Sometimes the best news came on the worst days, brightening them from dark spots into light sparkles in the great circle of the year. More often than that - because life overall held more disappointment than happiness, at least in Lucy's view - the happiest days were weighed down by bad news, filling the great expanse of her memory with more dark than light.
Perhaps she should've expected it – early February was the perfect time for bad news. Days were dark, nights long and the weather absolutely ruthless. The last glimmer of hope in winter was Christmas but after that passed, you were only waiting for spring to arrive. It didn't help that the anniversary of her grandma's passing fell into mid-January, right in the middle of the most depressing season. Summer was usually a lot lighter and happier and correspondingly, better things happened.
The day had passed by innocently enough. It was a Friday night, the team had driven upstate in the afternoon, like almost every week and enjoyed some relaxing bonding time away from the bustling city. The time passed quickly, playing cards, chatting and eating tons of snacks. All in all, it was probably the casual and completely ordinary setting Lucy had gotten used to in the past few months with her family. Looking back, it seemed prophetic that her life would be turned upside down right as she had accepted it as a new normal.
Lucy was still laughing at Sam's pained expression as he folded and threw his cards on the table.
"I literally just taught you how to play! It's against the laws of nature that you're better than me."
Peter just grinned as he collected the sweets they had put up instead of actual money. "I believe," he paused and as he continued, he imitated Darth Vader's stertorous breathing, "the student has surpassed the master."
Tony laughed out loud. "Alright, alright, cut it out, Sith lord."
"That makes me want to watch Star Wars again," Steve said from further up the table and a few surprised pairs of eyes darted in his direction. He considered them, a playfully hurt expression on his face.
"I don't see why this is so surprising to you. I'm with the times, I understand what's hip."
Not only the kids but every single person around the table burst out in laughter, Steve just sighing and probably giving up on life a second time.
Lucy managed to breathe normally again and wiped a few tears away. "Please don't try that again. We like your normal ancient self."
Steve fixed his gaze on her. "You know what, Lucy…"
She threw him a challenging smile.
"You're getting too much like Nat," he just sighed.
Lucy only grinned as the Captain shook his head and they decided on a new game to play.
As per usual, everyone was wide awake for quite some time, the week having ruffled everyone up and soon the clock showed half past twelve. The base had gotten very quiet, Shield hours concluded earlier and almost no one except minimum security was left on the compound.
Everyone was therefore understandingly confused to suddenly see Fury, Coulson and Hill enter the common room, all three with somber but unreadable expressions on their faces. The room's atmosphere changed noticeably, as if everyone could sense the message that was about to come their way.
Fury stopped in front of the long table, with Hill and Coulson to either side, and stood up tall. He didn't start speaking immediately and the tension only grew. Fury wasn't one to beat around the bush so him hesitating meant bad news – very bad news.
"There's been an accident," he said in his characteristic curt tone and everyone around the table stiffened. He fixed his eye on Lucy who got a sinking feeling in her stomach and slowly rose. She didn't take much of her environment in, her attention completely tunnel vision on Fury but she could sense Natasha moving closer to her.
Fury didn't move his eye from her. "Your parents' plane crashed on the way to Hong Kong."
The world started spinning around her and Lucy's breath stocked as she looked at the director in shock. Lucy didn't register how Nat touched her shoulder softly and how Coulson took a careful step towards her. The room was quiet enough for everyone to be able to hear a pin falling, except for some almost inaudible gasps and sighs.
Lucy's breathing returned, not normal yet but there was air entering her lungs, and so she hardened her stare.
"Who did it?" She didn't ask. She demanded to know.
Fury didn't twitch, didn't move, didn't blink.
"It was an accident," he said expressionless.
Lucy almost let out a snort, but her features seemed set in stone. She just kept her stare on Fury, insistent and unrelenting. Her expression hardened even more and her face took on an authoritative look. Nat almost smiled, had the situation not been so dismaying. Lucy looked more like Peggy than ever before and apparently Fury also seemed to realize that he was dealing with a Carter.
He looked at her, conveying a world of seriousness through his eye. "It was Hydra."
