Comfortember Day Eight: Alt: Five: Car Rides [Iron Bros]

Tony handed Rhodey a mug of coffee and plopped down next to him on the couch. They had just gotten back from PT. Rhodey had made great improvement in the past couple weeks. He felt confident enough in Tony's braces that he didn't need Tony by his side anymore.

Tony had been hesitant to leave his side but did what Rhodey wanted. It didn't matter if it was because of his technology that helped Rhodey. The braces wouldn't matter if Rhodey himself didn't put in the effort to try walking again. The braces wouldn't matter if Rhodey's mind wasn't there. But it was. Rhodey wanted to walk again and no matter how hard and exhausting it was, he was managing to do it.

His steps were still slow and a bit shaky at times. He stumbled now and then and Tony's heart almost jumped out of his chest when he saw Rhodey start to fall. Rhodey managed to grab the safety rail before he collapsed completely.

Tony couldn't be more proud of his best friend. It was easy to admire him and his strength and determination. Rhodey was one of the bravest men Tony knew. He deserved so much more credit than he was given. He was a much better person than Tony was, as far as he was concerned.

During their recent time in PT Tony couldn't help but notice that Rhodey was pushing himself to his limit. Although Tony admired it, he could see the pain and exhaustion in his best friend's eyes.

And so, Tony decided it was time for a break.

Tony clapped his hands together, startling Rhodey. "We leave at ten tomorrow morning."

"Excuse me?" Rhodey said, putting his mug down.

"We're going for a car ride. A road trip," Tony said, smiling. "It'll be fun."

Rhodey looked at him suspiciously. "Are you actually going to be driving or are you going to let FRIDAY take the reins?"

"Oh, come on, Honey Bear! I wouldn't do that."

"Tony."

Tony huffed. "Alright, so I've done it before," he relented. Rhodey smirked at him. "But I won't this time. I'll actually drive, cross my heart."

"What's bringing this on anyway?" Rhodey asked.

Tony shrugged. "I just figured it'd be fun. A nice little break from things."

Rhodey sighed, obviously knowing what Tony was really saying.

"I kind of owe you anyway."

"Tony, we've talked about this. What happened-"

"No, not about the accident. I meant about all those times you drove me around during our MIT days," Tony interrupted. "Do you remember? You drove me around all the time. I think I should return the favour."

Rhodey smiled and shook his head. "About time."

Tony huffed and lightly smacked Rhodey's arm. Rhodey gave him a light shove in return. Tony flicked his ear.

"Stop it," Rhodey laughed, smacking Tony's hand.

Tony laughed. "Fine. So, what do you say? Road trip?"

"I'd like that," Rhodey replied, softly.

"Then it's settled. Tomorrow at ten in the morning!"

XXX

Because Tony didn't know how far they'd be going, he brought two blankets and pillows just in case they wanted to pull over and rest. Of course, Tony had no real destination in mind. He just wanted to drive around aimlessly, the way Rhodey had back in their MIT days.

Rhodey always took him for rides whenever he noticed Tony struggling with something. Whether that be school work overwhelming him (even he struggled now and then, despite his genius), or whether it was something like Howard or bullies getting on his ass. Rhodey had told him car rides were good for relaxing and clearing heads. It didn't take long for Tony to agree.

Tony also made sure to pack some lunch because he doubted they'd find a cafe or some other place to eat. Tony wasn't planning on going just on the highway. He decided he'd try to take some side roads, roads that not many people went on. That way, it'd mostly just be him and Rhodey.

Tony also planned on driving until late at night. He didn't want to be back at the Tower until midnight or so. It may seem ambitious to some, but that's how things were in MIT. Most of the time, Rhodey drove him out late. Maybe not as late as midnight, but there were many times where they had stayed out until midnight or even later.

"This is going to be a blast. Are you excited? You better be."

"I'm excited, Tones."

"Good." Tony gave Rhodey a good, friendly smack on his shoulder.

They took off to the middle of nowhere. It didn't take long for Tony to randomly make a turn into an empty road. The sign that was supposed to say where he was going was faded. All the while, music blasted through the speakers and Rhodey and Tony would sing along. Rhodey always had a good singing voice, something else Tony admired.

