Warning: SPOILERS/Lines of the movie Fantastic Four (2005): Chris Evans as Johnny Storm/Human Torch.

.

Fantastic Four

.

New York. Avengers Tower. Captain America's floor.

Steve never felt healthier… or happier before. After a few days recovering, he's back to his normal routine of early morning runs around the friendly neighborhood. Returning to the Tower, he's still full of energy, so he trashes three boxing bags in a roll and drinks his raw eggs before taking a well-deserved shower.

Natasha's resting when he lies back down in bed with her – it's still too early. In her sleep, she nestles into his arms as he curls up, spooning her carefully. Her body knows his, and it's a proof of how safe she feels with him that she didn't even wake up. Looking at her, he feels blessed and can't hold in the feeling. God, I love you. Holding her close, he savors her sweet scent and the softness of her skin, until he falls asleep again.

Sometime later, she blinks slowly, feeling his warmth around her. Stretching pleased, she turns to face him, and he greets her with a tender kiss, "Morning, sweetheart."

Of all the changes he brought into her life, this is one of her favorites – waking up in his caring arms. She smiles sleepily, "Hi, babe." Before she gets lost in his baby blue eyes, she notices different colors surrounding them. Turning around, she realizes there are flowers everywhere, and exclaims surprised, "Steve! What is this?"

Handing her a branch of multicolored forget-me-nots, his joy is contagious. "Can't I give flowers to my girl?"

Lighting up, her cheeks turn pinkish, "They're beautiful!"

He speaks full of love, "Beautiful flowers for my beautiful girl."

She loves how happy he looks when he calls her my girl. Biting her lower lip, she smiles teasingly, "Keep doing that and you might get lucky."

"I told you before, I'm the luckiest man in the world." Placing small, little kisses on her cheek and neck, he makes her giggle, before asking happily, "How about a French breakfast?"

Her eyes sparkle, "That sounds wonderful." She reaches around drawing his lips to hers, and kisses him avidly, leaving him breathless. Pulling back she smirks, "Food first?"

Grinning at her playful tone, he gets up promptly, "Yes, ma'am."

Looking around she admires the flowers – a mix of pinks and whites, as well as the traditional blues, forming a familiar pattern – and she's delighted. "Steve, I love them. I've never seen these colors together."

Putting the breakfast tray in front of her, he sits by her side, explaining, "Mrs. Helen, the florist in the market, do you know her? I stopped there today, coming back from jogging. She saved them for me because of these colors. They're forget-me-nots Sylva. She said they were Captain America's flowers, and I should give them to my girl."

Still blushing, Natasha replies, "They are a symbol of eternal remembrance."

Flashing his baby blue eyes, he smiles coyly, "She told me they also mean true love."

Her green eyes freeze for a second, but she speaks quickly, "I think the old lady was hitting on you."

Kissing her cheek, his voice is mellow, "Nah, she knows I'm taken."

"Maybe I'll go with you, next time, as a chaperone, you know?" she squints playfully.

Holding her close, his smile is almost cocky as he says, "I'd love it."

They talk and laugh, eating the delicacies of her favorite French patisserie, before getting ready for the daily tasks.

Since that last training day at S.H.I.E.L.D., when the spy dropped him on the mat, sparring with her has been a challenge for the soldier. Despite everything, Steve Rogers couldn't resist Natasha Romanoff – at least, not for so long – and she was well aware of it. But when the session is finished, he doesn't need to restrain himself, not anymore. He grabs her by the waist, full of desire, "Nat… You're driving me crazy."

She teases him, "That's the idea."

He is even more affectionate and devoted to please her. Loving her with all his passion, he gives her everything she wants. As they start to lose control, his voice is just a murmur, a mantra – he isn't conscious that he is saying the words out loud. "I love you. Love you. You…"

His words explode into her heart, as the waves of pleasure ripple through their convulsing bodies. In bed, like in life, Steve's great superpower is always within his heart.

It overwhelms her completely – she never felt this happy… and scared before. Natasha can't hold it in, and she cries.

After the double workout, they are both sweating, panting, and her eyes mirror his. She invites, "Shower?"

"My thoughts exactly." He staggers a bit to get up, but carefully keeps his hold on her, carrying her towards the bathroom.

Wrapping her arms comfortably around his shoulders, she sighs drowsily, "I told you that I was gonna get used to you carrying me around, didn't I?"

His smile is irresistible, "Why aren't you already?"

