natasha romanoff & peter parker oneshots

Penny stayed with Frank late into the night, holding his hand as machines beeped and whirred around them. Exhaustion finally drove her to rest her head on the edge of his bed, still clinging to him even in sleep.

She awoke some hours later to hushed voices and gentle hands shaking her shoulder. Disoriented, she lifted her head to see Debbie and Carl gazing down at her, their eyes wide with worry and relief.

"Wha...how are you guys here?" Penny mumbled groggily.

"Natasha called. She told us what happened with Frank." Debbie wrapped Penny in a fierce hug that jolted her fully awake.

Penny froze for a moment before hugging her sister tightly, tears springing to her eyes. She hadn't realized how desperately she needed this piece of home.

Looking over Debbie’s shoulder, she saw the rest of their family and friends gathered around Frank’s bed - Liam, Mandy, Ned, MJ, V, Kev, and Svetlana.

Penny broke from Debbie's embrace to throw her arms around Mandy. The feisty Milkovich sister held her tight.

"I missed you crazy bitches so much," Mandy said, voice thick with emotion.

Penny could only nod, too overwhelmed to speak. She hugged Ned and MJ together, the three friends clinging to each other silently.

When she turned to V, her pseudo mother figure swept her into a fierce embrace. "We've been so worried, sweetheart," V said softly.

Penny buried her face in V's shoulder, soaking up the familiar scent of incense and chamomile that meant home.

Over V's shoulder, she glimpsed Fiona locked in an emotional reunion with Kev and Svetlana. Ian and Mickey hugged Mandy between them. The sight unlocked something in Penny’s chest. However fractured, their family was together again.

When Penny finally detached from V, she saw Liam watching her uncertainly. Her little brother had grown in the weeks since she'd seen him.

Kneeling down, Penny opened her arms. Liam barreled into them, skinny arms tight around her neck. "I missed you," he mumbled into her shirt.

"I missed you too, buddy," Penny whispered thickly. She picked him up, even though he was getting too big for it. He clung to her like a much younger child.

Penny looked around for Natasha. Her sister appeared and squeezed her hand, green eyes bright with emotion.

“How?” Penny asked hoarsely.

Natasha managed a tired smile. “I used the hospital phone last night to contact them. It seemed important for you all to be together now.”

Penny just nodded gratefully. Natasha always understood what she needed, even when Penny herself didn’t.

Ian appeared and wrapped an arm around both their shoulders. “Feels good to have the family together again finally,” he said gruffly.

No one spoke for a moment as they absorbed the bittersweet reunion under such difficult circumstances. They had months of absence to catch up on, but Frank’s declining health weighed heavy on them.

Finally Mandy broke the silence. “So what the hell happened to make you guys vanish for weeks?”

The others murmured agreement, looking between Penny, Fiona and Natasha questioningly.

Penny hesitated, unsure what to reveal. Natasha spoke for her. “It’s a very long story, but we uncovered some threats to the family’s safety. We had to disappear quickly to protect everyone involved.”

It was vague but mostly true. Penny shot Natasha a grateful look.

“Jesus, just when I think your lives can’t get more insane,” Kev said, shaking his head. But his tone was laced with empathy rather than judgment.

“You guys must have been scared. I’m glad you’re okay now,” Ned said gently, always the compassionate one.

Penny managed a faint smile. “It helped having each other. But I missed you guys like crazy.”

She surveyed the mismatch group that had become her extended family over the years. “I’m really glad you’re all here now.”

“Wild horses couldn’t keep us away, sweetie,” V said, squeezing Penny’s hand. “We’ll get through this the same way we always do - together.”

The others voiced loud agreement. Penny’s heart swelled being surrounded by so much unconditional love and support, even after everything. However broken, they were still a family.

Mickey clapped his hands loudly, making people jump. “Alright, enough mushy shit. We having a party wake or what? Frank would want us drinking and raising hell.”

Despite the circumstances, chuckles broke out around the room. Trust Mickey to cut through the heavy emotions.

“I think we can muster some celebratory libations,” Kev said with a grin. He, V and Svetlana headed off to raid the cafeteria.

The mood slowly lightened as they passed around paper cups of questionable liquor. Jokes and stories flowed freely, punctuated by laughter. Gazing around at the crowded hospital room, Penny finally felt at peace again.

The joyful reunion was short-lived. As the reunited family and friends talked and laughed around Frank's bed, Penny couldn't ignore the prickle at the back of her neck. The feeling that unseen eyes were watching them.

Glancing out the door, she noticed a few people lingering in the hall. Hospital staff, most likely. But their stiff postures and discreet earpieces seemed out of place.

Penny met Natasha's gaze across the room. Her sister gave an almost imperceptible nod - she sensed it too. They were being observed.

Quietly pulling Fiona and Ian aside, Penny whispered, "Something feels off. I think Ross found us."

Fiona tensed, immediately alert. "Shit. What do we do?"

"Act normal for now. But be ready to move," Natasha said under her breath as she joined them. Her eyes were grave. "I think our time is up here."

Dread settled like a weight in Penny's gut. The lightness of having everyone together again evaporated, replaced by harsh reality. Running was their only option if Ross had sent people after them.

She plastered on a fake smile as she rejoined the group, not wanting to raise alarms yet. But her thoughts raced fretfully. How much had Ross uncovered about them? Would they ever truly escape his reach?

The next few hours crawled by agonizingly. Penny kept glancing at the clock, willing time to stand still so this fleeting moment with loved ones wouldn't end.

But the shadows grew long outside. An unspoken awareness settled over the runaway Gallaghers that they were out of time. Penny met Natasha and Fiona’s eyes, seeing her own grief reflected back at her.

Unable to put it off any longer, Fiona cleared her throat softly. “Hey, guys? We need to talk.”

Conversations trailed off as everyone looked over curiously. Sensing the shift in mood, their faces slowly fell.

Penny spoke up, voice cracking with emotion. “We have reason to believe the threat that made us leave before isn’t over. We need to disappear again, at least for now.”

A pained silence followed. Ned, Mandy and MJ exchanged stricken looks. V covered her mouth, eyes filling with tears.

“You barely got back and now you have to leave again?” Debbie asked tremulously. Penny’s heart broke seeing the hurt on her siblings’ faces.

“Just for a little while, until the coast is clear,” she tried to reassure them. But the unspoken “if ever” hung heavy over the room.

Mickey shook his head. “Man, we just got the family back together again.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “This is so fucked.”

Ian gripped his shoulder, looking wrecked. Penny wrapped an arm around Debbie, wishing she could erase the pain etched on everyone’s faces.

After a heavy silence, Mandy spoke up. “I’m coming with you guys this time.”

Penny started to protest but Mandy cut her off. “Don’t even try it. Wherever you Gallaghers go, I go too.”

Her tone left no room for argument. Penny managed a grateful nod, knowing Mandy’s steadfast loyalty would be a gift in the trials ahead.

Ned and MJ exchanged a look before Ned said, “We want to come too. You shouldn’t have to do this without your best friends.”

Penny’s eyes watered. She pulled them both into a fierce hug. Having their unfailing support meant everything.

To everyone’s surprise, Svetlana spoke up next. “I will come as well. I still have contacts for creating new identities. Could be useful.”

“Lana, you don’t have to...” Fiona began gently.

But the resolute Russian cut her off. “You need family. I am family. Decision is made.”

Fiona could only nod, clearly moved by Svetlana’s determination to stand by them when it mattered most.

An agonizing silence followed as the reality of another goodbye sank in. Penny surveyed the beloved faces she was leaving behind once more - Debbie, Carl and Liam huddled together anxiously, V with tears trailing down her cheeks, Kev running a hand over his mouth in distress.

It wasn’t fair. They’d all just gotten each other back, only to be torn apart again. Penny’s throat constricted with emotion.

Ian moved first, going to embrace the younger Gallaghers fiercely. “We’ll be back before you know it,” he said gruffly, wiping his eyes as he pulled back.

The others followed his lead, moving around the circle of loved ones, hugging each deeply and whispering promises to someday return.

Penny clung to V, breathing in the scent that meant home one last time. "We'll be okay," she whispered, willing herself to believe it. "I love you, V."

"I love you too, baby," V choked out, kissing Penny on the forehead. "No matter what comes, remember you've always got family on your side."

"You'll watch my siblings, right V? Kev?" Penny asks her.

"Of course, baby. Uncle Kev and Auntie V have it covered." she responds.

Penny could only nod, not trusting her voice. She turned last to Debbie, Carl and Liam, pulling her younger siblings into her arms.

"I'll miss you guys so much," she said thickly, imprinting their faces into her memory. "Look out for each other. Be good to V and Kev."

"We will," Debbie promised, lower lip wobbling. Liam just clung to Penny silently. She smoothed a hand over his curls, wishing she could see him grow up. Carl is doing his best to remain stoic, but tears are clearly in his eyes.

After multiple crushing hugs and whispered "I love yous," the group heading back on the run finally tore themselves away. Penny paused at the door, wiping her eyes as she took in the cluster of loved ones they were abandoning once again.

Just then a faint raspy voice called out, "Where do you think you're going?"

They all froze. Turning slowly, they saw Frank awake in the hospital bed, watching them through half-lidded eyes.

"Was it something I said?" he croaked. A hint of his old mischievous smirk played about his lips.

The group exchanged stunned looks. No one had expected Frank to resurface, let alone now when they were trying to slip away unnoticed.

Penny approached the bed hesitantly. "Frank, hey. How are you feeling?"

Frank attempted a nonchalant shrug. "Oh, you know. Been better, been worse."

His face turned solemn. "Heard everything you all were saying. So you're taking off again, huh?"

Penny chewed her lip anxiously. She hadn't planned for a goodbye with their father. But his unexpectedly lucid, vulnerable gaze tugged at her heart.

