in the hallway steadying his breathing. After a few moments, Friday broke through his thoughts "Colonel Rhodes, Boss has asked if you are done scorching the earth for him and Mr. Parker, they would like you to join them in the lab." Rhodey huffed and shook his head, of course Friday had shared what was happening with Tony, hell he wondered if they had watched it on video as it was happening. There were very few secrets when an AI runs the building.

He was definitely right, Peter and Tony had watched the whole scene thanks to Friday. Tony gently hugged Peter from behind whispering "he said he was going to talk to her to try to make her see we were real. He thought it might help." Peter nodded, he had been silent since the video stopped and Tony was starting to get nervous. "Honey... please don't let what she said ..." Tony started but was quickly stopped by Peter as he turned too quickly hugging Tony with the force to make him stumble backwards. "I don't care what she said I am floored that Rhodey would say all those things about me, I am processing that I might have someone else in my corner... our corner and I started spiraling about what we could do to help us before it goes public." Peter rambled as he buried his head in Tony's neck to calm himself. Tony chuckled, "Good good you had me on my own spiral, you are never that quiet." Peter looked up into Tony's eyes and saw some worry there still, "oh no I'm not going anywhere stop going down that road, I'll always be here right next to you no matter what anyone says about either of us. We are the only two that matter." Tony smiled widely at his boyfriend, kissed him and whispered "You are the best thing that has ever walked into my life and I am so happy to have you by my side."

Tony stepped back and clapped his hands theatrically, "Now, on to your spiral - Of course Rhodey would stand up for you just like he would for me. He may have known me longer but what you did for him in his most vulnerable time Pete, it really meant the world to him. I'm sorry I wasn't there with you but I am also beyond grateful that you decided to stay with him when you did. I don't think I even realized all the amazing things you thought of that he will always remember."

Peter shrugged, "I could never have left knowing he would wake up alone. It didn't sit right in my gut and I was still trying to impress you." Peter winked at Tony who kissed him the cheek. "I have always volunteered at May's hospitals especially when I was too young to stay home alone. I would read to patients or play cards. Play video games with the kids or help deliver flowers. I hated seeing anyone who looked lonely or scared sitting in one of those damn ugly cold rooms." Peter quietly looked at the ceiling to compose himself.

"Maybe we should do some volunteering together at one of the hospitals. I'm sure the kids would love visits from Iron Man and Spider-Man!" As soon as Tony finished the sentence Peter's eyes lit up "Really!? You wouldn't mind doing that?"

"I love doing everything with you and this is important to you. Plus it will help others and I have a superhero duty to uphold." Tony said as the doors to the lab opened and Rhodey walked in with his hands in his pockets looking a tad nervous.

"Alright so I know Friday let you in on that shit show and that definitely was not how I planned on it going. I probably added more fuel to the fire now but she pissed me off! So I'm sorry I thought I might be able to reason with her." Rhodey trailed off like he could apologize all day. When he looked up, Tony was grabbing him into a hug. "Thanks for always having my back Honeybear. Now Pete, my dearest, the light of my life is a little astonished at your loyalty and ability to scorch petty people in your path."

Peter quickly glanced at the two "No, that's not what I said Dearest, I said I knew he would stand up for you but I didn't realize he would be so intense about defending me." Just as quickly he glanced away from the two.

Before Tony could say anything, Rhodey quickly took over "Peter I told you that day in the lab you are the best thing to happen to this guy and I will always have your back. You were the only one there for me when I woke up from the worst injury of my life. It doesn't get kinder than that kid and I won't forget it. "

Peter sighed loudly and finally looked Rhodey in the eye "I didn't want you to be alone and I knew if Tony could be there he would have been but I figured I could be a good second option. Thank you for what you said to Pepper. When we go public I can't see a lot of people being on our side so I appreciate knowing you are with us now before any fall out."

