House Hunting
"We should find something suitable, preferably before the wedding." Not only does their taste in just about everything vary, it also does so when it comes to houses. Hank likes old, Mystique prefers modern. They've already visited several places but so far there's nothing they both like. That is: nothing they can afford. Mystique's upbringing at Charles' makes her unwilling to spend even more time between dark wooden panels and polished floors. Hank loves that style, but he didn't grow up in it. "It's all so gloomy, the wood, the stones. I like things to be light and bright." "It's called beauty, you know, heritage." "Heritage? Who's?" "Oh come on. I've got plenty of light and functional design in the lab, I don't need it at home as well…"
The next place they visit is old Victorian. A small little semi-castle. Hank absolutely adores it. Mystique makes jokes about Hansel and Gretel, who were also very fond of houses, and food, just like him. But she does like it herself, very much. The price is just within budget, although a lot needs to be done. But Magneto can help with the plumbing and various other friends have equally useful skills. Hank's strength comes in handy too.
They've just about finished the paperwork, when Mystique suddenly realizes… She tugs him at his sleeve. "Hank?" "What? I'm signing the papers." "We can't buy it." "What! We've finally decided on something at last." "It's the lay-out. All those floors and rickety staircases… We can't build in an elevator not in a tiny house like this, so whenever Charles…" "He'd have to stay in the garden…" "Yes, so we can't." "You're right." He groans. "You're right. Aargh, now we have to start again…"