"i'm always here whenever you need me."
The front door slammed shut, the sound echoing through the quiet house. Natasha looked up from her book, eyebrows furrowing in concern. That didn't sound like her usually cheerful teenage daughter returning home.
She set her book aside and made her way to the front hall, where she found Penny leaning back against the door, eyes squeezed shut and fists clenched at her sides. Her backpack lay haphazardly on the floor where she'd clearly just let it drop.
"Penny?" Natasha asked softly. "What's wrong, little spider?"
Penny's eyes flew open at the sound of her mother's voice. "I-I'm fine," she stammered unconvincingly, straightening up and brushing herself off.
Natasha crossed her arms, leveling her daughter with a knowing look. "You don't seem fine. Did something happen at school today?"
Penny bit her lip, looking down. "I really don't want to talk about it," she mumbled.
Natasha stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Penny's shoulder. "It's okay, you can tell me anything. I just want to help."
Penny shook her head, blinking back tears. "You can't help. No one can help. Everything is just - it's too much and I can't -" She broke off with a choked sob, tears beginning to spill down her cheeks.
"Oh, Penny," Natasha murmured sympathetically, pulling her into a hug. "It's alright, let it out. I've got you."
Penny collapsed against her mother's embrace, her body shaking with sobs. Natasha just held her close, one hand stroking her hair comfortingly as she cried.
After a few minutes, Penny's sobs quieted to occasional hiccups. Natasha led her over to the living room couch, where they sat down together, Penny automatically curling into her side like she did when she was little.
"Do you want to tell me what's going on now?" Natasha asked gently.
Penny took a shaky breath. "It's just...everything. School is so hard. People are mean, they make fun of me, call me names. They think I'm weird and different. And trying to focus in class is impossible, there's too many people, too many noises, too much going on. I had a meltdown today in math class because it was all just too overwhelming. And my teacher got mad and sent me to the principal's office."
Natasha felt a flare of anger at the way her daughter had been treated but forced herself to stay calm. "I'm so sorry, Penny. You don't deserve to be treated that way."
Penny shrugged listlessly. "Maybe I do. I mean, I know I'm different. I try to act normal but I can't always control the meltdowns. I try to fit in but I just...don't."
"Listen to me," Natasha said fiercely, taking Penny's face in her hands. "You do not deserve to be bullied or punished for being who you are. Your differences are what make you special, what make you you. If people can't see that, if they can't take the time to understand you, that's on them, not you. You are perfect just the way you are."
Penny managed a small, wavering smile. "Thanks, Mom. I'm glad you understand me at least."
Natasha smiled back, brushing a strand of hair from Penny's face. "Of course, little spider. So school was hard, what else happened today?"
Penny's face fell again. "Well, after school I went on patrol as Spider-Girl, hoping that would make me feel better. But it was just disaster after disaster. A car chase I couldn't stop in time, a mugging I showed up too late for. No matter how fast I swung or how hard I tried, I couldn't help enough people. And then this guy I saved started yelling at me, saying I made things worse, that I was a menace." She buried her face in her hands. "He was right, I am a menace. I try to be a good hero but I just mess everything up. Spider-Girl is a failure."
"That is simply not true," Natasha said adamantly. "You do so much good out there every single day. You can't blame yourself for things that are out of your control. Being a superhero is about trying your best to help people, and that's exactly what you do. You are amazing, Penny. Don't let one ungrateful person make you think otherwise."
Penny lifted her head, sniffling. "You really think so?"
"I know so," Natasha replied firmly. "I couldn't be prouder of the hero you are. The fact that you keep trying, keep fighting to help people despite everything you go through shows how strong and brave you are. You inspire me, Penny. Don't give up on yourself."
Penny surged forward to hug Natasha tightly. "Thank you," she whispered. "For saying all that. I really needed to hear it."
Natasha hugged her back just as fiercely. "Anytime, little spider. I'm always here whenever you need me."
They stayed like that for a long moment before Penny pulled back, looking slightly less distressed than before.
"Do you want to watch a movie and order some takeout?" Natasha suggested. "Comfort food and some of your favorite films, how does that sound?"
Penny managed a small but real smile this time. "That sounds really nice, actually. Can we get Thai food? And watch Moana first?"
"Absolutely," Natasha agreed, standing up from the couch and ruffling Penny's hair. "You get it all set up, I'll order the food."
Soon they were curled up on the couch together with cartons of pad thai and curry, singing along to Moana's catchy songs. Penny seemed lighter, laughing and joking around by the middle of the movie.
As Natasha looked over at her daughter's smiling, relaxed face, she felt that familiar fierce swell of love and protectiveness. She would do anything for this girl, anything to keep her safe and happy. She knew Penny would continue to face challenges because of who she was - both a teenage girl with autism and a superhero with great power. But Natasha would make sure she always had a safe, understanding home to return to. A place where she was loved unconditionally, for everything she was.
They finished Moana and moved onto one of the Star Wars films, one of Penny's favorites. Curled up under a blanket, surrounded by remnants of dinner and singing mermaids, Penny looked over at Natasha with a soft smile.
"Thanks for tonight, Mom," she said. "It really helped a lot. I love you."
Natasha wrapped an arm around Penny's shoulders and dropped a kiss to the top of her head. "I love you too, little spider. No matter what, I've got you."
The next morning, Natasha was up early, a plan formulating in her mind. After seeing how much Penny was struggling, she knew it was time to take more decisive action.
