Chapter Text
EXT. EARTH-616 – LOUISIANA SKY – NIGHT
City noise fills the air as we see Carol Danvers flying through the night sky in her suit. Her figure is a blur of speed, slicing through the clouds, cutting across the horizon. Her movements are erratic, almost frantic. She's chasing something, but there's no clear destination.
She slows her descent until she’s hovering just above the ground—finding herself at Maria's grave. A memory flickers in her mind: Christmas with a young Monica and Maria—their laughter, their love, their quiet moments on Earth-616. Each memory glows with warmth, but it quickly fades into the grim reality.
Carol hovers over the cold, silent ground. Her face is tight, pain etched deep in her features.
She lowers herself to the grass, taking a seat as she turns to lean against the Headstone. Her chest heaves, her breath shaky. Somehow she found a way to let Maria down, one last time.
***I’ll fix this. I have to fix this.***
INT. STRANGE'S SANCTUM SANCTORUM – MORNING
Stephen Strange stands at the top of the stairs, his third eye glowing faintly as he scans through space and time to find Monica. Carol had come to him desperate after trying to find Monica for almost a year with no success. He's hesitant, but ultimately gives in, finding it hard to see Carol like this. America Chavez stands behind Stephen. After the encounter with Scarlet Witch, America had been visiting Earth-616 often, studying and training under this version of Doctor Strange, honing her powers and growing stronger.
America and Carol watch as the third eye flickers before dimming completely.
STRANGE
(carefully)
I've found her...but we have to be smart about this. We need to have an exit plan-
CAROL
We'll figure it out. Right now, Monica needs me. Let's go.
Strange studies Carol.
STRANGE
You’re not thinking clearly.
CAROL
I don't care. If there's a chance—if you saw OUR Monica—then I’m going. I don’t care if I don’t come back. I'm not leaving her alone.
America watches the exchange, her eyes flicking between the two of them. There’s tension, but a shared understanding too. She watches as Stephen thinks for a moment before conceding. America senses that there's something he isn't telling Carol.
STRANGE
You'll need to keep us in the loop. America is the only one who can safely open the door to this universe. She is the only one who can safely bring you and Monica home.
CAROL
I understand. I'll let you know when we're ready.
STRANGE
(nods to America, signaling for her to open the portal to Earth-615)
---EXT. EARTH-615 – DAY---
Carol steps into the swirling portal, surprised to find herself falling out of the sky and landing with a crash outside the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning—home of the X-Men. She’s dazed, but the instant she hits the ground, she springs to her feet, determined.
As she dusts herself off and makes her way across the lawn to the front doors of the institute, she takes in her surroundings, noticing that this version of Earth seems a bit more advanced that the Earth she is used to. Robots manage the lawn and shrubs along the walkway. They stop to observe as Carol passes them, ready to spring into action if she becomes a threat. As Carol reaches the doors of the institute, she raises a fist to knock, but is shocked to see the door snatched open.
MARIA (Earth-615)
You’re trespassi—
(stops mid-sentence as her words catch in her throat, recognizing Carol)
...Carol?
Carol stands frozen for a beat, eyes wide and glistening, her mouth going dry. Her heart races as she takes in the sight of Maria--much younger than she last saw her--the shock evident on both women’s faces. Carol takes note of the sleek white suit Maria is wearing, the design similar to hers.
The air shifts. There’s no immediate movement. Both women see each other, but neither can quite process what’s happening. The glowing fist Maria had raised in defense, ready to blast the trespasser, dims and falls weakly to her side. The other hand grasps tightly onto the door knob, suddenly needing something to keep her grounded.
The hum of an electric wheelchair whirrs in the distance. Professor Charles Xavier rolls into view, flanking Maria.
CHARLES
(smiles warmly)
I had a feeling this would happen. Come with me.
---EXT. XAVIER INSTITUTE – EVENING---
The campus is quiet as students and faculty settle into the living quarters after dismissal. The long path to the living quarters is framed by soft shadows and the occasional flicker of light from within. Charles maneuvers his electric wheelchair, leading the way with Maria at his side. Carol Danvers follows behind, taking in the unfamiliar environment.
CHARLES
(over his shoulder, still leading Carol across campus)
I take it you're here for Monica?
Carol releases a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. It must be a good sign if they know her by name. There was even a warmth to the way he said her name.
