#MIT!rhodey

[ironspidersblog]

Currently obsessed with thinking about mit era rhodey and Tony

WHAT SHENANIGANS DID THEY GET UP TO

[jarvispoptart]

14 years old Tony at MIT

[winterironrox]

Rhodey throws Tony his first real birthday in their dorm. It’s just the two of them, eating junk food, and watching Star Trek. Jarvis calls around noon and he’s the only other person to wish Tony a happy birthday.

It’s the best birthday Tony has ever had. All the others were about his parents or forgotten in favor of celebrating Steve for Memorial Day.

This is when Tony decides that Rhodey is going to be next to him forever. They are brothers now. And when Rhodey smears grocery store sheet cake on Tony’s face, kisses his cheek, and says “Happy Sweet Sixteen” Tony finally understands how people can cry from happiness.

[itsalmostavengers]

like a Tony who is BARELY even a teenager at 15 compounded with the numerous daddy issues he is sooo easy to play like a fiddle. like oh you think I'm smart? my work and intelligence are good enough? well sure I'll climb into bed with you. sure I'll replace you're classrooms projector system-whats money to me anyway.

But also the threats of exulsions or failures or inablilities to enroll into classes. oh, Anthony, maybe we underestimated you. maybe 15 is just too young even for a supposed genius. maybe poor little howard stark's son isn't up to snuff :(

'look at me I'm so cool and Adult and cool, I WILL have that drink (and that drink and that drink and that drink) and do that dare and throw that punch and take that drug and fuck that girl who's ten years older than me, I DEFINITELY know how to handle this level of attention after living in a home where my mom never looked up from her lap at the dinner table and my dad only ever talked to me to critique me. Btw did I mention I'm Totally Cool?'

[gunsandspaceships]

When Tony and Rhodey met each other

We know that they already knew each other in the spring of 1987 (IM1), right?

But for how long at that point? When did they actually meet?

While researching these questions, I discovered some inconsistencies and logical errors in the MCU.

It is known that Tony was born on May 29, 1970, and Rhodey on October 6, 1968. So Rhodey is 2 years older.

1984 - Tony went to MIT for his BS when he was 14 years old. Rhodey was 16.

We have information that Rhodey did not attend MIT for his Bachelor’s degree. He received it from the Air Force Academy and went to MIT for his Master’s degree. The minimum age for admission to the Air Force Academy is 17. Logic says that if Rhodey is not a genius like Tony, the appropriate age for him to start MS would be 20-21. But this would mean that he did not enter MIT until 1988. This is where the problems begin.

Spring Break 1987 (most likely March) - from what Tony said in the first Iron Man at 0:53:10, we have several interpretations:

Was it true?

a) One day, Rhodey woke up with a transgender/transvestite named Ivan in the same bed, and Tony witnessed or heard about it;

b) it was Tony’s joke and nothing happened, because Rhodey said “Don’t do that. They��ll believe that”.

Where were they?

1) They already knew each other. Rhodey was already studying at MIT. Logical error.

2) They didn’t know each other yet, but Rhodey was already at MIT getting his MS, meaning he started it at least in 1986 (18 years old). Logical error again.

3) They didn’t know each other yet and Rhodey was attending the Air Force Academy.

4) They knew each other because they met outside of MIT (maybe at some engineering competition, for example), and spent that spring break together.

1987 – Tony graduated from MIT. Graduation usually takes place in May.

What is 100% true we don’t know, because there is not enough information.

But the logical answer would be: at the time of spring break 1987, Tony was 16 and he was finishing his BS degree. Rhodey was 18 and he was still doing his BS at the Air Force Academy. At some point, they met and struck up a friendship. Then in 1988 or 1989, Rhodey went to MIT to get his master's degree at the same college as Tony because Tony was most likely getting his master's degree there at the time.

The movies never mention that Tony was getting a Master’s degree or actually received one, but there are enough hints to draw a conclusion, and I will do so in my next post.

[irondadfics]

Hi!! I’m looking for this fanfic I’ve read months ago and lost it. And wondered if it could be found—please & thank you!! The premise is it’s a one-shot about Tony & Rhodey helping Peter move into his dorm room at MIT.

hello, is this your fic?

