As the charity fundraiser came to a close, and the last of the partygoers left, Namor slinked out to his limo, sighing with relief as he undid his bowtie and let his gills wiggle a bit. That was much better.
"I assume you had fun tonight," an amused voice noted from the opposite corner of the car. "The dancing was perhaps a little over the top, but it did make Reed jealous, so you're forgiven for that."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Namor retorted before his glare broke and he paused to yawn.
"Of course not," Victor rolled his eyes, leaning forward. "You just decided to dance with Susan Storm." That's quite a coincidence.
"She's a beautiful woman," he answered with a shrug. "And a wonderful partner. Though I would appreciate it if next time you would let me know when you invite extra guests. Especially famous guests. I do not like being caught unawares."
"You did perfectly fine," Victor answered with a sigh. "All that I ask is that you keep acting as you have been. Distract Susan."
"And then?" Namor questioned suspiciously. "What happens then?" Because, really, he couldn't allow anything to happen to the divine Ms. Storm. Victor would have to be stopped, consequences be hanged.
"If all goes according to plan," Victor answered, "Reed Richards will be out of the picture, and you'll be free to pursue Susan yourself. I'm certainly no longer interested in her." Especially since she had betrayed him already. And if he could break Reed's heart before he crushed his mind and spirit, then so much the better.
"And if it doesn't go according to plan?" Namor persisted, leaning forward just slightly. "If something goes awry?"
"Then I'm not responsible for the consequences," Victor shrugged. If Ben or Sue or hothead Johnny got in his way again, he wouldn't hesitate to crush them.
"I won't allow it," Namor interrupted his train of thoughts. "You cannot harm her."
He leaned back, looking smug. "Then perhaps, Mr. McKenzie, you should make sure nothing goes wrong."
F4F4F4F4F4
Cross-town, Sue was slipping out of her shoes with a muffled groan. "You owe me a foot massage," she informed Reed as she flopped down on the bed, fully clothed.
He chuckled. "I believe you're the one who said that we should go and support such a wonderful cause." A sigh escaped his lips as he laid down next to her. "You're also the one who did the show-stopping dance number." So there.
She moaned again, burying her face in her hands. "You're just mean to keep bringing that up."
"You're right," he nodded, pushing himself up so that he could gently touch push her hands away and start kissing along her soft, warm skin. "It's forgotten," Reed murmured, lips still wandering.
"Mmm," Sue's eyes drifted closed, her neck tilting to one side as the kisses moved further south to her neckline.
"I think you need to lose the dress," Reed informed her, between kisses. And his hand had just touched her zipper when the doorbell rang.
She sat up with a sigh, looking at Reed with regret in her eyes. "Johnny probably locked himself out again."
If Reed felt any sort of shock that Johnny would be home so early, he didn't show it. Sighing, he laid back, letting her go. A smile crossed his face as he heard muffled voices. Sue was probably reading Johnny the riot act. But, after a few moments of silence, Reed pushed himself up, feet padding softly as he walked to Sue. And found her holding a huge bouquet of roses.
"And who are those from?" He questioned, in what he hoped was a casual tone, leaning against the wall.
"Namor McKenzie," she answered carefully.
"Was there a note?"
"Reed," Sue warned. "Don't do this. I love -you-."
"Yeah," Reed nodded, running a hand through his hair as he turned around. "But apparently he doesn't know that."
"Reed," she called, but he paid no attention, walking away with his head drooping. Well, there went their romantic evening. She sighed heavily, eyes dropping to read the accompanying note one last time.
'My dear Ms. Storm,
I enjoyed the evening tremendously and our dance was certainly the highlight of it. I can only hope that we shall run into each other in the near future. And I hope you enjoy the flowers. They aren't half as beautiful as you, but they made me think of you.
Yours affectionately,
Namor McKenzie'
Sue sighed again, hand dropping. Sunflowers were her favorite, not roses. "Reed Richards," she called again, roses set down for the moment. He's not going to sleep until they've discussed this fully.
