Prompt: from the crazy events at Disneyland last week, where the Fantasmic dragon caught on fire and burned to a crisp. (Search any pictures of this event!) I just felt like Peter could have totally had something to do with that...
"You know, I went to a lot of trouble getting us that backstage tour of all the pyrotechnic prep, mister," Tony said as they entered their hotel rooms. Frustration was evident in his tone now that they were alone. He had been all support and apology that evening with Disneyland's staff and engineers when Peter's interference had become very, very apparent.
"I know, and I'm so sorry! Just, in Sleeping Beauty, the dragon's fire is like a bright green, and I saw the stuff they were using, and knew if I added just a little bit of barium, the flame would probably look green tonight, and how cool would that have been?" The excitement in Peter's face morphed to disappointment. "I just don't know what happened."
Tony stripped off his "tourist disguise" of a red Mickey Mouse sweatshirt and a wide brimmed straw hat, holding them at arm's-length. Since they'd had a VIP seat for all the Fantasmic action, he was pretty sure everything he'd been wearing smelled like smoke.
"What happened is that you single-handedly destroyed Maleficent. Good job, Prince Phillip. We're very, very lucky that no one was injured."
Peter groaned and rolled his eyes. He'd already changed into his pajamas, and now draped himself moodily across the couch in their suite.
"It should have worked. Why would they have had the other chemicals out in the room there if no one should be adding stuff?"
"I'm not even gonna dignify that with an answer. I can promise they didn't plan on 16-year-olds, however brilliant they might be, adding things to their mixes. What have I told you about adding stuff to other peoples' chemicals? Even if they've written out their formula, if you didn't personally assemble something, you shouldn't be messing with it," Tony said firmly. "And you're lucky we didn't get a lifetime ban. As it is, replacing that dragon is something that can put a dent even in my wallet."
"I doubt that," Peter huffed. "But I'm still sorry."
"You're kinda right. But you're still the one that gets to explain to Accounting and to Pepper why there's such a significant payment to 'Walt Disney Imagineering" this quarter."
"Mr. Stark ," Peter whined, finally sounding appropriately nervous.
Tony just shook his head, ignoring the boy's theatrics, and ducked into his room to change.
When he came back into the shared space, the teenager was still and quiet. Had he fallen asleep already? He rounded the couch to get a better look.
No, Peter's eyes were open, though he looked a little sleepy. It had been a long day.
"Scoot," Tony said, gesturing to the boy's legs. Peter lifted them, and Tony slid in under his feet, opening his mouth to ask FRIDAY to turn the tv on before remembering that didn't work here. He was more tired than he thought. He fished around on the bedside table for the archaic remote as he glanced more carefully at Peter's expression.
"You okay, kid?"
"Does this mean we don't get to take the behind-the-scenes tour at California Adventure tomorrow?" he asked quietly. "Do we even get to go into the Parks tomorrow, or is the trip over?"
Oh, that's what was bothering him. "Hey, no. It's okay, Pete. Well, it's not okay, but we're still doing all the stuff, okay? I wrote a really big check."
Tony patted his Mickey-Mouse-pajamas-clad ankles comfortingly. "Just… maybe keep your hands in your pockets this time."
The teenager sighed in relief, his eyes finally giving in to his drowsiness. "I can do that. Thanks, Tony. For fixing it. "
"That's what I'm here for."
"'sides, that was totally something you would have done at my age," the snarky little punk said under his breath.
"What was that?"
"Nothing!" he said brightly. "You stayin' up for a while?" he asked, his question morphing into a yawn.
"For just a bit. Go to sleep. I'll wake you to go into bed when I'm done," Tony said, pulling his phone out.
"Night, Tony."
"Goodnight, trouble. Don't dream of giant dragons on fire, okay?"
Peter huffed a little laugh out, but for once, obeyed, turning onto his side and drifting off within a moment or two.
Tony finally smiled. He full-on grinned, and tried not to let the laugh he'd been holding in wake the kid. That was totally something he would have done.