MARIA (615):
(Studies Carol, feeling an instinctive urge to comfort her.)
She’s here, Carol. She’s safe.
Carol looks at Maria, overwhelmed.
CAROL:
I didn’t know what I was walking into, but...I can tell she's been in good hands.
CHARLES:
(Supportive but gentle)
Monica’s stronger than you think. And she’s had a year to come to terms with being here. She’s actually become a bit of an asset at the institute. The students love her.
CAROL:
(Eyes welling up with relief and a bit of pride)
I’m just glad she’s okay. I didn’t think it would take this long to find her.
Maria gives a reassuring smile, though her expression is mixed—there’s still an underlying sadness. Carol decides she'll ask about it after she finds Monica.
MARIA (615):
I'm sure she'll understand. The important thing is that you never stopped trying.
Carol nods, still uncertain, but steeling herself. They enter the mansion and make their way to the last room on the first hall. Maria gives Carol a final look of encouragement before she steps inside. Maria and Charles give them space.
INT. LIVING QUARTERS – MONICA'S ROOM – NIGHT
The room is quiet, warm, with the gentle flicker of firelight dancing across the walls. Monica sits at the desk by the window, immersed in a novel. When Carol enters, Monica turns, her eyes locking with Carol’s. There’s a flicker of something—relief, happiness, maybe even a hint of nervousness—but there’s no anger, no bitterness. She stands and pulls Carol into a tight hug.
MONICA:
(Softly, as if in disbelief)
You actually came.
Carol’s melts into the embrace, resting her chin on top of Monica's head. They stay like this for a while, Carol indulging for the sake of all the years she wasn't able to wrap her arms around Monica and protect her from the world around her.
CAROL:
(With a relieved smile)
I’m so glad you’re okay, Monica. I—I’ve been so worried about you.
Monica’s gaze softens, and for a second, there’s a hint of a smile on her face. But it fades quickly, and the weight of the moment settles between them.
MONICA:
(Slowly, voice quiet)
I’m fine. But... I’ve been here for a year, Carol. I’ve... gotten used to it. But you—(she hesitates) what if you get stuck here too? What if you can’t get back?
Carol’s heart sinks as she sees the worry in Monica’s eyes. She hadn’t fully thought about the danger of both of them being trapped here, but now that Monica’s pointed it out, the gravity of the situation hits Carol hard. She moves closer, her voice soft but filled with sincerity.
Carol:
I don’t know what’s going to happen. I—I don’t even know if we can get back to 616. I’m just... so happy you’re okay. I'm glad you weren't alone this whole time.
Monica looks at Carol, searching her face. There’s a quiet vulnerability in her eyes. Her voice is soft, tinged with a sense of resignation and concern.
MONICA:
(With a faint smile, but worried)
You don’t know what it’s like, Carol. To be here for so long. The world is different, the rules are different, and I... I don’t know how long I can keep pretending that this is okay. I’ve missed you guys
Carol steps closer, reaching out to gently touch Monica’s arm, her voice filled with quiet reassurance.
CAROL:
(Sincerely)
I’m here, Monica. I don’t know what’s next for us. But I’m not leaving you. Not like I did before.
Monica looks down for a moment, taking a deep breath. The weight of her fears is still there, but something shifts.
MONICA:
(Smiling faintly, a bit of warmth in her voice)
I’m glad you’re here, Carol. I really am…
Monica’s smile grows a little wider, though there’s still a trace of worry behind her eyes. Carol pulls her into another hug—tentative at first, but then more solid, as though the weight of everything they’ve both been through is finally starting to feel a little less heavy.
MARIA'S ROOM – NIGHT
The camera pans across the quiet, dimly lit room of Maria Rambeau. It’s lived-in, warm, but with an underlying sadness. There are military photos and framed newspaper clippings scattered on the walls. The room feels like a blend of a military base and a home—grounded, real.
Maria stands at the window, her arms crossed, looking out into the distance. She's in pajamas now. A tank and some shorts. Carol allows herself to indulge in the sight for a moment. Despite the feeling that this is a privilege she doesn't deserve, it's so familiar and Carol can't bring herself to look away: the short curls of Maria's hair, the slope of her neck, the soft but muscular frame, the smooth dark complexion of her skin and how the light makes it appear as if she's glowing... Carol knocks and enters cautiously.
CAROL
(tentatively)
I feel like I should thank you-for taking Monica in. Welcoming her.
