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Natasha didn't look back as the elevator doors slid shut, but she felt Mia's stare burn into her spine all the way down. The ride to her floor was quiet, the soft hum of the elevator the only sound. Natasha let out a slow breath, rubbing a hand over her face. She hated scenes—especially ones that involved her daughter—but she wasn't about to pretend she hadn't seen Mia circling Athena for weeks, smiling a little too brightly, hovering a little too close. Athena deserved peace. After everything, she deserved certainty. The elevator doors opened. Natasha stepped out, but instead of heading straight to her room, she paused, leaning her forehead briefly against the cool metal wall. "Kids," she muttered under her breath. "Grown ones are worse."

Back upstairs, Mia stood frozen in the common room, Natasha's words replaying in her head over and over. Her jaw tightened, eyes stinging—not because Natasha was wrong, but because she'd said it out loud. She scoffed to herself and crossed her arms. "Has taste," she repeated quietly. "Right." The front doors slid open with a soft whoosh. Carol and Athena stepped inside, laughter still lingering between them from something Carol had said in the car. Athena was halfway through taking off her coat when she noticed Mia standing there like a statue. "Oh," Athena said, the warmth in her voice dimming slightly. "You're still up."

Mia straightened. "Yeah. I was just—" she stopped herself, then forced a smile. "You have a nice dinner?" Carol glanced between them, immediately clocking the tension. "Uh... yeah. It was great," she said, offering Athena a small, reassuring smile. "I'm gonna grab some water." She gave Athena's hand a quick squeeze before heading toward the kitchen, deliberately giving them space. Athena watched her go, then turned back to Mia, arms folding over her chest. "What's going on?" Mia hesitated, then the words spilled out sharper than she meant them to. "Your mom hates me." Athena blinked, clearly caught off guard. "What?"

"She basically told me to mind my business and stop trying to get your attention," Mia said, chin lifting defensively. "And before you say it—no, I wasn't flirting." Athena studied her for a long moment, expression unreadable. Then she sighed. "Mia... my mom doesn't hate you. But she's protective. And she's not wrong about one thing." Mia's mouth tightened. "Which is?" "That Carol and I are together," Athena said calmly. "And we're trying—really trying—to do this right this time." Mia looked away. "I just don't trust her." Athena's voice softened, but there was steel underneath it. "You don't have to. I do."

Silence stretched between them, heavy and uncomfortable. "I care about you," Mia said finally, quieter now. "I just... I don't want to see you hurt again." Athena nodded. "I know. But this is my choice. And I need you to respect it." Mia swallowed, then gave a stiff nod. "Yeah. Okay." Carol reappeared from the kitchen, sensing the shift but not pushing. "Everything good?" Athena glanced at her, a small, genuine smile curving her lips. "Yeah. Everything's fine."

She reached for Carol's hand again, grounding herself in the warmth of it. "Goodnight, Mia," Athena added. "Night," Mia replied, already backing away toward the hall.As she disappeared down the corridor, Carol leaned in slightly. "You okay?" Athena exhaled, resting her head briefly against Carol's shoulder. "Yeah. I am now." Downstairs, Natasha stood in her doorway, listening to the faint sounds of movement through the compound above. A moment later, her phone buzzed.

Athena: She's home. We're okay.

Natasha smiled to herself, tension finally easing from her shoulders.

Natasha: Good. Sleep well, baby.

She set the phone down, satisfied. Whatever storms came next, her daughter wasn't facing them alone—and Natasha would make damn sure of that.