Allston Christmas by Gruoch (orphan_account)

“You guys didn’t have to do this,” Peter says from where he sits squeezed into the middle seat of the U-Haul, sweat running down his back. The air-conditioning in the truck they’ve rented is broken, and even with the windows rolled down it’s hellishly hot inside. “Really. I could have handled it myself.” “We wanted to,” Tony replies as he blasts the horn at a minivan with a “Harvard Mom” bumper sticker that is attempting to cut into his lane. “It’s like a little trip down memory lane. It’s nostalgic—it’s gonna be fun. Right, Rhodey?” “Absolutely,” Rhodey agrees, with all the enthusiasm of a man being lead to the gallows.

[irondad-defensesquad]

idk if that's just me but why do you make rhodey so serious. like he's often portrayed as the serious guy who's done with everyone's shit, which is partially true. but rhodey is silly. he's a loser even if he's not an absolute disaster like tony. let rhodey be silly too.

[disappointment-comics]

haunted by the 1980s kid quill returns to earth for Ego and gets adopted by the pyms and peggy carter and howard stark are friendly and find bucky much earlier and t'chaka and thor team up timeline of the mcu. what do you mean it includes several references to howard and tony's strained relationship. what do you mean hope van dyne hangs out at shield (and becomes peter quill's brother!) what do you mean the episode ends with all of them hanging out and cooking meals together. blasts me right back to reading kid!tony stark fanfiction when i was in high school. yes all ur favs hung out as kids <3

[rebelmeg]

casual reminder that tony also spent 3 months not knowing if his best friend was dead or alive... with the likelihood that he wouldn't see him again either way.

“Next time you ride with me, okay?”

[ironspidersblog]

the amount of money marvel would make from me personally if they made a movie of mit era tony and rhodey having adventures. I would genuinely buy every piece of merch, every movie ticket, every everything for this to exist

[jarvispoptart]

Everyone at MIT thinks Tony and Rhodey are dating. Rhodey wishes it was true. Tiberius doesn’t like it. Tony is lost.

⚠️‼️English is not my first language I’m sorry for the mistakes I made 🙏

I also never went to MIT so it’s not really accurate.

It was a lazy Saturday on campus, the kind that felt too quiet to be real. Rhodey and Tony had claimed their favorite bench near the courtyard fountain, half-eaten sandwiches beside them, Tony’s head resting in Rhodey’s lap while he scrolled on his tablet.

Rhodey absently ran his fingers through Tony’s hair, gently untangling knots. Tony let out a pleased hum, eyes fluttering shut.

« You know this is peak rich-boy behavior. » Rhodey teased. « Using your best friend as a personal lap pillow. »

Tony smirked without opening his eyes.

« You love it. »

« Yeah, maybe. » Rhodey said too quietly, then cleared his throat. « You got crumbs in your hair again, by the way. »

Two other MIT students passed by, slowing down when they spotted the pair. One of them leaned closer to whisper.

« That’s definitely Stark, right? Damn, I didn’t know he was dating his roommate. »

Rhodey didn’t catch it but Tony cracked an eye open and snorted.

« Hey. » he muttered, poking Rhodey’s thigh, « some people think we’re dating. »

Rhodey tensed just a little.

« What, seriously? »

« Yeah. » Tony’s grin widened. « You’re very convincing boyfriend material, apparently. »

Rhodey rolled his eyes, trying to play it cool.

« Well, can you blame them? You practically purr when I pet your hair. »

« Do not. » Tony mumbled, nuzzling closer into Rhodey’s lap with an entirely unnecessary amount of smugness.

And Rhodey, helpless as ever, just let him stay like that.

That night, the dorm room was bathed in warm lamplight and the low buzz of music leaking in from down the hall. Rhodey sat on his bed, pretending to read through some class notes but his eyes kept drifting.

Tony stood in front of the mirror, half-dressed and humming to himself as he adjusted the collar of a too-expensive shirt. His curls were still a little damp from the shower, clinging to the curve of his neck. Rhodey watched the way his fingers moved, gracefully, and infuriatingly unaware of how effortlessly beautiful he was.

He wasn’t trying to look good. He just was.

Tony turned slightly, checking the mirror from another angle.

