After their intimate evening, Simmons had joked that she needed something to calm her nerves, but neither of them was about to spend the night in the lab. Instead, they let the conversation drift, the mood gentle and relaxed. Su Zhan was content to let things be. Simmons, now gifted with the power of mind control, was safer than ever. Though she was a capable agent, her work was mostly in the lab, away from the front lines.
As for Skye, Su Zhan had not given her a serum. Her latent Inhuman abilities would awaken in time, and he did not want to risk interfering with that process. Natasha, however, was different. She was a field agent, always in the thick of danger, and Su Zhan felt she needed extra protection.
The next morning, New York was already buzzing with life. Su Zhan sat by the window of a newly opened coffee shop, two cups of steaming coffee on the table, waiting for Natasha.
The bell above the door chimed, and Natasha Romanoff entered, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Su Zhan. She smiled and walked over, her movements graceful as ever.
"Have you been waiting long?" Natasha asked as she sat down.
"Just got here," Su Zhan replied, returning her smile.
Natasha took a sip of her coffee and grinned. "You say that, but this cup is already cooling off."
"Is it?" Su Zhan reached over, pretending to check the cup. "No, look, it's still steaming."
Natasha rolled her eyes, a playful glint in her gaze. "You know, I saw your hand turn into magma once. You could just heat it up yourself."
He shrugged. "Maybe, but it's more fun this way."
Natasha laughed, relaxing into the moment. "I have a feeling today's going to be a good day."
"I hope so," Su Zhan replied. He leaned forward, his tone turning serious. "Natasha, would you want to have a superpower? Something like mind control, telekinesis, sonic waves, or even precognition?"
Natasha blinked, surprised by the sudden question. "Of course I would. It would make missions so much easier—and safer. Wait, are you saying you can actually give me one?"
Su Zhan nodded, a small, confident smile on his lips.
Natasha's eyes widened in excitement. "Really? I thought your ability was just to absorb powers, not to give them."
"I never said it was my own power," Su Zhan explained. "I have several abilities I can share, all with a one hundred percent success rate and no side effects. There aren't many types, but you can choose from mind control, telekinesis, sonic waves, or precognition."
Natasha considered her options carefully, her expression thoughtful. "Telekinesis. I think that would help me the most in the field."
Su Zhan produced a small vial and placed it in her hand. "Just drink it. It's tasteless, like water."
Natasha hesitated for only a moment before she opened the vial and drank. "That's it?" she asked.
Su Zhan nodded. "You'll feel sleepy soon. After a few hours' rest, you'll wake up with your new ability."
Natasha laughed, shaking her head. "You're not going to drug me and run off, are you?"
He grinned. "If I wanted to do anything, I wouldn't need a potion."
Natasha rolled her eyes, but she was already starting to feel drowsy. Su Zhan paid for their coffee and led her to a nearby hotel. By the time they reached the room, Natasha could barely keep her eyes open. She collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep almost instantly.
Su Zhan sat beside her, quietly absorbing Aether as he waited for her to wake. Three hours passed before Natasha stirred. She opened her eyes slowly, a small smile curving her lips as she saw Su Zhan watching over her.
"Congratulations," Su Zhan said softly. "You've evolved."
Natasha blinked, still groggy. "Evolved into what?"
"Into a super Black Widow," Su Zhan replied. "Try your power."
Natasha sat up and focused on a glass of water on the nightstand. At first, nothing happened. Then the glass began to tremble, wobbling slightly before it slid across the table and leapt into her waiting hand. Natasha caught it, her eyes shining with excitement.
"I did it!" she exclaimed.
Su Zhan smiled. "You did. You'll need time to adapt and improve, but your telekinesis can do more than just move objects. You can create energy shields, too. Think of it as similar to Susan Storm's ability—practical and versatile, even if not as flashy as some powers."
Natasha nodded, understanding. "It's not about how strong an ability is, but how you use it. I've survived this long without powers. With this, I'll be even better."
Su Zhan's gaze softened. "Before you go, there's something else I want to do."
Natasha caught his meaning immediately, a playful smile curving her lips. "Well, we can't let that hotel bill go to waste, can we?"
She reached out, hooking her leg around Su Zhan's neck, and pulled him toward her. Su Zhan laughed, his heart light, and let himself be drawn into her embrace.
For a little while, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them and the promise of new beginnings.