Chapter 5

Lily slept that night with Reed as she had fallen asleep crying. Sue didn't want to wake her up so she took the other bed that had been intended for Lily. Now they were all back in New York heading to the Baxter Building. The rain poured from the sky, making the day seem somewhat dreary and sad. The car that drove the three stopped in front of the building, but a crowd already formed waiting for the superheroes. As soon as the car stopped the crowd began to scream. Reed opened the door and helped Sue out.

"Mr. Fantastic, Mr. Fantastic! Why did you go to London?" A reporter called. "Who is she?"

Lily stood beside Reed, holding tightly to his hand as camera's flashed. As Sue held Lily's bag, a clear force-field kept them safe from the rain. Reed wrapped his arm around Sue's waist and led them to the double doors, ignoring the crowed calling at them. The door opened thanks to Jimmy and they walked in.

"Thank you, Jimmy," Reed said as the noise died out and Sue's field disappeared.

"No problem. I take it your trip was good?" The older man asked.

"As good as good can get," Reed replied.

Jimmy nodded before he looked at Lily and smiled, "Ahh, I remember you. Only though, your eyes were different the last time I saw you. I take it you remember me?"

Lily nodded with hint of a smile on her face. Reed and Sue smiled along with her.

"Thank you, Jimmy. Give me a call when our packages arrive," Reed said.

"Will do, Mr. Richards. I'll see you later, little lady."

Lily nodded again as Reed led them to the elevators. The doors opened as soon as he pressed the button. The doors closed behind them and the elevators rose. As the ride rose to their destination, Reed tugged Lily's hand. She looked at him.

"You ready?" He asked her.

Biting her lips, she shook her head and whispered, "Scared."

Reed smiled gently, brought her hand to his lips and with a simple kiss he reassured her. Sue smiled at the simple, sweet act, and kissed his cheek.

He turned to her, "What was that for?"

She shrugged, "Just for being you that's all."

Reed smiled as the doors opened and they stepped out.

The elevator doors closed behind them as Lily looked around the short hallway. She leaned into Reed as heavy footsteps came their way. Reed looked down at her and gave her hand a squeeze. Ben came around the corner and stopped at the sight of a frightened Lily.

Reed tugged Lily's hand and murmured, "Come on Lil."

Reed stepped forward and walked towards Ben. They met in the middle. Sue looked at Lily, "I'm gonna put your bag in your room, and I can bring by a sandwich if you like?"

Lily barely gave her a nod as she kept her eyes on the man she hadn't seen in two years. Sue left the group. Ben and Reed looked at each other awkwardly. Reed cleared his throat and Lily jumped.

"Sorry," he apologized with a squeeze of his hand.

Lily squeezed back in reassurance and looked at Reed.

"Do you want to go to your room or…?"

Lily nodded slightly and removed her hand from his. She bypassed Ben without a glance and headed towards her old room. It wasn't until she heard Ben's voice did she stop.

"Lily?" Ben whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Tears prickled as Lily turned and saw Ben slowly walking towards her. Reed's hand on his arm stopped him and Ben turned to look. Reed shook his head, warning him to let her go. Ben nodded at the silent command and turned to look back only to have a face full of hair. Lily had ran and jumped on him, her arms around him, her face buried in the crook of his thick neck. Rocky arms automatically wrapped around her body and gently squeezed. Her body shook with sobs as Reed patted Ben's shoulder and left them alone.

"Missed you too Lil," Ben's rough voice said.

They held onto each other for another minute before Ben set her down. As soon as Lily's feet touched the ground, she looked up at him. Ben gave her a sad smile as he wiped away her tears with his thumb.

"Never thought I would see your pretty face again," Ben commented.

Lily looked down. Ben touched her chin and lifted her face up to his.

"I'm just glad you're here now, no matter the circumstances."

She nodded in silent agreement. She leaned forwards to give him another hug just as the elevator dinged. She looked over and her face paled. She dropped her arms and stepped back.

"Hey Lil! You're back!" Johnny's voice echoed throughout the hallway. His arm over a blonde woman by his side. He was drink as he stumbled over his own legs. Lily ignored Johnny and Ben as she turned without a response towards her room. She phased through her door without even opening it.

Been shook his head as he went his own way, leaving Johnny and the blonde alone in the hallway.

"What'd I do?" Johnny asked dumbly.