PLEASE READ THIS AUTHOR'S NOTE. I KNOW THEY'RE ANNOYING BUT IT'S IMPORTANT!
This is just a heads up! I'm gonna be uploading like ever other day or so, since I already have this completely written out and just need to post it. So push NEXT, leave a REVIEW, and ENJOY!
Xoxo - Scar
Touch has always been a thing she struggled with. A single touch. You couldn't blame her, it was the touch of her loved ones that tore everything apart from her. It was touch that ripped her life apart. But it was touch that helped her heal.
Elena Brighton was that girl that was far too smart for her own good. Graduated MIT at the age of 15 she was one of the best hackers and engineers around New York. So she wasn't surprised that she received a call from her Uncle's close friend to help him with a project in space.
Three people were standing on a catwalk with the two men holding binoculars to their eyes. Elena simply leaned against the railing seeing a cloud of dust make its way towards them. It was really a girl driving her car making out with a guy riding his motorcycle, this guy was to be their pilot.
"I can't do it. Can't do it," Ben muttered.
"I'm with Ben, if this guy is pulling this now, what is he going to do when flying a space shuttle?" the brunette questioned.
"What are you talking about? Ben you were the best pilot at NASA!" Reed exclaimed.
"It's not that, I can't take orders from the underwear model!" Ben argued making her raise an eyebrow.
"I'm sure he isn't that bad," Reed spoke.
"He got kicked out because he snuck two Victoria Secret wannabes into a flight simulator."
Reed smiled, trying to look on the bright side of things, "Youthful high spirits."
"They crashed it into a wall. A flight SIMULATOR!" Ben retorted.
"Oh come on. How many times have I asked you two to do something you absolutely couldn't do?" Reed asked.
The two shared a look before looking at Reed, "5 times," they said in unison before walking away.
"I had it at four," Reed smirked.
"Well this makes five!" Ben shouted behind him before they all walked down to get changed.
"Reed," the short haired brunette scorned, "I think I can find the changing rooms myself," her grey eyes sparkled at her Uncle's friends antics, "Thank you though," she patted his shoulder before walking down the hall to quickly change. The blue jump suit looked skin tight and when Elena saw Susan Storm finish zipping hers up, she knew her suspicions were right, "Not bad," Elena mused notifying Susan of her presence.
The blonde turned around and her eyes widened at the 23 year old, "Eli!" she smiled before wrapping the 5'5" girl into a tight hug, "Oh! It's so good to see you!" Elena smiled, she and Susan were once extremely close friends, but due to work and personal things, the two drifted apart, "I like the hair," she smirked seeing the loose wavy brown hair that touched the middle of her tan neck.
"I missed you too, Susan," Elena smiled setting her bag down on the bench in the room and proceeded to strip. The two had once stood in a bedroom wearing only underwear a few years back while switching clothes, so this was normal. Susan's eyes immediately went to the white mark on Elena's stomach before packing up her own bag. Once in the tight, yet comfortable jump suit, Elena braided her hair back a bit to keep it from hanging in her eyes. The two woman looked at each other and smiled, "How's Victor?" she teasingly cooed storing her bag into her designated port. She saw Reed's name as well as the other members of the team.
"Good," Susan smiled, "How's the computers?" the two decided to check up on the men and seeing if they were ready, then Susan noticed the Von Doom scientists watching Elena carefully, "What's up with them?"
Elena glanced back and rolled her eyes, "They know about that dare a those years ago and are scared I'm going to do the same."
Susan laughed, "Hey I need to pick somethings up, meet you in there?" Elena nodded before walking to where she left Reed and her uncle. As she approached the area she heard a calm silence over the room making her lean against the door frame happily and out of sight.
The two were getting ready for the flight. Ben was packing his bag since Reed had already packed his. Ben was looking at a picture he used as a bookmark, it was of him and his fiancé, Debbie, "I miss you already, Debbie."
