"he made sure to take care of you, even in death."
Natasha slowly opened her eyes, blinded by a hazy white light. Where was she? The last thing she remembered was plunging to her death on Vormir, buying Clint's life with her own. Now every inch of her body ached, like she had been asleep for ages.
"Natasha."
She blinked, vision clearing. Before her stood Steve Rogers, looking weary but victorious. Behind him towered a vast primordial landscape, orange clouds drifting across a purple sky. They were still on Vormir then.
"Steve?" Natasha pushed herself upright with a wince. "What happened? Are you okay?"
Steve let out a shaky laugh, pulling her into a gentle hug. "Only you could fall to your death and be more concerned for others."
He drew back, face growing solemn. "Clint and I got the Soul Stone. But to do it, one of us had to be sacrificed. You made the choice for us."
The memories flooded back. Tears filled Natasha's eyes as she recalled Clint's anguished screams while she fell.
"Did it work?" she asked urgently. "Were you able to reverse the Decimation?"
Steve smiled then, though his eyes remained sad. "We did. Tony used the Stones to wipe out Thanos and his army for good. The universe is safe now."
Natasha gripped his hand. "I knew you could do it. All of you." She hesitated. "And Tony? Is he..."
Steve's silence was answer enough. Natasha's shoulders slumped. Of course their victory had come with unbearable costs. Another friend, lost too soon.
After a long moment, she asked, "How am I here now? The Stone required a sacrifice."
"It did," Steve agreed gravely. "But returning the Soul Stone somehow brought you back. I'm not sure how or why, but bringing it back undid the damage caused in getting them." He met her gaze. "I'm just grateful it brought you back to all of us."
Natasha swallowed hard. "Clint..."
"He's alive and safe," Steve assured her. "Reuniting with his family as we speak. Come on. Let's get you home too."
He helped her stand. As they made the long trek back to his time portal, Natasha asked about the others. Steve recounted all she had missed—the rest of the Time Heist, Hulk wielding the gauntlet, the final battle against Thanos.
Natasha shook her head in awe. "You were able to wield Mjolnir? You and Tony really went all out."
Steve chuckled. "Well, desperate times..."
At last they reached the portal site. Natasha took a deep breath and followed Steve through. A familiarly verdant landscape greeted them, grass rippling in the breeze. They were only a few miles from the Avengers Compound.
As they began the walk back, Natasha steeled herself for the emotional reunions ahead. She and the team had grown incredibly close over the years. Her absence would have left a profound void for all of them.
Before long, the compound's sleek buildings came into view. Natasha quickened her pace, heart pounding. Where was everyone? What were they doing now, after both defeating Thanos and losing Tony?
"Steve!"
Sam Wilson came jogging out to meet them, pulling Steve into an embrace. When he caught sight of Natasha, he froze.
"I'll be damned." He shook his head in wonder. "We've got ourselves a bonafide resurrection."
Natasha smiled. "Good to see you too, Sam."
He hugged her tightly. "Don't ever pull something like that again, Romanoff. You hear me?"
She nodded against his shoulder, blinking back fresh tears. It was good to be home.
As they headed inside, she braced herself for the shock and emotional reunions. But as Steve led her down the residence hall, they found room after room empty.
"Where is everyone?" Natasha asked in bewilderment.
"Tony's memorial service was this morning," Steve said quietly. "After, I think most headed up to his family's cabin to continue grieving together."
Natasha's heart sank. Yet another painful ceremony she had missed.
They finally arrived at Bruce's quarters. As Steve knocked, Natasha fidgeted nervously. So much had happened between her and Bruce. She had no idea what to expect.
The door swung open, and Bruce's weary face lit up in open-mouthed astonishment.
"Nat?" He reached out as if to touch her, then stopped himself. "You're...you're alive?"
"Hey, Bruce." She gave a small wave. "The one and only."
His shock melted into joy. In two long strides he swept her up in a crushing embrace. Natasha hugged him back just as tightly. They had never been romantic partners, but Bruce was still one of her closest, dearest friends.
"You have no idea how good it is to see you," he murmured thickly.
Natasha just held him tighter. When at last he set her down, both their faces were wet with tears.
Bruce gripped her shoulders, still looking dazed. "How is this possible?"
