Serena
2/15/2008
Leaving work at a reasonable hour is an unusual treat for Serena, and she is happy to take full advantage of it. Gone are the carefully pressed suit and heels of a few minutes ago. Now, she is in jeans and a hooded sweatshirt proclaiming RPI as she lounges the length of her sofa with a paperback in had. Within easy reach on the coffee table is half of a beer, still sweating droplets from cold. A scene of peace and relaxation.
The healer is not home overlong before there comes a rapping at her door. Knuckles beat in sharp staccato against the doorframe before the tall blonde woman who stands outside steps back slightly, hands dropped to her side as she waits. Oh-so-patient.
Serena grumbles something inaudible but definitely involving significant profanity. She considers not bothering to get up for a long moment, but eventually notes her page number and throws her feet over the edge of the couch and to the floor. Brining her paperback along, tucked under one arm, she pads over to the door on bare feet. First setting the chain, then opening the door on that chain she peers with a puzzled frown through that small gap. "Hello? Can I help you?"
On the other side of the door, the woman smiles. It's a disarming expression, charming and friendly to match her warm tones as she greets, "Ms. Hall. I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time?"
"I'm afraid I don't fill out surveys, donate to charity or buy anything. Does that answer your question?" Serena does not yet move to do anything about the chain, simply regarding her visitor with a polite disinterest.
"Excellent to hear, as I'm not requesting that you do any of those things." There is a brief flicker of amusement in the woman's eyes, some private joke, and then she brings one hand up in a flat-palmed gesture to add, "I simply wish to speak with you. I'd prefer to wait to say more until we are not conversing in quite so public an area."
"Ah." The door abruptly closes. A moment or so later it opens again, swinging wide as Serena invites the other woman in. As she does so, she takes the opportunity to study her more closely and with an interest finally kindled.
There is, perhaps, a touch of surprise at Serena's willingness, but she is hardly one to argue. The woman steps inward, waiting in silence the few moments it takes for her companion to close the door again. She spends the time studying the apartment she's entered with a quickly observant glance that skims the space and then returns to Serena.
The apartment is not large, but there is abundant light and the obvious hand of a professional in the decor. Everything is clean lines, smooth wood and understated colors except for a few large modern art pieces dominating one wall. After the door clicks closed, Serena steps back to stand by her visitor, but does not walk any further into the room, or invite the other woman to do so. "So. What do you wish to discuss?"
Mystique takes a moment to study Serena, a slow glance up and down that takes her in entirely. "You look well," she observes quietly, and then tips her head and introduces, "I am Mystique. I have no particular need to discuss, unless you'd like. I've simply come to make known an offer of assistance."
"Assistance," Serena echoes skeptically. Catching that assessing look she straightens, holding herself more tensely and lifting her chin ever so slightly. Lifting a pale blond eyebrow she wonders drily, "What manner of assistance would that be, and may I ask why on earth you would offer it to me?"
"It is an open offer." Mystique lifts both hands, palms up, and then drops them as she considers Serena. "For you, I expect medical care will not be an issue. But there may be other things you need. I simply wanted you to know that if you do, you have options."
"I have to say, I find an offer of assistance from a stranger, for an unspecified reason somewhat more frightening than helpful." Not that Serena looks frightened at all, more taken aback and slightly amused. "You do seem to know my name, so this can't be entirely random."
"Ah - my apologies. You don't know who I am," Mystique answers with a faint smile, head dipping. With the movement, she shifts, blonde hair flowing abruptly short and brilliant red as clothes ripple and resettle into blue scales. It's an image that Serena may - or may not - have seen on television.
A tensing of her hands and shoulders and a soft, "Oh," are the only part of Serena's reaction that she doesn't manage to suppress. After a moment, just long enough for her to pull her thoughts back together, she says, "Your name sounds much more familiar now. Usually associated with another more famous mutant name. Though maybe infamous is a better word," Her words are a bit flatter now, reflecting the control she's holding over her tone.
Mystique doesn't remain that way long. A few seconds at most, and then she's trim and tall and blonde again. Her smile is quietly resigned, and she dips her head in a nod. "For some," she admits. She produces a small card, plain white save for a simple ten-digit number, which she extends toward Serena. "Still. You may find that there are problems only those who understand may assist with. My contact information, should you need it."
The change in Mystique's appearance brings no relaxation in Serena's tense posture. After the briefest of hesitations, she accepts the card, examining it carefully front and back before tucking it away in a back pocket. "Thank you. I do have to ask what the strings are, of course."
