The Beast around

The name is Hank McCoy and no, calling me Big foot is not okay. College graduate, now attend Xavier institute.

[thatbluebeast-blog]

That's so Hankward

[wreaking-havok-blog]

Alex stood there waiting for Hank to say something. He didn’t like the awkwardness in the room. At least it was slightly alleviated when Hank took a deep breath and stood up tall. ‘Listen, Alex.’ He was listening. He would always listen to Hank even if he didn’t act like he was. Alex had to look up a tiny bit at the mutant who was about five inches taller than himself. ‘I’d like to say that…’ Another pause. Goddamn it, Hank, spit it out! I’m dying over here! Alex just wanted to know what Hank was fucking going on about. ‘I’m sorry, alright?’ Alex was confused. He furrowed his eyebrows together and cocked his head at Hank. Why the fuck is he apologizing? I’m the one who kissed him without his permission. Alex didn’t interrupt because Hank looked like he was going to say something else. “Why would you apologize to me, Hank? I owe you an apology. What I did-it won’t happen again, okay?”

There was a bit of silence. Maybe Hank expected Alex to say something. He at least continued when he realized that Alex was waiting for him to continue. ‘After the…’ He couldn’t even say kiss. He just made a hand gesture to represent it. Alex could feel his cheeks turn bright red. ‘I was just in a state of confusion’. Of course he would be. Alex had acted like he didn’t like Hank at all. That kiss would have confused him as well. ‘It wasn’t my intention for us to simply stop interacting.’ Alex raised his eyebrows a bit. He was a little surprised at that. He didn’t think that Hank would be as torn up about them not talking as he appeared to be. Alex, of course was upset about it, but he didn’t think that Hank matched his feeling. ‘And I can’t say I comprehend how you interpreted my actions, but for the purpose of lessening the less than comfortable aura, I’d like to point out that I *sigh* I don’t-dislike you.’

Alex chewed on the inside of his cheek and tried to process what Hank said. How did Hank think he would react to that? Of course it was impossible that Hank shared his feelings, but it was rather nice to know that he didn’t dislike him. “So, we go back to how we were before? Act like nothing happened?” That’s all Alex really wanted. He could deny his feelings for Hank until he was over them. That would be better than losing his friendship. 

[thatbluebeast-blog]

“Why would you apologize to me, Hank? I owe you an apology. What I did-it won’t happen again, okay?”

That was bad. Or was it good-shit, Hank could barely tell anymore. Going back to how things were would be great, it would be easy and they would both forget about the whole incident in a short amount of time. But kissing Alex sounded a whole lot more fantastic than that idea. Hank groaned at himself, not really realizing Alex could hear him; it would be good to decide on one goal instead of pondering about alternatives, Hank.

Hank held his head in his (much too big) hands, his lips almost in a pout as he awaited Alex's response. He didn't know what the perfect response would be, but he knew he wouldn't get it; however he was just now aware of how he needed a response period. It's a bad sign for Hank when those days where Alex teased him and surprised him with whatever response he could come up with become nostalgic. 

“So, we go back to how we were before? Act like nothing happened?” 

Hank gave a timid smile, "Come on, you're not that bad at kissing," he joked. Okay, wait, that was bad. Horrid, horrid idea, no way to retract, ignore the embarrassment Hank, ignore the urge to vomit Hank, ignore the slight heat rising to your cheeks Hank. "Quite right, yes," he cleared his throat, "like nothing happened."  He placed both hands on the counter as he stood, "I'll see you some other time- I-I should be getting to the lab." No one ever questioned that excuse.

[thatbluebeast-blog]

That's so Hankward

[wreaking-havok-blog]

Alex was ashamed at the way he was acting. He wasn’t acting like himself, and everyone knew it. They were just too nice to say anything. He could feel Hank’s gaze on him, analyzing his every move. The other boy wasn’t stupid; the exact opposite, really. Alex just knew that his odd behaviour was all that was running through anyone’s mind. He didn’t need the Professor’s power to figure that one out. He felt like everyone was tiptoeing their way around him every day since he forcibly kissed Hank. Maybe Professor X told them all to leave me the hell alone until I get out of this damn funk. He couldn’t even look at the beautiful mutant before him. It killed Alex that he was acting like such an idiot. He shouldn’t have let everything get to him like it was. He was the one who made the mistake. He shouldn’t be acting like the victim.

When did I manage to get more awkward than Hank? I can’t keep avoiding him forever. We live in the same place, eat at the same table, and train so very close to each other. The Professor was bound to say something sooner or later about the odd way he was acting. Alex just wasn’t looking forward to that. The sooner he and Hank got over whatever it was between them, the better it would be. Hank asked him how his training was going with the Professor. He wasn’t about to tell the other boy that it was going shitty as ever. He didn’t want to tell Hank that he missed him being the one to train him. Alex didn’t want to admit that without the constructive (and sometimes harsh) criticism that he wasn’t getting any better. He was plateauing, and he knew it. He didn’t think that maybe that was what Hank wanted to hear. He shrugged, not looking up at Hank. “The training is going okay I guess. The Professor knows what he’s doing.” It wasn’t exactly a lie. “I just-I wish the Professor was a little harder on me. He just gives words of encouragement.”