Bathed and relaxed, they cuddle on the couch – they can't take their hands off each other. Their connection is too strong and their lovemaking is always special, but somehow her tears today seemed different.

Steve worries even more after their intense session, "Nat, are you sure I didn't hurt you?"

Natasha sees in his eyes that he doesn't remember, or he didn't realize what he said out loud… and the powerful effect it had on her. "You never do, babe." She kisses him lovingly, choosing to ignore it, to think of it as something he said in the heat of passion, and whispers between his lips, "I trust my hero."

Silently blushing, he kisses her again and again.

Looking for a diversion, she suggests an action movie, "Do you know the story of the Fantastic Four?" Settling into his arms, she explains the events that inspired the motion picture about the scientists turned into heroes, who Steve met briefly at one of Tony's benefit parties.

Her guy plays Johnny Storm, and Steve can't help but tease, "Mr. Blond Ambition?!" Natasha punches him slightly on the chest.

Best friends Reed Richards and Ben Grimm join siblings Johnny and Susan Storm during the preparation for the trip to the Von Doom space station. Wearing a special uniform, Susan looks amazingly hot, but instead of complimenting her beauty, former boyfriend Reed is more interested in the suit, "Wow! Fantastic! Material made from self-regulating unstable molecules."

As Ben and Johnny look at a disappointed Susan, Steve frowns, questioning, "Reed is really this clueless?"

Natasha smirks, "Typical nerd behavior. He doesn't see anything other than science."

"Our geniuses aren't this way."

"Tony for sure isn't. You should've seen him when we first met, before he settled down with Pepper. The ultimate playboy. Fury had me working undercover at Stark Industries, as Natalie Rushman. You know the executive outfit I used the other day? It's hers."

Everything about that day at S.H.I.E.L.D. is still vivid in Steve's mind. As usual, Natasha was stunning, and attracted all the attention, especially from the men. Just the idea of her in Tony's office, makes him tense and he replies dryly, "I'd rather not think about it."

"Why?" Feeling his discomfort, she turns to look at him, "It was a mission. Don't you trust me?"

"Of course I trust you." Cupping her chin tenderly, he sounds as kind as serious, "I don't trust any man's thoughts about you, as a matter of fact."

It all happened three years ago, while Steve was still frozen, but she enjoys this possessive side of him. "Are you jealous?"

"Nat, just because they fear you it doesn't mean they don't fantasize about you."

She can't help but grin, "How do you know?"

"I am a man. Believe me, I see every single man around looking at you." He adds a little displeased, before clenching his jaw, "I've always seen it."

Biting her lower lip, she smiles, "Did you fantasize about me?"

Taken by surprise with her direct question, he blushes a little, "You know I do."

"I like it." Her eyes shine with satisfaction and she kisses him softly before turning back to the screen.

Hugging her tight, he whispers in her ear, "Me too." She shivers, feeling his smile as he kisses the nape of her neck.

In complete contrast with the romantic moment that the soldier and the spy are sharing, on the screen, Victor von Doom tries to buy Susan's affection, making a proposal as if it was a business agreement. Inside the space station, looking at the Earth below them, he offers, "Susan, every man dreams he'll meet a woman he can give the world to." The awkward situation is interrupted by the cosmic event they wanted to study – unexpectedly, it accelerates, and they end up being hit by a cloud of radiation.

Sighing, Steve says honestly, "I dreamed of having a family."

Natasha realizes it's an innocent remark, but with the I love you he let escape before – she can't forget it – it unfolds a truth that she can't even think about, let alone, dream of.

After a while he gets curious, "I didn't know Doom dated Susan."

"Actually, he didn't. He just wanted everything that Reed had."

"She isn't a thing."

Steve's the perfect gentleman who can say these things without sounding fake – it makes Natasha's heart flutter.

Back on Earth, recovering in an infirmary room, Susan wakes up surrounded by all kinds of flowers that were sent by Victor.

Natasha rolls her eyes, "Besides being extremely competitive, Doom is megalomaniac. This room looks like a generic flower shop." Hugging Steve, her eyes sparkle, "You made me feel special. Those forget-me-nots are officially my favorite flowers."

The look of contentment on his face is priceless, as he speaks coyly, "It's all I want, Nat, to make you happy. Is there any other flower you like?"

She blinks sheepishly, "The bouquet of red roses you gave to me… That was the first time I received flowers for real." Sounding almost ashamed, she explains, "The Black Widow doesn't do flowers."

