Here is another chapter. This takes place during the first Avengers movie. I hope you all enjoy this. I don't own anything, it is all Marvel's and Disney's.

Chapter 2: Where Was Happy and Rhodey?

Howie was five months old when his mom left him for the first time for an out of town meeting. She had to go to Washington D.C. to deal with some Stark Industries things, so she left Tony and Howie in New York with only a little hesitation. If only she knew what was going to happen. If she had she probably would have taken Howie with her.

Loki and his alien army came to take over Earth, and the heroes who would make up the Avengers were gathered. As soon as Tony found out he called Happy and Rhodey. He knew that Stark Tower was possibly in danger, how right he would be, so he decided to get Howie as far away as he could.

So while the Avengers were duking it out in the Battle of New York, Rhodey and Happy were babysitting. Rhodey walked out of the master bedroom, holding Howie in his arms. Happy looked away from the news coverage of what was happening.

"He just woke up, can you heat up a bottle, it's almost time for him to eat?" Rhodey asked.

"Yeah, it'll be ready in a few minutes." Happy got up and went to the kitchen to warm up the bottle.

Rhodey walked around the living room. "You know, I'm very happy you were born. I've seen your dad at his worst, and I think that you and your mom will bring the best out of him. You're going to change him."

Happy came back with the bottle a few minutes later. "Here you go." He handed the bottle to Rhodey who popped it into Howie's mouth. After the bottle was finished, Howie fell asleep. Rhodey and Happy sat on the couch with Howie laying in between them.

They continued to watch the news coverage. "This is bad. Can it get any worse than this?" Happy questioned.

Rhodey didn't say anything for a while. "I've flown 138 combat missions, I should be out there fighting with them." He finally spoke aloud.

"What? Look, I get your point, I understand why you think that way, but try to think about it like this. Tony left you in charge of his son, the most important person in his life. You might not be out there," Happy pointed to the TV. "But you are exactly where Tony and Pepper need you to be."

Rhodey looked at the other man, then at the sleeping baby and knew he was right. Rhodey would do anything for two of his closest friends. So, this was his job right now, and he would do it to the best ability he could.

After the nap, the group of three went for a walk in a nearby park. It was refreshing for them to be outside, instead of sitting inside and watching the news all day. Hours passed and Rhodey jumped slightly when his phone started ringing.

Fishing it out of his pocket, Rhodey read the caller identification. It was Pepper. Once he answered he was immediately overwhelmed with questions.

"Pep-Pepper...everything is, yes everything is fine...Howie is safe...he's with Happy and me...Tony dropped him off this morning...yep...okay...see you then...bye." Rhodey sighed, walking out of his bedroom.

"What's going on?" Happy inquired.

"That was Pepper, she had just talked to Tony and wanted to check in with me about Howie. They should be here in a few hours to pick him up." Rhodey explained.

Hours later, Happy and Rhodey were standing in front of Howie, who was in a highchair. "Okay Howie, your mom said we could give you some of the gross mush. It's strawberry and banana flavored. It doesn't look like it." Rhodey mumbled.

After a few spoonfuls, the door swung open and Tony and Pepper came in. "Hey, hey, what's up?" Tony greeted. "Anyone want some leftover shawarma?"

"What's up? You just saved the city, the world probably, what happened out there?" Happy exclaimed.

Tony explained the whole battle, portals, chitari, and all. His friends listened with amazement. Pepper had already heard the story, so she was cuddling with Howie on the couch. She had missed him desperately and was so worried about him. It will be awhile before she would take another out of town trip.