Family Reunion (Invisible Woman)

[Johnny Storm]

Johnny never thought he'd get to do something like this before. Since it was a weekend he had the week off, homework was done and his mind wandered. But there was something that he had thought about for some time now that hadn't gained any strength or ability to do before and that was find his sister. Well it was obvious enough, he found her name on the internet as she worked with the police, it was a public record but to make things more interesting he found the building that she worked at. The name of the building was stored in his phone as he went down each street trying to find the building. It may have been easier just to fly around in his Human Torch name, but that would make a big scene and he wasn't about to do that in front of the other people down there. They knew Human Torch too well but the civilians knew Johnny even less while they were out like this.

Spring had been pretty calm for the most part, it was warm and decent out to where a single hoodie probably would've been fine. He had long pants on, most of his clothing now had fibers in them that were at least heat resistant, he was grateful that the Fantastic Four had worked on something to keep his clothing from burning up and being publicly humiliated in front of the others by walking through the streets, he learned that the first lesson...and he didn't want to do it a second time.

He found the building that Sue worked in pretty easily after going up and down a couple of streets, and walked in. The building was pretty busy from the looks of things as people and scientists walked past. They gave him an odd look and to be honest, he did feel a bit out of place here, he needed to be back at the college, or at his Avengers home where he spent most of his weekends away from campus. There he could at least feel more like himself. He walked over towards the person running the front desk, "Hi there I'm looking for the woman Susan Storm? She's my older sister. I understand that these are busy work hours but I'd like to at least see her again." Johnny said. But he dropped the part about not having seen her awhile. The PA didn't need to know that part about their complicated sibling relationship. But a bit of him was excited to see his sister again and he felt his face feel warm with the heat coming off of it.

'Here it goes any minute now I can see my sister.' He thought to himself. 'And you're nervous! You passed an algebra test but you can't even talk to your sister?' He asked knowing that was probably strange...really really strange.

[Deleted]

In the mist of greater New York lay a building the looked pretty much like any other, build in the roaring 1920s it had been seen as the building of the future and now it was an old relic that was unable to maintain Sue's company needs. The move to a new headquarters was weeks away, with only those unable at present been able to move do to research needs or that their new labs weren't up to standards yet in the new complex.

Sue had send the best part of the morning in meetings or making calls back and forward around the states on another interest. Storm industries were expanding into the West Coast with some key mergers into struggling companies and she was leading the growth within this area. All do it was CEO Eddie Clark doing the main run of this project, it had been Sues idea to expand and be seen as the company for the people. A company that was saving jobs and making a difference in this world. In was inbetween these calls that Sue got a call from her P.A and was asked to greet a guest. As soon as she heard it was her brother she panicked and didn't know what to do. At first she just sat there and watched the door wondering what to do or say. When the phone rang a second time with an ID of her personal assistant again she blanked it and remained frozen. Finally her personal assistant Helen entered the room.

" MS Storm,"Helen said with her arms crossed," I was on to Mr Clark and he has advised me to hold your call and if that still didn't get you outside to your brother to ring maintenance so they can get the power switched off in your office."

For a minute Helen stood there watching Sue for her next move before finally Sue stood up in protest and left her safe office. It wasn't that she didn't want to meet her brother but she was scared and didn't know how to interact with him. A lot had happened since then last met and that was what scared her most.

In a two piece, white jacket and a white pencil skirt Sue made her way out to reception. Staff went about their business around the old styled reception even with its sad and dreary feel. At the door she looked at Johnny and was half tempted to just run. But people were looking, she didn't want a scene in reception and look weak or different.

Walking up to Johnny, as if still a child she held her hand out and said,

"Come on Johnny with me" she said while making her way out of reception and onto the street. She preferred to have a conversation out in the open away from prying ears.

[Johnny Storm]

Some time had ticked by as Johnny waited patiently, he had his arms crossed a bit as the PA went to go tell Sue that her brother had arrived. H was nervous, but so had been his sister, but what he didn’t know was that she was afraid of this whole conversation. Well brothers and sisters were meant to stick together right? But really he felt as if he were intruding on her work a little and that might’ve been seen as rude. The building that Sue had claimed was an impressive one as it towered high above them, it almost had an ancient feeling to it with the wearing brick and stone that had been a part of it. But perhaps a move would’ve done them some good to become more high tech and up to date on things.

