"no pressures or responsibilities, just us."
Penny stretched her arms over her head as she walked out of the little roadside diner, blinking against the setting sun.
"That was a great milkshake, Mom," she said, skipping over to where Natasha was waiting by the car. "Thanks for stopping."
Natasha smiled indulgently. "Anything for my little spiderling. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Penny grinned up at her mentor and mother figure. It had been a few weeks since Natasha had broken her out of the Raft, and they had been on the run ever since. Penny knew she should be more worried about being hunted by former allies, but Natasha made it seem like they were just on an endless road trip.
Natasha opened the passenger door of the nondescript sedan they were currently using. "Come on, malen’kiy pauk, time to get moving again."
Penny slid into her seat and buckled up as Natasha got behind the wheel. "Where to next?"
Natasha pulled back onto the highway, checking the mirrors out of habit before answering. "I was thinking we could drive through the night, make our way farther west. How's a sunrise at the Grand Canyon sound?"
"That sounds amazing!" Penny said enthusiastically. She fiddled with the radio until she found a classic rock station. Humming along, she watched the scenery speed by for a few miles before speaking again. "Hey Mom, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, penny roll. What's on your mind?" Natasha kept her eyes on the road but her tone was warm.
"Why did you break me out? I mean, I know things were kind of crazy after Germany and Siberia, but..." Penny trailed off, not sure how to ask what she really wanted to know.
Natasha was quiet for a minute, carefully considering her response. "You got wrapped up in a fight that wasn't yours to begin with," she finally said. "I never should have involved you, and I'm sorry for that. But once you were locked up...I wasn't about to leave you there."
She glanced over at Penny with a little smile. "You're important to me, Penny. I'll always look out for my little spider."
Penny felt a rush of warmth at Natasha's words. Impulsively, she reached over and gave the older woman a quick hug. "Thanks, Mom," she whispered.
Natasha wrapped an arm around her for a brief returning squeeze. "Anytime, malysh."
They drove in comfortable silence for a while, Penny resting her head against the window as she watched the road signs go by. She must have dozed off at some point, because the next thing she knew Natasha was gently shaking her shoulder.
"Penny, wake up," Natasha said fondly. "I made a quick stop - come on, there's something I want to show you."
Penny sat up and rubbed her eyes. They seemed to be parked on the side of the highway overlooking some hills. The sky was an inky black dotted with millions of stars. "Wow," she breathed.
Natasha had climbed out of the car and was sitting on the hood. She patted the space next to her in invitation. Penny scrambled out to join her.
"I thought you might like seeing the stars without all the city lights blocking them," Natasha explained as Penny tilted her head back in awe. The Milky Way splashed across the sky in a glittering band.
"This is so cool! It's beautiful," Penny said happily. She leaned into Natasha's side, who wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"I'm glad you like it, little spider." Natasha planted a kiss on the top of her head.
They sat there for a while in comfortable silence, Penny utterly content to stargaze with her mentor. Eventually, though, she couldn't hold back a wide yawn.
Natasha chuckled. "Alright, I think it's time to get back on the road. You should try to get some more sleep."
Penny pouted slightly but followed her back to the car without complaint. She was asleep again minutes after they pulled back onto the highway, lulled by the familiar rumble of the engine.
When she woke up the second time, pale pink light was just starting to touch the horizon. Natasha had pulled over again, this time at an overlook facing an absolutely massive canyon. Penny's eyes went wide.
"Whoa," she whispered reverently. The Grand Canyon stretched for miles, painted in beautiful dawn colors.
Natasha smiled at her reaction. "Good morning, sleepyhead. I thought you might want to see this."
Penny turned and threw her arms around Natasha in a tight hug. "Thank you," she said, hoping she could convey just how much this meant to her. "This is awesome."
Natasha held her close for a moment. "You're very welcome, Penny. I'm happy you're enjoying our little road trip." She pulled back and brushed a loose strand of hair off Penny's face. "Now come on, let's take a walk. The sunrise over the canyon is supposed to be stunning."