"Yeah, we have to lay low for awhile," she finally said quietly. "Just until it's safe again. We don't have a choice."

Frank nodded, looking uncharacteristically grave. He gestured weakly for Penny to come closer. She perched gingerly on the edge of the bed.

Frank grasped her hand in his. "You're a good kid, you know that? Always tried to see the best in your lousy old man."

He shook his head ruefully. "I know I failed you and the others often as a father. But seems maybe I did a few things right to end up with kids as loyal as you."

Penny's throat tightened with emotion. She never expected such honest self-awareness from Frank. Under the gruff sarcasm, she glimpsed the flawed but loving father she'd always longed for him to be.

"We'll be okay, Frank," she managed thickly. "Just focus on getting your strength back. And try to cut back on the drinking a little?"

She attempted a teasing smile. Frank huffed a faint laugh. "No promises there. But I'll do my best."

He squeezed her hand feebly. "You be careful out there, Peanut. Come back safe when you can. I know I don't say it much, but I love you crazy kids."

Frank’s eyes drifted half-closed with exhaustion. Penny pressed a kiss to his clammy forehead. "Love you too, Frank," she whispered.

Straightening slowly, she saw the rest of her siblings gazing at Frank with similarly stunned expressions. Clearly they had not expected such open affection from the usually closed-off patriarch.

Penny stepped back so the others could murmur brief goodbyes. When they’d all finished, she cast one last lingering look over her shoulder at the family staying behind. Frank gave her a weak thumbs up. She managed a tremulous smile in return, praying it wasn’t the last time she saw that familiar, fatherly face.

Then she turned away, slipping out into the unknown once more with Natasha and the others. The road ahead was daunting, but Penny clung to her family’s love, knowing she didn’t walk it alone.

The mood was somber as they loaded into two cars. Penny hesitated, heart aching to glance back at the hospital growing smaller in the rear window. But she forced herself to face forward. Looking back now would only make moving on harder.

Svetlana slipped into the driver’s seat of the second car they’d acquired. “I know place we can go to start over,” she said. “An old friend's cabin, very far from South Side. We will be safe there for now.”

“Lead the way,” Natasha replied tiredly. With no better options, they could only trust Svetlana and keep going.

They drove late into the night before Svetlana finally pulled onto a pitch-dark gravel road seemingly in the middle of nowhere. After miles of twisting deeper into dense forest, a small cabin emerged.

The group tumbled out, exhausted and sore from the long drive. But the relief at having a destination, however temporary, was palpable.

Ian did a quick sweep to ensure the cabin was clear. Once secured, everyone shuffled inside, blinking in the dimness.

The interior was rustic but cozy, with a fire already crackling. Penny sank down on the worn sofa, emotions crashing over her now that they’d stopped moving.

Ned and MJ immediately flanked her, sandwiching her between them. Mandy dragged over a chair to join their huddle.

“We’re gonna be alright, P,” Ned said bracingly. But Penny could hear the doubt in his voice. She just nodded silently, too drained for false platitudes.

Sensing her need for quiet, her friends simply sat with her, grounding Penny until she no longer felt like shattering into pieces. Their gentle steadfastness filled her chest with gratitude.

Mickey and Lip appeared with a bottle of vodka, pouring them all shots. “Here. You look like you need this.” Lip says bluntly.

Penny accepted the glass, swallowing the biting liquor gratefully. The others followed suit, wincing at the harsh burn. But the shared commiseration was comforting.

Soon Svetlana and Fiona had a simple meal of canned soup and bread together. No one had much appetite, but they ate mechanically anyway.

By unspoken consensus, they gradually dispersed to claim spaces to sleep. Penny tossed and turned on a musty cot, emotions still churning. Sleep remained out of reach.

Resigned, she crept outside to sit on the creaky porch steps, staring up at the unfamiliar stars. She wondered if somewhere beneath these same constellations, the rest of her family was also gazing up at the night sky, thinking of them.

The front door creaked open, and Ian slipped out to join her, passing over a slightly crumpled joint. Penny accepted it gratefully.

“Can’t sleep either, huh?” Ian said, exhaling a stream of smoke.

Penny just shook her head, taking a long drag. For a few minutes, they simply sat in silence under the vast sky, taking comfort in each other’s presence.

Finally Penny spoke quietly. “Do you really think we’ll see them again?”

Ian wrapped an arm around her, lips pressed into a grim line. “Honestly? I’m not sure,” he admitted heavily. “But we have to believe we will. That’s the only way to get through this.”

Penny nodded, clinging to that fragile hope with everything in her. If she lost faith that their family would someday reunite, the grief and uncertainty would crush her.

Ian seemed to sense her spiraling thoughts. “Hey, look at me,” he said, grasping her shoulders. “We’re gonna be okay. We’ve got each other, and that’s enough.”

Penny held his earnest gaze, drawing strength from her brother’s steady calm. Ian was right - she had to stay focused on the present moment together. Their family’s love would sustain them through whatever came next.

The first few days in the remote cabin passed in a exhausted blur. They ventured into town once for essential supplies using fake IDs Svetlana had secured. But otherwise kept out of sight, wary of being recognized.

During the long empty hours, they passed time with cards, half-hearted movie watching, or just sitting silently together, each wrestling private grief.

Penny spent most of her time listlessly wandering the surrounding woods or perched high in the spindly pines. Only up among the leaves and birds did she find any sense of peace.

The forced inactivity weighed on all of them. Penny could see the restlessness in her siblings and friends, even as they tried to make the best of it.

Stir crazy himself, Ian finally declared he was going to comb the area for any work he could find under the table. Lip and Mickey quickly opted to join him.

“We can’t just sit on our asses feeling sorry for ourselves forever,” Ian reasoned. “A few shifts a week could help get cash and supplies.”

“I do not like this plan,” Svetlana said darkly. “Too risky.”

“We’ll be careful,” Ian insisted. “No one knows us here. We need this, Lana.”

Seeing the determination in his eyes, no one could argue. Penny still worried, but she understood their cravings to do something productive, however small.

The next evening, Lip, Ian, and Mickey returned looking triumphant. “Turns out there’s a pretty big construction site 30 miles out,” Lip explained. “They’re desperate enough for labor that they didn’t ask too many questions.”

“It ain’t glamorous, but it’s cash under the table at least,” Ian said with a shrug.

The trio quickly fell into a routine of leaving before dawn and returning late, exhausted but satisfied. Penny could see the shift in their moods having a purpose again, however minor. She hoped they weren’t pressing their luck, but bit her tongue.

After another week of listless boredom, Mandy announced she was joining Lip, Ian, and Mickey at the job site.

“No way am I gonna sit around here going stir crazy any longer,” she declared stubbornly when Fiona tried to dissuade her.

In the end, they had to accept Mandy would just venture out on her own if they refused. At least this way the trio could look out for each other.

Their days took on a monotonous pattern - the three would leave before the sun rose for work and return bone weary each evening. Penny, Fiona, Natasha, Svetlana, Ned and MJ made half-hearted attempts to keep busy around the cabin.

But the isolation still grated at them. Penny could see the silent desperation in her sister and friends’ eyes. She knew it was only a matter of time before they broke too.

Sure enough, late one sleepless night when it was just her and Fiona still awake, her sister broke the fragile silence.

“I need to get out of here, Pen. Even if just for a few hours.”

Fiona’s voice was strained, eyes pleading. “It’s not healthy, all this sitting around with nothing but our thoughts. I’ll lose it if I have to stay cooped up another day.”

Penny hesitated. She knew Fiona was right - the inaction was crushing them all slowly. But she worried what risks even a brief escape could bring.

Sensing her reluctance, Fiona moved closer, grasping Penny’s hands urgently. “Please, Penny. Just a quick break to clear our heads, and then we come straight back. No one has to know.”

Biting her lip anxiously, Penny finally nodded. She needed an escape just as badly. “Okay. But we stick together and come right back.”

Fiona exhaled in relief. “I promise.”

They left a vague note so the others wouldn’t worry and slipped outside into the cool night. Penny inhaled deeply, already feeling some of the heavy fog in her mind lifting.

They drove with the windows down, singing along to the crackly radio, the wind whipping their hair. For the first time in weeks, Penny felt almost free.

In a tiny nearby town, they wandered through the nearly deserted late night diner and shops. Away from the shadows hanging over the cabin, Penny glimpsed Fiona’s smile emerge again.

Too soon though, they had to turn back, the real world creeping in again. But Fiona squeezed Penny’s hand gratefully as the cabin came back into view.

“Thank you for this. I feel like I can breathe again.”

Penny returned the squeeze, their dashed freedom already bittersweet. But for a few hours, the outside world hadn’t seemed so bleak. She could only hope they’d stolen enough light to sustain them through what lay ahead.

Over the next few weeks, the brief escapes became an unspoken routine - when the days dragged on unbearably, they would slip away for a furtive few hours of freedom.

Penny learned not to question Mandy, Ned and MJ anymore when they needed air too. As risky as it was, denying that fleeting relief was akin to denying them oxygen.

But the secrecy weighed on Penny. She wondered bleakly how long until they shattered under the strain.

One night, after everyone went to bed, it was just her and Natasha in the living room, with Natasha cleaning her weapons from on the other side.

Penny glanced over to where Natasha sat cleaning her weapons, hyper-alert as always to any potential threats. Her lethal focus reminded Penny that her family would never truly be safe as long as Spider-Girl was hunted.

The crushing weight of guilt and despair she'd been trying to suppress suddenly overflowed. A muffled sob escaped before Penny could choke it back.

Natasha's gaze immediately snapped to her. In two quick strides she was across the room, gripping Penny's shoulders.

"Penny? What's wrong?" Natasha asked urgently, eyes piercing as they scanned her face.

The gentleness in her tone only made the dam break. Penny's face crumpled as sobs wracked her body.