The shocked gasps around the table were louder this time and Tony let out an audible sigh. Lucy's knees seemed to just give in and she sunk to the floor and without missing a beat, both Wanda and Peter gathered around her.
Lucy closed her eyes and heard Wanda next to her, softly trying to help her get her breathing under control. When she opened her eyes again, Peter had flung his arms around her and Wanda look her in the eyes and carefully placed a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"Maybe we should open the New York City orphan club," she joked quietly and Peter nodded dejected yet enthusiastically.
"I'll join you," Tony mentioned in a dry voice.
The entire group stayed silent for a few more minutes until they heard the door slide open and determined footsteps that Lucy recognized immediately. She gathered herself up and steadied her breathing as Matthew stepped into the room.
"Lucy, I'm so sorry," he said softly, taking her hands in his and giving her a measured, concerned look.
She managed a thankful smile in response. "Why don't we sit down for this? I assume you came for RI?"
Matthew nodded and took a seat at the head of the table next to Lucy while Nat sat on her other side.
"This tragic accident obviously complicates things a little and we need to make sure that Rutherford isn't falling into complete disarray in the transitional period."
Lucy nodded and heard affirmation from both Pepper and Tony as well. She really was grateful that there was so much support around.
"I don't want Lucy to be in the spotlight for too long," Nat suddenly spoke up firmly. Lucy turned to her in surprise but her guardian had her eyes fixed on Matthew.
The man nodded with a small smile, seemingly quite glad that Natasha was so assertive.
"Of course, there's no question about it. When the formalities are done, you're gonna disappear from the public eye, but we'll make sure to keep you in the loop about any changes. You need to be happy with any direction we're going in. The company will go to the trustees and as soon as you turn twenty-one, you'll be made C.E.O. and get access to all the assets."
Nat glanced at Tony who threw her a somewhat pained look. This brought up many hurtful memories but maybe it would also be a chance to really work out his own problems.
"There's another thing we need to decide," Matthew spoke up again. "It's about your status, now that there's no one above you anymore."
Lucy and the rest turned their attention back to him and he continued.
"Had this happened last June, we would've gone the emancipation route, because that would've been the only way. But things have changed now and there's another option. We can also decide to extend Natasha's guardianship – basically an adoption."
Nat's grip on her arm tightened and Lucy took a deep breath. This was a huge decision and she'd really only been expecting the emancipation. That's what happened with Tony and that's what had always been the way her mind went when Lucy imagined the worst. Now it had happened, but Matthew was right – things were different. Emancipation was a great chance to become independent – what she'd always wanted. She could make her own rules and live on her own, have access to her trust fund and finally do whatever she pleased – and a year ago, she would've jumped at the opportunity to get that life. But she didn't live in school anymore. Lucy knew she didn't have to leave the tower if she was emancipated and things could continue the way they were, but it would ultimately be different and she could leave if she did want to. She quickly glanced at Nat who had an unreadable, blank expression on her face.
"It's your decision, you're old enough to decide for yourself what you want," Matthew continued. "You'll probably need some time to mull it over –"
"I want the adoption," Lucy interrupted him and Matthew gave her a smile, though he didn't seem to be surprised. She felt Nat next to her letting out a slow breath that no one realized she'd been holding in.
"That's fabulous!" Pepper exclaimed and jumped up. "I'll get on the paperwork immediately."
Matthew gave her a grateful nod as the woman walked out the room towards the office, already talking to J.A.R.V.I.S.
Everyone's concerned eyes turned to Lucy again who just sat in silence, staring at the table with expressionless, empty eyes and Steve felt the need to finally say something.
"Are you ok, Lucy?"
She jerked her head towards him as if pulled out of a trance. "Yes, of course I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?"
The obvious answer of 'because your parents just died' wasn't uttered by anyone – every single person in the room had to deal with loss before and they all understood denial perfectly.
"Nothing much changes. In some ways it might actually be easier," Lucy continued, as much to reassure herself than to explain to the others. "When people hear that you don't have a good relationship with your parents, they always say 'oh, you should change that, you'll regret it at some point'. Now I'm gonna get sympathy cause they're dead."
