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No one has said it out loud yet, but it's painfully obvious that there's something going on with Johnny.
Everyone has been noticing he seems to go out a lot more and his demeanor has been...weird. There's days where he leaves the tower absolutely drenched in cologne. Other days, he doesn't even return at night. He's been wearing a specific knitted sweater that no one knows where he got it from, and he's often returning home with a bag filled with delicious pastries he claims he just randomly bought somewhere.
The clues were all there from the start, but it wasn’t a topic of discussion until that particular Sunday.
"Where's Johnny?" Sue asks, taking a seat on her usual seat as they all gather at the dining table to eat.
"Out," Ben points out, his tone insinuating what everyone's been thinking for weeks now.
Reed looks at both of them with a confused expression, and perhaps a bit offended too. "Again?"
Just before anyone could say anything else, Johnny rushes out of the elevator, moving towards the kitchen to leave the usual bag of pastries he always carries back with him.
"Sorry, I know I'm late," he quickly says, slightly out of breath, throwing his jacket towards the sofa by the lounge area before taking a seat. "My bad."
No one moves, simply watching as Johnny fills his plate with food and acts like absolutely nothing is going on. Like this isn't like the millionth time he's been late for dinner. Like it's not obvious that his head has clearly been elsewhere these past few weeks.
"Johnny," Sue calls his name softly, a playful grin inevitably appearing on her face.
As he looks up, he realizes everyone is looking at him almost in expectation, which immediately disturbs him. "What? What did I do?"
His sister shrugs innocently, leaning forward on the table, apparently determined to find out the truth about his secret getaways. "Is there something you would like to tell us?"
He sits completely still for a few seconds, not really knowing what to say at first. A flash of panic appears on his face before he focuses back on his plate to start eating. "Not really." Johnny takes a few bites of the food, immediately nodding in approval. "This is really good, little buddy!" he says, turning towards H.E.R.B.I.E. who offers him a cheerful series of beeps after his comment, beeping a bit more when he affectionately scratches the top of his robotic head. "I was starving."
Ben laughs. "I knew it."
Johnny frowns immediately, turning to look at him. "What?" he insists, mouth full of his last previous bites.
"Come on, Johnny, we're not dumb! It's obvious you have a girlfriend."
He almost chokes on his food, drinking a big gulp of water before giving his friend a look in complete disbelief. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"You tried to change the subject and now you're getting defensive," Ben insists, letting out another laugh. "That means it's true. You have a girlfriend."
"I'm not being defensive!"
“Are you sure?” Sue asks this time, as calm as ever.
“Very!”
There's a brief silence before Reed decides to join the conversation. "You do sound a bit defensive."
"So what's her name?"
Johnny lets out a tired sigh after Sue’s question, leaning back on his chair as he considers what to do next. She clearly looks interested. Finding out her little brother might actually try to settle down for once in his life is certainly something she wasn't expecting to happen anytime soon.
Is he really capable of keeping his relationship a secret anymore? It's not like he has done much of an effort in hiding it, anyway. Perhaps he has been waiting for them to bring it up so he doesn't have to be the one to do so. It’s much easier if they pressure him to talk, isn’t it?
Before he even registers the consequences of his actions, your name slips out of his lips in a soft whisper. It's not like he's embarrassed to reveal your existence to his family, but it is a bit...scary. He's never been in this position before. Never had to inform them about anyone remotely meaningful in his life. Although, it’s not like he has ever been this committed to anyone else before.
Letting his family know is only further confirmation that he might actually be falling harder than he could've ever anticipated, and that's a terrifying realization for someone who's never felt like this before. It's a whole new level of vulnerability and exposure that he's beginning to get familiar with.
Reed looks beyond surprised to receive actual confirmation that this 'girlfriend' really exists. "Oh, so it's true?"
Johnny immediately starts shaking his head, pointing an accusatory finger at him. "Nope. Don't look at me like that."
"I'm not looking at you in any way."
"Yes. Yes, you are. All of you are. And it's making me very uncomfortable."
"Hey, can you really blame us?" Ben says this time, as if all of their reactions are more than justified. "You've never talked about any girlfriends before. I was starting to think you were allergic to the term 'commitment' or something."
"Ha-ha, that's so funny", Johnny replies sarcastically. "There hasn't been anyone worth talking about before."
That last comment makes Sue smile. A genuine smile this time. "Can you tell us more about her?"
Johnny seems to be very much done with this conversation, but his sister looks really hopeful to gather at least some information about you, so he eventually decides to keep talking. Even when the look on their faces makes him feel incredibly exposed, there's something oddly comforting about finally being able to talk to them about you. It feels like he’s finally introducing you into his life for good.
