New York 4

To say that things have been tense between Reed and Sue since he came out of his lab is nothing but an understatement. The worst part was this seemed to put me a the center of their conflict. How you may ask? Simple because Reed was interested in my science he would try to propose a joint project but Sue who was still pissed at him would block it stating that we were still finalizing our project. Reed then used his connection at Shield to **** things along to complete the project early but Susan refused to rush the experiment and surprisingly Fury agreed.

Ben Grimm has been moving between my lab and Reed's acting as a mediator. Whenever he sees me he just glares but says nothing to me. Johnny still tries his luck from time to time with Angelus which is the only time I see him.

Unfortunately, Reed's move of going to Shield has put me on their radar. Now every other day Avengers have been popping up at my lab every so often. First Captain America came talking about responsibility and putting my fellow man above profits or something I don't know I stopped listening. Then came Bruce Banner who was more interested if this could help cure him of the Hulk. Tony Stark thought I was just like him minus the billions and thought I was trying to steal Sue (He wasn't completely wrong) so invited me out (which was more of a thinly veiled threat).

So now I currently find myself at Avengers Tower at what is supposed to be a party but is merely a way to get me away from Sue so Reed can patch things up. Of course, Angelus is with me but no one is taking her seriously except for Natasha as she seemed to sense something about her. So I wasn't at all surprised when Natasha decided to come over and introduce herself.

Natasha: So you must be the incredibly charming and incredibly brilliant Doctor Noches

Antonio: Please call me Antonio I'm not someone who cares about formalities

Natasha: So Antonio have you given any thought about working for Shield

Antonio: No, the offer while impressive was not for me

Natasha: And what about it was so unappealing?

Antonio: People wanting me to make weapons instead of life-saving tools I understand the need but when you have brilliant minds like Tony Stark or Reed Richards working towards such goals someone should be trying to save lives not take them. I want to be able to heal those who were unfairly hurt in some way shape or form. Whether it was a birth defect, a war wound, or a procedure to make someone less of a person.

To her credit, Natasha barely reacted to the last response although there was a slight widening of her eyes if I wasn't carefully observing her as we talked I would have missed it.

Natasha: That is an admirable goal. Although I'm sure you've already pieced together that you're here not only to separate you from Susan but to observe you as we have very little information about you and your bodyguard.

Antonio: I surmised as much when Stark forcefully invited me to this get-together but not Sue who he has known far longer than the hour he has known me. Although if I missed that seeing the cautious stares that everyone here has taken when they think I don't see them was clear enough.

Natasha: So you are aware and yet you didn't seem eager to leave

Antonio: Why would I it will only make me look guilty of something and I'm not afraid of anyone here as long as Angelus is by my side as always

Angelus seemed to preen at my words and puff out her chest which attracted the eyes of most of the men but Natasha only seemed more alert by the statement.

Natasha: You also seem to be in good shape and by the way you carry yourself you have some kind of training

This seemed to refocus the rest of the room who were at this point doing a poor job of pretending not to listen to our conversation. Instead of trying to play it down, I decided to push forward otherwise I'll be more suspicious.

Antonio: Yes my father **** me to train how to fight, how to kill, and how to survive almost any situation. He was a cruel man full of hate and saw threats everywhere. Honestly, I do my best every single day to be nothing like him but there are something things that are impossible to completely rid myself of.

Natasha: You are surprisingly open to someone you barely know

Antonio: Isn't that exactly why I was brought here to get information out of me? Although I'm glad you decided on this method rather than **** that is just too kinky for a first meeting

Natasha: hahaha

Natasha was practically on the floor laughing and Tony chuckled but the rest were a bit uncomfortable hearing my answer