Flash Fire

by TJ Klune

  “You’re allowed to want things.” Nick hesitated. “Being Pyro Storm isn’t all of you, but it’s a big part. Could you really let that go?”

  “I don’t know,” Seth muttered. He sounded frustrated. “I won’t know unless I try. That terrifies me. Because if I did try, there’ll come a moment where someone will need Pyro Storm, and I’ll have to decide whether or not to do anything about it.” He rubbed his gloved hand over his face. “I don’t know if I can choose to ignore someone who needs help. What kind of a person would that make me?”

  “Human,” Nick said. “It makes you human.”

  Seth laughed, though there was no humor in it. “But I can do things most people can’t, whether or not it was because of the train accident or…” He trailed off, looking off into nothing.

  Dangerous ground, this. Seth rarely talked about the deaths of his parents. He’d been too young to remember most of it, and he’d been one of the only survivors.

  “Or?” Nick asked, unsure if he should be doing so.

  Seth didn’t speak for a long time. Finally, he said, “I wonder, sometimes. If I got this from them. My powers. If it was genetic. My aunt and uncle said they never saw my parents do anything like I can, but maybe they kept it secret. I did for a long time.”

  “Do you remember them?” Nick whispered.

  Seth turned to look at him again, studying him—searching for what, Nick didn’t know. “Bits and pieces,” he whispered back. “Little things. Dad liked to sing. He had a good voice. Not the best, but good enough. And Mom, she—” He closed his eyes. “I remember her laughing. It was a big sound. She didn’t try and hide it or cover it up. When she laughed, it was with her whole body. There’s other stuff I can think of, but that’s what I remember most.” He sighed. “I don’t remember what they sounded like when they spoke.”

  Here, in the safety of his room, while snow fell just outside the open window, Nick said, “That’s one of the things that scares me most. That I’ll forget what she sounds like.”

  Seth looked at him. “Your mom?”

  Nick nodded. His eyes were starting to burn, but Seth would never make fun of him for crying, so he didn’t try to shove it down. “It’s only been a few years, and there are days when I think I’m okay, but then I panic because I can’t remember what she sounded like when she was happy or sad or angry.”

  “What do you do?”

  Nick sniffled as he shrugged awkwardly. “Sometimes I spiral until I can barely breathe. Other times, I feel stupid about it. I guess it depends on the day and how my brain is. In case you didn’t know, I’m a little messed-up in the head.”

  “I like your head,” Seth said seriously, and Nick grinned at him. “And you’re not messed-up. You’re just wired differently, like I’m wired differently.”

  Nick groaned. “If only ADHD could be a superpower.”

  “It is. You have the power to have a billion thoughts in the space of a few seconds. That’s pretty cool, if you ask me—even if you also say those billion thoughts out loud. But that’s okay, because you usually know what you’re saying.”

  And because Nick was a sucker for reassuring compliments, he gave in kind. “I’m going to shove my tongue down your throat in a minute. Use the time I’m giving you to prepare yourself.”

  Seth laughed loudly, covering his mouth to try to keep as quiet as possible. Nick laughed along with him. Even though this Valentine’s Day hadn’t gone according to plan, it was ending on a good note. They’d be all right, Simon Burke and Rebecca Firestone be damned. In this moment, nothing else mattered, because Seth Gray was laughing like he didn’t have a care in the world, and Nick had caused that. He’d have time to tell Seth about Burke later. He didn’t want to ruin this, not for anything in the world.

  He watched as Seth started hiccupping into his hand. Nick reached out and pulled Seth toward him and kissed him with everything he had. Seth was smiling against his mouth, and though he didn’t shove his tongue down his throat (not for lack of trying), it was still good.

  So good, in fact, that he rolled on top of Seth as they kissed, sliding his hands up Seth’s chest to his arms, grinding his hips down. Seth groaned, and Nick’s blood was rushing south. Seth seemed to be having the same problem. Seth wasn’t Boner Boy, and Nick wasn’t the rough-and-tumble oil worker, but Nick would be damned if he wasn’t going to one day get that superqueero penis.

  But maybe not today, because Seth yawned against Nick. He sat up, his butt on Seth’s hips. He wiggled a little, causing Seth to gasp and grip his thighs, but he took it no further. Not only was Dad just down the hall, but Nick could see how tired Seth was. He needed sleep.