No one responded except for throwing pained glances at each other. Nat kept her hand on Lucy's arm, but she didn't know what to do. Loss was something she'd trained herself to become immune against a long time ago but she'd been lucky enough that until today in her newfound family nothing tragic had transpired. She wasn't so sure that her emotionless training would still hold the same weight with this ragtag group of heroes.
Lucy turned her attention back to Matthew. "When is the funeral gonna be?"
He sighed. "It's going to be tomorrow and there's specific instructions in the will on how the procession is supposed to go."
"Of course there are," Lucy muttered under her breath. "Prepared for everything, as always."
"You're gonna have to say a few words," Matthew said carefully, not entirely sure of Lucy's reaction.
The girl just stared at him. She'd anticipated it and she'd be able to do it but –
"Don't expect me to cry. I can't."
Matthew shook his head. "No, of course not. We'll prepare a little speech for you and you only need to read that in the church…" he paused. "You only need to put on your public face for a few hours and it'll be over."
Lucy nodded mutely, feeling Natasha's hand on her arm the entire time and feeling eternally grateful for the support. As little as the gesture was, it meant everything to her.
She coached her expression carefully and managed a tone void of any emotion. "Well, I guess I better go shopping later then. It's my parents' funeral, this calls for new Louboutins."
The room was dead silent and Natasha threw Tony another look who was watching Lucy with concerned eyes.
Matthew also threw a last worried look to Lucy and Natasha before getting up and promising he'd return around lunch time to hash out the details.
After he left, silence settled in the room again. Everyone sat there, concerned about Lucy or shell-shocked themselves.
"What are you gonna do?" Lucy suddenly addressed Fury in a firm voice.
He only gave her a questioning glance in response so Lucy took a breath in and explained in the same authoritative tone. "What are you gonna do about the people who murdered my parents? How are you gonna track them?"
Fury furrowed his brows. "We're gonna try and find the people responsible, but it's not gonna be easy –"
"I don't care if you have to dig through ice craters in Antarctica," Lucy said in a dangerously low voice. "You'll find whoever did this and then –"
She stocked, not wanting to finish that thought but most everyone at the table knew where she was headed towards. Tony sucked his breath in once again, but thankfully, Pepper entered the room in the moment. With a quick glance around, she could tell where the conversation had gone and decided to take charge.
"I'm getting us all some hot chocolate." She let her eyes wander from face to face. "Sam, come help me."
The man got up immediately – every family member knew better than to keep Pepper waiting – and followed the ginger into the kitchen.
Fury, Hill and Coulson left but said they'd be in early morning and keep everyone updated, as well as call an Avengers meeting to plan the next moves. Before Coulson walked out, he took Lucy's hands and gave her a long look until the girl nodded and the two seemed to come to an unspoken understanding.
Pepper and Sam emerged from the kitchen a few minutes later with the cocoa. Lucy breathed in the familiar scent of the hot chocolate that she would normally have when she needed to calm down when she woke up from a nightmare. Today wasn't a nightmare though, it was real. It wouldn't change, it would never be any different. This was how her life was going to be from now on. She wasn't lying when she told the others that this wouldn't affect her day to day life much considering her parents had never been involved. But there was a difference in being someone with neglectful parents and being an orphan. Which she was now. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself and get rid of that feeling of sickness in her chest before she gratefully registered Nat's hand that had now wandered to her back and was rubbing it slowly.
The room was still silent and as much as Lucy appreciated the lack of condolence wishes, she just couldn't stay there.
She stood up abruptly, almost startling Peter. "I'm going to bed."
Natasha got up immediately with her and everyone else nodded understandingly. As Lucy walked towards the door, followed closely by Nat, she heard someone else get up as well.
When she halted in the hallway and turned, Tony was walking out of the room and stopped right next to her.
He gave her a serious look and Lucy noticed concern in it too. "I know exactly how you feel, Lucy."
She eyed him soberly. "I don't doubt it."
Tony pressed his lips together in a dry smile. "If there's anything you need or if you want to talk, anything at all – you can always come to me, no matter when or where, yeah?"
