Secrets Revealed
Penny had been interning at Stark Industries for six months now and it was one of the best things that had ever happened to her. She had met and even made friends with the Avengers. Like, the freaking Avengers. And that was- well, it still boggles Penny’s mine. But even better than that, she had been working in Mr. Starks lab every Thursday night for those six months and they had grown close.
Like, really close.
Penny had thought Mr. Stark would be nice, sure. But she also thought she was just going to be the coffee girl. Or the one washing the beakers or something. Penny had thought the conversations would be short and bordering on fake. But no. Penny actually worked with Tony. Worked with him on projects for SI and the other hero’s suits/weapons and even on the Ironman armor.
Penny was given complete access to the lab and could experiment to her heart's content. But the best part of it all, Mr. Stark liked her. Maybe even loved her. And she loved him. They joked and talked and laughed and cut up easily. It never felt forced or awkward. It was normal and safe. He would throw an arm over her shoulder or ruffle her hair. Penny even texted him. Just casually like two friends would. He was there for Penny; told her that if she ever needed anything that he would be there, no questions asked.
Penny trusted Tony Stark more than anything. But the one thing that Penny hadn’t told him- hadn’t told anyone- was about Spider-Girl.
Penny hated keeping it from him. She really did. But she was just so afraid that he would be mad. That he would call her a child playing hero and make her stop. Or at least attempt. And then inevitably Penny wouldn’t listen and they would fight and everything would be screwed up.
So Penny didn’t tell him. She did her best to hide the bruises or scrapes when she had them. Sometimes, Mr. Stark would see them and he would worry. He had caught her limping a number of times and rushed over to question her, but Penny always lied. Always blamed it on being clumsy.
“Oh, yeah, I ran into the freaking doorway. I was looking at my phone and wasn’t paying attention.”
“I’m fine, promise! I was trying to get down the stairs too fast because I was gonna be late and totally tripped and smacked my head on the railing.”
“I don’t even remember where that one came from honestly.”
The same stuff spun a hundred different ways. Penny knew Tony was skeptical. That he was concerned. But he never pushed too much. Only once had he tried and Penny hadn’t meant to cry but it happened and Mr. Stark had apologized and never attempted to dig again.
All that to say, Penny was pretty lucky with life here recently, so she probably should have known it would crash and burn at some point because you know- damn Parker luck.
Penny adjusted the thin strap on her shoulder, smiling at Wanda and Stephen as they approached.
“Hey guys!” Penny greets, taking a sip of the virgin strawberry daiquiri in her hand, careful not to spill any on her silver dress. It was one of SI’s dinner parties and the whole team was here, along with a bunch of other important rich people. Tony had invited her a month ago and had sent her and Pepper out to buy her this dress and shoes. Wanda looks stunning in her maroon ball gown and Strange looks slick in his navy suit.
“Hello, Penny.” Wanda smiles softly at her, squeezing her shoulder. Strange eyes her beverage with a cocked brow.
“Aren’t you 10?” Stephen asks, giving her a look. Penny sticks her tongue out at him, casually curling all but her middle finger around the glass making Wanda snicker.
“You suck,” Penny deadpans playfully. “It’s a virgin if you must know.” Stephen’s facial expression doesn’t change, but he flicks his fingers at the drink. Nothing obvious happens but Stephen winks at her.
Penny frowns and takes another curious sip.
There’s a slight burn to the drink now and Penny coughs slightly. Wanda gapes and slaps Strange on the shoulder.
“Tony will have your head!” Wanda cries and the sorcerer finally breaks his straight face with a mischievous look.
“I encourage teen drinking only when it’ll get under Strak’s skin,” Stephen smirks then adds, “plus, one drink won’t do anything. The kid’s got a fast metabolism.”
Penny almost chokes on the next sip at the knowing look Strange gives her.
“Uh, n-not that fast? Like, normal fastness? Growing teenager fast.” Penny stammers, trying to sound confident. Wanda squints her eyes but Stephen gives a satisfied grin.
“Of course, miss Parker.”
Penny clears her throat.
“Um, so Wanda! How’s the, um-“
“I am inclined to believe you are not supposed to ingest that at your midguardian age.” A new voice breaks in, saving Penny from her flailing attempt at a subject change. Loki slips into the small circle and taps her glass.
“Since when do you care about the rules?” Penny can’t stop herself from the remark but thankfully Loki gives her a sinister smile.