It wasn’t long before his older sister arrived and came forward, “Sue it’s-“ He was about to try and say something but before he could Sue took him by the hand and they walked out of the building onto the busy New York Street. He didn’t mind the New York City street, they had both grown up in Long Island which was no different.

Once they were outside he sat down on a nearby bench but it had been cold to the touch since the past few nights had been cold. It was a reminder that winter hadn’t finished just yet but spring was practically on their doorstep. He put his hand on the bench warming it up a bit but made sure it wasn’t so hot that it would burn it. “Sue, I know you’re my sister but I’m in my twenties now I’ve been on my own for awhile now.” He said not trying to complain but he felt like he didn’t want to be babied as much as she had done, not to mention her brother was probably her last thing on her mind.

“I see you’re busy and all but if you’re interested, you should stop by Avengers tower, I spend most of my weekends there in case you want to see me a bit more.” He offered but the option was still there. “And the bench was cold; I warmed it up with my fire abilities just now.” He added. Though unlike most super heroes, Johnny didn’t really have a secret identity as far as he was concerned. If they wanted to know Johnny Storm or Human Torch they’d get both. Johnny was pretty much well known since the Fantastic Four came around.

And not to mention he was a bit of a show off, perhaps that was something that some of the other Avengers had in common if they wanted to be like that. Since he was in college now, Johnny had learned a lot growing up and how to be independent on his own, but he never did once forget about his sister. “But I understand, if you’re busy, running a company isn’t easy these days.” He admitted.

[Deleted]

Sue sat down beside Johnny, given a awkward smile she crossed her hands in a defensive pose. Busy wasn't the half of it,

" I'm more a figure head," she wasn't a shame to say it,"You remember Eddie Clark that guy that worked under me, the bald fat guy in his forties with the glasses and kept saying you were his younger twin. He did some good investment of my money, I gave him a far percent of the company, it seemed the right thing after all he did for me. He build the company from scratch so its not all mine and he's the one who makes the choices."

After all he did, he had saved her from stepping in to the darkness and gave her the help she needed. He had lost his own daughter to cancer a year before she had got her powers. Maybe he saw her as a daughter, that she didn't know and in the end at this point he was good as family. She dipped her head as if a shamed of how she treated Johnny for so long, she had cut him right out of her life and not made any contact.

" I'm sorry I didn't call you sooner," she spoke in a retreating tone," It was part of my community service at first, I wasn't allowed to see any body with powers for a period and it kind of became habit that..."

Susan just stopped in her sentence feeling the guilt,

" That's two in are family now with a criminal record Johnny," placing her knee on the seat she placed her head upon it and faced him," My community service finished just last year,"

[Johnny Storm]

"Yeah I remember Eddie Clark, who could forget a guy like that." Johnny said having encountered the older man a lot. If anything, Eddie could've been their father from the age difference. The guy was smart in his own way and knew how to run a company, and he was glad that Eddie was still looking out for Sue all this time. Johnny was just glad that she hadn't been left alone after they were forced to go their separate ways. And with that, he could live a little bit easier knowing his sister is still alright. "Wow it sounds like you two have done a lot, and I owe a thanks for him for watching out for you." Johnny said knowing he felt like he hadn't been able to do a whole lot himself. Even with those bleak times behind them, Johnny still found enough to be a super hero, race car driver, and also a college student all in one...but he didn't have enough of a chance to even talk to his sister?

"It's alright Sue. I'm not mad, and if I was I can't stay mad for long at my sister...we've been through Hell an back it seems like. But I've done some good things as well. On weekends I'm a part time Avenger and race car driver, while on week days I do school...stuff." He said knowing that word itself was a bit shakey since he had often slacked off when he juggled his life most of the time...did he even have room for a girlfrien? No not at the time currently but that was still an option worth exploring.

"I don't consider you a criminal, Sue... You are far from one." He said with a sigh having no idea that Sue had tried to help someone who was working with a criminal organization. But that was none of his business, Sue had her own life as did he now but they seemed to be doing just fine.

"I've been also practicing my fire powers, too. I remember I burnt half of a large pizza and turned it to a black molten mess once just trying to heat it up like in it should be in a microwave. Now that was embarrassing since I lit my clothes on fire in the act too." he said trying to get her to laugh. he hated to see her down like this. He wanted to see her happy or even give her a smile...was that too much to ask for?

