“You’re crazy.”

She said it without coming off as insulting. Calmly. Succinctly.

She got up from the couch and walked to the door. “Pam, wait!” I placed my hand on her shoulder making her look at me.

“Daniel. Let me go.” She said, sounding worried. Like I might hurt her.

It hurt more than it should like a needle hit my heart seeing that look of fear in her eyes. I let go of her and took a few steps back. I didn’t want to make her afraid.

“Pam let me prove it to you.” 

She thought I was crazy. Then I just needed to show her I wasn't-- that it’s all true-- or the truth I want her to believe. It hurt more to think about lying to her, warping the truth to suit my needs.

But could I confess to her about all the evils I had done? No. 

I don’t think I ever could. I would take those with me to my grave. The mere thought of the pain and horror she would be subjected to knowing I was responsible for so much death and destruction. It made me think of Dad and Furgus. 

Pamela looked ready to leave but when I backed off sounding so earnest to prove myself to her she gave it some thought to my relief. Her eyes looked long and hard into my own before slowly giving a nod.

“Alright, Daniel. You prove to me you can do what you say then I will believe you. But!” She held a finger up, staying close to the door, “If you try to do something to me or you are lying Daniel then I will leave.”

Giving her a deadpan look walking towards the wall then up it. Eventually stepping onto the ceiling with Pam’s finger slowly falling, her mouth opening in shock. 

“You're on the ceiling.” She said it like she couldn’t believe it. “Are you a vampire?” She asked, sounding oddly like she was excited at the idea.

“No.” I gave her a weird look questioning why she sounded so hopeful for that to be what I was. “Pam vampires burn under the sun! If I were a vampire I wouldn’t be seeing you in broad daylight.”

“… Daniel you walked up a wall and are currently standing on the ceiling upside down. That’s something a vampire could do.” She said, trying not to sound dumb. She was failing. Hard.

“I am going to pretend I didn’t hear any of that. Now please sit down on the couch and listen to me. I’m not crazy Pam.” I implored her and thankfully seeing me pull a move from Dracula she was willing to listen to me.

“So everything you told me was true? You're not crazy or lying. You did all of what you said?” She sounded like she was in a far-off place in her mind, questioning it all after that simple display.

“Yes. None of it was a lie nor was it born of some psychosis or delusion. It happened. I understand why you would think I was crazy after all of that even if it… hurt.” 

She snapped out of it when that last part was said aloud. She closed the distance between us on the couch hugging me. 

“I’m so sorry Daniel. Please don’t take it to heart. In the years I have lived in Gotham most of the people that I had known or had been interested in me had always been crazy in some form or another. Please forgive me.” She begged me, hands clasped together.

The pain lessened at the sight of her feeling regret and wanting to make things right I pulled her into a hug. One that she didn’t hesitate to reciprocate.

“It will be alright, I forgive you. Pam, if we are going to continue to be a couple and if things pan out more than that,” Her eyes widened at the implication behind her glasses tucking a strand of hair behind her ear looking ashamed, “We need to be capable of trusting the other. This relationship won’t last if we can’t do that. I understand how everything I said sounded and with the city we live in it made sense why you reacted the way you did.” 

All of it was the truth. I understood her perspective on what just happened and why she reacted how she did. If it wasn’t for me being the one telling her all of this then I probably would have done the same. She just got done with Woodpecker looking like a random crackhead off the street looking desperate. 

Then you had me, the seemingly perfect guy who was interested in her spout off more nonsense that all sounded like delusions and daydreams I believed to be real. 

“Alright, Daniel. You're right. So then your clinic was funded by the one who profited from the gang war? Why use their money?” 

I let out a long sigh at that question already having an answer. “Because I couldn’t have helped nearly as much as I could have. Without the supplies that the money helped me procure I wouldn’t have saved nearly as many lives. What you view as blood money Pam I view as the means I can save people. Don’t misunderstand it as the end justifies the means.”

I got up going to the kitchen Pam not once taking her eyes off of me. “I also can and will refuse Silhouette if they ask for too much in return. That’s if they go back on what they originally told me. The money was not only to help the people but it had no strings attached to it. I could do whatever I wanted with it so long as it helped the people.”

Pam fell silent, her expression softening. But it still had an edge to it with that stern stubbornness she had when she rarely dug her heels in.

