Preparing for the new recruits

[no_more_hiding]

Hank has been busy and so hasn't really been around for Raven. He's tried to be available for you but with his normal activities plus getting things ready for the new mutants Charles and Erik have left to bring in, he hasn't had much time. Which is why when he comes across her as he passes the gym, he feels both relieved and guilty.

He also had some time to spare and so stopped to see if she was in need of some company.

"Hey, Raven," he said, by way of greeting, and looked through the windows to the gym to see she was watching agents practicing their hand-to-hand fighting skills. He was wearing his usual slacks and lab coat while carrying a stack of paperback books.

Comments

[andproud]

She starts, unaware that she'd been getting as good as she was giving with the whole watching thing.

She'd been on her way to try and find a quieter place in the gym to work out, but then - she'd gotten distracted. Had stopped to watch the agents practice and thought, if only for a split second, that it would be nice to find someone to spar with.

"Hank." She swivels, ponytail swaying behind her head with the movement, and smiles in greeting. "I haven't seen you in a while."

[no_more_hiding]

"I'm sorry, I've been busy." He says, worried she might be upset with him. He fumbles with the books a bit before continuing. "I hope you've been okay?"

[andproud]

She isn't upset - not necessarily. But the fumbling of books certainly earns him a curious glance.

"Could be worse," she answers, shrugging. "Just passing through?"

[no_more_hiding]

"Initially," he replies with a nod and a tentative smile. "But I'd like to stay if you don't mind company."

[andproud]

"Only if you don't mind watching me lift," she counters, flashing a brief grin.

"Kidding. I was - thinking I might come back later anyway."

[no_more_hiding]

"I could maybe spot you if you want?" He offers shyly.

That is a thing people who lift weights need right?, Hank thinks to himself.

"Why would you need to come back? As far as I understand it, you have access to any non-sensitive areas and the gym is certainly on that list."

[andproud]

"I - " She falters. How else can she explain it?

"Sometimes, it's difficult for me to concentrate on - maintaining this." She gestures at her face. "If I slip up - it's better when no one else is around."

[no_more_hiding]

"Oh," Hank says, his eyes going large. "I'm so sorry, I didn't even consider. Of course we can come back later."

"I think you could borrow some of the equipment to take to your room too, if you'd like. Or I could set some of it up in my lab to give you a place to workout and have someone nearby in case you get in trouble."