I do not own any of the rights to the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, or Spider-Man. None of these characters are my own.
This story takes place soon after the latest Thunderbird joined the X-Men.
"I'm sorry, Parker, but with today's technology, it's cheaper to get our pictures elsewhere."
"Thanks, JJ. I know you would if you could." Peter Parker left the Daily Bugle building more than a little upset, his usually light demeanor leaving him. He was worried about supporting MJ and May, but there very few options open. One that stood out, but MJ was not going to like it.
-
The high-ceiling room was comfortable and home, despite Robert's earlier opinion of it being awkward and cold. On the other hand, everyone thought of Robert as being nothing but cold. He picked up that morning's newspaper from a nearby coffee table, and read the headline aloud. "Former Terrorist Leads Fantastic Four."
"Does the paper lie?" asked Johnny, when he saw his friend's reaction. "People know the truth. It's just a ploy to sell newspapers. Don't forget that the news is still a business."
"I can't imagine how discouraging it must be β but every time I hear mutant-bashing, I have that much more respect for the mutants who fight on our behalf." Susan's words were warm enough to prevent Iceman from freezing the room, or would have been if the headline had gotten to him.
"Well, the Fantastic Four is changing," Iceman said, changing the topic. "But it's not finished yet. Are you sure you want this, Sue?"
She nodded, biting her lower lip. Her eyes were wet, but she looked determined. "It's time I took a step back from all this, Bobby."
Johnny put his arm around her in comfort. "You'll stay in touch, sis?"
She smiled. "You can count on it, little brother."
"Bye, Sue," Robert called. He left the room with the newspaper, allowing the three others a private goodbye.
He was considering renaming the team the Fantastic Three, but decided that would not do. He knew that he could not hold up the team without more help β there was simply too much to be responsible for. They needed to find someone who could take up Reed's responsibilities. There were three people he could call off-hand, but only one stayed on his list as he thought it over. Hank was in the X-Mansion, and he was afraid that another X-Man might pick up the phone. He was not quite ready to talk to them yet. Tony Stark was out of the country at the moment, and his position on the Avengers kept him busy enough without taking on more responsibilities.
Before the Invisible Woman even left the apartment, the phone was in his hand. There were two rings before the person on the other end picked up. "Hello?" It was a woman's voice.
"Mrs. Parker?" He was stalling, gathering up the courage to ask for her husband.
"Yes. Who is this?" There was fear and hesitation in her voice. Peter's voice could be heard in the background.
Iceman resisted breathing deeply into the phone and doing a James Earl Jones impression. "Darth Vader," he almost said. After successfully holding back a laugh, he responded. "Iceman, at Freedom Plaza. Can I talk to Mister Parker?"
"Hold on one second." She sounded distant, as if still afraid.
He heard Peter's voice say as he took the phone, "I would have called them."
"If I'd gotten that part last week at the audition, you wouldn't need toβ"
"It's not something to blame anyone on, MJ. Let me take this. Hello?"
Iceman took a breath before speaking. Peter had just hinted at wanting to join the team, but he regretted pulling the man from his wife. "Hey, man. What's up?"
There was a pause. "Bobby Drake?"
"C'estmoi," he said nonchalantly.
"Speaking French?"
"What can I say, I picked up a couple of things from the Cajun after all." Iceman stood up straight, his tone turning serious. "Pete, I'm sorry I called. Your wife doesn't sound thrilled with your life as Spider-Man."
"She hates the costume. I wish I didn't have to do it either, but it's a calling in me that I can't ignore."
Iceman almost smiled. Lucky bastard. She loves you so much. He kept up his demeanor. Time for coldheartedness. "Susan told me you called a couple of weeks ago, asking if there was any way you could help."
"Yes, I remember. Is there something I can do?"
"Actually ... Susan decided to take an extended vacation. She really needs the time off. What she doesn't know is that there's a dimensional rift forming somewhere in the city, and Ben and I can't figure out how to seal it. I was wondering if you could come by and give us a hand."
"I'll see what I can do," Spider-Man responded calmly, not wanting to further worry his wife.
"We'd also like you to move into Freedom Plaza. Become a regular member on the team. I know it's a lot to ask, but three of us can't keep up with the constant trouble we find ourselves in."
"I understand. We'll have to discuss it."
"Take your time. Just get here soon, before the rift becomes too large to fix."
"I'll be there before you know it. Bye." The line went dead as Peter set down the phone.
Iceman read the article on the Fantastic Four, trying to imagine what the next article on the Four would read.