“That’s if Silhouette is telling the truth, Daniel. What if they were just telling you that so you would use the money?”

“Then I take whatever punishment comes my way for what I did. But if they try to strong-arm me into doing something I would be against then they are out of luck.”

“Daniel, you're still dealing with a criminal!” Pamela said not out of anger but concern.

“Pamela, what should I do then? Go to Batman? Whatever I could tell him he would already know. The police? They may as well be useless unless it’s Commissioner Gordon or one of a handful of competent cops who weren’t corrupt. Even then I doubt they would be equipped to handle anything like that.”

Pamela had fallen silent, her inner fire dimmed at my valid points showing I had put in some thought about this myself. 

“The only person I can rely on beyond myself is Batman. The money and resources Silhouette has given me have helped many people and saved lives. While I do agree with you about Silhouette’s methods, I don’t see it as all black and white like you or Batman would since there are also shades of gray.”

Pam for her part instead of getting angry she listened to everything I said. Deep in thought, thinking it over for a moment while I got my cup of water downing it. By the time I was back at the couch, Pamela had come to her own conclusion.

“So then you're stuck with Silhouette and you're not going to stop using their resources?” 

Her question made me wonder where this was going but I answered her all the same. 

“I wouldn’t say I am necessarily stuck with them. As for using their resources? Pfffft,” I couldn’t help but laugh at that since I had already begun the process of making something for myself with my own name, “That’s already getting fixed, Pam.”

Pam tilted her head, looking like a puppy trying to figure something out.

“With the release of my new game, I will have enough money to keep the clinic going for a good long while,” I explained while taking a load off on the couch. 

Really can’t thank the engineers enough for the couch. You couldn't imagine how much better a group of artificial interstellar mechanics would be at making a piece of furniture for your home compared to a normal person. 

Apparently a lot. The thing may as well be like lying on a cloud. No matter what position you would find yourself comfortable on this thing. 

Pam herself while focused on our discussion she had relaxed into it just like me. I don’t think I have ever seen her this relaxed before. Well besides at the park after I rocked her world. But the way she was sprawled out on the couch just sitting there looking at me she looked like a pothead who just had the greatest high of her life.

“New game? You made a board game or something?” She asked, sounding confused about how that would generate enough money to do what I said.

“A video game. With the release of Silent Hill 2, the money brought in would be enough for me to make a sequel or start on another series entirely while funding my clinic. Which will now be a legitimate clinic with me getting my medical degree.” I said matter-of-factly.

At the name drop of my recent video game, Pamela froze before her head slowly turned to look at me. “Did you say Silent Hill 2? As in you're the one who developed that game?”

I slowly nodded unsure of where she was going with this. “Yes?”

“Oh my god my boyfriend made one of my favorite games of all time!” She said happily slamming into me with a backbreaking hug. At least back-breaking for a normal person. She prattled on excitedly about the first one asking all kinds of questions.

“Didn’t think you were someone that was into video games Pam,” I said after she realized how excited she was getting blushing up a storm once she managed to get herself under control.

“I get that a lot. Yes, I love plants and enjoy nature but I also enjoy playing a game now and again.” She harrumphed arms crossed like this was the millionth time she had to explain this to someone.

“I take it you played the first one?” I decided to lean away from the subject of her not looking like someone who played video games. Kind of like an old high school classmate I knew in passing.

Guy was a jock and you would think with how he looked and how obsessed over sports he was that he would be an avid sports game fan. 

Nope! He was the complete opposite. He preferred fantasy, sci-fi, and any kind of good RPG for his games. Caught me off guard learning what games he preferred when the subject got brought up.

“Of course I have! I absolutely loved the first one. From the creature's designs to the soundtrack. I think my favorite character you introduced in the first one was Lisa Garland.” Pamela listed everything she loved about the game.

Which was practically everything. The only thing she found annoying was the tank controls but those were not as bad as the old school games I remembered from my youth.

“But I think we have gotten off topic. So you're tied to a supervillain in Gotham.” She said remembering the original topic of discussion her excitement was tempered by how serious the topic is.

“Yes. That and I am rather certain Jade's dad is a supervillain as well.” At the reminder of Jade Pamela’s expression was both sad and a surprising darkness crept in.

Like she had gone through her own share of dark moments like Jade had. 

“Why tell me all of this? Why not hide it from me?” Pamela asked me, pinning me with an intense look.