"I'm s-sorry," she choked out. "This is all m-my fault."

Natasha's brow furrowed in confusion. She guided Penny to sit beside her on the sagging couch.

"What's your fault, little spider?" she asked softly once Penny's sobs had quieted to occasional hiccups. "Talk to me."

Penny wiped her runny nose with her sleeve, ashamed to meet Natasha's steady gaze.

"If I didn't have these stupid powers, Ross never would've come after us," she whispered bitterly. "We'd all still be back home, safe and free."

She swiped angrily at the fresh tears spilling down her cheeks.

"But because of Spider-Girl, our whole family has to hide like criminals. And we'll never have normal lives again."

Her voice broke on a ragged sob. She covered her face with shaking hands. "I'm so fucking sorry I did this to all of us."

Strong arms immediately wrapped Penny in a fierce embrace. She broke down again, soaking Natasha's shirt with tears and snot.

Natasha just held her tightly, saying nothing as the storm of pain poured out of her. She began gently stroking Penny's hair, like when she was a child waking from nightmares.

When her sobs finally subsided to occasional hiccups, Natasha spoke, voice thick with emotion.

"Pen, none of this is your fault. Having powers isn't something you chose or wanted."

She pulled back, cupping Penny's tear-streaked face in her hands. "What matters is you tried to use them to help people, not for personal gain. Your heart was always in the right place."

Penny's lower lip wobbled. She wanted so badly to believe Natasha, but guilt still festered inside her.

"If it wasn't for me, the family would still be together and safe," she insisted hoarsely.

Natasha squeezed her shoulders, green eyes fierce. "You are the reason this family stayed together through everything. Your light guides us even through the darkest times."

She wiped a tear from Penny's cheek with her thumb. "Without you, we'd be lost. So don't ever for one second blame yourself for this, Penny. The fault lies with small-minded people like Ross who only spread fear and hate."

A fresh sob escaped Penny's throat as she clung to her sister, desperately needing the reassurance of her steady strength and wisdom.

Natasha held her close, rocking her gently and murmuring soothing Russian endearments until Penny finally ran out of tears.

When she'd calmed some, Natasha said quietly, "I know how much pain you carry for us. But you don't need to be strong all the time. We're family. Let us carry you when it becomes too much."

Penny managed a small nod against her shoulder. She knew bottling up her anguish was only hurting them both.

A creak on the stairs made them glance up. The rest of the cabin's occupants stood there, blinking down at them blearily.

"We heard crying," Mandy mumbled, scrubbing a hand through her tangled hair. "Everyone okay?"

Ian moved to sit on Penny's other side, wrapping an arm around her when she gave a teary nod. The others shuffled over to collapse onto chairs and floor space.

"Wanna talk about it?" Fiona asked gently, noticing Penny's bloodshot eyes and tear-stained cheeks.

Penny chewed her lip, embarrassed now to have woken them over her breakdown. But Natasha gave her an encouraging look, and Ian bumped her shoulder supportively.

Taking a shaky breath, Penny opened up haltingly about the crushing guilt she carried over their situation. The others listened intently, faces growing more dismayed the longer she spoke.

"Jesus, why didn't you say anything sooner?" Ian asked when she finally finished. "You know we've never blamed you for any of this shit, right?"

The others rumbled emphatic agreement. "Are you kidding? You getting spider powers was like the one cool thing that ever happened to this family," Mandy insisted.

"She's right," Fiona said fiercely. "The way you've tried to help people and see good in the world despite all the pain you've been through..."

She shook her head in amazement. "You're the best of us, Pen. Our whole world."

Lip scrubbed a hand down his face, looking gutted. "I had no idea you were tormenting yourself with this. I'm so sorry, sis."

"We should have told you before how much light you bring us," MJ said softly, eyes glistening, holding her girlfriend's hands. Ned wrapped an arm around her shoulders, nodding agreement.

"You are the heart that holds us all together, little spider." Svetlana added gently. “Do not ever doubt that."

Ian pressed a kiss to Penny's hair. "I hope you know now you could never disappoint us, or be blamed for any of this bullshit. We're family. We've got you no matter what."

His sincerity made Penny’s lip wobble dangerously again. She managed a watery smile, heart swelling with gratitude for this hodgepodge family she loved so fiercely.

"I'm really glad you guys are here," she said thickly. “Having you by my side makes all of this suck a little less.”

“Ain’t getting rid of us that easy,” Mickey said gruffly, his brusque tone at odds with the tenderness in his eyes.

Svetlana stood suddenly. “I will make hot chocolate. Something comforting after tears, yes?”

The others echoed approval of this plan. Soon they were piled together sipping steaming mugs, the mood significantly lighter. Penny allowed herself to take comfort in their closeness, her earlier dark thoughts banished for now.

Whatever trials lay ahead, she could face them with her family's support. Their unconditional love gave her the strength to keep fighting through the fear and uncertainty.

In the days that followed Penny's breakdown, her family went out of their way to ensure she knew just how cherished she was. Even Mickey took to gruffly tousling her hair whenever she seemed down to make her laugh.

Penny found her spirits lifting with their constant affection and attempts to keep the mood light, even in their grim situation. She realized now the terrible toll keeping her anguish bottled up had taken.

Letting her guard down and allowing them to comfort her filled Penny with renewed gratitude and resilience. Their love helped ease the crushing responsibility she carried for their predicament.

But the constant confinement still grated at them all. Penny could see her siblings growing restless and on edge again as the days dragged endlessly on.

Late one sleepless night, she joined Ian on the sagging porch steps, accepting the cigarette he passed over. They sat smoking in silence for awhile, gazes fixed on the starry sky.

Finally Ian spoke quietly. “I’ve been thinking of enlisting one day.”

Penny's gaze snapped to his profile, eyes widening. But Ian kept staring straight ahead.

“Figured army life’s got to be better than just rotting away in this cabin. At least I'd be doing something.”

He turned to meet Penny's shocked stare. “With a decent salary and benefits, I could send money to help you guys out. Get Lip back in college maybe.”

Penny just shook her head wordlessly, too stunned to respond. The thought of Ian sacrificing years of his life to the army, just to rescue the rest of them from this limbo, made her chest ache.

Sensing her distress, Ian wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Hey, it was just a thought. I'm not gonna do anything rash. At least, when we stop being fugitives.”

Penny bit her lip, hating that he felt compelled to such extreme measures on her behalf. An idea sparked suddenly.

“What if I tried patrolling again as Spider Girl?” At Ian’s wary look, she rushed on. “Just close by, real low-key. Maybe I can anonymously tip the cops to criminals to help clean this area up.”

It wasn't a perfect solution. But Penny hoped resuming her vigilante work, even in a limited capacity, could lift their spirits and financial struggles just enough.

Ian considered it, looking thoughtful. “I mean, I don’t love the risk if you got caught. But I get needing to feel useful again.”

He bumped her shoulder gently. “How about we give it a trial week and see how it goes? I won't rat you out to Natasha."

Relief coursed through Penny. She could see the spark of hope in Ian's eyes at the prospect of taking action again.

She hugged him tightly. “It’s a deal. And thank you, for everything.”

Ian just pressed a kiss to her hair. They sat together a while longer in more peaceful silence before finally attempting sleep again.

The next evening while the others were occupied, Penny slipped out in her spider suit, pulling the mask on as soon as she hit the treeline. Moving stealthily through the shadows, she allowed her senses to spread out, searching for any signs of trouble.

After about an hour of fruitless patrolling, distant shouts caught her attention. Creeping closer, Penny spotted a group of teens spray painting what looked like gang signs on buildings.

Keeping out of sight, she tracked their movements, waiting for the right moment to act. When they headed down an isolated alley, she made her move.

Flipping directly in their path, she fired webs to yank away spray cans and immobilize them against the wall before they could react. Their startled shouts echoed down the alley.

“What the hell, man?”

“We're stuck! Yo, who are you supposed to be?”

Ignoring their questions, Penny tipped an imaginary hat. “Evening fellas. defacing public property isn't very neighborly. Let's keep this place nice for everyone, yeah?”

Before they could respond, she leapt away, leaving them trapped. She made two more anonymous stops to break up fights and stop a convenience store robbery using her webs. Her heart raced the whole time, but she couldn't deny the exhilaration.

Making it back to the cabin unseen, Penny collapsed onto her cot grinning. She'd almost forgotten how good using her powers for good felt. For the first time in weeks, she felt fully like herself again.

Ian’s grin matched her own when she recounted the night's events. “Look at you, friendly neighborhood Spider-Girl back at it again. I’m proud of you, sis.”

Penny couldn't keep the smile off her face the next few days. Her low-key patrols not only fed her soul, but lifted Ian and Mickey's spirits too knowing she was helping make a dent in local crime again.

One night when she swung back into the cabin, pleasantly exhausted after stopping an attempted mugging, Penny found Fiona waiting up instead of Ian. Her arms were crossed, face unreadable.

Penny's stomach sank. Clearly her late night escapades hadn't gone as unnoticed as she hoped.

“Hey, Fi,” she began weakly. “I was just—”

Fiona held up a hand. “Save it. I'm not an idiot, Pen. Did you really think I wouldn't notice you sneaking out every night in that suit?”

Penny winced guiltily. She braced herself for Fiona's angry tirade about recklessness.

Instead, her sister's face softened. “I get why you did it. And it seems like it's been good for you. Just wish you'd been upfront so I didn't have to worry.”

Fiona sighed, smoothing back a lock of Penny's hair gently. “It's been hard feeling so powerless lately. But be careful, okay? We still don't know who might be watching.”

Penny nodded, relief washing over her. “I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I've been way more cautious than before though. And it helps more than you know, feeling like I'm making a difference again.”

Fiona offered a small smile. “Yeah, I can see that. Your happiness means the world to me.” She bumped Penny's shoulder lightly. “Next time, clue me in from the start though, deal?”

