We Live Forever

Chapter 20: Core Memories

Crimson's POV: 

I once again found myself in the lab trying to make myself useful. Over the years I certainly picked up a thing or two, but I looked like a kindergartner when working with Hank. I don't know if it was pure spite or downright frustration, but both of us seemed extra motivated. 

"Hank, what time is it?"

Leaning away from a microscope, my husband glanced down at his watch and made a face.

"Three in the morning..."

"It's a miracle we sleep at all"

"If we go back to the school remind me to have a cot placed in the lab"

"Oh, absolutely not"

"What? Why?"

"I'd never see you again!"

"Fair point, we were kept pretty busy with the whole superhero business and the walking reminders that birth control is important"

"Hey! Peter and Scott aren't that bad!"

Hank let out a chuckle, but his face remained soft and sincere as he stopped working and turned to face me.

"I suppose we did kind of get pushed apart. We always had lunch together, but then Charles made teachers do 'office hours' that 'accidentally' overlapped with all of lunch"

"If only your classes weren't so hard"

"History is just pure memorization! Science involves actual practical skills!"

"Fair point, but also we had to watch over the kids 24/7 and help with powers. I mean, my god those kids were everywhere; we could never get a moment alone!"

"Yeah, it seriously took a toll on our sex life," Hank spoke with a cheeky grin.

"HANK!"

"What!? I'm not exactly wrong! There was never anywhere empty enough during the day, we were always busy when the kids were busy, so we'd have to wait until way late at night when we could be certain everyone was asleep! But, by then either we'd be exhausted or already asleep!"

"Our options were pretty limited..."

"They're not right now..."

"...Hank?"

"Yes, love?"

"There'll be time for that later. For now, we do have actual work to do"

Several days later

We did one last test for the Dreamstride, just to be certain. We waited anxiously as our current version of the serum spun in the centrifuge. After what seemed like an eternity, the machine stopped and Hank pulled the vials out. 

I used a pipette to extract a drop of the serum and place it on a slide. I carefully place the slide underneath the microscope and inspect it at various magnifications. 

Everything seems to be as it should be. I looked up from my microscope and judging by the giant goofy grin on his face, Hank has the same findings. 

It's ready for practical testing. 

I spoke first, "I wanna do it"

"No, what if something goes wrong and it damages your brain!"

"I'd argue your brain is a bit more valuable... Dr. McCoy"

"Love, I know you don't need... or often want me to protect you, but I'd be honored if you'd let me"

"Fine, you'll take part A"