Morning news hits like a tidal wave. Despite Loki's enchantments and Fisk's security, someone at the restaurant must have talked - or Loki's lying and getting entertainment out of this. Personally I believe the latter.
My office screens fill with headlines:
"SHIFT AND WHITE QUEEN: ROMANCE CONFIRMED"
"Power Couple: NYC's Heroes Take Their Partnership Personal"
"Teen Hero Dating Older Teammate - Controversy Erupts"
Emma enters, looking perfectly composed despite the media circus. "Your father's PR team is handling the official statements. Stark's already given three interviews defending us, despite no one asking him to."
My phone hasn't stopped buzzing:
Thor: "A GLORIOUS UNION! 🌩️"
Loki: "My enchantments were perfect. The leak came from inside."
Banner: "The Other Guy says 'ABOUT TIME.' Also, he won the bet."
"The social media response is... interesting," Emma notes, settling into her usual chair while projecting some of the reactions mentally:
@HeroUpdates_NYC: "That moment after the bank fight when she fixed his tie without even looking at him? THEY'VE BEEN SO OBVIOUS 😭"
@ConcernedCitizen: "She's literally on his team. This is a workplace relationship with a minor. How is everyone okay with this?"
@NYCStreets: "saw them at that café on 5th. she doesn't even need to say her order, he just knows?? my heart 🥺"
@SuperheroFashion: "Their matching formal wear at the charity gala wasn't a coincidence and we all know it"
@MetroWatch: "Notice how they always know where the other is during fights? That telepathic link hits different now"
@CafeSpotter: "White Queen ordered for both of them in French and Shift didn't even blink. This has been going on way longer than they're admitting"
@HeroAnalysis: "Their coordination in the field is insane. They move like they're reading each other's minds (which tbf they probably are)"
@NYCSightings: "They literally finished each other's sentences during the press conference but tried to act professional 😂"
@CityDefender: "y'all really more pressed about 2 years age gap than the fact they save our city daily smh"
@TeenScene: "okay but why does no one talk about how he always transforms into exactly what she needs in fights without any discussion?"
@WhiteQueen_Watch: "She actually LAUGHED at something he whispered during the mayor's speech. The Ice Queen. LAUGHED."
@ShiftUpdates: "Everyone focusing on age while I'm trying to figure out how they're so in sync during battles. Telepathy ain't cutting it as reason man. That's some soulmate level connection fr fr"
"We knew this was coming," I say, though seeing it play out is still surreal.
"True," she agrees, her mental presence carrying both amusement and determination. "Though I don't think anyone expected your father to release an official statement supporting our relationship before breakfast."
Fisk's statement plays across one of the screens: "My son's personal life is his own, though I fully support his choice in companions. Miss Frost has proven herself both as a hero and as a valued member of our organization. Any speculation about impropriety is both unfounded and unwelcome."
"He's being... protective," I note, surprised by the warmth in the statement.
"He's being strategic," Emma corrects, though her mental presence suggests she's touched by the support. "Though the part about making life difficult for particularly aggressive reporters was an interesting addition."
My phone buzzes again - Stark this time: "Press conference in an hour. You two ready to face the vultures?"
"Already?" I look at Emma.
"Better to control the narrative early," she replies. "Besides, I may have prepared some... suggestions for overly intrusive reporters."
The press room fills quickly - journalists jostling for position, cameras ready. Emma's hand finds mine under the table, her mental presence forcing itself to keep steady and sure.
'Remember,' I send privately, 'we have nothing to be ashamed of.'
Stark takes the podium first, because of course he does. "Ladies, gentlemen, before we start - yes, they're dating. No, it's not scandal. Yes, they're adorable. Questions?"
The room erupts with raised hands and shouted queries. Time to face the music.
"Miss Frost," a reporter from the Daily Bugle stands, "how do you respond to concerns about the age difference?"
Emma's smile is perfectly poised, though I feel her mental eye-roll. "I respond by pointing out the hypocrisy of those same concerned parties ignoring the numerous adult women who have made far more inappropriate advances toward Shift."
"But you work together-" another starts.
"Yes," I cut in, "we do. Successfully. Our personal relationship doesn't change our professional capabilities. If anything, it enhances them."
Through our link, Emma sends approval: 'Nice touch. Professional but personal.'
"Mr. Stark," CNN's reporter rises, "as their teammate, what's your take on this development?"
