I Love You 3000: The Road After the Endgame

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Carol's POV

 I successfully helped Maria send out wedding invitations. She wanted me to stay the night with her and Nick but I didn't want intrude. They don't get a ton of privacy as is so I would feel guilty about taking that away from them. I actually decided to pay a visit to someone I'm long overdue for seeing. Maria Rambeau, my partner in crime. She's getting older and I won't be able to spend forever with her. She still resides in the same house she's been in for ages. Monica is all grown up now, constantly out with friends. She loves me but only wants to spend so much time with her aunt Carol. After all, teenagers like to rebellious, keeping secrets to themselves. I would know, I was a teenager once too.

   I land carefully in her yard, clinging onto my jacket slightly. I've had this jacket for so long. It's worn out big time, the threading having come undone long ago. I don't care though. It holds too much sentimental value for me to throw it away. I walk up the stairs and ring the doorbell. A moment later, Maria pokes her nose out. "Carol, is that you?" I grin at her. "It's me, surprise. Is that little squirt here?" She laughs. "No, she's out with her boyfriend. She got her first beau recently. He's her age. They met at school and he was her prom date last month." "Well I'll be damned. The little squirt isn't so little anymore. Have the two of you had the birds and the bees talk yet?" 

      Her comedic demeanor vanishes. "We were both dead for five years apparently. I only learned about it recently. We just turned to dust and vanished with half of the universe's population. Did you survive it?" I nod. "I did but I lost so many people for five years because of it. Myself and the Avengers brought down Thanos once in for all. Partially due to an epic battle and partially due to time travel. I lost you, Monica, and Nick Fury. The three people who are the center of my universe, the core of my roots. Without you all, I wouldn't have become the person and the hero I am today. Without you all, I never would have become Captain Marvel." She hugs me tightly. "Don't beat yourself up. It's not your fault that some mad creature from outer space wanted to wipe out a significant amount of life. Is it really true that he pushed his own daughter off of a cliff in order to obtain one of the Infinity Stones?"

       I wince. "Sadly so. I didn't know much about Gamora. I know she was pivotal member of the Guardians of the Galaxy and the remaining Guardians are searching the universe to find the past version of her." She does a once over at me before making me a cup of tea. "You've changed Carol. Not just your appearance but your soul. You've finally developed the essence of what a true hero is supposed to be like. Not to mention that short haircut looks badass." I smirk at her. "Thank you. I've learned to be more comfortable in my own skin. I'm also publicly out to the world as a Lesbian. The LGBTQA+ community is enjoying having a Lesbian superhero out there fighting crime. Some people have even referred to me as "Lesbian Jesus." 

        She giggles. "That's what my daughter tells me about this one singer she listens to a lot these days. I think her name is Hayley Kiyoko. "Lesbian Jesus" suits you just as well too." I bow playfully and leisurely sip my tea, which is Earl Grey because I need the caffeine. "This tea is much needed, thank you. I have to zip off to another planet in a bit but I really wanted to see you before I do so. You've been on my mind for years. I just needed to see you face to face. By the way, Nick Fury is getting married... to Maria Hill. You'll be getting an invitation to the wedding soon. Bring Monica as your plus one." She beams at me. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. We'll be there." 

         We spend the rest of the afternoon catching up before it's time for me to depart. We exchange one last hug before I take off to space. I look down at Maria lovingly before I disappear into the cosmos. 

Hoped that you guys liked this chapter! :) -Mary