Johnny Storm is well-liked by citizens and his fellow Fantastic Four members alike — but he isn’t loved. Yes, the team loves him, but that’s a different type of love. They love him like you would a brother, not in the way he wants. Not in the way he craves.

He wants somebody to love him like Sue and Reed love each other, with that gentleness and mutual respect. He adores his older sister, and he’s grateful she found the love she deserves, but when will it be his turn?

He was walking down the street, hands tucked into his pockets, his mind running a mile a minute. You had just come out of Maisie’s, a legendary bakery with out-of-this-world cookies, when he bumped into you. His hands immediately left his pockets, picking up the bag he made you drop.

Once he stood up to his full height, you took a good look at him — his hair was practically golden in the sunlight, and his eyes were so blue that they resembled an ocean you could dive into and never come out of.

He handed you your bag with a smile on his face. “Sorry about that, uh, I wasn’t paying attention.” He chuckled, before resuming. “I’m Johnny, by the way. Johnny Storm, the-“

“Human Torch?” You interrupted, your eyes lighting up like a kid in a candy store. He ran a hand through his hair, sighing playfully.

“Yeah, that’s me. Good ol’ Human Torch, at your service.”