They explored along the rim trail for over an hour, Penny ooh-ing and aah-ing over the views. As the sun rose higher Natasha eventually guided them back to the car.
"Alright malysh, it's probably best we get moving again," she said, though not unkindly.
Penny nodded reluctantly. As much as she didn't want this to end, she knew they needed to keep going. "Okay. But, um, can we maybe get waffles first?" she asked hopefully.
Natasha laughed. "Waffles it is," she agreed indulgently.
They stopped at the first waffle house they came across and enjoyed a relaxed, syrupy breakfast together. Penny tried to drag it out as long as possible, but finally they were back in the car heading down the highway once more.
Penny fiddled aimlessly with the hem of her shirt for a few miles before speaking up tentatively. "Hey, so...where are we actually going?"
Natasha glanced at her, one corner of her mouth quirking up. "To be honest, I don't really have an end destination in mind. I thought we'd just drive for a while, see the country, stay under the radar." She reached over to briefly squeeze Penny's hand. "Don't worry, I have a few safe houses set up when we eventually need to lay low for a bit. We'll figure the rest out as we go."
Penny nodded slowly. She looked down at her lap. "And...what about after? When this is all over, I mean." She tried to keep her voice casual.
"Oh malen’kiy pauk," Natasha said gently. "I know you're worried, but try not to think that far ahead. Whatever happens, we'll face it together, okay?"
Penny nodded again, blinking hard. She was scared, if she was being honest. Scared about being on the run, about what would happen if they were caught, about what her future held. But Natasha's steady presence made her feel like maybe, just maybe, things would turn out alright.
Taking a deep breath, Penny pushed her fears aside and tried to focus on the present. The sun was shining, the road ahead was open. She was getting to see parts of the country she'd never been to before. And best of all, she got to do it all with Natasha - or Mom, as she secretly sometimes thought of her.
Penny rolled down the window part way, letting the wind whip through her hair. She already had so many amazing memories from their short time together. And something told her this was only the beginning of a whole lot more.
"Hey Mom, can we stop for more milkshakes soon?" she asked with a cheeky grin.
Natasha laughed. "I think that could be arranged." She reached over to turn up the radio, and they drove on to the next adventure.
"Wake up, sleepy spider, we're here."
Penny blinked open her eyes at Natasha's gentle urging, sitting up and stretching. She peered out the window curiously. They seemed to be driving through a big city, all tall buildings and crowded streets.
"Where are we?"
Natasha smiled, eyes on the road. "Los Angeles. I thought we'd lie low here for a while."
Penny perked up excitedly. "LA? That's so cool!" She bounced a little in her seat. "Oh man, can we go to the Santa Monica pier? And see the Hollywood sign? Ooh, and go to Disneyland?"
Natasha chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Maybe not Disneyland since it's a pretty public place, but I don't see why we can't do the other stuff. The city's big enough to get lost in."
Penny grinned. As much fun as she'd had on their road trip, she was looking forward to staying somewhere for more than a night. Natasha exited the freeway and began navigating through the city streets. Before long they pulled up in front of a modest apartment building.
"Here we are," Natasha announced, parking the car. "One of my safe houses. It's nothing fancy, but it should suit our needs."
Penny eagerly followed her mentor into the building and up to the third floor. Natasha unlocked the door to apartment 3B and led the way inside. It was a simple one bedroom apartment, minimally furnished but clean and comfortable looking. Penny explored excitedly, peeking into kitchen cabinets and closets.
"This is so cool! It's like we actually live here," she exclaimed, hopping up to sit on the counter stool.
Natasha's expression softened. "I'm glad you like it, malysh." She opened the fridge, which was empty save for a few water bottles. "Why don't I run to the store and pick up some groceries while you get settled in? Any requests?"
"Ooh, can you get stuff to make pancakes?" Penny asked. "And also cookies?"
"Pancakes and cookies it is," Natasha agreed in amusement. She grabbed her wallet and keys. "I won't be long. Stay inside and keep the door locked."
