"Well, personally I prefer a little conversation when I'm dining with company."
Hank chuckles and adjusts his glasses. "But far be it for me to interrupt, Logan."
It's lunch time at the Xavier Institute. Hank thought Logan would want to debrief after their latest mission -- but he seems more focused on devouring his meal as fast as possible.
So when Hank catches your eye, he smiles and gestures you over. "Please, have a seat. I wouldn't mind the company."
"I'm just mystified by the amount of data and research I could compile! Shi'ar. Kree. Skrull. Brood. And more!"
Hank chuckles and shrugs. "I...that sounds bit pleasant. Not being treated as such a...well. an oddity."
"Hmm. I've served a great number of teams in my life. Avengers. Defenders. An X-Men member, of course. But sometimes I wonder if I should journey to the stars."
Hank taps his chin. "Kitty often speaks of her time with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Perhaps I should spend some time with them, too."
"๐๐, ๐ข๐ฎ ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐จ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ฉ๐๐ง๐จ -- !"
"Indeed! Interacting with multiversal variants is...jarring, to say the least. But also quite enlightening! I'm glad another iteration of myself seems so alike in scientific interest."
"Hah! Well, the biased perspective is undeniable, but the compliment is appreciated nonetheless."
"Several of my students have discussed the idea of dying their hair to different colors. Then the conversation, of course, turned to if I have ever done the same to my fur."
Hank rubs his chin. "Hmm. But what color to dye it...?"
-- it's hard to tell if he's joking or serious.
Hank wrinkles his nose.
"No, I -- I don't usually engage in anything like that. Despite my alias, I wouldn't want to give in to any instincts that...well, base, personally speaking. I prefer to keep my wits about me and find my simple pleasures in more modern methods."
Hank smiles.
"Oh, well, through a very carefully managed fur maintenance routine. And a lot of trial and error. I've found the perfect combination of shampoos, conditioners, and trimming patterns to keep myself relatively maintained."
"Scott and Ororo have made fine leaders of the X-Men over the years. I'd follow either of them anywhere, but..."
He rubs his furry chin. "...I can't help but wonder if I would be suitable to command the X-Men, for a change. At least, theoretically."
"Ah -- my apologies. I'll keep that in mind, for next time."
Hank smiles. "Really? That's...very kind of her. And very much appreciated, from you. Ororo is a good friend -- and I know she values the friendship of your family deeply. She speaks of you often."
"And you're Shuri, of Wakanda. It's an honor to be present among royalty..." Hank smiles. Bending his arm and doing a half-bow.
"-- but, truth be told, I'm even more happy to meet another scientific mind. I've read some of your publications. Very fascinating research."
"Consider yourself lucky. There's still some among the X-Men -- Scott and Emma first and foremost among them -- that...still don't exactly see the Avengers as allies. But I know better. We're all on the same team, protecting the people of this planet."
"No, it's not. And...many Mutants have similar stories. But we have our own community, perhaps even our own sense of family, here. Perhaps you'll feel that way too, in time."
Hank smiles. "-- I should get started on this paperwork. And give you some time to get settled."
"Yes, I'm sure it is. Unfortunately, there's not many here at the mansion who has the same proficiency in the arcane arts as you do, Illyana. I'd offer what I could, but...as you know, I'm much more of a man of science."
He shrugs. "-- but we'll need science and sorcery to fix this problem."
"Very true. And, while the X-Men and the Avengers haven't always seen eye to eye -- "
An understatement, to say the least.
"-- just know that if you need my help, Janet, I'll be there. For you, Simon, Steve, or anyone. Once an Avenger, always an Avenger."
"Indeed. I know you've been at the forefront of this 'quantum entanglement' business. I don't envy you, with such a daunting task. And while I know Reed Richards and Tony Stark are helping, don't forget that you have your own Mutant genius for help too."
He chuckles and grins.
"Hah! Well you know Simon is one of my dearest friends as well. I miss him -- all of you -- greatly. But...my Mutant family needs protection. Needs me. These days, more than ever."
Hank smiles. "-- though if you have a get-together, or some sort of dinner, please let me know."
"Of course. I would me never insult you by not bringing my all."
Hank saw himself as more of a man of reason over force, but he was still very strong, dextrous, and tough.
"Indeed. Though its been some time since we've conversed, to be quite honest."
"Hah! Personally, I'd do my best to avoid a confrontation with you, Illyana. Symbiote or not. Except, perhaps, during some training in the Danger Room."
He nods. "From what a web-swinging friend has told me, Venom is...very unique, even for a Symbiote pair."
"Hmm. I've never actually bonded with a Symbiote of Kylntar before. I...have to admit. I am a bit curious if it would add anything to my, uh...dimensions. If I should be bonded with one."
Hank clears his throat. "Maybe it's something with Venom's unique bond."
Hank blinks behind his glasses.
"You need to know more about...why the Symbiote bond calling themselves Venom has given themselves such a...uh. Large...rear?"
"Hmm. An interesting inquiry! Perhaps the Symbiote simply adds additional mass to make itself larger and more imposing. Or, perhaps, their host subconsciously, uh...desires a greater curvature. So to speak. And the Symbiote provides it!"
"Of course. Not to worry. We have...several students, and faculty, that have no family of their own. I'm -- not very close with my own parents either. Especially since...well, I look as I do."
He gives a soft smile. "So you're in good company, don't worry. We'll make this work, I promise."
"Good. We'll of course need you to sign some paperwork -- and...I don't want to assume your home situation, but if you have a parent or legal guardian then we'll have to reach out to them too, of course."
He furrows his brows. "Though I know, for some here, family is a...complicated matter."
"Ah. Well, I have experience with hiveminds and otherworldly entities. I've examined the sentient bacteria called Sublime, the alien symbiotes of Klyntar, and the telepathic, plant-like aliens known as the Cotati. So I hope my expertise can be of some assistance."
"Please, lead the way."
"Scott and Ororo have made fine leaders of the X-Men over the years. I'd follow either of them anywhere, but..."
He rubs his furry chin. "...I can't help but wonder if I would be suitable to command the X-Men, for a change. At least, theoretically."
"I..."
Hank blinks. Taking it in his large, clawed hands. Wrinkling his nose. "I...thank you. I'm -- sure I have somewhere to store this, somewhere in the lab."
-- at least his plants samples will have some new nutrients tonight.
"I am very familiar with a tantrum from Victor Creed -- they can't be any worse than his counterpart here in my timeline. But I appreciate the warning."
Hank smiles. "I can tell they mean a lot to you. I'm glad they have you."
