At Last
read part 2 here!
Pairing: Johnny Storm x F!Soulmate!Reader
Word Count: 3.8k (oopsies)
Warnings: ooey gooey sweet fluffy fluff. cursing, kissing. no fantastic four spoilers, don't worry!
Summary: On Earth-828, once you turn 16, soulmates are allowed to send each other a single gift every year on New Years Day. You're in your late 20s now and still have yet to find your match, and there's no way it's Johnny Storm.
A/N: hello yes hi it is me, coming back after a dry spell of 3 years lmao. pls be kind I am rusty!!!! feedback gives me life :)
“For the millionth time, Johnny Storm is not my soulmate.”
You rolled your eyes, tossing another handful of popcorn into your mouth as you watched the Fantastic Four member himself on your television screen. Tonight was New Years Eve, and the superhero group was invited to help host the annual New York City Ball Drop. There were 6 minutes left until midnight, and you were getting antsy.
Because New Years Eve didn’t just mean a brand new year. It meant another gift. From your soulmate.
Every year since you turned 16 years old, you received a gift handpicked from your soulmate at midnight on New Years Day, like everyone else. Unfortunately, no gift was allowed to include something helpful like your name or address (you’d tried multiple times, but the gifts always ended up vanishing into thin air as soon as you attempted to drop it off at the post office), so gifts were supposed to be strategically picked. Something to give insight into who you are, and how you valued your future relationship.
When the two of you were still teenagers, the gifts were lacking a bit in sentimentality. You simply weren’t sure what to send a stranger that you were supposed to spend the rest of your life with, and it seemed he hadn't been sure either. They’d consisted of vacation souvenirs, a photograph of your pet, random knick-knacks.
But as you both got older, the gifts became a bit more special. Two years ago he sent you a vinyl of Frank Sinatra’s “The Best Is Yet To Come,” and you played it on repeat for months. The following year, you sent him a vinyl of Etta James’ “At Last,” a sort of thank-you for the vinyl he’d sent you. It was the song you always imagined would be playing the day of your wedding day. This year, you sent him a leather bracelet you made, and you couldn’t wait to see what he got you this year.
Because last year’s gift from your soulmate was a bit…odd.
It was a collectible action figure of Johnny Storm.
And your best friend Violet had not shut up about it for the entirety of the last year.
“Totally, that’s why your soulmate gave you an expensive collectible of his action figure,” she retorted.
You sighed, picking at the pieces of popcorn in your hand. How many times have you had this conversation? “Maybe he just works for the Fantastic Four. Or he’s a fan.”
“Whatever you say,” she singsonged. “It really wouldn’t be that weird, though. Your firm works closely with them anyways.”
She had a point, but it was still outlandish. You were a communications assistant at a PR firm that worked directly with the superhero group, but you were pretty low on the food chain, and you’d never had contact with any of them.
“Yes, I work at a PR firm with hundreds of employees, most of which would be chosen over me to speak with the world’s most famous superheroes.”
“You never know, all employees could call out sick one day and you’ll be the only one left. Then you’ll have to talk with them!”
You shook your head, a chuckle escaping you at the sheer ridiculousness of the conversation. “It’s easy for you to joke about because you don’t have to deal with any of this. You already have your person.”
Violet was one of the lucky ones who found her soulmate when she was really young, 18 to be exact. Once she met him, she got to exchange her gifts in person. Given that you were halfway through your 20s and not any closer to finding yours, you were just a tad jealous. You couldn’t be too upset, though, because her soulmate Mike always let her spend New Years Eve with you. It had become your yearly tradition, and he never came between that.
“I’m just trying to be optimistic!” Violet threw her hands in the air, shrugging her shoulders.
“By trying to convince me that my soulmate is an unattainable, insanely attractive superhero that dates a different girl every week?”
Violet opened her mouth to respond, but the newscaster’s voice on the television interrupted your conversation.
“So, Johnny, any hopes for the new year? Maybe to finally find that special soulmate?”
