Exhausted yet fuming in my lab, I barely noticed Elliot's approach. "Walt, I know what those assholes did at the Prize. But you got the trophy, in the end."
His optimism failed to lift my indignation. "No, what I got was a participation trophy. I did most of the work - they should be getting one, not me. I earned the master's prize."
Elliot sighed understandingly before changing tack. "Well, speaking of - we need a new recruit for Grey Matter. Whoever it is, I don't care."
He gestured behind me. I turned, only then noticing the vision beside him - petite yet radiating intelligence. Her crimson lips spoke of passion to match her mind.
"Walter," Elliot introduced. "This is Gretchen Heinzeman."
"Walter White," I managed, entranced. She smiled knowingly.
"Gretchen," she replied. "I've been studying proton radiography at my university. Though your findings from '83 added such nuance to kinetic modeling..."
As she delved into the theory, my frustration melted, engaged by her gifted perspective. At last, a peer to unite and propel Grey Matter further still. Our greatest works were only beginning.
In the empty lab, Gretchen and I sat late into the night, unraveling the mysteries of the human body through their biochemical fingerprints.
Our usual banter had taken an intimate turn. Gretchen's brilliant mind never failed to stir my soul - and something more, if I was honest. Her crimson lips begged to be tasted, a temptation growing harder to resist.
But for now, science reigned supreme. "Let's break it down," I said gently. "Hydrogen?"
She captured my eyes with hers, a spark I'd never seen before. "By mole? We're looking at 63%."
Her calculated grace enthralled me. "63? Wow, that is a big bite." I studied her lips, wondering what percentage they might hold.
So entranced was I that Gretchen had to repeat each element todrag my focus back to the puzzle. Yet in her presence, something deeper called, something chemistry alone could not explain...
"I don't know," I sighed. "Just doesn't it seem like something's missing? There must be more to a human being than that."
Gretchen paused meaningfully. "What about the soul?"
Her words pulled me under their spell. "There's nothing but chemistry here," I said hoarsely, gazing into her soulful eyes. In that moment, I knew one fact truer than any other - this woman was my missing element.
That encounter with Gretchen replayed endlessly in my mind. Late into the night, I found solace at my chalkboard, thoughts pouring forth in formulas and diagrams.
Perhaps it was the hour, or passion's haze, but some inner thread connected each equation to her. Gretchen had become the missing reagent tying all discoveries together - the link that would propel Grey Matter to unfathomable heights.
Absorbed in my musings, I failed to notice Elliot's approach until he cleared his throat. I started, whirling to find concern in his gaze.
"Walt, it's late. What has you so engrossed?"
My frown smoothed as understanding dawned. "Elliot, I've found our missing link. Gretchen - she understands me in a way no one else can. With her mind and drive pushing ours, just imagine what we could accomplish!"
Elliot studied my face, then smiled softly. "I saw the way you looked at each other. If she makes you this inspired, then I say we pursue her fully. Gretchen may be the piece that solves it all."
Relief and joy swelled within me to have his blessing. Our dreams were coming to fruition at long last.
Elliot found me moodily preparing cultures the next evening, still musing on Gretchen. I could hide nothing from my companion.
"What troubles you, Walt?"
Halting my work, I turned to him with a sigh. "It's her, Elliot. Gretchen - I've never met anyone like her. When we talk, it's like the world falls away."
Elliot smiled knowingly. "She gets under your skin, doesn't she? I can see the way she lights a fire in your eyes."
"More than that," I confessed. "With her joining Grey Matter, our vision comes into focus. Her insight could push our science to new frontiers." My voice lowered. "I think I may be falling for her, my friend."
Reaching out, Elliot squeezed my shoulder supportively. "Then don't fight it, Walt. Let your heart lead for once. If Gretchen strengthens both your mind and spirit, she's meant to be part of what we're building here."
Relief washed through me to have his blessing. This was no mere infatuation - it was destiny calling us towards unmatched happiness and success. And with Elliot at my side, nothing could stand in our way.
Another long day's labors wound down as Elliot and I headed to the employee cafe. Rounding the corner, I froze at the vision before me.
There bathed in evening light, Gretchen sat immersed in a thick text, delicate fingers tracing equations. Her raven hair fell loose around her face like a veil, emphasizing lush curves too oft concealed by labcoat.
Beside me, Elliot let out a low chuckle. "My friend, you look like you've seen an angel."
I could only nod, enraptured. Yet before cowardice seized me, Elliot grinned and nudged me forward. "Go on then. Invite that angel to dine with us."
Steeling myself, I approached the table and softly cleared my throat. As Gretchen looked up with her soulful eyes, words fled from coherent thought. Yet she seemed to sense my intent, gracing me with a gentle smile as radiant as her mind.
"Joining us for supper, Ms. Heinzeman?" Elliot finished for me, ever my wingman. At her acceptance, warmth filled my once weary form, stirring hope that our bond was deepening as Grey Matter's future blossomed beyond bright.
As Gretchen gathered her things, nerves overtook my composure. My palms grew damp, mouth dry as ash.
What fascinating insights could I offer this brilliant star? None sprang to mind beyond rote facts, yet small talk seemed pathetic substitution for her intellect. I wiped my hands covertly and grasped for anything engaging.
"Did you know hydrogen cyanide was first used as a chemical weapon in World War I?" I blurted nervously.
Gretchen tilted her head, not fleeing from the dark topic as others might. "A tragic fact. Though it did prompt breakthroughs in toxicology that protect us now."
Her understanding calmed my rattled wit. A memory then emerged, one sure to spark discussion with her nuanced perspective.
"There's evidence some dinosaurs perished from volcanic eruptions changing climate chemistry. Fascinating to think existence can pivot on such subtle shifts..."
Her eyes lit with thoughtful curiosity. Mayhap grim facts need not repel a mind that explored all nature's wonders, light and dark alike. With Gretchen, even my awkward ramblings found root in richness.
Miraculously, our small talk sustained through the cafe line, Gretchen engaging each new thread with care. Yet nerves persisted as we sat, and a reckless urge took hold.
From my pocket appeared a lone match, struck alight as a thought occurred - its flame's color revealed chemical makeup. But in distraction, control slipped; the match flared dangerously close to the table's edge.
Horror seized me at the near mistake. Flailing, I blew out the flame just in time, coating us all in acrid smoke. My red face burned hotter than the match.
"Forgive me, that was foolish," I stammered to the stunned onlookers. Gretchen alone seemed unfazed, eyes crinkling in mirth.
"No harm done. Though next time, better the lab than lunch spot for experiments." Her teasing held no judgment, only amusement at my antics.
Somehow, her easy charm soothed my frazzled nerves. A laugh even escaped, buoying spirit back from ledge of disaster. Here was a colleague who accepted all aspects of passion. I was not a crime of passion but a passion of love.