There is another flicker of amusement, and Mystique dips her head, shaking it briefly. "No strings. As difficult as you may find it to believe, I simply wish to help. I will not contact you again unless you contact me first." There is a pause, and blue eyes fix on Serena as she notes, "It is a secure line."
"Good to know." Serena returns the look without hesitation, a slow smile beginning to tug at her mouth. "But, I do find it very difficult to believe. I don't know how much you know about me..." She lets just enough of a pause hang to suggest a question before continuing, "But it must be a certain amount, and there definitely are a lot of people out there who'd like a favor from me."
There is a brief sound, almost a laugh, and Mystique dips her head. "I see what you mean," she allows. "Well. I won't say that, should I ever need your services in serious way, I would not consider requesting that you provide them. But I do not take such requests lightly, and--" There is a pause as Mystique hesitates, gaze fixing tight on Serena before she finishes, "I am aware that not everyone holds the beliefs I do. For now, in this moment, as well as I am able, I assure there are no strings."
"I see." Something in that was exactly what Serena needed to hear, because she nods and takes a few steps away to set down her book on the foyer table, comfortable enough to leave her back to Mystique a moment. "Well. Thank you for the offer. Whatever exactly inspired it to begin with." She hesitates a second, the gestures generally out toward the beer bottle in her living room. "I was just having a drink. Would you like something?"
"It is an offer I am making to all of you," Mystique explains, gaze passing to the beer bottle and then back to Serena. "Those of you without connections to Xavier's, that is. Those of you who may not have anyone else to turn to in certain matters."
"I'm sorry, all of us who?" Serena crosses her arms and leans her weight onto her back foot, regarding Mystique levelly. She makes no more mention of her offer, and lets the thought slide entirely.
Mystique's gaze remains steady. "All of you who came out of that place."
"Oh. I see." It is the first topic that has made Serena feel the need to drop her eyes and look away. The arms across her chest fold a little tighter.
Mystique stands silent for a moment, watching Serena with eyes shifted abruptly from blue to yellow.
Keeping her eyes fixed on the view out her living room window for the most part, Serena glances over briefly to wonder almost idly, "I don't suppose you'd be willing to share your opinion of, ah, Xavier's."
Mystique lifts her brows slightly and a ghost of a smile crosses her lips. "Regarding what?" she wonders.
"Anything," Serena returns immediately. She recalls her gaze and her thoughts to the other woman only after replying.
"They are well-intentioned," Mystique answers without hesitation. "But populated largely by fools. They are crippled by their unwillingness to act, save for when they aren't - but there's no particular way to know which they will choose at any moment. There is a great deal of hypocracy involved."
"Interesting," Serena nods, not really agreeing, but acknowledging Mystique's opinion. "Would it be worth much, do you think, to be owed a large-ish favor by them?"
"I rather suppose that depends on the favor, and their mood at the time," Mystique answers, eyes narrowing on Serena. "I take it they owe you one? Or are you considering doing one for them?"
"I-" Serena hesitates, chewing over her wording thoroughly before spitting it out. She starts again, "I'm halfway through doing one. And wondering if it's worth it to finish. I probably will." A shrug shows that wether or not is not the hugest of choices, though it is not as nonchalant a shrug as it might be.
"Are you doing it for the favor?"
"I'm not entirely sure. Probably." Another sketchy shrug accompanies the qualifier.
"Mmm." Silence follows for a moment, and then Mystique turns, lifting a shoulder in a sharp movement. "I will say that it is likely better to be in their good graces than not. So if it does not cost you too dear - I suspect it will be worth it."
"Yes? Well. Perhaps not a waste of energy after all." Serena offers the briefest of smiles as thanks, then steps back just a pace. She waits, patently letting Mystique either direct the conversation or make her goodbyes.
"I hope not," Mystique allows. She watches Serena for a moment, equally patient, and then wonders, "Is there anything else you would like to know while I am here?"
Serena considers for a long moment, apparently giving the question real thought. But, when she answers, it is simply to say, "That's the only thing that comes to mind, thank you."
"Of course. Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything." There is a brief pause, and Mystique's eyes flash back to blue as she moves for the door and hesitates with her hand on the knob. "I have not been exactly where you were," she says quietly. "But I have been close. Good luck, Ms. Hall."
"I won't. Thank you, Mystique." Serena is a little hesitant with the unfamiliar name, but otherwise her reply is level enough. She follows a few steps behind, ready to reclose the door as soon as the other woman steps out.
With no further comment, the blonde woman is gone.
Mystique continues to be helpful.
