137

The compound was quieter than it had been all day. They'd escaped to the small balcony off Athena's room, the city stretched out below them in soft, distant light. Carol leaned against the railing, jacket discarded, ring glinting every time she moved her hand. Athena sat sideways on the bench, one leg tucked under her, watching Carol like she was still making sure this was real.

The silence was comfortable. Earned. Athena broke it casually, like she was asking about dinner plans. "So... kids?" Carol stiffened. Not much. Just enough. She turned her head slowly. "Kids," she repeated. Athena shrugged, deliberately loose. "Not right now. Not a plan. Just—" She gestured vaguely, then met Carol's eyes, serious beneath the ease. "Someday. Maybe. If you want."

Carol exhaled, breath leaving her in a long, thoughtful line. She stared out at the city again, jaw working. "I never let myself think that far," she admitted. "I didn't stay places long enough for it to make sense." Athena nodded. "I figured." A beat passed. "But," Carol continued, quieter now, "when I watched you with Morgan this morning... it didn't scare me." Athena's eyebrows lifted, just a touch. "It didn't feel like a trap," Carol said. "It felt like... something I'd come back to."

Athena swallowed. "You wouldn't have to give anything up," she said quickly. "Flying. Space. You being you." Carol turned fully toward her then. "I know. And that's why this works." She stepped closer, resting her forehead briefly against Athena's. "I don't know what that looks like yet. But I know I want a life where I get to choose it. With you." Athena smiled, soft and relieved. "That's all I was asking."

Carol laughed under her breath. "You're terrifyingly calm about this." Athena grinned. "Give me time." They stood there for a moment, hands linked, the future stretching out ahead of them—not mapped, not planned, but open in a way that didn't demand escape. Carol squeezed Athena's hand. "After," she said thoughtfully. "I think after looks like us. And we build from there." Athena leaned into her, content. "Yeah," she said. "I like that."