And with a quick snap of his fingers, his thumb lit up a bit, like how you lit a cigar as the flame came alive...Boy did he enjoy showing off his powers even if it was in front of his sister. But he certainly wasn't the first. "See? No clothes on fire."

[Deleted]

Sue raised her eyebrows at his little show off, she could take it a step further and beat him at his own game if she wanted.

" I've started small steps in talking to Reed," it hadn't been her idea, but her psychiatrists," He's shared the information that made us what we are, So with my lab I've been able to make my clothes vanish in sink with my body."

At first she hated the idea of seeing a psychiatrist, now looking back she realised how important it was to see one and to discuss the problems in her life. With that Sues vanished in front of his eyes, along with her suit and makeup. Last thing she wanted was to have to go naked just to go invisible. She'd done that once before, not again.

" If you want we could do it with your clothes," Sue slowly reappeared again and a lump formed in the middle of her throat as she got ready to speak the truth," I was in a bad place, so I paid a visit to Reed to get revenge. Two cops were hurt badly as they tried to stop me. Eddie and Reed came to an agreement for me use my powers with community service to the police. So now fill me in on you, enough of my problems."

[Johnny Storm]

...Well he could've burst into flames, but he knew if he did that on a city street, he'd give the citizens walking by a heart attack. And he didn't want to be mean to them like that. Usually he gave them a bit of a warning by saying his catch phrase "Flame on."

"That's good Sue, it sounds like you're taking baby steps." Johnny said knowing a lot had happened between the Storms and the Fantastic Four. Both Sue and Reed had gone their separate ways after the Fantastic Four had been made, and Johnny was surprised at all that she was talking to her former friend again even if it was a little bit. Sometimes slow and steady won a race, and that was certainly true here.

"Heay where'd you go?" Johnny asked as he felt like he had pulled a dumb blonde moment right there remembering that his sister had invisible powers. How could he forget that his sister had something like that. "Oh..." He said giving himself a mental kick knowing he had to stop doing that, sure Sue was invisible and he couldn't see her, but she was still there. It was just going to take some time for him to get used to that all over again.

"That would be a good idea, I know I've burnt several clothes by accident, some need to be really fire proof for me." He admitted knowing he had scortched several by accident. They had been working on a suit but it of course had its various flaws or he burned it beyond repair. Then Sue seemed to turn the tables as she wanted to hear what he was up too, well it was nothing bad or anything at least. "I've been doing car races on the weekends when I'm not doing homework, those are pretty interesting. Most days usually are filled with college...school or me trying to be a super hero with the Avengers. I think I've got it down...maybe.." He said not entirely sounding confident in himself. It was a hard life trying to juggle the super hero job and living like a college kid. How did others manage to do it? It was something he couldn't answer.

Then a thought came in mind, he thought he had heard someone like a masked vigilante had tried to break into Sue's building recently. Had Sue heard of it? ...well of course she would since it was her building. "Say Sue, I heard on the news recently that someone tried to break into your building. Was everything alright after that? It sounds like it must've been a big scare." Johnny said having not realized it was Scarlet Spider. He had been quiet some time after that.

[Deleted]

Sue smiled to Johnny as he quizzed her on the incident, she was tempted to just brush past it but something inside told her to speak and share what she knew.

" We learned from a young age you and I that this world is more then black and white," her voice lowered in tone as she got ready to speak about their past," When I was still living with are demon I was in a bad place, when your in that place it's hard to break free from it and ..."

Sue leaned back in the chair and took a deep breath. The past was a place were she didn't like to dwell, all that pain was still a part of her and one she was sure wasn't going to go away fast. Memories had a habit of doing that, of haunting you when you least expected it and it was rather easy to be trapped by them.

" Victor was more than just my fiance," or he had been, but now he was a different person all together and not the one she loved " He saved me from are demon. All I saw was darkness and he did what I couldn't. To use his money and influence to lock him away. He also helped to get my life on to track, even at my lowest moment he was there at the end of the phone if I needed him. He always saw the light in me that I didn't."

The Scarlett Spider, that was who she was trying to save from the darkness and give hope to.

