AN: I made some small changes to this chapter to keep in current with the release of the second movie.


Chapter One

The definition of fame is the condition of being very well known. Johnny Storm was about as famous as one could get. He was one of the superhuman members of the Fantastic Four and he was no humble Reed Richards about it. Johnny always had an eye for the spotlight as the spotlight had for him. With confidence to spare and an ego bigger than the state of Texas, Johnny was the self-interested hero you only read about in comic books.

On top of all that "superhero work" and after the earth altering encounter with Galactus and the Silver Surfer Johnny's sister, Susan Storm became Susan Richards, or Mrs. Fantastic as the media dubbed her. The wedding festivities were short lived since there was always crime to fight, disasters to divert, and people to save.

Over the last year since the disappearance of the Silver Surfer into space and Doctor Doom into the depths of the sea, New York and the world still couldn't get enough of the Fantastic Four. Although being the centre of attention had always been Johnny's thing, he began to withdraw from it more and more. His relationship with Frankie Raye seemed to be what he was looking for but before he knew where things were going, their relationship fell apart. The sudden split caused Johnny to reassess things in his life, and question his 'living in the now' attitude.

This day was Johnny's day off, although superheroes don't really have a "day off" per say, the Human Torch had claimed a well needed break from reality. The media had become accustomed to him using the front door and being out there for all to see, but this day he needed a different approach, one that didn't scream 'take my picture'. With a short exit and a wave to his sister, he snuck out of the Baxter Building and followed back streets for countless blocks to his destination.

After a quick check of the alley to make sure there weren't any onlookers, Johnny threw open the heavy door and took in the sweet aroma of engine oil and tire rubber. Yes, this was his heaven. In the centre of the almost bare shop was was his favourite toy.

Shutting the door behind him, Johnny approached the car with a genuine smile on his face. The 1973 Barracuda was almost exactly like when his father first gave it to him. The vibrant red-orange paint still bright as ever, interior flawless and wheels still shone brilliantly. It was his baby.

Ever since his mom died in a car accident when he was nine, Johnny had been mesmerized and obsessed with cars, more specifically the fast ones. When his father bought this car Johnny was sixteen, he treasured it as if the entire thing was gold and to Johnny, it was.

Sue had often teased that he cared more about hotrods than his won sister, but she just didn't understand the freedom it gave him. He loved the feeling of just peeling out onto an open road and driving for hours. Nothing could match that feeling to him. He had jumped out of planes, boarded the highest mountains, and surfed the biggest waves and yet nothing could compare.

With a content look in his eye, Johnny slipped into the driver's seat and turned on the ignition. The engine hummed smoothly as it always had. Perfect.


"One extra large root beer float." Johnny smiled at the old man behind the diner counter placed a tall glass in front of him.

"Just like when I was a kid." He reminisced while taking a satisfying first sip.

"And don't think I've forgotten that tab from when you were a kid either." Quipped back the old man.

"Now Norman, is that any way to treat a lifetime customer?"

"It is when he stops coming around for months at a time." Norman Wilkes had owned the small diner outside of the big city for over thirty years. Johnny's mother used to take him and Sue there every weekend before she died to give them a healthy break from the fast-paced city life. Later Sue convinced their father to make a monthly trip and once Johnny could drive he took the trip when he could find time between girls, parties and school.

The bells above the door rang as someone entered the diner.

Johnny had his full attention on the marvel of ice cream and soda in front of him to take any notice.

"Now what can I get ya, miss?" Asked Norman with a smile.

"I'm dying for anything that will numb the senses, but unfortunately it's barely two in the afternoon and anything of that sort shouldn't be served in a diner. How about the strongest coffee you've got?" Johnny turned to this intriguing new arrival with a raised eyebrow. Norman just smiled at the girl.

"How long have you been travelling?" He asked.

"Too long. So coffee's okay right?" The old man winked at her.

"I'll do you one better, missy." Ducking under the counter, Norman emerged with a tumbler and a bottle of Jack Daniels. The woman's eyes studied the bottle and smirked.

"My God man! You're a saint!" Settling herself on the stool she rested her elbows on the counter and held her head in her hands. "It's been a long trip, please make it a double."

"Whatever you say, missy."

This woman now had Johnny's attention. After pouring the harsh liquid down her throat she gratefully thanked Norman before he disappeared to check on the cook.

The mysterious woman took in the quaint little details of the diner and turned towards her gaping audience.

"Uhhh, Red? Is there something on my face or what?" Johnny snapped out of his stupor and looked at her with a bewildered expression.

"Hmm?"

"You were staring a little too hard for my liking, thank you. Looked more like gaping fish. Let me guess, you're gonna go: 'Don't I know you from somewhere?' Yeah, apparently I have one of those faces you know? Just get back to your little kiddie drink, Red."

Johnny hadn't even realized he was so captivated by the woman in front of him. Her long blonde hair was pulled back into one of those messy bun things that Sue always complained that she couldn't pull off. Her slightly tanned skin was painted with a few freckles and her bright green eyes looked at him questionably. She was right, for some reason Johnny could have sworn he had seen her somewhere before.

He faltered for a moment, something he never did, before putting on a suave smirk. Player Johnny was going to try and take control.

"Red? Well I didn't know we were on a pet name basis now. We haven't even kissed yet." Dumbest. Pickup line. Ever. Johnny probably would have smacked himself if Norman hadn't already appeared and beat him to it. He soon found a wrinkled finger pointed at him.

"That is no was to talk to a lady. Apologize." He couldn't hide his shock as some incoherent words escaped his lips.

"Sorry?" He said to the woman, who was now grinning at him. Norman disappeared back behind the swinging door.

"Now who's staring?" Johnny childishly threw back.

"You really are a piece of work, Red." She sat back and shook her head.

"Could you please explain this whole 'Red' thing? It is getting a bit annoying over here." She shrugged.

"I was just referring to that fine set of wheels out front. Am I correct when I assume it's yours?"

"What if it is?"

"Well obviously, it sure as hell isn't that old couple in the corner or that man over there reading the paper. What is it, a '72?"

"'73."

"Good year. Original?"

"All of it."

"280 horse?"

"320."

"Zero to sixty in what, seven seconds?"

"Five."

"Touché." Johnny was almost at a loss for words. It had been a long time that he engaged in anything remotely related to car talk.

"Well look at the time, I'm late for reality again. Nice chatting with you, Red. Norman, you are truly a saint." The old man waved from the kitchen as she left some money on the counter.

She was out the door before Johnny even knew what was happened.

"Well?" Norman asked, appearing behind him again.

"Well what?"

"Aren't you gonna ask that nice girl her name?"

Johnny shot off of his stool and through the door. Now with dark sunglasses on she stood leaning on her sleek, silver car.

"My name is Crys. You don't get my phone number or any other details for that matter, we haven't even kissed yet." She mocked with a mirthful tone. "I'm heading into the city for while, so I'll just scream for help and you'll come running, or flying right? Have fun saving the world, Red. Another time perhaps, but now isn't your ice cream melting?"

Giving him one last smirk and a quick wink, Crys slipped into her car a sped off in the direction of the city.