"I will. Be safe!" Penny chirped back. After Natasha left she explored the apartment more thoroughly. The living room was sparse, just a couch and a small TV. The bedroom also only contained the bare minimum - a queen bed, a dresser, and a nightstand. The attached bathroom was equally utilitarian.
Penny flopped back onto the bed, looking up at the ceiling. She couldn't keep a wide smile off her face. This felt eerily domestic, like playing house. For the first time in a long while, she actually felt...normal.
The sound of the front door opening drew her out of her thoughts some time later. She skipped back out to the living room to help Natasha carry in the groceries.
"I got all the fixings for breakfast," Natasha told her, unpacking milk, eggs, and pancake mix. "Oh, and I picked you up a little something."
She pulled out a box of red hair dye. Penny gasped.
"You got hair dye? So I can disguise myself?" She took the box eagerly.
Natasha smiled. "Figured we could give you a makeover tonight, help you keep a lower profile."
Penny threw her arms around Natasha in a quick hug. "You're the best! This is going to be so much fun. It can be like a sleepover!"
"If you want to think of it like that, sure," Natasha agreed in amusement.
They spent the rest of the evening dyeing Penny's hair, then ate pancakes for dinner ("It's vacation rules!" Penny had declared). After watching a movie they'd found on cable, Penny started yawning.
"I think it's bedtime for my sleepy little spider," Natasha said affectionately, brushing a lock of newly red hair off Penny's face.
Penny didn't argue for once, exhaustion from their travels catching up with her. She borrowed an oversized t-shirt of Natasha's to sleep in. Natasha tucked her in and kissed her forehead.
"Good night, malyshka," she whispered. "Sleep well."
Penny was out like a light in minutes. When she woke the next morning, sunlight was streaming through the blinds. The smell of coffee and sizzling bacon wafted in from the kitchen.
She wandered out blearily to find Natasha cooking breakfast. "Morning, little spider," the spy greeted her with a smile. "Hungry?"
"Starving," Penny confirmed, taking a seat at the counter. Natasha slid a plate loaded with bacon, eggs, and toast in front of her.
"Eat up. We've got a big day ahead of us," she said, sipping her coffee.
Penny paused mid-bite. "We do? What are we doing?" she asked excitedly.
"It's your first full day in LA. I thought we'd do some sightseeing - the Hollywood sign, Santa Monica pier, whatever you'd like."
Penny lit up. "Really? That sounds awesome!" She attacked her breakfast with renewed vigor.
After they ate, they got ready for the day. Penny kept peeking in the mirror, still getting used to her bright red hair. She had to admit, she looked pretty different. Natasha did too with her blonde wig and sunglasses.
They took a meandering drive through the city, playing tourist. Penny soaked up the sights of palm tree-lined streets, sprawling mansions, and the gleaming downtown skyscrapers. Eventually they arrived in Hollywood.
"There it is!" Penny exclaimed, spotting the iconic white sign perched on the hills in the distance. Natasha pulled over so they could take pictures with it.
Their next stop was the Santa Monica pier, which was bustling with families and tourists. Penny insisted on dragging Natasha on all the rides and carnival games. Natasha won her a giant stuffed panda at the ring toss which Penny accepted with delight.
Tired but happy, they grabbed dinner from a pier-side restaurant and ate burgers and milkshakes while watching the sunset over the ocean.
"Today was so much fun. Thank you," Penny said as they headed back to the car, panda tucked under one arm. She leaned into Natasha's side.
Natasha wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a quick squeeze. "You're very welcome, malyshka. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."
Over the next week they settled into a comfortable routine. Natasha continued outfitting the sparse apartment with homey touches while Penny explored the neighborhood. They cooked meals together and bonded over shared interests like science, gymnastics, and of course spiders.
Penny found herself feeling more at ease than she could remember feeling in a long time. For the first time in forever, she felt like she could just be herself - not Spider-Girl, not an Avenger, not a wanted fugitive. Just Penny.