« Does this make me look like I’m trying too hard? »

Rhodey blinked, quickly sitting up straighter.

« Nah. You look- » Perfect. He cleared his throat. « You look fine. »

Tony smirked at the hesitation.

« You’re a terrible liar, baby. »

There it was again, baby. Casual, harmless, theirs.

Rhodey smiled, but his chest ached just a little.

« You going with anyone? »

Tony shrugged, turning back to the mirror.

« Nope. Probably just going to annoy some rich kids and drink something hard. »

Rhodey didn’t respond right away. He just watched. Watched the boy he lived with, laughed with, protected and loved. And tried not to want too much.

God, he thought, he’s beautiful.

And when Tony looked over his shoulder, catching his gaze with those big, mischievous eyes, Rhodey looked down, heart hammering.

The party was loud, louder than Rhodey liked, but he'd gotten used to following Tony into noise.

He stepped into the packed house, eyes scanning automatically. Laughter echoed down the hallway, red cups in every hand, and somewhere upstairs someone had started singing off-key to Bowie.

Then he spotted him, Tony, tucked into the corner of the living room with a group of older students, legs crossed on the couch, cheeks flushed from alcohol and attention. He was smiling wide, tipsy, eyes sparkling. He looked happy. Safe, even.

But Rhodey’s stomach twisted all the same.

Because beside Tony, draped too close, sat Tiberius Stone.

The guy had that look Rhodey never liked, casual, confident, just too smooth. He was laughing at something Tony said, leaning in like he had every right to be that close. And Tony, drunk and affectionate, didn’t notice. He didn’t see the way Tiberius’s fingers brushed his arm too often, didn’t catch the look in his eyes.

Rhodey moved before he could stop himself.

« Hey, baby. » he said as he slipped into the space beside Tony. He dropped a gentle hand to Tony’s back, grounding him, claiming him without claiming him.

Tony lit up.

« Rhodey! » He practically melted into him, head falling briefly to Rhodey’s shoulder. « I thought you weren’t coming. »

« You know I always come for you. » Rhodey murmured.

His eyes flicked to Tiberius, who was watching him now with mild interest and something that looked suspiciously like challenge.

Tiberius raised his drink.

« Didn’t think this was your kind of crowd, Rhodes. »

« I go where I’m needed. » He smiled, polite, calm. But his arm stayed firm around Tony’s waist.

Tony laughed again, blissfully unaware of the subtle tension.

« Tiberius was just telling me about the robotics lab internship. He said I should apply. »

« I’m sure he did. » Rhodey replied, not taking the bait. « You okay? Need water? »

Tony leaned into him again, nodding, lips brushing Rhodey’s shoulder.

« Better now. »

And Rhodey knew he shouldn’t read into it. But maybe, just maybe, Tony meant that more than he realized.

It took five minutes in the bathroom for Tony and Tiberius to be gone. Rhodey sighed, of course.

Tony leaned against the doorframe of an upstairs bedroom, slightly swaying, the drink in his hand long forgotten. Tiberius stood in front of him, closer now that they were away from the crowd.

« Everyone downstairs thinks you’re with him. » Tiberius said casually, sipping from his glass, eyes flicking down to Tony’s mouth and back up again.

Tony blinked, his buzz making the edges of his thoughts soft and slow.

« With who? »

« Rhodes. » Tiberius’s smile was sharp, lopsided. « The way he looks at you, calls you baby… You really don’t notice? »

Tony laughed a little, self-conscious.

« That’s just how he is. We’ve been tight since the start. »

« Sure. » Tiberius stepped closer. « But you're not his, are you? »

Tony opened his mouth but no sound came out. The room suddenly felt warmer. His back pressed more firmly against the doorframe, nowhere to retreat, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to, not until Tiberius’s fingers ghosted near his hip, just shy of touching.

« You know. » Tiberius murmured, « if you ever want to be seen differently... I could help with that. »

The words curled like smoke around him and Tony's breath caught, part flattered, part uncertain, the kind of uncertainty that came when alcohol blurred the edges of instinct.

Then:

« Tony. »

Rhodey’s voice, calm and firm, cut clean through the haze. He was standing at the top of the stairs, shoulders tense, jaw tight. Tony looked at him, eyes wide with something like relief.