Before Tony knew it they were on a dirt road surrounded by trees. It didn't bother him, considering his plan was to go nowhere. All he wanted was a stress free ride with Rhodey. Besides, if they were closer to forests, they'd see more wildlife. Maybe not the kind of wildlife in Canada but he'd take what he could get.

Rhodey turned the music down slightly. Tony pouted at him.

"Do you remember that time we drove for hours-"

"Which time?" Tony interrupted.

"You know what, since you cut in, I don't think I'll tell you."

Tony gasped and placed his hand over his heart dramatically. He knew Rhodey was teasing but he loved putting on a show. Loved his dramatics.

"Sour Patch, how could you," Tony said, pretending to be offended. Then he gave Rhodey puppy eyes. "Tell me."

Rhodey bopped Tony on the top of his head then proceeded to flick his cheek to get him to pay attention to the road.

"We drove for hours after you had a...conversation...with Howard when we finally discovered your favourite band."

Tony perked up and sat straighter, a bright smiling coming to his face. He may have hated the Howard part of it, but if he did not have that moment Rhodey wouldn't have taken Tony for that long ride where they came across Tony's first concert. His first ACDC concert.

It held a very special place in his heart.

"I do remember that," Tony said, fondly. "You really saved me that night."

"Don't be so dramatic. I only helped you find your favourite band."

"No, Rhodey. I'm serious here." Tony looked at him and met Rhodey's warm eyes. "That night was absolutely miserable after Howard called. I kept thinking of just jumping into a bottle. Anyone else would've just let me go to a party and get drunk out of my mind, but not you. You took me for a drive and cheered me up."

Tony had to look away because he was starting to get misty eyed. There was a decent chance he might've died from alcohol poisoning in MIT if Rhodey wasn't there for him. Not many people gave a shit about him, not really. It was his name and money that people paid attention to. He wasn't treated like a normal human being most of the time.

Tony opened his mouth to try to express more gratitude but his throat was clogged. He'd barely be able to say anything and it was bad enough he was almost crying. He didn't want to sob, not when they were supposed to be having a good time.

The thing was, Tony was having a good time and from how Rhodey had been acting, he was too. He didn't know why looking back on all that was making him so emotional. He wasn't like this before. Ah, whatever. Everyone had their moments, this happened to be Tony's.

"Hey, everything is okay, Tones," Rhodey said softly.

Tony nodded. "I know," he managed to say.

"And you helped me too, you know," Rhodey added.

Tony furrowed his brows and looked back at Rhodey, ignoring the fact that his eyes were still misty. "What do you mean? When?"

"Other than the times you helped me with my homework, despite me telling you not to," Rhodey started. Tony laughed nervously. "You defended me when people were saying some rather…"

It clicked in Tony's mind. He didn't forget that assholes sent racist comments in Rhodey's direction now and then. Tony, not wanting to lose his best friend, went right up and not just verbally assaulted the jerks, but he threw a punch sometimes. Something that shocked Rhodey, but no one was allowed to speak to his best friend in such a sick way.

"And I'd do it all over again," Tony said, confidently.

"I know," Rhodey said, gratefully. "So, I might've helped you, but don't forget you helped me too."

Tony squeezed Rhodey's shoulder. Rhodey stroked his hand with his thumb.

"You're a good bro," Tony said. "We are the best bromance."

Rhodey stared at him, giving him an odd look.

"Uh...The kid has been trying to teach me 'slang'."

Rhodey burst out laughing.

Tony groaned and avoided any mirrors in the car, knowing he was blushing hard now.

"That's too good," Rhodey said in between laughs.

"Just...Forget I said that?" Tony practically begged.

"Oh, no. I'm not gonna forget that. I might even tell Pepper and Happy about it."

"James Rhodes!"

"Tony Stark!"

Tony rolled his eyes but he ended up smiling and laughing.

Rhodey turned up the volume and the two fell into a comfortable silence again. This car ride was just the thing they needed.

Author's Note: Another alt. prompt, I know I know. I just really like them okay? And...well, ya'll know the drill by now.

Also I got the headcanon of Rhodey having a good singing voice after reading a fic called Lullaby on AO3. It's a good fic if you love Iron Bros so go check it out.

That's all for now. I'll see ya'll in the next chapter.

Thanks for reading!

~Kurosaki