The early sunshine tickles Mystique's face and wakes her up tenderly. Hank was right; she needed indeed a sleep because she feels better now. After some stretching, she grabs her things, shifts into her blonde form and leaves her room quietly. It is a little sad that she has to leave her old home again but it needs to be done.
She passes by on Hank's room which is just two doors from hers and decides to take her goodbye from him. The door is not locked so she can open it easily. Hank is still sleeping. Mystique likes the view but she's also a little sad to see that Hank is still hiding his mutation and remains in his human form all the time. Maybe there's a chance that he will accept himself like she did one day. She really hopes so even if she cannot deny that his human form is also pleasant. He hasn't changed during the years and still looks like the shy nerd who enchanted her by his bright blue eyes and vast intellect. She remembers how much she loved talking to him because he was the only one who was able to understand her. Her biggest desire in those days was just to come closer and steal a kiss from him. Her crush on him was really big. He was even her first love. Sometimes, she wondered about how their relationship would be today if she didn't leave with Erik. Would they be a loving couple now? Maybe even married with kids? That sounds like a fairy tale which never had the opportunity to become reality.
Hank rises and interrupts her thoughts abruptly. "Raven?" He takes his glasses from the drawer and puts them on.
"Good morning... did you sleep well, Hank?"
"Yes. You too? Would you like breakfast before you leave?"
"Oh you. Will you ever stop caring?" Mystique gives him a flirty smile which he returns. Now she remembers why she was so crazy about him as teenager. It's his honest smile.
"I will only have a coffee for breakfast, I think.", Mystique answers and Hank stands up and accompanies her to the kitchen.
Nobody is awake yet and they drink their coffees in silence, just exchanging looks.
Surprisingly, Hank breaks the silence with a question, "Raven? Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"May I come with you?" This question is truly unexpected. Did he really just ask this?
"You want to come with me? I don't think that this is a good idea. Your place is here." His face falls.
"I know.", he admits heavy heartedly, "But to be honest, I cannot remain here anymore doing nothing. These halls are filled with so much sadness and I am tired of it. I want to escape it, even if it's just for a short amount of time."
"Then why don't you go on vacation? Would be safer."
Hank takes a deep breath, "Okay, there's also another thing. I have the same wish like you. I want to wipe out Erik from this planet. It sounds harsh, I know, but it's the truth. We will never find peace if he's still out there probably working on another stupid operation which will only put a negative light on mutants again and I cannot live with this thought anymore."
Mystique is shocked. She studies his face precisely. He doesn't seem to lie; he really wants to help her to catch Erik. She is deeply impressed because the thought that Hank might want the same as like her has never crossed her mind but she's still unconvinced of Hank's plan. Hank would be a good back-up with all his skills and advanced knowledge but firstly, he's inexperienced and secondly, Mystique prefers to work alone. On the other hand, Erik is dangerous and he has saved her from him already once so he can do it for a second time, too.
"I know that I am silly. Sorry for asking." Hank stands up from his chair and puts his mug in the basin. He seems to be very sad. That means that he really wants to come with her. Maybe it's not such a bad idea to have him with her as back-up and she could also make him happier. Mystique has made a decision.
"Okay. Grab your things. We'll leave soon." Hank turns around in surprise and gives her an honest smile. He leaves the kitchen immediately.
Hank only needs a few minutes to pack his things and to leave a note for Charles. Hopefully, Charles will understand and won't hate Hank afterwards.
They leave the mansion in complete silence and take Mystique's car to the closest airport. Luckily, they are even able to catch an early and cheap flight to Paris.
Magneto should get ready.