Limp (Alternate Prompt)
Mr. Stark had brought up the idea of sparring with him on Penny’s visit last Thursday. The idea had immediately made her anxious. Penny spar Tony? That just seemed like an absolute recipe for disaster. She was so much stronger than him, what if she didn’t pull a punch just right and broke his arm or something?!
But, Penny had hesitantly agreed and then switched subjects as quickly as she could, hoping Mr. Stark would maybe forget he had even mentioned it. Penny had caught the suspicious and slightly mincing look he had given her when she left and she had a pretty good feeling she wasn’t gonna be so lucky.
It was Thursday again and Happy’s car was waiting for her outside. Penny skipped down the steps as she waved goodbye to Ned and MJ, hopping into the black SUV swiftly.
“Hey kid,” Happy greeted, which made Penny smile. He seemed to be getting a little more open to conversation, and she was beginning to believe Mr. Stark when he told Penny that Happy was just like that and he did actually like her.
“Hey Happy!” Penny replied, unzipping her backpack to finish off the last bit of homework she had. Thankfully she has a study period on Thursdays which means she usually gets most of her work done before labs days.
Well, hopefully it’s a lab day.
Penny is instantly sobered up when she remembers the plan for today. It wasn’t that she minded training, that was actually really cool! I mean come on, her younger self would literally be on the verge of throwing up from excitement knowing Penny was a superhero and she was about to train with Ironman!
But Ironman wasn’t what he used to be to Penny anymore, he was so much more than she ever could of dreamed he would be. Her awe for Ironman was still there of course, but now she just thinks about Tony in the suit. About her Mr. Stark.
And despite his slogan, the man behind the suit was very much so not invincible.
She was aware Mr. Stark was a good fighter and he could hold his own, but hand to hand with Penny- Spider-Girl with enhanced senses, strength, and can literally sense danger- it was pretty damn obvious who was gonna win that fight.
“Kid? Hello, earth to Parker?” Penny’s head snaps up from where she’d been staring a hole into the back of the drivers seat, flushing with embarrassment.
“Oh! Sorry! Uh, what did you say?” Penny asks quickly, smiling sheepishly. Happy gives her a funny look.
“I just asked how school was, you alright?”
“Oh, yeah! I’m all good! Sorry, I uh-“ Penny holds up the textbook that had been sitting open in her lap and flashes it so he can see the object in the rearview mirror. “Just trying to figure out this dumb chemistry problem, it’s a doozy.” Happy takes the lie shockingly easily, fully believing her excuse. Penny only feels a bit guilty about it.
“I’m sure Tony can help you out with it if you can’t get it by the time we get there, I’ll let you focus.” And with that, Happy turns on the radio ever so faintly and they drive in silence the rest of the way to the tower.
When they get there, Penny loads up her homework that she actually did manage to finish before they got there and heads into the lobby. The front desk lady says her usual “Nice to see you again, Mr. Parker.” As Penny head on to the elevator. When she gets all the way up to the top level where the lab is, Penny is suddenly face to face with Mr. Stark right as the doors open.
Dammit.
The man is in a sleek, expensive looking training suit. It’s black with subtle but classy designs around the forearms, abdomen, and calves and has thin padding on the shoulders and such. He is standing with his arms out, holding another set of training clothes and a stupid smirk on his face.
Penny almost pushes the button to talk her back down to the lobby.
Mr. Stark motions her forward, looking pleased at whatever emotion must of crossed her face. Likely a grimace of sorts. He pats her firmly on the shoulder, dumping the clothes into her hands and leading her down the hall.
“Don’t look so excited, Pen.” Mr. Stark teases devilishly. Penny scowls at him.
“You’re rhe one who needs to pipe down,” she grumbled, but playfully nudges him with her elbow. “You are enjoying this way too much.”
Mr. Stark truly laughs at that, squeezing her shoulder as they head towards the training room. “It’s going to be great kid, promise! Now, go get changed and I’ll meet you in the ring.” He says ‘the ring’ like the title of a bad horror movie with exaggerated facial expressions.
Maybe knocking him on his ass (gently of course) actually will be fun.
“You’re the worst.” Penny can’t stop herself from sticking her tongue out at him as she goes into the bathroom to get into the new gear.
Penny gets out of her jeans and sweater and puts on the new two piece. It’s tight but comfortable with plenty of flexibility. The fabric feels sturdy and thick but it’s light and breathable. It’s long sleeved and has built in fingerless gloves. When she looks in the mirror, she can’t deny that it’s pretty sick.
Penny smiles, whispering to herself “Nice.”
