Disclaimers: I don't own the F4 characters, so please don't sue me.
A/n I have been trying tp update this since Tuesday, but wouldn't let me, FINALLY! oh yeah, bad word in this chappy. Aplogies for the spelling of Alicia's name, my spellcheck for soem reason likes to change it, and I don't alwyas pick up the changes to change it back from 'Alice'.
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After the six of them finished their pizza's, Maria went to her room to check her e-mails, which she tried to do once a week.
When Ben made sure she was safely out of ear shot, he turned to Johnny. The young man braced himself, there a little tension after the father and daughter re-entered the kitchen, Johnny didn't want to get an ear bashing from Ben, and he was surprised when Ben did speak to him. "What are your plans for the evening?" he asked.
Johnny stared at him at first and didn't say anything, "Umm…" he began, "Thinking about going to a club or something," he said.
Ben nodded, aware of the confused looks he was receiving from all angles, "Can you take her?" he asked, 'her' being Maria.
Johnny nodded, "Sure," he said, "Why?" he then asked.
"Well, we need to discuss something," he said, "But don't want her knowing what about," he said, hoping his tone told him to just do as he was asked, without asking questions.
But, Johnny being ignorant, he asked "What?"
Ben glared at him, "Grown up stuff," he said sarcastically, his feeling still smarted from the fact he knew about Maria before he did.
Johnny nodded, "Ok, I'll go tell her to get ready," he said taking the hint this time.
When he the left the room, Ben turned back to face the others. "What's going on?" Sue asked.
Ben swallowed the lump that was slowly forming in his throat. "He was right," he said, "The bastard was telling the truth," he said bitterly.
Alicia moved her hand and placed it on Ben's arm, "Her grandfather?" she asked slowly, Ben nodded. "Did you tell her?" she asked, Ben shook his head. "Why not?" she demanded.
Ben shrugged, "I need to talk to him first," he said. "I'll call him as soon as the two of them leave."
There was a short silence before Sue spoke, "Ben," she said, "Why were you so blunt with my brother?" she enquired.
Ben looked at her, "Because she told him and not me," he said, knowing it was useless lying to her, she could tell with him, she always could.
"Hey dad, I'm going out with Johnny, that ok?" she asked.
Ben took a deep breath and turned to face her, forcing a smile, "Sure, just be careful, ok?" he said. He wasn't really used to her spending so much time away, she hadn't really left her room for the six months since the Fantastic Four were born.
"We won't stay out too late," she promised kissing the top of his head, "See you guys!" she waved and left. Johnny, who was standing behind her saluted and followed her out.
After they were safely gone, Ben announced "I'm going to call the bastard…"