As Steve gave him the abbreviated explanation, Natasha studied Bruce in concern. He looked drained, with sorrow carved deep in his features. Losing Tony must have hit him hard.
"Bruce, I'm so sorry I wasn't here," she said softly.
He just shook his head. "You have nothing to apologize for." Glancing between her and Steve, his brow furrowed. "I should head up to the cabin too. But you just got back..."
"It's okay, we'll join you," Natasha assured him. "I want to be there for everyone."
Bruce managed a grateful smile. "Then let's get going."
The quinjet flight only took half an hour. As they descended over a tranquil lake, Natasha peered out the windows anxiously. What awaited her at this cabin? More grief, certainly, but hopefully some joy too.
Steve landed them smoothly on the grass. Natasha's knees shook as she walked down the ramp, Bruce steadying her with a gentle hand under her elbow.
Voices floated from the porch, followed by approaching footsteps. Thor appeared first, Stormbreaker in hand, before stopping short.
"Lady Natasha?" His jaw dropped beneath his bushy beard. "You're alive?"
"Long story, but yes." She offered a wry smile.
Thor let out a booming laugh and pulled her in for a rib-crushing hug. As Natasha gasped for breath, the others spilled out onto the lawn, gaping in shock.
Carol was first to reach them, yanking Natasha from Thor's grasp to give her a fierce embrace. "Damn, am I glad to see you."
"Back at you, Carol." Natasha clung to her, overwhelmed.
One by one, they each hugged her in joyful greeting—Scott, Wanda, Happy, Pepper with little Morgan on her hip. Each reunion brought fresh tears to Natasha's eyes.
Only Clint hung back, watching warily as if she might vanish again. Natasha went to him, taking both his hands in hers.
"It worked," she said softly. "Whatever Steve did, it brought me home."
Clint searched her face as though needing to memorize it. Then he yanked her into his arms, clutching her tight to his chest.
"Don't ever do that again," he rasped in her ear.
Natasha huffed a wet laugh. "Believe me, dying once was enough."
At last Clint released her, swiping at his eyes. He kept an arm wrapped firmly around her shoulders as they headed inside.
The cabin's living room was cozy despite its size. Natasha sank onto the plush leather couch between Wanda and Pepper, little Morgan immediately climbing into her lap.
"I heard a lot about you, Aunty Tasha," the girl informed her solemnly.
Natasha's heart caught. "Only good things I hope?"
She tickled Morgan lightly and was rewarded with a precious giggle. Across the room, Pepper watched them with a bittersweet smile. Natasha's joy dimmed, remembering why the other woman seemed so grief-stricken.
"How are you holding up?" she asked Pepper gently. "With everything?"
Pepper's composure faltered. "I'm trying. Morgan keeps me going." She stroked her daughter's hair, then took a shaky breath. "But the grief comes in waves. I know Tony is at peace, though. He gave his life to save the universe—and our little girl."
The reminder of Tony's sacrifice settled heavily over the room. Natasha glanced around.
"I wish I could have been here for the service today," she said quietly. "To honor him with all of you."
"Tony would have been thrilled you're back," Bruce assured her. "That's what matters most."
She nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. Her gaze landed on a picture of Tony and little Morgan on the mantel, and her heart constricted anew.
"He didn't deserve to die so young," she murmured. Especially not after building this beautiful life with Pepper, finally having the family he had dreamed of. It wasn't fair.
Carol gave her a sympathetic look. "I know. But we have to make the best of the world he gave us."
"Aye, Stark's sacrifice won us the greatest victory," Thor intoned. "We will never forget it."
"Or him," Steve added firmly.
Morgan suddenly perked up. "Where's Penny? Daddy said she helps people too."
Natasha's brow furrowed. She vaguely recalled Tony mentioning a mentee named Penny around the time before the fight in Germany, but she had barely interacted with the girl. Why wasn't this Penny here now? Surely she would want to be surrounded by those who had known and loved Tony too.
She met Clint's eyes in silent query. He hesitated before answering.
"Penny's down by the pond. This hit her pretty hard—Tony was like a father to her. She needed some space."
Natasha's heart sank. Of course. The poor girl must be devastated.
