Life can take many twists and turns. Mystique knows this very well. Most of times, the changes and new things in her life are scary and threatening but the latest one is not bothering her at all. Actually, it's a wonderful one; Hank let her cross the friendship border and even let her kiss him. Finally. The kiss is not hot and dripping with passion. It's rather soft and tender like the kiss she has always imagined since the moment she has seen his cute geeky face for the very first time. Hank is hesitating but he's not quitting the kiss. Mystique enjoys this a lot.
But there's also something she cannot deny; the fact that she feels butterflies flying in her stomach and her racing heartbeat. These are signs that she's in love but does this really mean that she is love with Hank? Again? Or did her feelings never disappear? She is unsure and has no time to think about this because Hank's rough but warm lips require her whole attention and she's willing to give it away. Hank is worth it.
They break the kiss slowly and look deeply into each other's eyes. "You're amazing.", Mystique whispers. "Really?", Hank whispers back, smiling. Mystique nods and gives him another short kiss.
Unfortunately, every moment has to pass. Both know that they are not here for having fun but for work and work requires concentration. Without words, both agree to get ready for bed. Hank disappears to the bathroom, sending her one last smile. The feeling of Hank's lips does not want to leave her. It's almost bothering her. Somehow, he managed to confuse her and make her struggling with her feelings within only almost two days. He even made her forget about her Magneto catching obsession for a short time. Maybe, he has some more new mutations that give him these abilities.
Mystique slips under her blanket fast, trying to get comfortable in the old bed. The hard matrass is poking her back but it's still better than sleeping on the streets like she did once. She turns to her left side, facing Hank's still empty bed. In the same moment, he reappears dressed in some kind of grey pyjama. It suits him in Mystique's opinion. He lies down on his bed as well and turns to face Mystique.
"Do you know what we should do tomorrow? We should get some back-up from our beloved government. Maybe we can even strike tomorrow." Mystique purposes. Back to business.
"We should. I've been thinking about how we could convince them. It will be hard but I think that if you could share some of your knowledge with them and we reveal that we are somehow connected to Erik they will believe and help us. I also think that we should rather spend tomorrow developing a clear striking plan than attacking directly. The CIA will help us for sure. Oh, we should also tell them that before we share all information about Erik they need to promise to do whatever we say and to give us the pleasure to catch him. What do you think?"
"I like these thoughts. To be honest, I wasn't that far ahead. Usually, I am not thinking so much about a thing... I just strike, you know. Maybe that's why I failed the past months. Erik is a great thinker and I am not."
"Maybe he is, but you're better than him in everything else."
"Thank you, Hank. You're awesome, too." Both smile at each other.
Mystique turns the light off and whispers, "Good night." She closes her eyes and tries to fall asleep as fast as possible even if this rosy warm feeling of the kiss is still dancing around in her mind.
_
A nightmare wakes Mystique up. She is covered in sweat as she realises that it was just a dream and she is still in the small hotel room in Paris.
Some water will help her to calm down for sure. She stands up quietly and goes to the bathroom to wash her face. Her reflection in the mirror shows a tired and exhausted woman and there's nothing to do about it. At least nothing she can think of. The trouble she was going through in the past years has left its scars on her. Maybe, it would be a good idea to take some weeks off after Erik is defeated.
Hank is still sleeping peacefully. It's a good thing to have him with her because he's distracting her a little from all the stupid circumstances she has drowned in. Seeing him there sleeping calms her somehow so she decides to watch him a little longer and let her thoughts float.
His presence kind of warms her heart. She isn't sure why. Is it because of Hank himself? She's always liked his presence. Basically, she liked everything about him before Erik has hypnotised her. But did she still like him like she used to? This question just does not want to leave her mind. Everything has overwhelmed her so fast and this is more than confusing.
She cannot deny that the kiss earlier was not good. In fact, it was almost perfect and very satisfying. It made her feel a hoard of butterflies in her stomach. So, is she in love with him again? She still cannot tell. Finding an answer must wait until this mission here in Paris is completed. It's the most important thing at the moment.
Mystique tries to lie down and to try to sleep again but Hank interrupts her "Mystique? Are you okay?"
"Yes, as always.", she whispers.
"Are you sure? You can tell me." How can she tell him that she is fumbling with her feelings for him?
"I'm ok, Hank. Let's go back to sleep now."
Hank takes a deep breath and falls asleep again. Mystique follows his example shortly after.