The decision had been building for weeks.
Alex had delayed it long enough—partly out of fear, partly out of habit. Elena Kane had always been his anchor, the one constant from both lives. She knew he was gifted, that KaneTech was thriving, that he was "different." But she didn't know about the powers, the reincarnation, or the three women who now shared his heart and home.
Today, he was done hiding.
He stood in the kitchen, fidgeting with the edge of a dish towel while Gwen, Wanda, and Natasha watched him with quiet understanding.
"You're sure?" Gwen asked gently, hand on his arm.
"I'm sure," Alex said, voice steady but eyes betraying nerves. "She deserves to know. And… I want her to meet you. All of you. As family."
Wanda stepped close—red energy brushing his wrist soothingly. "We're nervous too. But we want this."
Natasha leaned against the counter, arms crossed but expression soft. "She raised you. That makes her important. We'll follow your lead."
Alex pulled them into a quick group embrace—foreheads touching, breathing together.
"Thank you," he whispered.
Elena's new apartment—bought with "investment profits" she still thought were lucky—was warm and familiar: family photos on the walls, the scent of fresh parathas, soft music playing low.
She opened the door with her usual bright smile—looking younger than her years thanks to the subtle longevity traits Alex had shared over the years.
"Mijo!" She pulled him into a fierce hug, then stepped back—eyes widening at the three women behind him. "And… company?"
Alex swallowed—heart hammering harder than during the siege.
"Mom… this is Gwen. Wanda. Natasha."
Gwen stepped forward first—warm smile, hand extended. "Mrs. Kane, it's wonderful to finally meet you. Alex talks about you all the time."
Elena shook her hand—eyes twinkling. "Call me Elena, please. And he talks about you too. The smart one from MIT?"
Gwen blushed—genuine. "That's me."
Wanda came next—more reserved, red energy carefully hidden, but her smile soft and sincere. "Elena… thank you for raising such a good man. He saved me more than once."
Elena took Wanda's hand—felt the quiet strength there. "You're the one with the kind eyes. He said you've been through a lot. I'm glad you have each other."
Natasha last—poised, but softer than usual. "Elena. I'm Natasha. I… don't have a lot of family left. It means a lot that Alex wanted us to meet you."
Elena studied her for a long moment—then pulled her into a hug. "Then you have family now. Anyone who loves my son is welcome here."
Alex watched—heart swelling—tears pricking his eyes.
They moved to the living room—tea and parathas on the table. Conversation flowed—tentative at first, then easier.
Elena asked Gwen about her studies, her family. Gwen shared stories of her dad, her work—honest, vulnerable. Elena listened with the empathy Alex had copied from her years ago.
With Wanda, Elena was gentler—sensing old grief. "You've lost people too," she said softly. "I see it in your eyes. But you smile now. That's because of my son, isn't it?"
Wanda's voice cracked. "Yes. And Gwen. And Natasha. They… they make the red inside me feel safe."
Elena squeezed her hand. "Then keep them close."
Natasha was hardest—guarded at first. But Elena's warmth chipped away at walls.
"You're quiet," Elena observed. "Like you're used to watching, not being seen."
Natasha smiled—small, genuine. "Old habit. But… I'm learning to stay."
Elena reached across—took her hand. "Stay as long as you want. This house is yours too now."
Tears glistened in Natasha's eyes—rare, unguarded.
The conversation turned to Alex—Elena sharing embarrassing childhood stories, the women laughing, Alex groaning but smiling.
At one point, Elena looked at all three women—then at her son.
"You love them," she said simply. Not a question.
Alex met her eyes—voice thick. "Yes. All of them. Deeply. Honestly."
Elena smiled—tears in her own eyes. "Then I love them too. Because they make you happy. Because they fight for you. Because you finally let someone in."
She stood—pulled all three women into a group hug.
"You're my daughters now," she whispered. "All of you. Welcome home."
Gwen, Wanda, and Natasha hugged back—eyes shining.
Later—after dinner, after stories, after promises to visit again soon—Elena pulled Alex aside at the door.
"She's good for you," she said softly. "All three of them. I see how they look at you. How you look at them. Don't let fear keep you from this."
Alex hugged her—tight. "I won't. I love you, Mom."
"I love you too, mijo. Now go. Take care of your family."
They left together—four hearts lighter.
In the car, Gwen leaned her head on Alex's shoulder. "She's amazing."
Wanda smiled from the back. "She accepted us. Just like that."
Natasha—driving—glanced over. "She saw us. Really saw us."
Alex looked out the window—city lights blurring past.
"She always has," he said quietly. "And now… so do I."
The road home stretched ahead—bright, open, full of possibility.