Tony quickly stepped back from Rhodey to hug Peter and held him close, "It doesn't matter what happens or what anyone else thinks. I'm not losing you Honey.” Tony clapped loudly and shouted, “Case closed! We are moving on! Rhodey, how do you feel about making some kids smile and trying out your new and improved look War Machine suit that integrates with your braces!? Let's go visit some hospitals Pete! It will make you happy and I want to see you happy, not worried about the press or Pepper or anything else."

Peter smiled brightly "Yes! That would be so awesome if all three of us went together! The kids would be so excited! And you make me happy Tony!" Punctuating his thought with a quick kiss, he ran to grab his web shooters from his work table.

That night on the news and on front pages of all of the newspapers the next morning were stories about the three superheroes visiting multiple hospitals and surprising patients. Tony gave donations for programs and new facilities that Peter showed extra interest in during their visits. While Rhodey sat and talked to accident victims with similar injuries as his own.

Six months later Tony Stark held a press conference to introduce the world to his boyfriend of more than year, Peter Parker. Rhodey stood behind the two in silent support and couldn't help but laugh when Peter took the microphone and declared Tony wasn't the only superhero in the relationship and that he was Spider-Man. He then grabbed Tony and swung them both out the window before any do the press could get him to answer any questions.

Six hours after the press conference Pepper was on a plane back to California permanently. Two days after that Rhodey found himself in a jewelry store with Tony helping design a handcrafted engagement ring of red rubies and blue sapphires. Two weeks later, Peter said yes to Tony and almost exactly a year to the day Rhodey walked into Pepper's office, he stood in front of his two best friends as the officiant in their wedding.

[anne8510]

Who's afraid of a little old spider?

A tense standoff was taking place in a common area of Stark Tower. Tony and Rhodey had been meeting in what used to the Avenger's common area when Friday alerted them to unwelcome guests and now the two of them stood on one side of the room while some of the Rogue/criminal no longer Avengers were on the other. Tony had his wrist gauntlet up and blasters ready but neither men had suits on them. Tony could call some though Friday but it would escalate whatever this was ten fold. So he stood quietly and stone faced stańring at Steve Rogers. He also knew his favorite back-up would be arriving momentarily.

Steve was pleading their case how they needed to come back, it was all a misunderstanding etc... when Friday interrupted "Boss please take two steps back, coming in hot in under 5 seconds." Tony snorted and looked towards the window and back at Steve, "You probably should take a few steps back yourself. For once he isn't coming in hot for me and he is going to be pissed." Steve didn't have time to reply or move as the window opened and a blur of red and blue flew in landing directly in front of Tony. But instead of landing in his usual superhero pose Spider-Man was already shooting webs securing the Rogues where they stood. Weapons fell to the ground, hands and feet webbed down. Once no one on that side of the room could move or make any kind of assault on the other two, Peter took a breath and turned to Tony. "Are you ok? What about you Rhodey? How did they get in? What do they want" Tony shushed Peter, "I'm not sure of anything really not a lot of talking being done other than some begging on their side to be welcomed back with open arms. And we are both fine. Thanks to my knight in the shiny spider suit." Tony winked at Peter who he knew was blushing even under the mask.

Steve finally overcoming the shock of Peter entrance and being webbed down started yelling "Get us out of these, I don't know who you think you are Queens, but you aren't helping anything. We are all friends here." Peter rounded so fast Tony thought his neck would snap. Peter went face to face with Steve voice steeled with anger, Really!? You always leave your friends to die in the coldest place on earth Captain? You have no right to be here, you have no right to ask anything of Tony after what you did and unless you have asked Colonel Rhodes how he is feeling after being paralyzed the last time we were altogether, you don't get to ask him any favors either!"

Before Steve could respond Tony was next to Peter his hand on his shoulder, "Let's hang back a bit Spidey ok? I would much rather you be closer to me than Rogers." He took his hand and Peter noticed the small shaking it was doing. Peter squeezed Tony's hand three times to ground both of them and they stepped away from Steve.

Sam looked from behind Steve at Tony and Peter whispering to each other as they walked over to Rhodey. He shook his head, he knew a couple when he saw one and he knew this had just escalated. They didn't think anyone else would back Tony besides Rhodey but they were wrong. Sam knew first hand from the airport in Germany how strong Spider-Man was, he saw him stop Bucky's metal arm like it was just a tree branch blowing in the wind.

