"we just wanted you to feel better"
Natasha sighed as she stepped out of the elevator, freshly showered after a intense training session downstairs. She was looking forward to relaxing on the couch with a good book for the rest of the evening.
As she walked into the living room, she was surprised to see Penny curled up on the couch, bundled in blankets. Her nose was red, eyes puffy, and she was sniffling loudly. A trash can filled with used tissues sat next to her.
"Penny? Are you okay?" Natasha asked with concern, immediately moving to sit next to the girl.
Penny shook her head miserably. "I don't feel good, Tasha. I think I have the flu." She punctuated her sentence with a harsh cough that rattled through her chest.
Natasha's heart clenched at seeing Penny so sick. She gently pressed the back of her hand to Penny's forehead, frowning at the heat radiating from it. "Oh sweetie, you're burning up! Why didn't you tell me you were getting sick? I would've taken care of you."
"I thought it was just a cold," Penny rasped out. "It came on so fast. I'm sorry."
"Shh, you have nothing to be sorry for. Here, let me get you some medicine to help bring this fever down," Natasha soothed, brushing a few sweaty strands of hair back from Penny's face.
But as she moved to stand up, Penny suddenly bolted from the couch, hand clamped over her mouth. She raced for the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind her. Natasha winced as she heard the poor girl begin to violently throw up.
Making a split-second decision, Natasha said loudly, "FRIDAY, initiate the Sick Spider-Baby protocol."
"Right away, Natasha," FRIDAY responded.
Penny must have heard her from the bathroom, as she called out weakly, "No, Tasha, you don't have to do that! I'll be okay!" More retching followed her protests.
"Nonsense, маленький паук," Natasha tutted. "We're going to take good care of you."
Within minutes, the other Avengers began filtering into the living room, all looking concerned. Tony and Pepper had come up from the lab, while Steve, Bucky and Sam emerged from the gym. Clint dropped down from the vents, Thor and Bruce exited the elevator, and Wanda hurried in from the balcony where she'd been reading.
"What's going on? FRIDAY said the Sick Spider-Baby protocol was activated?" Tony asked, brow furrowed.
Natasha nodded towards the closed bathroom door. "Penny's come down with the flu. Pretty badly from the sounds of it. We need to get her settled on the couch and start taking care of her."
Understanding dawned on the faces around her, and the team sprang into action. Tony went to grab medicine and extra blankets. Steve and Bucky headed to the kitchen to make ginger tea and saltine crackers. Thor offered to keep Penny entertained with stories of Asgard, while Sam and Bruce began disinfecting surfaces and taking out the trash can full of used tissues. Clint and Wanda went to track down a cold compress and extra pillows.
Within a few minutes, they had transformed the living room into a cozy sick bay for Penny. Just in time too, as the bathroom door creaked open and a wobbly, pale-faced Penny emerged.
"What...what's going on?" she asked in confusion, taking in the nest of blankets on the couch and the plethora of supplies laid out on the coffee table.
"We're taking care of you, kid," Tony said gently. "Come on, lay down."
Despite her weak protests earlier, Penny didn't put up a fight as Natasha guided her back to the couch, tucking a soft blanket around her shoulders. She sighed in contentment as the cool compress was laid across her feverish forehead.
"Thank you guys," she said hoarsely. "You didn't have to go to all this trouble for me."
"Of course we did," Steve chided. "You're family, Penny. We want to help you feel better."
Penny's eyes filled with tears at his words. Blaming it on the fever making her emotional, she quickly wiped them away.
Natasha perched on the edge of the couch, carding her fingers through Penny's hair. "I'm going to call MJ and have her come over too, okay? She'll want to see you."
Penny nodded, a small smile turning up the corners of her mouth for the first time. Natasha's own lips quirked upwards, knowing how much Penny's girlfriend doted on her. She stepped aside to make the call, returning shortly after with the news that MJ was on her way.
Over the next hour, the team continued fussing over Penny, making sure she took medicine, drank fluids, and got lots of rest. Little Morgan had claimed a spot curled against Penny's side, wanting to "take care of her big sissy." Natasha's heart melted at the sight.
When MJ arrived, she made a beeline for her sick girlfriend, immediately wrapping her in a gentle hug. "You should've called me sooner, bug. I would've come right away."
"I know, I'm sorry," Penny sighed. "I didn't want you to catch this too."
MJ just shook her head fondly. "I don't care about that, you dork. I just want to take care of you."
After the initial flurry of activity, the rest of the team gradually dispersed to give Penny some peace and quiet. But Natasha stuck close, not wanting to leave her side.
Penny's eyes were drifting closed, her exhaustion evident. MJ reached out and smoothed back her hair. "Get some rest, baby. We'll be right here when you wake up."
"Thanks guys, love you," Penny mumbled, already half asleep. Natasha's breath caught at the casual declaration. She met MJ's gaze, seeing her own emotion reflected there.
As Penny's breathing evened out into sleep, MJ looked at Natasha consideringly. "She really loves you, you know. Sees you like a mom."