Maria doesn’t turn around at first. She just continues to look out the window.
MARIA
(softly)
Of course.
Carol steps forward, her hands restless at her sides. She’s unsure what to say, but the pull of Maria’s presence is magnetic.
MARIA
So, does this mean you're leaving?
CAROL
(not expecting the question)
When we can, yes.
Maria is silent, but raises a hand to her chest, taking hold of the gold ring around her necklace. She's lost in thought as she slides the ring along the necklace absently. Carol sees a flash of 616-Maria carrying Monica on her hip as Monica toys with a similar necklace around Maria's neck.
Maria finally turns to face Carol, her face softening with a mix of emotions. She looks at Carol for a long moment. Dark brown eyes find lighter brown eyes again for the first time in years (decades, for Maria). There’s understanding, but also an unspoken question: What was she to you?
MARIA
(breaking the silence)
You’re gonna tell me about her, aren’t you? Your Maria.
CAROL
(chuckling softly)
I wasn’t planning to. But... sure. I guess I’ll tell you. It's a hell of a story.
Maria gives her a small, curious smile, sensing Carol's hesitation. She moves to sit on the edge of the bed, more engaged than before. Carol takes a calming breath, moving to sit next to Maria.
CAROL
We were a pair of troublemakers. Always getting into trouble. She was always ahead of me—smarter, quicker... but I caught up in the end. She had to slow down a bit once Monica came.
MARIA
(with a soft laugh)
She must’ve been something if you couldn’t keep up.
CAROL
(snorts, smiling fondly)
Yeah, she was. She was so damn strong. Not afraid of anything. I loved that about her.
Carol pauses for a moment, feeling a pang in her chest as she recalls 616-Maria oddly being the one to comfort Carol, in her final moments.
***It's okay, Baby.***
615-Maria watches Carol, sensing the underlying sadness.
CAROL
(clears her throat, continuing)
We met at the Air Force Academy. She had the same dream as me—she wanted to fly. But she had this... thing about always being the best. And she was. Even when we went through officer school together, she was the one who made it through everything without breaking. She was my rock.
Maria’s eyes soften as she listens. It’s clear there was something more than friendship between Carol and her Maria.
MARIA
You sound like you miss her.
Carol nods, then seems to snap back to the present.
CAROL
Yeah. But I was such a mess. It was clear that there was...something... between us, but we never quite figured it out. We never talked about what we were, you know? She was always there-waiting for me to figure it out and "come home". It terrified me.
Maria’s eyes flicker to Carol’s face, watching her closely. She understands. She had a similar relationship with her Carol, but Maria was the one running, away until it was too late.
CAROL
(continues almost regretfully)
We had this one big fight in '83. I wasn’t ready for what she wanted... I was too scared, too angry at myself to admit that I wanted more. I blamed it on trying to protect our careers, but no one paid us any attention. It was just me being a coward.
Carol's voice cracks a bit, and Maria reaches over to gently place her hand on Carol’s arm. Carol smiles softly at the gesture but doesn’t pull away.
CAROL
She ended up pregnant with Monica. After a one-night stand. I was so angry and I really didn't have a right to be... But we got past it and we tag-teamed raising Monica. One drunken night, I gave her a "friendship ring" that looked a lot like a wedding ring. She wore that ring around her neck until the day I "died". I kept mine in the pocket of my flight jumper, but it went missing after the crash.
*************************************************************************************
AIRFIELD – 1989
The sun is dipping low on the horizon, casting a golden haze over the tarmac. The last of the daylight flickers in the sky, streaking the clouds with vibrant oranges and purples. The sound of distant engines hum softly in the background. Maria is long gone by now, Gone home to get dinner started for Monica.
Carol Danvers stands by the plane parked on the runway, moving with a quiet intensity. Her fingers trace over the surface of the fuselage, rechecking every bolt, every seam, every panel. She doesn’t seem to notice the setting sun or the distant sound of planes shutting off nearby. Her hands move in practiced, almost obsessive motions, confirming every detail—again and again.
Her brow furrows as she moves along the plane, checking the landing gear, running her fingers along the wings, then climbing inside the cockpit to run through the systems once more. It’s not like her to second-guess, but tonight, her gut is telling her something she can’t ignore.