"She's...uh, well, we met like a month ago. She owns a bakery that's about four blocks from here. Insultingly gorgeous, beyond patient if she manages to put up with me all day."
"So she made those?" Reed asks, pointing at the bag he left on the kitchen counter as soon as he arrived earlier.
"Those...uh, yeah. I always tell her it's not necessary, but she likes sending them to you guys."
"Oh, Johnny, and all this time we haven't said a single thank you to that poor girl!" Sue snaps back at him, sounding completely horrified that he hasn't told them before. "We have to send her a gift someday."
"It's really not–"
"Yeah, H.E.R.B.I.E. and I can figure something out," Ben interrupts him. "There's this pumpkin pie recipe we've been meaning to try."
"Guys–"
"Great! And Reed and I can help."
"We can?" Reed asks in a confused whisper, knowing absolutely nothing about cooking. "Yeah, sure. Of course we can," he corrects himself when Sue turns to give him a look.
"No need to do that," Johnny insists, although he can't hide his smile right now. The fact that they're willing to send you a gift does really spark something in him. Like they're already fully accepting you into their lives too.
"It's the least we can do after getting free pastries for weeks!" his sister insists. "And perhaps you could invite her over sometime. I don't want her to think she's not welcome here."
Johnny is finally starting to feel a bit more comfortable now. So much so that he starts to genuinely consider Sue's proposition. What's the worst that could happen? It's probably time that they finally get to meet you.
But before he can get too comfortable, Reed decides to intervene. "Can I ask just one question?"
The atmosphere slightly shifts. Johnny's smile falters, Sue stops eating and Ben just looks down at his plate. The fact that Reed has been so quiet all this time is not really a good sign. It means he's been lost in his own head for way too long, evaluating and deciphering. That can be his biggest skill but also his worst flaw.
"I just want to know if you're...well, genuinely committed," he starts a bit uncertain, hoping his worries don't cause a misunderstanding. "This girl sounds very lovely. I just want to make sure–"
"What, that I'm not dumping her for the first woman that walks down the street?" Johnny interrupts him, his tone showing how displeased he is with his insinuation.
"No, I didn't mean–"
Before he can screw this up even further, Ben decides to intervene to help him out. "I think what Reed is trying to say is that you tend to be a guy that likes to keep things casual, so if that's the case, it's fair for her to know where you stand."
"No, I get exactly what he was trying to say. Johnny just has a really unhealthy relationship with women, right? He couldn't possibly be serious when he talks about this random chick he just met."
"Hey, I wasn't trying to insult you."
"Really?" he snaps back at his brother in law, offering him an ironic smile as he stands up from the table. "Too bad, Reed. Just because you don't mean it as an insult, doesn't mean it doesn't feel like one."
"Johnny," Sue tries, wanting to mediate the argument.
"Lost my appetite," he announces abruptly, right before storming to his room.
Sue sighs, immediately turning to her husband now, looking at him in complete silence. "I didn't mean it like that," he insists, sounding genuinely apologetic.
"We know you didn't," Sue reassures him. "But like he said, that doesn't mean it won't hurt him."
"You don't always have to say what's on that clever mind of yours, you know?" Ben adds shortly after, sounding sympathetic as well.
"Should I go talk to him?"
Sue gives his hand a tiny squeeze. "Give him some time to cool down. I'm sure he'll be open to listen to you later."
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦
Johnny really fought against his initial instinct of running back to you for comfort, because he couldn't bring himself to lie to you about what happened, and he really didn't want to drag you into this.
He knew something like that would happen if he were to talk about your existence. They would all assume he's just being overdramatic over some girl he'll probably get bored of in a few more days. That his feelings aren't really that serious.
But that's only because they don't know you yet, and they have no idea how deeply you have impacted his life. Johnny never really understood that whole 'love at first sight' bullshit. He has claimed to be in love in the past, but he never really meant it. It was just Johnny being Johnny. But now he feels like a complete dumbass because he's pretty sure he experienced that the first time he laid eyes on you and now he can’t joke about it. His feelings are terrifyingly real.
Despite really wanting to be with you right now, he decides to stay locked up in his room with a pair of headphones on as a way to keep the outside noise away, simply lost in his own head.
That is, until a loud banging on his door startles him. Annoyed, he leaves his bed to head towards the door, opening it to meet Ben and Sue on the other side. “What?”
"Reed wants to apologize."
“Oh, does he? Because I don’t see him.”
“He’s in his lab. You know he likes to be there when he’s stressed. I’ll go find him.”