It’s got the same patterns as Mr. Starks, but with a few added detailing around her waist and hips. Not sexual by any means, it just adds a more feminine feel to the suit which Penny very much liked. Her’s is a really dark navy blue, almost black like Mr. Starks. And right under the collar near the base of her throat was a simple spider decal.
Penny checks her locker where she leaves her training shoes, and finds a new pair of ankle boots that match the color of the suit.
When she emerges, Mr. Stark is waiting with two water bottles in hand. He smiles at her, this time more genuine and not so wildly mischievous.
“Looks good, kid! Everything fit okay?” He asks, passing her a water bottle.
“Yeah, it’s great! Thank you!”
“No problem, Pen. You ready?”
———————
Penny stands about five feet away from Mr. Stark, her anxiety is back full force. He seems annoyingly unbothered, his hands up in ready position. Penny mimics him, spreading her feet slightly and bending a bit at the knee.
“Alright, why don’t we start slow? Get a feel for it, yeah?” Mr. Stark encourages. Penny licks her lips.
“Mr. Stark I really don’t know-“ Penny shifts. To his credit, Mr. Stark does soften a little.
“You’re okay kid, I promise. We will take it easy, no need to worry. You’re incredible, no doubt there, but you need some refining. Hell, I need some too! Good for everyone all around!” Tony says, smiling and beginning to step to the side. Penny does the same, and they begin a slow circle around each other.
A picture flashes in her minds eye- a quick one of Ben’s smile to his dying face.
Penny blinks.
Mr. Stark throws the first punch. Penny feels like she barely has to move to dodge it, her senses don’t even so much a buzz. It’s clear he’s being overly cautious to ease her into this, and Penny actually does appreciate it.
Penny goes for him shortly after, just with a light and careful jab.
Her failure to act. Her failure to stop the bleeding-
Mr. Stark also averts with ease because of the obnoxiously slow speed of the punch, but he doesn’t call her out on it. Her mentor doesn’t pause after her attempt, he goes in to try and punch her in the shoulder and knock her feet out from under her. Penny basically just skips out of the way, Tony laughs.
They go around like that for a few minutes, Penny can tell her mentor is ready to step it up when he starts putting a little more effort and strength behind the moves. Penny adjusts to the new level, quickening her responses and going for the offense a bit more.
Her new abilities that she hadn’t used. She could of stopped it, could of saved his life. Penny’s mistake as Spider-Girl killed her uncle.
Tony gives her pointers as they ‘fight’. But Penny really is having a hard time learning anything because she’s still jittery and her mind won’t quit. And her point is proven right on why this was a horrible idea when she accidentally adds a bit more power into a punch and gets Mr. Stark right in the left side of his ribs.
Last time you screwed up because of your abilities, you killed someone. Better get ahold of yourself before you kill Tony too.
In hindsight, it’s literally nothing. But when Mr. Stark takes a few fumbling steps back and grunts from the hit, Penny instantly backs away like she’s lit a fire in the middle of the ring.
Like Mr. Stark is the one bleeding out this time.
“Oh god, I’m so sorry!” Mr. Stark was smirking from the hit, but then he looks at her and his brows furrow, opening his mouth to say something, but Penny just shakes her head frantically. Her hands are shaking, and she logically knows he isn’t hurt, Pepper has probably hit him harder than that just teasing him, but something about all of this.. “No, nope. I’m done, Mr. Stark, I’m so sorry, I can’t-“
“Hey, Pen, I’m perfectly fine. 100% no issues here. Won’t even leave a bruise. That one was the best hit you’ve had yet! Kid?” Penny has turned away from him, shaking out her hands. She feels like she is going to cry. “Penny, look at me real quick.”
Penny turns around, thank god there aren’t tears in her eyes yet but Mr. Stark must see she’s edging that way. He immediately stands and drops the defensive position, walking up to her slowly like she might spook.
“Hey, what’s going on it that noggin?” Mr. Stark asks, tapping her forehead gently. His eyes look concerned now. “Talk to me, kiddo.”
“I just-“ Penny runs a rough hand over her face, trying to reign her emotions in. “I don’t want to hurt you, Mr. Stark! And I know we are training to help fix mistakes but I can’t make a mistake because one bad hit and who knows what I could do to you! I’m not- I don’t want to risk that. I can’t risk that. I’m sorry.”
“I’m not hurt, Pen. Not in the slightest. I bang myself up far worst than that in the lab daily, that was nothing. I trust you.” Mr. Stark says sincerely. But Penny just can’t, and she doesn’t know why.
“I know, I know. I just, it feels really wrong. Like really wrong and I can’t even explain it and I’m trying to be cool but it’s just really freaking me out-“ Penny’s fists are balled up, her lungs feeling tighter than they should be. Mr. Stark is quick to grab her shoulders, really making eye contact now.
