The One Shot Chapters (18+)

Johnny Storm - Cassandra (AU)

Staring death in the face was something that Cassie had never had the fortune to do - that was until now, and she could only hope that it would be quick and kind. Her editor had sent her out once more to report on the power plant that had been at risk of explosion for days, and it had so far been nothing worth the content considering that officials had deemed the plant 'safe' just hours before.

Yeah. Bullshit.

Where were the heroes now? There hadn't been any for years - it was like they'd simply fallen off the face of the earth leaving only the worst behind.

Yep. Heroes sucked.

As she scrambled to get up from the dirt, the intensity of the heat from the fireball kept her on the ground - heading straight for her as well as the others who were currently running and yelling for her to get up.

This was it. She had just seconds and stumbling to her feet, turned - instantly meeting the body of someone taller, muscular arms wrapping themselves around her body and keeping her pressed close to him as the flames enveloped them.

It didn't hurt.

There was just...nothing?

She kept her eyes closed, keeping as close to the stranger as much as she could until she was met with cool air and upon opening her eyes again, no trace of fire to be seen.

The arms let go of her, Cassie looking into the face of the man who she recognised but hadn't been seen for years. She remembered his face, she always had but yet he didn't with hers.Years had passed after all, however he'd aged like a fine wine.

Her shock was apparent, just like everyone else's. No one had seen the man in question either - not since the disbandment of the team he was in. Back in his heyday, he'd been a celebrity - living the high life, women falling at his feet and into his bed. He'd thrived on the danger, and the rewards that had come with it.

Now, as he looked at her, it was like she'd been struck by lightning.

"You alright?" He asked, taking a step back and skimming her body to check for any sign of injury.

Cassie nodded. "Yeah, I think so...how did you...where...." She looked around - the plant sitting and billowing plumes of thick black smoke, but no fire anywhere.

"Where did it all go? Away, I made it - kinda my thing". He said, still unable to tear his eyes from her. "Johnny..." He now realised he was staring and extended his hand for her to shake.

"Cassandra". She took it, expecting it to be hot, but found his temperature to be normal. She couldn't deny the heat of her body as she touched him though. It was like she was the one on fire.

The people who were now crowding round, mainly reporters like her, were now calling for him, asking him for a picture, where he'd been, whether the Fantastic Four were making a comeback. He ignored them all, his eyes on her until finally he sighed. "Give the lady some space - she almost died". Now getting irritated by the pictures being taken, and the attention itself.

This wasn't him. At least he'd never been like that years ago that she remembered. "Thank you". She smiled as the crowd around them began to disperse, some grumbling that an exclusive with The Human Torch would have their sales figures doubling, yet he was refusing to give them anything other than a picture. Even then he didn't really want that.

"Don't worry, I won't ask you for an exclusive". She assured him, although her near brush with death would have her editor drooling. Somehow though, she didn't want to write it - but he'd make her.

Johnny brushed it off, scrubbing his beard. Cassie could see the flecks of gray appearing in it. "It's fine, you're the one who almost was incinerated, so I think you're the only one entitled to it".

"I know, but as much as my editor will want me to write it. I won't".

"Why not?"

"I feel like you don't enjoy the attention as much as you used to. I can simply lie and tell him that I'm so traumatised, I don't want to talk about it".

He smirked at this. "Well there's one exclusive that I want you to have".

"And what's that?"

"A date maybe? Or are older men not your type".

Even she couldn't deny that the tension between them was intense, however she knew that she shouldn't. Once he found out about her then he'd think differently. "I...I don't think..."

He cut her off. "It's fine...I was expecting as much".

"You didn't know what I was going to say". She replied, now wishing that she could just walk away - but her feet stayed perfectly rooted to the spot. Taking her notepad from her bag, she scribbled down her number. "I like older men - to answer your question, they're the only type I go for. That and those who just burst into flames for me..."

His mouth turned into grin as he folded up the paper and put it into an inner pocket of his suit. "Then I'll call you..."

"I'll be waiting".

Then he was gone, Cassie watching the flame in the sky fly away. Already whatever she and Johnny had was doomed.

**

Stepping off of the helicopter, armed guards escorted Cassie down the stairwell that had become all too familiar over the years - it was high security after all, so guards were crawling everywhere. Giving a nod to the one who now took her bag from her, she took the pass and walked down the corridors, heels clicking against the metal and echoing her path.

Finally, she came to a door and was shown inside. Once it was closed, she looked to the man sat watching her patiently. "Little sis...long time no see..."

Cassie just looked at him, no emotion present. She'd learnt not to show her feelings years ago, especially to him.

"Hello Victor..."