She shifted Morgan gently from her lap and stood. "I'm going to go check on her." At their surprised looks, she added, "If Tony cared about her, then I want to help if I can."
Pepper gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you, Natasha."
The others murmured agreement. Natasha slipped outside, following the winding path around the cabin toward the pond. She had no idea what comfort she could offer this grieving young woman, but she had to try. It's what Tony would have done.
As she approached the tranquility pond, she spotted a lone figure kneeling by the water's edge...
Penny Parker knelt by the tranquility pond behind the cabin, her fingers grazing the cool water. Ripples spread outward in endless circles, just as the impact of Mr. Stark's sacrifice rippled through the universe.
She glanced up at the cloudless sky, picturing his last moments. Had he been scared? Peaceful? Solemn? She wished she could have been there with him, could have done something, anything, to spare his life. Survivor's guilt gnawed at her, threatening to swallow her whole.
Penny lowered her head, letting tears stream down her cheeks. She had never felt so alone. Yes, she had May, and she knew the other Avengers cared about her, especially Dr. Banner. But he was her mentor. Her hero. And now he was gone.
Footsteps approached from behind. Penny hurriedly wiped her eyes, though she knew there was no hiding her grief.
"Mind if I join you?"
Penny whirled around. "Ms. Romanoff?"
Natasha Romanoff stood a few feet away, her expression gentle. Penny stared in shock. As far as she knew, Natasha had perished on Vormir to retrieve the Soul Stone. How was she here now?
"Are you surprised to see me?" Natasha gave a faint smile. "Steve returned the Stones to their proper places. I'm not sure how, but doing so brought me back."
Penny shook her head in wonder. First Mr. Stark's death, now Natasha's return...the rollercoaster of emotions made her dizzy.
Natasha approached and sat cross-legged beside Penny. For a moment, neither of them spoke, listening to the whisper of the wind through the trees.
Finally, Natasha broke the silence. "I know how much Tony meant to you. I'm so sorry, Penny."
Fresh tears spilled down Penny's cheeks. Natasha pulled her into a hug, and Penny finally released the agonized sobs she had been holding back all day. She clung to Natasha, burying her face in the older woman's shoulder. Natasha said nothing, simply rubbing her back as Penny poured out her anguish.
After some time, Penny's sobs quieted to hiccups. Natasha stroked her hair.
"I never got to say goodbye," Penny whispered. "He was just...gone."
Natasha nodded. "I can't imagine how painful that must be. But Tony did what he did to save you. To save all of us. He was ready to make that sacrifice."
"I know," Penny said miserably. "That's why it hurts so much. He was a real hero to the very end."
She pulled away from Natasha's embrace, wiping her eyes with her sleeve. Natasha studied her with compassion.
"Tony loved you like a daughter, you know."
Penny's lower lip trembled. "I loved him too. He was the closest thing I had to a dad since...since my parents."
Natasha squeezed her hand. "He'll always be with you, Penny. In your heart, your memories. And he made sure to take care of you, even in death."
Penny looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"Didn't Pepper tell you? Tony left you a substantial inheritance in his will. Enough for you to go to whatever college you want, and then some."
Penny's eyes widened. "What? But I could never accept—"
"Yes, you can," Natasha said firmly. "Tony wanted this for you. Don't feel guilty; it's his way of still being your mentor and caring for you, even if he can't physically be here."
Penny sat in thoughtful silence. She had never imagined herself going to an elite university, assuming she would go wherever she could get financial aid and scholarships. But now...the possibilities seemed endless.
"Thank you for telling me," she said finally. "I'll think about what to do. But right now, it's just so hard..." Her voice broke.
Natasha put an arm around her. "I know. Let it out. I'm here."
Penny hugged her knees to her chest, shoulders shaking with renewed sobs. Natasha simply held her, bearing silent witness to Penny's profound grief.
At length, Penny's tears slowed again. She sat up with a shaky exhale, gratefully accepting a tissue Natasha handed her.
"I'm glad you're back," she said hoarsely. "I know the others missed you a lot too."
Natasha nodded, a shadow crossing her face. "I've visited with them already. It was...emotional, to say the least. You all thought I was dead for a long time, you know."