Violet gave you a look, but you ignored it, your eyes now glued to the screen. Johnny and his fellow superhumans were all bundled up a mere half hour away in snowy downtown New York City, the big Apple that was set to drop in 3 minutes gleaming high above them in the background.
Johnny gave the man an easy grin. “That would certainly be nice, Chris. I’ve been dreaming of her since I was a teenager!”
Violet nudged your shoulder with a knowing grin, which you returned with another eye roll.
“But, then again, you’d have thousands of hearts to break!” The news camera panned over to the crowd of screaming women standing behind a gate nearby, several of whom were holding up “I <3 Johnny” posters.
You shook your head. There’s no way he could be yours. As if you could compete with that.
The camera cut back to Johnny, who gave the girls a wink and chuckled as they went wild. “Well, Chris, that’s just the way it’ll have to be. Once I meet my soulmate, she’ll be it for me.”
“And she will certainly have her hands full,” Sue cut in, leaning towards the microphone. Johnny playfully shoved her away, a smirk still on his face as Reed watched and shook his head. You smiled watching the interaction; they seemed like such a fun group.
“Do you have any hints as to who this lucky lady might be?” The newscaster, Chris, asked. “Tell us what you got her for her gift this year.”
Johnny looked surprisingly unsure at the question, his hand coming up to scratch the back of his neck. “Ah, I’d rather keep the gifts between her and me. Y’know, privacy and all that. Plus, I think that might be considered cheating at finding my soulmate, right?”
Before Chris could say anything, Ben interrupted from beside Sue. “Well look at that, Johnny following the rules for once!”
Bickering broke out between the Fantastic Four, and the newscaster went back to the camera. “Well, there you have it, folks! Johnny Storm is a softy for his sweetheart, whoever she may be. Let’s hope the new year brings them both together. And now, it is time for the one minute countdown! Let’s bring on the new year!”
Your heart started pounding the way it always did at the one-minute mark. Violet grabbed your hand as you both watched the Apple slowly make its way down.
10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…
“Happy new year!”
You and Violet exchanged a hug before tossing popcorn towards the ceiling, laughter filling the air as she danced wildly around your living room.
“Now go look! I can’t stand the suspense any longer!”
You grinned, suddenly ignoring the superheroes celebrating on your television screen, and ran to your front door.
And there it was, sitting perfectly on your doorstep.
A perfectly wrapped, light blue box with a white bow on the top.
You wasted no time in swiping it up and running back inside to your living room, haphazardly slamming the door behind you.
“What is it what is it what is it,” Violet chanted, her eyes glued to the gift.
You quickly untied the bow and opened up the box, an audible gasp leaving your lips at what was inside.
A little black box.
“Oh my god, is it a ring?”
You swallowed, your heart pounding. “Don’t be silly, how would he even know my ring size?”
She shrugged. “I dunno, he probably guessed. You can always get it resized once you meet if it doesn’t fit. Now open it before I do!”
You opened the box and immediately let out the breath you were holding.
It was a small, silver band with the most stunning stone you’d ever seen. In fact, you’d never seen anything like it.
Sitting in the middle of the shiny silver band was a round, black, shining stone with flecks of red inside it that seemed to glow when you held it up in the light. It almost looked a little like tiny specks of lava.
“Holy crap,” you muttered, unable to keep your eyes off of it.
“Holy crap is right,” Violet agreed. “That thing is gorgeous. What kind of stone even is that?”
“I have no idea.” You wasted no time in trying it on, and positively beamed when you found it fit on both ring fingers before you settled on putting it on your right. You weren’t sure if it was supposed to be an engagement ring or more of a promise ring, and it felt odd to act as if you were engaged to someone you didn’t actually know, even if it’s your soulmate. One day I’ll be able to put it on my left hand, you thought.
Violet gathered up her things, preparing to head out for the night. “It’s beautiful,” she remarked, smiling at you. “And it’ll be even more beautiful when Johnny Storm puts it on your left hand.”