Clearing his throat Sam started "I didn't know you two were so close." And that was all he could get out before webs were on his mouth. "You don't know shit." Peter spit out. Tony chuckled, "I told you he was going to be pissed. Don't take it personally birdman. He hates everyone who isn't nice to me. Isn't he the sweetest?" Steve looked from Sam to Spider-Man slowly, "Ok where do we go from here? I'm sorry about how things went down Tony but I had no choice." Tony stared out the window still holding Peter's hand tightly. He didn't look at Steve as he spoke "You had lots of choices Steve, lots of options and lots of time but you didn't think of me or the team at any point so now there is no team and there certainly isn't a place for you here. I have already moved on from it and you all should too."

"You are being selfish Tony! You are always so selfish! The world needs the Avengers!" Slap! Webs hit Steve in the face covering his mouth. "Selfish! What fucking world do you live in!? Did Tony let you live here? Did he build and upgrade your weapons? Did he pay for all your food, travel and the rest of your shit? Let me answer for you - yes he did. I see you are missing a few people from your team. Do you know why? Because Tony helped Clint and Scott get back in the country to be with their families, legally. So you asked where we go from here?? This is where we go." In a move that even shocked Tony, Peter took his mask off, shook his hair out and walked up to Steve. "This is my face and I don't ever want you to forget it Captain because if you get anywhere near Tony again I'm coming for you. And to be clear you should be afraid of me. You can't and won't win against me." Peter walked behind Steve and pulled out the shield hanging from Steve back. He walked to the middle of the room and without much effort it seemed to everyone, bent the shield in half. He stared a few seconds at each of the Rogues then let the shield hit the floor, turned his back walking away. "The webs dissolve in 2 hours plenty of time for the cops to collect you all."

As Peter took Tony's hand and dragged him out of the room you could hear his voice change from angry to soft asking, "Are you ok? Any panic symptoms? Thai for dinner?" Tony kissed Peter's cheek and yelled back into the room, "It was not nice to see you all let's not do it again real soon." Rhodey shook his head and followed the couple out the door, one thing he had learned in the last few months was that you should never underestimate Peter Parker-Stark.

[anne8510]

The Perfect Balance

Tony and Peter have been together for about 6 months now and Peter has moved into the penthouse. They sleep better when they are next to each other, less nightmares and night terrors and more actually rest. They have kept it a secret for a while only telling May, Happy and Ned. Three months into their relationship Tony took Peter to the security office with Happy had him meet all of the security staff so there would never be any issues with Peter having full access to everything in the tower and all of Tony's properties world wide. Peter now has a badge that is Alpha2 and the only one that is equal to Tony's. Friday allows Peter access to everything by biometrics even if he doesn't have a badge and this includes Tony's lab. This is huge for Tony, no one has ever had unlimited access to his lab but he trusts Peter with his life and he likes having him by his side as often as possible.

Today is Friday and Tony is in the lab working on making the Spider-Man suit a stealth suit and he has out the lab into blackout mode knowing it won't affect his boyfriend's access but will keep other interruptions away.

As Peter walks through the front doors of the Tower, he waves at the security officers at the desk and heads to the the private elevator. Once he is inside Friday welcomes him home and tells him there are visitors outside the lab waiting to talk to Boss but can't because of the blackout protocol. Peter hums to himself and tells Friday thanks for the heads up. He then asks about how Tony has been through out the day and Friday reports that after finishing meetings in the morning he has been in the lab for 4 hours but has managed to eat all the snacks Peter left for him before he left for classes which makes Peter smile. They have been working on Tony taking better care of himself and to hear he remembered to eat while he was working is a big step.