“Okay, alright, just take a second.” Tony looks almost a bit guilty now, which makes Penny feel guilty because she didn’t mean to upset him and- why is this such a big deal!? Why can’t she just chill out? Mr. Stark considers her for a second like he’s trying to read her mind.
“Right, I’ve got an idea. You just sit tight for a second, grab some water and I’ll be right back, okay?” Mr. Stark leads her off the mat and passed the water to her before heading off in the direction of the hall.
Penny watched him go, sitting on the bench and doing everything she can to stomp down on her nerves. In the back of her mind, she still sees Uncle Ben.
She takes a long sip of water and stands back up, jumping up and down a few times.
That’s not something she wants or needs to think about.
She just need to calm down and get over it.
———————
When Mr. Stark returns, he’s in his Ironman suit.
Penny raises her eyebrows in question.
“Okay, problem solved!” Tony jogs over, directing both of the back onto the mat. Penny eyes him. “Now, you can make a mistake. As many mistakes as you want. Round two?”
Penny does feel better with him in the suit. Like, by 100. Her anxiety seems to flush away and she chuckles. Mr. Stark looks relieved.
“That’s- yeah okay. Round two.” Penny nods, and both of them jump right back in.
It’s a whole different ball game now.
Penny is focused. She’s quicker and she’s putting some effort in now and so is Mr. Stark. They are both equally on the offensive and defensive, taking jabs one after the other. This is actual sparring, Penny thinks. It feels a whole lot better. She actually is having some fun.
When Mr. Stark grabs her by the wrist, trying to get her arm pinned behind her, Penny does have to use some force to get out of him grip, whipping around and swinging for his thigh. Mr. Stark blocks it with his forearm, redirecting the situation to bring his other hand around to try and grab her again, but Penny sees it coming this time and slithers out of the way, knocking the back of his knee in the process and sending him down on that leg. While he’s in the kneeling position, Penny takes the opportunity to swing around with a kick, her leg ready to make impact with his should to get him all the way to the ground.
It happens so fast, Penny knows it was nothing more than instinctual from years of fighting. Mr. Stark doesn’t block her leg, or grab it to get control, or roll away- no, he brings his arm up and meets her shin with his iron fist.
Penny cries out at the cracking sound, hopping backwards on her good foot.
“Oh shit- fuck- Penny??” Mr. Starks face flashes with wide-eyed horror.
“I’m good, I’m good!” She bites her lip, waving him off but the pain is immediate. A deep throbbing in the center of her bone that causes the whole limb to ache. Penny tries to put pressure on it, just to see if she can walk it off and ignore it, but she stumbles, hissing at the stab it gives.
“Dammit, shit- kid I’m so sorry-“ Tony is there to hold her steady, grabbing her arm to gently to keep her from toppling to the side. Penny uses him like a crutch, patting his iron suit and giving a weak smile.
“No, it’s okay! Really Mr. Stark, it just needs some ice or something and we can keep going-“ Penny winces as Tony cuts her off with a grim voice.
“Kid, I heard it crack.” He says, eyes heavy.
“I mean-“ Penny stutters, looking down. Maybe if she just…
She touched her foot down a second time to test if it was being serious but once again she recoils at the instant protest the limb gives. She can’t help the yelp that escapes her. Mr. Stark’s grip tightens around her bicep.
“Well, don’t do that!” Tony looks horrified again. Penny give him an apologetic chuckle, grateful the pain isn’t enough to make her cry.
“Yeah, maybe ice and a day off?”
“Oh no no, we are going straight to get that x-rayed.” Tony says, his tone is laced with guilt. Penny doesn’t argue as he puts an arm around her, helping her hop to the elevator. Mr. Stark does his best to keep her from jostling around.
They both get into the elevator, the pain getting worse as the time ticks by. Penny swallows back a moan when the elevator begins its descent. She knows her mentor is looking at her. Penny sighs, leaning on him a bit heavier. He adjusts to support even more of her weight.
“Is it worth telling you to stop moping about it or is it still a bit too fresh?” Penny asks, sneaking a glance at him. The lines are more prominent in Mr. Stark's brow, his eyes clear in just how horrible he’s feeling right now.
“Way, way too fresh Pen, probably will be for a while.” Tony says, mouth ticking up in a sad smile which quickly falls when he looks back to the door when it opens.
Mr. Stark begins to walk forward, but even the moment of stillness has caused the limb to start throbbing to a heightened level and this time, when Penny tries to go with Mr. Stark, her breath hitches and she stumbles.