Natasha blinked in surprise. "Really?"
MJ smiled. "Are you kidding? She talks about you all the time, about how awesome you are, how safe you make her feel. You've become so important to her."
Natasha had to glance away, unexpectedly choked up. She never imagined she would end up being a maternal figure to anyone, considering her past. But knowing how Penny felt about her filled her heart to bursting.
"Thank you for telling me that," she said finally, voice thick. "She's very special to me too. I'll always be there for her, no matter what she needs."
MJ nodded. "I'm really glad she has you." She hesitated, then added softly. "I'm glad I have you too. You've become like a second mom to me."
Now Natasha really had to fight back tears. She reached out and squeezed MJ's hand, hoping it conveyed what she couldn't put into words.
The two of them sat in comfortable silence, keeping watch over the sleeping girl between them. Natasha gently ran her fingers through Penny's hair, soothing her when she stirred restlessly.
After about an hour, Penny began to wake, blinking blearily up at them. "Hey," she croaked out.
"Hi sweetie, how are you feeling?" Natasha asked.
"A little better I think," Penny said. She started to sit up, wincing slightly.
MJ leaned forward, adjusting the pillows behind her back for support. "Do you need anything? Water? Food? More medicine?"
Penny shook her head, tugging MJ down to sit beside her. "No, I'm okay for now. Just glad you guys are here."
She curled into MJ's side with a content sigh. Then to Natasha's surprise, she shifted over and laid her head in Natasha's lap, peering up at her. "Thanks for taking care of me, Tasha. Love you."
Natasha's breath caught, emotion swirling within her. She gently stroked Penny's cheek. "I love you too, sweet girl. I'll always be here when you need me."
Penny's eyes drifted closed again, perfectly relaxed. "I know," she murmured. "You're the best, Mom."
Natasha froze. MJ's eyes went wide. They both stared down at Penny, who seemed oblivious in her sleepy state.
"Did she just...?" MJ whispered.
Natasha could only nod, throat tight. Penny had called her Mom. She hadn't even realized she'd said it, but to Natasha, it meant everything.
MJ recovered first, a soft smile on her face. "I think you just got officially upgraded to full-on mother status," she said wryly.
Chuckling, Natasha just shook her head, filled with wonder and joy. She bent down and placed a gentle kiss on Penny's forehead.
"Sleep well, little spider," she whispered. "Mom's here."
Natasha stayed by Penny's side as she slept, keeping a watchful eye on her. MJ sat beside her, scrolling through her phone but glancing up often to check on her girlfriend.
After about an hour, Penny began to stir, her eyes slowly blinking open. She looked confused for a moment before her gaze landed on Natasha.
"Oh, hey Tasha," she said, voice still raspy. "Sorry, I didn't mean to conk out on you like that."
Natasha brushed back her hair gently. "No need to apologize, you clearly needed the rest. How are you feeling now?"
Penny considered the question. "A little better I think. My head still hurts and my throat is sore, but my stomach feels more settled at least."
"That's good," Natasha said with an encouraging smile. She reached for the tea and crackers on the coffee table. "Try having some of this, it should help."
Penny managed a few sips of tea and one cracker before sinking back against the pillows. MJ scooted closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"You really scared me earlier," MJ said quietly. "I know you didn't want to worry anyone, but you have to take care of yourself, Penny. Promise me next time you'll tell us right away if you're not feeling well, okay?"
Penny nodded, looking contrite. "I promise. I'm sorry I worried you, MJ. Both of you," she added, glancing at Natasha.
"It's okay, маленький паук," Natasha soothed. "We just want you to feel better."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the TV playing softly in the background. Natasha could tell Penny was struggling to stay awake.
"Why don't you rest some more?" she suggested gently. "It's the best thing for you right now."
"Will you guys stay?" Penny asked through a yawn.
"Of course," MJ said, shifting so Penny could lay her head in her lap.
Natasha tucked the blanket snugly around Penny as she settled down. She ran her fingers through the girl's hair until her eyes drifted shut and her breathing evened out.
Natasha glanced at MJ. "You should try to get some rest too. I'll keep an eye on her."
MJ hesitated briefly before nodding. She grabbed a spare blanket and pillow, making herself comfortable on the other end of the couch. Within minutes she was also asleep.
Natasha gazed fondly at the two girls. Her instincts had shifted seamlessly into full maternal mode when it came to Penny. She hadn't expected it, but then again, she should have known better. Penny had a way of wrapping people around her fingers without even trying.
And though it had slipped out accidentally earlier, hearing Penny call her "Mom" had unlocked something deep within Natasha. This girl trusted her, depended on her, loved her enough to see her that way. It was both thrilling and humbling.
Natasha resolved then and there that she would live up to the role Penny had given her, however she could. She would protect this girl's light and joy and innocence with everything she had. Because Penny Parker had become the daughter she never knew she needed, and she would be the mother Penny deserved.