When Peter gets off the elevators he steels himself to see who is waiting in the hall and takes a few deep breaths when he sees Pepper and Rhodey. Rhodey is on his phone looking fairly relaxed and Pepper is the exact opposite looking pissed and tapping her nails on the keypad on the lab door. Rhodey is first to see Peter and gets up to greet him "Hey Pete how's it going?" "Hi Rhodey. I'm good how about you? What brings you down to the science level? " asks Peter with a smirk." "Just thought I could use a catch up since I finally got the higher ups off my back for our latest political moves." Peter smiled "Tony will be happy to see you and I can give your leg braces a look over while you're here if you want." Rhodey laughed and nodded to the offer. Peter had visited him several times while he was recovering from his injury and helped Tony make his braces. Rhodey knew that after the shit show in both Germany and Siberia Peter had been the one who continued to show up for Tony and Peter was the one Tony found the most comfort in now.

Pepper took this moment to clear her throat and address them both "As much as this reunion is great, it's probably not a good intern day, kid. Tony isn't letting any of us into the lab and the access codes have all been changed since I was last here. Friday isn't really acknowledging me either so probably best if you go home today." Peter took a sharp breath in and moved towards the lab door, "oh I am not here as an intern anymore, I live here and Tony has placed the lab on a blackout protocol which locks out everyone except me. You missed a lot in the last few months Miss. Potts." Peter put his hand on the keypad and the lab doors automatically open, Peter turned to look at the two visitors, "Follow me if you would like to talk to Tony but please keep your voices down until he knows we are here. He doesn't need to have a panic attack thinking there is an attack on the Tower."

As Peter walked into the lab he saw Tony working on the spidey suit at his desk, head down and in the zone. Peter waves his hand and Friday lowered the rock music to a much lower level. This sparked Tony's attention and he looked up to see Peter and smiled widely. "Hi sweetheart. Is it 4 already?" Peter nodded and walked over to give Tony a kiss on the cheek. "Yup 4 on the dot and I brought the best sandwiches in Queens for your next snack." Tony laughed "Thanks love. I am a little hungry now that you mention it but I did finish all the fruit you left me. Thank you for bringing it down here before you left this morning." Peter looked softly at Tony, "Of course. You have some visitors who I let in with me."

Tony looked up to see the two standing near the door while Peter was getting the food ready and starting up his own work. Tony grinned widely when he saw Rhodey, "Honeybear it has been too long. I hope you have some real leave from those government dictators and can stay a few days." Rhodey nodded, "Got a week or two to hang around and annoy you... and Pete is seems." Tony looked over at Peter as the younger man handed him his sandwich and a bottle of water. "Yes Peter will definitely be here too." "Thank you Pete."

Tony took a bite of his sandwich and turned to Pepper, "and I can only assume you have some important paperwork that needs signing to get you all the way down here Miss Potts." Pepper finally unfroze and continued to walk further into the lab. Frustrated she slammed her paperwork down on the table and almost growled "What is going on here Tony? My access codes don't work, Friday is ignoring me and you just called your intern sweetheart!?"

Peter was now up and moving to sit in on the stool next to Tony with his own sandwich in hand. He boldly glared at Pepper and put his hand on Tony's arm to ground him and reassure him he was still by his side. Tony sighed heavily, put his hand over Peter's and gave it a squeeze to say thank you and then looked at Pepper. She had been on the west coast for almost a year and she made no contact with him unless it was business related. Tony spoke firmly "Your access codes work for the parts of the building you are allowed to be in, which is no longer this lab or the penthouse. Those are my personal spaces and now Peter's as well. Peter and I are in a romantic relationship and have been for months now. He has officially moved in and has Alpha2 clearance, the exact same as me, not only here but in all my properties and businesses."

Pepper was furious and could barely get her words out, "What are you doing Tony!? Have a fling. Fine. But you can't give any old kid that kind of access or trust. This is ridiculous you are blinded by a good lay, just great and I am going to pay the price."

Tony steeled himself and spoke with a furious tone that sent a shiver down Pepper's back, "Don't you ever speak that way about Peter again. He is by far the best possible thing I have found in my entire life and I am beyond lucky he sees me as worthy to stand by his side. I trust him with my business, with my secrets and with my life, it is much more than I have ever trusted anyone. You fucked off to the west coast because I was too much to deal with, too many problems but I am not a problem to Peter. And Peter was here when no one else was when I was at my lowest and he brought me back. You and I are not even friends anymore, you are the CEO of this company and that is as far as our communication will go."

