The Man with no Heart (Tony Stark) - ON HOLD

The Rhodes

I curiously observed all the sights as if I was the only person in the convoy interested in the surroundings.

Rhodes smirked at me, chewing his gum “Is this your first time in a convoy?”

I rolled my eyes “Are you going to keep me asking about my first times?”

He chuckled “This is too low for your social class, uh?”

“This could ride ten times faster…”

“Why, don’t tell me you can already smell my mom’s cookies?”

I glanced at him “I could use some food, yeah”

Rhodes smiled “So… did you warn your parents you were coming with me?”

I glanced at him.

“Yeah…” I whispered

Of course I did not.

They won’t even notice until Christmas eve. And that will take a few days, still.

“Get ready, we’ll leave in the next stop”

I started to feel a weird twinge on my stomach as we approached his house. I do not belong in here.

Christmas is, supposedly, a family occasion.

I am a total stranger to their family.

“Don’t tell me you are having second thoughts, now?” Rhodey noticed my hesitation.

“Uh… well, are you sure it’s… you know…”

“Dude, there is no problem at all. Just come, my mom will love you” He smiled, opening the main gate.

“Mommy! Jimmy’s here!” I watched as the door suddenly opened and a girl came running into Rhodey’s arms.

I think she is younger than me, but probably not that younger.

“You brought a friend?!” She smiled at me and, totally invading my personal space, she gave me a hug and kissed my cheek.

“H-Hey…” My eyes widened

“This is Tony, Abby. He’ll stay with us for Christmas” Rhodes smiled at me “My sister, dude”

“Nice! Come, mommy is preparing a really nice snack!”

Still hesitating, I waited for Rhodes to start walking and followed him slowly

“Mom!” Rhodes called, entering the house.

I noticed the really sweet black lady, wearing an apron and with a wooden spoon in her right hand, coming towards us, at the door.

“Aw, baby!” she hugged Rhodes “I missed you!”

“Missed you too, mom” Rhodes kissed her cheek

“And you must be Tony!” she lovingly smiled at me, giving me a hug as well.

“Uhhh… thanks for… having me here”

“Oh, please, sweetie! You’re very welcome!” she played with my cheeks.

Uhh… awkward.

My eyes deviated to Rhodey, who was holding his laugh.

“Are you hungry, sweet pie?”

“Ohhh, yeah…” I showed her a smile

“Come then!” She grabbed my hand and pushed me inside the kitchen

“Hey! You don’t see me for months and now you are all eyes for Stark?!”

“Oh, Jimmy!” She shot him a death glare “We have guests! Behave!”