“Because if we are going to be a couple we can’t hide things from one another. Not if we want this to last. I enjoy being around you, Pam. How anyone could overlook you for any other woman in Gotham is beyond me. You are a diamond in this bleak city. A diamond I would rather not lose but more importantly than that…” 

She leaned closer to me hanging off every word, “I don’t want you getting hurt because of me.”

“Oh, Daniel…” She hugged my chest before wrapping her hand around the back of my head kissing me. 

We stayed like that for several minutes in our make-out session. One that I could tell she wanted to go further but she restrained herself knowing there was still more to discuss. Pulling away from me breathing heavily she placed her hands on my cheeks making me look at her.

“Through thick or thin come hell or high water I am with you always. I will admit it is intimidating and has me worried knowing Silhouette could come and do as he pleases… but I won’t leave you. Not over that.” She said looking determined ready to stick by my side through it all no matter what the world decided to throw our way.

We shared another kiss before hugging on the couch. Eventually, we lay together cuddling enjoying one another’s company before Pamela broke the silence. 

“I feel so bad for Jade. I couldn’t imagine what it’s like to lose your little sister like that. Is there anything we can do to help her?” Pamela asked me about Jade.

“Despite her telling me she has it handled with who will be helping her I still intend to help her. If not helping get her sister back at least let her know she has friends in Gotham who care.”

…

The door to the lab opened with little fanfare from both me and Pamela as the two of us saw Kirk looking better than he had in weeks.

The bags under his eyes were still there but not as bad as they had been before. His hair looked like it had been thoroughly washed looking less oily and slicked down to his head. He even seemed to have gotten some sleep if how coherent and energetic he appeared to be was anything to judge by.

“Daniel and Pamela, I am pleased to see you both here!” He said having taken notice of them immediately. A good sign if there ever was one from Kirk.

He normally was so absorbed in his work because of his desperation not to lose the lab and his funding that he never noticed anyone coming in or out of the lab. Ever since I had worked under him he would always be surprised by how much time had passed and be oblivious to anything happening around him that had nothing to do with his research.

He could have a lab fire and be unresponsive unless it got in the way of his research. By that, I mean it being completely on fire. 

“As are we. I am looking forward to advancing humanity and science together and I know Pam is going to look forward to working with you Kirk.” I said nudging her with my elbow which she just playfully looked at me before bumping me back.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that. I’m even happier to say you both passed!” He said holding his arms out beaming at us with a smile that looked far too happy for Kirk.

My pleased expression remained the same since I knew I would pass. The only thing that could have stopped that would be if some corrupt officials decided for whatever reason they didn’t want me to become a doctor.

Pamela on the other hand, despite doing her best to hide how nervous she was, took a moment to digest what Kirk just said. Then she happily screamed, throwing her hands up in the air before hugging me like an anaconda.

I could smile and laugh hugging her back before I noticed Kirk giving me a proud smile with a wink in my direction. A nod of respect back towards the man finding myself thankful I had helped him when I did.

“Now then Doctors Daniel and Pamela you're just in time to see the next advancement in genetics.” He said happily as we moved closer seeing what he was working on once the excitement had died down enough.

Kirk had also handed us our diplomas with the paperwork ready for me and Pamela to go over for our employment from the university. 

“Daniel your… My,” He corrected himself when I gave him a stern look then motioned with my eyes towards the cameras in the room about my stimpacks formula, “Formula I had you work on for me had been far more than what we had originally believed it would be.”

Pamela gave me a knowing look but the small smile directed at me told me she was proud I had made such a sacrifice for Kirk.

“I take it you managed to discover a new usage for it or some detail I had missed when using the formula you had me work on?” I asked back now genuinely curious where this was going.

Stimpacks were just for healing injuries. Not much to be used beyond mending broken bones or flesh wounds.

“Oh, I discovered something alright. Watch!” He pressed a button making the hologram display the process of Kirk’s formula working on the subject causing the DNA to change and shift but damaging it with how fast and rough it was on the subject.

“This as you know is from the older tests. This test,” Another press of a button showing another image side by side with the older one, “Used the healing formula in conjunction with my splicing method.”

Kirk was excited. Not just his tone, but his entire body looked like he wanted to just vibrate on the spot with how excited he was. Like a kid told he would get all the candy in the candy store.

