Chapter 3: Morning Conversations - two Cups of Awkward and a Crisis, Please
Rhodey observed as Tony and May sat down at the table, their morning routine seeming seamless and practiced. Tony was cooking breakfast with ease, while May sat across from Rhodey, her attention on Tony as they discussed their plans for the day. Rhodey couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at their shared intimacy, as they seemed to know each other so well. Rhodey did not even know the name of the mother of Tony's child before now... What type of friend was he?
Rhodey's head was spinning trying to understand this woman in Tony's life. He just split up with Pepper, and it was not even an official split, they were on a break. Having a new woman like this, this close to Tony? It was confusing. How would they have come to this? Sure, as Peter's mother, there might have been a lot of contact between Tony and May, especially if Rhodey is wrong and Tony knew about Peter longer, maybe from birth... But May would have been a hook-up or maybe a casual date. Tony never had anyone serious before he got together with Pepper... Or maybe he did? Tony hid a son and a girlfriend, who says that was the first time Tony hid something like this? If Rhodey was being honest, he knew it was not the first time. It was a pattern in Tony's life: he always hid anything important from anyone. He hid that he was dying, hid that he planned on Rhodey being Tony's successor as Iron Man, he hid his plans to make Pepper CEO, hid his first development of the suit in general, hid his existential fears, his PTSD, ... Maybe Rhodey was just kidding himself thinking he was Tony's best friend, kidding himself that the man trusts him anyhow ... It is not like Rhodey would blame him; he was not always behaving perfectly trustworthy... Just think about how he gave Tony's suit to the military after stealing it at the first chance he got... No, Rhodey knew that he had not been the friend he should have been... Did he not trust him enough to share personal details? Or was he simply not deemed important enough to be let in on the secret?
Struggling with his thoughts, Rhodey sat at the table, sipping his coffee, as Tony bustled about the kitchen, preparing breakfast for May. It looked like he was preparing the same waffles he prepared for Peter, with a lot of fruit and berries at the side. He tried to keep his eyes averted from the couple, not wanting to intrude on their privacy. But at the same time, Rhodey did not want to miss a single second of the two interacting. He wanted to find out what was going on. And Rhodey couldn't help but feel a little hurt that Tony had kept May's existence a secret from him. Just like he hid his son. He had always thought that he and Tony were close friends, but now he wasn't so sure. Maybe Rhodey was not good enough for Tony...
As the conversation continued, Rhodey sat there with his own thoughts. He was experiencing a minor existential crisis, wondering if he knew anything about Tony at all, the crisis taking over him, as he tried to reconcile his image of Tony as someone pretending to be but a self-centred genius towards almost everyone with the man who was clearly invested in the well-being and future of a teenage son and his son's mother. The man he thought he knew and loved seemed like a stranger to him now, and he couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment. The feeling that he failed his friend... Was it possible that he had been so blinded by his own judgment and preconceptions that he had missed this side of Tony and his relationships? Could Tony really be such a devoted father? Rhodey didn't know what to believe anymore, but he did know one thing: he had to keep his eyes and mind open until he had all the facts. Maybe then he could find a way to reconcile his image of Tony with the reality in front of him. Maybe then he could start to see his friend in a new light, and not be so quick to judge.
May seemed like a lovely woman, kind and caring. She was a nurse, which surprised Rhodey. He had always assumed that Tony would only date someone in his own industry, someone who could understand the demands of his work. But May seemed to be the antithesis of that- a kind-hearted, nurturing presence in Tony's life. Rhodey wondered how long they had been together. He couldn't help but think that they made a strange pair - Tony, the billionaire playboy, and May, the humble nurse. But then again, he didn't know their full story. Maybe they had more in common than he realized. Rhodey allowed himself to relax a little, watching May eat her waffles, he tried enjoying the company of his friend. But as May started talking to Tony about their plans for the upcoming week, Rhodey couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. They discussed Peter's upcoming competitions and school trips and anything else in the boy's life as if this was the most natural thing in the world. Rhodey felt like an outsider, listening in on a private conversation. Listening to them talk about things he had no idea about... Rhodey did not know who Flash and MJ were, or when Ned would sleep over at Peter's. Rhodey did not feel Tony's excitement learning that Peter's friends might visit the Compound... It felt strange, like Rhodey had no part in being here, like he was alone at a cafe, with nothing to do but listen to strangers until he could leave... May seemed nice enough, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye.
