Disclaimer: See chapter 1.
Author's Note(s): Lmmfao! I love Gwen's weirdness! She blames the serum, but we all know it's that twisted little thing called love that's screwing with her mind and body! Okay… maybe a LIIIIIIIITTLE bit might be due to the serum… I think it is up for the readers interpretation since that is more fun, so YAY!
I always remembered the Black Cat being a pretty sexual character, especially when it came to Spider-Man! XD So I've sort of worked off of that and developed my own kind of amorous for Gwen/Black Cat with Tabitha.
Remember to review! X3
"A Black Cat and a White Coat"
"The Hazards of Hugging"
Gwen went back to her place to study; anxiously waiting for when Tabitha returned from work. Her mind was abuzz with so many questions! There were just so many things that she wanted to know!
Not to mention how she'd been feeling strange changes since the procedure! During their lunch, she had been feeling a little more confident than she normally would have when conversing with someone.
And also other little tingly or fluttery sensations whenever something she had said enticed a small smile or smirk from the other, or when Tabitha agreed with her, and when those grey orbs of hers wandered back to eye the boffin's lips, or when Dr. Tenshi gave a remark meant as a compliment; no matter how deadpan her tone was, Gwen still recognized it as such.
Though… Gwen began to wonder if it was indeed the serum or if it were something else entirely that caused such those things to occur…? The young woman found that after about thirty minutes of trying and failing to focus on her work again, that she might try and see if she could find out something about the oh so mysterious doctor, until her arrival.
Flipping open her laptop and bringing up the search engine, the blonde tried typing in "Dr. Tabitha Tenshi" just to see if she might find anything. And shockingly enough, she did find quite a few noteworthy articles about the other!
There was one about how Tabitha had diagnosed and cursed an infant of something known as Zellweger Syndrome, and how other parents with children that had this rare condition now have access to it. It would seem most of her contributions to society and work revolved around helping children with rare conditions. And on occasion… cats… which made Gwen quirk a brow and smile a little in amusement.
Even Dr. Rose Aconitum was mentioned in a number of them! Gwen couldn't help feeling a little jealous that the black haired physician seemed to work so much with Tabitha… Though she supposed they DID work in the same hospital, so it was probably good that the umber haired woman had a friend of sorts… right?
Scrolling down further, Gwen saw that if Tabitha wasn't developing cures or treatments of the chemical kind, then she was designing devices for the use of those who lost limbs and allowing facilities like Stark Industries to take over the process from there in terms of production and distribution.
It seemed that Tabitha was just as renowned in the field of Science as she was in that of Medicine! Though, she could understand that from their conversations. Sadly any other information she tried to find on the boffin in terms of her personal life proved to be rather futile.
Gwen couldn't find any information in regards to the woman's life. There were a few medical and even scientific articles written by Tabitha, and though interesting; they were no more insightful about her life outside of her work than a box of rocks!
Not to mention they were from a more mechanical aspect; though Gwen could tell that despite this, one such as herself whom had a passion in such subjects was able to spot the same zeal that she shared.
After about an hour of searching the internet, she finally heaved a sigh of defeat as she could find no other information, and somewhat begrudgingly went back to her studies. Gwen thought that as hard as it might have been, that she should push such distracting thoughts aside and do her best to focus. Since that was really the only option left to her at this point.
Time passed and though she had been able to finish her work quite a while ago, the blonde was studying to keep her mind busy, and also trying to better understand some of that which the lass did not quite get; seeing as she didn't want anything to do with that bi-polar jerk Peter Parker, she now had to tutor herself.
Hmm… Maybe Tabitha could help her? She seemed well versed in the subject at lunch… but the blonde quickly shook the thought from her head. Firstly because she didn't want to be a bother to the doctor, and also because she was a little embarrassed to ask since she didn't want Tabitha to think she was stupid and also since the other was probably either too busy or might not even want to help her…
There was a soft knock that caused Gwen to glance over at the door: forgetting what she had been pondering. However, when she went over to answer it, there was no one there! She heard the knock again and turned to find that it had come from the wall!