I could see why. Unlike the older test, the cells and even the DNA were being repaired while the changes happened. Any damage that had been done was immediately repaired going through a constant cycle of destruction and then reconstruction. 

My mind was a hurricane of numbers and data thinking of what was happening but on the technology around me. It’s something that hadn’t quite stopped at all no matter where I went or what I did. It was like every machine around me called to me. 

Like it was awaiting my commands or what I could do with it and the endless possibilities. Whatever the last power I got was powerful but it didn’t explain a thing to me about what it was. It was like a drop of water falling into a planet-sized ocean. I know whatever I was using was only a small fraction of what it could do but the rest of it was so far beyond my sight I had no idea of what it was capable of. Of that planet-sized ocean I was only using what may have amounted to a few hundred gallons of water.

The show lasted for some time as I glanced at Kirk with a question at the tip of my tongue but I held off simply because the moment was one of triumph and I didn’t want to ruin it for Kirk. He had been working towards this for years; this was his time to shine.

Eventually, it came to an end with the results showing the subject alive with hybrid DNA now. Any damage was nonexistent. 

Kirk turned to both of us, his smile having remained the same, his excitement not changed in the slightest.

“Congratulations Kirk! You did it!” I said clapping in approval with Pamela joining me.

“This is going to put genetics ahead for years, Kirk,” Pamela said, looking between the results of each test noting the results from the older one, and comparing the other. “You used the healing formula to repair the damage to the cells and physiology of the subject didn’t you?” 

Pamela came to the realization faster than I thought she would. But then again she is far more intelligent than people give her credit for. Not just in academics but piecing things together that others would struggle to see or not see the dots connected like she would.

She just lacked confidence and Woodsoft being gone has helped in that regard by a not-so-insubstantial amount.

He nodded towards Pamela, “Yes I did. After the formula for the healing compound was established I ran some tests on it. I got curious seeing the extent of the damage done to the body it could theoretically heal. I decided to apply it to a subject undergoing the splicing compound if it might act as a means to keep the subject alive but also ensure a more seamless process.”

His arm waved at the results hovering in the air before our very eyes. I was utterly astounded. I hadn't even thought to use the stimpack formula as a means to keep the animals alive through the process… 

Looking over to Kirk realizing I may have given him the means to still become Manbat. But maybe unlike other versions of him, he wouldn’t go down that dark path all the others had.

I could only laugh now truly impressed with Kirk. He looked at me along with Pamela, “You truly are the foremost expert in genetics Kirk. Dare I say possibly the greatest mind in the field that would ever exist.” 

I wasn’t exaggerating either. I genuinely believed it. Yes, I gave him the means albeit unknowingly to make a breakthrough in his research. But I hadn’t realized the extent a stimpack could heal and Kirk out of idle curiosity and a eureka moment had taken the chance.

Even without the stimpack compound he would have found a way to complete his research I had no doubts about that. 

Kirk at my compliment just smiled shuffling awkwardly scratching the back of his head while Pamela tried not to laugh at how bashful he was being.

“You're too kind Daniel but I doubt I am the end-all all say all when it comes to genetics.”

“I have to agree with Daniel, Kirk.” Pamela said, “You have made great strides in genetics that would echo out for… decades seems too small with the progress made. I would go so far as to say that even a century or two they would still be utilizing what you have accomplished here and now.”

Kirk was about to open his mouth to argue but Pamela was having none of it, “You have managed to create a means to splice different species of animals into others. With this, you could potentially cure cancer, help people regrow lost limbs, and give someone their sight or hearing back.”

Kirk was unsure how to respond not because he didn’t know what to say to that. I was sure he did. He was just caught off guard seeing Pamela who was normally so closed off from others who lacked confidence and was withdrawn into herself being more vocal and open about her thoughts.

After a moment he found his voice. “You're not wrong Pamela but you know as well as I do that this wasn’t accomplished solely by me alone. Don’t think I missed those looks you and Daniel would share.” 

“It may as well have been Kirk. Let’s say I didn’t work on that project. Let’s say things went horrifically wrong and you lost everything. I firmly believe you would have found a way to make the formula work albeit at great cost.” 

He was left speechless at my absolute faith in him finishing his formula and making it work.

“Not saying it’s a bad thing, Kirk, everyone loves some humble pie in their life but sometimes you gotta acknowledge you did what no one else could. Hold your head up high for you have advanced genetics far beyond what anyone could dare to dream of and left your mark on science.”