She checks the fuel lines, eyes scanning for any potential issue—real or imagined. She leans in to inspect the thrusters, her fingers working with precise, methodical movements. Her movements are sharp, but there’s a tightness in her chest—a restraint, as though she's trying to hold back something that wants to break free. Her thoughts are far away, but she can’t stop herself from checking, adjusting, repeating. She feels like if she could make the plane perfect—if she could make it flawless—it might change the outcome of tomorrow.
She pauses for a moment, her eyes distant as she looks out over the hangar. Her mind drifts to Maria.
Maria chose to go on this mission. Maria has always been ready to take on the hard things, the dangerous things. It’s part of who she is. But Carol had no idea how deeply this would affect her—how much it meant to Maria until it was almost too late.
And now Carol can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. Something about this mission feels off. Her instincts, honed by years of living with an alcoholic father, are screaming at her. This mission is different. Tomorrow’s mission is something they might not come back from.
Carol closes her eyes for a moment, her grip tightening around the controls.
Dr. Wendy Lawson appears beside her, watching Carol's movements with a quiet, knowing expression.
DR. LAWSON:
Captain Danvers... You’ve checked this plane three times already.
Carol doesn’t immediately respond. She takes a slow breath, as if trying to center herself. Her fingers briefly linger on the cockpit’s control panel, but she doesn’t look at Dr. Lawson yet. She’s hesitant to even speak, unsure of how much to reveal. She has to find a way to explain this... whatever this feeling is that’s eating at her.
Finally, she turns, her gaze meeting Dr. Lawson’s. There’s a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes, quickly masked by her usual resolve. Her shoulders are tense, and though she manages a smile, it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
CAROL:
I know, Ma'am. Just... making sure everything’s good to go. Can’t get complacent.
Dr. Lawson doesn’t need Carol to say more. She’s seen this before—Carol’s meticulous, protective nature. She knows the real reason Carol is here, checking and re-checking.
DR. LAWSON:
(Voice soft, understanding)
You can’t control everything, Carol.
Carol looks down, her eyes flicking away for a moment, then back to Lawson. There’s a moment of silence between them before she speaks, her voice lower than before.
CAROL:
It’s all I can do right now, Ma'am.
Dr. Lawson steps closer, her gaze softening with a quiet empathy. She watches Carol’s restless movements.
DR. LAWSON:
(Low, but with a knowing hint)
You’re scared.
Carol doesn’t respond immediately, her throat tight. She knows it’s true—she is scared. But admitting it to Lawson, even in this moment, feels like too much of a risk. So, she says nothing for a long beat, trying to bury the fear.
CAROL:
(Shaking her head)
I just... I can’t shake this feeling, Ma'am. Something’s wrong about this mission. It doesn’t feel right.
Dr. Lawson observes her closely, a flicker of recognition crossing her face. She’s been around long enough to know that Carol’s instincts are rarely wrong. And she knows the weight of what’s driving Carol now. It’s not just the mission; it’s Maria.
DR. LAWSON:
(Softly)
Captain Rambeau agreed to go. She wants this.
Carol closes her eyes for a brief second, feeling the weight of the decision they both made. Maria is driven by duty, by a desire to do good in the world, and Carol respects that—she always has. But she didn’t realize, until this very moment, how much of herself Maria has tied to this mission. How much it means to her.
CAROL:
(Small, almost regretful)
Yes ma'am.
A long silence follows as Carol steps away from the plane, moving toward the edge of the tarmac. She runs a hand over her face, trying to push down the anxiety gnawing at her.
Her gaze is distant, clouded with emotions she’s been fighting all day. She knows Maria is ready for this. Maria has always been ready to face the dangerous things, the impossible things. But Carol isn’t ready. She’s not ready for Maria to face the consequences alone, especially if it means she could die. Carol thinks about little Monica going through life without Maria. She thinks, selfishly, about herself going through life without Maria. This is the thought that shakes her the most.
CAROL:
(Voice tight, resolute)
I can’t let her get on that plane. She can hate me later, but... I can deal with that.
Dr. Lawson watches her carefully, listening to the raw fear in Carol’s voice, but also hearing the subtle undercurrent of something deeper—something Carol hasn’t fully confronted yet.
DR.LAWSON:
(Speaking softly, but with quiet authority)
Whoever gets here first is my pilot. If that's happens to be you...I won't stop you.
