Watching the shield spark, shimmer, and disappear was enough to calm Tony down again, so that when Steve spoke he could just lift his chin with that indulgent pride in his effort that clearly said, 'I can do anything.' He didn't blame Steve for doubting and being pleasantly surprised in the end-- what Tony could do was pretty awesome. The day Steve learned to anticipate just how far Tony could bend the rules of nature was the day he might start to understand just how much Tony depended on that drink he clutched every other minute of the day.
Tony sunk back down onto his elbows, leaning his head on Steve's arm then, letting his eyes go unfocused on the explosions of colour in the distance. Down in the park, he knew the Orchestra was playing and the crowd was giving appreciative 'ooh's and 'aah's where appropriate, but Tony stayed quiet. He wished Steve a happy birthday again with just a nudge.