  Nick stood above Seth, holding out his hand. “Come on. Bedtime. I’ll set my alarm early so you have time to get home before Dad wakes up.”

  “Sleepover?” Seth asked, taking his hand and allowing him to be pulled up off the floor.

  “Sleepover,” Nick agreed. “I’ll get you some sweats to sleep in. Sucks you won’t be able to brush your teeth. We don’t have a spare, and I like you, dude, but not enough to let you use mine. That’s disgusting, so don’t even ask.”

  “You’re all heart, Nicky.”

  “Damn right I am.”

  They got ready for bed, talking about nothing of any real importance, which Nick appreciated. Too much had happened in such a short time, and he still needed to process all of it. By the time Nick returned from the bathroom, Seth was already in bed, pulling back the comforter in invitation. Nick gladly accepted, curling against Seth as he pulled the comforter up and over their heads, cocooning them in darkness.

  And then it was like they were kids again, two kids who didn’t have anyone but each other, whispering in the dark about how they would always be friends, no matter what. Pushing it further would be complicated. Sex was complicated, in all its forms. But this was Seth. This was his best friend. This was the person he thought of before he fell asleep and right when he woke up. This was the guy Nick would do anything for.

  “I’ll fix this,” Nick said quietly when Seth slept. “I’ll help make things easier for you. Promise. I’ve got an idea, and it’ll all work out. You’ll see. Things will stay the same, no matter what.”

  * * *

  It was dark when he woke. He blinked blearily and heard Seth snoring. He turned his head, wondering what had awoken him. The clock on his nightstand showed it was just after four.

  “Yeah,” a voice said. “Tracker was right. He’s here. You want me to send him home?”

  Dad was standing in the open doorway, phone pressed against his ear.

  Uh-oh.

  Nick dropped his head quickly to the pillow, squeezing his eyes shut. Bob or Martha must have seen Seth wasn’t home. Dammit. Dad was going to be pissed. Maybe he’d just let them be if he thought Nick was sleeping.

  “Both zonked out. Must have tired Seth out more than we thought. All right. Yeah, talk soon.”

  The phone beeped.

  The floor creaked as Dad stepped inside the room, muttering under his breath as he stepped over the clothes strewn about. Nick wanted to tell him it wasn’t what it looked like, but decided pretending to sleep was the way to go.

  He felt Dad standing over them.

  He snored loudly to sell the ruse.

  “Yeah, okay,” Dad said, keeping his voice low. “Because that was believable.”

  Nick cracked open one eye. “Dammit.”

  “Explanation.”

  “We didn’t do anything,” Nick said, looking up at his father. “Just … we needed to talk, and he came over and brought me Skwinkles Salsagheti for Valentine’s Day, even though I didn’t get him anything and who was I to turn him away, back out into the cold? No one, that’s who.”

  “Do I need to make you dental dams?”

  “Why are you like this?” Nick hissed at him.

  Dad’s eyes glittered in the dark. “Because your aggravation gives me life, kid. Ask, okay? The Grays were worried. I trust you, Nicky, but you and
Seth still gotta think. We need to know where you are.”

  “Yeah. Sorry. We were talking and then fell asleep.”

  Dad shook his head. “It’s still early. Go back to sleep. And then you and Seth can come down to breakfast. I’ll be waiting.”

  He turned to walk out of the room but stopped after only a couple of steps. Nick followed his gaze to the photograph on the desk. Grief, Nick knew, could stay hidden for weeks and months. Just when you thought it was over, it sank its teeth back into you unexpectedly.

  Shoulders hunched, Dad left the room without another word, closing the door behind him.

  5

  Fic: A Pleasure to Burn

  Author: PyroStormIsBae

  Chapter 37 of?

  138,225 words

  Pairing: Pyro Storm/Original Male Character

  Rated: R (Rating is finally going up!)