" Between you and me. I'm doing what Victor did to me and the person who broke in needs my light,"

[Johnny Storm]

"Yes, no matter how complicated things get some time, we can always see the light at the end of the tunnel. You and I, Sue, are good examples of that." Johnny agreed as he listened to what Sue had to say. He did notice this time that she gave him a smile. That at least made him feel better that things were alright for now. They didn't need to worry. Not to mention, from a young age, Sue could handle things herself. She was an independent woman.

Johnny listened to Sue as she spoke, he could tell that Victor was a great help in Sue's life. And for that he was grateful for what the man did. But like always, it appeared Victor had his own demons and problems going on in his world. He couldn't help but wonder if there was a way that the Fantastic Four could've helped, or even the Avengers. But anyways, that wasn't his fight nor his problem. It was Sue's and Sue's alone. He knew when she was ready to ask for help, he'd be there to help her out.

"Sounds like you're trying to help the person out from falling into a hole they can't escape from." Johnny said as he listened and nodded. "Maybe one day I'll be able to meet them, but I have a feeling right now isn't a good time, especially if they're struggling with their own problems." Johnny admitted as he looked up at the sky for a bit, knowing on occasions many super heroes used the air to fly around or even use it with their ships or aircrafts. Today was pretty quiet, perhaps the very few days where they could stop and enjoy themselves without worry. He liked that, not having to turn on the news to find out that some bank had been robbed, or some prison had been broken into. It was calm and quiet so they could just focus on themselves, maybe just focus on being siblings for a change.

"I trust you and your work, Sue. I won't hold you back. And who knows? Maybe they will see light at some point." Johnny suggested, shaking his head knowing this was once again not his fight either. He believed that Sue was doing the right thing. Not all villains had to be villains. Like being a super hero, they had a choice, and maybe when the time was right things could change.

[Deleted]

Taken hold of Johnny's hand Sue reassured him that all was OK,

" Relax, don't fete over things," but in side she could only hope that all would work out with the Scarlett Spider," I have everything under control."

The subject of her father had been one item Sue had long tried to avoid, but yet at the same time she still knew it was one they had to address. To her he was nothing, but still he tried to be part of her life and that bugged the hell out her. Still holding Johnny's hand she leaned forward and look to the ground as if trying hide from the world and as she did her body slowly began to fade.

" Are father is still sending us letters, has he made contact with you ?"


(Sorry it's short but I'm running out of steam on this, any ideas)

[Johnny Storm]

"I'll stop worrying then, Sue. I know I can trust my older sister, especially after what we've been through." Johnny admitted as he listened to what Sue had to say. He sounded confident this time compared to earlier.

Johnny held onto Sue's hand as he noticed that she was going invisible again, he instinctively held onto her hand as if to say 'don't go.' And who knows, it might've worked at this point? But he knew he'd make sure he never loose his sister again and he promised himself on that one.

"He has tried to make contact with me, Sue. He's sent me letters at my college, but I don't think he knows about me being apart of the Avengers. They're more in the secretive area with all the hidden identities." Johnny said with a sigh knowing that their father had been pretty abusive, especially to his older sister. "You have no idea where I wanted to try and stop our dad, but I was way too young. A five year old isn't going to stand a chance against a full grown man." Johnny said knowing he could only watch and wait to see what happened. But gaining the fire powers that he had today had been a great help, he'd still be in college, but he wouldn't have even thought that joining the Avengers was possible without them. "If anything, I burnt the messages once I saw who wrote them. Didn't even open it." Johnny said knowing his fire powers came in handy that area.

Ooc: Well, if you want to we could finish this in a few posts, I think we've covered some important topics. I think Johnny and Sue have a chance to meet up and maybe by them we could have a better plot for them

[Deleted]

As Sue spoke more memories flooded back and all it caused was more pain to her.

" He still sends me letters," she spoke in an awkward tone, " You did nothing wrong. I was the eldest, I'm just ever so sorry I couldn't help you when you went into care."

If anything Sue had been happy when Johnny got taken in to care, it meant he was away from their father and out of reach from his abusive hands. She knew for a fact he had tried to get Johnny back from care, but like all things in his life, it was another failure to his collar and always some else's fault but his. She could remember every hit and bruise he lay upon her. Every word of abuse to every put down. But most of all she remembered the day he got taken away. Slowly Sues head drifted back to Johnny and her body became whole again.

