Johnny Storm hates New York winters.

Sure, being the Human Torch means his body runs hotter than average, flames crackling beneath his fingertips, warmth always simmering just under his skin, but the cold has a habit of gnawing at him anyway. It digs through his bones, leaves his fingertips numb, and steals the energy from his veins. He’s more sensitive to temperature than people expect; Reed explained it once, but Johnny didn’t really listen. All he knows is that winter makes his flames feel… off. Sluggish, like thick syrup rather than vibrant, crackling energy.

He wears scarves like they're armor and still grumbles endlessly about the chill. Even Sue rolls her eyes, teasing him gently that for someone who ignites into flames, he sure does complain about being cold an awful lot. Johnny typically responds by dramatically shivering, even if they're indoors.

Then he met you, and suddenly winters aren’t so bad.

The first time Johnny realized how perfectly your presence could warm him was accidental. Movie night, an icy December evening, nestled on his couch with the heater cranked up to the max. Johnny still couldn’t shake the chill from his spine. He’d shifted closer on instinct, brushing his knuckles against your side and then froze, startled by how warm you felt. No fire, no supernatural heat, just naturally inviting.

After that, you quickly became his favorite cure for winter.

Tonight’s no different.

He’d convinced you to come out to Central Park to see the holiday lights, a decision he started regretting about fifteen seconds after stepping outside. The air bites, mercilessly cold; Johnny tugs his scarf tighter around his neck, burrowing into his coat and trying to hide the way he’s shivering.

“Why do I do this?” Johnny mutters to no one in particular, blowing air into his cupped palms. “I literally catch on fire. People call me Torch. And yet, every year I drag myself into the tundra pretending it’ll be magical.”

You nudge closer, your shoulder brushing his, and Johnny instantly softens, warmth seeping into his bones from the simple touch. He slips an arm around your shoulders, pulling you flush against his side and sighs in relief. “See, this is why I bring you places,” he teases softly, glancing down with a crooked grin. “You’re basically my personal heater. I mean, obviously I like you for your dazzling personality and excellent taste in people, namely, me, but your superior warmth is definitely a bonus.”

He feels your silent laughter in the gentle shake of your shoulders, a quiet hum of amusement vibrating against him. Johnny squeezes you closer, taking advantage of the way your presence instantly chases away the chill.

“You know,” he continues thoughtfully, guiding you slowly along the icy path, “I used to hate this park in winter. Snow everywhere, ice on the paths. Pretty sure it actively tries to murder me at least twice per year. But with you around, it doesn’t feel like such a deathtrap. More like…romantic deathtrap.”

He feels your eyes on him, amused yet soft, even if you don’t speak. He loves that about you, the comfortable silences, the easy way you understand him even when words aren’t exchanged. It settles something deep in his chest that’s usually restless, always searching for the next adrenaline high.

Johnny pauses by a bench, glittering lights strung overhead, sparkling softly against snow-dusted branches. He settles down first, pulling you close beside him, instantly huddling against you as though magnetized. “Sorry,” he says quietly, though his voice holds no genuine apology. “Cold again. Honestly, babe, it’s amazing I survived this long without you. You’re officially essential now. I’m keeping you.”

His heart kicks faster in his chest at the accidental honesty, and Johnny tries covering it with a casual shrug. He keeps his eyes on the sparkling lights to avoid seeing your reaction, cheeks warm despite the biting cold.

“Not to sound overly dramatic, but you being here kinda makes winter worth it. Like, you somehow turned my least favorite time of year into our time of year."