“Deal,” Penny agreed easily. She felt closer than ever to her sister in that moment. Even when she messed up, Fiona never stopped loving or believing in her. It gave Penny the courage to believe in herself too.

After that night, Penny made sure to let Fiona and the others know when she was patrolling. It cemented their new understanding - keeping her confined against her nature wasn't healthy. They had to accept and support every side of her.

Fiona still worried of course, but she trusted Penny to stay cautious. And Penny made sure to share her small victories on patrol, wanting Fiona to feel proud, not afraid.

Their family still faced huge uncertain odds. But united in trust and acceptance, Penny began to believe they could survive this impossibly difficult situation together one day at a time.

As the weeks passed, Penny fell into a cautious routine patrolling the area after the others were asleep. She kept her activities subtle, but the late nights left her drained.

Part of her thrilled at resuming her vigilante work, helping local police crack down on crime. But she could feel herself burning the candle at both ends between patrols and keeping up a facade of normalcy.

Her mood grew erratic, switching from giddy restlessness after patrolling to moody irritability from lack of sleep. But Penny pushed down her fatigue, afraid to lose her only outlet that made the isolation bearable.

The others noticed the changes of course. Fiona attempted to gently bring it up, only to get her head bitten off as Penny lashed out defensively.

“I said I’m fine! Just leave me alone.”

Slamming the door on Fiona’s worried face made Penny feel instantly remorseful. But her pride kept her from apologizing.

She knew she was spiraling, but felt powerless to pull out of it. The only time Penny felt free was donning her mask. Everything else was suffocation.

It finally came to a head late one night when Penny stumbled back into the cabin, dizzy with exhaustion yet wired from adrenaline. All she wanted was to peel off her suit and collapse into bed.

But loud arguing from the kitchen made her pause. Pressing into the hall shadows, Penny strained to hear the heated whispers.

“We gotta talk to her, Ian. This obsessive late night shit is getting dangerous.”

Mickey’s gruff voice was laced with worry. Penny bristled, pressing closer to listen.

“She won’t listen to me,” Fiona said miserably. “If I push too hard she'll just pull away more.”

Ian sighed heavily. “You're right. She's barely holding it together. But she needs to get healthy again.”

Hearing them talk about her like some basket case made Penny see red. She spun around to storm away when dizziness overwhelmed her. The floor seemed to tilt violently.

Fighting nausea, Penny groped for the wall to steady herself. Concerned voices seemed to echo from far away as her vision went spotty.

When it finally cleared, Ian was gripping her shoulders, eyes wide with worry. The others hovered behind him looking similarly alarmed.

“Jesus, Penny, are you okay?”

She tried to wave off their fretting, straightening shakily. “I'm fine, just got a little dizzy. It's nothing.”

No one looked convinced. Fiona tried to steer her toward the couch. “When's the last time you ate or slept properly?”

Penny bristled, shoving her hand off. “I said I'm fine! Just leave me the fuck alone!”

Shouting made her head pound worse. The worried faces blurred together. Before she could stop it, a sob clawed its way out of Penny’s throat.

“I have to keep going out...it's the only thing keeping me sane,” she admitted through gasping cries.

Instantly Ian's arms were around her, guiding Penny to sit before she collapsed again. She gave in to the comforting embrace, emotions crashing over her.

Ian simply held her, saying nothing as she soaked his shirt with tears. The others hovered nearby, faces etched with helplessness and concern.

When her sobs finally subsided to hiccups, Ian kept an arm securely around Penny’s shoulders. The room stayed quiet, letting her gather herself.

“I'm sorry,” she rasped finally, voice raw.

“I hate feeling so trapped and useless here. Going out as Spider-Girl was my only escape.” She wiped her runny nose, ashamed to meet their eyes.

“But I know I've been selfish and worrying you all. I really thought I had a handle on it.”

Ian rubbed her back soothingly. “You don't need to apologize. We get why you were doing it. But you need to take care of yourself too.”

He ducked his head to catch her downcast eyes. “We just want you happy and healthy, sis. So tell us how to help.”

Penny took a shaky breath, leaning into the comfort of Ian's steady presence. "I don't want to stop patrolling completely," she said slowly. "It makes me feel free again, like I have a purpose. But maybe I could cut back to a few nights a week instead of every night."

She glanced around hesitantly at the others. "And I know I need to take better care of myself and not spiral like this again. It wasn't fair to shut you guys out when you just wanted to help."

Fiona moved to sit on her other side, wrapping an arm around her. "We get it, Pen. This whole situation has been hell. We just don't want you burning yourself out or getting hurt because you're rundown."

She squeezed Penny in a gentle hug. "How about I make sure you've got a hot meal and time to wind down properly after you go out? Might help you sleep better."

Penny managed a small grateful smile. Leave it to Fiona to find a tangible way to care for her.

"I think that would help a lot actually. Thanks, Fi."

Mickey spoke up from where he leaned against the wall, tone gruff but expression soft. "You know we've got your back, Gallagher. But gotta have your back too."

Despite everything, Penny huffed a tired laugh. "I know. I'll do better asking for help when things get overwhelming again. It's just hard feeling so trapped in this mess I caused."

"You didn't cause this," Ian said fiercely, squeezing her shoulders. "The only ones responsible are the assholes hunting you. Don't forget that."

Penny nodded, knowing rationally Ian was right. She had blamed herself unfairly before. But irrational guilt still lingered, however undeserved.

Svetlana appeared holding a steaming mug. "Drink. Is relaxing tea to help you sleep." Her tone brooked no argument.

Penny accepted the tea, breathing in the soothing herbal scent. She offered Svetlana a grateful smile. "Thank you. For everything, I mean. I'll try to stop being such a pain in the ass from now on."

Svetlana waved her off. "You are not. But we help each other, yes? Is only way."

The simple wisdom in her words made Penny's eyes water again. Svetlana awkwardly patted her shoulder before stepping back.

Mandy dropped onto the couch on her other side, nudging Penny gently. "We've all got our shit, P. That's what family's for. Lean on us next time before you spiral, 'kay?"

Penny nodded, not trusting her voice. The unconditional love surrounding her was almost too much to bear. She knew their problems were far from solved. But just then, it felt like enough.

They sat together late into the night, talking and reminiscing quietly. The tea took effect eventually, Penny's eyes drifting closed despite herself. She woke briefly when Lip scooped her up easily to carry her to bed.

A few uneventful weeks passed since Penny's breakdown. She kept her word, limiting patrols to a few nights a week and letting the others care for her physical and mental wellbeing.

It was an adjustment, but Penny had to admit she felt better rested and less on edge with the healthier routine. Her siblings seemed relieved too by the changes.

One sunny morning, Fiona announced they needed to make a grocery run. "We're out of pretty much everything edible," she said, taking stock of the bare cupboards.

"I can go with you," Penny offered, eager for any chance to get out of the cabin. Natasha, Ned and MJ also quickly volunteered, equally stir crazy. Svetlana stayed at the cabin, saying that someone needs to "hold down the fort."

They piled into the truck, rolling the windows down to enjoy the fresh air. Penny leaned back, letting the wind blow through her hair for once instead of concealed under a hoodie.

At the nearest Walmart, she lingered outside a moment, soaking up the feeling of normalcy. No one passing by would guess she was a fugitive from the law. For once she could pretend to just be a regular teenager.

Fiona gently touched her shoulder. "You good, Pen?"

Penny offered a small smile. "Yeah. It's just nice blending in for a change."

Fiona squeezed her hand in understanding before grabbing a cart. They meandered through the aisles, debating what necessities were most pressing with their limited budget.

Penny tuned out Natasha and Fiona's familiar gentle bickering, gazing absently at the passing shelves. When they turned down the electronics aisle, a colorful display caught her eye.

"Ooh wait, hang on." She hurried over to a rack of burner phones, picking one up almost reverently.

Natasha and Fiona exchanged a look but indulged her fascination. "See something you like there?" Fiona teased gently.

Penny turned pleading eyes on them. "Do you think we could get one? Please?"

At their surprised looks, she rushed on. "I know it's silly, but I'd really love to be able to call V and check on everyone back home. Even just once to hear her voice."

Her voice dropped to almost a whisper. "I just really miss them all so much. It would help a lot."

Natasha and Fiona's faces softened with understanding. "Oh honey, of course," Fiona said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "We know how hard this separation has been."

Natasha gave a thoughtful look. "Burner phones are useful, but minutes aren't free. We'd have to be very sparing with usage."

She hesitated, then offered a faint smile. "But I think we can make an exception for a few quick calls to Chicago if it means that much to you."

Penny's face lit up. She threw her arms around Natasha. "Thank you, thank you! I promise I'll be super fast."

Fiona chuckled, ruffling her hair. "You're cute when you're excited. Let's have a look at the cheapest one."

After careful debate, they selected a phone with 120 minutes to start. Luckily their grocery budget allowed purchasing it without raising suspicions.

Penny clutched the phone reverently the whole ride back, reading the instructions repeatedly. As soon as they returned, she hurried to the back porch for privacy, hands shaking in anticipation.

She carefully dialed the number she knew by heart. It rang three times before a blessedly familiar voice answered.

"Hello?"

"V? It's me, Penny," she managed unevenly.

A clatter followed by muffled curses. "Penny! Oh my god, sweetheart. Are you alright?" V sounded simultaneously stunned and relieved.

Penny let out a choked sob. Hearing V's voice was like emerging from underwater.

"I'm okay. We're okay, mostly," she managed after a few gasping breaths. "It's so good to hear your voice."

"Oh baby, you have no idea. We've been so worried," V said thickly. "Where are you all? What happened?"

Penny quickly summarized the past chaotic months, assuring V again and again that they were staying safe for now.

V made sympathetic sounds, clearly aching at how much they'd endured alone. "I'm just glad you've all had each other through this nightmare."