Penny looked anxious. "They're not mad at you for, you know, sacrificing yourself?"
"No, though Bruce and Clint were emotional wrecks at first," Natasha said wryly. "But they understand why I did it, just as Tony understood what he had to do."
Penny bit her lip. "I wish no one had to be sacrificed at all. Thanos took so much from everyone already."
Natasha sighed. "I know. But thanks to Tony, all of the universe was saved. All we can do now is honor those we've lost by living good lives while we have the chance. It's what Tony would want for you. For all of us."
Penny met her gaze. "You really think so?"
"I know so." Natasha put a hand on her shoulder. "The best way to cope with grief is by moving forward, one day at a time. Eventually you'll find your new normal."
Penny managed a faint smile. "That helps. Thank you." Impulsively, she threw her arms around Natasha again. "I'm really glad you're here."
Natasha returned the hug. "Me too."
They sat in a comfortable silence until Natasha cocked her head, hearing voices from the front of the cabin. "Sounds like the others are back from their walk. You ready to join them?"
Penny hesitated, then shook her head. "Could we stay here a little longer? I'm just...not ready yet."
"Of course."
Natasha shifted so she was leaning against a tree, and Penny settled beside her, head resting on her shoulder. Natasha idly played with her hair.
"You know, I meant to tell you, I saw that video of you stopping the bus with your webs. I know you're Spider-Girl. That was brilliant, Penny."
Penny smiled slightly. "Thanks. Just trying to help."
"Well, you're damn good at it. Tony would be so proud if he saw you in action. I know I'm proud of you."
Penny's expression clouded at the mention of Mr. Stark, but she nodded. "I hope so."
Footsteps approached again, lighter this time. Pepper Potts appeared, her five year-old daughter Morgan perched on her hip. Penny quickly sat up straighter, wiping her residual tears away.
Pepper's gaze was knowing. "Sorry to interrupt. I know today has been unbelievably difficult."
Penny gave a jerky nod. Pepper sighed.
"For what it's worth, you're not alone. Morgan asks for her daddy every day." Her voice was thick.
Morgan clung to her mother, watching Penny shyly. Penny managed a smile. "Hi Morgan. I'm...I'm Penny."
"Daddy talked about you," Morgan said softly. "He said you help people."
Penny's throat tightened. "I try my best, just like your dad did."
Morgan nodded, still studying her. Then she whispered something to Pepper, who set her down with a tender look. Morgan slowly approached Penny, studying her intently with Tony's eyes. Before Penny could react, the little girl had climbed into her lap and wrapped her arms around Penny's neck.
"I'm sorry you're sad," Morgan murmured.
Penny froze in surprise, then cautiously returned the hug, tears welling up. She met Pepper's gaze over Morgan's shoulder.
"Thank you," she whispered. "This...it helps."
Pepper's eyes shone with understanding. Natasha looked on, a proud smile playing about her lips.
After a minute, Morgan pulled back, though she stayed cuddled on Penny's lap.
"Mommy says Daddy loved you bunches," she declared. "So I can share him with you."
A tear slipped down Penny's cheek. "You are so sweet. Thank you, Morgan." Unable to resist, she dropped a kiss to the top of the little girl's head.
Morgan beamed. "Will you be my big sister?"
Penny laughed shakily. "I would love that."
Pepper stepped forward then, brushing a hand over her daughter's hair. "What do you say we all go inside for some cocoa?"
Morgan perked up. "With marshmallows?"
"Of course."
Pepper lifted Morgan back into her arms, then held out a hand to help Penny up. Penny let herself be pulled to her feet.
Natasha stood as well. "Hot cocoa sounds perfect right now."
The four of them made their way inside. The other Avengers looked up from their card game as they entered.
"There you are," Steve said with a kind smile. "How are you holding up, Penny?"
"Okay," she said. It wasn't completely true, but the pain in her heart felt a little less crushing now.
She let her little sister tug her over to sit on the couch, where the girl proceeded to tell her all about her favorite toys and TV shows. The others gradually drifted over to join them.
Later, cocoas in hand, Penny found herself smiling and even laughing softly at the girl's antics. Natasha caught her eye, giving her an affectionate wink. Penny's heart lifted just a little more.