"CAPTAIN ON THE BRIDGE!" a voice shouted making Elena flinch and Ben fly to his feet and standing stiff to attention in a blink of an eye. There was a flash of light from a camera which brought Ben out of his military stance and his face flush with anger, "Digital camera - $254. Memory stick - $59. The look on your hard-ass former CO's face when he finds out he's your junior officer. Priceless," the blonde who was speaking was unmistakably Johnny Storm, who loved to rub his accomplishments in the face of others, his current target was Ben Grimm.
"I can handle the ship," Ben stated making Elena smile as he turned to face Dr. Reed Richards who sat on a couch behind his laptop smirking at the two, "I can even handle Mr. Blonde Ambition," he gestured with his thumb towards Johnny as he made his way to the closet before pulling out the dark blue space suit he was assigned, "But I don't know whether I should be flying or doing Swan Lake in these suits," he mused frowning at the tight material as Reed grinned.
Elena pushed herself off the wall she was leaning against and walked into the room, "Well, at least you got the title right this time," Johnny's head immediately snapped up to her, more like her body which was emphasized in the blue suit. She looked toned, extremely toned, but with good curves that made Johnny want to rip the suit off her and take her right then and there, "I mean, how many times did I perform that routine and you still didn't get the name right," her plump dark pink lips were pulled into a smirk.
"Hey," Ben said defensively making her pull a face.
She leaned against the wall near Ben, "Trust me," she said shaking her head at Ben, "These are not that bad compared to other things I've worn," Johnny wanted her, he wanted her badly, and she hadn't even glanced at him, but Ben had and he saw the way he was watching Elena.
"Well you could still be performing if you stayed back with Debs."
"And miss out of a space adventure with the most talkative scientist ever and my favorite uncle?"
Uncle? Johnny stared startled, looking between Elena and Ben furiously.
"I'm your only uncle, Elena," Ben sighed making her scoff and cross her arms across her chest. Johnny immediately knew he was caught when her striking grey eyes latched onto his blue ones. Her once playful scowl deepened into a harsh one making Johnny shocked. That wasn't the reaction he was prone to from a woman.
"Can you not?" she growled looking directly at Johnny.
He was at a lost, but with a quick recovery he smirk, "The name's Storm. Johnny Storm," he spoke huskily and took a bold step towards her with his hand out for her to shake. Elena glanced at Ben and Reed to see if he was for real.
She looked at Johnny with a bemused look, "Who do you think you are? James Bond?" she refused to return the gesture before walking over to Reed's computer but was shot a look from the Von Doom security guy standing in the room, "Jeez."
"Who the hell came up with these suits?" Ben asked as Elena sulked back to his side as Reed closed his laptop and hid it form her.
"The synthetics act as a second skin, adapting to your body's individual needs," Susan walked in holding a pile of unknown grey cloths on her hip. Reed's head snapped up and his eyes widened at the sight of the blonde.
"Now that means, it keeps the hot stuff hot and the cool stuff cool," Johnny explained being very animated with his arms. Elena glanced over to him with an arched brow that was shades lighter than her hair, he caught her eye and sent a wink making her just look at his surprised. They broke eye contact the moment Reed walked up, his eyes dead set on Susan's body.
"Wow, fantastic," Reed breathed, his words easily mistaken to be directed at Sue. She thought the same and smiled confidently with a lift of her chin. Reed smiled and reached for the suit in Ben's hands, clutching the material, "A material made from self-regulating unstable molecules," Elena was quick to notice how fast Sue's smile feel as she blinked back to reality. Hitting her palm to her forehead she exchanged a quick look with Ben who placed his hands on his hips. Hiding how disappointed he was with his friend, "I've been working on a formula for this."
"Great minds think alike," Sue said bitterly as Elena shifted her gaze over to the one who was burning holes into her face. Johnny was still staring at her, "Here you go Ben," Sue smiled sweetly handing him one of the grey suits in her arm.
"Thanks sweetie," Ben smiled as Elena slowly walked over to where Reed hid his computer.
"Reed," she almost snapped throwing him the grey suit.
"Sue, this is Elena," Johnny said as he was handed a suit making her stop moving since she was caught by Susan's eyes.