“Oh, I rather encourage it.” Loki suddenly holds his hand up and in it is a small flute with a bright green liquid. “Just how rebellious are you feeling tonight?”
“Whoa, okay,” Stephen interrupts, looking both mildly amused and concerned. “Let’s not get the intern tipsy.”
“I second this,” Wanda grunts, taking the glass from Penny’s hand. She points at the men accusingly. “You are bad influences, both of you.”
“Yeah, I’m not sure Mr. Stark would approve of that.” Penny says sheepishly.
“Wouldn’t approve of what?”
Tony steps in between Penny and Loki. He still is cautious around the god but neither of them had been hostile towards each other in a few months so that was a win. Thor had promised them that he’d changed and Penny believed him. Plus, she actually really liked the god of mischief. But still, Tony wasn’t exactly keen with him and Penny hanging out just yet, which was understandable with their history.
“Nothing!” Penny jumped in, grateful the drink in Loki's hand had disappeared back to wherever it came from. Mr. Stark hums, looking between them. Then, he turns to Penny.
“Come on kid, I want you to meet someone. Excuse us gentlemen and lady,” Tony leads her away from the group with a soft grip on her arm. Penny follows him happily, ignoring Stephen’s gaze following her.
She knew the Doctor had been suspicious of her. But now she was pretty sure that he was really onto her now. Thankfully he hadn’t exposed her but- it was definitely gonna have to be a conversation at some point.
“I’m sure you have heard of Norman Osborn-“
Tony is talking as they walk when Penny’s senses go off. The hair on her arms stands up and she freezes halfway across the room.
Danger, danger, danger!
Penny whips her head around, looking frantically for the threat. Stephen is still watching her, now looking alert at her expression. So is Loki.
“Penny?” Mr. Stark questions, giving her a small shake.
Penny blinks.
She’s moving before the gun goes off.
“Get down!” Penny yells, adrenaline pumping. She tackles Mr. Stark around the waist, throwing them both to the floor when the shot rings out in the room.
The room explodes into chaos. Penny landed on top of the man, shielding his body with hers. Panting hard, Penny lifts some of her weight off of him as people run around and shout. His eyes are blown wide and his face is pale.
“Kid?” Mr. Stark breathes, his gaze wandering downward to stare at her chest. Penny frowns, wondering why it’s hard to inhale all the way and why her thoughts aren’t working like they should. This memory is too similar, and Penny’s heart squeezes.
“Mr. Stark, are you okay?” Penny wheezes, fear gripping her mind. She glances at him, only to gasp when she finds his white undershirt is covered in crimson.
She failed again.
“No, no! M-mr. Stark where,” Penny swallows, groaning as she tries to raise off of him more. “Where are you h-hit?”
“Pen, I’m not. I’m not, oh god-“
Then, hands are on her shoulders and they carefully pull her away from her mentor. Penny wants to protest. She wants to stay with him and check him over because all that blood- he had to be hit. But she has no energy and fuck- why can’t she breathe?
“Penny, stay awake!” The arms lay her down on the floor and Penny’s eyes flutter back open. She hadn’t realized they were closed. She finds Stephen Strange and Mr. Stark both hovering over her.
The stain on Tony’s shirt makes Penny reach out, her arm is heavier than it should be.
“M’Stark? Where did you get-“ Penny can’t finish the sentence. Her words gurgle weirdly in her mouth and she coughs, chest spasming. Mr. Stark catches her hand before it falls. He looks like a ghost.
“I’m not kid, I’m not. I’m fine. How the fuck did she- Pen, keep your eyes open!” Mr. Stark yells. “Jesus kid, why did you do that?! How did you do that?!”
“Stark, questions later,” Strange snaps, pressing down on the lower left side of Penny’s chest. She groans at the pain she’s unfortunately familiar with. “Penny, we are going to move you. It’s going to hurt. Tony, help me carry her.”
“S’okay. This i-isn’t the first time.” Penny grumbles, blood splattering on her chin when she coughs. Stephen gives her a sad smile but Mr. Stark grows a shade paler as he helps the doctor haul her up. Penny lets out a small yelp as they both get under her arms.
“Sorry, sorry kid,” Mr. Stark murmurs as they surge forward through the fray. Penny groans, dropping her head against her arm.
“Penny, does anyone know?” Stephen asks urgently as they make it into the hall.
“J-just you,” Penny whimpers.