About two weeks after their arrival, Penny wandered into the kitchen to find Natasha looking pensively out the window as she sipped her morning coffee.
"Everything okay?" Penny asked, grabbing her own mug out of the cabinet.
Natasha started slightly. "Hmm? Oh, yes, everything's fine," she said, though she sounded preoccupied.
Penny fixed her coffee and hopped up on the counter. "You sure? I'm happy to listen if something's bothering you."
Natasha smiled faintly at her sincerity. "It's nothing, really. I just realized it's almost your birthday soon."
"Oh yeah, I kinda forgot about that," Penny admitted. She would be turning seventeen in a few days.
"We should do something to celebrate," Natasha mused. "Maybe have a movie marathon here? I could bake a cake..."
"That sounds really nice," Penny said, smiling softly. She could tell Natasha felt guilty for everything she'd been through lately and wanted to give her a nice day. Impulsively, she reached out and took the older woman's hand.
"Mom, you don't have to do anything big or fancy for my birthday," she said gently. "Honestly, just spending time with you is the best gift I could ask for."
Natasha looked slightly taken aback but gave her hand a grateful squeeze. "Alright malyshka, if you're sure." She fixed Penny with a mock stern look. "But I'm still baking you a cake."
Penny laughed. "Deal."
The morning of Penny's birthday started out relaxed. True to her word, Natasha baked a decadent chocolate cake and decorated it with sprinkles and candles. After breakfast they curled up on the couch for a marathon of Penny's favorite movies. Natasha surprised Penny with a couple gifts - some new sci-fi novels she'd been wanting to read, and a necklace with a silver spider charm.
"It's perfect, I love it!" Penny exclaimed, fastening it around her neck right away. She threw her arms around Natasha in a tight hug. "Thank you so much for everything."
Natasha held her close, gently stroking her hair. "Of course, penny roll. I know this year hasn't been easy, but I'm glad we get to spend your birthday together."
Eventually Penny's enhanced metabolism started to protest the lack of food, so they broke out the cake. After stuffing themselves with chocolatey goodness, they switched to watching lighthearted animated movies.
As the credits for the movie Howl's Moving Castle rolled, Penny glanced over to see Natasha watching her with a soft, almost wistful look on her face. "What's up?" she asked.
"It's nothing, really." Natasha brushed it off with a shake of her head. "I was just thinking how nice it's been, getting to spend this time together."
Penny nodded. "Yeah, it really has been. I know being on the run isn't ideal, but...honestly this is the happiest I can remember being in a long time." She bit her lip. "Is that weird?"
"No, not at all," Natasha assured her. She tucked a lock of hair behind Penny's ear. "I feel the same way. These past few weeks with you have been...very special to me." Her voice was unusually vulnerable.
Penny's eyes pricked with sudden tears. On impulse, she surged forward to wrap Natasha in a fierce hug. "I love you, Мама паук," she whispered.
Natasha tensed for a second before holding Penny close, one hand gently cradling the back of her head. "I love you too, sweet girl," she murmured into her hair. "So much."
They stayed like that for a long moment, content to simply be together. Eventually Penny pulled back, ducking her head a little shyly.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to get all emotional on you," she mumbled, wiping her eyes.
"You have nothing to apologize for." Natasha tipped her chin up, gaze warm. "I'm glad you feel comfortable sharing your feelings with me."
Penny gave her a watery smile. "Well, you're my mom. Even if it's not official."
Natasha looked briefly surprised before her expression softened. "I'm honored you think of me that way," she said sincerely, brushing away the last of Penny's tears with her thumb. "And I promise, no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you."
Penny hugged her again, feeling safe and loved in a way she hadn't realized she'd been missing. Natasha held her tenderly, letting her take comfort.
Eventually Penny sat back with a contented sigh. "This has been the best birthday ever. Thank you, Mom."
"You're welcome, sweetheart." Natasha kissed her forehead. Her watch beeped - it was midnight. "And now it's officially not your birthday anymore. Time for all spiders to head to bed."