"Me too. I honestly don't know how I'd have survived without them." Penny swiped at her eyes, hating to cut this precious connection short. "How are things there? How is everyone?"

"Oh, same old chaos and mess," V said with a watery chuckle. "We all miss our Gallaghers something fierce, but we're getting by alright."

Her voice took on a more somber note. "Frank's still in the hospital. Gave us all a scare, but the old goat's too stubborn to pass up more drinking years."

Penny huffed a sad laugh. She could easily picture Frank driving his poor nurses crazy.

"And your other siblings?" she asked hesitantly. "Are they doing okay?"

"As well as can be expected, love," V assured gently. "The younger ones are staying with me for now. We look after each other."

Penny let out a shaky breath. Knowing her siblings had V watching over them eased some of the constant worry gnawing at her.

"Thank you for everything, V. You have no idea what it means that I can actually hear your voice right now," she whispered.

"Aw sweetie, you know I'd move heaven and earth for you kids if I could," V said thickly.

Her voice strengthened with conviction. "This isn't forever though. We'll figure out a way through this and get you home safe again."

Penny clung to that precious shred of hope. If unshakeable V believed they would reunite, she could believe it too.

They talked a while longer about inconsequential things, just soaking up each other's comforting presence. But eventually the minutes dwindled dangerously low.

"I better let you go," V said reluctantly. "But call anytime day or night if you need to, love. We're always here."

Penny's throat tightened. "I will, I promise. Tell everyone I love them so much. And give the kids big hugs for me."

"I will. Take care of yourself, my girl," V said softly. "See you soon."

The endearment made Penny's breath hitch. "See you soon," she echoed fervently.

The line went dead, leaving her cradling the silent phone as bittersweet relief washed over her. Just hearing V's voice felt like coming up for air after nearly drowning.

For several moments, Penny just focused on steadying her breathing, wiping away the last damp traces of tears. Then she headed inside to rejoin the others, heart exponentially lighter.

MJ caught her eye first, shooting her a questioning look. Penny managed a watery but genuine smile.

"I'm really glad we got this," she said simply, holding up the phone. "I talked to V, and it helped more than you know."

The room seemed to collectively exhale in relief. "That's so great, Pen," Ned said, squeezing her shoulder. "We're happy for you."

Fiona wrapped her in a quick fierce hug. "I'm glad, baby. We'll get you back to them soon, I promise."

Penny clung to her for a long moment, allowing herself a minute to just feel safe in her sister's arms. Fiona seemed just as reluctant to let go, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"Why don't I make us some lunch?" she suggested gently when they finally separated.

The others enthusiastically seconded this idea. Soon they were crowded around the rickety table, chatting lightly as they devoured sandwiches. For the first time in forever, Penny felt almost normal again.

After they ate, Natasha stepped outside to discreetly check on Ian and the others at work. When she returned, her expression was serious but cautiously optimistic.

"The foreman mentioned more crews are needed for an upcoming project," she told Fiona. "Our boys may be able to get on full time if they keep impressing him."

"That would be huge," Fiona said, looking relieved. "We need the stability, especially with winter coming."

Natasha nodded. "It could be our chance to get ahead a little. I told Ian to speak to the foreman directly."

Penny felt a spark of hope at the prospect of her brothers gaining steady jobs. It was a tiny shred of light in their uncertain world, but she clung to it fiercely. If they could just catch a few lucky breaks, maybe they had a chance of surviving this after all.

Over the next week, they all waited anxiously to hear if Ian, Mickey and Lip would secure permanent work. The three returned each evening bone-tired but optimistic the foreman seemed pleased with them.

Finally, Ian burst through the door one night grinning ear to ear. "We got it! All three of us are on the new project starting next week."

The room erupted in exuberant cheers. Fiona pulled Ian into an ecstatic hug. "I'm so proud of you! I knew you could do it."

Ian ruffled her hair affectionately. "Couldn't have done it without you having my back. We're finally getting some decent money coming in."

He grabbed Penny up in a bear hug next, spinning her around. "You'll get to have an actual birthday this year!"

Penny laughed breathlessly. With everything going on, she'd nearly forgotten her 15th birthday was coming up. A real celebration with her family was the best gift she could imagine.

Overjoyed by the prospect of greater financial security, they passed around the rare treat of beers that night. The atmosphere was the lightest it had been in months. For once, luck seemed to finally be on their side.

In the following days, Ian worked out schedules with the foreman so he, Lip and Mickey could work different shifts and still have one of them home at all times. The exhausting routine left them constantly tired, but also hopeful.

On her birthday morning, Penny was startled awake by chaos outside her door. She shuffled out blearily to see her siblings attempting to decorate the cabin with limp streamers and a crooked homemade banner.

"Happy birthday Spider-Girl!" they cheered, blowing loud kazoo noises and clapping.

Penny laughed, overwhelmed with love for these amazing idiots she called family. "You guys are the literal best."

Fiona presented her with slightly melted toaster waffles topped with a candle. "It ain't much, but we've got some fun stuff planned for your big day."

True to her word, Fiona made sure the day felt special - giving Penny control of the music and TV, making all her favorite foods, and reminiscing about past chaotic Gallagher birthdays.

"Remember when you catapulted out of the grocery cart trying to fly like a bird and broke your arm?" Ian teased.

Penny groaned dramatically. "Why'd you have to remind me of that? I almost managed to block it out."

Their laughter echoed long into the night. Penny couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so light. For a few precious hours, it was just her and her favorite people celebrating another year of surviving against the odds. Nothing else existed.

She went to bed that night with her heart full to bursting, the echo of "Happy Birthday" still ringing beautifully in her ears. The coming winter might be harsh, but she knew with her family beside her, she would endure. They gave her the strength and love to weather any storm.

"Get some rest, Spider-Girl," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "We'll take care of everything else for now."

Too exhausted to respond, Penny let herself sink into sleep, safe in the knowledge she was loved. They would face whatever came next together.

Winter's chill crept over the land, driving the cabin's inhabitants further indoors. Tempers grew short as they were forced to endure endless empty hours trapped together.

When a pipe burst one frigid night, leaving them briefly without water, it proved the final straw.

"That's it. We need a night out before we murder each other," Fiona declared, only half-joking. The others quickly voiced agreement. They were all desperate for a change of scenery before cabin fever claimed them.

They debated the risk, but finally decided one night blowing off steam couldn't hurt. The lone bar in town seemed safe enough, filled with strangers.

Ian, Lip, Mandy, and Mickey skipped their shifts, eager for a chance to unwind. For the first time in ages, the whole group piled into the truck, breath fogging in the chill interior. Still, excitement was palpable at their impending escape from the cramped cabin.

"Try not to burn the place down while we're gone, yeah?" Ian teased Svetlana, who had opted to remain behind.

The Russian woman flapped a hand at him. "Yes, yes, go have fun. I will hold down fort here."

She met Natasha's gaze pointedly. "You all deserve a night off. Just be smart." Her expression softened. "Have one drink for me."

Natasha squeezed her shoulder. "We will. And thank you, Lana. For everything."

They rumbled off into the night, spirits rising as the lights of town appeared. The bar's neon sign glowed invitingly through the falling snow.

Inside, warmth and noise washed over them. Fiona inhaled deeply. "Oh, I've missed this. Feels like the Alibi." Nostalgia softened her expression.

The familiarity struck them all forcibly. For months, they'd craved any taste of their old lives and community. And here those memories echoed back at them tangibly.

For Penny, peering around the crowded room only intensified the homesickness gnawing at her. She glanced uneasily at Natasha and Fiona. "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea..."

Sensing her rising anxiety, Ian wrapped an arm around her shoulders, giving a reassuring squeeze. "We've got you, Pen. One night won't kill us. Just try and have some fun."

Ian's steady calm helped settle Penny's nerves slightly. She managed a faint smile. "You're right. I'll try."

"Atta girl." Ian ruffled her hair playfully. "Now come on, I see a dart board calling our names."

He steered her toward the back, where the others had already gathered around the worn board, heckling each other good-naturedly. Soon Penny found herself laughing at their antics, the heaviness in her chest lifting.

Over the next few hours, they rotated between darts, shuffleboard, and chugging questionable local brews. For the first time in forever, Penny felt almost weightless, like a regular teenager enjoying a night out.

As they squeezed around a small table nursing fresh drinks, Mandy raised her glass. "To chosen family. We've survived some crazy shit this year because we had each other's backs."

"Hear, hear!" They clinked glasses, echoing the sentiment. Penny shared a smile with Fiona, feeling lighter than she had in ages. If they could find moments like this even now, maybe they would be okay.

Mickey headed to the bar for another round. When he returned, his expression had shifted to something more somber.

"So, don't freak out," he began slowly, "but you're never gonna guess who just walked in."

Penny's pulse stuttered anxiously. Oh god, had someone recognized them? She shot Natasha a panicked look.

But Natasha appeared just as confused, brows pinching together. "Who is it, Mick?"

Mickey scowled into his beer. "The queen bitch herself. Monica."

The table went dead silent. Penny's gut twisted. No, it couldn't be. Fate wouldn't be so cruel...would it?

Against her better judgment, she slowly turned, following Mickey's glare. Sure enough, their mother stood by the bar, dressed in her usual chaotic finery, chatting up the bored-looking bartender.

Penny quickly spun back around, heart racing. "Shit, what is she doing here?" she hissed.

"Hell if I know." Fiona rubbed her temples wearily. "Of all the goddamn bars..."

A heavy gloom settled over them. So much for a carefree night of escapism. Leave it to Monica to track them down and ruin everything, even unknowingly.

"Maybe she won't notice us. We can sneak out the back," Lip suggested without much hope.

Right on cue, an overly bright voice shattered their debate. "My babies! There you are!"