“What the hell are you talking about Strange?” Mr. Stark demands as they stagger into the medbay. Stephen leads them towards a room.
“Penny is Spider-Girl.”
If it weren’t for the pounding in her ears Penny would have thought the silence was loud. But she’s too busy bleeding out to care.
“Strange, what-“ Tony says dangerously. His voice sounds panicked.
“Mm’ Spider-Girl.” Penny agrees, crying out as they lay her down on a hospital bed. The pain gets worse as the minutes drag on. Black spots dance in her eyes.
“Penny, keep your eyes open!” Tony screams. Penny wants to, but she can’t seem to peel them apart. She’s cold and tired and somewhere she’s probably panicking too. “Stephen get the fuck over here! Pen, sweetheart, you gotta stay awake. Please, stay awake honey.” A hand holds her face but it does nothing to drag her back to reality. She feels her mind slipping.
“S-sorry-“
“No, no Penny, come on! Stay with me! Fight dammit!”
Sorry, Mr. Stark, I love you.
Penny fades into the quiet.
————-
When she wakes, Penny’s hand is being held. Her mind is still bordering on numb and the pain is gone. She’s grateful for that. She moans, licking her dry lips.
“Penny? You awake, kiddo?” Mr. Stark's voice is soft and still concerned but not nearly like before. He rubs his thumb over the top of her hand, coaxing her further into a lucid state. Penny’s blinks heavily, the beeping of the machines behind her register in her brain. Mr. Stark is there beside her, looking tired. His hair is messy and his eyes are red but he smiles anyways. “Hey hon, you with me?”
“Mhm,” Penny hums and her mentor chuckles sadly.
“Yeah, I can tell. You really scared the shit outta me with that stunt, spiderling.”
Spiderling.
Oh fuck.
Penny’s eyes widened, coming to the full realization that he knew. Tony knew who she was and it had happened in the worst way possible. Her face must do something bad because Mr. Stark shakes his head, his grip tightening.
“M’so sorry, I’m so sorry Mr. Stark,” Penny croaks, her voice is scratchy and gross.
“Hey, it’s alright, I’m not mad. I was- am- pretty surprised. It was certainly not what I was expecting but I’m not mad, sweetheart. Not about that.” Mr. Stark assured her, bringing up his other hand to clasp hers with both of his. His face flashes with something Penny can’t place while she still fights sleep.
“I trust you,” Penny blurts out, needing him to understand. Her eyes are heavy but she pushes on. “I trust you and that’s not why I didn’t tell you, I was just worried you were gonna make me stop and I-” Penny tries to swallow but her mouth is bone dry. “-I can’t stop. And I didn’t want to fight with you but I won’t stop, Mr. Stark. Please don’t make me.” Penny pleads, not even sure if she’s making sense but god she just didn’t want this to happen like this! She has too much to explain and her brain isn’t functioning and Penny feels like crying and going back to sleep.
“Shh, Pen, just take it easy, alright?” Mr. Stark's eyes are filled with worry. He reaches up and strokes a soft hand over her hair. Penny lefts out a breath and leans into the touch, a tear escaping the corner of her eye. “We can talk about all of the logistics later but I’m not going to ask you to stop, kid. I promise you I won’t, alright?”
“I’m really sorry,” Penny whimpers, lip trembling.
“Oh, Pen,” Mr. Stark leans forward, and to Penny’s shock, plants a kiss on her forehead. “No more apologies. We will talk about the whole jumping in front of a fucking bullet thing when you can actually stay awake for longer than two minutes but you have nothing to be sorry for. I wish you would have told me but I do understand. I promise you aren’t in trouble and I- nothings going to change, Penny. Not a thing. You are still Penny Parker and you aren’t going anywhere kid. You’re stuck with me.”
Penny’s eyes slip shut underneath the comfort of his touch and his kind words. She has no control over what comes out of her mouth when she whispers-
“Y’still love me?”
There’s silence for just a beat before Mr. Stark starts shuffling around. A new weight has her bed dipping down and Penny instinctively reaches up to pull herself against his chest as he settles onto her bed with her.
“Of course I still love you Penny.” Mr. Stark says, sounding suspiciously like he’s crying. Penny smiles just a bit, her consciousness quickly depleting. “Now you get some sleep, we’ll talk more later.”
And Penny does go back to sleep, the weight of the secret gone and knowing she will wake up and Mr. Stark will still be there when she does.