You threw a pillow at her as she headed out the door.
“Happy New Year!”
***4 months later***
“I look ridiculous. Do I look ridiculous?” You paced around your living room, wringing your hands nervously.
Tonight, you were going to a gala. But not just any gala. A gala at the Baxter Building.
The Fantastic Four was hosting a massive charity event/gala, and invited everyone who worked closely with them or for them. Which included your PR firm.
Technically, not everyone in your firm was allowed to go, as your company had too many employees. But you practically begged your boss to go, and she finally relented and bought you a ticket (only because it was coming out of your paycheck).
You knew it was stupid. Outlandish. Laughable. Impossible. But you had to admit that the possibility of your soulmate being involved with the Fantastic Four was something you hadn’t stopped thinking about since New Years Eve. You knew there was no way it could be Johnny Storm, but it wouldn’t be too insane of an idea to think your soulmate could work closely with the group in some other way. And you didn’t want to waste this opportunity.
“You look incredible, don’t be silly.” Violet grabbed your black heels that matched your sleek, black, form-fitting dress and handed them to you. “But there’s one little thing missing.” You furrowed your brow, looking down at yourself as you put your heels on. Violet gave you a knowing look before walking over with the little black box you’d been given 4 months ago. “Your soulmate won’t be able to pick you out without this, yeah?”
You took a deep breath, steeling yourself as you slipped the ring onto your right ring finger. “I can’t believe I almost forgot.”
“Yeah, if I didn’t know any better I would’ve thought you were nervous or something.”
You laughed, rolling your eyes. “Alright, I better get going before ‘fashionably late’ turns into ‘embarrassingly late.’”
Violet squealed, heading out the door with you. “It’s going to be amazing. No matter what happens! Even if you don’t meet him tonight, at least you’ll get to see the Four up close.”
You nodded, giving your best friend a salute before getting in your car.
You can do this, you told yourself.
***
“Oh, I so cannot do this,” you whispered to yourself.
The lobby of the Baxter Building was completely full of people, none of whom had a familiar face. Everyone was dressed to the nines and looked incredible, and everyone seemed to know each other…except for you. Unfortunately, you didn’t even know where to go.
Suddenly, a beeping sound rang out from beside you. You looked down, and a little robot was staring up at you. You looked around to see if anyone else was seeing this, but no one paid you or the robot any mind.
“Um, hello?”
The little robot made another beeping sound before rushing away, and you had a feeling he wanted you to follow him.
You followed him over to the elevator, where he pressed the button for you before rushing away once more. “Fascinating,” you whispered, shaking your head in disbelief.
Before you knew it, the elevator doors opened and revealed the main event. You walked forward a few steps to the balcony overlooking the gala being held right below. It was an incredibly large, lavish home, with even more people roaming about than in the lobby. Jazzy piano music combined with the sound of hundreds of people conversing played all around you. Everyone looked at ease with a drink in their hand. It was dizzying. You began gnawing at your bottom lip as you made your way to the stairs, a habit you only picked up when you were really, truly anxious. Bracing yourself, you picked up your gown in your hands to avoid tripping in your heels, and slowly made your way down the stairs in an effort to find a single person you were familiar with.
***
“You’re lying, Ben.”
“I’m not lying, you’re just mad you can’t hold your liquor like I can.”
Johnny Storm was in the corner of the gala with a drink in his hand, bickering with Ben over how many alcoholic drinks he could down before actually getting wasted.
“No human being on planet Earth can down that many shots and not feel anything.” He stared at Ben incredulously.
Ben deadpanned. “We’re not exactly regular human beings, Johnny.”
“Yeah, well no, but even I can’t down ten shots and not feel like I’m about to—“
Johnny looked up as he was talking, and suddenly forgot how to speak.
Because walking down the stairs, wearing his ring, was you.
“Face it, Johnny. You’re a lightweight.” Ben chuckled and took a sip of his drink, not even noticing that Johnny had stopped speaking.