"My take?" Tony grins. "My take is that we should be celebrating two heroes finding happiness instead of manufacturing controversy. Also, I won several bets, so I'm particularly pleased."
The questions continue, ranging from professional concerns to ridiculous speculation about wedding plans (thanks, Entertainment Weekly). Emma handles each with practiced grace, while I try not to visibly react to her mental commentary on particularly absurd queries.
"Will this affect the Ultimates?" someone calls out.
"Only positively," Emma responds smoothly. "Our team is built on trust and understanding. This simply deepens those bonds."
"And your father's approval?" The Times reporter directs at me.
"My father," I reply carefully, "understands that personal happiness and professional excellence aren't mutually exclusive."
As the press conference winds down, a familiar voice cuts through the crowd - Christine Everhart.
"One last question," she stands, her expression calculating. "Given recent events with the Hulk and now this relationship, it seems the Ultimates are becoming quite... influential. How does the government feel about a private superhero team operating without oversight?"
The room goes quiet. It's a loaded question - one that touches on everything from our autonomy to our growing influence.
Emma's mental presence sharpens. "She's fishing for something specific."
"The Ultimates," I reply carefully, "operates transparently and within the law. But we maintain our independence because some things are better handled by those who understand both the power and the responsibility that comes with it."
Back in my office, Stark lounges in a chair while Emma and I review the media coverage.
"Not bad," he notes. "Though certain parties won't be happy about that independence statement."
"Let them worry," Emma states. "We've made our position clear."
My phone buzzes - a message from Banner: "The Other Guy says good job. Also, he wants to know when the wedding is."
"I'm going to kill them all," Emma mutters, but her mental presence carries fondness.
The day continues with a steady stream of reactions. Fisk's PR team handles most inquiries, while Emma and I focus on our actual work - there's still a city to protect, after all.
"Armed robbery on Fifth," Emma reports through our link. "Three suspects, standard weapons."
"Finally," I stand, reaching for the Ultimatrix. "Something normal."
Her smile carries a hint of anticipation. "Shall we show them how well we really work together?"
The media might be obsessed with our personal life, but they're about to get a reminder of why we became partners in the first place.
The robbery takes less than five minutes to handle - our coordination even smoother than usual. Emma's telepathy guides my movements with perfect precision while I transform into XLR8 to contain the suspects.
Cameras appear almost immediately, but this time they're focusing on our efficiency rather than our relationship.
"Now that," Emma notes as we wrap up, "is how you control a narrative."
Through our link, I catch her satisfaction - not just at the successful operation, but at showing everyone that our personal connection only enhances our professional one.
My phone buzzes with another message from Banner: "The Other Guy says 'GOOD SMASH.' I think that's his way of approving."
Back at Fisk Tower, we find Tony and Banner in the lab, supposedly working but actually monitoring social media reactions.
"The tide's turning," Tony announces, pulling up various feeds. "Your little display of efficiency out there is trending higher than the relationship stuff now."
"'Power Couple Takes Down Crime,'" Banner reads from one headline. "They're focusing more on your teamwork than the controversy."
Emma's mental presence carries satisfaction. "As they should. Though," she adds aloud, "I could do without the 'Power Couple' label."
"Too late," Tony grins. "It's already trending. #PowerCouple, #ShiftQueen - oh, and my personal favorite, #RelationshipGoals."
A soft chime interrupts - Fisk requesting my presence. Emma catches my glance.
"Go," she says. "I'll make sure these two don't start planning our wedding."
"Too late!" Tony calls as I leave. "Thor's already commissioned Asgardian decorators!"
The elevator ride gives me time to wonder what my father wants to discuss now. Given his earlier statement, it could be anything from security concerns to... actual parental advice.
That last thought is almost more terrifying than any villain we've faced.
Fisk stands at his usual spot by the window when I enter, watching the city below.
"The media response has been... manageable," he states without turning. "Though there are certain elements we should discuss."
"If this is about to be an awkward father-son talk-"
"No," he interrupts as he turns, his expression carrying unexpected amusement. "No, this is about security arrangements."
He activates several displays showing what looks like building modifications. "Your living quarters will need to be adjusted. Miss Frost's telepathic abilities require certain... considerations."
"Wait, what?"
"Don't be naive," he says simply. "Your relationship has progressed to this point. We should be prepared for... future developments."
"Future developments?" I manage, trying to process this conversation.