Rhodey glanced over at Tony, who was pouring coffee for May and refilled Rhodey's cup, before joining them at the table. He was trying to get a clue what to do in this situation? Should he observe or try to engage with May?
"Enjoy, my loves," he said, before placing a plate and the cups on the table.
Rhodey felt a pang of discomfort at the casual use of the word "loves", but he reminded himself that he was not in a position to judge other people's relationships or dynamics. At least he tried to... But Tony is his best friend. Rhodey couldn't help but judge anyone that came into his life critically, judging their interaction to him, whether he could trust them to treat him right... It was too much in Tony's life, too much pain.
"I work at a hospital in Queens.", she had answered when Rhodey wanted to know about her career. It helped Rhodey feel safer about his nephew: at least there would be someone with some medical expertise in case something happened to him. That is a drastic increase in protection right there. The thought about Peter being hurt and alone was way to terrifying for Rhodey to imagine, even now. He did not want to know how it would be later, when he actually knows the boy... Or how much anxiety Tony must have.
"A nurse, huh? That's impressive," Rhodey said, trying to make small talk.
"Yeah, I've been in the field for over twenty years now. It's demanding work, but rewarding," May said, finally putting down the papers.
He watched as Tony and May made decisions about Peter's schedule, carefully balancing his academic and extracurricular activities. It looked quite impressive how well they balanced their own, Happy's and apparently Pepper's schedule befitting Peter and his friends and managed regular time just with the boy. Rhodey couldn't help but wonder if he was missing out on something by not being a parent. He had always been so focused on his career, but now he wondered if he was missing out on the joys of family life. Rhodey had never really wanted a wife or kids. He had wanted nephews and nieces, but his own child? Rhodey felt uncomfortable thinking about that. Now, he was not sure whether it might not be nice, too. He had never seriously considered it. As they continued to talk, Rhodey started feeling more and more like an intruder on their conversation. He felt like he should excuse himself and give them their privacy. But he couldn't help but feel curious about their dynamic. Were they doing this all of Peter's life? It certainly felt like they both had a lot of experience and care in that area. As they continued to talk about Peter's life, he couldn't help but feel like he was missing out on something important.
"Maybe we can plan something fun to do with Peter this weekend."
May smiled, "That sounds great. Any ideas?"
Tony thought for a moment, "What about going to the beach? It's supposed to be a nice day on Saturday."
"Tony, honey, we cannot just go to the beach from one day to the other. We should do that during the holidays. Think smaller!"
"May, I told you a billion times, I can pay for that, and I have the technology! We can go to Europe over the weekend, and we'd be at home in time for the next school day.", Tony complained.
"Oh, I know! Don't think I forgot about you taking Peter to Germany without permission or even telling me!" Rhodey was unsure about the tone May used. It seemed light-hearted enough, yet there seems to be a threatening edge in her voice that told Tony not to misbehave like that again. Either way, Rhodey found the idea of Tony taking Peter on a surprise vacation in Europe adorable and he could not help but smile.
"Well, technically, I told you I was taking him out of New York, and you said that was ok!"
The glance May threw him was enough to shut Tony up, but Rhodey vowed he would ask about that later.
"So, let's start with Peter's competitions," Tony said, pulling out a notebook and checking something.
May nodded, taking a sip of her coffee. "I know he's been asking about the robotics competition."
Tony scribbled something down. "Okay, we'll sign him up for it. He already bounced some ideas on me. I am sure we will find something nice... And what about the science fair?"
"He's been working on an experiment with his class," May said. "I'm sure he'd love to enter it." May opened her notebook and started jotting down some notes. "Let's talk about Peter's Decathlon competition next week. It's going to be held in Boston, and he wants us both to be there."
