Issue 1 Downtime

Stephanie walked into her suite and unceremoniously stripped off her spare uniform, as she walked to her bedroom, kicked it to the floor, and then stalked back to the bathroom where she turned on the shower.

She stood almost motionless under the water, in a daze from recent events and trying to just remember what it was like to be human. Nearly a half hour later, the bathroom filled with steam, she stepped out and wrapped herself in her towel, and stepped up the the vanity, wearily wiping a clearing in the fogged mirror.

The face the looked back didn't exactly surprise her, but it certainly did little to improve her mood. Her eyes were a feral yellow, her teeth fang-like, and her hair fell wildly, even when wet, around her distressingly wolfish face. A low growl escaped her throat despite her best her best efforts to think normally. She snarled in frustration at herself and slammed her fist into the mirror, sending a spiderweb of cracks through her reflection.

She sighed at the aftermath, finished toweling off and went back to her room--she'd deal with the broken mirror later. Once dressed she simply curled up on her bed and stared at the far wall.

Renko knocked on the door to Stephanie's room.

"It's open,"

Renko opened the door and stepped into the room looking a bit awkward.

"Can we talk?" Renko asked.

"Sure," she said monosyllabically

Renko took a couple steps further into the room before leaning against a wall. He looked tired and a bit uncertain.

"I wanted to apologize for what happened on the island," Renko said, "I...am not good at that sort of thing and I shouldn't have talked to you like that. It wasn't fair."

"You had every right to. I am...was...an animal." she said not really looking at him, and instead focusing intently on the wall across the room, laying motionless on her side..

"No, I didn't," Renko said, "And you're not an animal. Kraven tried to turn you into one, but you're still you. Otherwise you wouldn't be lying in your bed like you are now worrying about it."

"That half of me doesn't go away. I try to control it, but it's always there," she said quietly. "I nearly killed you. I would have fought Professor Weaver until one of us was dead"

"I know, but I wasn't afraid," Renko said, "I don't pretend to understand that side of you, but whatever chemical Kraven used on that island brought that side out. That doesn't mean you're the same now as then, right?"

"How can we be sure that chemical hasn't changed me permanently...let her free...”

"I don't know," Renko said, "But both Professor Bowen and Mrs. Stanton worked on the antidote and if they say that the serum will reverse the effects of the gas I believe them. If the gas has changed you permanently then we can work through it, right?"

Stephanie seemed to digest the information for a while before responding.

"I suppose that's all we can do...and I guess you are right...if I was really, really out of control, I wouldn't care."

"Still," she said quietly, "I need a few days of space, to sort of clear my head, and not worry about hurting you. I love you, David, and I'm so thankful that I have someone so understanding in my life. Is...that okay?"

"I love you too, Stephanie, so It's perfectly okay," Renko said, "You know where to find me when you're ready."

"Maybe we can go shopping for a new phone since I've lost yet another one, thanks to her," she cracked a smile and sat up before rising to walk over to Renko.

"A little something to remember me by for a few days..." she said quietly, her arms resting on his shoulders as she leaned in a let a kiss linger on his lips.

Renko couldn't help but blush. His gauntlets glowed slightly and time seemed to stutter for a moment before the kiss broke.

"I...don't believe it possible for me to forget you anytime soon, Steph," Renko said.

"Good," she smiled, before leaning in and whispering exactly what was going to happen the next time they were alone.

Renko turned a very neat shade of red as he processed what Stephanie said.

"Thatisentirelybloodyunfair," Renko said while mangling the English language quite nice.

"Life isn't fair, Mr. Renko," she smiled mischievously. "I look forward to it as much as you. If I wasn't worried about biting in the very not good way, I'd ....invite you in for some coffee. But we really shouldn't right now," she added more seriously.

"I...well...right. Yes, of course," Renko said his mind struggling to process this conversation. "I'll just fix the...uh...mirror before heading out."

"Oh...you saw that? Well...thank you," she smiled a bit bashfully. "you're too good for me. Thank you."

"No thanks required it's the least I can do, beautiful," Renko smiled.