"Oh, I already know Elena," Sue smiled as she handed the brunette her own suit.
"Yeah, Susie and I are close," she smirked before scratching at the side of her neck which Johnny found adorable. Johnny watched Elena as she pulled on the grey suit over her blue one, leaving a bit open for her ample cleavage. Ben Grimm noticed and immediately sent the playboy a death glare making Johnny quickly avert his gaze before walking ahead.
The shuttle docked and the six members of the team stepped out. Victor was in front leading the way, "ETA until cosmic event: 9 hours," he spoke as Johnny, Ben and Elena came out next carrying their own equipment.
"If you're good maybe next time Daddy'll let you drive," Johnny taunted.
"Keep talking and there won't be a next time," Ben growled making Elena smirk.
"So you're Ben's niece?" Johnny inquired as they walked the long corridor to the space station, he was clutching two metal brief cases in each hand while Elena had a computer balanced on her arm, "How's that possible?"
"What do you mean?" she questioned before glancing over to him.
"Well, you're hotter than the sun, prettier than a diamond and he's—"
"I dare you to finish that," she growled making Johnny stunned by her aggressive turn. Dumbly, Johnny turned on his charm, trying to get on her good side.
"I like 'em feisty," he purred taking a bold step towards her, but something flashed through her eyes and she scowled.
"That's it! Keep walking Johnny-boy," Ben ordered grabbing him by the collar and pulling him along after seeing the flash in Elena's eyes.
They all walked into a huge room, "We can monitor the storm and assess the findings from here," Sue spoke. Johnny went to go put down the boxes he was carrying and Sue went to the console as Elena continued to type on her laptop.
"You sure it's safe in here?" Ben questioned nervously.
"The shields should protect us," Reed half heartedly assured him.
"Should?" Ben questioned making Elena glance up for a moment before typing again, she was so close to the satellites and she could taste it.
"What's the matter Ben? Getting paranoid in your old age?" Victor taunted making Ben send him a glare.
"Let's start loading those samples. Ben get your suit ready, Elena upload the data with him," Reed spoke making Ben nod and Elena blindly walked forward, she didn't even glance up and almost ran into the railing if Johnny hadn't lightly pushed her out of the way, still didn't look up.
"I see you're still doing all the heavy lifting," Victor continued making Ben and Elena stop, "Reed you should have stayed at the lab. Field work never suited you," Sue and Johnny were now watching the argument take place, "Elena, shouldn't you not have your hands on a computer?"
"I'm in space, the government can't touch me," Elena growled setting her search now for something embarrassing of Victor.
"She does the typing. He does the talking. I do the walking," Ben spoke defending Elena and Reed.
"Then take a walk, Ben," Victor retorted making Elena hit enter loudly, uploading a picture of Victor that was priceless.
"Oh cool, it's trending," Elena stated out loud to herself before mockingly glaring at Victor with a smirk that made him uncomfortable.
"If you could all excuse me for a moment, I need to borrow Susan," this made everyone walk out and Ben glance at Elena's screen seeing a bunch of data that he didn't understand.
She immediately smirked as she began typing into her computer, going to the area where Ben would go plant Reed's flowers. She got the system's ready as she set up her station, right by the portal. Ben and Johnny entered the room and began to get Ben ready.
"Please tell me your boy isn't trying to rekindle things with my sister," his voice sounded in a pleading tone.
"Of course not. Strictly business," Ben assured standing as still as possible.
"Yeah, well his eyes say differently," Johnny retorted.
"Look, two hearts were broken last time. Maybe she's not over it either," Ben deafeningly spoke.
"Wow, Dr. Phil, that's deep," Johnny teased, "Let's think about this for a second. We have Victor, more money than God, stud of the year and then we have Reed. The worlds dumbest smart guy and worth less than a postage stamp. Jeez it's a toss up," he said taking the flowers from Elena's station and hooking it up to Ben's suit.
"Don't worry your tiny head," Ben retorted, "And don't you dare do what you did those years ago," Ben said snapping Elena out of her daze.