"Of course, we'll be there. Have you booked a hotel near the venue already?" Tony asked, taking a sip of his smoothie.
May smiled. "Yes, I did. I've already reserved a room for the three of us for two nights."
Tony nodded. "Great. And what about school trips?"
May frowned. "I don't know, Tony. Some of them cost a lot of money."
This time, it was Tony giving May a look before he waved a hand. "Money's not an issue. We'll cover it." May looked unsure but did not say anything against it. Instead, May sighed, grateful for Tony's financial support. "Okay. There's a field trip to the museum of natural history in a few weeks. And they are starting to collect money for the end of the school year field trip to MoMA."
"I'll handle it. What about other issues with the trips? Do they have enough chaperones?"
"I wouldn't know. They know my schedule and everything and look at me like a single parent... It's not like they would ask me for that.", May admitted.
Rhodey thought it made sense. Of course, May would pretend to be a single mother for Peter's protection. If anyone would be told at school, it would be days until the whole world knows Tony has a son, and then the kid could never be left alone... Rhodey knew all too well what happens if an enemy of Tony's decided on revenge. Being close to Tony had been dangerous before Iron Man, but it was murderous now, as an Avenger. Zemo is only the last example in a long line of danger...
"Hey, have you thought about what Peter's going to do this summer?" Tony asked, taking a sip of his smoothy.
May shook her head. "Not really. What do you have in mind?"
"Well, I was thinking of taking the two of you to our beach house in Barcelona. We could spend some quality time and bond. What do you think?"
"I think that sounds expensive.", May answered, unhappy.
Rhodey's mind was racing with possibilities, and he couldn't wait to find out the truth. But he didn't say anything. He couldn't bring himself to ask the question on his mind, not yet. He knew he needed more information before he could jump to any conclusions. So, he sat there silently, watching, and listening as Tony and May discussed parental issues. They had seemed like a team when it came to parenting, and it was clear to both of them that they were on the same page most of the time. Though Tony seemed to insist on spoiling them while May seemed to prefer a more controlled, planned, and subtle life without too much financial need for anything. She seemed prudent in that. For a short moment Rhodey wondered to which end Peter would lean, but then he remembered the lunch money the kid did not decline even though he could never need so much... And Rhodey wished the boy would have been at the other category...
But Rhodey just listened, fascinated by the family dynamics he was seeing. It was a strange feeling, and it made Rhodey feel like he was intruding on something intimate. He glanced over at Tony, who was laughing and joking with May as they discussed Peter's latest report card. He looked for any signs that Peter wasn't their biological child, but he saw nothing to suggest otherwise.
"So, next week, when I go to Washington..."
"Peter will be sleeping here, the room is prepped and stocked with new clothes, not to forget all his stuff that is already here. I will wake him in the morning, make sure is in bed on time, make breakfast, pack lunch, Happy will bring him to school and pick him up from his friends' place after he is done. Everything is ready and we will call you once a day between 6,30 and 8 pm to make sure everything is fine. And you can text or call in any case. The school is informed and has gotten the document that for the time being Happy will be seen as a guardian.", Tony kept on listing an uncountable list of preparation for Peter's stay at the compound. May kept asking questions whether Tony thought about something or other and allowing for an ideal situation. But Rhodey just felt relieved: Sure, he would have to give Tony and Peter alone time, and the boy would be home late after spending time with his friends, but Rhodey had the option of getting to know his nephew quite well. He couldn't help but feel this must have been planned.
As May finished her breakfast, Tony got up to clear the dishes. May stopped him, "I can take care of that, Tony. You've already done so much for Peter this morning."
Tony smiled, "Don't worry about it. I'm happy to help out."
There was mild banter and laughter that seemed unbelievably natural, Rhodey felt his stomach churn at that. He should have been there with them! He should have seen the rocky start and ups and downs that lead to this moment! He loved Tony like family, if she is now part of it...
As the conversation came to a close, Tony and May hugged each other goodbye, Tony saying he had a lot of work to finish. Rhodey watched them, feeling a little awkward. It was about time that Rhodey started to bring up his suspicions and thoughts and talk about his feelings... Rhodey was never that happy to talk about his own feelings that much, yet Tony was even harder. Making him open up about why he did not trust Rhodey with his son and girlfriend, why he did not just come to him... Talked to him... This would not be easy...