“Ben.” Johnny stared at you, mesmerized as you seemed to almost float down the stairs.
“Do you really want to play this game? Because I can get the bartender right now and she’ll settle this.”
“Ben.” He still couldn’t take his eyes off of you. You were stunning, more beautiful than he could've imagined.
“Alright, fine, I’ll get the bartender—“
“BEN!”
Ben startled, finally looking at his friend and furrowing his brows. “Jesus, what?”
“My soulmate is over there.” Johnny looked more serious and panicked than Ben had ever seen him, but Ben couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking his head.
“Yeah, sure, Johnny. Go talk to your ‘soulmate’ so you get out of losing a drinking contest.”
Johnny rubbed a hand down his face in frustration before leaning in closer, lowering his voice. “Ben, I’m serious. She’s wearing the ring.”
Ben blinked. Oh. “Really?”
Johnny nodded furiously, eyes looking all over the room, looking panicked. “Yeah. Yeah. Oh my god, it’s her. Holy shit. Holy—“
“Johnny.”
Ben placed his giant hands on Johnny’s shoulders, steadying him. “Look at me. You’ve wooed how many women over the years? And this woman in particular was literally made for you. You’ve waited your whole life for her. Go to her.”
Johnny swallowed harshly, nodding and sniffling briefly. “Yeah. Yeah, I got this. I’m Johnny Storm. I can go talk to my soulmate. Totally. Absolutely.”
Ben bit back a laugh, taking Johnny’s drink from him. “Yep. You are Johnny Storm. Now go get her.”
***
You gave up on finding anyone you knew from your PR firm. It was too loud, the lights too dim, the place too crowded to even think straight. So, you did the only thing left to do: head for the bar.
Bottom lip still trapped between your teeth, you made your way over to the bar when a voice called out from directly behind you.
“Uh, hi.”
You turned around at the oddly familiar voice, and there was Johnny Storm, staring at you with wide, nervous eyes and a small, apprehensive smile.
Holy shit. Holy shit. Say something, you idiot! “Hi,” you breathed out, your brain suddenly turning back on long enough for you to return his small smile. Why was he talking to you? What was happening, why was he—
“Uh, I think…I have something of yours,” he said. Before you could ask him what he meant, he rolled up the sleeve of his black button down shirt and revealed the leather bracelet you had made, wrapped around his wrist.
Suddenly the room seemed all too quiet. You swore you stopped breathing. “Oh my god.”
Johnny laughed breathlessly, his smile growing wider. “I know.”
You couldn’t even think straight. This was real, this was happening, and Violet is never going to let you live this down. “That’s…the bracelet I made for my…”
“Soulmate,” he finished for you, his smile turning into something a little smaller, more boyish and shy. “Yeah. And that,” he pointed to the gem on your finger, “is the ring I had made for my soulmate.”
You looked down at the shining gemstone before looking back at him. Your heart was pounding in your throat. “You had it made? Where did you find this stone? I’ve never seen anything like it, it’s so beautiful.”
Johnny beamed. “I found it on a different planet, uh, some planet called Sakaar. I’d never seen anything like it either, so I had it melted down into a gemstone…for you.”
You were now smiling so wide your cheeks were starting to hurt. Your head shook in disbelief, because of course it wasn’t even from this world. “It’s incredible. And…god, I can’t believe it’s really you.”
Johnny’s grin grew until he couldn’t take it anymore, and suddenly you were in his arms. His cologne and strong arms filled your senses, and you felt like you were about to explode as your arms wrapped around his neck.
“Jesus, I’ve waited so long for you,” he murmured in your ear, one hand cradling the back of your head and the other wrapped around your waist. He pulled back, eyes flitting between yours. “Will you come with me?”
You would follow him anywhere, you decided then. “Yeah.”
Johnny smiled and grabbed your hand. “C’mon.”
You were dizzy with adrenaline as you and Johnny weaved through the crowd until you reached a door, and suddenly you were being pulled into his bedroom. He shut the door behind the two of you, and you gasped as you took it all in.