First, she called Tony, knowing Stark Industries funded and was heavily involved with the STEM magnet school Penny attended.
"Hey Nat, what's up?" Tony greeted casually.
"I need your help with something concerning Penny's school," Natasha replied, getting right to business. "She's being bullied and discriminated against because of her autism. The teachers punish her for having meltdowns instead of helping. It's completely unacceptable."
Tony was uncharacteristically silent for a moment. When he spoke, his voice was serious. "That's not okay. Tell me exactly what's been happening and how I can help."
Natasha explained the way Penny was ostracized by peers and reprimanded by faculty for struggling with overstimulation and emotional regulation.
"This stops now," Tony said firmly when she finished. "I'll call the school administrator today and make it clear that appropriate accommodations and inclusivity training need to be implemented immediately. And any bullying or discrimination will not be tolerated. Penny has a right to feel safe and supported at school."
"Thank you, Tony," Natasha said earnestly. "I knew I could count on you."
After securing Tony's help, Natasha called Steve, knowing the Captain had experience advocating for vulnerable groups. She explained Penny's situation and the plan to pressure the school into change.
Steve spoke passionately in response. "No child should have to go through what Penny's experiencing. You're doing the right thing standing up for her. Let me know if you need me to come to any meetings with the school. Sometimes it helps to have Captain America himself argue for justice."
Natasha smiled slightly. "I'll keep that in mind. I appreciate the support, Steve."
Her next call was to Clint, expecting him to be angry and protective like herself. "That's completely unacceptable," he fumed after hearing about Penny. "Just say the word and I'll go down there to put an arrow through anyone who so much as looks at her wrong. No one messes with our girl."
"As tempting as that offer is, I think we should try handling this the legal way first," Natasha replied wryly. "But I may take you up on it if they refuse to make changes."
After preparing herself with coffee and steeling her resolve, Natasha drove to Penny's school. She strode through the main entrance and directly to the principal's office, ignoring the secretary's questions.
The principal, a severe-looking woman named Ms. Matthews, looked up in surprise when Natasha entered. "Excuse me, you can't just come in here-"
"I'm here to discuss my daughter Penny Parker's experience at this school," Natasha interrupted coolly. "Specifically, the pattern of bullying, discrimination, and failure to accommodate her disability."
Ms. Matthews paled slightly. "Ms...Parker, is it? Why don't you have a seat and we can talk."
Natasha sat, crossing her legs and staring the other woman down. "I do not think this school has been providing the appropriate support that Penny, as a student with autism, requires. She is constantly overstimulated, unable to focus and emotionally regulate in class. Then she is punished for having meltdowns. Unacceptable."
"We want all our students to thrive..." Ms. Matthews began weakly.
"Then accommodations need to be made," Natasha steamrolled over her. "Quiet spaces Penny can access when overwhelmed. Modified assignments and testing. Teachers educated on autism and properly responding to meltdowns. No more penalizing her for symptoms of her disability."
Ms. Matthews nodded. "Of course, those are reasonable requests-"
"I'm not finished," Natasha interrupted coolly. "This culture of bullying towards students with differences also needs to end. Penny deserves to feel safe among her peers. Anti-bullying policies must be strengthened and enforced."
By now the principal looked deeply regretful she hadn't just approved Natasha's demands immediately. "You're completely right, Ms. Parker. We have clearly failed your daughter. I give you my word I will implement stronger inclusion programs and anti-bullying measures right away."
Natasha stood. "See that you do," she said evenly. "And if I hear Penny has been mistreated in any way again, I'll be back. With an army of superheroes behind me. Understood?"
The principal nodded emphatically. Natasha gave her one last piercing look before sweeping from the office.
When Penny arrived home from school that afternoon, she was surprised to find both her parents waiting for her. Usually her Dad was away on long missions.
"Hey kiddo, how was school?" Clint asked, giving her a careful once-over for any signs of distress.
"It was...different," Penny said slowly. "My teacher let me put on noise-cancelling headphones when I felt overwhelmed. And at lunch, when some kids tried to trip me, Ms. Warren came over and told them to knock it off and leave me alone."
Natasha and Clint exchanged a pleased look. "I'm so glad to hear that," Natasha said, giving Penny a quick hug. "You deserve to feel safe and supported."
Penny looked back and forth between them suspiciously. "Did you guys do something?"
"We just had a conversation with the principal about making sure the school accommodates your needs," Natasha replied smoothly.
Penny shook her head in wonder. "Well, whatever you said, it worked. Thank you. Both of you." She hugged them again, tightly.
Over the next weeks and months, the changes at school continued to improve Penny's experience. The special education teacher helped her develop coping strategies. A social skills group was started for neurodivergent students to connect. Teachers were open and understanding if she needed to take a break. An anti-bullying task force cracked down on teasing or exclusion. For the first time, Penny felt accepted.
On Penny's 15th birthday, the Avengers held a celebratory party. After cake and presents, Natasha pulled Penny aside.
"I'm so proud of you, little spider," she said, hugging her close. "You are so brave. And I'll always be here to stand up for you."
Penny hugged her back fiercely. "I know. Thank you for helping me, Mom. I don't feel so alone anymore."
Natasha pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "You never have to feel alone again. This team, this family - we will always have your back. However we can.”
Penny smiled, feeling infinitely grateful for her amazing, supportive mother. With Natasha on her side, she felt like she could take on the world.