The Dark Matter Sage

The next few days passed in relative quiet. Tony continued his deliveries and tried to maintain some semblance of normalcy, but the buzz of dark energy was a constant presence beneath his skin. Jay had settled into the new reality with surprising grace, spending her evenings with Tony and Roomie. The initial shock of their situation had faded, replaced with curiosity and a cautious sense of adventure.

On the third evening, Jay curled up on the couch with a glass of wine while Tony stood at the kitchen counter, absentmindedly slicing vegetables for dinner. Roomie's voice broke through Tony's thoughts.

"Tony, we need to talk about your future."

Tony blinked, pausing mid-chop. "That sounds ominous."

"Not ominous. Strategic," Roomie corrected. "You possess abilities no human has ever wielded. What do you intend to accomplish with them?"

Tony set down the knife and turned toward the couch. "Hey, Roomie wants to talk about what I want to do with all this. Big-picture stuff."

Jay tilted her head, intrigued. "Well, what do you want to do?"

Tony scratched his head. "I don't know. I mean... what are my options?" He turned his attention back to Roomie. "What's even possible?"

"Let me give you examples," Roomie replied, his tone measured. "I have studied Earth's literature, scientific research, and countless philosophies. I have yet to find a concept that cannot be achieved with dark energy and dark matter."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "That's a bold claim. Care to elaborate?"

Roomie's voice took on a teaching tone. "For instance, you could create a drink that stimulates longevity by targeting the FOXO3A gene, often associated with extended lifespans. By introducing a dark matter-stabilized molecule into a simple liquid base, the gene could be activated in humans without side effects."

Jay nearly spilled her wine. "Wait—you're saying you could make something that... makes people live longer? Like a fountain of youth?"

"Not immortality," Roomie clarified. "But it would significantly extend human health and lifespan by enhancing cellular repair processes."

Tony smirked. "So, what? We could open a juice bar for eternal youth?"

Jay burst out laughing. "Tony's Eternal Smoothies. First one's free, but you pay for the secret ingredient."

Roomie continued, undeterred. "Humor aside, the application of dark energy can also defy your understanding of physics. For example, flight is a simple matter of manipulating gravitational fields. By creating a localized antigravity bubble, you could counteract your body's weight and ascend freely into the air."

Tony leaned against the counter, imagining it. "You mean I could just... fly? Like Superman?"

"Precisely," Roomie replied. "The mechanics are straightforward. Once mastered, you would control your altitude, direction, and speed with thought alone."

Jay shook her head, awestruck. "Flying? Are you serious right now? That's... incredible."

Tony grinned. "Yeah, but that's just practical. I need something flashy. Like shooting fireballs."

Roomie's projection shimmered into view, its glowing form tilting its head. "If theatricality is your aim, that too is feasible. By manipulating oxygen and creating a concentrated energy spark, you could project a fireball. Dark energy would provide the containment and trajectory."

Jay's jaw dropped. "You're telling me Tony could just stand there and throw fireballs?"

"With proper training," Roomie said. "Yes."

Tony raised his hands dramatically, miming throwing a fireball. "I could be a literal wizard. 'Beware, mortals! SuperTony commands the flames!'"

Jay looked at Tony blankly before she laughed so hard she nearly doubled over, tears forming in her eyes. "Yeah say that buuut don't tell people you know me!"

Roomie's glowing form folded its arms. "Theatrical speeches are optional but discouraged."

As the laughter subsided, Tony sobered slightly. "Okay, so we can basically do anything. What about staying connected with Jay? I mean, I don't want her feeling left out while I'm out here... I don't know... flying and throwing fireballs."

Roomie paused before responding. "Such a connection is possible. We could create a device that links her neural activity with yours, granting her partial access to dark energy perception."

Jay blinked, her smile fading into thoughtful silence. "What does that mean? Would I feel what you feel?"

"In time, yes," Roomie said. "At first, it may be disorienting. Your mind is not yet adapted to process dark energy, but gradual exposure could allow you to sense its presence and perhaps even influence it."

Tony frowned. "So, it's possible, but it might mess with her at first?"

"Correct," Roomie confirmed. "It would require patience and trust."

Jay bit her lip, her brow furrowing. "That's... a lot to take in."

Tony walked over to her, sitting beside her on the couch. "We don't have to decide right now. Let me figure out more about this stuff first. I just wanted to put it out there."

Jay nodded, leaning into him. "Thanks for including me. It's a lot, but... if you're doing this, I want to be a part of it. You're still my Tony, even if you're throwing fireballs and flying around."

Tony grinned, wrapping an arm around her. "You're stuck with me, Jay. Fireballs and all."

Jay smirked. "Just don't burn down the apartment practicing your wizardry."