Leaving work at a reasonable hour is an unusual treat for Serena, and she is happy to take full advantage of it. Gone are the carefully pressed suit and heels of a few minutes ago. Now, she is in jeans and a hooded sweatshirt proclaiming RPI as she lounges the length of her sofa with a paperback in had. Within easy reach on the coffee table is half of a beer, still sweating droplets from cold. A scene of peace and relaxation.
The healer is not home overlong before there comes a rapping at her door. Knuckles beat in sharp staccato against the doorframe before the tall blonde woman who stands outside steps back slightly, hands dropped to her side as she waits. Oh-so-patient.
Serena grumbles something inaudible but definitely involving significant profanity. She considers not bothering to get up for a long moment, but eventually notes her page number and throws her feet over the edge of the couch and to the floor. Brining her paperback along, tucked under one arm, she pads over to the door on bare feet. First setting the chain, then opening the door on that chain she peers with a puzzled frown through that small gap. "Hello? Can I help you?"
On the other side of the door, the woman smiles. It's a disarming expression, charming and friendly to match her warm tones as she greets, "Ms. Hall. I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time?"
"I'm afraid I don't fill out surveys, donate to charity or buy anything. Does that answer your question?" Serena does not yet move to do anything about the chain, simply regarding her visitor with a polite disinterest.
"Excellent to hear, as I'm not requesting that you do any of those things." There is a brief flicker of amusement in the woman's eyes, some private joke, and then she brings one hand up in a flat-palmed gesture to add, "I simply wish to speak with you. I'd prefer to wait to say more until we are not conversing in quite so public an area."
"Ah." The door abruptly closes. A moment or so later it opens again, swinging wide as Serena invites the other woman in. As she does so, she takes the opportunity to study her more closely and with an interest finally kindled.
There is, perhaps, a touch of surprise at Serena's willingness, but she is hardly one to argue. The woman steps inward, waiting in silence the few moments it takes for her companion to close the door again. She spends the time studying the apartment she's entered with a quickly observant glance that skims the space and then returns to Serena.
The apartment is not large, but there is abundant light and the obvious hand of a professional in the decor. Everything is clean lines, smooth wood and understated colors except for a few large modern art pieces dominating one wall. After the door clicks closed, Serena steps back to stand by her visitor, but does not walk any further into the room, or invite the other woman to do so. "So. What do you wish to discuss?"
Mystique takes a moment to study Serena, a slow glance up and down that takes her in entirely. "You look well," she observes quietly, and then tips her head and introduces, "I am Mystique. I have no particular need to discuss, unless you'd like. I've simply come to make known an offer of assistance."
"Assistance," Serena echoes skeptically. Catching that assessing look she straightens, holding herself more tensely and lifting her chin ever so slightly. Lifting a pale blond eyebrow she wonders drily, "What manner of assistance would that be, and may I ask why on earth you would offer it to me?"
"It is an open offer." Mystique lifts both hands, palms up, and then drops them as she considers Serena. "For you, I expect medical care will not be an issue. But there may be other things you need. I simply wanted you to know that if you do, you have options."
"I have to say, I find an offer of assistance from a stranger, for an unspecified reason somewhat more frightening than helpful." Not that Serena looks frightened at all, more taken aback and slightly amused. "You do seem to know my name, so this can't be entirely random."
"Ah - my apologies. You don't know who I am," Mystique answers with a faint smile, head dipping. With the movement, she shifts, blonde hair flowing abruptly short and brilliant red as clothes ripple and resettle into blue scales. It's an image that Serena may - or may not - have seen on television.
A tensing of her hands and shoulders and a soft, "Oh," are the only part of Serena's reaction that she doesn't manage to suppress. After a moment, just long enough for her to pull her thoughts back together, she says, "Your name sounds much more familiar now. Usually associated with another more famous mutant name. Though maybe infamous is a better word," Her words are a bit flatter now, reflecting the control she's holding over her tone.
Mystique doesn't remain that way long. A few seconds at most, and then she's trim and tall and blonde again. Her smile is quietly resigned, and she dips her head in a nod. "For some," she admits. She produces a small card, plain white save for a simple ten-digit number, which she extends toward Serena. "Still. You may find that there are problems only those who understand may assist with. My contact information, should you need it."
The change in Mystique's appearance brings no relaxation in Serena's tense posture. After the briefest of hesitations, she accepts the card, examining it carefully front and back before tucking it away in a back pocket. "Thank you. I do have to ask what the strings are, of course."