"Come in?" The blonde said uncertainly to the wall, as she could at that moment think of no other response. Then, she gave a startled scream and nearly fell backwards when the form of Tabitha stepped through the wall like some sort of umber haired phantasm!
"Is there a problem?" Tabitha asked in that deadpan way; her hands in the pockets of her lab coat, as she stood there with one eyebrow quirked at the look of shock on the other woman's face. She really couldn't understand what she'd done now to illicit such a reaction.
"Y-you…! How did you…?!" Gwen asked as she pointed a shaky finger at the boffin and then to the wall. Explosions was one thing, the lab and freaky key were another, and she could even handle the whole magical clean up trick pulled on her blouse earlier today. BUT, popping through her damn wall like some sort of horror movie spook was something the young woman found she could not quite handle so well!
"Ah… that. It's quite simple really. I phased through it." Tabitha stated; as though this explained everything. After all, hadn't the blonde seen her? Gwen tried to calm herself; the blonde wanted answers and she was going to get more than just a vague reply!
"I can see that! But HOW did you do it?! How have you been doing any of these things?" The shorter woman just eyed her for a moment; considering how to explain to her.
"I'm a mutant. You know what that is, don't you?" Gwen froze; her grey eyes widening a little.
"Like… those X-Men people?" At this tentative inquiry, the blonde was further taken aback when the other's eye gave an irritable twitch and her jaw clenched at the mention of that stupid groups name.
"I am nothing like those imbeciles!" Tabitha hissed out; trying to contain her irritation. And, seeing the glimmer of panic beginning to bubble up on the already shocked blonde's face, Tabitha quelled her hatred by digging her nails painfully into the palms of her hands. This was no time to go and scare off her test subject… it wasn't like Gwen even knew what had happened, so why scold her for nothing?
"However… You are not wrong in your assumption that that is the type of mutant which I meant… so yes… in that aspect only are we similar, as much as it sickens me to have anything in common with such troublesome trash." The boffin stated more calmly; having regained her composure. But contempt for those mutants shone brightly in her dark eyes.
Gwen gave a nod; noticing how despite how the other tried to remain poised, it was obviously a touchy topic. It would seem the other woman didn't like those people very much, so she had better try not to mention them again. Definitely a note she'd be logging away.
"I-I'm sorry…" The blonde said quietly, which caused that feeling now known to Tabitha as "guilt" to gnaw at her insides a little. The doctor sighed softly.
"No… It is I who should be sorry. I didn't mean to upset you, for that is not where my disdain is directed." Gwen shook her head again and found she felt quite relieved that the other wasn't mad at her.
"So… you were able to do all that stuff because of the power you have?" This question was a LOT more timid Tabitha noticed. She should be building the other up, not tearing her down… Tabitha sighed again and moved passed Gwen to sit on the edge of her bed; lightly patting a place beside her.
"Please sit and I shall answer any questions you have to the best of my ability." The boffin told the other in her stoic way; though it was clear she was trying to be nice. So, Gwen hurried over and took the spot offered beside the other; even if it WAS technically her bed.
"Good. Now, to answer your question. Yes, that is exactly how. I am able to use what is known as Molecular Manipulation, and since I also thankfully possess an Intuitive Aptitude or Innate Ability as it is called; among other terms, I am able to wield it much more skillfully than the few others who also share in my talents."
"And that's how you were also able to construct that key you have?" Tabitha gave an affirming nod; a tad impressed that the other figured that out. The smart blonde muddled this over as the bespectacled guest waited quite patiently; figuring it was probably a lot to take in.
"How is it you can just tell me all of this? Aren't you afraid that I might try to tell some mutant hunting group on you? You just don't seem like someone who trusts so easily…" True enough, Tabitha was far from as trusting as Rose; who had such issues as well, and for VERY good reasons too!
"Firstly, should I have suspected that such betrayal was in your nature, I would have never approached you about the topic of my experiment. Secondly, if I were incorrect and that is your intention now that you know, then I can just as easily remedy that by killing you. And lastly, I was once told that "the easiest way to trust someone is to simply trust them." Though cautious one should be when attempting this theory, it does have merit nonetheless." Gwen's eyes widened at the mention of getting killed, because she knew the other wasn't the most hesitant person when it came to that.