  Tags: True Love, Pining, Gentle Pyro Storm, Happy Ending, First Kiss, More Than First Kiss, Fluffy like a Cloud, So Much Violence, Evil Shadow Star, Bakery AU, Private Investigator, Anti-Rebecca Firestone, Hands Going under Clothes,!!!, Naked Party and You’re All Invited

  Chapter 37: An Opportunity

  Author Note: Another update so soon? Why yes, yes it is. You’re so welcome! And while I know many of you were probably hoping for a continuation of the sexy times, I’m asking you to bear with me. It’s important that these characters work toward the big event by talking about things that will bring them even closer together. Talking matters, and it’s important to me that both Nash and Pyro Storm are on the same page. You, as well as our heroes, are about to be presented with an opportunity that will blow your mind! Also, this wasn’t beta read because I wanted this to be a surprise for a certain … someone who does certain … things. Sorry if there are any mistakes! Thanks!!!

  Nash gasped as Pyro Storm manhandled him up against the wall near the door to the roof, wearing only his mask and a tiny pair of underwear that was illegal in at least twenty-six states. The hero acted like Nash weighed nothing, even though his body was strong and heavy with muscle. He wanted to continue, to have Pyro Storm ravish him and fill him up with his fire of love, but something crossed his mind.

  “Wait,” he managed to say as Pyro Storm attacked his neck, biting down.

  “What?” Pyro Storm murmured against his throat, hands roaming.

  “We need to talk. But in a good way.”

  Pyro Storm took a step back, leaving Nash slumped against the wall. “Of course. We should definitely talk about what we’re going to do before we do it. Safe, sane, and consensual, that’s the best way to be.”

  “Exactly,” Nash said. “Everyone on Reddit knows that, but that’s not what I’m talking about.”

  “Oh?” Pyro Storm asked, muscles on full display. He had an eight-pack, and his thighs were like slabs of concrete. Nash had to look away to keep his thoughts in order. “Then what do you mean?”

  Nash pulled out his phone, pulling up the presentation he’d worked so hard on. “I want to offer you an opportunity—one I think would help you to become a better hero. I’m talking, of course, about branding.”

  Pyro Storm nodded sagely. “Ah, I see. Yes, that is very important. Tell me more. I’m very excited to hear about this.”

  “Good,” Nash said, “because every superhero worth his salt needs brand recognition. We need to be at the forefront of it so that no one steps in and tries to fill the void in the current market. I have a sixteen-slide PowerPoint presentation I’d like to show you, and I think by the end, you’ll agree that Pyro Storm needs to have his own online presence: Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, the works. No Facebook because we’re not elderly and don’t post racist Minion memes. That will be part one. Part two entails the launching of the official Pyro Storm merchandise line. We will commission creators in the fandom to make art in their medium and sell them, with a portion going to nonprofit so people will feel good about paying for it. And it will be so much better than the cheap knockoff crap that’s out there today.”

  “Wow,” Pyro Storm said. “You’ve thought of everything. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you. But I’ve got a question, as everyone knows a good plan has three parts. What’s part three?”

  “You’re so smart,” Nash said. “Part three will be speaking engagements and/or photo ops. We can go to conventions together and charge people to take a photo with you while you say your catchphrase.”

  “My catchphrase?” Pyro Storm asked, adorably confused. “But I don’t have a catchphrase.”

  “I know,” Nash said. “Which is why I’ve made one for you. You ready?”

  “I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life,” Pyro Storm said, sweat trickling down his bare chest. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and all your ideas are top-notch. And, I should say, you look hella good when you say them out loud.”

  “Thank you,” Nash said. “You are hotter than” ***think of something to put here that’s really sexy and don’t forget before you post this.***

  “Whoa,” Pyro Storm said. “I can’t believe you said that. What’s my catchphrase, which I’ll use without question because I know how hard you worked on it?”

  Nash felt his heart trip in his chest. He’d never expected to have a boyfriend who was an Extraordinary and who also thought all his ideas were perfect. “Okay. Here goes. Ready? Your catchphrase is … It’s time to burn.”

  “My god. Nash, did you really think of that all on your own?” Pyro Storm took an aggressive step toward him. “I’m going to put my hands on your butt and squeeze. It’s time to burn.”

  “Awesome,” Nash said. “I’m so happy that you like every one of my ideas and don’t think any of them are dumb or a waste of time. I’ll oversee your social media, and maybe the very people witnessing our love story blossom right before their eyes would like to take part in the merch store. There might even be a sign-up sheet available right now at Pyro Storm’s official website, which will be linked below.”