She knew the grief would hit again later, as unpredictable as the tide. But here, surrounded by those who loved Tony Stark, she didn't feel quite so alone. She could get through this.
And when Natasha tucked her into bed hours later, smoothing back her hair with a whispered "Sleep well, little spider," Penny realized she had gained more than she'd ever dreamed possible today.
A mentor. A mother figure. And above all, hope. Hope that someday, somehow, she would be okay again.
Seven Months Later
The morning of Tony's birthday dawned clear and mild. Natasha balanced a breakfast tray as she nudged open the bedroom door with her hip.
"Rise and shine, my little паучок. I made all your favorites."
Penny sat up in bed, managing a small smile. "Thanks, Mom. You didn't have to go to so much trouble."
"Nonsense. Anything for my girl on a tough day like today." Natasha set the tray over Penny's lap and planted a kiss on the top of her head.
Over the months since Tony's sacrifice, she and Penny had become as close as any mother and daughter. Natasha would do anything to ease the teen's lingering grief over losing her first mentor.
Penny picked at her chocolate chip pancakes, while Natasha perched beside her on the bed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
"Talk to me, sweetheart. I know today's bringing up a lot of emotions."
Penny leaned into her embrace. "I just really miss him. I wish I could tell Mr. Stark about everything that's happened since he..." She trailed off, blinking back tears.
Natasha hugged her tight, heart aching for her little spider. "I know, паучок. But he's still watching over you. He'd be so proud of the amazing hero you've become."
Penny managed a tremulous smile. "You really think so?"
"I know so." Natasha tickled her lightly until Penny finally giggled. The sound warmed Natasha's heart.
"What do you say we have a little party tonight to celebrate Tony?" Penny suggested. "The whole team could come over, share stories..."
"That's a wonderful idea." Natasha kissed the top of her head again. "You work on the guest list and I'll handle everything else."
While Penny sent out invitations, Natasha busied herself cooking and baking all of Tony's favorites, including his beloved cheeseburgers. She hung twinkling fairy lights and set the table with an Iron Man theme.
Within hours, preparations were underway for that evening. Natasha busied herself baking Tony's favorite treats—chocolate brownies and blueberry muffins. She didn't often indulge her domestic side, but cooking was cathartic today.
By late afternoon, the cabin was filled with the aroma of baking goods. Natasha set the table with a red and gold tablecloth and Iron Man plates and napkins. At Penny's suggestion, she had also strung up twinkling fairy lights everywhere, keeping things festive.
Not too soon after, the quinjet descended onto the back lawn. Natasha watched from the kitchen window as the team disembarked, trading hugs and handshakes. Her heart swelled at the sight of their little family together again.
Penny raced outside to greet everyone. "Uncle Rhodey! Aunt Carol!"
The two Avengers swept her up in tight embraces. The others crowded around, exclaiming over how much she'd grown. Soon they all made their way inside.
"Do you think Daddy knows it's his birthday?" Morgan asks Natasha.
Pepper and Natasha exchanged a pained look. Natasha drew Morgan onto her lap, hugging her close.
"I'm sure he does, sweetie. Your daddy's always watching over you, even if you can't see him."
Morgan considered this, brow furrowed in thought. "Can he still get birthday presents?"
Natasha's throat tightened. "Tell you what—why don't we make him a card later? That way you can tell him everything you would want to on his special day."
Morgan's eyes lit up. "With lots of glitter and stickers?"
Natasha laughed. "As much glitter as you want."
She shared a tender smile with Pepper over Morgan's head. Ever since Tony's sacrifice seven months ago, his birthday had become a day of reflection. But Morgan's young spirit gave them hope of celebrating again.
Natasha found herself passed from one set of arms to another as they all took turns hugging her. "Good to see you too, Cap," she laughed, returning Steve's embrace.
Dinner brought nonstop reminiscing about Tony's funniest and most iconic moments. Natasha kept an arm wrapped around Penny's shoulders, pressing kisses to her temple whenever the teen got misty-eyed.
After eating, Natasha rose to her feet. "Before dessert, I know we'd all like to say a few words." She lifted her glass. "Who wants to start?"
