Dr. Stone Gives Sue Storm A Nudge

Karla Sofen was a manipulator by nature. Even before Doctor Doom had upgraded her powers, she had used her knowledge of human psychology and her natural intelligence and charisma to play with others—and in this situation, as Sue Storm thought wistfully about her encounter with Nairobi, was too ripe of an opportunity to pass.

A golden glow built in Moonstone's eyes, the implants in her skull buzzing as she delicately used her gravity-manipulation powers to push Sue Storm into that suggestible state, where the Invisible Woman was incapable of lying—and her brain like soft clay, ready to be molded into whatever form that the villain desired.

Sue Storm's head dipped, face suddenly slack. Moonstone grinned.

"You like the attention, don't you Sue?" Dr. Stone said.

"Yes..." Sue responded automatically.

"There's nothing wrong with that," Dr. Stone said. "Is there?"

"N-no..." Sue's voice held a note of hesitation, unsureness.

"Nothing wrong with that at all. In fact, it's quite healthy," Dr. Stone said. "In fact, you might...reciprocate."

Sue Storm said nothing, though her lips moved. Some inner conflict her brain struggled to process. Which is where Dr. Stone came in.

"You should be receptive to her feelings," Dr. Stone said.

"Feels...like...cheating..." Sue managed.

Moonstone licked her lips. Her eyes grew a little brighter, the implants' buzz rose in pitch, maddening as if a hive of bees had moved into her brain.

"It's not cheating. It's just a kiss. Kisses aren't cheating," Dr. Stone's voice brooked no argument.

"Kisses aren't cheating," Sue repeated.

"Kisses aren't cheating," Dr. Stone said again, stronger. "Kissing is natural."

"Kisses aren't cheating," Sue repeated, her tone more confident and sure. "Kissing is natural."

Over and over, they repeated the phrase. Until blood oozed down from Dr. Stone's nostrils, and she had to end the manipulation. Sue Storm blinked and shook herself as the villain dabbed at her nose with a handkerchief.

"Oh my. Another nosebleed?" Sue said, shifting to mom-mode.

"I really need a humidifier in here," Dr. Stone said. "Anyway, I hope you'll think about what we talked about here."

"I will," Sue said, and they both stood to say their goodbyes.

When they had begun, a session might begin and end with a handshake. As they had progressed, small hugs become common. Yet now, as Sue was about to leave, the Invisible Woman boldly stepped forward and pressed a small kiss on Dr. Stone's lips...then stepped back, with a smile, and left.

Moonstone's head swam, the warmth of Sue Storm's lips on hers still present. That...had been unexpected. For the first time, the villain wondered if she had pushed Sue Storm too far.