As Ben walks off, Johnny can’t help but let out a sigh as he walks back to his bed, half-regretting his outburst earlier during dinner. "He doesn't really have to. It's not like what he said isn't the truth, anyway."
"Don't say that."
"I'm sure you were all thinking the same thing. I don't have the best reputation. My longest relationship has been...what, two days? I'm not really a father's dreamed son in law."
Sue can't help but let out a soft chuckle at his absurdity. He leans back on his bed while she takes a seat next to him. "Don't be too hard on yourself. You're very clever, way too charming for your own good, and unbelievably kind. You have many great qualities,” she says in a soft, comforting voice. “Well, and let's not forget you're the Human Torch."
"You're obligated to say all that because you're my sister."
"I say it because it's true and I mean it. You're so special, Johnny, don't ever think otherwise."
Johnny stays quiet for a few seconds before offering his sister a soft smile. "Thank you."
She opens her arms and waits for him to get closer. Johnny rolls his eyes, as if the idea of hugging repulses him, but he's immediately sitting up and moving closer to her. Sue keeps her arms wrapped around him while he cuddles closer to her, and she can't help but think back on little two year-old Johnny seeking comfort in his big sister's arms after waking up from a nightmare.
"You really like this girl, don't you?"
"More than I'd like to admit," he replies almost immediately. "I swear, there's absolutely nothing casual between us."
"I'd really like to meet her, if you're okay with introducing us. Perhaps the two of us can visit her? If meeting everyone is too much just yet."
"No, no. I can bring her over. She's been dying to meet all of you too. I was the one making excuses all the time. I was just afraid, I guess."
"Afraid of what?" she asks softly, moving back enough to be able to look at him.
"Of allowing this to get as non-casual as it can get?" he says, not exactly sure on how to put his insecurities into words, but thankfully Sue seems to understand him perfectly.
"Oh, you really like her," she teases with a little smirk, making Johnny roll his eyes again.
"Alright. Enough," he says jokingly, trying to get away for her hug.
"Let me enjoy this please. I've waited so long for this moment," she replies, finally letting him go. "But seriously, I like seeing you like this. And I’m happy you found someone."
Johnny offers his sister a smile, reaching out to grab her hand to give it a gentle squeeze. Their little moment is abruptly interrupted when they hear a light knock on the door. Reed is standing there, with that same troubled expression he had when Johnny had walked away earlier.
"Relax, Reed. We're all good, buddy," Johnny says before he tries to blurt out awkward apologies at him. It's honestly better to just forgive him than to try to sit through a week-long monologue about how terribly sorry Reed is. He wouldn't hear the end of it. "At least for now. Don't get too comfortable."
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦
"A teaspoon, Reed! How do you not know what a teaspoon is!"
Reed looks beyond stressed, his apron filled with flour. He's practically sweating at this point. "Well, this isn't exactly my area of expertise!"
"Clearly," Ben replies right after while H.E.R.B.I.E. quickly pours the mix on top of the pie crust, ready to put it inside the oven.
Sue gives her husband a quick kiss on the cheek, offering him a smile. "You did your best, babe."
The elevator rings not too long after, announcing your arrival. Sue practically rushes towards you and Johnny to be the first to welcome you.
"It's so nice to finally meet you," she says cheerfully, giving you a hug.
Being in the presence of all four of them in their infamous tower certainly is nerve wracking, but Sue's embrace is a warm welcome that immediately makes you feel more at ease. "Oh, the pleasure's all mine, really," you immediately reply, your voice betraying you as it reveals how nervous you really are.
"She brought you flowers," Johnny says this time, noticing that in your panic state you totally forgot about the bouquet you’re currently holding in your hand.
"Yes, right! Sorry. These are for you," you quickly say, offering your boyfriend a soft smile in appreciation for his help.
"They're lovely, thank you," Sue keeps smiling at you, before her eyes briefly drift towards Johnny, letting him know she already likes you. You don’t really notice their silent exchange, focusing on the little robot that stands next to Sue instead, his tiny mechanical hands extended to receive the flowers. "Thank you H.E.R.B.I.E., but I'll find a place for them on my own."
The robot replies with a polite beep, turning his head to you now. He takes you in, offering a friendly wave before rushing back to the kitchen.
"See, even he likes you already," you hear Johnny whispering, his arm gently placed around your waist before leaving a delicate kiss on your cheek.
Then, Reed and Ben are approaching you. The sight of Mr. Fantastic covered in flour certainly is a hilarious sight, but you pretend to ignore it as you offer them a shy smile.
"Welcome," he says politely, extending a hand for a handshake, immediately realizing it's filled with flour. "Oh, I'm sorry," he whispers in embarrassment, trying to wipe his hand in his apron.
