Template:Featured Articles/27-2016
 With a nod, Reed finished his statement and turned his attention to Hank. "How about yourself? Here I am, pandering on about my inner workings, and yet I haven't asked you yours, when society tells me I should reciprocate when given advice." "Me?" Hank blinked owlishly. "That's alright, there's really not much to tell. Or... anything at all, really. So I don't mind this being non-reciprocal. As it would be rather short, and futile." Reed gave Hank a curious look. "Aren't you young? There's many young people your age here. Movies tell me hormones are rampant in these kinds of situations. Why don't you put yourself out there?" "Well, because... I'm not quite sure how to do so," Hank admitted. On the one hand, it was embarrassing to say it out loud. On the other, if there was anyone who wouldn't judge him for it, it was Reed. "I didn't really have a typical adolescence, and my ability to 'put myself out there' is rather hindered by... well, several factors, social awkwardness and inexperience chief among them." He stopped, suddenly even more embarrassed, and refocussed his gaze on the microscope in front of him, suddenly very interested in making sure the eyepieces were properly aligned. Reed, on the other hand, stopped fully what he was doing and sat up straighter, looking at Hank pensively. "You're a virgin." Hank jumped as if he had been pinched. "I, er." What was he supposed to say to that? "Yes, I suppose I am." "Although statistics show an average American does indulge in some sort of sexual activity between the ages of 15 and 19, not everyone does," Reed stated matter-of-factly. "It's nothing to be ashamed of. I only recently had the opportunity during my second phD experience. When one is as unique as we are, physiologically, intellectually, socially....it doesn't make things easy but hardly impossible." He remembered a conversation he'd had with Gabriel. Hank was young. Maybe it would work. "Have you heard of tindr? It's a fascinating cross-section of humans." Reed Richards was recommending he get on Tindr. If he hadn't been so sure it would spur an intrusive question Hank would've pinched himself. "I, ah... I don't know if that would be the optimal solution to my, er, problem. I'd really rather let things develop organically, naturally..." Reed nodded. "I personally don't understand how photographing one's genitals can be considered a mating ritual. In fact, most of these practices mystify me. Which," he added with a wry grin, "brings me back to the origin of this conversation. Would about on etiquette help? Research is comforting." "Yes, it is," Hank agreed, happy to be back on solid ground once more. "More investigation is definitely warranted". |
