The week following my date with Natalie passed in a comfortable rhythm.
We texted regularly now—nothing constant or overwhelming, just checking in throughout the day. She'd send me articles she found interesting, I'd respond with terrible puns, and occasionally we'd have actual conversations about current events or random thoughts.
It felt natural. Easy. Like we'd been doing this for months instead of weeks.
Our coffee shop meetings continued as usual, though now there was an undercurrent of something more. Nothing overt—no hand-holding or public displays of affection—but there were moments. A hand on my arm when she laughed at something I said. The way she angled her chair slightly closer to mine. How our goodbye hugs lasted just a beat longer than they had before.
The system tracked it all, of course.
═══════════════════════════════════════
RELATIONSHIP UPDATE
Natalie Rushman
Affection : 84/100 [Deep Romantic Interest]
Trust Level : 38 → 45/100
Status : Relationship developing naturally
Recent Interactions:
14 text conversations (quality over quantity)
5 coffee shop meetings
1 phone call (she called to share a story)
Emotional intimacy increasing steadily
Mood: Happy, comfortable, optimistic about future
Progress Notes:
Trust building accelerating
She's more relaxed around you
Opening up about non-classified opinions and feelings
Physical touch increasing naturally
She's definitely attracted but taking her time
Next Threshold: 90/100 - Serious relationship discussion
═══════════════════════════════════════
Meanwhile, the rest of my life was progressing equally well.
My training with Chen had reached a point where he declared I was "no longer completely hopeless"—high praise from him. My combat prowess stat had climbed to 35/100, and I'd unlocked several new techniques through consistent practice.
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SKILL UPDATE
[Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat - Lv.3]
Combat Effectiveness : +30% CP Cost : 6 per minute New Techniques : Counter-Strike, Defensive Roll, Pressure Point Strike
EXP : 89/300 (approaching Level 4)
═══════════════════════════════════════
My financial portfolio was thriving too. The Stark Industries recovery had continued, and I'd diversified into several other investments based on my metaknowledge. Current liquid assets sat at around $127,000—more money than I'd ever had in my previous life.
But I was careful not to flash it around. I still lived in my modest apartment, still wore normal clothes, still ate at reasonable places. The money was for security and future opportunities, not ego.
I'd also been exploring the city more, completing daily quests and occasionally stumbling into interesting situations.
It was Tuesday afternoon when I had my first encounter with something... unusual.
I was walking through Central Park, enjoying the spring weather and completing the "spend 30 minutes in nature" daily quest, when I noticed a commotion near the Bethesda Fountain.
A crowd had gathered, phones out, recording something. I could hear shouting and what sounded like... sparking electricity?
My curiosity got the better of me, and I moved closer to see what was happening.
In the center of the crowd, a man was hovering about three feet off the ground, electricity crackling around his hands and eyes. He looked terrified, like he had no idea what was happening to him.
"Stay back!" he shouted. "I don't know what's going on! I can't control it!"
People were screaming, running away. Some idiot with a phone was getting closer, trying to get a better video.
═══════════════════════════════════════
ALERT: Superhuman Activity Detected
Threat Assessment: Moderate
Individual appears to be newly manifested meta-human
Electrical powers, unstable
High risk of collateral damage
Low risk of intentional harm (subject is frightened, not aggressive)
Recommended Action: Evacuate or attempt to calm the situation
Warning: You are not equipped for direct superhuman combat. Use caution.
═══════════════════════════════════════
The smart thing would be to leave. I wasn't a superhero. I had exactly one month of basic martial arts training and a dating system that gave me social superpowers, not actual superpowers.
But the guy was clearly panicking, and panic plus electrical powers seemed like a recipe for disaster.
I activated Smooth Talker and stepped forward, keeping my hands visible and my voice calm.
"Hey," I called out. "It's okay. Just breathe."
The man's eyes snapped to me. Up close, I could see he was young—maybe early twenties, probably a college student. His name tag said "DAVE - COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY."
"Stay back!" he warned, electricity arcing between his fingers. "I don't want to hurt anyone!"
"I know you don't. And you won't. Just focus on my voice, okay?" I kept my tone even, non-threatening. "What's your name?"
"D-Dave."
"Okay, Dave. I'm Alex. Here's what I need you to do. Close your eyes and take a deep breath with me. Can you do that?"
