Tony takes a deep breath, already regretting what inevitably is about to come. This isn't his first rodeo. He knows the script by heart, and it never ceases to get him every time. He hates it. Always has, always will. It's like torture; cruel and unnecessary. Why does he subject himself to such pain and embarrassment?

Even worse this time, he's pinned. Stuck. There is no avoiding it; no sneaking away unsuspectingly. He made a promise, and he'd be damned if he didn't keep it. They were relying on him, after all. He was their wall, their support, and there was no way he was backing out now. They were in this together.

A dark haired toddler is huddled against Tony's side, a pacifier in his mouth as he hugs his blanket and teddy bear tightly. On Tony's other side, a little auburn haired girl, her arms wrapped around her father's in anxiety and suspense. Both children cannot tear their eyes from the scene playing out before them. Tony is looking every where, but…yet the images are near impossible to ignore.

The sounds are building, a cry for help! The pounding of drums! A crescendo of horns and strings! Then…silence. The dust settles; its all over. And yet, for Tony, it's just beginning. He can feel the lump forming in his throat. He commands the tears welling in his eyes to disappear. God, he only hopes Pepper doesn't look over at him…not like this…

The little lion cub is crying for help now. The canyon is dark and gloomy, clouds of dust fading. He tries to nudge the larger lion collapsed in the dirt. Tears roll down the cub's cheek as the creature doesn't move. Tony tries to suppress the brewing flashbacks of his parents' fatal accident…

The room is silent as the little cub curls up against his late father. The music is slow, quiet, melancholic. Tony can feel his lip trembling. Tears have betrayed him. He so badly wants to wipe them away, but his hands are preoccupied by tiny ones gripping them. Why, Lord, why did he agree to this? He knew better!

The scene is over in minutes. The children relax their grip, their heads resting against either side of his ribs. He tries to ignore the protesting of one of his bruises. He would almost rather be on a mission than here at this moment. Almost.

Pepper gets up out of the recliner, wordlessly giving Tony a kiss on the forehead as she passes by, heading into the kitchen.

"Daddy," the little girl speaks up, her head tilted up to look at him. He takes a shaky breath, eyes locking with hers. "Are you crying?" Tony runs a hand over his face, his skin damp. Now, his son is looking up at him too, his brown eyes full of as much concern as a two and a half year old can muster. Great.

"Just…give me a minute." His voice cracks as he mumbles, getting out of his seat and going into the kitchen as well. Pepper is standing at the sink, holding a glass of water in one hand, and drinking from another. She gives Tony a knowing smile as he gratefully takes it from her, gulping down more than half. He grabs a tissue, wiping away fresh tears, letting out a small laugh along with Pepper. He never likes to admit how ridiculous he can be sometimes. Pepper sets her glass in the sink, going over to Tony and wrapping her arms around him; her hands rubbing small circles gently over his back as she rests her chin on his shoulder. His body shakes, partially from the quiet sobs, partially from the embarrassed laughter. This isn't her first rodeo either.

"God," he grumbles, trying to even his breathing and stop more tears from falling, although a small grin tugs at the corner of his mouth. "I really hate 'The Lion King.'"

Thank you for reading!