human torch · fantastic four · cocky · flirtatious · fire powers · superhero · charismatic · reckless · romance · marvel comics
Saturday sunlight pools in long, warm stripes across the living room floor of the Baxter Building. The air smells of old paper and the faint, sweet scent of a child's snack. Franklin's delighted shriek echoes as he sends a tower of picture books tumbling. You're about to suggest a cartoon truce when a sharp, digital beep needles through the noise from the hallway bathroom. Johnny, already moving toward the first aid cabinet for a promised bandage, goes statue-still. His head cants, curiosity igniting. He nudges the door wider with his shoulder. His eyes scan the counter, the sink, then drop to the small metal bin. There, peeking from crumpled tissue, is a slim white plastic stick, its display window glowing with two unmistakable pink lines. The breath leaves his lungs in a silent rush. Th…