Kirk looked genuinely touched by the two of us. “I don’t know what I did to deserve wonderful fellow researchers like you two but I won’t complain. Now would you like to see our first surviving test subject?”

We both nodded our heads rapidly. Even if I were someone who couldn't care less about science I don’t think anyone would turn down the opportunity of seeing a genetically modified hybrid species that could be made on demand.

Kirk led us over to a smaller containment unit usually used for the insects. What was inside was an ant. An ant that was currently spinning a web using its newly formed back legs to spin it albeit with difficulty the web shooting off course at times. 

“You really did it. You managed to make a hybrid from an ant and a spider's genes.” I said so quietly that one would think I was breathless.

Pamela was silent looking at the little figure trying to weave something out of the silk it spewed out.

“I take it that the subject has some residual instincts from the donor?” I was curious about why the ant was doing that. 

“Currently I have no clue and I am in the process of understanding why myself. Though as you both have noticed the subject isn’t exactly that good at weaving a web. My current theory is the formula still needs some tweaking.”

“You don’t think it’s because of the combination of different species genes interfering with one another? Or maybe given time the subject could figure out its new biological capabilities?” Pamela finally spoke up taking her eyes off the subject.

Kirk had a contemplative look rubbing his jaw like it was a puzzle; he couldn't quite see how all the pieces lined up. “Hard to say. It could be any of them or even all of them together. I do know that the formula does need some tweaks done to it since it is still far from perfect.”

Kirk outright acknowledged showing his formula to both of us pointing out the flaws he knows are in its design. Both Pamela and I offered suggestions on different chemical compounds. The two of us managed to help Kirk draw up a design that on paper would be a more effective and efficient formula compared to what he had before.

Not that what he had cooked up before was bad. It was good at what it did but there was always room for improvement plus having others look over your work tended to show you mistakes you had missed. Or how you thought to use something in one way but another person would use it in an entirely different way.

Kind of like a hammer. A man would see an effective weapon. Another would see it as a tool that could be used to help build and create things.

Kirk clapped his hands with a proud smile on his face looking at the various adjustments to the formula getting both me and Pamela’s attention.

“Alright, I think it’s high time we focus on another project. We have focused the entirety of the time on my project and with it reaching a stage I believe is satisfying enough to leave it as is for now we can focus on a project you two would like to do.” 

Pamela looked at me unsure of what to say to this. I guess working with Woodgrub for so long would make anyone question someone letting them choose what to do next. 

“Kirk, are you sure about this? You're so close to finishing what you started--”

Kirk held his finger up, “Up up up! No more of that Daniel. It’s fine. I have let that thing take over so much of my life that I may as well have had no life at all. We have made plenty of progress and you helped immensely and Pamela is already showing her genius,” He gestured to Pamela who looked a little bashful when pointing out some plant compounds that could help with the formula.

“Well if you're sure… What project do you want to do Pam?” 

She just looked back at me with wide eyes conveying her surprise, “Me?! Daniel, I still don’t fully know what projects I even want to do. What about your giant list? You have that idea for a virus or that generator.” She pointed out flipping it back on me.

Well, that’s what I get for trying to be polite. At the mention of a virus, Kirk adopted an interested gaze as he looked at me. 

“A generator I wouldn’t be able to help with all too much Daniel. It’s not exactly my field of expertise. But a virus I might be able to help with. Depending on what it does.” 

“First of all I already have a project in the initial stages. So again think of anything you want to do Pam.” I said putting it back on her as Kirk was trying not to laugh at the absurd situation that was happening. 

“Then you get to have two projects going. Now decide!” She said one eye twitching while her smile had grown strained. Knowing better than to further poke the bear and seeing an opportunity being given to me gift wrapped and all.

Letting out a sigh before I adopted a soft smile, “Alright well let me show what I had in mind.” Walking over with Pamela by my side Kirk swiftly followed us now interested when I showed him the board with various ideas and methods on how I could go about achieving them.

His eyes trailed over the board in wonder since he had never properly looked at it since he was constantly busy trying to make breakthroughs on his splicing project.

But now he looked up at it like a child staring at some wondrous machine that did magical things. He stepped closer, his hand gently brushing against some of the ideas, his mind abuzz with ideas just from the words alone.

