Situation

[In a hidden laboratory located beneath the ground]

A man peered through his microscope, watching as a serum slowly dripped onto a green piece of flesh on the slide. Dark circles clung to his sunken eyes, evidence of sleepless nights and a relentless pursuit of progress. His hair was disheveled, strands clinging to his forehead, and his clothes were rumpled, bearing the marks of countless experiments.

He had worked tirelessly , determined to find a breakthrough in the field of regenerative medicine. However, as the seconds ticked by, he realized that something was amiss. The flesh began to twist and warp, becoming a grotesque, misshapen mass.

He cursed under his breath, frustration mounting with each passing moment. The serum that he had so carefully crafted had failed once again, leaving him back at square one. His hands shook with anger as he snatched up the slide and threw it against the wall, sending bits of glass flying in all directions and the flesh to burst open, leaving a green splotch on the white surface.

*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEPBEEP* *BEEPBEEPBEEP*

A beeping sound came from the man's watch. The sound becoming louder and more persistent, matching the man's increasing frustration. With each passing moment, the beeping became more and more insistent, as if mocking him. The man's hands shook with rage as he glared down at the watch on his wrist. His muscles began to tense and bulge under his clothes, and his breathing became labored. His ayes took on a wild, almost manic look, and the veins in his neck and forehead bulged with fury.

As the man's frustration and anger reached a boiling point, a hissing sound caught his attention, and he quickly turned to see a gas vent opening up on the far side of the lab. A cool, calming mist quickly filled the room, and he felt his racing heart begin to slow down.

The man sank down into his chair with his palm on his face, defeated and tired, wondering if he would ever find the cure he so desperately sought.

"Hey Bruce, are you okay?"

A young woman rushed into the room, her hair tied back into a neat ponytail and her white lab coat pristine and ironed. She wore a professional yet concerned expression on her face as she approached Bruce, her eyes darting between his face and the various machines and equipment around the room, spotting broken glass on the ground and a green liquid staining the wall...

"I'm fine, Hellen, just a small setback, that's all" said Bruce, recognising the woman by her voice.

"Bruce, I'm worried about you. You haven't slept for three days working tirelessly and it's taking a toll on your health. You need some rest" said Hellen, not believing him, checking his vital signs with a stethoscope. Her movements were smooth and calculated, yet there was a hint of warmth in her demeanor that put Bruce at ease.

He sighed, reluctantly acknowledging her point. "I know I should take a break, but I can't shake this feeling of urgency."

"Have you at least considered his offer? He's a genius, and we need all the help we can get." she said.

Bruce shook his head, exasperated "For the love of god Hellen, we don't WANT his help! He's always got his own agenda, and he's never really interested in helping anyone but himself. Plus, we don't even know who 'HE' is."

Hellen's expression turned serious as she met Bruce's gaze. "I understand your concerns," she began, her voice filled with urgency "but we're running out of time. Jennifer's condition is getting worse, and we need to do something before it's too late, even if it means putting our trust in someone who goes by 'Dr. Wackadoodle'."

Bruce's jaw tightened. "There has to be another way. I won't put my trust in a psycho."

Taking a seat next to him, Hellen spoke softly, her voice laced with concern. "Sigh... you've been carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders for far too long. It's time to give yourself a break. Come with me. Let's get some rest."

Bruce managed a faint smile, his fatigue slowly giving way to a sense of trust in Hellen's care, his voice laced with gratitude. "Thank you, Hellen. I can't imagine going through this without you."

"Yes! And you should appreciate me more." Eliciting a laugh out of Bruce, Hellen continued "Sleep, the nourisher, the tender-handed night, that soothes the weary eyes and leaves the heart at peace." She then got up from her seat and offered Bruce her hand.

A momment later, glancing at Hellen's outstretched hand, Bruce accepted her offer, intertwining his tired fingers with hers before walking out of the lab area, a smile etched on his face.

"Is that 'The Gull's Hornbook'?"

"It's 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho"

Bruce gazed into Hellen's eyes, his voice filled with tenderness, as he whispered "I love you."

A soft smile curved on Hellen's lips as she squeezed his hand, her voice barely above a whisper "And I love you too, Bruce."

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Alternative Titles:

--- Not now, big guy... not now.

--- I hate couples

--- Sleep-Deprived Scientists

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Andrew: This is MY story!!

Peter: No. It. Is. Not.

Bruce: Um, maybe calm down a little? There's no use fighti-

Peter and Andrew: SHUT UP!

(☞ ಠ_ಠ)🎤 This is your author reporting live from backstage, where an intense argument just broke out between Andrew and Peter. Tempers are flaring as voices rise and the air is thick with tension. Security personnel are now on the scene, trying to intervene and restore order. We will keep you updated as this situation unfolds.

This is Owler, bringing you the news that matters on channel [POWERSTONES].