Penny giggled but didn't argue, suddenly feeling drained. She changed into comfy pajamas while Natasha tucked her new books onto the nightstand in the bedroom.
Natasha sat on the edge of the bed as Penny crawled under the covers, gently smoothing her hair back. "Sleep well, malyshka," she murmured. "I'll be right out there on the couch if you need me."
She made to stand but Penny caught her hand. "Actually...could you stay?" she asked softly.
Natasha's expression gentled. "Of course." She settled against the headboard, letting Penny cuddle up to her side and wrap an arm around her waist.
Feeling safe and loved, it wasn't long before Penny drifted off, soothed by the steady rhythm of Natasha's heartbeat.
The last thing she was conscious of was a feather-light kiss being pressed to the top of her head, followed by a whispered "Good night, my darling girl."
Morning sunlight streamed through the blinds, rousing Penny from sleep. She blinked open her eyes and was momentarily confused to find herself curled up to Natasha, before the memories of the previous night came back.
Natasha was still asleep, features soft and relaxed. Penny took the rare opportunity to observe her mentor without her noticing. The past few weeks together had brought them so much closer, cementing the maternal bond that had been growing between them for a while now. Having Natasha openly return her affection made Penny feel safer and more loved than she could remember feeling since her parents died.
Eventually Natasha began to stir, her spy instincts never allowing her to sleep too late. She instinctively tightened her arm around Penny for a moment before her eyes fluttered open.
"Morning, little spider," she murmured, voice still raspy with sleep.
"Morning, Mom," Penny whispered back, unable to keep from smiling.
Natasha just gazed at her for a few seconds, green eyes soft. "Did you sleep okay?"
Penny nodded, snuggling closer. "Uh huh. Best sleep ever."
Natasha hummed, running a hand lazily through her hair. "I'm glad." She placed a gentle kiss to her forehead before sitting up slightly. "As much as I'd love to lounge in bed all morning, we should think about getting up. Don't want to waste the whole day."
"Five more minutes?" Penny pleaded, making her best puppy dog eyes.
Natasha laughed. "Oh alright. Five more minutes."
They ended up dozing for another half hour, both cherishing the peaceful moment. Eventually though, Natasha gently prodded Penny out of bed.
After eating breakfast they decided to spend a lazy day in. Penny worked on some school packets Natasha had picked up for her to keep up with her education, while Natasha tapped away on her laptop doing god knows what international superspy stuff.
In the afternoon Natasha declared a mandatory break from responsibility and popped some popcorn for them to share. They debated which movie genre to indulge in before settling on watching Ocean's Eleven and Ocean's Twelve back to back, to appreciate the heist skills.
Curled up on the couch together munching popcorn, Penny was hit again by just how domestic this all felt. If she closed her eyes, she could almost pretend they were just a regular family enjoying a movie night.
As if reading her mind, Natasha spoke up. "You know, I could get used to this. Having a home, spending quiet time together..." She brushed back Penny's hair, expression contemplative. "I didn't think I would ever get to have something like this."
Penny leaned into her hand. "I really like it too. It feels nice to just be, you know? No pressures or responsibilities, just us."
Natasha hummed in agreement. They lapsed back into comfortable silence, attention returning to the movie.
Later that night as Penny got ready for bed, she thought about how much had changed so quickly. Just a few short weeks ago she'd been locked up in the Raft as a rogue prisoner. Now here she was, with dyed hair in a safe house apartment, getting tucked in by the Black Widow herself - or rather, her mom.
Their relationship had evolved so naturally it was almost startling. Penny never imagined the stoic superspy would end up being a maternal figure to her. But then again, she mused, Natasha had never gotten the chance to just be herself either, free from her various covers and facade. Maybe they had both needed this - the freedom and space to figure out who they truly were behind the masks.
Penny drifted off to sleep feeling a sense of belonging that had eluded her since her parents' deaths. No matter what uncertainties the future held, she knew without a doubt Natasha would face them together. For the first time in a long time, she truly felt at home.