The Fantastic Four Page #10

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LEONARD:

Actually, uh, people seem to think the

scar "humanizes" you.

VICTOR:

And that's a good thing?

Victor looks at the scar, enraged by this defect. It

glistens in the silver tray. His eyes are bloodshot,

sleepless.

LEONARD:

You know, maybe you should get some

rest --

VICTOR:

Later. First, I've got some

unfinished business. A deal that

needs closing...

Leonard looks at the table, the lavish spread. A beat.

LEONARD:

Sir, I've always wondered... Why Sue?

You could have any woman in the world

but --

VICTOR:

That's why. Because I could have

any other woman... You know, when

they asked Caesar "why England," he

said, "because it's not mine."

INT. VON DOOM COMPOUND DINING HALL - LATE AFTERNOON

Two dozen EMPLOYEES sit and eat. Others serve themselves at

the buffet. Ben and Sue walking into the dining hall --

SUE:

I can only stay for one drink, Ben.

I've got to meet with Victor.

BEN:

Wouldn't want to keep Vic waiting.

They turn a corner and find Reed, entering by another door.

BEN (CONT'D)

Hey Reed, what are you doing here?

(before he can answer)

Great, why don't you join us?

He quickly shepherds the two of them toward a quiet table.

Ben's stomach GROWLS; so loud that they all can hear it.

BEN (CONT'D)

God, I'm starving. Gonna hit the

buffet.

Ben's stomach growls again, even louder this time.

INT. VON DOOM COMPOUND DINING HALL - EVENING

The sun is long gone, and so are most of the diners. The

room is darker, more romantic. Ben finishes the last shrimp

on his plate, pushes it away, belches prodigiously.

BEN:

Pardon me...

Sue and Reed stare at him. Ben's stomach growls again.

REED:

Are you alright?

BEN:

I think I need to lie down. Bad

shrimp.

This was Ben's plan, but he really isn't feeling well,

unsteady when he walks away. He looks down at his stomach.

BEN (CONT'D)

Really bad shrimp.

ANGLE:
Fireplace. Sue looks gorgeous in the light. A beat.

A long beat. Reed doesn't know where to start with this

woman.

REED:

Feeling better?

SUE:

Yes, thanks.

REED:

That's good. That's uh...good.

SUE:

You always had a way with words.

(an awkward beat)

I should be getting back.

Sue gets up to leave. Exasperated, Reed tries to think of

something, anything, to say.

REED:

I'm really happy for you and Victor.

She slows down, looking at him. She was hoping for more.

SUE:

You're happy for me and Victor.

REED:

I can tell you guys are enjoying what

was the best part of our relationship --

SUE:

Which was?

REED:

Passion.

We see surprise on Sue's face, and...

REED (CONT'D)

For science.

SUE:

(frustrated)

You are such a dork, Reed... You never

got it and never will unless it's

explained to you in quantum physics.

As if triggered by her emotion, the fireplace light around

her BENDS. The flames flicker in a ghostly breeze.

REED:

What? What did I say?

She looks more disappointed than angry.

SUE:

It's never what you say. It's what

you don't say. What you don't do...

She lets that hang. A lot of history here. Quiet, hurt --

she wants Reed to fight for her, to show some emotion.

REED:

I...I...I just wanted to --

As Sue's emotions swirl, she slowly...disappears.

SUE:

It's been two years, and all you can

say is you're happy for me and some

other guy...

(standing up, hurt)

You know, Victor may be a lot of

things, but at least he's not afraid

to fight for what he wants...

(Reed looks down)

And it's nice to be wanted sometimes.

To be heard...seen... Reed, look at

me.

He looks up...but all that's left of her is the blush on her

cheek and her bewitching eyes. He drops his fork, shocked.

REED:

Uh, Sue...? I can't.

SUE:

What? What do you mean you --

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