Mistakes Were Made (Avengers/James Rhodes)

08. Central Park

I woke up and stretched, moaning softly. I rolled onto my side and sat up, looking around my room. Getting up, I grabbed my phone to check it, vaguely remembering it vibrating the night before.

I'll pick you up at 1900 hours. Does that sound alright? - Rhodey

Of course. I'll be ready and done with everything by then - Me

I tossed my phone on my bed so I could get dressed. I dug around in my closet for a few minutes before finding the perfect outfit. I put everything on and smiled in the mirror. I looked thrilling but the outfit for sure wasn't the one I was going to wear for later.

I left my room with my phone in my pocket. I hurried down to the lab to join Tony. He was already hard at work when I got there. I hopped onto the counter, grabbing the bundle of wires and mess I was working on before.

"You're late," Tony yelled from the side of the room.

"I'm allowed to sleep, you know," I replied.

"Doesn't mean you're still late," Tony said. "Check the screens. I have new stuff for you to look at."

I picked up the tablet and flicked the screens out in front of me. I checked them and started working. We worked for hours until Nick came downstairs with food.

"Evening, Charlie and Tony," Nick said. "I haven't seen your faces in a while."

"Sorry, old man," I said as I looked at new data. "We have work. What'd you bring?"

Nick set a plate beside me. "Your favorite, grilled cheese."

I squealed as I turned the screens off. I grabbed a slice - sliced diagonally, as it should be - and started eating. Tony was eating as well though he was paying attention to his work.

Nick leaned against the table. "What's this I hear about you going on a date tonight?"

"Date?" Tony asked. "Who is it?"

I choked back a bite. "It's not a date and it's Rhodey. We're only going to Central Park. Who told you, by the way? Natasha?"

Nick's face got dark. "I will not reveal my sources. However, I don't approve of this."

"Why?" I asked, picking at my grilled cheese. "He isn't a bad guy."

"He's so much older than you, kid," Tony said as he walked closer. "Why date him?"

"Again, it isn't a date," I replied. "We are just going to Central Park. Nothing else."

"What about the party he invited you to?" Nick asked.

"You find out everything, old man," I said.

"It's my job."

"Rhodey invited you to my party?" Tony asked.

"Did I stutter?" I answered. "Yes, he did invite me. Is that a problem?"

"No, not at all," Tony said as he walked off. "Don't break him too badly."

I laughed.

"It is to me, Charlie," Nick said. "Why did he say yes? Why are you going out with him tonight? What are his plans with you?"

"Nick, stop!" I whined. "Can't I enjoy this one thing? It's just a night out and we are just going out for an evening. Is that just so bad? Besides, it's Rhodey. What's he going to do? You know he's a good guy and I can take care of myself. Isn't that why you taught me?"

Nick held my face, looking at me with a sad smile. "I know but that doesn't mean I won't worry about you."

I smiled and hugged Nick. "I won't. I wasn't raised that way whenever someone was around."