"I... I don't know—"
"Yes, you can. Look at me. Eyes right here." I made eye contact, projecting as much calm confidence as I could muster. "Close your eyes. Deep breath in through your nose. One, two, three, four. Now out through your mouth. One, two, three, four."
To my surprise, he did it. The electricity didn't stop, but it lessened slightly.
"Good. Again. In through your nose. Out through your mouth."
We went through the breathing exercise three more times, and with each breath, the electrical discharge weakened. By the fourth repetition, Dave's feet touched the ground.
"That's perfect, Dave. You're doing great." I took a careful step closer. "The powers are responding to your emotions. When you panic, they spike. When you calm down, they ease off."
"How do you know that?" he asked, eyes still closed, focusing on breathing.
Good question. "I've read about this kind of thing. Stress-induced manifestations. The key is staying calm until you can get proper help."
By now, the electricity had dimmed to occasional sparks. Dave opened his eyes, looking exhausted and scared.
"What's happening to me?"
"I don't know exactly, but there are people who can help. Have you heard of SHIELD?"
He shook his head.
"They're a government organization that deals with... unusual situations. I think you might need their help figuring this out." I pulled out my phone. "I'm going to call emergency services and explain the situation, okay? They'll connect you with the right people."
"You're not going to run away?"
"Not until I know you're safe and not about to accidentally electrocute yourself or anyone else."
═══════════════════════════════════════
[Smooth Talker] Dialogue Success Rate: 93%
[Emotional Support] Active - Target stress reduced by 65%
Situation De-escalating
Warning: SHIELD will likely respond to this. Prepare to give statement.
═══════════════════════════════════════
I called 911, explained the situation as calmly as possible, and stayed with Dave until emergency services arrived—which included two very serious-looking individuals in dark suits who definitely weren't normal EMTs.
One of them—a woman with sharp eyes and an earpiece—approached me while her partner talked to Dave.
"I'm Agent Morrison, SHIELD. You're the one who de-escalated the situation?"
"I just talked to him. He was scared, not dangerous."
"Still, that took courage. Or stupidity." She pulled out a tablet. "I need your information for our report."
I gave her my name and contact information, keeping my answers simple and honest. She asked a few questions about what I'd seen and what I'd said to Dave, taking notes throughout.
"You mentioned SHIELD to the subject. How do you know about us?"
"Internet," I said with a shrug. "You guys aren't exactly a secret if someone knows where to look. Government organization, unusual situations, enhanced individuals. Not hard to piece together."
She studied me for a moment, clearly trying to decide if I was a problem or just a civilian who happened to be well-informed.
"Mr. Carter, I'm going to give you some advice. Situations like this? In the future, just leave and let professionals handle it."
"Noted. But in my defense, he was about to accidentally fry that guy trying to record him for TikTok."
The corner of her mouth twitched. Almost a smile. "Fair point. Well, thank you for your assistance. We'll be in touch if we need anything else."
She handed me a card with just a number on it. "If you encounter any other unusual situations, call this number. Don't try to handle it yourself."
"Understood."
As I walked away, I saw Dave being loaded into an unmarked van, the SHIELD agents talking to him in calm, professional tones. He looked less scared now, more confused and overwhelmed.
I hoped they'd actually help him and not just lock him up somewhere.
═══════════════════════════════════════
SITUATION RESOLVED
Rewards:
System Points : +500 SP (crisis intervention)
Intelligence : +1 (quick thinking under pressure)
Charisma : +1 (effective communication in tense situation)
New Skill : [Crisis Management - Lv.1]
[Crisis Management - Lv.1] Type: Active CP Cost: 30 per use
Effect:
Remain calm under pressure
Better decision-making in emergencies
+20% effectiveness when de-escalating tense situations
Slight calming aura affects those around you
ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: First Contact (SHIELD)
Note: You are now on SHIELD's radar as a "person of interest - non-hostile." This could be useful or problematic depending on how things develop.
Warning: Phil Coulson will probably want to talk to you at some point.
═══════════════════════════════════════
I made it back to my apartment without further incident, though I couldn't stop thinking about what had happened. That was the first time I'd seen actual superpowers in person, not counting whatever Natalie might be capable of.
It was both more mundane and more terrifying than I'd expected. Dave hadn't been a supervillain or a hero. Just a scared kid who'd suddenly developed abilities he didn't understand.
The MCU was ramping up, and I'd just had my first brush with the weird side of it.
