Consider - What if U wasn’t a bot made by Tony, but Rhodey?
When Tony and Rhodey were roommates back in MIT, Tony was so proud of his first bot. DUM-E wasn’t the smartest bot around, but he was Tony’s. He was the first robot that Tony painstakingly spent all of his free time making after long hours of class and labs.
Tony was so proud of him and even brought him to their senior level robotics class. But when the rest of the students pulled out their fancy robots that didn’t hit walls or knock over cups when they went to pick them up…Tony was embarassed as DUM-E twirled in the corner.
Rhodey watched in anger as their classmates laughed and gave pittying looks to Tony as DUM-E spun in a wide circle once again.
“He’s special Tones,” Rhodey declared, “The rest of them don’t have their own personalities. DUM-E is one of a kind.”
Tony shrugged as he ignored another snicker from the corner, arms crossed over his chest as he curled up into himself as he moved himself and DUM-E to the side.
So for the next week, Rhodey skipped all of his classes. Thankfully, Tony was distracted thanks to his labs, so Rhodey took over the workshop. Rhodey meticulously worked day and night, barely coming up to breath much less eat and sleep.
Even Tony started to get a bit worried about him, but Rhodey shook him off with a smile. “I’m working on something. You’ll see in a while.”
At the end of the week, Rhodey presents his newest bot to Tony and DUM-E.
“U is his name, and while he isn’t as good as DUM-E was at holding things,” said Rhodey, “but he sometimes gets really excited when you pull over the fire extinguisher.”
Both Rhodey and Tony held back laughter as they watched DUM-E move onto showing U how to knock over the shelves. Rhodey nudged Tony with a grin. “So? What do you think?”
Tony watched, utterly charmed, as U and DUM-E excitedly back and forth. “He’s adorable Rhodey.”
Rhodey threw his arms over Tony’s shoulders. “Exactly! He’s just as special and unique as DUM-E. Special.”
Tony sucked in a breath, biting his lips before nodding. “Special.”
Rhodey squeezed Tony’s shoulders. “Well I’m glad DUM-E likes him. He’s gonna have to be a good big brother after all. We’ve got no room, so both of them are gonna have to keep each other company in the workshop.”
Tony brightened. “Oh DUM-E won’t be as lonely!”
Years later, right before Rhodey ships off for his first tour, Tony and Rhodey found themselves in the workshop once again. “You take care of him for me.”
Tony nodded solemnly, staring at U waving next to DUM-E in the corner. “I will.”
Rhodey huffed, ruffling Tony’s hair with a smirk. “I wasn’t talking to you. Did you get that DUM-E? Make sure to keep an eye on both of them.”
DUM-E preened as he beeped in excitement, nudging U with his claw.
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