She smirked before swirling around on her stool, "And how would I do that, way up here?" she gestured to the stars and galaxy outside, but Ben sent her a look. She raised her hands in surrender and stood up.
"Don't wander off now, boy," Johnny retorted walking down the steps as Elena stayed back, looking to her uncle.
"How long is this gonna take?" she asked poking his white space suit.
"As long as it takes to arrange Reed's petunias," Ben answered in his Brooklyn accent.
"I hate petunias," she jested, "Is it safe?" she asked uncertainly.
"Sure thing doll—"
"Don't call her doll," Ben snapped glaring at Johnny who grinned. Elena kissed his helmet before walking back to her computer, standing next to Johnny as he secured the airlock chamber. Elena stared out the clear glass as her uncle gave her and Johnny a thumbs up, before walking through the shutter like door that expanded for him. There was a silence between the two as they watched Ben leave the space station. Johnny glanced at Elena who was nervously glancing her computer and then Ben, his mind was buzzing for answers.
"What's this dare I keep hearing about?" Johnny asked curiously.
"That a trick question?" she mused smirking.
Johnny dramatically clutched his heart and rose his hand to his head, "Ohhhhh," she slightly chuckled making him straighten up, "But seriously, why is everyone so cautious around you?"
"Let's just say, back on earth, the government isn't my greatest fan."
This shocked Johnny, "What did you do? Assault a police officer?" she shook her head, her grey eyes swirling with mischief.
"Can't tell you," she smirked, "But I warn you, stay on my good side or else your darkest secrets will be known to the world."
Johnny smirked, stepping closer to her staring down into her grey eyes, "The thing is, I have a weakness for bad girls," his voice was deep and lustful. She was started by the cavernous blue in his eyes, she remained silent as she kept her grey eyes locked onto his. He took small, generous and cautious, but she surprised him by turning away, to have a woman care so little for his presence.
The two stood next to each other and Elena practically jumped a foot in the air when Reed came running in, "Ben you need to get back inside!" he cried.
"What's going on?" Johnny questioned in all seriousness as Reed approached them.
"I ain't done arranging your flowers yet, egghead," Ben's voice echoed in Johnny and Elena's earpieces.
"Ben. TURN AROUND." Reed exclaimed approaching the glass window making Elena look out with her eyes widening.
"BEN!" Elena screamed in fear staring at the strange fiery steam with swirling glowing tendrils that wiped the air, it was approaching them rapidly.
"Guys, I'm not gonna make it," Ben stammered.
"Ben you gotta jump, it's the only way!" Johnny responded as Elena began to fear for her uncle even more. Reed looked at Johnny like he was crazy as Elena felt helpless as Ben jumped out and flew towards them with the red storm hot on his heels.
"Ben!" Elena breathed feeling a tear roll down her face as she clutched the diamond necklace he gave her for her 18th birthday.
"Come on, Ben you got it!" Johnny yelled encouragingly his eyebrows furrowed in worry. Elena immediately grasped the closets hand to her as she saw Ben stare back at her as he drew closer and closer.
"Johnny, Elena, get ready to close the portal," Reed instructed as Ben neared the entrance. Johnny gripped Elena's hand and pulled her to the panel. She furiously punching in codes before her head snapped up when she heard Ben went smack against he glass, "Ben!" Elena screamed as the machines around them startled to spark widely but Johnny held her back as she cried out in frustration as just as the storm consumed the shell of the space port.
A blinding light hit the two before a blast of air sent their bodies throttling back, a cry escaped her lips as Johnny latched onto her arm. She screamed alongside Johnny as hot coal pain pulsed through them, she felt as if fire was burning her skin, diamonds was slicing it open and a bright light was blinding her. She felt weightless, her grip was stronger than before everything faded into darkness.
AN: This is shorter than my usual chapter amount. BUT I like it….so what do you think the dare was? And AWWWWWW Johnny was protecting Elena, how cute! Anyways. Leave a review and no flames!
Xoxo - Scar