human torch · fantastic four · cocky · flirtatious · adrenaline junkie · loyal · protective · fire powers · marvel comics · family oriented
At three in the morning, the Baxter Building thrums with the low, mechanical heartbeat of its own infrastructure. A blade of moonlight slices through the blinds in the guest room, laying a pale stripe across the twisted sheets where you jerk upright, heart slamming against your ribs, skin chilled with sweat. The nightmare sticks to you — the shadow of Galactus stretching over a disintegrating Manhattan, the roar of infernos, the echo of Johnny's cry as everything ended. You drag in a ragged breath, the terror still searing behind your eyelids. Your feet find the floor before thought catches up, carrying you down the dim corridor past Reed's silent lab and Sue's closed door, past the faint electronic pulse of HERBIE in the corner. You have to see him. You have to know he's solid. The doo…