Weakness

Part VII

Mystique stood, leaning absently against the wall as she watched Multiple Man approach Pyro. Sure enough the fire mutant soon went storming off in the other direction, leaving a rather disgruntled and exasperated Multiple Man behind. Mystique shook her head and pushed herself away from the wall.

"You're an idiot."

Multiple Man scowled, turning to look at the shapeshifter.

"I only asked if he wanted to give the swimming another go."

Mystique rolled her eyes.

"You have no idea…" she muttered, turning to walk away. Multiple Man sighed inwardly.

"Enlighten me then," he said reluctantly, grudging to have to ask for the shapeshifter's help but he obviously wasn't getting anywhere on his own. Mystique turned back and arched an eyebrow.

"Patience," she replied simply, much to the multiplying mutant's chagrin. The shapeshifter shook her head at Multiple Man's expression. "For crying out loud think about it – this is Pyro we're talking about. Stubborn, head strong, loyal, confident…"

"Yeah…" Multiple Man nodded, looking at Mystique expectantly.

"So you've seen one of his biggest weaknesses," came the obvious reply. Multiple Man closed his eyes briefly, shaking his head slightly, realising how stupid he had been as Mystique continued. "And here's you – older, stronger, confident, sexy smile, hot body, giving him a condescending nickname and trying to throw him back into the deep end."

For a moment Multiple Man just stood, silently contemplating Mystique's words.

"It's not condescending," he replied eventually. Mystique shrugged.

"He thinks it is."

"Well it's not meant to be!" the multiplying mutant screwed up his face defensively. Sighing heavily he leant back against the wall. "I mean I kinda like him not being scary, psycho pyromaniac all the time."

Mystique arched an eyebrow at the slight drop in the multiplying mutant's confident façade.

"So tell him that," she gave a small shrug. Multiple Man looked up at her incredulously.

"Don't be stupid."

Mystique just rolled her eyes and turned on her heel. Multiple Man stood and watched her go thoughtfully. Like hell was he going to let the sexy, fiesty little fire mutant hear him say something so soft…