As the restaurant settled back into its usual hum, Tony and Jay resumed their meal, though the earlier commotion still lingered in the air. At a nearby table, a man in his mid-forties wearing a crisp blazer leaned toward his companion, gesturing subtly in Tony's direction.
"Did you see that guy?" he muttered, keeping his voice low. "The way he stepped in—like he already knew how it was gonna play out. Cool as a damn cucumber."
His companion, a woman with sharp eyes and a knowing smile, nodded. "Yeah, and did you catch how fast he moved? It wasn't just confidence—it was precision. You don't see that in your average guy breaking up a bar fight."
The Manager's Thanks
Before they could leave, the restaurant manager approached their table, her apron smoothed neatly over her waist. She was in her late thirties with an air of practiced calm, though her expression was warm as she smiled at Tony.
"I just wanted to say thank you," she began, clasping her hands together. "That situation could've gotten ugly fast, but you handled it better than some of my security staff would've."
Tony shrugged, his grin easy. "Glad I could help. Didn't want anyone's dinner getting ruined."
"Well, we appreciate it," the manager said. "It's on the house tonight. Least we can do."
Jay raised an eyebrow, glancing at Tony with mock suspicion. "You always swoop in and get free dinners, or am I just lucky tonight?"
"Definitely lucky," Tony replied, shooting her a playful wink.
As the manager turned to leave, a nearby server paused, her gaze lingering on Tony for a beat too long. She quickly averted her eyes when she noticed Jay looking and scurried off, but Jay's lips curled into an amused smirk.
The ride back to Tony's apartment was quiet but comfortable. The hum of the Jeep Patriot's engine blended with the faint sounds of music from the radio. Jay drove with one hand on the wheel, her other resting on her lap as she occasionally glanced at Tony, who looked uncharacteristically relaxed.
"So," Jay began, her tone teasing, "you notice how that server was looking at you? I think she got lost in those big, strong hero vibes you were putting out."
Tony turned his head, raising an eyebrow. "You're imagining things."
Jay snorted. "Please. If she'd stared any harder, she'd have walked into a table. You know, you could've flexed a little for her. Really given her a show."
Tony grinned. "Jealous?"
"Not even a little," Jay said, her smirk widening. "But don't think I'm not gonna make you pay for it later."
When they arrived at Tony's apartment, Jay kicked off her shoes by the door and paused, taking in the space. The apartment was impeccably clean, almost unnervingly so. The furniture was simple and functional, the surfaces spotless, and the faint scent of lemon cleaner lingered in the air.
"You know," Jay began, crossing her arms as she leaned against the doorframe, "this place is so clean it's kind of intimidating. Like, I'm afraid to touch anything."
Tony shrugged, locking the door behind them. "Old habits. Marines drill cleanliness into you, and it sticks."
Jay wandered into the living room, brushing her fingers over the edge of a neatly arranged coffee table. "It's not just clean—it's military clean. You've got coasters perfectly aligned. Even your TV remote is at attention."
Tony laughed. "I like order. It's relaxing."
Jay turned to him, her smile turning sly. "Relaxing, huh? Well, good. You're gonna need all the relaxation you can get."
Before Tony could reply, Jay crossed the room in three quick steps and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, pulling him into a kiss that was anything but subtle. Her hands slid to his chest, her touch urgent, as though the weight of the past few days had finally reached a breaking point.
Later, Jay lay sprawled across Tony's bed, her breathing slow and deep as she slept soundly. The intensity of their lovemaking had overwhelmed her, leaving her entirely unprepared for the almost otherworldly stamina Tony now possessed. She hadn't stood a chance, and now she was out cold, her face relaxed in peaceful slumber.
Tony, on the other hand, felt wide awake. His body buzzed with energy, his mind sharp and clear. He slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Jay, and made his way to the living room. Settling onto the couch, he leaned back and closed his eyes, focusing inward.
All right, Roomie. Let's talk enhancements.
Roomie's hum responded instantly. Integration has proceeded well. Neural and sensory systems are at 84% optimization. Remaining potential includes musculoskeletal enhancement, reinforced dermal layers, and cardiovascular improvements.
And what does that mean for me? Tony asked.
Increased strength, speed, and endurance. Greater resistance to physical trauma. Enhanced recovery from exertion or injury. Your physical capabilities would far exceed normal human parameters.
Tony leaned his head back, staring at the ceiling. That's a lot to think about. What's the catch?