Lucy nodded. "Thank you. I'm grateful." And she meant it. She knew his parents' death still wasn't easy for Tony to deal with, especially after finding out the real reason they were assassinated.
"But I'm fine." She gave him a slight smile but both of them knew that her eyes weren't showing it.
"Alright," Tony conceded but kept the serious look. "If you change your mind, I'm always here."
Lucy nodded again and walked up the stairs to her own floor. Nat followed her but not without first pressing Tony's hand in grateful appreciation. She knew he was the one to relate to the girl's situation the best and he'd be the one to help her.
To Lucy, it felt like she was walking in a trance back to her room, only registering Nat's support as in the periphery of her vision. She changed into her pajamas immediately and sunk into bed, Nat pulling the covers up around her before sitting herself on the edge of the bed.
"I'm not going to make you talk about this if you don't want to," the woman started, still directing concerned eyes at Lucy. "But I want to know how you're feeling."
Lucy nodded. She did want to talk about what was going on inside but she wasn't sure whether she'd be able to express and make sense of it at all and she told her mentor as much.
Nat just smiled softly. "Try it. Just say what you're thinking."
"I'm sad," Lucy began and Natasha nodded, placing a calming hand on her arm. "Not so much because they're gone. It's true, I haven't seen them in a year and they've never done anything except making me feel bad." She could sense Nat tensing and she was sure she knew why but she just continued.
"I don't know – I don't remember the last thing they said to me." She stocked. "The last time I saw them was at grandma's funeral."
Natasha let out another flat breath but kept soothingly stroking Lucy's arm.
"I guess I'm mostly angry. They didn't deserve to die and I'd be more okay if it had been an accident or a natural death like grandma's – but an assassination is different." Her eyes turned dark again at the thought of her parents' fate.
Nat closed her eyes briefly and when she opened them again, she fixed her gaze on Lucy who held the stare.
"I understand your feelings and so does everyone else. Promise me that if there's anything bothering you, you'll talk to Tony? He knows exactly what you're going through and he will help you, alright?"
Lucy nodded seriously and Nat smiled softly again.
"Do you want me to stay with you tonight?"
At her insistence, Nat motioned her to shuffle over and sat in the bed, taking Lucy in her arms. After the girl closed her eyes, Natasha began humming a Russian lullaby and within minutes Lucy had drifted off.
With a sigh, the spy considered the girl in her arms. She completely understood how worked up Lucy was at the way events had unfolded. She didn't doubt for a second that had their deaths been an accident, Lucy would have a much easier time dealing with it but she also agreed that Lucy knowing the truth was important. Natasha didn't exactly know how to console someone whose parents just died – although they all had experience dealing with loss, she had no idea what losing family would feel like. Although, she smiled at the thought, she could imagine pretty well by now. She knew she'd do anything to help Lucy and she also made the decision to talk to Tony, whether Lucy would do so herself or not. She'd need help dealing with the girl and the genius was the one who'd been in the exact same shoes. It was with that consoling thought that she also fell asleep.
When Lucy woke up the next day, she was still in Natasha's arms who was already awake and reading. Her mentor smiled at her encouragingly and Lucy sighed.
"It wasn't a nightmare, was it?"
Nat swallowed and shook her head.
Lucy took a deep breath threw the blanket off. "Matthew is coming by today, right?"
"He should be here in about an hour." Nat got up as well and threw Lucy a glance. "We'll meet him downstairs and I can tell the others to leave if you don't want to see anyone. They'll understand."
Lucy shook her head. "No, it's alright. Being alone freaks me out."
Nat smiled and nodded before exiting the room and waiting in their living area for Lucy.
After the girl stepped out, showered and dressed and looking more put together than anyone would've expected her to in the situation, the two went downstairs.
Matthew had already arrived and greeted the girl with careful eyes. He knew exactly how Lucy's relationship with her parents had been but he also realized how hard their death was on her.
Lucy sat next to him and a bunch of papers he'd brought, while Tony, Pepper, Peter, Wanda, Steve and Nat also sat at the table with a few others, including Coulson, standing around the room.