Rhodey cleared his throat gruffly. "Tony was my best friend for over thirty years. He could be an arrogant son of a bitch, but he had a heart bigger than anyone else I've ever known." He shook his head with a sad smile. "I miss him like hell. But I know he's at peace now, the way he always deserved to be."
Quiet affirmations followed. Thor stood next, clapping a hand on Rhodey's shoulder.
"Well spoken, Rhodey. Stark was a noble warrior. We would not be here without his sacrifice." He raised his glass high. "To the Man of Iron!"
"To Tony," everyone echoed.
One by one, they shared memories of Tony's compassion, brilliance, and selflessness. Natasha kept an arm around Penny, letting the girl's tears dampen her shirt as she spoke about Tony taking her under his wing.
When they had all finished, Pepper dabbed at her eyes with a napkin. "You all meant the world to Tony. I know having you here today would make him so happy."
"Group hug?" Morgan piped up.
Laughing, they moved their chairs aside and gathered in the middle of the room, arms woven together. Natasha closes her eyes, allowing herself a moment of bittersweet nostalgia. She could almost imagine Tony in their midst, rolling his eyes but fighting a grin.
Too soon they drew apart, blinking back dampness.
Once the tributes ended, Pepper stood to dim the lights. Natasha carried over Tony's birthday cake, ablaze with candles. Their off-key but enthusiastic singing made Penny laugh through her tears.
As darkness fell outside, they moved to the living room. Morgan insisted on watching Disney movies, curling up on the floor with a pile of pillows. The team settled comfortably on couches and armchairs.
Natasha perched on the couch's armrest. Pepper leaned against her, head coming to rest on Natasha's chest. Natasha gently stroked her hair.
"How are you holding up?" she murmured.
Pepper sighed. "Today was...hard. But also healing. Tony would have loved seeing everyone together again."
"He would," Natasha agreed softly. Grief still clung to them both, but sharing the burden made it easier to bear.
Halfway through Moana, she noticed Penny slipping outside alone. Natasha pressed a kiss to Pepper's hair before following.
She found Penny down by the pond, sitting on the dock with her knees drawn up. Silently Natasha sat beside her, close enough for their shoulders to brush.
For several moments Penny just traced aimless patterns over the dark water. Finally she spoke.
"I used to tell Mr. Stark about all my missions here. How I stopped a bike thief, helped a little kid find his parents..." She swallowed painfully. "Now I don't know who to tell."
Natasha's heart fractured. She had no words to ease this grief, but she wrapped Penny in her embrace, holding fast.
Penny clung to her, finally letting the tears fall. "I miss him so much, Mom."
"I know. I'm so sorry, little spider." Natasha stroked her hair until Penny's tears slowed. She cupped the girl's face, brushing the moisture from her cheeks.
"You'll always have me, baby" she promised. "Anytime you need to talk, I'm here."
Penny managed a tremulous smile. "Thanks, Mama."
They sat together beneath the stars until Natasha noticed Penny shivering. "We should head inside before you catch cold."
But Penny hesitated, looking toward the glassy pond. "Could we light one of those floating lanterns first? For Mr. Stark?"
Natasha considered her tenderly. Even after everything, Penny's heart remained so open.
"I think that's a lovely idea."
She fetched one of the paper lanterns Pepper used for decoration. Together they lit the candle inside and set it adrift across the dark water. The flickering glow was mesmerizing.
"Make a wish," Natasha whispered.
Penny closed her eyes. Natasha bowed her head, wishing Tony peace, and that they might do him proud.
When the lantern had floated a distance away, Penny straightened up. The sadness in her eyes seemed lighter somehow.
"Thank you, Mom. This helped." Impulsively she threw her arms around Natasha's neck.
Natasha held her close, heart swelling. "Anytime, little spider." She stroked Penny's hair. "Now how about some more cake?"
Penny laughed, a welcome sound. Linking her arm through Natasha's, she let herself be guided back inside.
The living room had grown hushed, most people dozing. Pepper looked up at their entrance, questions in her eyes.
Natasha just squeezed Penny's hand and smiled reassuringly at Pepper. Today had been filled with as much joy as grief. Exactly how Tony would have wanted.
There was still pain, wounds too deep to ever fully mend. But they had each other. And Natasha knew Tony was watching over them, lanterns guiding the way.