The adaptation process may induce discomfort. Additionally, such modifications may draw attention if not managed discreetly.
Tony smirked. Discomfort's never stopped me before. And as for attention? Let 'em look. I'll just call it good genetics.
Roomie paused, then added, Adjustments can be tailored to your preferences. It is advisable to consider potential long-term implications carefully.
Tony nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. Let's take a couple of days to think it over. I want to make sure we do this right.
Acknowledged.
Tony sat in his living room that evening, his body humming with energy but his mind weighed down by thoughts. The possibilities Roomie had laid out were staggering—strength, speed, resilience, healing. He felt like a comic book character on the verge of discovering his powers, but this wasn't a story. It was his life, and the choices he made now could have profound consequences.
On one hand, the benefits were undeniable. His enhanced reflexes had already allowed him to diffuse a fight at the restaurant, and his newfound stamina had revitalized his physical fitness. He could see how these changes could make him better—not just for himself, but for the people he cared about.
Tony glanced toward the kitchen, where Jay was humming softly as she wiped down the counters. If he could protect her, keep her safe from any dangers that might come their way, wasn't that worth pursuing? And what about others? His ability to help strangers like he did at the restaurant could scale far beyond breaking up bar fights.
Roomie, Tony thought, if I go through with this, how far could these enhancements take me?
Your potential would exceed all known human parameters, Roomie replied, its tone measured. Enhanced strength, speed, endurance, and resilience would grant capabilities beyond standard biological limitations. However, the extent of these changes depends on your willingness to adapt.
Tony leaned back, crossing his arms. You're saying the only limits are what I'm willing to accept?
Correct. Each enhancement requires adjustment and carries potential risks. Awareness and control are critical.
But that was the problem, wasn't it? Control. Tony's gaze drifted to his hands, flexing them experimentally. He'd already caught himself underestimating his new strength when handling simple tasks. What if he hurt someone by accident? What if he became overconfident, reckless? His abilities could just as easily become a liability.
There was also the question of identity. Would he still be Tony Williams—just a guy from Santa Monica trying to get by—or would these changes turn him into something else? Something less human? And how would the people in his life react? Jay, for one, would demand answers sooner rather than later.
Roomie, Tony asked cautiously, these upgrades—they won't change who I am, will they? Like, my personality, my thoughts?
Your core identity will remain intact. Enhancements are physiological and cognitive, not psychological. However, increased capacity for action may influence decision-making patterns.
Tony frowned. So you're saying more power might change the way I think about using it?
Potentially. Power and responsibility are interlinked in human behavior. Awareness is key to maintaining balance.
Tony let out a dry laugh. "Did you just quote Spider-Man at me?"
Analysis of cultural references indicated relevance. Roomie's tone was unchanging, but Tony swore it sounded amused.
Tony's thoughts turned darker as he considered the broader picture. If he could enhance himself, would others try to do the same? What if this kind of technology fell into the wrong hands? He wasn't naive—humanity had a way of turning even the best intentions into weapons. Could he be trusted to set the right example, to use these abilities wisely?
Roomie, Tony asked, has anyone else ever had access to something like you?
No. The integration process is unique to your physiology and circumstances. Replication would require both my presence and compatible conditions, which are statistically improbable.
That was a relief, but it didn't erase the lingering guilt gnawing at him. So it's just me? I'm the only one who gets these upgrades?
At present, yes. However, your actions will influence perception of these abilities, should they become public.
Tony nodded, his jaw tightening. Then I'd better make sure I set the right example.
By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, Tony felt a measure of clarity. The pros outweighed the cons, but only if he approached the enhancements with care. He couldn't afford to get carried away or let the changes cloud his judgment. If he was going to take this step, it had to be with purpose.
He reached inward again, focusing on Roomie's hum. All right, Roomie. I'm in. Let's start with durability and recovery, like you suggested. But we're doing this my way—slow, steady, and with a plan.
Acknowledged, Roomie replied. Preparations will begin immediately. Integration will be incremental.
Tony exhaled, leaning back into the couch. "Here we go," he muttered, his voice carrying a mix of anticipation and resolve.
In the kitchen, Jay glanced over her shoulder. "You say something?"
Tony smiled faintly. "Just talking to myself. Nothing to worry about."
Jay raised an eyebrow but said nothing, returning to her cleaning. Tony watched her for a moment longer, his determination solidifying. Whatever came next, he wasn't doing it just for himself. He was doing it for her—and for everyone else who deserved a better world.