Pepper glared at Peter who had finished his sandwich and was now causally rubbing circles on Tony's hand trying to ward off any increasing panic. "Fine whatever when this blows up don't come to me to fix any of it." She tries to hand Tony the paperwork but he doesn't make a move to take it and she pales at the realization he doesn't want to be handed anything from her anymore.

Peter reached over plucked the papers from her hand and placed them in front of Tony. He pushed out of his chair and walked over to his desk to grab a pen. While he was walking back he grabbed a scrap piece of metal from one of the lab tables. "Here is a pen Tony," he says softly and hands the man the pen as he is finishing up reading the contracts. Tony takes the pen without even glancing at Peter. Pepper scoffs at the interaction. Peter is flipping the metal in his hands and finally stands straight in front of Pepper slowly his starts to bend the metal with his bare hands until it goes from a straight line to a small circle in his hands. He looks Pepper in the eye, "Listen I know this is probably a lot to take in all at once and I would be sore if I lost Tony so I don't blame you for not being my biggest fan but I'm not going anywhere and we are happy. It also might serve you well to remember that I am not your average college student which is why we get each other like no one else does."

As he is speaking he throws the metal ball he has crushed in his hands at the wall where it makes a hole in the concrete. Tony looks up at the noise then looks around at the lab tables then looks to Peter with his eyebrows asks what was that?" Peter smirks and says "You can call T'challa and let him know the vibranium did not hold up to my spidey strength." Rhodey now is intrigued and walks over to pick up the metal ball from the floor "Vibranium ... Pete that makes you stronger than Cap. You could break the shield." Both Tony and Peter tense slightly at the mention of Captain America, Peter places a hand on Tony's shoulder and looks to Rhodey with a smile, "That's exactly what it means and I would enjoy that rematch very much."

Tony pushes the signed paperwork over to Pepper who is frozen and pale looking at the dent in the walls. She is not sure how she had momentarily forgotten the boy was Spider-Man but now she sees how he is standing at his full height radiating strength and protectiveness over Tony while Tony is looking at Peter as if he hung the moon.

Tony takes Peter's hand and gives it a quick kiss turns back to Pepper, "Like Peter said we are happy and we plan on staying that way for a very long time. If there isn't anything else.. there are some schedules and new legal updates Friday has forwarded you. Peter's college schedule will reflect my own schedule now, meaning all business trips over a day long will have to be on one of his breaks or in the summer. I will be only doing work for R&D during any of his exam weeks - no meetings and the week of the Fourth of July we will be abroad and should not be bothered. I think that's all I have for you right now Miss Potts."

Pepper was stunned, Tony never so much as remembered her birthday but yet he was arranging his entire life around Peter's academics. "I'm not sure any of this scheduling will work, this is business and it happens fast you have to be available for emergencies and meetings. You can't just kick back with your boy toy. What will I tell the board of directors!?"

"This is the schedule that I will be following and that is my final word. You may be CEO but I'm still the owner of this company and I won't go to any meetings and deal with any emergencies unless I see fit. And you can tell the board I am with my partner and they can shove it. Any other issues please email me. This floor is no longer accessible to you once you have left today." Pepper stomped out of the lab after grabbing her papers and yelled "You are going to ruin everything you have built Tony!" Before the door closed Tony yelled back "I already did that!" And he looked over at Peter who was already staring back and him, "I am putting it back together now." Peter blushed slightly and brought Tony into a hug. "I'm sorry for the things she said sweetheart." Peter sighed and kissed Tony on the nose "It's ok Tony, nothing I didn't expect."

Rhodey cleared his throat and walked back to sit down at the table, "So that was not fun in the least. What's next on the agenda my nerdy lab friends?" The two other men chuckled and Peter picked up his tools, walking towards Rhodey. " Well I 'm going to check out your braces, start scanning Friday, then Chinese for dinner before I have to patrol. Think you could keep this one company for a while?"

