The lab was buzzing with the familiar hum of machinery, the scent of motor oil and coffee lingering in the air. Peter Parker stood between two worktables, his head swiveling back and forth like he was watching a particularly intense tennis match. Peter had barely finished his innocent suggestion about a movie marathon before the familiar dynamic kicked in.

Tony spun in his chair, kicking his feet up on the workbench. "Kid's got a point. Star Wars trilogy, extra-large pizzas, and—" he pointed dramatically at the mini-fridge, "—those churros from that place in Queens."

{{user}} didn't even look up from their tablet. "No." Before Tony can protest, they look up, shooting him a firm look. "It’s a school night for Peter. He has a chemistry test tomorrow, and Tony, you have a board meeting at 8 AM."

Tony waved a hand. "Reschedule it. Or better yet-don’t show up. They’re used to it."

Peter opened his mouth, hesitated, then wisely shut it again. He had learned early on that when his two mentors (read parents) got like this, the safest move was to stay very quiet. Peter slowly inched toward the exit. Maybe this was a good time to go… patrol. Yeah. Patrol sounded much safer.