Surprised by her sad confession, he pulls her into his arms, kissing her deeply, determined to cheer her up. When they break for air, he hands her another branch of the delicate flowers saying, "Not anymore."

Speechless, she finds it hard to think about anything other than him. How does he do that?

Breaking their perfect moment, Johnny argues with the nurse, who is concerned with his high temperature, "You're hot!"

But the young man isn't worried at all, and blatantly flirts with her, "Thank you. So are you."

Quite annoyed, Steve takes a sharp breath, "Another womanizer." Despite everything, it amuses Natasha to see him bothered by her crush.

The accident in space almost cost their lives, so Ben tries to encourage Reed to talk to Susan, pondering, "You know, you live through something like this, it really makes you appreciate having the right woman in your life."

Wrapped around Natasha, Steve kisses her head, and she leans into his touch. Caressing her arms, he whispers softly, "I agree," and she can't help but smile.

While Reed can't overcome his fears of commitment, Doom admits to his assistant why he wants Susan, "Because I could have any other woman."

Natasha asks teasingly, "Did you want me because I was inaccessible?"

"Nat, I've been captivated since the first time I laid my eyes on you." Steve turns her in his arms, and replies gently, "When I saw a glimpse of the real you, the part you hid from everyone else." His lips touch hers sharing his passionate energy and she thinks she can't melt anymore… "You weren't a target," he continues, and she realizes she can.

Two years after their break-up, the former couple finally talks, and Susan complains about Reed's detachment, "It's nice to be wanted sometimes, Reed. To be seen and heard."

For the first time, Natasha pays attention to the romance in this movie and, almost in a murmur, she confesses, "You're the only one who really saw me… who wanted to see me."

Whispering in her ear, he places a kiss on her cheek. "You're amazing. I feel blessed you're mine."

Surrendering to his overprotective embrace, she closes her eyes, thinking, Me too.

Always demanding full attention, Johnny comes back interrupting both couples – on and off screen. After literally catching on fire and burning all his clothes, he's wrapped only in a ski jacket, exclaiming excitedly, "You are never gonna believe what just happened to me."

Once again, her guy is wearing almost nothing on that big screen, and Steve gets truly pissed, "He has to be naked in all the movies?"

Natasha can't deny it, she loves his jealous comments, but she doesn't want to make him uncomfortable in any way. "This is vintage Torch, you know?" Kissing his cheek, she continues, wanting him to focus on the character, not the actor. "Do you remember the joke Clint told about him?" The spy impersonates the archer, "Johnny is Stark in Cap's body."

She's talking about the looks but the soldier thinks about personalities and replies promptly, "But I'm not like him." She raises her eyebrows and he reaffirms upset, "I am not."

"You could pass as twins! Okay, brothers, because you're older." She grins, but he doesn't look pleased, so she adds in a seductive voice, "You're way hotter, babe."

He squints with a half-smile and she laughs again.

The movie continues and observing Susan and Johnny, Steve ponders, "Well, these two don't look like brother and sister. She doesn't look natural."

Natasha is an avid critic, and replies immediately, "Jessica Alba is a great actress but she's not Caucasian. I think there's a limit to what special effects can do. It was a shame."

The artist in him can't agree more, "Yeah… Her blue eyes are lifeless."

"Exactly. It makes it hard to connect with the character when you think it's all fake."

The soon to be Fantastic Four experience the transformations and each one is affected in different ways. Ben's fiancée, Debbie, breaks up with him because he becomes the Thing.

The spy always gets pissed at this part, "She's an idiot."

But the soldier's placatory commentary surprises her, "Some people can't deal with change. It's a limitation." She raises her eyebrows, as if questioning him, but he keeps quiet. Seeing the media buzz around the group when they first use their powers, Steve finally speaks, "You know, this is similar to what happened to me."

"How so?" the spy asks, curiously.

"I turned into an attraction. No one took me seriously, you know? Until I saved Bucky and the other soldiers."

Natasha read all about Captain America and remembers the story, "From the Hydra base in Austria?" Steve nods, a bit melancholically, and she snuggles in his arms.

The mailman Willie greets Reed, "Welcome back to the Baxter, Dr. Richards." It gives the spy a chance to talk about a lighter subject. "This guy is Stan Lee. He wrote most of the comics about superheroes. He's a genius."

"Ah, I remember the name, he was in the Army, back in my day. He was one of the writers of Captain America's comics books and wanted to meet me in person."