"I see… But, if you have that key, why didn't you just use the door? You startled me when you popped out of the wall!" The way in which Gwen's voice sounded rather offended and how her expression matched, Tabitha frowned in a way that more resembled a pout; which Gwen couldn't quite help finding cute despite it all.
"I did knock…" Was her rather immature defense.
"Yes, I know you did. You knocked on the wall, not the door. Why?" The blonde felt more self-assured when in the presence of the other, when she was being so much more pleasant and calm… and making such an endearing expression!
"I was already inside. But if it means so-ooo much to you…" Tabitha stood up and swiftly strode over to the door; phasing through it, and as Gwen watched her with a slightly surprised expression, she heard another soft knock!
The blonde couldn't help giggling, and it was a few seconds before she could even tell the woman to enter! Tabitha walked back into the room with a small frown as she eyed the mirthful blonde curiously.
"And what precisely is so funny?" The boffin asked with her arms folded over her chest, as she stood right in front of the other.
"You! I just can't figure you out! One moment it looks like you want to kill me and the next console me!" The blonde chortled as she gazed up at the woman. However, she was silenced by the sudden hurt that flashed across Tabitha's delicate features.
"Why would I want to kill you? If that were ever my goal, I can assure you that neither my time nor my serum would've been wasted, least it have been a fruitless endeavor!" Gwen realized that she had made the other woman feel bad.
"Oh… Tabitha I… I didn't mean to hurt your feelings! I'm really sorry!" When Tabitha merely looked away stubbornly to consider the apology, she didn't think Gwen would take it as her having chosen not to accept it!
The feeling of not knowing quite what to say to make it better befell the poor, lonely girl and Gwen felt her body moving as instinct took over; before her brain could tell her it might have been a bad idea!
Gwen reached her arms out and wrapped them around the other's waist so abruptly, that the physician had to brace herself by placing her hands on Gwen's shoulders when the woman pulled her forward!
The emotionally dense little boffin blinked as she stood rather stiffly; not quite sure what to do, as the other woman hugged her like a small child would a doll! Gwen had her face buried in the fabric over the shorter woman's stomach; her fingers clutching into the folds of the white coat.
Tabitha slowly raised her hand and tentatively reached over to stroke the soft blonde hair atop her bonny head. The physician was a little relieved and was able to relax a bit as the vice-like grip around her waist loosened to a more comfortable pressure.
"It is… okay…" The awkward female said; attempting to sound consoling. But words were never really her strong suit when it came to this; especially when her personal space was being invaded. She was still quite glad that it was enough for Gwen though, when the other responded.
"Thank you…" Was the muffled reply against her stomach; and she could feel the warm breath of the other as she spoke. It made Tabitha feel a different kind of squirmy feeling; albeit far more pleasant, it was still bothersome for the fact that she could yet again not name it! And what made it worse was the thought Rose had put into her head that she might actually "care" about Ms. Stacy!
As soon as the taller female's face had come into contact with the other's clothed stomach, a strange occurrence came about! Her senses were suddenly filled with a mixture of sweet and fragrant scents!
Though there was a hint of laboratory chemicals in the clothing; which Gwen had never minded anyway, for it was a familiar and not all that unpleasant scent, her enhanced sense of smell picked up the dominant aroma of lavender and chamomile! It was both relaxing and electrifying!
Gwen leaned forward a little further, as she unconsciously began to nuzzle the woman's midsection; wanting to get lost in that scent! She felt the other give a little squirm at this, but the blonde tightening her hold stilled that.
"Gwen… you can let go now…" Tabitha said as calmly as she could; her insides feeling like they were made out of many nervously writhing snakes! However, the blonde didn't want to relinquish her source of comfort! In fact, she wanted to get more of it!
"Please… just a little longer?" She pleaded in almost a feline-ishly soft mewl of a voice that melted the resolve Tabitha had worked so hard to build up. Tabitha sighed and shook her head; wondering what she was going to do with such a clingy test subject or for that matter, why it felt so easy to allow such behavior to begin with!