As the door closed behind May, Tony turned to Rhodey with a smile. Before Tony could say anything, Rhodey made a move. "So, what do you want to do today?"
Rhodey tried to push aside his thoughts and focus on the present. He had come to the compound to spend time with his friend, after all. Maybe he didn't need to talk right away. He had to be patient and see what Tony would do now. Maybe he just needed to spend time with people he cared about. Maybe he will talk on his own. It was not the best technique with Tony, but it would work. Somewhat. Maybe.
Rhodey sat there for a moment, staring at Tony. He still couldn't believe what he had witnessed over breakfast. He had so many questions, so many theories, but he knew he needed more information before he could say anything. And he knew he would prefer Tony to come to him and speak about this. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. He had known Tony for years, and he had never heard of this May person before. And then there was Peter. He couldn't believe that Tony had a son - a teenage son at that! And yet, here he was, watching Tony care for the boy with ease. Rhodey didn't know what to make of it all. Part of him was happy to see Tony's softer side, the side that cared for someone else so deeply. But the other part of him felt like he'd been left out of a major part of Tony's life. However, he still felt a bit like he was in an alternate reality - one where Tony Stark had a son and a girlfriend that he had never heard of before. As he sat there, Rhodey couldn't help but think about everything that had happened. He was happy for Tony, really he was. But why hadn't he been informed about any of this? Why had Tony kept everything a secret from him? Rhodey couldn't help but feel like he had missed out on a major part of Tony's life. He had been busy with his own physical therapy, sure, but he had thought that Tony would have at least mentioned something about Peter or May in their conversations.
But one thing he started to feel secure at: May was a good mother for Peter and Rhodey would encourage such close behaviour, and maybe even their relationship... Though Rhodey felt sad that Pepper was no longer in the picture... Rhodey had watched in awe as they worked together so seamlessly, wondering how they managed to make it all look so easy. It was similar to how Pepper was dealing with Tony, only that Tony seemed way more responsible... Rhodey would love to learn the secret these two women had on Tony while Rhodey always struggled... Or was it Tony's son that made the difference? Pepper and May knew the boy, took care of Peter with Tony? Rhodey had a friend in Tony who had always been there for him - even in the darkest of times. He knew he had to step up for Tony now. Which meant step up for May and Peter now, too, obviously.
Rhodey sighed deeply, feeling a bit foolish for his earlier jealousy and confusion. He was happy for Tony, he really was. And he knew that, in time, he would get used to the new dynamics at the compound. But for now, he couldn't help but feel a bit lost in this new world that he found himself in. A world where Tony Stark was a father, and where May Parker was a new friend for Rhodey and a girlfriend for Tony. It was going to take some time to adjust, but Rhodey was willing to do his best. For Tony, for Peter, and for the new family that they had created.
"Tony, can we – "
"Well, Rhodey, I have to go to work, I have to do all of Pepper's work while she handles the crisis in Thailand. Not to forget my own work.", Tony explained, before leaving the room.
Rhodey sighed, knowing that he would have to postpone the conversation. Instead, he turned to FRIDAY.
"FRIDAY, tell me who May and Peter are? What can you tell me about them?"
"I am sorry, colonel, I am unable to answer this question with the current security protocols."
--
"So, FRIDAY, you wonna tell me what our dear honey bear all heard and saw?"
"Of course, Boss!", FRIDAY answered, directly starting the recording of all Rhodey's encounters since he entered the Compound.
"You want to explain something to me?", Tony questioned when he finished the recording.
"I don't know what you mean, Boss.", FRIDAY responded nonchalantly.
"Oh, is that so?" Tony raised an eyebrow. "You know you were allowed to explain what is going on to Rhodey, right? Just leave Spider-Man out?"
"Yes, Boss. I am perfectly aware of that."
"Why didn't you?"
FRIDAY paused for a moment before asking dryly: "Can't I have a bit of fun, too?"