"That is amazing!" Natasha looks excited as a child and Steve loves to see her that way.

Susan discusses with Reed about their previous break up. "There was you and me. There were no variables, no math." He lost her because she didn't know how he felt about her – the typical fear of commitment, a common couples' issue.

Stunned, Natasha gets it – she never had a true relationship before, that's probably why she didn't see the romance here. Truth be told, she had been drooling over Johnny, better, Chris Evans playing him. But now, all she can see and think about is… the love story.

Steve senses her slight tension, but he's not sure about what it is that's bothering her. He kisses her head, but neither of them say anything.

The Fantastic Four are a very dysfunctional family. Reed lives in his own mind, Johnny behaves like a teenager pissing Ben off all the time, and Susan mothers them all, "Guys, look, we're gonna be stuck here for a while, so let's just try and get along."

Natasha rolls her eyes, "Thank God we don't have teens here."

"What do you call Tony and Clint?" They chuckle thinking about the pranks the boys play on each other, and Steve replies, "I've been unharmed because they didn't find me here. They both fear you." The boyish look in his eyes is irresistible – she can't stop kissing him.

Johnny goes public exposing his powers and Reed reprimands him, "You need to control yourself and think before you act."

But the impetuous young man has a valid argument, "Yeah, but see, that's your problem. You always think, you never act."

That's a sensitive subject regarding the super-soldier. Natasha sighs and Steve admits shyly, "I know. You don't like that I'm in control all the time."

It never ceases to amaze her how well he reads her. "No, it's not that." She winks mischievously, "And you're getting better." Remembering their passionate encounter on the training mat of his gym, this morning, his cheeks turn pinkish. Straightening up, she speaks softly, "You know you can trust me, right? To have your back, to be here whenever you need me." She offers honestly, "I want you to be free to be yourself, even if it means to lose control sometimes."

But he's sincere as well, "Nat, I trust you in everything, I trust you with my life, otherwise I wouldn't be here." He drinks her in, green eyes full of comprehension, and, thinking for a while, he admits, "I know I need to relax more. I have to learn to. I'm trying…" He adds embarrassed, "I've been in control all my life."

"You don't need to be Captain America with me, you know?" She smiles kindly.

His answer, however, takes her by surprise. "This is before him," he sighs shyly, "I was always in the hospital, but I couldn't bother my mom because she had other patients to take care of."

The images of him as a sick boy fill her mind saddening her heart. "Steve…" she touches his face affectionately.

"I was proud of myself that I didn't cry." Steve leans into Natasha's hand and continues to remember his mother. "Mom would always come to see me, give me a kiss, a hug. It wasn't all that bad, it made me stronger."

He looks so young, adorable, and she can see the little boy in him. "I bet she was proud of you."

His eyes shine with gratitude. "She said she was. Sarah, that's my mom's name." Natasha reaches for him, and he hugs her close, before continuing, "You're right, Nat. I'm just overly cautious with my power. I don't want to cause any harm to anyone."

As if on cue, Ben struggles with his newfound super strength.

Steve pauses instantly, breathing slowly, and once more his eyes show his fear behind it all, "I can't even think of hurting you, Nat. I can't…"

She captures his mouth in a fervent kiss, and whispers between his lips, "You never will. You need to trust yourself, like I do."

Alicia Masters meets Ben. "You know, being different isn't always a bad thing."

Cuddling in Steve's arms, Natasha considers, "Besides, I'm not easily breakable. We're both different."

Then he points out a truth she's not ready to admit. "We have to face our fears, right?"

The spy has always sought the unknown, what she had never experienced before. On her job, she wouldn't hesitate, but dig in and find out everything about anything. However, on a personal level, she has to expose herself and live through it to find things out. This is what scares her the most.

Right away, Reed confesses to Susan, "You were right, it wasn't complicated. I just wasn't ready to."

But before Steve and Natasha could think about what they are or not ready for, Ben and Reed fight – seeing true friends hurting each other badly is upsetting.

It makes Steve remember when the Avengers first met. "We all fought under Loki's scepter influence. I said terrible things to Tony," he speaks sadly.

"You were rash, but you said what was true about him, how he was before," and she compliments him honestly, "You gave him the push to become a hero and part of the team."

Even so, he's truly ashamed, "Maybe, but I should've never said it that way."

"Tony said worse." She puts her hand over his heart, "You were always special, I read your file and Dr. Erskine's notes, that's why you were chosen."

