The human torch's flame

Chapter 23

Johnny got you into a cab and then whispered in the ear of the driver your destination.  You couldn't help but smile. Johnny was the only one with a wallet (because you left so abruptly.)and refused to even let you think about teleporting up to the tower for anything money related.

He relaxed in the seat next to you. You raised your eyebrow at him and then said:

"You know I can guess where we're going by the buildings we will be crossing, right?" You tried to suppress a smile as Johnny's grin faltered. He'd obviously not thought of that. 

"I guess I'll have to keep your eyes closed, then." Johnny said, he slid closer to you then moved your head so that it was facing his.  He  slipped his hand on your thigh than slowly dragged it upwards to your lower back. He placed his arms around your back and then pushed you forwards slightly.

"Not a chance, Play boy." You said as you slowly removed his arms from behind your back. You tried to laugh and make it seem natural but your heart was beating way to fast for that to happen. Rather than natural laugh, an awkward laugh escaped your lips.

"Okay. Okay. Just trust me okay." He said and brought out a thin piece of fabric that wasn't see through. You raised an eyebrow.

"Give me some credit. I'm not totally dumb. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been this country's fourteenth best pilot."

"Who does virtually nothing." You noted. Johnny grinned and slowly brought the fabric to your eyes. You closed your eyes, signalling that he could He wrapped it loosely around your head. You tried to see through the fabric. Nothing.

"You know I'm gonna find out sooner or.........." You were cut off by Johnny's warm lips pressing against yours. You could feel his left hand on your back as  you slid your hand up his arm and let both of your arms rest on his neck. Johnny slowly pushed you closer to him. Let me tell you kissing while sitting down is really hard to master but Johnny made a kiss worthwhile anywhere, any time. 

He slowly let go. You tried to open your eyes but then remembered the fabric over your eyes. 

"We went on one date. One FREAKING date. And you're already kissing me every time were alone."

"I could start kissing you in front of an audience if you want." You couldn't see Johnny smirk. But you could hear him. 

"Stop smirking." You pushed where you guessed his chest was. Apparently you hit the mark. He chuckled and then said: "Jeez that was quick."

The taxi stopped moving and Johnny detached the fabric from your eyes. Immediately you peered out the window. A stand was sealing the latest news: "Van Doom plunges into Doom and deep deep debt." You'd never liked the guy but it seemed only a few days since you'd seen him last. Five maybe six days at most. People in the street were pushing through the crowd and a few rude four-letter words could be heard. Nothing seemed like a place that Johnny might want to take you. Then you looked out the other window. 

And immediately guessed: "A motorcycle thing right?"

Johnny grinned, paid the cabbie then extended his hand for you. You took it and hoped out. Okay... So you weren't exactly thrilled to see people jump off bikes and do stunts but who knows.

"First seats to me jumping off a motorcycle."

"You're not!" Johnny grinned. "You didn't even bring a motorcycle..."

"I don't need one. As long as you enter the competition, they give you first row seats and a bike as well as a helmet." Johnny said and walked you towards the door. But you stood in front of him, raised an eyebrow. Johnny just grinned and said: "No way you're making me back out."

"I wasn't trying to. I wanna sign up."

Johnny eyes grew wide. He lay his hands and my arms and then winced. (Probably because he felt the dagger from underneath my shirt). He bit his lip than said. "Nope. Not gonna happen. Dangerous."

"Dangerous. I've..." You were about to say work with bombs but you decided for something more suitable  "flown a shuttle in to space and back alone. Besides if anything happens I'll just." You snapped your fingers. The universal sign for disappearing. Johnny grinned then mumbled something like "You're soo..."

"Stubborn? I think you may be rubbing off on me." You grinned. Johnny smile widened and then he finally let loose a chuckle and said: "Sure. But I bet you can't do a better stunt than mine." You looked him in the eye and stepped on your tipee toes for that extra inch or so. Then you said in a cool voice: "Oh... It is on. Loser buys dinner."

You pushed him a bit further than sprinted for the booth where you guessed you would get administered. Not once looking back to see if Johnny was following you. You dogged through crows of people ( you decided teleporting would not be a good idea with all these people around) until you finally arrived at what you guessed was the administration office.

"I'm here to sign in." You said at the desk. The man at the desk wore a simple plad shirt and jeans. He looked you over than with a snort, he huffed through his moustache (the only hair on his head): "I wouldn't be betting my money on you."

You raised an eyebrow. You were tempted to drag out your dagger and cut off the remaining strands of hair from his face to make a point but you decided against it. You simply gave him a dumb smile and waved a ten buck in front of his face. Apparently, he wouldn't bet his money on you but he'd gladly take your money. 

In less than ten minutes, you'd been given a leather jacket (14) , a flame encrusted helmet and a motorbike. Suddenly you thought about this slightly too spontaneous and illogical and rash decision. But what the hell, If anything went wrong you'd teleport. Then another motorcycle pulled up beside yours. Johnny.

"Break a leg." You winked leaving Johnny to wonder if you meant that figuratively or literally. Your engine roared to live as your number was called out and you went to set fire to the stage.