  “You think of everything,” Pyro Storm said. “So what if we’re in the middle of solving a string of murders that have shaken Nova City to its core, or that we were about to have sexual relations for the first time? This is just as important. Thank you for bringing this up, and I hope everyone goes to the official website you created. Now, where were we? Because I have a mighty need to put myself inside yourself.”

  Nash’s phone fell to the rooftop as Pyro Storm descended upon him. He brought his mouth close to Nash’s ear, and whispered, “What’s the name of the website where people can sign up?”

  www.OfficialPyroStorm.novacity

  Comments:

  ImSoExtra(ordinaries) 09:19 Um. What.

  PyroStormSuxx 10:14 WTF IS THIS? I HATE PYRO STORM BUT I CAME HERE FOR THE BUTT SEX. WHY DID YOU TURN THIS INTO A COMMERCIAL?

  LetPyroStormSmash 11:02 I’ve signed up, thank you for the opportunity! Question: how explicit can we make the art? Because I have this idea, but it’s going to show a lot of nudity, and possibly some tentacles. Please let me know!

  ExtraordinaryGurl 11:16 This didn’t go where I thought this was going. That’s not cool. You must really be into edging.

  ShadowStarIsBae 12:26 Okay, but this must be against the terms of service for the fic hosting site. You can’t just turn your story into an advertisement. This is supposed to be fiction, not an infomercial. Can you please just get to the sex and the solving of the serial murders? In that order?

  FireStoned 12:36 I SIGNED UP AT YOUR STUPID WEBSITE AND I’M ONLY GOING TO SEND REBECCA FIRESTONE FANART. I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU THINK BECAUSE REBECCA FIRESTONE DESERVES TO HAVE EVERYTHING GOOD IN THE WORLD. SHE IS THE BEST THING THAT’S EVER HAPPENED TO ANYONE AND THE FACT THAT YOU MAKE HER THE VILLAIN WHILE MAKING EVERYONE GAY IS UNREALISTIC.

  SoundOfJazz 13:12 Wow, Nicky! This is certainly a way to go about it. Not what I would have picked or even considered, but I admire your follow through! Gibby said some stuff too, but I’m just going to leave this posi
tive. Let me know how I can help!

  ReturnOfTheGray 14:31: This is why you didn’t want me to beta read? When did you have time to make a website? And where did you get that picture of Pyro Storm to use as the header on the website????

  * * *

  When Nick had returned to Centennial High (Home of the Fighting Wombats!) last fall, his arm in a sling after he’d dislocated it saving Rebecca Firestone from certain death, he’d been something of a hero. Everyone had seen the footage from the Action News helicopter of him standing on McManus Bridge, the lights from dozens of police cars flashing, Shadow Star defeated and unconscious on the ground, the air filled with smoke.

  But it was the kiss that had gotten everyone talking.

  Pyro Storm—weathered and beaten, but not broken—kissing one Nicholas Bell for all the world to see before he rocketed into the sky in a bright flash of fire. There’d been others on the bridge then, too, people with their cell phones out, recording shaky videos from different perspectives. Someone had put them all together in a five-minute-long, multiangle video and posted it online. The last time Nick had checked, the YouTube video alone had racked up nearly four million views.

  Nick had left the school a nobody, a queer kid who was loud and annoying and tended to give presentations on the mating habits of box turtles when he was supposed to be discussing Byronic heroes in English class.

  He’d returned a celebrity.

  Students who hadn’t given him the time of day came up to talk to him: jocks (“So cool, bro, obviously no homo”); cheerleaders (“Like, I could not even believe you liked boys, but that is so hot”); the academics (“How exactly do Pyro Storm’s powers work, and why did you not get burned when you engaged in mouth osculation?”); the stoners (“Whoaaaaaaa, dude, gnarly stuff—do you think Pyro Storm would come to my house and smoke us out?”); the theater kids (“So we don’t have to do Brigadoon for the tenth time, we’re putting on an original musical about you and Pyro Storm”); the band geeks (“We’re gonna do a concert in your honor for all that you—Nick, the trombone is not a toy for you to play with, put it down”); and the rich kids (“You poor waif, you can barely even tell your arm sling isn’t Louis Vuitton”).