There is another flicker of amusement, and Mystique dips her head, shaking it briefly. "No strings. As difficult as you may find it to believe, I simply wish to help. I will not contact you again unless you contact me first." There is a pause, and blue eyes fix on Serena as she notes, "It is a secure line."
"Good to know." Serena returns the look without hesitation, a slow smile beginning to tug at her mouth. "But, I do find it very difficult to believe. I don't know how much you know about me..." She lets just enough of a pause hang to suggest a question before continuing, "But it must be a certain amount, and there definitely are a lot of people out there who'd like a favor from me."
There is a brief sound, almost a laugh, and Mystique dips her head. "I see what you mean," she allows. "Well. I won't say that, should I ever need your services in serious way, I would not consider requesting that you provide them. But I do not take such requests lightly, and--" There is a pause as Mystique hesitates, gaze fixing tight on Serena before she finishes, "I am aware that not everyone holds the beliefs I do. For now, in this moment, as well as I am able, I assure there are no strings."
"I see." Something in that was exactly what Serena needed to hear, because she nods and takes a few steps away to set down her book on the foyer table, comfortable enough to leave her back to Mystique a moment. "Well. Thank you for the offer. Whatever exactly inspired it to begin with." She hesitates a second, the gestures generally out toward the beer bottle in her living room. "I was just having a drink. Would you like something?"
"It is an offer I am making to all of you," Mystique explains, gaze passing to the beer bottle and then back to Serena. "Those of you without connections to Xavier's, that is. Those of you who may not have anyone else to turn to in certain matters."
"I'm sorry, all of us who?" Serena crosses her arms and leans her weight onto her back foot, regarding Mystique levelly. She makes no more mention of her offer, and lets the thought slide entirely.
Mystique's gaze remains steady. "All of you who came out of that place."
"Oh. I see." It is the first topic that has made Serena feel the need to drop her eyes and look away. The arms across her chest fold a little tighter.
Mystique stands silent for a moment, watching Serena with eyes shifted abruptly from blue to yellow.
Keeping her eyes fixed on the view out her living room window for the most part, Serena glances over briefly to wonder almost idly, "I don't suppose you'd be willing to share your opinion of, ah, Xavier's."
Mystique lifts her brows slightly and a ghost of a smile crosses her lips. "Regarding what?" she wonders.
"Anything," Serena returns immediately. She recalls her gaze and her thoughts to the other woman only after replying.
"They are well-intentioned," Mystique answers without hesitation. "But populated largely by fools. They are crippled by their unwillingness to act, save for when they aren't - but there's no particular way to know which they will choose at any moment. There is a great deal of hypocracy involved."
"Interesting," Serena nods, not really agreeing, but acknowledging Mystique's opinion. "Would it be worth much, do you think, to be owed a large-ish favor by them?"
"I rather suppose that depends on the favor, and their mood at the time," Mystique answers, eyes narrowing on Serena. "I take it they owe you one? Or are you considering doing one for them?"
"I-" Serena hesitates, chewing over her wording thoroughly before spitting it out. She starts again, "I'm halfway through doing one. And wondering if it's worth it to finish. I probably will." A shrug shows that wether or not is not the hugest of choices, though it is not as nonchalant a shrug as it might be.
"Are you doing it for the favor?"
"I'm not entirely sure. Probably." Another sketchy shrug accompanies the qualifier.
"Mmm." Silence follows for a moment, and then Mystique turns, lifting a shoulder in a sharp movement. "I will say that it is likely better to be in their good graces than not. So if it does not cost you too dear - I suspect it will be worth it."
"Yes? Well. Perhaps not a waste of energy after all." Serena offers the briefest of smiles as thanks, then steps back just a pace. She waits, patently letting Mystique either direct the conversation or make her goodbyes.
"I hope not," Mystique allows. She watches Serena for a moment, equally patient, and then wonders, "Is there anything else you would like to know while I am here?"
Serena considers for a long moment, apparently giving the question real thought. But, when she answers, it is simply to say, "That's the only thing that comes to mind, thank you."
"Of course. Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything." There is a brief pause, and Mystique's eyes flash back to blue as she moves for the door and hesitates with her hand on the knob. "I have not been exactly where you were," she says quietly. "But I have been close. Good luck, Ms. Hall."
"I won't. Thank you, Mystique." Serena is a little hesitant with the unfamiliar name, but otherwise her reply is level enough. She follows a few steps behind, ready to reclose the door as soon as the other woman steps out.
With no further comment, the blonde woman is gone.
Mystique continues to be helpful.