She clearly spoke too soon when Penny felt her eyes start to burn.
“Hey, whoa! Easy honey. Alright, up we go.” Mr. Stark doesn’t hesitate to lean down and scoop her up gently into his arms. Penny doesn’t protest now that the pain has worsened, she just groans and rests her head on his shoulder, one hand reaching down to grip her thigh as if she could turn it off. “I know, I know I’m sorry. I’m sorry, just relax sweetheart.”
“S’okay.” Penny manages, a tear falling onto his chest plate. Tony mumbles off more apologies as they make their way into the medbay. After getting Penny settled into a bed while she fought back more tears, Tony hovers anxiously as they await Dr. Cho’s arrival.
Penny glances at the man where he’s peering out the door, grateful that she’s finally still and the pain is no longer shooting through her bones. It still hurts, but not debilitating.
“Mr. Stark?” Penny says, trying to sound lighthearted but Tony whips around anyway, looking over her. He’s at her side instantly.
“Hey, what’s up?” Her mentor asks, clearly stressing out more and more as the seconds tick by. Penny smiles just a bit.
“I just wanted to apologize-“
“Hell no.”
“No, Mr. Stark, I’m serious,” Penny protests, holding up her hand to try and make him pause but he catches her palm between his fingers. The man gives her a stern look, squeezing gently. His grip is shaking slightly.
“No, I’m serious. You justify a lot of unnecessary apologies in that head and I let most of them slide but if you find a way to spin this-“ he flails his hand in the direction of her leg, “-whole situation into something even distantly related to your fault then I’m going to have Cho scan your brain too.”
Penny scoffs, shaking off his grip and poking his shoulder.
“I’m not apologizing for the leg thing, I hate to break it to you,” Penny pauses for dramatic effect on the pun, Tony just glares. “But yeah this is kind of a you thing but it’s fine! I mean, sure it hurts but I heal quick so no harm no foul!”
“Harm and foul both!” Tony cries, once again pointing wildly at her broken appendage. “And it’s the principle of the matter.”
“Anyways,” Penny laughs, but it dies off quickly as she sobers up. She fidgets with her finger nail, breaking eye contact. “I’m sorry about freaking out with the whole sparring thing without your suit. It’s just- I’m strong. I’m really really strong and I know you trust me, but so did Ben.” Penny swallows, she hears Tony’s heart speed up slightly at the mention.
Penny only talked about Ben fleetingly once and it hadn’t been great. It had left her in tears and Tony fumbling to deal with her emotions so she avoided it the best she could since then. But now- now he needed to know and she couldn’t ignore it.
“He trusted me that night, Mr. Stark. And I failed. My powers failed. I save people every day from shit like that but- but when it was someone who I loved- I failed. And I just can’t risk another failure like that because you- you’re everything to me, Mr. Stark. You, May, Ned, and MJ. You are all I have. And I failed as Spider-Girl. I didn’t save him.”
There is silence, heavy and loud and Penny wants to escape it, but then a hand lands on hers. When she looks up, she is surprised she’s got tears in her eyes that she hadn’t noticed before.
Mr. Stark is looking at her. Really looking. His eyes are both joyous and sad. Warm and guilty. And Penny can feel every ounce of love that pours from his soul.
“You didn’t fail him, Penny. No matter what you think. You were fourteen. You had just gotten your powers and even if you had already had them for a long time it still wouldn’t be your fault, you know why?” Tony scoots forward, leaning over and wrapping an arm over her shoulder. Penny happily tucks up against his chest. “Because I have a feeling me and Ben would have been very similar. And you know what I would have done? The exact same thing he did. I would have protected you, despite this shitty example-“ for the third time, he points begrudgingly at the break. Penny lets out a wet laugh. He continues, sincerity flowing from every word. “I would have protected you. Because you aren’t Spider-Girl to me, you are Penny Parker. And you deserve to be saved too.”
Penny closes her eyes, gripping his shirt. Tony brings up a hand, gently grabbing her chin and tilting her head back. When Penny opens her eyes she meets Mr. Stark’s.
“Not your fault. None of it. Capeesh?”
“Capeesh.” Penny agrees, though in her heart she’s not sure she fully agrees.
Mr. Stark pulls her close again, resting his jaw on top of her head. They sit there like that for a while, just enjoying each other's company. Then, Penny smirks, keeping her face hidden in the man’s neck and asks-
“Mr. Stark?”
“Yeah, kiddo?”
“Do we have to spar again?”
“Fuck no. I’ll call in Steve for that one, I’ll let you whip his ass instead since you don’t love him.”
“Okay, sounds good.” Penny laughs.