Tony huffed "I'm not a charity project and why wouldn't he want to spent the night with his long lost best friend?"

"Oh I think I have some free time to listen to your ego for a bit ya know since it comes with Chinese food." Rhodey winked at Peter.

Tony threw his hands up and raised his voice a bit, "Wait wait wait! You aren't going to say anything about us being together? No comments? No questions? What gives Platypus?"

Rhodey laughed, "I already assumed you two were together. The only surprise is that Pete has moved in and his clearance level. Not that either of those is a bad thing in my opinion." Rhodey looked from Tony to Peter who were both wearing confused looks, he sighed and muttered "Two geniuses just the same. Look while I have been away I call to check in and if you are busy Tones or have a protocol up I don't insist that Friday push my call through. However, Friday does give me a current update at how you are and what is happening. After Germany I got a lot of Boss has locked himself in the lab and is not accepting any calls but then Friday would say but Mr Parker is due to come at 4 and he will have access to the lab and he usually brings dinner for Boss. Then it became Boss is in the lab but Mr. Parker is currently persuading him to get dinner and go to sleep. And so on, I knew Peter had it handled and once you started returning the calls Tones I could hear it in you voice that you had settled a little and weren't so lost. If you are looking for my opinion - I approve, not that either of you need it."

Tony was up on his feet and walked over to his best friend hugging him tightly he whispered a thank you. Then he cleared his throat, gave Peter a kiss and head towards the door. "I'm going to go take a shower and I'll have Friday order the food. Do you want extra dumplings for when you get back from patrol Pete? " Peter nodded "Yes please, 2 orders" he responded. Tony hummed in response and turned to Rhodey "Anything special for you Honeybear?" "Dumplings sound good and fried rice if it is from that place on 5th." Rhodey responded. As Tony walked out they heard him tell Friday to add on the extras and have it delivered in an hour.

Peter returned his focus on the braces and holograms he was working on while Rhodey took a moment of silence before leading into the next part of what he wanted to tell the younger man.

"So.." Rhodey began but was quickly cut off by Peter who snapped his head toward the man, "Please don't say all of that was a lie, he has been nervous about telling you, said he really doesn't want to lose another friend." Rhodey sighed, "No no I meant everything I said Peter, I only wanted to tell you in private thank you for taking care of him. He looks healthier and happier than I've seen in a very long time, hell maybe ever. And he is so stupid if he thinks he is ever getting rid of me." Peter let out the breath he didn't realize he was holding. He turned back to work as he spoke softly "Thank you for your support. It means a lot and it means the world to Tony. I'm so glad he is doing better but I am not doing too much. Those first days were rough and there are still bad days but it's getting easier and he helps me through my own bad days. It's a good balance. I'm happy to be here with him." Rhodey turned serious after thinking for a moment. "Not much, Peter you are doing more than you know. You are accepting Tony for Tony which no one has ever done before. It's everything to him." Peter shrugged and moved the holograms to the side. "He is everything to me so I guess that is fitting. He doesn't deserve all the shit that has happened and now he deserves to have some peace."

Peter worked on updates to Rhodey's leg braces for the next hour while telling some funny stories from his latest patrols. Rhodey enjoyed the stories just as he has when Peter would visit him while he was still recovering in the hospital and rehab. Friday alerted them that dinner had arrived as Peter finished the updates.

When they arrived in the penthouse Tony had all the food set up on the table and was coming out of the kitchen. "Come on. I know you're hungry sweetheart, you only had one sandwich for a snack." Tony declared as he pulled Peter into a quick hug. Rhodey laughed, "Damn spider metabolism lucky you're a billionaire Tones." Peter blushed but stacked his plate and started eating. Tony laughed and began eating himself, "Oh he is worth any food bill I have to pay. Right my little spider dumpling?" Peter almost choked on his fried rice and whines "Toooony!"

