driftfleet | (no subject)

I promise I won't trick people into thinking you're worse than you are.

That seems fair.

... That does make me think. I wonder how long I could fool, say, Hank.

[ Charles considers this, rubbing his chin lightly. ]

It's hard to say. Hank would have the best grasp of what I am like now, other than Erik.

I am not going to try and trick Erik.

[ Ew. ]

It has been a while since I was you for more than a second. I'm rusty.

You should try it. It'll be good practice.

I do know you better than I know anyone else... At least, I used to. I've got some catching up to do.

[ Tilting her head, Raven looks him up and down. ]

Did I tell you what Mystique told me about our powers?

[ He pauses. ]

She's told me a great deal. You'll need to be more specific.

Turning into birds. Animals. Not just people or mutants.

[ Ah. He nods. ]

She showed me.

She said I could train with her, if I wanted.

[ Raven frowns, though, considering. ]

I'm not sure I like the idea.

It's up to you. I'm sure there's a lot she can teach you.

I'm more worried about turning into a bird and getting stuck that way.

[ That's . . . legitimate. ]

Have you ever gotten stuck before?

No, but there's a difference between becoming a person and becoming an animal. What if my brain ends up the same size and I get stuck because I can't remember how to get back?

I'm sure there's a method to it. Obviously, I don't know how Mystique does it but I don't think she'd risk your life on it.

[ Well. He's reasonably sure. ]

You don't think.

[ She just gives him a look. ]

[ He meets her gaze, steady. ]

I do trust her. But I also know that trust is difficult for her.

She's not the only one.

[ Raven breathes out, moving back. ]

It would be... Interesting, but. Do I really need it?

No. I don't think you need it.

[ He softens a little. ] But perhaps she needs you.

[ That makes her turn back, and she frowns, obviously confused. ]

I really don't think she needs me.

I wonder.

[ He knows, to some degree, that Mystique is jealous of Raven. And a part of her wants to protect Raven as well. ]

I benefited greatly from talking to my future self. And while Mystique is not your future, I think she wants the best. In her own way.

Your future self?

[ Raven frowns, tilting her head up to look at him properly. ]

No, she's not my future. I'm not - we're not going to be the same person. I don't think I want to be like her, because I know what I'd have to lose to do it.

[ He nods. ]

She's not your future. Not even close. But I don't think it would hurt to know her.

[ Hesitantly, she nods her head. ]

Fine. But when a strange version of you from another world turns up, you have to do the same thing.