Carol looks her straight in the eye, not flinching. She knows the stakes. She knows what’s at risk. But she also knows what she has to do. She made a promise, even if it was unspoken. Maria’s her family. And she will do whatever it takes to protect her.
Carol:
(Quietly, with finality)
I understand.
Dr. Lawson gives her a long look, a mixture of sadness and respect. She’s seen this before—Carol’s determination. Her love for Maria. And though she can’t say it out loud, she understands more than Carol knows.
*******************
615-MARIA'S ROOM – PRESENT DAY
CAROL
And so...I defied every traffic law known to man to beat Maria there the next day. (She chuckles, eyes distant) Maria still made it in time to hop on comms, so I was teased about my "cheating" the whole flight. But then we crashed and I...I don't know. But I'd do it again.
Maria squeezes her hand, a silent understanding passing between them. Carol smiles sadly and shifts her gaze toward the floor. There’s a moment of silence before Maria speaks again. Her voice is steady but laced with sadness. She turns to face Carol fully, meeting her eyes.
MARIA
It's interesting. My Carol...she died trying to protect me, too. The outcome was a little better in your case, but-I guess that's something all Carol's have in common.
Carol tilts her head, looking at Maria, encouraging her to go on. Maria’s eyes drift briefly to the window before locking back onto Carol.
MARIA
We met in the Navy. I didn’t join because I wanted to fight wars. I joined because I wanted to escape and see the world.
Carol smiles, hearing the similarity between this Maria and her Maria.
MARIA
When we got assigned to the same ship, I didn’t like her at first-My Carol. She was cocky, and I couldn’t stand the way she looked at me. Always trying to show me up... but then we started working together. I couldn’t figure out why she made me feel better about myself when I was around her.
Carol shifts, uncomfortable, but Maria presses on.
MARIA
Being surrounded by all those guys-Carol was the only person who really had my back. She was reckless and always in trouble, but she made me step up. She never expected me to be anything other than myself.
Carol watches her, caught off guard by the vulnerability. Maria’s voice catches slightly.
MARIA
On our last mission, we were doing maintenance on the lower deck when the explosion happened. They say it was an accident—something about a Top Secret package. But we both knew... it wasn’t an accident. Someone needed to get rid of that package and we were just the escorts.
She pauses, her eyes distant now as she remembers.
********************************
S.S. AVENGER – 1989
The low hum of the ship’s engines vibrates through the dimly lit maintenance bay. Maria wipes sweat from her brow, tightening a bolt. Across from her, Carol is working on a panel, focused but tense.
CAROL
(casting a glance at Maria)
You think we’ll ever get a break from this place?
MARIA
(small smile)
Maybe when we retire. But something tells me we’re both too stubborn for that.
The ship suddenly shakes violently. A loud alarm blares, cutting through the air. Toolboxes crash to the floor as red emergency lights flash across the bay.
INTERCOM
(urgent)
Attention all personnel!
Carol and Maria steady themselves, looking toward the intercom speaker.
INTERCOM
(continues, echoing)
Combustion in Cargo Bay. Proceed to top deck for evacuation. I REPEAT... proceed to top deck for evacuation!
Maria's eyes widen as she remembers the high-security package in the cargo bay—clearly too important to leave unattended.
CAROL
(strangely calm)
Cargo's just next door. Maybe I can... buy us some time.
MARIA
(urgent)
Danvers—
CAROL
If I can reach the console, I might be able to lower the fire doors...
Maria steps forward, hands on Carol’s face, her eyes pleading.
MARIA
(voice trembling)
What are you doing?
CAROL
I’ll be fine. I figured you could use the head start.
Maria hesitates, her expression torn, the weight of Carol’s words sinking in.
Without another word, Carol steps closer, her breath shallow. Maria instinctively draws back, but before she can react, Carol leans in and presses her lips to Maria’s—soft but firm.
Maria freezes, shock coursing through her, but then, almost instinctively, she returns the kiss. The noise of the ship seems to fade into the background. When Carol pulls away, Maria’s breath catches, her mind racing.
CAROL
(murmuring with affection)
You stubborn, beautiful woman...I swear, you make everything harder.
The sound of footsteps and shouting crewmen in the hallway snaps Carol back to reality.
CAROL
(soft but urgent)
I’ll meet you on the top deck. Go!
MARIA
(firmly)
No.
CAROL
No? What do you mean, "no"? It’s faster this way. I'll be right behind you.