That evening, I met Natalie for coffee as usual. She took one look at me and frowned.
"Something happened."
"Why do you say that?"
"You have that look. Like you've had an interesting day and you're trying to decide whether to talk about it."
I'd gotten good at reading her, but she was apparently just as good at reading me.
"There was an incident in Central Park this afternoon. A guy manifested electrical powers, started freaking out. I helped calm him down until SHIELD showed up."
Her expression sharpened. "SHIELD was involved?"
"Yeah. Some agents took him away, questioned me briefly. Told me to leave this stuff to professionals next time." I pulled out the card Agent Morrison had given me. "Gave me an emergency number."
Natalie took the card, examining it closely. For just a moment, I thought I saw something cross her face—concern? Recognition?
"You shouldn't have gotten involved," she said quietly. "These situations can be dangerous."
"The kid was panicking. Someone had to do something."
"Someone trained. Not a civilian with no powers and a death wish."
There was real worry in her voice, which was... interesting. And kind of touching.
"I was careful. Kept my distance, just talked him down. I wasn't trying to be a hero."
"Good. Because you're not invincible, Alex." She handed the card back. "Promise me you'll be more careful."
"I promise. No more confronting electrical meta-humans without proper equipment."
She didn't smile at the joke. "I'm serious."
"So am I." I met her eyes. "I'm not stupid or reckless. I won't put myself in unnecessary danger."
"Thank you." She relaxed slightly. "Sorry, I just... I've seen what happens when people underestimate these situations."
"Professional experience?"
"Something like that."
═══════════════════════════════════════
RELATIONSHIP UPDATE
Natalie Rushman
Affection : 84 → 87/100
Trust Level : 45 → 48/100
Mood: Concerned but appreciative of your promise
Progress Notes:
She's worried about your safety (emotionally invested)
Your promise to be careful matters to her
She has more experience with "these situations" than she's admitting
Protective instinct emerging
═══════════════════════════════════════
We moved on to lighter topics after that—Jade's ongoing drama with her roommate, a new bakery that had opened down the street, whether we should check out the new museum exhibit next week.
"Is that an invitation?" I asked.
"Could be. If you're interested."
"Museum date? I'm very interested."
"Then it's a plan." She smiled, and the tension from earlier finally dissipated completely. "Saturday afternoon? We can make a day of it. Museum, then maybe that bakery for lunch."
"Sounds perfect."
We spent another hour just talking, and when we finally said goodbye, she hugged me tightly—tighter than usual—before heading home.
I stood outside The Grindhouse for a moment, processing the day. Superhuman incident, SHIELD contact, and Natalie being protective of me.
My life was getting more complicated by the day.
The rest of the week passed without major incidents. I focused on my daily quests, training with Chen, and building my routine.
Tony Stark news continued to dominate the headlines. He'd fired Obadiah Stane—or rather, Stane had "retired"—and was apparently building something in his mansion workshop. The media was speculating wildly about what Stark Industries would become without its weapons division.
I knew, of course. He was building the Mark II and Mark III suits. Soon, Iron Man would make his public debut, and the superhero age would truly begin.
Friday evening, Natalie called me. Actual phone call, not text.
"Hey," she said when I answered. "Question. You own anything nicer than jeans and a blazer?"
"Define 'nicer.'"
"Like, suit and tie nice."
"I could probably acquire such things. Why?"
"There's an event tomorrow night. Benefit gala for a security industry organization. I have a plus-one, and it occurred to me that I might enjoy it more if I didn't have to fend off boring networking conversations alone."
My heart rate picked up. "Are you asking me to be your date to a fancy event?"
"I'm asking if you want to suffer through rubber chicken and corporate small talk with me. But yes, technically, as my date."
"Then yes. Absolutely yes. Though I'll need to buy a suit."
"There's a Men's Wearhouse in Midtown. Tell them you need a standard black suit for an event, they'll set you up. Nothing too fancy."
"Got it. What time?"
"I'll pick you up at seven. And Alex?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you. For saying yes."
"Are you kidding? I get to see you all dressed up at a fancy event? This is a win for me."
She laughed. "See you tomorrow."
