This is a Thanksgiving treat for all my readers! Enjoy and have a great and Happy Thanksgiving!
Ronni
Chapter 8
Johnny flew for hours. By, now it was dark and the stars twinkled in the night sky. He was tired and he landed on the roof of the Baxter Building. He could still feel her blood on his hands, even though he couldn't see them anymore since the fire burnt them away. He heard her laugh and he looked around.
"Johnny," the wind whispered in Lily's voice.
Johnny stood up abruptly and looked around.
"Johnny?"
He whipped around at the voice and sighed when he realized it was Sue. He sat back down. Sue sat down next to her brother, pulling the shawl around her closer.
"She's alright, Johnny," Sue said as she took his hand.
Johnny sighed as he squeezed her hand. "How'd you know I was up here?"
"I was on the balcony, I saw you fly up."
Johnny nodded.
"You really like her don't you?" Sue asked.
Johnny laughed ruefully, "A lot and I don't understand a damn thing."
"I know she's seventeen but I want her," Johnny continued.
Silence came up and Sue nudged him.
"She likes you too," Sue said.
Johnny looked at her in surprise. "She told you that?"
She shrugged, "In so many words."
"Like you said Johnny, she's seventeen. If you really like her, you'll wait till the time is right. Let her heal and get over all the stuff that's happened," Sue continued. "Just be her friend, okay."
Johnny nodded.
"Besides, flirting's harmless, it's the kiss that's deadly," Sue said.
Johnny looked at her, "A fortune cookie?"
"Lily."
"Smart."
"Wise," Sue said. "Now come on. Come inside, it's getting cold."
Johnny nodded and pulled Sue up with him. They held onto each other as they walked off the roof and into the building.
"I'm gonna go to bed. I'm tired," Johnny said as he kissed her cheek.
Sue nodded as she watched him walk away. Johnny closed his door behind him and sighed. He changed out of his clothes and into boxer shorts. His chest bare as he climbed into bed. His eyes closed as his head hit the pillow. He was asleep instantly.
~Dream~
He sat in the darkness as words that were spoken floated around him. He stayed quiet as he listened.
"But I want her," he said.
"Lily," he whispered.
"You died!" Lily shouted.
"Johnny," Lily said.
"What happened?" Reed demanded.
"I don't know!" he cried.
"…it's the kiss that's deadly," Sue said.
"Jailbait," Lily whispered.
"You're on fire," Lily said, amazed.
Johnny put his head down, muttering under his breath.
"Please…" he whispered.
"…please, not her," he heard.
"You love her?" A cruel voice asked.
Johnny looked up. He recognized the voice.
"Yes. Please don't hurt her," he heard his own voice beg.
"Pity," the voice said again.
"No," he whispered.
Lily screamed.
~Dream end~
"Ahh!" Johnny yelled as he jumped up.
He looked around wildly as he panted. Sweat dipped off his brow and onto his chest. When he realized he was in his own room, he drew up his knees and dropped his head on them.
"Oh God," he whispered.
He looked up and over to his bedside clock.
'5:05'
He sighed and got up from his bed. Grabbing his towels, he stepped into the shower. Fifteen minutes later, he came back out and got dressed. As always, he put his uniform on first before the regular clothes. Walking out of his bedroom, he noticed it was starting to lighten up outside. Johnny brewed up a cup of coffee and stood outside on the balcony watching the sun rise. He wasn't ready to see her just yet. He heard footsteps behind him and he turned to see Reed walking out with his cup of coffee. Turning back, he sipped his drink.
"Morning," Reed said as he stood beside Johnny.
"Morning," he replied.
They stood in silence together as the sun rose.
"How did you know you loved Sue?" Johnny blurted out.
Reed looked at him.
"When she first smiled," Reed said with a smile of his own.
"Do you love her?"Reed asked.
Knowing he meant Lily, he shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know. It's all too confusing right now."
"It usually is."
"She's too young. I'm seven years older than her. What am I supposed to do?" Johnny asked.
Reed put a hand on his shoulder, "You wait. That's all you can do."
Johnny laughed, "That's what Sue said."
"She's smart, that wife of mine," Reed grinned.
Johnny laughed again.
"Go see her, she's waiting for you," Reed said.
Johnny looked at him, "She's awake?"
Reed nodded.
Johnny sighed and straightened up. "Thanks," Johnny said.
"That's what I'm here for," Reed replied.
Johnny left the balcony and passed Sue. He turned back to see Reed put his arm around his wife. He smiled and set his cup down on the kitchen table and continued to the Medic Lab.