"Indeed. The tower's security systems are being upgraded to accommodate her particular abilities. And of course, there's the matter of public appearances, joint patrols, shared living space-"
"We've been on one date!"
"And known each other for months," he counters. "Let's not pretend this is a sudden development."
Through our mental link, I catch Emma's amusement - she's definitely listening in.
'Your father thinks ahead,' she sends. 'It's... endearing, in a somewhat overwhelming way.'
"Vanessa is quite pleased, by the way," Fisk adds, his tone softening slightly at mentioning her. "She's been... quite insistent about having both of you for dinner soon. Something about 'proper family introductions' now that things are official."
"She knew too?"
"She knew before I did," he admits. "According to her, it was 'painfully obvious' weeks ago. She's rather looking forward to having another woman to, as she puts it, 'help manage the men in her life.'"
The idea of Vanessa and Emma together is both heartwarming and mildly terrifying. Two incredibly perceptive women with zero tolerance for nonsense...
"Vanessa has already begun planning weekly family dinners," Fisk continues. "She feels it's important to maintain... normalcy, despite our unusual circumstances."
Through our link, Emma sends: 'I like her. She sees through everyone's facades.'
"There's also the matter of public events," Fisk moves to his desk. "Vanessa suggests a proper introduction to New York society. Something elegant, controlled-"
"A party?" I interrupt. "You want to throw a party?"
"Vanessa wants to throw a party," he corrects. "I merely provide the resources. She feels it would help normalize your relationship in certain circles."
"Certain circles meaning the elite of New York?"
"The same elite who fund much of our operation," he reminds me. "Public perception matters, especially among those with influence."
"Besides," Fisk adds with unexpected warmth, "Vanessa says she's tired of seeing her son's personal life discussed by strangers. She'd prefer to... what was her phrase? Ah yes, 'show them all how it's really done.'"
The casual way he refers to Vanessa's maternal feelings catches me off guard. Through our link, Emma's presence carries understanding - she's caught the significance too.
"She's already called several times today," Fisk continues. "Something about dress codes and proper table settings. I've learned not to question her enthusiasm for these matters."
My phone buzzes - speak of the devil:
Vanessa: "Dinner tomorrow. Both of you. No excuses. We're doing this properly."
"I should warn you," Fisk says, noting my expression as I read the message, "when Vanessa decides to embrace something, she commits fully. Expect questions about your future plans."
"Future plans? We just started-"
"Dating officially," he corrects. "Though, again, I reiterate we both know this has been developing for some time."
Through our link, Emma sends amusement: 'Your father and Vanessa might be more invested in our relationship than Thor. I didn't think that was possible.'
"One last thing," Fisk says as I turn to leave. "Whatever happens with the media, the society events, the... complications that will inevitably arise..." He pauses, choosing his words carefully. "Know that you have our support. Both of you."
Coming from Wilson Fisk, it's practically a declaration of paternal love.
"Thank you," I reply, meaning it. "Though maybe tell Vanessa to slow down on the party planning?"
"I've learned better than to try stopping her once she's set her mind to something," he almost smiles. "Much like someone else we know."
Through our link, Emma sends warmth, though I catch her subtle attempt to read my thoughts about tomorrow's dinner. I gently block her, earning a mental pout.
Back in my office, I find Emma waiting, trying to maintain her usual composed facade despite her curiosity about my conversation with Fisk.
"So," she says, "family dinner tomorrow?"
"Yes," I reply firmly, watching her attempt to hide her excitement. "Though we're setting some boundaries about all this party planning."
"Of course," she agrees too quickly, making me raise an eyebrow.
"Emma..."
"Fine," she sighs. "I may have already discussed some arrangements with Vanessa. But in my defense-"
"We'll go to dinner," I cut in, my tone gentle but firm. "The rest we'll discuss later."
Her mental presence carries both acceptance and affection - she could push back, but she chooses not to. Just as I choose to let her have her way with many things, knowing when to stand firm and when to yield.
"Now," I take her hand, "shall we go stop some crime? Before they start planning our whole future without us?"
Just another day in our increasingly complicated lives.
Though maybe complicated isn't such a bad thing after all.
--------------------------------
(Author note: So, how did you all find the public's reaction?
Also, do please review if you haven't, I really wish there are more good reviews to attract more readers, since then, the chapter drops will be even faster.
If I get a lot of reviews today, I'll try to drop more chapters besides the ones I already dropped.
So do please review if you want.
Well, I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)