═══════════════════════════════════════
NEW EVENT TRIGGERED
[Security Industry Gala - Tomorrow, 7 PM]
Significance: High
First public social event together
Opportunity to meet Natalie's professional contacts
Potential SHIELD presence (security industry = likely overlap)
Chance to demonstrate social competence in formal setting
Quest Generated:
[Navigate the Gala]
Objectives: □ Make good impression on Natalie's colleagues
□ Handle networking conversations effectively
□ Support Natalie throughout the event
□ Bonus: Identify any notable attendees
Rewards: Variable based on performance
Note: This is a big step. She's bringing you into her professional world (or at least, the public-facing version of it). That's significant trust.
═══════════════════════════════════════
Saturday morning, I went to Men's Wearhouse and bought a suit. The salesman helped me pick out a classic black suit with a white dress shirt and a subtle silver tie. Nothing flashy, professional and elegant.
With alterations, it cost about $400—reasonable for a quality suit, and definitely worth it for the occasion.
I spent the afternoon preparing—got a haircut, made sure my shoes were polished, reviewed current events so I could make intelligent small talk with whoever Natalie's colleagues were.
At 6:45 PM, there was a knock on my door.
I opened it to find Natalie standing there in a floor-length emerald green dress that took my breath away. Her hair was styled up, makeup subtle but elegant, and she looked like she'd stepped out of a magazine.
"Wow," I said eloquently.
She smiled, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "You clean up pretty well yourself."
"I had a good incentive." I grabbed my jacket. "Shall we?"
"We shall."
She'd called a car service—a sleek black sedan that was waiting outside. As we drove toward the venue, Natalie briefed me on what to expect.
"It's mostly security consultants, private military contractors, and some corporate executives. Lots of networking, lots of boring speeches, mediocre food, and open bar."
"So a typical industry event."
"Exactly. Some people from my firm will be there. I'll introduce you as my boyfriend if that's okay."
I tried not to show how much that simple statement affected me. "Boyfriend. Is that what we're calling this?"
She looked at me, suddenly a bit uncertain. "I mean, if you're okay with that. We've been on two dates, we're going on a third, we talk every day... I guess I assumed, but if it's too fast—"
"Nat." I took her hand. "I'm definitely okay with that."
The smile she gave me was radiant.
═══════════════════════════════════════
MAJOR MILESTONE REACHED!
Relationship Status Updated: Official
Natalie Rushman - Girlfriend
Affection : 87 → 91/100 [Girlfriend - Serious]
Trust Level : 48 → 55/100
Status : Officially dating
REWARDS:
System Points : +1,000 SP
New Title : "Boyfriend of a Spy" (+5 CHA when with Natalie)
Charisma : +2 (relationship confidence boost)
New Skill : [Couple's Synchronization - Lv.1]
[Couple's Synchronization - Lv.1]
Better understanding of partner's needs and moods
Improved non-verbal communication
+15% effectiveness when working together
Slight awareness of partner's emotional state
ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: First Girlfriend (Official)
Note: Congratulations! You've successfully built a genuine, healthy relationship. This is just the beginning.
═══════════════════════════════════════
The gala was held at a high-end hotel in Manhattan, and it was exactly as Natalie had described—elegant, slightly stuffy, full of people in expensive clothes making polite conversation.
But I had Natalie on my arm, and that made everything better.
She introduced me to several of her colleagues—all of whom gave me the subtle once-over that people in security do, assessing whether I was a threat or an asset. I apparently passed whatever test they were running, because they relaxed and treated me normally after a few minutes.
I made small talk, asked intelligent questions about the security industry without prying into classified information, and generally played the role of "supportive boyfriend" pretty well.
About an hour into the event, I noticed someone familiar across the room.
Agent Morrison from SHIELD. She was in an elegant dress rather than her suit, but there was no mistaking her. She was talking to a man in his fifties with a receding hairline and a kind face.
They were both watching me.
"Everything okay?" Natalie asked, noticing my attention had wandered.
"Yeah. Just thought I recognized someone."
"Who?"
"The SHIELD agent from Central Park. Morrison. Over there with the older guy."
Natalie followed my gaze, and I felt her tense slightly beside me. "That's Agent Morrison and Agent Coulson. Coulson's her superior."
"You know them?"
"Our firm has worked with SHIELD on a few occasions. They're good people." She squeezed my hand. "Don't worry about it."
But a moment later, Agent Coulson was walking toward us, Morrison a step behind.
"Ms. Rushman," he said with a pleasant smile. "Good to see you."
"Agent Coulson. Agent Morrison." Natalie's tone was professional but warm. "This is my boyfriend, Alex Carter."