"The funeral is going to start at 2pm tomorrow. They'll carry the caskets through the streets and then into the church." Matthew looked at Lucy who threw him a questioning glance. "You don't have to follow them. You can already be in the church, no one will mind."
Lucy nodded in relief and Matthew continued.
"It's also going to be a closed casket service and the wake will only include a small buffet. We're going to make this as short as possible but you'll have to shake a few hands. Nothing big and I'll be at your side the entire time."
Matthew smiled at Lucy's appreciative look but threw a slightly more concerned one Tony's way. "We'll mostly have business associates coming and a few friends from their Upper East Side circle."
Tony sighed and Lucy gave Matthew a pained look – she had an idea of who'd be coming.
"Does Harry have to come too?"
At Matthew's nod, Lucy groaned and Wanda gave her a confused look so she explained. "He's the son of Norman Osborn, the C.E.O. of Oscorp… another technology company that RI is doing business with. I saw him now and then when we were growing up and… well.. about a year ago… there might've been something… happened between us… you know what I mean!"
Even though the situation was grave, most people around the room couldn't hide their amused faces.
"Harry Osbourne, seriously?" Tony couldn't help himself but let out a sound of distress after Pepper landed a square punch on him.
Lucy threw him an exasperated look. "I was lonely after grandma died and we'll never speak of this again." She turned to Matthew. "You got what I need to say in church?"
He nodded and handed her a slip of paper. She skimmed over it and gave him a nod to show her acceptance.
"You wanna try reading it out?" he probed and Lucy cleared her throat before taking a deep breath.
"I would like to welcome you all and thank you for honoring my parents today. Whether friends or business partners, they had special relationships with each and every one they knew and as their daughter, I know better than anyone else how much their passing will affect the community. My parents were trailblazers in every way possible. Their dedication to improving the lives of society and the world was unmatched and will continue to be a guiding light for myself and everyone who longs to follow in their footsteps. Technology has always been their focus and they saw it as the way to build a better future. I am certain that everyone in this room can agree that they have gone far on that path and I will carry on this legacy with the help of their connections and friends, many of who have joined me in commemorating them today. My parents were special people, compassionate and caring, for the community and their own family and I will greatly miss them and their commitment. I thank you all for paying your respects today and I appreciate your support in this difficult time."
She finished and looked up at Matthew who smiled at her encouragingly.
"Well done! That sounds really good."
"And it's a complete lie." Lucy scoffed but Nat placed a hand on her back and she immediately relaxed.
"It's better than the truth," Matthew responded. "At least it's not getting you worked up as much. Just pretend it's acting."
"You don't have to do anything else. We'll meet you at the church at 2 and wait for the caskets," he continued. "You'll be okay."
Lucy nodded and Matthew saw himself off with one last, sad smile around the room.
After he'd left, Coulson stepped up and took his seat. Lucy gave him a curious look – she knew what this was going to be about.
"We have some intelligence but it's not much," he started and Lucy's eyes got darker. "We will find whoever did this, but we're sure that it wasn't one single person. Most probably it was a Hydra cell but we need to determine which level the command came from. The higher it was, the harder it will be to find specific people. If it turns out this was a top brass decision, the only thing we can do is destroy the organization completely."
"Which is was what you're working on anyways, correct?" Lucy interrupted him.
Coulson nodded. "We are but it's a bigger problem than just a single cell like the one in Pittsburgh. It could take years."
Lucy took in a sharp breath but she did understand what Phil was saying. She knew it wouldn't be easy or quick but as long as they did something, she'd be okay with it.
"If you're all free, you can come with me right now. Hill and Fury are waiting in the conference room and we're going to be planning the deployment of the next teams and your mission. This obviously changes our focus." He glanced at Peter and Wanda but fixed his stare on Lucy. "I know you want to be a part of this, but I can't allow that – for either of the three of you. This is a dangerous and lengthy project and, especially you, Lucy, are too close to this in any case."
She'd expected this and with a quick look to Natasha, she nodded. "I understand."
Coulson let out a sigh of relief – he'd definitely expected resistance – and got up, the others following him.
"I don't have to join them, if you want me here," Natasha addressed Lucy but the girl responded with a smile.