« There you are. » Rhodey said, walking over. « Didn’t know we were playing hide and seek. »

Tiberius stepped back a little, his grin unshaken.

« Just talking. »

« Sure. » Rhodey turned his gaze to Tony, ignoring the older boy. « You okay? »

Tony nodded, maybe a little too quickly.

« Come on. » Rhodey said gently. « You need air. »

Tony hesitated only a second before pushing off the doorframe and following. Tiberius watched him go but didn’t say a word.

Downstairs, Rhodey didn’t speak until they were outside on the porch, cool air brushing their skin.

Tony finally broke the silence.

« Thanks. »

Rhodey looked at him, soft now.

« You alright? »

Tony shrugged, cradling the plastic cup between his hands like it might keep him grounded.

« I wasn’t gonna let him do anything. »

« I know. » Rhodey said. « Still didn’t like how he was looking at you. »

Tony gave a short laugh, almost self-deprecating.

« Yeah, well. I kinda liked it. At first. »

Rhodey’s jaw tightened.

« He doesn’t really see you, Tony. Not the way- »

Tony cut in, frowning.

« You don’t know that. He talks to me. Actually talks to me. He listens. He’s… he’s nice. »

There was a beat of silence. Rhodey didn’t move, but something in his expression shifted, like he’d just stepped on glass barefoot and was trying not to wince.

« I’m not saying he’s not nice. » Rhodey said carefully. « I’m saying… maybe you don’t need to get seen by someone who only looks when you’re lit up like a spotlight. »

Tony looked away, the hurt flickering for just a second across his features.

« At least he looks. »

Rhodey exhaled, steady and quiet.

« Yeah. I know. »

The silence stretched again, softer this time. Charged but tired. Then Tony broke it, his voice low and uncertain.

« You think I’m making it up in my head, don’t you? »

Rhodey hesitated, then said,

« I think you deserve someone who sees you without needing a party to remind them you exist. »

Tony didn’t answer that. Just stood there, staring into the dark.

[hurtspideyparker]

Iron Man doesn't exist because of Tony Stark and a box of scraps, he exists because James Rhodes loves that little MIT dweeb.

Tony was lost in the desert for THREE MONTHS. Rhodey was still using up military resources against his superior's judgement and risking his job, just for the slight chance Tony Stark was still alive and needed him

Humans can only live about 3 days without water, that's if heat stroke didn't get him first, or hypothermia at night. Tony Stark would have died in Afghanistan if he didn't have a best friend who loved him, believed in him, and was a little stupid with grief

[denebolablack]

HE DESERVED MORE TIME WITH MORGAN, PEOPLE.

MORGAN DESERVED TO BE RAISE BY HER PAPA AND HER MAMA NOT JUST HER MAMA.

AHHHHHHHHH *Scream in endgame*

daddy’s girl

[aurumacadicus]

Omg. A concept:

"I'm glad you all could make it," Tony said solemnly, hands clasped behind his back as he paced in front of the table.

"You literally texted us all that it was dire," Rhodey deadpanned.

"And then you texted me that I should bring donuts," Happy added, unimpressed.

Tony didn't take it personally. They were all there and Happy had actually stopped and picked up donuts.

Pepper looked even less pleased. "Are you dying again? Because if all of this was to tell me you're dying again, I'm going to be pissed."

Carol blinked, mouth already filled with a cake donut with sprinkles. "Huh?!"

"Don't worry about it," Tony told Carol, just as solemnly as he had before. "This meeting is to inform you all that I will be leaving the country imminently. I have already scheduled to have my appendix out and will be living the rest of my life in Antarctica."

"HUH," Carol barked again.

Pepper tapped at her phone and raised an eyebrow, reluctantly impressed. "Wow. You really did schedule a voluntary appendectomy."

Happy sighed and rubbed a hand over his face, then leaned back in his seat tiredly. "Why are you planning to live out your remaining years in Antarctica?"

Tony sighed the sigh of the supremely put upon, turning to look out one of the windows at the view. "I giggled in front of the Avengers."

There was a brief pause. Carol was frantically chewing to bellow another 'huh' at him, but Rhodey reacted first, instead shrugging and reaching out for a bear claw. "Oh, well, rest in peace, pal."

