Uptown Boy (IronStrange)

Her

Sorry about the long wait :(

Rhodey decided to go out and tour the town for himself, last time Clint didn't give him much time to see everything this place has to offer. He smiled as he saw some birds chirping and kind people waving at him. It was pretty obvious that he was a new face. The man may look happy but inside he longs to love someone and be loved by. All of his friends seem to have someone except himself.

Thing is throughout the years there hasn't been one girl that caught Rhodes attention. He felt like facing the facts that he may never actually have someone to call his and his alone. To have and to hold, it must've been nice but guess he'll never know what that's like. That is until life gave him a shot by hitting Rhodey with a sign that his love was on Its way. Quite literally too. 

A frisbee hit the darker man's forehead. The plastic disk fell to the ground as he rubbed his head. Where the hell did that come from? Footsteps approached and of course it was because of a kid. "I'm sorry Mister!" The little boy exclaimed as he picked the toy up, feeling guilty for hurting someone. Rhodes was about to tell the kid to watch it when a blonde woman ran up to them. "Marcus! What have I told you about watching out before throwing your flying toys!" The woman scolded her son for his behavior. Her expression changed when looking at Rhodey, an apologetic look of course. "I'm so sorry. I hope your head isn't hurting too badly" 

One look at her and the darker male felt swoon. She was so beautiful and caring… "I-It's no problem really, I mean kids will be kids right?' Rhodey chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. The blonde woman was relieved that he wasn't hurt or reacting with anger. "That's true" she giggled and then smiled at the man before her. "My name's Carol, Carol Danvers. I don't think I've ever seen you around here before". Carol stretched out her hand so their introduction was more proper. James kindly accepted her hand and the moment they touched it was like Sparks had erupted. They both felt it, the female blushed and took her hand away. The male felt his own cheeks grow warm as well, he coughed then spoke. "My name's James, James Rhodes but my friends call me Rhodey" 

This whole time as feelings were blooming slowly between the grown ups. Carol's son was looking at them both, wondering what on earth is causing them to act a bit weird. Was it that hot or something? The boy didn't know so he just played around with his toy as they chatted more. Discussing each other's interests, hobbies and such. Both of their attitudes have gotten brighter by the minute. It seemed unbelievable to them that they were just meeting for the first time now. 

Their conversation actually lasted longer than intended. The two adults seemed to have been hitting it off. If anyone were to walk by them they would like they were friends for a long time. Rhodey wasn't sure if Carol was single or not. Yes she has a child but she could be divorced. He decided he'd take the risk and attempt to ask her out. 

"Hey um...if you're not doing anything later on you'd maybe want to…" Rhodey's nervousness seemed to be getting the best of him, no not now!

"Yes?" Carol's smile grew, having somewhat the idea of what the man was going to ask. 

"Grab dinner ...maybe?" James looked at her nervously.

"Like a date?" She asked with a smile and raised eyebrow which made the male feel even way more nervous. But it didn't mean she was gonna say no right?

"Yeah…" Rhodes shyly admitted. 

"I'd lo-" Danvers was interrupted by a small tug on the bottom of her dress. It was her son, it was good that he was one of those children that actually stick around instead of getting themselves lost. "Mommy I'm sleepy". It was getting close to Marcus's daily nap. The blonde picked the boy up and held him. "Alright we'll go home right now okay?" The boy nodded and the female returned her attention to the male. "I'd love to—oh but... I don't know if I can, I don't have anyone to watch my son.." she hoped Rhodey would understand and not feel disappointed.

Instead though Rhodes smiled and replied. "He can come with us, he does look like a lot of fun". Carol's smile grew back on her face at the sweet gesture. James leaned over so he could be a bit closer to the child. "We can have whatever you'd like a d then after we can get ice cream. Sounds cool, little guy?" The child's tiredness seemed to have disappeared in an instant as his eyes lit up. "Yeah!" He cheered excitedly which made the two grown ups laugh lightly at the boy's adorable reaction.

"You're very sweet Rhodes...I should get him to bed though, I'll be seeing you later on then.." Carol's blush returned and grew. She hadn't been someone this nice before. At least not in a long time. 

Rhodey shot a smile and felt some confidence grow. He actually got a date! "Looking forward to it Carol" the man was mentally doing cartwheels, this lady was just too perfect!

They eventually parted ways, going to the place they call home. Rhodey came back to the hotel and excitedly told the guys of his date. Tony was ecstatic that his best friend finally got a date, teasing at the fact that he might be picky. But it wasn't that Rhodes was picky, he just wanted to find the right person. He wanted to be sure about who he dates and hope that maybe the relationship will last. Clint thought it was a downer that she has a kid which earned him a smack on the head from Tony. 

Soon it was time for the date, Carol having chosen another long sleeved dress to wear. While her son had a duck shirt and some pants in case it got a bit cold. She sighed once coming across her mirror. That beautiful face hides an ugly truth, a thorn in her life that she didn't want anyone noticing. It saddened her that there was a chance her and Rhodey won't last. For the where was a hell and she was living it everyday even though she had left it, it always clings and follows. 

Marcus picked up his teddy bear and held it close. He knew his mother's secret and promised he wouldn't tell anyone. But mister Rhodey seemed trustworthy…

Tonight the boy was going to break his promise to his mother, but he has to or else something horrible could happen to his mommy. 

Sometimes promises need to be broken.