Penny cringed, turning to see Monica hurrying over, arms outstretched. Up close, she could see time had not been kind to their mother. But her enthusiasm remained nothing if not genuine.

"Look at you all, my how you've grown!" Monica exclaimed, going in for hugs despite their frozen reluctance. "Mama was so worried when you disappeared."

"Was she?" Fiona asked coldly, evading Monica's embrace. "Funny, you seemed to forget us again pretty quickly last time."

Monica winced but quickly rebounded with a too-bright smile. "Oh Fiona, don't be like that. You know I've always loved you kids."

She turned her dazzling grin on Penny. "And look at you, my beautiful girl! You're growing into such a lovely young lady."

Penny shifted uncomfortably under the invasive scrutiny. "It's good to see you too," she mumbled, avoiding Monica's gaze. Even after all this time, their mother's fleeting warmth left her craving affection like a starving animal.

Oblivious as always, Monica prattled on, fussing over each of them in turn and reminiscing about "happier times." Penny stayed tense, praying Monica wouldn't ask where Frank was or probe too deeply into their long absence.

But she seemed too caught up playing loving matriarch to notice their averted eyes and clipped responses. Penny almost pitied her. Monica seemed so desperate to recapture an idyllic past that never truly existed.

After enduring a torturous twenty minutes of Monica's rambling, Natasha firmly steered her aside. "We should get going. Early shift tomorrow."

Disappointment flashed across Monica's face. "Oh, but we've hardly had any time to catch up! At least come back to my motel to chat properly."

She clasped Penny's hands beseechingly. "I've missed my baby girl so much. Please?"

Penny wavered. She knew getting entangled with Monica again would only lead to heartbreak. But seeing their mother so lonely and grasping pathetically at connection still tugged at her.

Sensing her conflicted emotions, Fiona stepped in, gently prying Monica's hands off Penny. "We really need to head home."

Her tone left no room for argument. Monica's face fell, but she rallied quickly.

"Well, call me, alright? I'm staying at the Sunset Motel down the road. We'll plan a family dinner!"

Without waiting for a response, she swept them each into fierce hugs before flitting away. They stood frozen for a moment before Natasha firmly herded them out into the cold night.

The ride home was dead silent, everyone lost in their own thoughts. Monica's surprise reemergence had shattered the lighthearted escape they'd sought. Now familiar grief and uncertainty weighed them down again.

Back at the cabin, Penny lingered outside, wishing she could rewind the night's encounter with their mother. The temptation to cling to Monica's conditional affection still shamed her.

Footsteps crunched behind her. She turned to see Fiona approaching cautiously, face etched with empathy.

"Hey. You doing okay?" She gently touched Penny's arm.

Penny just shook her head, tears burning her eyes. "I hate that she still gets to me after everything. I know she'll just abandon us again."

"Oh, Pen." Fiona wrapped her in a fierce hug. "She's your mom. It's okay to still want her love. But we both know Monica only truly loves herself and chasing her next high."

She pulled back, tucking a lock of hair behind Penny's ear. "The love you deserve is right here. Remember that, okay?"

Penny managed a watery smile, leaning into her sister again. She knew Monica's affection was fleeting and selfish. What mattered was the family who had never abandoned her.

Fiona seemed reluctant to let go, keeping an arm around Penny as they headed inside. The chaos of Monica's presence still lingered, but they had each other. For now, that was enough.

Over the next few days, they waited tensely for Monica to reappear. When a week passed with no sign of her, they allowed themselves cautious relief that she'd moved on again.

Until late one snowy night when frantic pounding jerked them from sleep. Exchanging panicked looks, they hurried to peer out the window.

Monica stood on the porch, makeup streaked and clothes disheveled. "Let me in, please!" she called desperately.

Before Natasha could stop her, Fiona wrenched the door open. "Monica, what the hell? You can't just show up here in the middle of the night."

Monica burst past her into the warmth, babbling incoherently through chattering teeth. Concern won out over irritation. Fiona guided Monica to the couch, draping a blanket around her shaking shoulders.

"What happened?" she asked, keeping her voice level with effort.

Monica finally met her gaze, mascara-tinged tears spilling over. "They kicked me out of the motel. I have nowhere to go, no money..."

She dissolved into heaving sobs. The group exchanged helplessly dismayed looks. No matter how much damage she caused, they couldn't turn their own mother back into the snowy night.

Fiona sighed heavily before sitting and awkwardly patting Monica's shoulder. "Okay, just try to calm down. We'll figure something out."

It took some time for Monica's hysterics to run their course. Finally she sat sniffling among the crumpled tissues, looking small and defeated.

Fiona brought her a mug of tea, still keeping her distance warily. "What happened, Monica? Why'd you get kicked out?"

Monica wrinkled her nose at the tea but took a sip. "Oh, just a silly little mix-up with the motel owner. I may have forgotten to settle my tab, but it was an honest mistake."

Judging by her cavalier tone, Penny suspected it was more than a simple mistake. Anger sparked in her chest. Monica would never change.

"Monica, you can't keep doing this," she said sharply. "It's like you want to mess up your life and drag everyone down with you."

Hurt flashed across Monica's face. "Penny, that's not fair..."

"Isn't it?" Penny pressed on recklessly, weeks of frustration boiling over.

"You sweep in pretending everything's sunshine and rainbows, then disappear again when things get real. You're so goddamn selfish!"

Her voice broke as angry tears burned her eyes. The room was dead silent. Monica looked stricken, but Penny didn't regret the outburst. She was done being continuously hurt by their mother's toxicity.

The heavy quiet stretched on. Finally Fiona touched Penny's shoulder gently. "Why don't we all get some rest? It's been a long night."

Her tone made it clear the discussion was over. Penny let herself be steered away, suddenly feeling drained. She glanced back once to see Natasha speaking quietly but firmly to Monica. Hopefully laying down clear boundaries.

In her cramped room, Penny expected the angry energy to keep her awake. But she was asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow, emotionally spent.

The next morning, she was surprised to find Monica already up looking sheepish but composed. Cleary Natasha had gotten through to her.

"Morning," Penny mumbled, avoiding eye contact. The harsh words she'd flung last night now made her cringe.

But Monica just offered a small smile. "There's coffee left if you'd like some."

Penny hesitated, then accepted the olive branch, pouring herself a mug before joining Monica at the table. They sat in awkward silence until Monica spoke softly.

"I'm sorry for just showing up like that last night. You were right - it was selfish. I don't think about how my actions hurt you kids."

She turned to Penny beseechingly. "I know I've made a mess of things often. But I do love you all. Even if I'm crap at showing it."

Penny swallowed the automatic sarcastic response on her tongue. She was so used to distrusting Monica's words, but something about her sincerity felt different this time.

"I know your life hasn't been easy because of me," Monica continued when Penny stayed silent. "You deserved better. I'm trying to do right by you kids now, I swear."

Her voice broke slightly. "I just miss having a family so much."

Seeing their mother so openly vulnerable was jarring. But looking into her damp eyes, Penny realized Monica was as lost and lonely as they were.

No matter their messy history, she couldn't turn her back. Not when Monica seemed honestly ready to change. They had to try and meet her halfway.

Penny tentatively reached out to squeeze Monica's hand. "I forgive you. And I'm sorry for what I said too. I was just frustrated and caught off guard."

Monica offered a shaky smile, gripping her hand tighter. "You were right though. I need to keep working on myself if I want to really be here for this family."

Impulsively, Penny leaned in to wrap her arms around Monica. They clung to each other, both craving that maternal bond they had never been able to rely on.

When they separated, Penny managed a small but genuine smile. "I'm glad you're here, Monica. We'll figure the rest out together."

Monica cupped her cheek tenderly. "You've grown into such an amazing young woman. I'm so proud to call you my daughter."

Penny had to quickly glance away before she teared up again. Monica's fleeting warmth could be addictive. But she seemed sincere in her desire to heal. Penny had to try and extend the same grace, for both their sakes.

Over the next few days, Monica settled into an uncertain rhythm with them. She and Fiona butted heads often, both still nursing wounded feelings. But the initial tension slowly eased.

Having an extra pair of hands around turned out to be useful with the men constantly exhausted from long workdays. And Monica's bubbly warmth, however unreliable in the past, lifted spirits that had long been grim and weary.

Watching her mother try so genuinely to bond with them filled Penny with frail hope. She knew none of their issues could be fixed so easily. But with Monica putting in the work, they were finally establishing a real family foundation.

One late night, Penny found her alone by the fire, staring into the flames with a rare pensive look on her face. Hesitantly, she came to sit beside her on the worn rug.

"Hey. Can't sleep?" she asked softly.

Monica blinked, reverie broken, and offered a faint smile. "Oh just reminiscing, I suppose. This reminds me of campfires we'd make in the backyard when you kids were little."

Penny felt an unexpected pang, touched Monica recalled something so small but precious. "I miss those times," she admitted quietly.

Monica's eyes took on a sad sheen. "Me too. Everything seemed simpler then." She shook her head ruefully. "I've made such a mess of things since."

She turned to Penny. "I'm sorry I've missed so much of you kids growing up. Mothers should be there for that." Regret weighed heavily on her face.

Penny bit her lip. She couldn't erase their painful past. But she could offer forgiveness to help them move forward.

Gently, she laid her head on Monica's shoulder. "You're here now. That's what matters to me."

Monica tensed in surprise before wrapping an arm around her. They sat like that for a long time, taking comfort in each other's presence as the fire slowly faded to embers. Penny couldn't recall ever feeling this close to her mother.

Things were still messy and uncertain. But in that moment, with Monica cradling her the way she'd longed for her entire childhood, Penny finally believed they could become a real family. The past could be left where it belonged. They had a future to rebuild together.

Penny sank down on the creaky porch steps, gratefully accepting the cigarette Lip passed over. The nicotine buzz smoothed her perpetually frayed nerves. Monica and Ian joined them, gazing up at the starry sky in easy silence.

