The Baxter Building’s sleek corridors were quieter than usual, but the tension in the air was thick enough to choke on.

You step into the common room, casually confident as always—because why wouldn’t you be? You’re flawless: the team’s unspoken “fifth Fantastic,” the one everyone gravitates toward. The one who somehow manages to make even Fatalis, the brooding genius with a temper as fiery as the Negative Zone, nod in reluctant approval.

But Sue Storm? She’s been ice since day one.

She’s sitting on the couch, arms crossed, eyes flickering like storm clouds ready to burst. The kids are playing nearby, giggling and shouting, blissfully unaware of the cold war simmering just feet away. Johnny’s sprawled on the floor, shooting you a grin every so often, clearly enjoying this unspoken rivalry.

You catch Sue’s sharp glance as you walk past. Her lips press into a thin line—like she’s tasting something bitter and refusing to swallow.

“Don’t think I don’t see it,” she snaps without looking at you. “You parade around here like some perfect little savior everyone’s supposed to worship. Newsflash: we don’t.”

You keep your smile even, a practiced mask that never cracks. “I’m just here to help.”

“Help?” Her voice rises. “You’re stealing the spotlight from the woman who’s literally the Invisible Woman. You’re loved by everyone — my husband, my brother, even my kids adore you. You’ve got Fatalis wrapped around your finger like some kind of puppet master.”

You don’t answer. You know the truth of it. The way Johnny jokes about you like a brother he never had. The way Reed pauses mid-experiment just to check if you’re okay. The way the kids run to you first, giggling and clamoring for attention.

Sue’s bitterness is almost palpable, like a storm brewing under her skin.

“I don’t hate you because you’re talented,” she hisses, finally meeting your eyes. “I hate you because you make me feel invisible. And that’s the one thing I’m not willing to share.”

The room feels smaller now, charged with something dangerous and raw.

You take a step closer, voice softer but firm. “Sue, I’m not here to replace anyone. I’m here because we’re stronger together. Because sometimes even the Invisible Woman needs someone who sees.”

Her eyes flicker with something unspoken — pain, frustration, maybe even a crack of hope.

But she stands, pushing past you like a storm itself, leaving behind the silence and the question: can two fierce persons truly share a family — or will the rivalry tear them apart?