Maria stands still, her face hardening with determination. The ship rattles again, and the floor beneath them shakes. They lock eyes, neither willing to move.
CAROL
(pleading)
Maria, please!
The sound of the ship tearing apart grows louder. Maria steps closer, her expression softening, but her resolve unshakable. She extends her hand to Carol. Carol shakes her head, exasperated, but unable to hide the affection in her eyes.
CAROL
(sighing, relenting)
Fine, I’m coming! Just go!
Before they can move, an explosion rocks the ship, shaking the entire bay. Carol instinctively grabs Maria, pulling her close and shielding her with her body. Another explosion erupts, deafening in its intensity.
MARIA
(screaming)
CAROL!
The explosion consumes the space with a bluish glow, and Carol takes the brunt of the blast, her body acting as a shield. Maria is thrown back and everything fades to black.
When Maria regains consciousness, the noise and tremors have subsided. The ship--what's left of it-- somehow made it back to land. Maria's body glows as newfound strength and energy pulses through her. She looks down to find Carol lying on top of her, unmoving, unrecognizable. The weight of Carol’s body presses against her as the silence settles, the air heavy with loss.
********************************************
615-MARIA'S ROOM – PRESENT DAY
Moment of Shared Silence
Carol takes a deep breath, as if absorbing the weight of everything Maria’s just shared. She leans forward wrapping a protective arm around Maria's shoulder. It’s a small gesture, but there’s a shared understanding between them now—a sense of connection born from mutual sacrifice and love.
They're both aware of how close they've become, both physically and emotionally, yet neither of them seems ready to fully acknowledge it. Maria had given in and allowed herself to lean on Carol. Taking in her scent and feeling Carol's body against her for the first time in almost 40 years--not that she's counting. She hasn't aged a day past 29.
Carol, caught in the moment, finds herself once again staring at Maria—at her eyes, her lips, the curve of her jaw, the knowing smile. Everything is so familiar. It's her... and yet, it isn’t.
Carol's gaze lingers on Maria’s lips, her thoughts racing. Her heart skips a beat. The memory of how those lips once felt—how they always managed to pull her in—floods her mind. She licks her own lips, almost without realizing, but the moment it happens, she knows she's been caught.
The weight of the memories hang heavily between them. After some time, Maria finally finds the strength to look at Carol again, and for a heartbeat, everything around them seems to blur. Maria tries to look away, but something in Carol’s eyes holds her there, as if grounding her. Her lips part slightly, a mix of vulnerability and tenderness in Carol’s expression that Maria can’t seem to escape. Despite herself, she feels drawn to her, unable to break the connection.
Maria leans in a little, her eyes locking with Carol’s, just for a second, before she shifts back to her usual casual composure. But Carol feels it. That pull. That undeniable thing between them.
CAROL
(softly, almost to herself)
It’s just... you remind me so much of her.
MARIA
(quietly, a hint of tenderness)
I know. I’ve heard it before. Her eyes, her smile...
Maria watches Carol, sensing her internal struggle. There’s a flicker of understanding in Maria’s gaze, but also something softer—like she’s trying to navigate the same turmoil herself. She shifts closer, as if to close the gap between them, but not too quickly.
MARIA
(softly)
We both know I’m not her. I’m... me. But I know what you mean. I feel it too. It’s like... some echo of who she was. But I am me, Carol. Maria Rambeau, version two.
Carol laughs lightly, but it’s a sound of relief—like the weight of their shared acknowledgment of the situation lightens just a bit.
Maria quirks an eyebrow, clearly amused by Carol’s discomfort.
MARIA
(teasing)
My eyes are up here...
Carol’s eyes flicker upward, meeting Maria’s gaze. For a long moment, they both sit there, the silence between them thick.
CAROL
(smiling sheepishly)
You’re... you. I can’t help it.
She looks at Maria—the same eyes, the same smile—but her gaze softens. Maria knows.
Maria reaches out and gently places a hand on Carol’s knee, her touch warm but firm. It's enough to make them close the distance. The kiss is soft at first, slow and testing, before growing into something breathless and needy. Maria deepens the kiss, pulling Carol down with her as she falls back. Her strong but gentle hands cradle Carol's face as blonde hair curtains around them. Maria can feel Carol's heart racing against hers as the blonde allows herself to lay on Maria fully. She knows that the other woman needs this as much as she does.