"No, it's alright, I'm gonna go into town with the others to get an outfit for tomorrow."
She did hold onto Nat's sleeve for a bit longer though. "Are you gonna tell me what you decide?"
Nat considered her with a serious look. "As much as I'm allowed to. I'm trusting you that you won't use this for anything, okay?"
Lucy nodded enthusiastically and Nat placed a kiss on her forehead before following the team to the working part of the compound.
Shopping was usually fun especially with her siblings, but Lucy's feelings were still all over the place. She was still grateful for the task though, something to focus on was helping, even if it was only clothes.
Lucy did get a new pair of Louboutins and also a pretty black dress, perfect for the occasion and they found a nice one for Wanda too. They decided on a black suit for Peter and Lucy couldn't deny that he looked good in it – but basically every man, and woman for that matter, looked better in a suit.
The day went by quickly and when the kids got back from shopping, the Shield meeting had already finished and Bruce and Sam were preparing dinner.
At Lucy's request, Nat stayed with her that night as well. Lucy didn't know why she suddenly felt so fragile but that's probably just what loss did to her, but with Natasha's arms wrapped around her, she fell asleep soon.
###
"And I would also like to extend our deepest condolences on behalf of Hammer Industries and myself. This must be a very trying time for you." Hammer smiled at her and Lucy managed to hide every emotion behind her public face and only offered a small smile that hopefully looked sad.
"I appreciate that, thank you."
She shook his hand and sighed after he turned towards the buffet. Hammer had been the last one of the important guests that she needed to face and now that it was finally over, she turned to Matthew who'd been standing beside her the entire time. He gave her a proud smile for having managed the difficult part and led her back to her family that was standing next to a table towards the back of the room.
Natasha put an arm around her shoulder in support and Lucy gratefully leaned on it. She got her little speech in church and all the condolence wishes at reception behind her and for some reason, it had taken a greater toll on her than expected. She felt drained and empty. With a little shake of her head, she got Peter and Wanda's attention and pulled them aside.
"I can't stay here anymore."
Wanda nodded in understanding. "We'll get you back to the tower."
"No!" Lucy said, placing a hand on Wanda who was about to turn to tell the others. "I don't feel like going back there either." She paused. "I thought we could go to my parents' penthouse. That should be pretty quiet and I got the keys."
Peter immediately agreed and Wanda also nodded after considering her sister for a moment. Lucy smiled satisfied and quickly stepped up to Nat. She didn't tell where she'd go but Nat didn't ask, so they just left.
The walk wasn't long, only a few blocks, and Lucy was grateful for the opportunity for some fresh air. When they stepped into the penthouse, Wanda had to do a double take. The tower was luxurious but very practical and in no way at the top of the Upper East Side game – unlike the Rutherford penthouse.
Lucy directed the others to the sofas and opened the minibar opposite them.
"Help yourselves!"
She didn't need to say it twice. Peter jumped up and grabbed a beer from the cooler, while Wanda only slowly chose a bottle of red wine and filled a glass. Lucy herself grabbed a bourbon and filled a tumbler – much higher than usual.
She raised her glass. "To my parents' funeral."
Wanda threw her a warning glance and Lucy sighed.
"Fine… to us, then."
This time, Peter and Wanda echoed the toast and all took a sip from their drinks. The warmth of the amber liquid made Lucy feel a little better. At least it filled something inside of her. They continued drinking in silence until Lucy had emptied her glass and rose to get a refill. It hadn't taken long. Wanda frowned and looked at Peter who didn't seem concerned at all. She shook her head slightly and discreetly got out her phone.
We're at the Rutherford penthouse, not at the tower. Lucy didn't wanna go back there.
She sent the text to Nat and received a reply within minutes.
Are you drinking? You need any help?
Wanda smiled.
Yes, but it's all fine so far.
Again, the reply came instantly.
Alright, text me when you need Happy to come pick you up.
Wanda took a deep breath and put her phone away again. She felt much better now that Nat knew.
When Lucy got up to get her second refill, Wanda threw Peter who was still nursing his first beer another insistent look and this time, he finally responded with a concerned look of his own. Good, Wanda thought, he was finally catching on.