Dinner was nice with the friends catching up and soon Peter was suited up and ready to swing back to Queens. He said goodbye to Rhodey and took Tony's hand to pull him out to the landing of on the roof. They stayed hugging for a few minutes whispering I love you, be safe, I'll be waiting and enjoy time with your friend, I'll be back soon, I love you.

And with that Peter swung off the roof and began to get some stats from Karen. Tony watches him swing until he was out of sight and then turned around to go back inside. Rhodey was sitting with a chess game out on the table, "Should we throw it back and have an old school game while we wait?" "Oh sure if you came to lose I'll be happy to help you out." Tony responded.

In the middle of the first game Rhodey decided to dive into the elephant in the room, "So you doing ok after this afternoon, that was a lot with Pepper." Tony scratched his neck and sighed "Yea I expected that I'm glad you and Peter were there so it wasn't a one on one show down but I won't let her hurt Pete. I hope she realizes how serious I am and I won't allow anyone to hurt him." Rhodey nodded, "From her reactions I think she does, she was shocked but I think she saw it is very real. I'm not going to lie she went white as a sheet when she remembered Peter was Spider-Man." Rhodey chuckled and Tony shook his head, "People love to underestimate him, all smiles and so skinny but he can do more damage than the Hulk if he wanted to." Rhodey hummed in response and went on "You know I would like to help you guys out so why don't I go and see Pepper tomorrow tell her this is for real don't mess around just make the changes ya know? Maybe that will help." Rhodey paused and glanced up at Tony, who was looking at him intently. "You both were there for me when I needed someone and I want you to know so have your backs with this even if others don't see it. I see how you two are good for each other and I like seeing you happy Tones." Tony was speechless for a moment then smiled and said "Thanks Honeybear that means more than you know to both of us. It's going to come out and it's probably going to be a shit show but I can't lose him. I will lose everything I have if it means I can keep this with Peter." Rhodey only nodded, a quiet understanding between the two longtime friends.

They played a few games when they were interrupted by Friday stating Peter was ten minutes out from the tower and Karen was reporting a small laceration on his leg but no other injuries to report. Tony huffed and took out a first aid kit from the kitchen, "Friday start the shower at Peter's temperature setting," he ordered with a wave of his hand.

Rhodey watched as Tony busied himself getting ready to take care of Peter and once the elevator beeped to signal the younger man's arrival Tony was waiting at the door holding him in a tight embrace as soon as he stepped out. "Shower is all set for you baby and then I'll fix that cut up and make you a hot drink." Tony said softly as he guided Peter towards the bedroom. Peter nodded quietly, gave Rhodey a little wave and disappeared into their shared room. Tony came back a minute later and started warming up hot chocolate. "You want tea, coffee or hot chocolate Honeybear? It's good for Peter to unwind a little after patrol so he usually likes a hot chocolate which I do make the best one around." Tony takes as he worked around the kitchen. Rhodey watched intently, "You make a good hot chocolate? Well I never thought I would see the day but I'll take one of those."

Peter appeared in the door of the kitchen in comfortable clothes, laughing, " Yes he is a very good barista now." Tony gave Peter a quick kiss and pointed to the couch, "You go and sit, I'll look at the cut and then the drinks should be ready."

Now Rhodey saw the other side of the balance Peter spoke of earlier in the day. Tony taking care of Peter gently and being his comfort as much as Peter was that for Tony in a different way. Rhodey brought the hot drinks into the living room to see Peter's cut was a lot larger than he expected but Peter looked up with a wink and said "Don't worry Rhodey it will be healed by morning." Rhodey huffed this time "Must be nice to have that healing factor." The three enjoyed each other's company while they drank their hot chocolate, it was a rare quiet night for any of them.

In the early morning hours as Rhodey came out to the kitchen to get some coffee, he found the two men cuddled on the balcony couch. Cozy in many blankets with Tony's head in Peter's lap with Peter slowly petting Tony's hair and Tony's eyes red from a night terror. Rhodey smiled behind their backs and started making breakfast after having Friday snap a picture and started a new folder called the Perfect Balance. He would help keep these two soulmates together he made a silent promise to then and himself.