"Ah, Mr. Carter. We've heard about you." Coulson extended his hand, and I shook it. His grip was firm, his smile genuine. "That was good work in Central Park. Not many people would have handled that situation so well."
"I just talked to him. You guys did the actual work."
"Still, de-escalation is a valuable skill." He studied me for a moment, not threatening but definitely assessing. "Have you ever considered working in crisis management? You seem to have a talent for it."
"I'm more of an investor than a crisis manager. But thank you."
"Well, if you ever change your mind." He pulled out a card—different from the one Morrison had given me. "My direct line. You strike me as the kind of person who ends up in interesting situations."
I took the card, feeling Natalie's hand tighten slightly in mine. "I'll keep that in mind."
Coulson nodded, then turned back to Natalie. "Ms. Rushman, always a pleasure. Enjoy your evening."
As they walked away, I looked at Natalie. "That was interesting."
"Coulson's a good judge of character. If he gave you his card, it means he thinks you're worth keeping tabs on. In a good way."
"Is that something I should be worried about?"
"Not particularly. SHIELD keeps tabs on lots of people. It's what they do." She smiled. "Come on, let's get some of that mediocre food before they start the speeches."
The rest of the evening was pleasant. The food was, as promised, mediocre. The speeches were boring. But Natalie was there, and we spent most of the time quietly making fun of various attendees and enjoying each other's company.
When we danced—because apparently there was dancing at these things—she fit perfectly in my arms, and I felt like I was living in a dream.
"Thank you for coming tonight," she said as we swayed to some generic ballad. "This is much better than suffering through it alone."
"Thank you for inviting me. Though I think you could have gotten anyone here to be your plus-one."
"I didn't want anyone here. I wanted you."
I pulled her a little closer. "Then I'm glad I was available."
She rested her head on my shoulder, and we stayed like that through the rest of the song, comfortable and content.
═══════════════════════════════════════
[Quest Complete: Navigate the Gala]
Performance: Excellent
All objectives achieved: ✓ Made good impression on Natalie's colleagues
✓ Handled networking effectively
✓ Supported Natalie throughout
✓ Bonus: Identified SHIELD presence
REWARDS:
System Points : +800 SP
Affection Gain : +4 (Total: 95/100)
Social Skills : Enhanced
Special Reward: "Boyfriend of the Year" title
Minor boost to relationship maintenance
+5% affection gain rate with current girlfriend
Note: You're doing everything right. Keep it up.
═══════════════════════════════════════
The car service dropped us off at my apartment around midnight. Natalie walked me to my door, and we stood there in the hallway, neither of us quite ready to say goodnight.
"I had a really wonderful time," she said.
"Me too. Best gala I've ever been to."
"It's the only gala you've ever been to."
"Still counts."
She laughed, then grew more serious. "Alex, I... I'm really happy. With you. With this. I know I'm not the easiest person to date—"
"Stop." I put my finger gently over her lips. "You're exactly who you need to be. And I'm happy too. Really happy."
She smiled, and then—finally—she kissed me. Not on the cheek this time, but properly, her lips soft against mine.
It was gentle, sweet, and perfect.
When we pulled apart, she was blushing slightly. "I've been wanting to do that for a while."
"Feel free to do it again anytime."
"I'll keep that in mind." She kissed me once more, quick and light. "Goodnight, Alex."
"Goodnight, Nat."
I watched her walk down the hallway and disappear down the stairs before going inside, touching my lips where she'd kissed me.
═══════════════════════════════════════
RELATIONSHIP MILESTONE
First Kiss (Romantic)
Affection : 95/100 [Serious Relationship - Deeply Committed]
Trust Level : 55/100
Note: You're now in serious relationship territory. Next milestone at 100/100 will unlock special relationship features and deeper bonding options.
Warning: At this level of affection, her safety and happiness are deeply connected to yours. Protect what you're building.
═══════════════════════════════════════
I lay in bed that night, unable to stop smiling. In just over a month, I'd gone from confused dimensional traveler to someone with a life, a routine, friends, and now a girlfriend.
A girlfriend who was probably a spy, definitely highly trained, and absolutely incredible.
The MCU was becoming more active around me—superhuman incidents, SHIELD interest, Tony Stark preparing to debut Iron Man.
But right now, in this moment, I was just a guy who'd had a perfect evening with an amazing woman.
And that was enough.