The Next Day
The next morning, rays of sunlight streamed into the living room where Penny, MJ, and Natasha had fallen asleep. Penny was still curled up in MJ's lap, looking much better after a full night of rest.
Natasha was the first to wake, years of training having ingrained an internal alarm clock. She blinked her eyes open and gazed down at the two girls fondly. Not having the heart to wake them yet, she carefully extracted herself from the couch and headed to the kitchen.
There she found Clint already awake, rummaging through cabinets.
"Morning," she greeted. "What are you up to?"
Clint turned and gave her a knowing smile. "Figured our resident spider kid could use a good breakfast when she wakes up. Wanna give me a hand?"
Natasha returned the smile. "I'd love to."
They worked seamlessly side by side, prepping pancakes, eggs, and bacon. The smell of sizzling meat soon filled the kitchen. Before long, the rest of the team began wandering in, drawn by the promising aromas.
"Wow, what's the occasion?" Bruce asked as he peered over Natasha's shoulder.
"Just wanted to make something nice for when Penny wakes up," Clint explained with a shrug. "Kid had a rough night."
"That she did," Steve agreed. "This was really thoughtful of you guys."
Soon enough, they heard movement from the living room, and Penny shuffled into view, MJ close behind. She was wrapped in a blanket like a cape, hair adorably mussed from sleep.
"Good morning, little spider," Natasha greeted warmly. "How are you feeling?"
"Lots better," Penny said with a smile. She inhaled deeply. "Is that bacon I smell?"
"Made all your favorites," Clint told her. "Have a seat and dig in."
Penny's eyes lit up. "You guys are the best!"
The group enjoyed the leisurely breakfast together, chatting and laughing. Penny's appetite had returned full force as she devoured a stack of pancakes. Color had returned to her cheeks, the fever clearly gone.
As she finished her food, Penny sat back with a contented sigh. "Seriously, thank you all for taking such good care of me yesterday. I really appreciate it."
"Of course, kid," Tony said. "Anytime you need us, we'll be there."
The others murmured their agreement. Natasha reached over and squeezed Penny's hand, smiling affectionately at her.
Penny ducked her head a bit shyly. "Still, I'm sorry for causing so much fuss and making you activate the protocol and all that."
"Nonsense," Steve tutted. "You have nothing to apologize for."
"Yeah, don't sweat it, little sis," Clint added with a grin. "It was kind of cute seeing you all clingy and needy, calling Nat 'Mom' and everything."
Penny froze, eyes blowing wide. "What?? I did not!"
MJ stifled a laugh next to her. "You kinda did, bug."
"What?! When??" Penny looked between MJ and Natasha, mortified.
Natasha took pity on her. "You were pretty out of it with the fever. It's okay, Penny, really."
But Penny buried her red face in her hands with a groan. "Oh my god, I can't believe I called you Mom! I'm so embarrassed."
Clint laughed and slung an arm around her shoulders. "Don't be! It was sweet."
"Yeah, we're all just one big happy dysfunctional family here," Sam teased.
"Old enough to be your mom anyway," Wanda added mischievously.
Penny whined in protest as they continued gently ribbing her. Though inwardly, Natasha was glowing. She didn't mind one bit that Penny saw her that way.
MJ threw an arm around her flustered girlfriend. "Alright losers, stop teasing her," she scolded without any heat. She dropped a kiss to Penny's cheek. "I think it's really cute that you think of Natasha like a mom. She cares about you a lot."
Penny leaned into MJ, calming slightly. "I know. I care about her too, obviously. It just slipped out."
Natasha reached over to take Penny's hand again. "It's okay, really," she said sincerely. "I'm honored that you feel that way." Impulsively, she leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Penny's hair.
Penny gave her a shy but grateful smile.
MJ watched the exchange, then turned and unexpectedly wrapped Natasha up in a hug. "Well in that case, I love you too...Mom," she said softly. "Thanks for taking care of my girl."
Natasha froze briefly in astonishment before hugging MJ back just as tightly. Her heart swelled with emotion. She caught Clint's eye over MJ's shoulder and he gave her a wink and thumbs up.
"Of course, sweetheart," Natasha managed to say. "I'll always be here when you girls need me."
They separated, and Natasha had to discreetly wipe at the corner of her eye. Penny was watching her, lips curved upwards.
"We're pretty lucky to have you, Tasha," she said, tone light but sincerity clear in her eyes.
Natasha just smiled back, hoping it conveyed everything she was feeling in that moment. She never expected to end up with not just one but two amazing girls who'd stolen her heart. Her family was everything she could have wanted and more.
"Alright, enough of the mushy stuff," Tony broke in, though not unkindly. "I think we could all use some fresh air. How about a trip to the park, get some sun?"
The suggestion was met with enthusiasm, and everyone began dispersing to get ready. Penny and MJ headed off hand in hand, and Natasha watched them go, heart full.
Who knew sickness could lead to such sweet moments of bonding? She was grateful for the opportunity to grow even closer to her girls. As unconventional as their little family was, Natasha wouldn't trade it for the world.