Blushing, he squeezes her hand softly, "But we solved things, you know? We apologized to each other."

Raising her eyebrows, she replies, "Wow, I can't imagine Tony apologizing."

"It happened when JARVIS helped me to design that safety key to Tony's armor. Right, J?"

The A.I. answers, "Indeed. The master was pleased. His exact words were, 'No bottle could make a brain or a heart like yours', as he was praising Captain Rogers."

"This is so true," she smiles proudly.

Steve adds shyly, "He actually kind of did it again, after I defeated Hammer's robot. He said he wanted to learn my methods."

Natasha is definitely surprised, "Tony wanting to learn from someone is even more unexpected than him saying sorry."

JARVIS promptly agrees, "I witnessed it, and, still, I call it a highly improbable event." The couple laughs happily.

Undoubtedly, the best thing about the Super-Adaptoid's attack was an improved relationship between Steve and Tony. The Captain wants to make it even better, but needs to check with Natasha first. "I've been thinking about sharing the team's leadership with Tony. I have the level head to strategize, but he's the heart that keeps us in movement. Besides, I always have to convince him to follow the plans, anyway." Truly excited, he's hoping for her approval, "What do you think?"

"Steve, this is a great idea. Tony deals with this crazy world better than anyone and you're the only one who can keep him focused."

He smiles happily, "You think that too?" Taking her hand, he speaks charmingly, "Besides, it would give me more free time, for us."

She wasn't expecting this last part, and it hits her – they're having a normal couple's talk about decisions that will affect their lives… together. After a while she manages to say, "I think it's perfect."

The Fantastic Four work out their differences and become a real team, defeating Dr. Doom. Finally, Reed isn't afraid anymore and proposes, "No more thinking. No more variables. Sue Storm, will you marry me?"

Thinking about it for the first time, Natasha admits, "They make a great couple."

Steve pulls her into his lap and cups her face gently, "Not as great as us." Before she can say anything, he kisses her with all his heart and they get lost in the heat of their passion.

North Salem.

During the day that follows, Steve takes Natasha on a bike ride. Approximately 50 miles north of Manhattan, they have lunch in a lovely restaurant overlooking a peaceful lake. She knows the surroundings and asks curiously, "What are we doing next to the X-Men Headquarters?"

"You know Wolverine – you saved him from Hydra assassins, right? For me he's James Howlett, a friend since WWII and a former member of the Howling Commandos." She still looks confused and he explains, "Professor Xavier is the greatest telepath ever and Logan told me that he helped him to remember his past. He can help you too, if you want."

Her usually sharp mind takes time to comprehend the magnitude of what he was offering – a chance to finally unveil the truth about her memories. Mama. Although it's scary to have someone this powerful inside her mind, Charles Xavier is well known and almost as trustworthy as Captain America himself.

Her voice trembles, as she says, "I do."

X-Mansion.

The professor greets them, "Welcome, I'm Charles Xavier."

"Natasha Romanoff. Thanks for having us."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Natasha. Logan asked me to take good care of you." Shaking their hands, the professor continues, "It's an honor to finally meet you, Captain. Wolverine doesn't trust many people."

"Steve Rogers. The honor is mine, Professor. Your reputation precedes you," the soldier replies gratefully. "Logan is a true friend, and a valuable partner on any team. He's one of the bravest men I've known in my whole life."

The professor smiles kindly, "As you must know, I can read minds, but I'm also good at reading hearts. No man in existence equals your courage, Captain."

The spy nods in a silent approval, and the soldier replies humbly, "Thanks."

Charles offers them a place to sit, and asks Natasha, "I believe you have some questions, my dear. Don't worry, everything we say here will remain confidential."

Natasha's heartbeat races. Steve knows he must give them privacy, but he doesn't want to leave her. Their relationship isn't public, but there's no point of hiding anything from the greatest telepath in the world.

Instinctively, Steve looks in Charles' eyes, and hears his voice in his mind, 'She's safe here.'

The soldier finds himself unable to restrains his thoughts, 'She's the love of my life. Please, Professor, take care of her.'

'Don't worry, Captain, I will.'

Steve squeezes her hand, saying, "I'll wait outside." She nods and he shakes the professor's hand, thanking him before leaving.

Professor X is amazingly kind as people said he was. He confirms that the key for Natasha's memories are her feelings, as she already knew intuitively. The stronger the feeling, the more truthful is the memory, and he helps her to learn how to break the remaining forged ones. He says that there are no more active controls in her mind, left by the Red Room or anyone else, and that S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't change anything in it. That she broke the last controls by herself when she chose to follow Hawkeye, and that he is proud of her sheer will.