"Very well! Just a little while… then we have work to do." The woman told her in a final way, but Gwen didn't care as she felt that familiarly dexterous hand stroking the top of her head again. That and the enjoyment of nuzzling Tabitha like this caused her to begin making that purring sound again; and what amazed the blonde most was that she was enjoying herself too much to even care!
The sounds Gwen was making made the poor doctor feel oh so confused, as she found it all quite delightful! Sure, she was supposed to be taking good care of the other as it was her responsibility, but Dr. Tabitha Tenshi was no ones hug doll! And the fact that it was effecting her like this was even more reason to cease and desist!
"Okay… that is enough… Gwen?" At first Gwen didn't seem to hear her, but unfortunately when she thought the blonde had intended to pull away, she had instead felt Gwen's hands trying to sneak their way around the white coat and underneath of her scrubs top and the shirt under it!
Annnnnnnnd THAT was when the boffin decided being nice was not in her own interest! Tabitha retracted her hand from her consoling task and reached both down to firmly grasp a hold of the blonde's pawing hands by the wrist! As soon as she did, Tabitha couldn't help biting her lower lip at the wide, glassy eyed expression of sadness Gwen wore of having to stop, that made her almost let go… well, almost.
"Ms. Stacy, I-" She tried, but the other woman cut her off.
"Gwen…" The blonde cut in quietly with a pout, that reminded her so cutely of a kitten when it wanted something but had been refused.
"Right… Gwen, there is still work to be done. I think that perhaps we should stop this before things get… erm… out of hand…" The hands attached to the wrists she held flexed, as grey orbs looked away from the boffin's face to look back at the spot that she had been previously nuzzling; an expression of faint longing to go back to what she'd been doing quite evident.
"What are we supposed to do today?" Tabitha was rather glad to hear the other showing interest in something that didn't involve nuzzling. Though the taller of the two hadn't really been as interested as the other assumed.
"Today I'll be teaching you about self-defense." This got Gwen's attention; her head snapping up and smiling brightly.
"Really?!"
"Yes… if you'll just behave and come with me, then we can get started." Gwen hesitated before standing up slowly and giving a nod. Tabitha released her and turned around. The blonde found it took considerable amount of restraint not to reach out and pull her close again.
Gwen still wasn't entirely sure what had come over her and why she was slowly growing fonder and fonder of the Mad Scientist, but she was putting her full blame on the serum. Though, deep down, she knew that if anything, that was just an excuse to hide the truth; that she felt drawn to Tabitha.
The boffin lead her over to the door and slid in the black key; the smiley face going from grey to white as she did so. When Tabitha turned the doorknob and opened the door, the sight that beheld the blonde and caused her to gasp in awe, was that of a completely different facility than Tabitha's lab!
To be continued...!
LoL! I love the chapter title that I came up with for this chapter. X3 I tend to either use bits from songs or song titles or I just make them up entirely. I could do the boring "chapter 1" thing, but meh! I don't feel like it.
SO! Gwen's finally gonna get some self-defense lessons in the next chapter! Pretty exciting, huh?! XD Maybe Tabitha can teach her how to kick Spider-Man in his "spider-sense" LOL! I'm hoping I'll be able to write that happening, I REALLY do. But as we all know, I wing my stories for the most part and thus I never really know what's going to happen until it does! Kuwahahahahahahah!
And these two are weird and random and full of awesomeness! I like how Gwen is almost compelled to do the stuff she does LOL and Tabitha just has that scientific curiousity to wait long enough to see what the heck it is Gwen is doing or trying to do and she really DOES try to be nice. Because deep, deeeeeeeeep down, Tabitha is a good person. She's just damaged. X3 Then again, so is Gwen! They really are perfect for each other! Kuwahahahahahah!
Reviews equal love! And love breeds more chapters! MAKE LOVE NOT WAR! XD Okay, you can make both if you feel like it LOL but just review too okay? X3
Until next time! Tootles!