"Alright, one step after the other. Take it easy, James." 

Tony caught sight of his best friend's hurt expression, and felt guilt pool in his stomach, but neither of them corrected his name. 

Rhodes took a step forward, the bolts and screws loud as he took another step. Tony gripped his arm firmly. "Tony, let go," Rhodes ordered and yanked his arm out of Tony's grip, before falling on the ground. "James." Tony tried not to yell. 

Bending down as Rhodes rolled over, hands supporting him as he sat on the cold tiles, Tony looked at his friend. 

"Is that all I am to you?" Rhodes asked, voice shaking. "James?" 

Tears welling in his eyes, Tony stared at the ground blankly. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "For what?" Rhodes asked, reaching out to Tony who jerked back. 

Rhodes still didn't know. How was he not angry at all? How was he not pissed at Tony for not being able to save him? For not being able to help him at all in his time of need? For abandoning him when he was at his weakest. 

Letting out a sob held back by chokes, Tony gave in to Rhodes' outstretched hands. "Shh, Tony, it's okay." That's where Tony snapped. 

"No, Rhodes, it's not okay! T-this fight started because of me. I-I let you...you could've died because of me. Rogers and Barnes both got away because of me. And...I am just counting down the seconds before I get arrested." 

Rhodes frowned. "You're not going to get arrested, Tony. You did the right thing, and Ross can't arrest you for doing that." His gaze softened. "What happened with Barnes and Rogers?" 

Tony couldn't be bothered to stop the tears streaming down his face. "I...I tracked them down to...down to Si-Siberia. W-we had a truce, but it was...it was a trap. Zemo was there and he showed us a video of how my parents actually died - killed by the Winter Soldier - and I...I snapped. I attacked Barnes and Rogers and we all ended up fighting. Then...Rogers buried his shield in my arc." 

At this point Tony was full on sobbing. He didn't even know it until he heard Rhodes' voice soothe him. He blinked, realizing they were hugging. "I-" He tried to speak but Rhodes cut him off. 

Without thinking, Tony pressed his lips against Rhodes' and pulled him into the tightest hug imaginable, his only thoughts about how much he loved Rhodes. I love you. I love you. I love you. 

Rhodes pulled away, looking confused and startled. "Did you just-"

Eyes pinned to the floor, Tony gave him an ashamed nod. "Yes." 

Tony didn't notice Rhodes staring at him until he looked up and met his hard gaze. "I'm sorry," he said again, ready to run away and escape his embarrassment. 

"Enough with the 'sorrys'," Rhodes growled, startling Tony by the change of his tone. "You don't always have to apologize. You've...you've done nothing wrong." 

Blinking, Tony met Rhodes' eyes for the first time today. "You mean...you liked it?" he questioned, fidgeting nervously. Rhodes' eyes glinted with mischief. "Why don't you try again and we'll find out?" 

Tony felt an odd thrill as he cupped Rhodes' face in his hands and pulled the man closer to him. They kissed, and all the stress and tenseness Tony had been feeling dissipated. "I love you," Rhodes murmured. "Don't you ever forget that." 

oOo

Two months had passed since the media dubbed 'Civil War' and things were getting worse, and better. 

The Rogues were still on the run, leaving the only people remaining in the compound Vision, Natasha, Rhodey, and Tony. Ross had ordered them to bring the Rogues in, but because of Rhodey still getting used to his braces, only Vision and Natasha were out, and would call for help if needed. 

Now, was the good part. Rhodey and Tony had the whole compound to themselves for yet another month, and, since they had just begun dating, they could be at peace without any worry. 

Currently, the two were lying on the couch, vaguely watching the show the TV was presenting. Tony was a few centimeters away from the edge of the couch, with Rhodey behind him, hand massaging his boyfriend's head. The smaller man was in front, a smile lighting up his features. 

He turned around, and looked at Rhodey's half asleep form. "I love you," Tony whispered to Rhodey, burying his head in the nape of Rhodey's neck. "Love you too," Rhodey whispered back, hand rested on Tony's reinstalled arc reactor, the warmth and the soft blue glow soothing them. 

"I wonder how Vis and Nat are going," Tony mumbled into Rhodey's neck. "Probably good," Rhodey answered, wrapping his arms around Tony before kissing him on the forehead. "You know them." 

Tony made a small nodding movement. "Yesh." 

Rhodey had to admit that sleep deprived Tony was just too cute. His slurred voice, half closed eyes, messy and tangled hair, and the way he acted made Rhodey's heart pound. 

The two eventually closed their eyes, dozing off to a dreamless sleep. 

A bit later, the door to the compound opened, and out strode Natasha and Vision who were back early from their mission. Let's just say they kept a few photos as memories.