" He's do for parole within a week, " if anything it was warning, " Just keep your guard up, he'll probably try to make contact. I have a restraining order against him contacting me, if you wish I can talk to my lawyers."

Last thing she wanted was to meet her father again and for him to harm either of them again.

[Johnny Storm]

“I forgive you Sue. In fact, I did a long time ago.” Johnny said. “I even wonder if it is in my nature to get mad. I’m not the type to stay angry for long.” He admitted with a shrug. He enjoyed the time that they were spending, even if it was short. But he could tell that there was some awkward tension between the two and he knew why it was there.

“I will keep that as a warning, Sue. It is no laughing matter that he may be out on the streets again.” He said taking the words seriously that their father very well may run free. That didn’t settle well with him as he thought about it His curious thoughts ran back towards the person that Sue was trying to help. To anything that might change their mind on coming over to the super heroes, and if they did have powers, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to try and bring them around the Avengers Tower?

“Say Sue, I just had an idea if you were interested in it. If you do see your friend any time soon, maybe try bringing them around Avenger’s Tower…I know some times first impressions always help, and it may even be the push in the right direction.” He added knowing that they could probably hold many more heroes once the team grows, and he was fine with that if they had more in the future.

“You know what always cheers me up? I liked it when we went for ice cream…Do you want some before you go back to work?” He offered hoping he wouldn’t even mess that up since the two were trying to spend at least a little bit of time together. When he did arrive, he saw one ice cream shop just around the block. New York sure was convenient like that. He was trying anything to help and break that tension. However, he knew that this would probably be something over time. Maybe if the siblings saw each other enough again, things would get better...At least that's what the fire boy hoped, anyways.

[Deleted]

Sue sat for as quiet as mouse for a minute as she taught of what Johnny had to say, the idea of ice cream did sound nice and it had been a long time since the two had enjoyed ice cream together. But she had a busy schedule for the day with the expansion on to the West Coast.

" I'd like that, but I have a meeting," Sue said softly, but as she sat there she wanted at least make some attempt to reform a relationship with her brother," I have a spare room, you can stay night if you wish and I could show you the pictures of mom and one were you got ice cream all over the face."

Sue leaned into to Johnny and gave him a little playful push. She saw this change in subject as a way to talk about something different.

" Normally I go for a jog first thing in the morning, but since tomorrow is weekend I could take you afterwards to mothers graves." Visiting moms grave had become a monthly tradition and since getting money she had made sure to give the respect it needed. " That's if you want," she said defensively.

[Johnny Storm]

"I understand if you're busy maybe we can meet up later. I can fly back to Avenger's Tower to pack a few things and some of my homework since I know I have a few things that need to be done before Monday." Johnny said as he was grateful that his fire powers gave him the ability to fly. It was such a great feeling that only a few of them got to understand or even feel for that matter. "But I'd like to at least spend some of the weekend with you. It'll be something to look forward too." He added. Knowing how bad New York Traffic was, it might as well take him an hour or so to try back to Avenger's Tower and he didn't want to deal with that right now.

"I'd like that, to see mom's grave again. I think I've been so busy I haven't seen it in awhile." Johnny admitted knowing that he could've had a better excuse but he knew seeing their mom's grave would at least help. Maybe it was time he could start visiting it more. He knew of the cemetary, he could still picture it and it had probably grown since their mother's death. But he could pick out the grave with Sue's help so it wasn't that much of a problem.

Johnny was caught off guard by the push as he felt himself lean forward a bit but he quickly balanced himself again. He figured at this rate there was no form of training from the Avengers that would've saved him from that one...at least he didn't fall flat on his face? That'd be embarrassing. "It sounds like we're spending some of the weekend together, that's something that I'd like to have a lot. Only thing is I have school first thing on Monday.. 8:00am classes aren't my forte." He said shaking his head knowing the college classes could be tough, he'd be up at 7:30 am and running out the door with his things and hoping that he had remembered to pack his homework and a lunch if he wasn't going to make it to the breakfast table..

"Say, one of these days you should come watch me race. I have a race coming on in a couple of weekends, once spring break finally comes...I mean, I understand if you're busy and all. But it's just another way to try and find some time together." Johnny said knowing he would often think that this type of thing would scare him. But he took every precaution, and he wasn't going to be a daredevil in these types of things. Especially with the reminder that came from his mother on that one, it just wasn't worth it.