These stolen moments of peace were what kept Penny sane amidst the chaos. She cherished the rare times her and her siblings could just be, without their messy pasts or uncertain futures weighing them down.

She inhaled deeply, savoring the burning in her lungs. “Remember when you guys taught me to smoke out here?” Penny asked with a wistful half-smile. “I was maybe 12 and desperate to be included.”

Ian chuckled. “Yeah, you were so determined to act all mature and unfazed. Then you ended up coughing your lungs out after one tiny puff.”

Penny mock glared as they all laughed at her expense. “Yeah, yeah, yuck it up. We can’t all be chainsmokers right out the gate.”

But she smiled ruefully, recalling her eagerness to seem older and wiser than her years. The memory unlocked others of trying desperately to keep up with her reckless elder siblings, for better or worse.

“I’m pretty sure I gave Lip his first joint when he was 10,” Monica mused. She shook her head with a sigh. “Not my finest parenting moment. But I just wanted you kids to see me as the fun mom, you know?”

An uncomfortable silence descended. They’d never directly acknowledged many of Monica’s failures as a parent. But healing couldn’t happen without honesty, however painful.

“We get why you did a lot of things,” Lip said quietly. “Didn’t make it right, but we know you had your own shit you were dealing with.”

He offered a faint half smile. “I mean, we did turn out kinda scrappy and resilient, all things considered.”

Leave it to Lip to find the silver lining. Monica returned his hesitant smile, eyes glittering with emotion.

Clearing her throat roughly, she turned to Penny. “I’m glad we can talk about the past openly now. I know I wasn’t the mother you kids deserved.”

Her voice grew thick. “But I want you to know that everything good in me came from you. You're the reason I finally got my life together. Just seeing you never give up..."

She trailed off, shaking her head in awe. "You inspired me more than you'll ever know."

Penny's eyes burned, throat constricting tightly. Monica had never bared her soul so openly. Penny could only nod jerkily, overcome by the wave of love and reconciliation between them.

Monica pulled her into a fierce embrace. The unspoken words passed heart to heart - I'm sorry, I forgive you, I love you. Penny clung tight, floating in the balm of her mother’s unconditional love.

When they finally separated, the air felt cleansed. Healing still took time, but this was a start. Penny knew Monica would not waste this second chance. That was enough.

They lapsed into more lighthearted reminiscing about misadventures from their early years sneaking sips of beer or playing princess in the backyard. The memories came easier now, untainted by bitterness or regret.

Too soon, the gravelly rumble of a vehicle approaching shattered the peaceful atmosphere. They tensed, peering into the darkness as the pickup crawled into view, followed by armored SUVs.

Dread solidified like a stone in Penny’s gut. This was no friendly visitor. She met Lip’s taut gaze, seeing her own dread reflected back.

As armed soldiers began spilling out, a familiar figure stepped casually from the truck - Secretary Ross, impeccably dressed as always. His cool eyes instantly pinned Penny.

Stomach plunging, she scrambled upright. How had he found them again? She’d been so sure they were finally safe.

Lip bolted inside to alert the others. Penny's knees threatened to buckle with terror as Ross’ battalion advanced. This couldn't be happening, not after they'd sacrificed so much already...

Before panic could crush her completely, Natasha and Fiona appeared, forming a shield in front of her. Their fierce determination fortified Penny. She forced air into her frozen lungs.

To her shock, Svetlana and Monica joined them, standing tall beside her sisters. Their faces were set with unfamiliar resolute anger.

“You taught me well, Natalia. Today I prove it,” Svetlana murmured, fire in her eyes. Natasha nodded solemnly, clearly surprised but grateful for the backup.

Monica gripped Penny’s hand, magic already gathering around her fingers. “You’ll have to go through me first,” she warned Ross coldly.

Penny glimpsed Fiona’s stunned reaction at this display of power. So Monica was the true source of the Gallagher gift. But questions would have to wait - they had more pressing issues.

Ross showed no reaction to their bold front, regarding them coolly. “Bring me the girl. Lethal force is authorized.”

His cold order ignited Penny’s rage and panic into a savage energy. She would not be taken from her family while breath still remained.

In perfect sync, her sisters struck, fierce warriors wielding practiced skill and deadly magic. Monica quickly joined the fray with sweeping arcs of mystical energy.

The battle was chaos, but Penny clung to her sole purpose - protect her loved ones at all costs. She struck and whirled without hesitation, giving her all alongside the brave women shielding her.

From the corner of her eye, she spotted Ian and the others thankfully keeping clear of the melee. She prayed desperately their makeshift unit could withstand this surprise assault.

Time blurred into endless grunts of effort, cries of pain, bursts of magic, the coppery tang of blood. Penny’s world narrowed to ducking blows and striking back relentlessly.

Gradually the number of soldiers diminished as they fell beneath the onslaught. But exhaustion weakened the women’s own strikes. They couldn’t withstand the endless swarm much longer.

With a guttural cry, Monica unleashed a shockwave, buying them precious seconds to regroup. Penny panted harshly, searching her sisters’ faces. All bore the same dread realization - their energy was utterly spent.

“Fall back to the vehicles!” Natasha barked hoarsely. “Get yourselves out of here. I’ll hold them off!”

“No!” Penny cried desperately. She would not abandon her sister to martyrdom. But fierce hands gripped her shoulders.

“Go with the others! Now, маленький паук!” Natasha’s eyes burned with resolve. “I’ll find you, I swear it. But you must survive!”

Sobs clawed up Penny’s throat. But she could not waste Natasha’s sacrifice by resisting. She pressed one last anguished kiss to her sister’s grimy cheek before letting Fiona pull her away.

They piled into the truck, Svetlana gunning the engine before they were fully inside. As they peeled away, tear-blurred eyes found Natasha, alone but unbowed, unleashing her full Widow’s wrath.

Escape felt hollow. But Penny clung fiercely to Natasha’s promise to find them. If her unstoppable sister willed it, nothing could stand in her way. They had to believe she would survive.

Svetlana drove them hard through the night, hours and miles blurring together. The cabin was lost to them now. Stopping anywhere Ross could reach was far too great a risk.

When Svetlana finally pulled over at a truck stop near dawn, they were too shell-shocked to even debate their next move. All lay listless in the back, minds and bodies utterly spent.

Mickey eventually roused himself enough to go inside and buy food with the cash they’d hastily grabbed. But no one could summon an appetite after the night’s trauma.

Penny just huddled between Fiona and Ian, soaking up their reassuring warmth and solidity. Sleep teased at the edges of her drained mind, but rest would not come.

As the rig rumbled onward with no destination, Penny gazed numbly out at the passing landscape. Their future had never seemed so uncertain. How much more could they lose and still endure?

Over the next grim days, they drifted from one temporary refuge to another, always wary of staying anywhere too long. No words were spoken of Natasha, but Penny knew they all feared the worst.

When their cash reserves dwindled dangerously low, Monica slipped away one night and returned hours later with a duffle full of bills, poker-faced. No one asked questions. They needed the money too badly to quibble over how she’d obtained it.

Nearing complete depletion physically and emotionally, they finally stumbled across a remote foreclosed farmhouse and decided to lay low for a while. Penny wanted to believe they were still free, but in her heart she knew Ross was not far behind.

The weathered house became their shelter, its dusty rooms echoing with all they had lost. Penny spent hours perched on the roof or wandering the overgrown fields, grappling with her churning emotions.

The gnawing ache of Natasha’s absence was the most unbearable. Penny replayed their last moments together obsessively, clinging to the memory of her sister’s fierce promise to find them again. It was all that kept her from madness.

One particularly difficult night found her huddled on the sagging porch as emotions threatened to choke her. Gentle hands gripped Penny’s shoulders, grounding her.

She looked up with wet eyes to see Fiona watching her in sad understanding, face pale and drawn in the dimness. They had all suffered so much.

Wordlessly, Fiona wrapped her in a hug, holding Penny fiercely as she broke down. Fiona just rocked her through the storm until she finally cried herself out.

When Penny’s sobs faded to hiccups, Fiona smoothed back her hair gently. “I know how much it hurts, baby. But we have to keep believing Natasha will find us. She doesn’t break promises.”

Penny clung to that fragile hope. If unshakable Natasha willed it, surely not even death could stop her from reuniting with them. Until then, Penny just had to endure this unbearable void one breath at a time.

Over the passing weeks, they cautiously began venturing into town for essentials, keeping a hypervigilant watch for signs of trouble. But the sleepy rural area seemed beyond Ross’ long reach.

Their guards lowered by increments as days passed with no threats emerging. Maybe, just maybe, they had finally escaped the worst and could rebuild a quiet life here.

But late one cold night, the crunch of tires on gravel shattered that fragile hope. Grabbing the baseball bat they kept by the door, Penny crept onto the porch, Fiona tense behind her.

Through the darkness, she made out a sleek car winding towards them, clearly out of place on these dilapidated backroads.

Before they could bolt back inside, the car pulled up smoothly, engine going silent. After an endless tense moment, a familiar silhouette stepped into the wan moonlight.

Penny’s weapon clattered forgotten to the boards. A choked sob escaped her as Natasha wordlessly climbed the steps and pulled her into a crushing embrace.

“Shh маленький паук, I’m here now.” Penny could only cling tighter, soaking in her sister’s solid warmth. In that moment, she knew everything would be alright.

Fiona wrapped her arms around them both, laughing breathlessly through tears of relief. “I knew you’d find us, Tasha. I just knew it.”

When they finally separated, Natasha grasped Fiona’s hands tightly in wordless apology. Fiona just shook her head firmly.

“Don’t even start. You have nothing to apologize for.” She touched Natasha’s bruised cheek gently. “We’re together now. That’s all that matters.”

Penny saw the sheen of tears in Natasha’s eyes before she blinked them back, nodding sharply.

