The Dark Matter Sage

Jay stood at Tony's doorstep, her hand hovering over the doorknob for a moment before finally knocking. Her heart raced, her emotions a turbulent mix of uncertainty and curiosity. She hadn't been able to shake the image from the video—the glowing hands, the calm precision. That was Tony. But how? Why hadn't he told her?

The door opened, and Tony's familiar face appeared. His usual warm smile faltered slightly as he noticed her hesitance when she hugged him. She lingered for a beat longer than usual, her grip not as tight.

Tony stepped back, studying her. "Something's up," he said, closing the door behind her. "Alright. Do you want to eat and then talk, talk and then eat, or talk while eating?"

Jay managed a weak laugh, but her eyes betrayed her turmoil. "My stomach's in knots, Tony. I don't think I could eat even if I tried." She paused, her voice quieter. "Have you... have you seen the video?"

Tony's brow furrowed. "What video?"

Jay pulled out her phone and wordlessly opened the Koreatown footage, handing it to him. Tony took it, his eyes widening as he watched himself on-screen. The fluid movements, the glowing hands, the girl's miraculous recovery—it was all there, undeniable.

When the video ended, Tony set the phone down, his face a mixture of shock and resignation. "Damn," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't think it would get out like that."

Jay folded her arms, her voice measured. "So, it's true? You can... heal people? Your hands glow now?"

Tony exhaled deeply. "Jay, I can explain. It's... complicated."

"You'd better," she said, sitting on the edge of the couch. "Start with why the hell my boyfriend suddenly looks like the lead in a Marvel movie."

Tony laughed nervously and took a seat beside her. He hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Okay, so... remember that day at the beach? When I collapsed?"

Jay nodded, her expression unreadable.

"Well, I wasn't just exhausted. I stepped on something—or someone—and... it fused with me." He tapped his temple. "I woke up in the hospital with a... voice in my head. A being. His name's Roomie."

Jay blinked, her jaw dropping slightly. "You've lost your mind," she said flatly.

Tony chuckled, holding up his hands defensively. "I know how it sounds. Trust me, I thought I was going crazy at first too. But he's real. He's in here"—he pointed to his head—"and he's the reason for everything you saw in that video."

Jay tilted her head, her skepticism softening just slightly. "So you're saying this... Roomie... is the reason you can do all that? Heal people and move like some kind of action hero?"

"Pretty much," Tony replied. "But don't take my word for it. You want to meet him?"

Jay stared at him, her eyes narrowing. "Meet him? How?"

Tony smiled, looking upward slightly. "Roomie, you there? Start with something simple. Don't freak her out."

There was a brief silence before a soft, calm voice resonated in the room. "Hello, Jay. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Well, sort of."

Jay gasped, her eyes going wide as she instinctively looked around the room. "That... was him?" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

"Yup," Tony said, smirking. "That's Roomie."

Jay leaned forward, her hands clutching her knees. "Uh... hi? I guess?"

"A pleasure," Roomie replied smoothly. "Though I must admit, this is the first time I've introduced myself to someone outside of Tony's consciousness."

Jay blinked, trying to process what she was hearing. "Where are you from? And why are you in Tony's head?"

Roomie's voice remained calm as he answered. "I come from a place far beyond your galaxy, where dark matter and dark energy intertwine to form the foundation of existence. I was traveling when an unfortunate malfunction forced me to... adapt by integrating with Tony. It was a matter of survival, though I assure you I mean no harm."

Jay stared at the ceiling, as if addressing the air itself. "So, you're some kind of... space alien?"

"Simplistic, but accurate," Roomie replied. "And I must say, if it were up to me, I'd have chosen a much prettier head to reside in. Yours, for example."

Tony groaned, rolling his eyes. "Really, Roomie? Hitting on my girl now?"

Jay couldn't help but laugh, the sound breaking the tension in the room. "I don't know if I should be flattered or freaked out."

Tony grinned. "That's Roomie for you. Always keeping it weird."

Jay's laughter faded as she glanced at Tony, her expression softening. "So, what's next? Are you... okay with all this? I mean, this is huge, Tony."

Tony reached out, taking her hand. "I'm still figuring it out. But now that you know, maybe we can figure it out together."

Jay nodded, squeezing his hand. "You're still you, right? Even with... him?"

"Always," Tony said firmly. "Now, do you want to actually see him?"

Jay blinked. "See him? Like, physically?"

Tony smirked. "Roomie's got a trick up his sleeve. Wanna give it a shot?"

Jay hesitated for a moment, then smiled nervously. "Okay. Let's see what you've got, Roomie."

Tony glanced upward again. "Alright, Roomie. Show her something cool—but keep it PG."

Jay braced herself, her curiosity outweighing her fear. She had no idea what to expect.