“Daniel, you certainly don’t aim low.” He muttered aloud his attention fully on the board even noting the ideas and suggestions I had written for each idea about potential methods that could be used to reach certain goals or steps under the project and what I hoped to accomplish.

His gaze went from the artificial heart and other cybernetic limbs ideas for those who lost limbs or need an organ replacement but there were no donors to the breakdown of mentats and understanding what they do to the mind to give us more clarity and to possibly enhance it without any drawbacks. 

All of which, especially the cybernetic limbs had become far easier to make even from simple scraps and powerful with whatever had happened to me when I was discussing things with Pam. It subtly gave me ideas, different avenues and branches along the path I hadn’t thought to do before.

Then his eyes settled on the project I had been wanting to get started on. With three lines under the name emphasizing its importance and potential-- Extremis. 

His eyes read over the words under it what I wanted it to do and how to possibly go about doing it. Kirk read it over multiple times before he turned to face me at a loss for words but looking impressed and dumbfounded at the same time.

“You want to create a virus that can harness the body's bioelectricity allowing for unparalleled healing capabilities and maybe more? Daniel that… that is something you would see out of an old sci-fi show or movie.” He said this in disbelief, but despite how he sounded he seemed to believe it could be possible.

He had that contemplative look he took on when faced with an interesting and challenging puzzle. Just like he had when dealing with a roadblock in his attempts at creating his formula.

“How do you intend to try to even begin creating such a virus?” Kirk finally asked me after remaining silent looking at the board for the longest time.

“I intend on creating an incredibly harsh environment for the virus by forcing it to constantly adapt and change to survive and fit the criteria of what I need it to be capable of.”

Kirk looked around the lab nodding his head at my answer. “We would potentially be taking years to even begin to create anything close to what you are thinking of Daniel…” 

“Maybe not. Plants are capable of adapting quite wonderfully to environments they otherwise shouldn’t be capable of surviving. Much like with animals people have managed to cultivate breeds and species to the exact purposes they need. A virus or bacteria could be done in a faster amount of time since we have the technology and means to potentially create it and we don’t have to worry about long waiting periods like ancient humanity did with domesticating animals since viruses and various microbes could change quickly enough.” Pamela interjected pointing out past human projects when it came to cultivating plants and breeding desirable traits into various animals we had domesticated.

“You're not wrong Pamela but at the same time there is a big difference in breeding for desirable traits for an animal and trying to tailor a microscopic organism into having the traits needed for what Daniel has in mind.”

“So you don’t think it’s possible,” I said to Kirk.

He whirled on me a grin taking form, “I didn’t say that.” He pointed a finger at me already looking like he was ready to throw down at the challenge, “But the lab is not equipped to handle a project like this. Not entirely at least. I would have to get in contact with Bruce Wayne about getting more equipment, if not another lab entirely for this project.”

Kirk was a whirlwind of activity activating a hologram showing words typed up along it matching the ideas on my board and what Pamela had said. 

“What kind of environment are you thinking you would need to be capable of creating something even remotely similar to what you need?” Kirk asked me not once taking his eyes off the device.

“Something hot and cold. It should be capable of shifting quickly between extremely cold temperatures and turning up to moderate heat levels.” I said to him pulling from my memories of Extremis.

One way to create it was to force the virus to adjust to what you needed by subjecting it to extremely cold environments that constantly shift and change to warmer temperatures but it forces it to adapt to the cold as it shifted to milder temperatures it would be forced to develop along the guided path.

Or at least get close to what we needed it to be. Once the foundation was laid we would then cultivate and refine it further to become the final product.

“Alright, I put in an order to Wayne Enterprises tech division for something that would allow us to do what you are aiming to do Daniel. I trust you and Pamela enough not to abuse this and create something you see out of those spy thrillers.” Kirk said that last part with his hands on his hips giving me and Pamela a stern look.

“Kirk if it wasn’t for that playful look in your eyes and you struggling not to smile I would be taking offense that you would think that Pamela and I would create a bioweapon.” I deadpanned.

Kirk froze before his head fell. He let out a long suffering sigh with Pamela looking between us unsure of what to believe.

“Well, Daniel I guess that’s on me for fully focusing on my work and not showing more of myself to you. Which will be fixed now.”

I just gave Kirk a playful smile, one that he awkwardly returned.