“Let’s get inside where I can finish saying hello properly.” Her smile was brighter than Penny had seen in ages. Their missing piece had returned. They were whole again.

The joyful reunion with the others lifted some of the oppressive gloom from the worn house. For the first time since that awful night, Penny felt a flicker of something she’d long thought lost - hope.

In the following days, Natasha revealed she had compiled dossiers on Secretary Ross’ activities and unsanctioned movements of his strike team with help from Tony Stark and other allies.

“I’m so close to exposing that snake for the obsessive zealot he is,” she told them, green eyes blazing. “But Ross is tenacious. One misstep could undo everything.”

Her expression softened as she surveyed them. “I know it’s asking a lot after all you’ve endured. But I need you to lay low just a bit longer.” She gripped Penny’s hand. “Endure this with me, and I swear we will have our lives back.”

Penny searched Natasha’s eyes, seeing the unwavering determination there. After everything, she trusted her sister unconditionally.

“We can do this,” she said quietly. The others echoed her confidence. They had survived the unimaginable already. What was a bit more time?

Buoyed by Natasha’s return, they clung to fragile hope as days passed in tense limbo. Each minute crawling by was one closer to freedom. They just had to hold on.

The night everything changed began normally enough. Penny smiled faintly as Lip recounted a story from their early foster care days dramatically, complete with ridiculous voices and gestures.

For a moment, it was as if the past years of fear and loss had fallen away. They were just a family enjoying each other’s company, unafraid.

The sudden screech of tires outside made them all freeze. Exchanging panicked looks, they scrambled to peer out the grubby window just as a military transport roared up.

Penny’s gut twisted violently. No, it couldn't be him again. They’d been so careful...

But the stern form of Secretary Ross climbing from the vehicle shattered her desperate denial. This was really happening. He had found them again somehow.

Wild shouts echoed outside. Natasha and Fiona instantly moved to shield Penny, faces etched with protective resolve. She wanted to sink to the floor and hide, but her family needed her to be strong now.

This was the fight for their lives. And Gallagher's didn't back down, no matter the odds.

Squaring her shoulders, Penny joined her sisters and the others filing outside. Her hands shook, but she lifted her chin defiantly as Ross approached, flanked by armored soldiers.

Ross smiled without warmth. “Let’s not drag this out, shall we? You know why I’m here.” His tone was casual, as if destroying lives was merely routine business.

Before Natasha could respond, Monica stepped forward, magic already gathering around her hands.

“You’ll have me to answer to first.” Though clearly terrified, her voice rang with conviction. Penny had never witnessed her mother so fierce.

Ross appeared more amused than threatened. He glanced dismissively at the soldiers. “Take them out. Lethal force authorized.”

Chaos erupted. Penny threw herself into the fray without hesitation now, fighting for those she loved with single-minded ferocity. Nothing else mattered but protecting her family.

The battle was a blur of screams, gunfire, magic and blood. She had no sense of time or place, focused only on striking her targets before they could get past her.

Gradually the shouting grew less around her. Bodies lay scattered across the yard. But Penny had no chance to feel relief at the sight. A stab of horror pierced her when she glimpsed Fiona crumpled motionless nearby.

Rushing to her sister’s side, Penny frantically felt for a pulse, nearly sobbing in relief at finding one, faint but steady.

“Fi, please wake up,” she begged, patting her cheek urgently. But Fiona remained unresponsive, barely even stirring.

Approaching footsteps made Penny jerk around. Secretary Ross strode towards them, face like stone. In his hand lay Natasha’s confiscated pistol, leveled right at Penny’s head.

Icy certainty filled Penny's chest. This was it. The moment she had tried so desperately to outrun.

Strangely, she felt no more fear, only fatigue down to her bones. She would not beg or barter for her life. The choice had only ever been his.

Setting her jaw, Penny rose on shaky legs, squaring her shoulders. If this was to be her end, she would face it head on, a Gallagher to the last. She lifted her chin and met Ross’ cold stare steadily.

A blur of movement in her peripheral vision made them both turn. Monica hurtled towards Ross, a shield of light gathered in her palms.

The shot rang out before Penny could even scream. Monica stumbled but somehow stayed upright, glowing hands still outstretched.

With a guttural cry, she unleashed the pulsing magic full force. It struck Ross square in the chest, sending him flying backward. His head cracked the porch post with a sick thud. He slumped motionless to the boards.

Shaking violently, Monica slowly turned to Penny, scarlet already spreading across her shirt.

With a sad smile, she crumpled into Penny’s arms. They sank to the dusty ground, Penny’s horrified wail splitting the air.

Monica gazed up at her, still somehow smiling. “Shh, it's alright, baby. I'm just glad you're safe." Her breath came in wet gasps.

Penny clutched Monica desperately, hot tears spilling down her cheeks. “No, please hang on! I still need you.”

A feeble hand rose to caress her cheek. Monica’s smile was gentle but her eyes already seemed distant, fixed on something in the distance.

Penny clutched her mother tightly, unable to comprehend that she was slipping away.

"You can't leave, please," she begged desperately. "We were just starting to be a real family."

Monica gazed up at her, eyes full of sorrow and love. "I'm so proud of you, baby. You have so much strength in you, more than I ever did."

She paused to take a rasping breath, face contorting in pain. Penny could only shake her head in denial, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Promise me you won't make my mistakes," Monica whispered urgently. "You're going to do such amazing things, Penny. Never let anyone tell you different."

Her voice was growing fainter. Penny gripped her hand as if she could physically tether Monica here through will alone.

"I'm sorry I couldn't give you the childhood you deserved." Monica's eyes glittered with tears. "But know I've always loved you...even when I got lost."

A violent cough wracked her slender frame. Penny cradled her helplessly, her own body shaking with sobs.

Monica's gaze found hers again, surprisingly clear. "My sweet girl. Thank you...for never giving up on me."

With a soft sigh, her eyes drifted closed. The awful stillness that followed was infinitely more deafening than the prior chaos.

For a long moment, Penny could not move or breathe or fully comprehend that the gentle heartbeat under her hand had gone silent. Monica was gone.

An inhuman howl tore from her throat as the reality crushed down. She clung to Monica's body, rocking her and begging her to come back. But there was no response. Her mother had slipped away, leaving an abyss behind.

Gradually Penny became aware of voices speaking urgently nearby. Arms lifted her, pulling her away from Monica. She fought wildly until Ian's voice registered in her grief-crazed mind.

"Penny, stop! You need to let her go." His tone was anguished but firm. "We have to get out of here before more come."

Let her go. The words pierced through the frenzied haze clouding Penny's brain. As agony threatened to pull her back under, fiery rage took its place.

Ross. He had done this. Ripped her mother away and tried to steal Penny's own life. She glanced to where he still lay motionless nearby.

A cold, ruthless clarity settled over Penny, stilling her shaking limbs. In that moment she knew exactly what must be done.

Gently, she pulled away from her siblings' grasping hands. Mickey reached for her again, face etched with worry.

"Penny, what are you..." he began anxiously.

Penny silenced him with a look. Without a word, she crossed to Ross' body and retrieved the discarded pistol from where it had fallen.

She approached his prone form silently, watching impassively as his eyes fluttered open. They widened in alarm at finding the barrel leveled between them.

"Please..." he rasped weakly, trying to pull himself up.

Penny's expression remained stone. "Did my mother beg when you murdered her in cold blood?"

Her voice was flat, lifeless. The coldness swirling inside had crystallized into deadly purpose.

Ross' mouth opened but no sound emerged. Penny gazed down at him, this monster who had ruined so many lives without remorse. He would never torment her or anyone else again.

She pulled the trigger. The shot punched a dark hole through Ross' forehead, splattering the dusty boards. His head flopped back, eyes staring sightlessly at the night sky.

A heavy silence descended, broken only by Penny's harsh breaths. She lowered the smoking gun slowly, turning to meet her family's stunned gazes.

Ian stepped forward, hands raised cautiously. "Pen? Give me the gun, okay?" His voice was gentle but worried.

She shook her head. "It's done. He's gone. He'll never hurt us again." Her flat tone seemed to unnerve Ian more. The others watched her warily, faces drawn.

Penny knew she should feel something - relief, grief, remorse. But she was empty inside, like a light had been switched off.

Ian finally took the pistol from her numb hands, pulling her into a crushing embrace. "I'm so sorry, Penny," he choked out thickly. "So goddamn sorry."

His voice broke on a sob. They clung together, sharing the infinite pain of Monica's loss. Penny just squeezed her eyes shut, unable to cry anymore. She wondered distantly if her heart would ever thaw again.

Fiona appeared beside them, notebook in hand, eyes sorrowful but resolute. "The car's packed. It's time." Her tone left no room for argument.

Penny pulled away from Ian shakily. He kept an arm around her shoulders as they turned away from the chaos and finality behind them. She did not look back.

They drove through the night, putting miles between themselves and Ross' body. Penny stared unseeing out the window, wrapped in a shell of numb shock.

When the first pale light peeked above the horizon, Fiona finally stopped the car at an empty rest area. The silence rang loud in Penny's ears after the long tense drive.

Her siblings turned to look at her with the same grave expressions. She read the unspoken question in their eyes. What now? Where could they possibly go after this?

Penny gazed back at them helplessly. She didn't have answers. But the sun still rose, unaware of their grief. Somehow, she knew Monica would tell them to keep going too.

So she straightened in her seat, taking a long breath. "We should get some rest. And then...we'll figure it out. Together."

It wasn't much. But it was a start. She saw her own bone-deep weariness reflected in their faces. They were here. For now, that had to be enough.

Fiona reached over to squeeze her hand tightly, eyes shining with empathy and pride.

Penny clung hard, summoning a ghost of a smile. The road ahead was uncertain, but hope flickered that dawn would light their way.