flash fucks around and finds out
Natasha pulled up to the school, eyeing the crowds of teenagers spilling out the front doors. She scanned the faces, looking for two teenage girls in particular. There they were - Penny and Wanda, walking slowly with their heads down. Natasha frowned, her protective instincts kicking in.
As they approached the car, she called out. "Hey kids, how was school today?"
Penny and Wanda mumbled incoherent responses, avoiding eye contact. Natasha studied them for a moment before trying again.
"Did something happen today? You both seem upset."
Wanda glanced sideways at Penny then looked down again. Penny chewed her lip anxiously.
Natasha prodded gently. "Come on, talk to me. I can't help if I don't know what's wrong."
Penny sighed heavily. "It's just...some kid giving us a hard time. No big deal."
Natasha's expression darkened. "What kid? What are they doing?"
"Really, Nat, it's fine," Penny said unconvincingly.
But Natasha was having none of it. She fixed them with her signature Black Widow stare. "Penny. Wanda. Tell me."
Wanda spoke up timidly. "There's this boy named Flash Thompson. He...he bullies us."
"What kind of bullying?" Natasha asked.
Penny squirmed, clearly uncomfortable. "Mostly just calling us names, saying mean stuff. He's kind of a jerk to everyone."
Natasha saw through her attempt to downplay it. "Specifically, what names does he call you?"
Penny hesitated before mumbling, "He makes fun of me for being trans. Calls me by my deadname, says I'm not really a girl. That kind of thing."
Natasha pressed her lips together, anger flaring inside her. She turned to Wanda. "And you?"
Wanda looked down at her lap. "He found out my parents died and my brother too. So he calls me a freak, a witch. Says I probably killed them with my powers." Her voice broke on the last word.
Natasha felt a surge of protectiveness wash over her. These were her kids. No one messed with her kids.
"How long has this been going on?" she asked, keeping her voice steady.
"A few weeks maybe," Penny said. "It's not a big deal, honest. We can handle it."
"Well, you shouldn't have to handle it," Natasha said firmly. "No one deserves to be treated that way. I'll take care of this Flash character."
Penny's eyes widened. "No, Nat, really you don't have to-"
"Yes, I do," Natasha interrupted. "Now let's get you two back to the tower. I've got plans to make."
She put the car in drive and headed for Avengers Tower, gears turning in her head. This Flash kid had to face consequences for his bullying. Penny and Wanda needed to see someone stand up for them.
When they arrived, Natasha gathered the team and explained the situation. To her satisfaction, they were all immediately on board with her plan to confront Flash. Even Tony, who often avoided sentimentality, grew solemn when he heard how Penny was being treated.
"That punk's gonna regret the day he messed with our girls," he declared.
They spent the evening coming up with ideas on how to best approach the situation. Natasha made it clear she intended to handle it herself, but wanted the team's support. By the time they turned in for the night, everything was in place for the following day.
Natasha awoke early, adrenaline already pumping through her veins. This was about more than just putting one bully in his place. This was about showing Penny and Wanda that they were valued, that someone cared enough to stand up for them. That was what mattered most.
At the school, she loitered near the entrance, waiting. Soon enough, she spotted Flash approaching Penny and Wanda. He knocked Penny's books out of her hands, laughing cruelly when she scrambled to pick them up. Then he shoved Wanda into a row of lockers and kept walking.
Natasha saw red. In seconds she was towering over Flash, eyes blazing.
"Think that's funny, do you?" she said menacingly. "Picking on people smaller than you?"
Flash looked taken aback, then covered it with a cocky smirk. "I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't do anything wrong."
Natasha stepped closer. "I know exactly the kind of things you've been saying to them. The bullying stops now, do you understand me?"
Flash tried to appear nonchalant. "Why do you even care what I say to those freaks?"
In a flash Natasha slammed him against the lockers, face inches from his. "Because those 'freaks' are under my protection. Practically my own daughters. Give them any more trouble, and you'll regret it."
For the first time, real fear flashed across Flash's face. He tried to regain some bravado. "Did they pay you to stick up for them or something?"
Natasha tightened her grip on his shirt. "Let's get one thing straight. I don't need payment to defend innocent kids from lowlifes like you." Her voice dropped to a near whisper. "Tony Stark himself considers those girls family. I consider them family. Keep bullying them, and I'll let Stark handle you himself. And trust me, you don't want that."
By now Flash had gone pale. He gulped, all his swagger gone. "Okay, okay, I get it. I'll leave them alone from now on. Just please, don't tell Mr. Stark."
Natasha smirked, and then released him with one final shove. Flash scampered away without a backwards glance. Satisfied, Natasha went to check on her two girls.
"You okay?" she asked gently.
They both nodded, looking awed. "Nat, that was amazing," said Wanda. "Thank you so much."
Penny threw her arms around Natasha. "No one's ever stood up for us like that before. I don't know how to thank you."
Natasha held her tight. "Seeing you stand tall is all the thanks I need." She cupped their faces tenderly. "I meant what I said. If anyone gives you trouble, I have your back. Don't ever doubt that."
They both had tears in their eyes as they hugged her again. Natasha let out a breath, feeling the anxious knot in her chest finally relax. Her kids were safe. That was what mattered.
As she drove them back to the tower, the atmosphere in the car was transformed. Penny and Wanda chatted and laughed, the gloom of earlier lifted. Natasha watched the teenagers fondly in the rearview mirror, heart swelling with love and pride.
Back at the tower, the team was eagerly awaiting their return. Penny and Wanda regaled them with the story of Natasha facing down Flash.
"Should've seen the look on his face!" crowed Penny.
Tony laughed appreciatively. "Nice going, Romanoff. Knew I could count on you."
Steve squeezed her shoulder. "Proud of you for standing up for them."
Bruce and Clint echoed their praise, while Thor proclaimed loudly, "Lady Natasha defended her honorary daughters with great courage this day!"
Later after dinner, in a rare unguarded moment, Penny and Wanda hugged Natasha again and whispered "Thanks, Mom." Natasha had to quickly turn away to hide the tears that sprang to her eyes.
That night as she got ready for bed, Natasha's heart was full. She had fought many battles in her life, but this one brought a satisfaction unlike any other. She would do anything to protect her makeshift family. And she knew without a doubt, they would do the same for her.