driftfleet | [Video] 2nd Form

Who: Mystique and you (she supposes)
Broadcast: Yes
Action: On the Golden
When: 17 May

[You would think someone was holding Mystique at gun point with the initial look she gave the camera, looking none too happy to be making this broadcast, but a huff of a sigh and roll of her eyes later and she managed to compose herself to a more neutral expression. She of course could fake a more fitting emotion easily, she was well versed in acting a part but since this wasn’t a mission she saw no point in pretending to be something she isn’t. Others would just have to deal with that fact.]

After being in talks with other occupants of our current predicament, it seems the best way to past time here between our semi regular stops is to take up a hobby or something of the likes. And considering I came here with practically nothing, [Not that Mystique needed much, yet she certainly had been missing her weapons until she was on board the Golden and had gotten access to guns again, sating her need to be constantly armed.] And I have been told my typical actions are not the most practical choices here, [There was a pause as she seemed to struggle with saying the next words, as if the entire idea disgusted her.] I would be interested to know what others do as hobbies or to past the time. [That may be the closest to her asking for help that most here are going to get out of her.]

I am willing to swap information. I may not be practiced in more mundane activities but I do have a wide knowledge on more specialized topics if someone wants practice on how to arm and protect themselves.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Raven lifts a shoulder, watching her carefully. ] There's no reason for him to hide it, is there? You're not me and that's fine but he does care about me. He's never been particularly subtle. [ The quick defence for her brother comes easily enough - because, really, only she's allowed to say bad things about him most of the time. Complete strangers have no right to try and act as if they understand, at least in her mind, because they don't know. They weren't there.

Tilting her head up, she watches, waiting for whatever else the woman wants to say. She doesn't expect the rest of the words, though, and she swallows, pursing her lips. Of course someone that was her would know just what to say to get under her skin, undoing the layers and years of work she had put in to make herself stronger, prouder. Shaking her head, Raven steels herself. ] No, he doesn't always understand. But he tries. He tries with everything he has and that is what matters.

[ Now, at least, now that she can look back and understand. ]

[Brushing aside that little outburst of Raven's as nothing important, Mystique instead focused on the rest of her words. Yes, she was all too good at getting under others' skins, able to pick them apart and find their insecurities and use them against them. But this, Raven, struck too close to home.] Yes, it is. [And somewhere in the deepest, darkest parts of her mind, of her past, which was buried so deep under layers of anger and rage and duty flared a spark of jealously. That this girl got a family, even if only in one person, when Mystique never had that. Yet it was quickly snuffed out, ignored and locked back away once again.

Her yellow gazed locked onto Raven's own for several long moment, Mystique eventually spoke up.] I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that you or another would show up here, considering I have already seen it happening with others.

[ If only Mystique knew, Raven thinks. If this woman knew how much Charles had hurt her, over time, how he had made her feel small and worthless while at the same time worshipping her like she was some kind of prized goddess - the twist and shame of a thousand emotions all tied up in the knowledge that she was loved, but that the love he gave her came at the price of hiding... Maybe she wouldn't think Charles cared at all. It's a difficult situation and she and her brother have been working on it, not just at home in the barest moments of being together but here, too, when they're not busy with other things, but it's not the same.

It's not easy anymore. ]

I didn't ask to come here, and neither did you. Don't worry, I'm not going to steal your scary thunder. [ Raven shifts, awkward and uncomfortable. ] We're not the same person, but at least we can talk to each other and figure out who we are before things get even crazier.

[Wait, no, hold up, that needed more addressing.] 'Scary thunder'? [A moment longer staring at Raven for the comment before Mystique gave a shake of her own head and a sigh. Youth, really.]

No, we're not. One day we might be more so, whether you or others would think that is a good thing or not. I am not sure what I can offer you, or the vice versa, but considering we all are stuck in this place I can certainly try to offer aid or information you might want. [With a point of clarification to it.] Certain information.

I think you know what I mean. [ Raven wasn't here to stand up and be some kind of frightening presence; she didn't really want to be here at all, not until she realised Charles and Hank were here too. She doesn't want to be what she sees on the camera right now either - someone that has the confidence, yes, but also has some kind of aura about her that makes her feel uncomfortable, as if she has to keep proving herself, as if she has to fight for the right to hold her head up high, to be proud of who she is now and not who she might become.

Raven doesn't think she'll end up like this Mystique, but she can't predict the future. ] Information. [ She purses her lips and leans back, breathing in for a moment before she looks forward to stare at Mystique, no hesitation in her gaze. ] I suppose that depends on what you want to tell me. I know about keeping secrets.

[Mystique purposely ignored the whole 'scary thunder' explanation, not feeling a need to push that any further, her previous question having been more rhetorical than anything. Instead she made a conscious effort to counter Raven's movement, leaning in as she brought her hands up in front of her face, one rest over the top of the other as she leaned her chin against the top of them.] Ideally I wouldn't say anything, to anyone. [Just so Raven didn't think it was just about her.] However I am also aware of the need to get on for the sake of being stuck here together. So I can't promise I will answer everything, but I am, [Ugh, it took so much effort to not roll her eyes and to keep the condescending tone out of her voice as she said this.] Willing to try if you have questions.

I don't think our worlds are similar enough for it to matter. [ Raven shifts, awkward and uncomfortable, and her eyes dance over Mystique before she breathes out. A part of her doesn't want to know anything else, she doesn't want to even consider how their worlds might line up, but it's hard not to talk about it. It's hard not to ask. ] I don't know what I should ask. I don't know what will matter in my world, or in my future. Things are already different. [ She lifts a shoulder, shaking her head. ] I know about Kurt, and I know you're not interested in the Hank McCoy of your world. I know we have the same skin but not the same family. I'm not sure what there is that could be the same.

[Interested in Hank McCoy? Hm, well that might explain a few things.] You could do worse, [Even if there was a chance that Kurt might not exist in her world without Azazel being around,] You could also do better. [And that she might miss out on meeting Irene, Irene who was so very special and so very important, to Mystique and the world itself.

Inhaling deeply, Mystique let it out in a long breath before she shifted back in her seat, not commenting on Raven's movements and signs of discomfort.] In that case don't ask. It doesn't effect me either way. You being here doesn't effect me either way. I'll keep doing what I am, and same for you. If our paths cross, then so be it.

There's no one better for me than Hank. [ She's sure of that. She's certain of it and she tilts her head up and she watches, stern and - trying not to let herself be bitter. She's frustrated, mostly because this woman knows things and doesn't know at the same time, and it makes her uncomfortable. Besides, she had seen other people - she had been with Azazel. She knew Hank was the best person for her and she welcomed it. ] He's best for me.

[ Because Mystique didn't know her Hank, and that was fine.

Leaning back, she turns her gaze away with a frown. ] Then go ahead. I thought it would be a good idea to say hello, not become your new best friend for life. I don't need that and I'm sure you don't either. [ She stares, before she almost, almost rolls her eyes. ] Have a nice day.

[Well that certainly ruffled some feathers, hadn't it? It took Mystique a bit of effort not to smirk at Raven's bite back, that look on her face, it too easy to antagonize her. Instead she followed Raven's example.] And to you.

[Video] 2nd Form

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