New York 3

Sue: Toni are you Asking me out? (she said with a teasing smile)

Antonio: I wouldn't dream of it... unless you want me to in which case that is exactly what I'm doing

Sue: Hahaha!

Sue burst out laughing at how shamelessly I was acting having to take a full minute to recover.

Sue: Unfortunately I'm currently seeing someone

Antonio: Yeah the guy in front of you? Don't worry I know your eyes work

Sue: haha I meant Reed

Antonio: so he can turn invisible? I thought that was your power so are you the flexible one in which case I'm more interested than ever

Sue: Ass be serious and no that is Reed I'm the invisible woman

Antonio: Hardly your absolutely radiant it is impossible to not look at you

Sue: Stop wasting time or we'll be here all night

Antonio: And how is that statement supposed to motivate me to stop? Spending time with a beautiful and charismatic woman sounds like time well spent

Sue:*muttering under her breath* I wish Reed thought that way

Antonio: You say something Sue I didn't quite hear it

Sue: Nothing important, there is a nice Italian I have been dying to go to with someone...

Antonio: Well look no further someone is right in front of you!

.....

The next few days slowly changed her behavior from joking to flirty as Reed kept himself locked in his lab ignoring the rest of the world. Which is why I have been seeing her around my lab more often. Whenever I saw her I would drop whatever it is I was doing regardless of what it was and make her the center of my attention.

Sue tried to ignore this fact treating me only as a friend at first but soon she became more relaxed as our conversations would last longer and became more flirtatious. Every time we went out she used to talk about Reed but slowly over time he became mentioned less and less until she finally just stopped talking about him. Sue has slowly become more aware of how our relationship is evolving we both see it but neither of us has said it out loud. Sue seems to understand that I haven't said anything as I want it to be her choice.

I am currently recreating the medi-gel from the Mass Effect universe, which I could have recreated a long time ago if I truly wanted as I made it in college. Officially I was supposed to create advanced prosthetics but that wouldn't impress in a world of superheroes so this was a secret side project that only I and Sue know about. Why Didn't I just secretly make a batch and keep it on the side? The answer is two parts. First security as someone might find it and ask how I created something so fast without any research. Second, it allowed me to work together with Sue as I secretly guided her to the answer so she could see that she didn't need Reed to be great.

Sue: I think we did it... Oh my god, We Did IT!

Antonio: Yes we did so far it looks good on paper but let's test it first before we get too excited

Sue: Of course but I couldn't help but get so excited about this stuff if it works think of all the lives we could save!

Antonio: I know I want that too I'm just being cautious. You are brilliant Sue I couldn't have done this without you

Sue: I'm sure you would have eventually figured it out on your own

Antonio: Possibly but at what cost to feed my ego of how smart I am while others who could have been saved suffer and die waiting?

Sue: I know you're not like that Toni you don't care about credit as long as it helps others but I think you could be a bit more selfish at least for your career

Antonio: I'm selfish where it counts I don't need the accolades of the rest of the world as long as I have the love of those who matter to me

Before our conversation could go anywhere significant Reed Richards finally stepped out of his lab and apparently went straight for mine. He completely bypassed Susan as if he didn't see her and approached me not even acknowledging her presence.

Reed: Dr. Noches (Antonio's last name) it is so good to finally see you in person I would have met with you sooner but I was caught up with some research in my lab that I would be happy to show you. I am also quite interested in some of your work and had some questions that I hope you could answer.

Antonio: It's fine Sue has kept me company and has even helped with a new medical product that is very groundbreaking and can quite possibly save many lives in the future.

Reed: Really... I would love to see your research on this project and go over it

Antonio: That is fine with me as long as Sue is okay with that

Reed: I'm sure it is just send me the research and...

Antonio: I think it is best if we allow Sue to speak for herself. Sue what are your thoughts about this I can't just exclude your opinion especially after you worked with me on this project.

Reed seemed to finally realize that Susan was here in the room with us the entire time his girlfriend and he hadn't even seen her. He also seemed to finally notice my ever-present bodyguard Angelus boredly staring at him as he rambled on.

Reed: It seems I had some tunnel vision and didn't notice the ladies in the room. Sue If you would be so kind as tell DR. Noches it is okay to look over this research...

Sue: No Reed!