Sue Doesn't Discuss Her Daydreams With Dr. Stone

They talked about everything except Sue Storm's daydreams. Dr. Stone asked questions about Sue Storm's marriage, pointed questions about how she and her husband interacted—when was the last time he had paid her a compliment? When was the last time she had done something nice for him? Who controlled the family finances?

The psychiatrist was prying, but the Invisible Woman told herself that was the other woman's job. It was what Sue was paying for. So Sue answered as honestly as she could, and Dr. Stone seemed to sense when Sue hesitated or didn't go into detail, and didn't press. Half an hour into the session, Dr. Stone was refilling Sue's teacup when the psychiatrist dropped the bombshell.

"When was the last time you had a sexual fantasy about your husband?"

Sue squirmed a bit and took a sip of her tea before answering.

"I don't really have many erotic dreams, usually," Sue said. "I'm not sure."

"But you haven't had sexual contact for a while?" Dr. Stone said, as she sipped her own tea.

"Not for several weeks," Sue responded. "Maybe I should make a move."

"Ooh, proactive. There's an idea," Dr. Stone said with a smile, her tone less professional. There was something in the psychiatrist's eyes, a hint of mischief, that made Sue blush slightly. "You're on birth control?"

Sue blinked at the unexpected shift in the conversation.

"I—no, I stopped a little while ago. We weren't sexually active, and hormonal birth control sometimes has odd side effects on me," the Invisible Woman said.

"Hmm. You should track your ovulation then. Women your age tend to feel the biological clock ticking, seek sexual intimacy during ovulation. Do you track your cycle?" Dr. Stone pressed.

"I have a calendar," Sue said dryly.

"Not always accurate," Dr. Stone said. "I suggest you get an ovulation tracker app. The X-Men have a good one—discreet, they won't share your data, very secure."

She produced a small card and reached forward. Sue reached forward to take it, their fingertips touching ever so briefly—yet Sue's cheeks burned a little hotter.

"Okay," Sue said. "Thanks."

"Just in case you do decide to engage in sexual activity. Check it each day, ideally at the same time—like first thing in the morning, or right before you go to bed at night," Dr. Stone said, her eyes strangely intent behind her glasses. "You will do that, won't you Susan?"

"I—of course," Sue said.

"Excellent," Dr. Stone said. "Next week, we'll discuss if there have been any...developments."