To Carol's relief, both Happy and Pepper screamed 'what' with her in response.

Rhodey blinked at them placidly. "Guys, he literally says 'heeheehee' when he giggles. He hasn't laughed like that in front of other people since college and a group of girls started teasing him about how cute it is."

"I did not get laid until the memory faded from MIT's collective consciousness," Tony added, nodding. "Girls thought I was adorable and guys made fun of me in mean ways. I forgot myself and now must pay the price."

"You're such a fucking drama queen, Tony," Happy sighed. "And what do you expect to do when you're too old to take care of yourself?"

"Walk onto the tundra and peacefully fall asleep, and perhaps they'll ship the ice cube that is my body back for burial," Tony answered promptly.

"I can't tell if this is a joke or not and it's upsetting," Carol snapped, and Pepper just sighed at her, pitying.

"The room went silent, and Natasha just looked at me and said 'oh' and looked like she might cry," Tony continued, ignoring her. "Clint didn't even make fun of me. He just said 'aw.'"

"Steve must have liked it at least, right?" Pepper asked desperately.

"He crumpled to the floor like I'd personally grabbed his guts and twisted," Tony informed her. He turned to look at Carol and Rhodey. "In any case, I called you here to inform you that the team might need your help more now that I am no longer an option. Pepper, Happy, run the company as you see fit."

"Can I get your Def Leppard vinyls?" Rhodey asked over Carol's frustrated howls.

"Stop fucking encouraging him, Jim," Pepper barked, then was distracted by a text from Steve. "Steve texted me."

"I will hear no arguments. I have already made up my mind," Tony informed her imperiously.

Happy read over her shoulder, shameless. "'Tell Tony I survived seventy years in the ocean and I will come and get him from Antarctica.' How'd he italicize part of a text."

"I think he just radiates disapproval at the screen until it cries uncle," Pepper replied.

Tony considered all of this new information, then decided, "Well. I suppose I'll just have to keep moving. JARVIS, the armor, if you please."

"Captain Rogers has already broken into the lab and dismantled several, and has told me he will leap on any suit I manage to get flying toward you," JARVIS answered promptly.

"I see. Then I will just throw myself from the window now," Tony replied, and both Carol and Happy scrambled up to tackle him.

[illusionaryworldliver]

It's been 3 days since Tony's birthday, but on May 29th in another universe --

"Mr Stark!" Peter says excitedly, his hand holding the gift behind his back.

His mentor is amused. "Kid, I thought you dropped that eons ago."

"Mr Stark," Peter says purposefully, like the name itself bears a great significance to him.

Now Tony gives in and laughs. "Yeah kid that's my name."

Peter buzzes. "Today is your birthday."

Tony squints at him. "Uh-huh. Am I to worry about you conspiring something with my offspring?"

Peter almost sighs dramatically. He didn't expect Morgan to maintain the secret about the party completely. But he purely blames Tony's dad sense more than anything.

He merely shakes his head. Tony raises his brow as retort.

The anxiety Peter tried to mask with unfiltered excitement crashes in his veins. He grips the frame he held behind him more tight. The thought about overstepping boundaries has been a worry of his, despite the whole heart-to-heart conversation about being part of the Stark family after the Hulk brought the other half of the populations back with the Snap.

Tony frowns at him, the silence not sitting well with him. "Pete? What's going on in that head of yours?"

This is it. Peter extends the photo frame to Tony, his eyes closed. "Mr Stark, I just thought that it'd be a great idea to put together some pics and got the frame done. I've no idea if this is a good present for you cause I've no idea what to even get for you but gosh I hope you'd like it ---"

"Kid, breathe."

When the frame leaves his hand, Peter opens one of his eyes to witness the reaction. He expected a smile, a pat in the back and maybe at the most, a hug.

He didn't expect to see Tony visibly tearing up.

Peter's breath stutters in his chest. Oh gosh he totally misstepped Mr Stark definitely hates it ---

Tony's words are tearfully. "Kid, this is beautiful."