"We were doing a little something to repay you for all those free pastries you sent us," Ben explains with a soft laugh. "Hopefully it turns out decent enough. I’m Ben, by the way. Nice to meet you.”
You quickly introduce yourself, finding it amusing that he feels the need to introduce himself. As if they’re not the most beloved group on Earth. It’s a nice gesture though. "It's already starting to smell good, which is always a good sign," you point out regarding whatever it is that they attempted to bake, the faint smell of pumpkin slowly invading the room.
"If it fails, you might have to give us the instructions next time."
Reed nods. "I'm sure you'll yell a lot less than Ben here."
"It’s just mindblowing how you don't know what a teaspoon is. It’s in the name."
The interaction makes you giggle, and Johnny can't help but smile when he looks at you to catch you laughing. It's like the entire world around him disappears when he manages to capture even just a glimpse of your smile.
The pair walk back to the kitchen, but before you could follow them, you feel Johnny’s hand gently grabbing your purse, intending to slide it off your shoulder. "Let me take your coat," he offers.
You quickly thank him before allowing him to grab your purse and coat, placing them at a nearby hanger before returning to your side, like there's some magnetic pull inevitably pulling him towards you.
"Are you okay?" he asks when he's next to you, his arm finding its way around your waist again.
"Yeah, I'm fine," you nod, turning to look at him. "They're really nice."
"I never doubted they'd like you." There's a hint of playfulness in his tone that you catch almost immediately, feeling your face burning in embarrassment when he pulls you closer, wrapping both arms around you. "How could they not?" he whispers, looking deep into your eyes with nothing but genuine affection. "You're perfect."
"Johnny," you half-warn him in a shy voice, barely able to keep eye contact with him anymore.
"What? You are perfect," he insists, searching for your eyes with a soft smile. "And I'm so incredibly lucky you're here. In my life, I mean."
You really appreciate his words, but it's becoming a bit too much to handle. It's always too much when he starts saying things like this. And it’s especially mortifying when his family is just feet away.
"Stop it," you insist, and he immediately pulls you in for a tight hug that takes you by surprise, making you giggle as you almost lose your balance.
"Sorry, I just can't help myself," he mutters into your hair, as if it's genuinely impossible to stop showing you so much affection. "I think you might become the death of me, you know?"
From the kitchen, the other three watch the scene unfold in silence, expressions mixed with curiosity and surprise at the sight of Johnny looking so infatuated with you.
"I never thought I'll get to see this side of him," Ben comments in the lowest voice possible. "I wasn't sure it even existed."
"He looks really...happy."
Sue smiles after her husband's comment. "He really does."
"Poor girl can't catch a break." Ben's statement comes right after Johnny mutters something else into your ear, immediately grinning to himself after you start laughing.
"Oh, she enjoys it just as much as Johnny does," Sue points out in her brother's defense. "It's cute. They're just starting their relationship. It's normal to be all over each other."
"I don't think I'll get used to this Johnny that easily," Reed comments.
"I love this Johnny," Sue comments right after. "And this is still our Johnny. We just hadn't had the chance to see this side of him before."
"Wish I hadn't seen it," Ben frowns in playful disgust, watching as his friend gives you a quick kiss on the lips before finally letting you go to finally join the others.
Johnny turns around, noticing the three of them looking at their exchange from the kitchen. "What a bunch of creeps," he calls out.
"You were the one all over her, pal," Ben replies shortly after.
"Well, she's my girlfriend, so I'll be all over her as much as I want."
"And we're the creepy ones."
Sue decides to ignore their banter, walking towards you to steal you away from Johnny's side. "Would you like anything? Tea, coffee, water? Perhaps something to eat?"
"Uh, tea would be nice," you reply, immediately following after her.
"Boys?" she calls next, awaiting for them to say anything.
You help Sue get everything ready after everyone announces what they'll be having. Reed quickly excuses himself to go get rid of as much flour remaining on his hands and clothes as possible while Johnny walks straight to one of the cabinets to retrieve a box of cereal.
Ben starts bickering with Johnny after he keeps attempting to throw cereal at his head. Reed returns with a small machine that makes a faint beeping noise, seemingly lost in his own little bubble with one of his many researches, briefly joining the argument when one of the cereals land on his head instead, distracting him from whatever it is that he’s checking. Meanwhile, Sue strikes up casual conversation with you in order to get to know you better.
Despite this being the first introduction, there's something oddly comfortable about this. Like you fit right in. Like you’ve already found your place in their dynamic. Perhaps you and Johnny's family will get along even better than any of you might’ve anticipated.