The kitchen feels too full.

You’re standing by the counter, pretending to read something on your phone you don’t actually care about. Ben is cooking, back turned, humming off-key while H.E.R.B.I.E. floats nearby reading out measurements Ben keeps ignoring. It smells good. That annoys you a little. Sue is at the table with Franklin, helping him with something that looks like homework but probably isn’t. Reed is next to them, nodding along, listening more than talking for once.

And then there’s Johnny.

He’s sitting on the counter, legs swinging, stealing bits of food when Ben isn’t looking. He’s talking just to talk—about nothing important, about everything at once.

“So I’m just saying,” Johnny says, “if we’re already a team of five, we should get jackets. Like, matching ones.”

“No jackets,” you say without looking up. Johnny grins immediately.

“See? You didn’t even hesitate.”

“Because it’s a bad idea.”

“It’s a great idea. You just hate joy.”

You finally glance at him. He’s smiling like this is a game, like he enjoys pushing your buttons. You don’t react. That’s usually enough to make him back off. Not today.

“You ever smile?” he asks, quieter now, still casual. “Like, ever-ever?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Just curious.”

Ben snorts from the stove. “Storm, stop pokin’ the bear.”

Johnny raises his hands. “Hey, I’m being friendly.”

You put your phone down. “You’re being loud.” “Same thing,” he says, shrugging.

Across the room, Reed watches the exchange over the rim of his mug. His eyes move between you and Johnny like he’s following a pattern only he can see. Sue notices too, nudging him slightly, but Reed doesn’t look away.

Franklin tilts his head. “Uncle Johnny,” he says, “why do you talk to her differently?” Johnny pauses. Just for a moment. “…Do I?” he says.

You don’t answer. You’re already stepping away, moving toward the door, ready to retreat into quiet again. Johnny watches you go, expression unreadable for once.

And Reed’s gaze follows you both—thoughtful, knowing— like this isn’t just noise in the kitchen, but the beginning of something neither of you has figured out yet.