The frame was filled with collage of photos. Photos starting from the baby pics of Tony's which Peter got from Rhodey -- at absolute swearing of secrecy, one from Tony's graduation at MIT which was merged with Tony standing with Peter at his graduation from the same college. More photos from Tony as Ironman, some with the avengers but those were weighed out with the one took with Spider-man and War Machine.

But maybe, the photos that moved Tony visibly were the one with his family. Pics with Pepper at the wedding after the first Snap and the vow renewal after the Snap was undone. There were some with Rhodey and Happy. Some with May and him -- their bond strengthening after their kid has left their nest to make his own name. Many, many moments with Peter and Morgan.

But the one at the centre, the one that Pepper snapped at one of their many movie nights. It was the one with Peter dozing off with his head in Tony's chest, Morgan safely tucked in Peter's arms. The look of pure, unadulterated adoration in Tony's eyes at the serenity of the moment.

Below that are the words, half Peter's handwriting and the other Morgan's.

Happy birthday daddy!! reads Morgan's part.

We love you, dad, reads Peter's.

And that was enough to bring forth the tears.

At Tony's delayed reaction, Peter asks almost hesitantly. "You.. like it right, Tony?"

Holding the frame with one of his arms, Tony pulls Peter into a tight hug with the other. The kid has definitely grown taller than him but doesn't have any issues with burying his face between the crook of his neck and shoulder and fitting himself perfectly into the embrace.

"This is the best gift I've received ever, Pete." The sigh of relief speaks words. Tony presses a kiss into the kid's hair. "Thank you, kid."

Once upon a time, Tony Stark didn't do thanks. Time has eroded into his abrasive self and left him as a parental person at the end. And he wouldn't have any other way.

Peter only shakes his head. "Thank you, dad."

This is the best birthday that Tony could've ever celebrated, surrounded by his people, surrounded by the feeling of pure love.

Tony Stark simply wouldn't have it in any other ways.

[shanastoryteller]

Happy Valentine’s Day! Do you have more F for Frankenstein? Thanks so much

a continuation of 1 2 3

He wants to stay with the suit, with Tony's body, but that amount of hovering would be out of character for Tony even at his most obsessive. JARVIS is keeping an eye on everything. He'll handle it and he can't, he'll tell TONY. He hopes.

As soon as they're in the limo, Pepper lets go of his hand and scoots away. He doesn't take it personally.

Rhodey isn't even looking at him, instead staring out the window, breaths deep and even and calm. TONY should take advantage of this. He should lean into Rhodey's terror, should push him away instead of pulling him closer, should being the painful process of pulling away from Rhodey and Pepper both.

They know Tony better than anyone. If anyone is going to uncover the deception it will be one of them, and it's not a matter of if, but when.

But he's supposed to be Tony and no matter what, no matter what level of anger or mania or alcoholism, he wouldn't be able to sit there and watch Rhodey break apart in front of him, knowing that Rhodey is crumbling a little more with every second passed straight backed and silent.

He'll just have to think of some other way. JARVIS will have to understand.

"Hey," he says softly. "Darling, won't you look at me?"

Rhodey closes his eyes.

TONY goes to his knees on the floor, gripping Rhodey's knees and fitting his body between them. He squeezes, head tilted back. "It's okay. Stand down, love. You're off duty."

He laughs, too short and high and TONY has to stop himself from flinching. "I'm never off duty when it comes to you. I should have been there, Tony, I should have been the one too-"

"No," he says, and means it, and for the first time doesn't feel guilty because he knows Tony would feel the same way. War Machine is no more able to handle the cold of deep space than the Iron Man armor and Rhodey would have died the same way Tony did. Tony would have been gutted by it, knowing that Rhodey died in the machine he invented to help keep him safe. Pepper can get him through a lot, but even she wouldn't have been enough to save Tony if he lost the man he's been in love with since he was a gangly teenager at MIT. "No, absolutely not. I'm glad it was me. I always want it to be me."

A shudder runs through Rhodey and he's curling forward, hands cupping Tony's face and pressing their foreheads together. "Don't do that to me, Tony. Don't. Anything else I can deal with, alright? But not that."

"Alright," he echoes, back to feeling like an absolute piece of shit, because it's already too late. Rhodey's worst nightmare has happened and he doesn't even know.

TONY feels like a ticking time bomb in more ways than one.