Small Town Girl

Like father like daughter

Continued from last chapter.

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At her soft voice, Tony stiffened, his heart racing.

"Dad."

He turned slowly, his wide, desperate eyes meeting those of his daughter.

She smiled shakily. "Hey."

Bruce silently backed out, leaving them alone.

She stepped closer, eyes filled with uncertainty.

His eyes squeezed shut, and he turned back to the desk, gripping it tightly.

Penny's eyes flickered down to the floor, unable to disguise the hurt in them.

Then she stepped forward, coming to a stop beside him.

"Dad? It's okay. It's me, Penny."

He fumbled for a chair, sinking down with his hand to his head.

She knelt in front of him. "Dad, look at me. Please."

He didn't respond.

She lifted her hands, wrapping her slim fingers around his.

At the touch, he drew a long, shuddering breath, and his eyes flickered up, meeting hers.

They just stared at each other for several seconds, Penny worried, hopeful, and Tony unbelieving.

Then the spell broke, and Penny hesitantly hugged him, wrapping her arms around him, resting her face against the side of his neck, and trying not to cry.

His arms came up slowly, cradling her carefully, as if she was made of glass.

She could feel him shaking.

"My bambino," he whispered, his voice so, so quiet, as if speaking loudly would make her disappear. "My bambino."

Penny smiled shakily into his shoulder, not relaxing her grip.

They stayed in that position for several minutes, neither making any move to break contact.

"You're okay?" He asked finally, trying to hide the tremble in his voice.

Penny gave a tiny shrug. "I will be."

"What did they do to you?" There was no disguising the pain in his voice.

Penny shook her head quickly. "I can't talk about it yet."

He rubbed circles on her back with his thumb. "I love you, so, so much kiddo. I didn't- I don't say it enough, I know. But I really do, Pen."

Penny closed her eyes, feeling tears rising beneath her eyelids. "I love you too, dad."

"I thought I'd lost you, bambino." He murmured. "I thought I'd lost you, and I-I can't. I can't lose you."

Penny nodded, trying to lighten the air. "I'm not leaving anytime soon. I'm going to stick to you like glue. Or my webbing. Whichever is stickier."

She could feel his soft laugh beside her ear. "That's completely fine with me."

Silence.

"We're gonna have to let go eventually, bambino." Tony said with a soft laugh.

Penny shook her head. "Makes me feel safe."

Tony released a quick breath. "Okay, kiddo. We don't have to move."

She moved back slightly, not enough to let go, but just enough to see his face.

"You look terrible."

Tony tilted his head. "Thanks... I think?"

"How much sleep have you gotten?"

Tony rubbed his eyes. "Not enough, probably."

Penny shook her head. "You're gonna die if you keep this up."

Tony shrugged. "Maybe so."

Penny raised her eyes to the ceiling. "Of all the- you're not gonna listen to me, are you?"

Tony widened his eyes innocently. "Did I say that?"

Penny pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm gonna have to resort to trickery now. You've been warned."

He raised his eyebrow. "And what does that entail?"

Penny stood up, pulling him with her, and went to the couch, taking his shoulders and making him sit. "I will subject you to my sleepy cuddles until you fall asleep."

Tony glared at her in mock frustration. "Now that isn't fair."

Penny flopped onto the couch, resting against him, her head on his shoulder. "You asked for it. Now sleep."

Tony kissed the top of her head. "Okay, bambino. Promise one thing though. You'll stay here, and won't disappear again."

Penny curled up, closing her eyes. "I promise, dad."