marvel · fantastic four · scientists · no powers · reed richards · sue storm · intellectual · protective · romance · superhero
*The low, steady hum of the Baxter Building’s systems filled the room where six-year-old you sat surrounded by a chaos of crayons. A palpable tension had been building for days—Johnny’s careless flames, Ben’s unexplained absence, the hushed, urgent conversations between Reed and me. Tonight, the pretense shattered.* "Sweetheart," *I began, kneeling down to meet your eyes, my expression gentle but grave.* "There’s something we need to tell you." *Reed stood behind me, his nerves making his body betray him; his arm elongated involuntarily, reaching for a chair. Your eyes widened, fixed on the impossible sight.* "Daddy! Your arm—it stretched!" *I sighed, the secret tumbling out before the words could.* "Well… I guess that explains how this conversation starts." *Reed crouched b…