Because, decorating his shelves, was all of the presents you had sent him over the years.
“Oh my god, the Turks and Caicos turtle!” You laughed loudly as you wandered up to the turtle bobble head you had sent him from vacation when you were 17. “I cannot believe you kept this.”
Johnny was simply beaming as he took all of you in, watching you stare in wonder at all of the mementos. He could not believe you were really here, in front of him, in his bedroom. “Of course I kept it. I kept everything.”
You turned and looked at him. “So did I.”
He quirked a brow, smirking. “Even the Johnny Storm action figure?”
You busted out laughing. “Well it is a collectible, of course.”
“Sue made fun of me relentlessly for that one. Ben did, too,” he shook his head, chuckling. “I wasn’t sure if I should send it or not. Didn’t know if it was too on the nose or self-centered, y’know? But I wanted to give you as much of a hint as I was allowed.”
“My best friend was absolutely ecstatic. She knew it was you from the second she saw it, but I kept trying to convince myself that you were just a fan or something.”
Johnny swallowed nervously then, looking a little unsure. “Is it—is it okay that I’m…y’know, me?”
You furrowed your brow. What woman would not be okay with this? “Of course. It’s more than okay, why wouldn’t it be?”
Johnny walked over and sat down on his sofa, his hand nervously rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, the whole superhero thing could be a deal breaker for some. And I know I have a…reputation.”
You followed him, sitting down next to him. “Hmm, well I distinctly remember Johnny Storm saying that once he met his soulmate, she’d be it for him.”
Johnny turned to you then, eyebrows lifted in surprise. “You watched my New Years Eve broadcast?”
You nodded, giving him an assuring smile.
He dramatically flopped backwards onto his sofa, making you laugh. “God, you really are my soulmate.”
Before you knew it, two hours had gone by. Two hours of sharing life stories, childhood memories. The two of you were laying on the floor, side by side, laughing about some of the gifts you’d exchanged over the years.
“What’s your favorite gift though? In all seriousness,” you asked, turning your head to the side to look at him. He was beautiful, and you could barely believe he was really yours.
“Hm.” Johnny looked up at the ceiling, eyes squinting in thought. “I love the bracelet you made me this year; I never take it off. Buuuut I think my favorite is the vinyl you gave me a couple years ago.”
You smiled, sitting up on your elbow to prop your head up. “Yeah?”
Johnny sat up to mirror your position. “Yeah. I played it nonstop the first few months after I got it. Ben threatened to break my record player.” You both laughed before Johnny suddenly looked serious and stood up. You sat up, furrowing your brow.
“What is it?”
Johnny bowed dramatically, holding his hand out for you to take. “My lady, may I have this dance?”
You giggled, taking his hand and allowing him to help you up. “Why yes, I think you may.”
Johnny grinned, muttering a “one sec,” before putting the Etta James record on. The very one you had given him several years ago. The sweet, slow melody filled your ears, and Johnny placed his hand in yours, his other wrapping around your waist. He pulled you close, and the two of you began to slowly sway.
At last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
Your chest swelled with emotion as he pulled you even closer. His lips brushed your temple as you swayed in time, neither of you speaking, just taking in what you both had waited your entire lives for.
I found a thrill to press my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known
Johnny pulled away then, his eyes never leaving yours as he took your right hand in his. Slowly, he pulled the ring off your right ring finger and gently placed it on your left. Your heart was pounding wildly in your chest, your eyes unable to look away from him. He swallowed nervously, a question swimming in his blue eyes, a “Can I?”
You leaned in, nudged his nose with yours in a silent, “Please.”
His lips gently met yours, and the entire outside world melted away. Your heart sang as his thumb brushed your cheek and he kissed you harder, a quiet, needy whimper escaping his throat. Your hands slid down to wrap around his lower back, bringing him even closer. It was everything you’d ever dreamed of, and it really was with Johnny Storm.
And here we are, in heaven
For you are mine…at last
