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Natasha lingered at the edge of the kitchen, unnoticed. Athena was laughing—really laughing—the sound unguarded and bright in a way that still surprised her sometimes. Carol stood close, one hand steady on Morgan's high chair, the other absently brushing Athena's wrist like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Morgan babbled between them, spoon clutched in her fist like a victory trophy. Natasha took it in quietly. The way Carol leaned without crowding. The way Athena didn't brace for impact anymore. The way the space between them felt... settled. For years, Natasha had lived with the instinct to watch for exits. To count threats. To prepare for loss before it arrived. But here—there was nothing to anticipate. Nothing to guard against.

She exhaled, slow and steady. She's safe, Natasha thought. She's loved. Satisfied, Natasha turned away and let the moment belong to them. Athena leaned in close, lowering her voice like they were conspiring. "One rule," she said. Carol arched a brow, amused. "Already?" "Just a tiny one." Carol glanced around the kitchen—at Morgan happily banging her spoon, at Sam pretending not to listen, at the distinct absence of Tony for exactly three suspicious minutes. "Okay," she said. "Hit me."

"No planning today," Athena said. "Not dates, not venues, not guest lists." Carol smiled in relief. "Deal." Athena hesitated, then added, "Except cake." Carol laughed, bumping her forehead gently against Athena's. "Cake is essential." They sealed it with a quick kiss—soft, easy, entirely theirs. A beat passed. Then a hand slid a neon-yellow sticky note onto the counter between them. Neither of them looked up. Carol read it aloud anyway. "'Just One Idea.'"

Athena snorted. "He lasted, what—an hour?" Pepper appeared behind Tony like she'd been summoned by the universe itself. Without a word, she peeled the sticky note off the counter, folded it once, and tucked it into her pocket. Tony opened his mouth. Pepper smiled sweetly. "Probation." Tony sighed. "I hate this system." Carol reached for Athena's hand, squeezing it gently. "I think it's working just fine." Athena smiled back, the ring catching the light between them, as the kitchen settled once more into warmth and laughter—cake officially sanctioned, chaos temporarily contained.