Small Town Girl

The others

Had no ideas for the story title. Sorry.

Pure fluff.

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Penny's eyes opened, blinking back sleep, and was met with someone standing over her.

She shot out of her seat, only to be caught around her waist. "Hey, bambino. It's alright. You're safe."

She turned her head to see that the voice belonged to Tony, who was holding her back.

Then she looked up.

The figure in front of her crouched down, giving her a little wave. "Hey, Pen."

She blinked. "Steve?"

He gave her a quick smile. "Yup. How're you feeling?"

Penny fell back against Tony. "Tired."

She relaxed as Tony ran his hand through her hair. "You can go back to sleep, kiddo. Steve is crazy getting up at six."

Penny curled up against him. "Agreed," her muffled voice came through the cushion.

She could hear Steve talking quietly to Tony, and feel Tony's answer rumbling deep in his chest.

The sound was soothing, and soon she fell back asleep.

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It was after noon when she woke up again, the smell of food filling the air.

Her eyes opened blearily.

Tony was crouched in front of her, a plate of food held under her nose.

"Hi. Food. Eat."

Penny blinked. "Mm."

His lips twitched. "Time to get up sleepy head. The team is going crazy having to wait to see you. I wouldn't let them because you were asleep. I had to put the lab on lockdown to stop them."

Penny blinked again. "'K."

She slowly took the plate of food, pushing the blanket to her knees, and setting the plate on her lap. "Smells good."

Tony sat beside her. "Yeah. Sam cooked."

She swallowed a mouthful of food. "I thought he couldn't cook."

Tony shrugged. "He learned."

She glared at the plate suspiciously. "I'm not entirely sure it isn't poisoned."

Tony smirked. "I'll take my chances."

She poked his ribs, and he jerked away, slapping her hand down. "Jeesh. Watch it kid."

She waited several seconds, then poked him again, and shot out of her seat.

He pulled a face, and got up. "That's it you little-"

She squeaked, and darted out of the room, Tony on her heels.

He almost caught up several times, leaving her breathless and wheezing when she slammed open the door of the common room.

In hindsight, bursting into a room full of soldiers, spies, and fighters wasn't the best idea.

Because she had weapons pointed at every inch of her.

She winced. "Ooh. Hi. Probably shouldn't have done that."

They dropped their weapons, expressions of relief on their faces.

She hugged Nat, Clint, and Bruce, and waved at Steve, Bucky, and Sam.

"Hey-"

Her greeting was interrupted by Tony catching up, and tickling her sides again.

She yelped and ran, flipping over the back of the couch in the process, and landing on the ceiling, where she stayed.

Tony glared at her. "Not fair."

She stuck her tongue out. "Completely fair."

He glanced around at the team. "Little help?"

They shook their heads in unison.

"Traitors." He muttered.

Penny giggled. "You guys are my favourites now."

"Hey!"