"Do you think you wanna slow down a bit?" Peter carefully asked Lucy who shook her head.
"I'm okay."
With a frown, Wanda noted that Lucy really was able to hold her drink – which only concerned her more.
"I think we should get back to the tower." Wanda softly nudged Lucy who sighed but gave a slow nod.
Relieved, Wanda quickly texted Happy and ushered the others out to the street where he was waiting with the car. She was amazed and worried that Lucy was still walking straight.
The closer they got to the tower, the more nervous Peter seemed to get. Lucy on the other hand didn't seem to care at all.
Up on the common floor, their guardians quickly made their way to their protégés and Nat inspected Lucy carefully. Tony whispered something to Peter and seemed satisfied with the response because he smiled and waved to Pepper before she led them both to their own floor.
Steve watched Wanda carefully but smiled at her. "Thanks for letting us know. This could've gone very differently."
The girl nodded and the two wished the others a good night before also disappearing.
Nat lifted Lucy's chin and wasn't exactly surprised to see the girl respond like she usually would. Even with quite some alcohol in her system she was acting completely normal – she'd built up a lot of tolerance over the years and Nat wasn't sure whether she was happy with that.
"How much have you had?" Her voice didn't let any room for argument and Lucy only sighed.
"Three glasses of bourbon," she muttered in response and Nat frowned.
"Filled to the brim, I assume."
Lucy's head sank and her mentor sighed before taking her shoulders and turning her.
"You need to have some water and then get to bed."
Like the previous nights, Natasha didn't leave Lucy side once the girl went to bed and Lucy couldn't help but feel confused at the lack of anger and disappointment in Nat's demeanor to this point.
"Why aren't you more upset?" she questioned as she turned around to see Natasha's eyes.
The redhead sighed and stroked Lucy's shoulder. "Because I understand what's going on."
"Don't get me wrong," she fixed stern eyes on Lucy. "We'll talk about this tomorrow but I know this isn't something I need to fear a repetition of."
Lucy sank a little further into her bed but Natasha's calming gestures helped her once again to fall asleep.
###
Nat sighed as she left their own floor and took the elevator down to Tony's. The talk with Lucy had gone as she expected and she understood the girl's position and Lucy seemed to understand her. She made sure she didn't let it slide – she definitely made it clear that it couldn't happen again – but the onus was on her to keep a reign on Lucy's behavior. The girl was in no state to regulate it herself.
After a knock on the door, Nat heard a call from inside and slipped into Tony's office. The genius was sitting at his desk and looked up with a smile when he saw the spy enter.
"This seems very formal – very unlike you."
Nat sighed and dropped into the chair in front of the desk.
"Tony… I don't know what I'm supposed to do."
The smile vanished from the man's face and he watched her closely.
"She's self-destructing and I can understand why but there needs to be a way to stop it," Nat continued in a low voice. Tony pulled a sympathetic face. It was highly unusual for the redhead to be so downcast and unconfident. He didn't like seeing her that way – at all.
"I know it looks like there's no way out right now – for both of you. But it's gonna get better," he promised and elicited a small smile from Natasha.
"This is probably not very comforting to you but this is almost the same behavior I exhibited." Tony grinned at Nat's pained expression. "But the difference is that Lucy has a much better support system. She's got all of us around and every single person in this tower will do everything they can to help her get through this."
Nat gave him a grateful look. "Thank you and you're right. I guess we can't force anything but only keep a closer eye on her than usual."
"Exactly," Tony nodded. "I don't want to know how this would've gone a year ago."
He stopped talking and Natasha also got quiet. She couldn't imagine how hard Peggy's death must've been on Lucy and her annoyance and anger at the Rutherfords flared again. She couldn't believe how these people had absolutely wasted their chance at having a relationship with this smart, strong girl.
Tony seemed to realize the change in her mood and decided that this wasn't going the right way.
"So, is Reed off his probation yet?"
Nat looked up at him in surprise and gave him a sly smile. "He still winces every time he sees Clint on the compound… it's funny."
The two grinned at each other and Nat couldn't help but think that they'd prevail – with the help of the family she never thought she'd ever have.