When she asks about Clint, Charles explains, "I said this to Logan once, the mind isn't just a box that can be unlocked and opened. But you've already found the path in yours." He tells her that she needs time to find a few answers for herself, and that she will, when she is ready for it.

His last words bring tears to her eyes. "What you have now, my dear, that's the most powerful feeling ever. If anytime you think you are losing yourself, hold on to it." Then he speaks in her mind, 'The Captain will keep you safe forever.' Finally, he offers, "He's waiting for you at the next door. Take your time."

Natasha thanks him profusely – he helped her regain her self-confidence – before leaving the office.

When she enters the waiting room, Steve closes the door behind them, asking, "How did it go?"

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulls him down for a searing kiss, "Thank you. My mama, she is as real as I remember her." He holds her, and comforts her, as she sobs in his arms, crying tears of joy and relief.

New York. Avengers Tower. Black Widow's floor.

Later that day, they are lying on her bed, entangled in each other, and Steve thinks about everything that happened. Looking at Natasha, he knows what he wants, and what he needs to do. "Nat," She looks at him and he gently takes her face in his hand. "Our lives are complicated, I know. But I don't want to miss any more chances."

Taken by surprise, she doesn't know what he's going to say, but somehow, her heart jumps…

Tracing his fingers along her jaw, he continues, "You didn't have a normal life, neither did I, but nothing else matters to me when I have you in my arms."

Her eyes get watery and she's not sure why.

Suddenly he blushes, "I read about your actor on the Internet." Her eyes open wide and he explains, "Since you told me he played me, you know? I was curious about him. He said one thing that I find really meaningful." He quotes Chris Evans, "When you're scared of something, that's exactly what you should be doing."

Recognizing the line, she can't help but smile. The actor had doubts about playing the superhero role. Although she thinks he's the perfect one for the part, it showed how conscious he was before making such an important decision that would deeply affect his personal life.

But when Steve speaks again, she can't think about anyone else.

"I'm scared too, but what terrifies me is to think of my life without you, Nat." He's absolutely sincere and tears fall from her eyes against her will.

"I can't live afraid of losing you." Loving blue eyes plunge into inquiring green ones. "You don't need to worry," his voice is a pleasant murmur, "I'll never hurt you and I don't want to pressure you." He softly rubs his thumb across her lips. "But I can't hold it in anymore."

Steve kisses Natasha gently, and whispers between her lips, "I love you."

This time he is saying it for real and she freezes entirely. If there is one part of her that is truly inexperienced, it's her broken Russian heart. It feels like he's reaching the most hidden part of her, exposing her completely… claiming her soul as he did with her body. His. She can't think, move or even breathe.

Sliding his fingers through her red hair, he tries to comfort her, brushing his lips on hers, as if kindly saying she doesn't need to say anything…

After a few moments she exhales shortly, and blinks, in silent understanding. Completely speechless, she is… happy… as never before… and absolutely terrified.

He knows her – she is vulnerable, and he can't leave her feeling this way. Once again, he kisses her, thoroughly, passionately, until she finally relaxes. Steve holds her as if their lives depend on it, whispering, "This is stronger than anything I felt in my whole life. I love you."

Me… too.

.

Next movie: London (2005)

.

OBS: There are two (2) mature scenes, part of this chapter, in the companion fic Chris Crush (Love scenes), rated M.

Ref: ElektraMackenzie's sister about Johnny Storm – "It's Tony Stark in Steve's body."

Ref: Fanfiction Deep Blue by ym4yum1– [Tony to Steve] No bottle could make a brain or a heart like yours.

Ref: Movies: X-Men 2: X2 (2003) – [Xavier] Logan, the mind isn't just a box that can be unlocked and opened…

Ref: Comics: Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Vol 1 #1 (1984) #1 "The War Begins" – [Xavier] I'm also good at reading hearts… no man in existence equals your courage, Captain America!

Ref: 'Captain America' Star Chris Evans: I Passed On The Role Twice Because I Was Scared (2011) – "When you're scared of something, that's exactly what you should be doing."

Ref: Fantastic Four Trailer – (youtube/watch?v=sRSphEIfejA)

P.S. This chapter (originally posted in October, 2013) was revised and rewritten in April and June, 2014 (from 4780 to 5490 words), to match the extra scenes.