He heard the hesitation in Hank’s voice. Usually when he talked about anything he was doing in the lab, he was show-offy and confident. That tone was missing in his voice. “That’s good that you’ve been working on so many different projects.” He never said he finished any, though. There was nothing new in the lab except for tons of papers that were littered all over every table top. “Thermodynamics? That sounds like it’s complicated. I’m sure the Professor is glad that you’re working on improving some of the equipment.” He tried sounding as close to his normal self as possible. He was never really interested in Hank’s experiments. He wasn’t interested in sciency stuff, but it did amuse him when Hank started explaining what he was doing. Alex thought it was really cute when he got a big grin on his face and he got overly excited whenever he talked about something new that he was working on, or finished. Right now, he didn’t hear that in Hank’s voice, and if he looked up at the boy (okay he did take a glance) he wouldn’t see the excitement in his face.

Alex finally looked up at the other boy when he said his name. There was a certain sadness to it. Like the word Alex wasn’t something that should cross his lips for some reason. It took all of Alex’s will power not to just leave. He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear what Hank was going to tell him. He just couldn’t bring himself to do that. He missed Hank. He missed him a lot. Alex missed all the teasing, name calling, and the general atmosphere that came along with Hank’s company. They needed to talk. Alex needed to explain why he did what he did. They were never going to move past this unless they talked. He swallowed hard and met Hank’s eyes for a moment. “Yeah Hank?”

[thatbluebeast-blog]

Hank was mulling it all over in his head, he shouldn't have said anything really, he should have turned around as soon as he had seen Alex, because he knew that at this point he would have nothing to say, he was mostly hoping Alex would lead to the whole 'talk,' no matter how much neither of them wanted to have said talk, but at this point he was desperate.

It took a moment before Alex responded, but it felt like an eternity, Hank noticed how tense Alex got, how his eyes glanced at the door, meaning he wanted to leave. That only made Hank more uncomfortable than he already was. "Listen, Alex," he repeated, taking a deep breath before standing himself up, as if he were trying to put authority and meaning into what he was saying- but all that happened was he felt specifically small, especially for someone who as 6 foot 3. "I'd like to say that-" I'm stalling, that's all I'm doing, sitting here using long and unecessary words to keep me from getting to the point, "I'm sorry, alright?"

There was a sort of silence for a while, at which point Hank figured he should go on, "After the.." he trailed off, simply waving his fingers signifying the kiss. "I was in a just in a state of confusion, " had Hank ever mentioned he didn't like talking about feelings? Because he really, really dislikes talking about feelings, it made him feel out of place, and weak. "It wasn't my intention for us to simply stop interacting ," and that was when Hank started his habit of going on and on about things, as he usually did when he tried to get through something with only the use of words. "And I can't say I comprehend how you interpreted my actions, but for the purpose of lessening the less than comfortable aura, I'd like to point out that I," he sighed , looking down at the counter and starting to tap his fingers again. "I don't- dislike you, " was all he could manage to say.

Now would be a good time to leave, now would be the time to use the all worn out 'I was simply kidding' excuse and leave before any real damage was made. Now was the time that Alex would laugh, laugh in his face about how incredibly gullible Hank was being. Now would be the time that Hank waited, unmoving, to see if he were to get a response of if Alex were to leave like Hank knew he wanted to do all too badly.

[thatbluebeast-blog]

That's so Hankward

[wreaking-havok-blog]

God fucking damn it. This is the last thing I need right now-Just be glad he’s actually talking to you, you fool. Alex’s thoughts raced through his mind, but it was just a relief to him that Hank recognized his small greeting. He was looking good, not that Alex expected any different. It hadn’t been that long since they’d last spoken, and Alex admittedly watched Hank running occasionally, but the tension was so thick in the air that it could be cut with a butter knife. The low drumming of Hank’s fingers on the table resonated through his head as he tried to find the subconscious rhythm that was there. Alex glanced over at Hank. He looked very tired. Long nights in the lab would do that to a person, Alex thought. He overheard Raven talking to the Professor about how she was always finding Hank in the lab in the morning in a puddle of drool in the lab with his head on the table. The image pained Alex to think about.

I haven’t seen you around, he says. Yeah, genius, it’s because you’re always in your damn lab. Not that I blame you. I feel awful for what I did, and I really wish I could take it back. Alex wished he could vocalize his thoughts, but that would just make things worse. “Yeah…I-um-I’ve been busy.” He wasn’t that busy, but whenever Hank wasn’t in his lab, Alex would make a conscious effort to avoid Hank. He just couldn’t handle the fallout from the…incident. “The Professor has been helping me train a bunch in the bunker and the gym.” Alex didn’t like training with the Professor very much. He was very straight forward, and didn’t comment much beyond his typical words of encouragement. It got old after a while. “Alex, concentrate your mind on where you need to hit,” “Alex you can do it. It’s mind over matter.” Alex understood that he needed to focus, but it was just so hard when the Professor was just standing there with his funny sweaters that he was always wearing and always spewing out his generic phrases when he just wanted Hank to be the one to help him again. He felt bad thinking that because he knew the Professor probably knew he thought that, but at least when Hank was the one training him, he would tell Alex what he was doing wrong, and wouldn’t be afraid to vocalize it.

He sipped his coffee, and leaned against the counter. His bare feet felt cold, against the tile floor, but Alex’s focus on the cold tile took his mind off the tall mutant just across the room for a moment. He gritted his teeth, and tried not to take constant glances at the other boy. He missed seeing his messy dark hair, his blue eyes that were hidden by large framed glasses, and his perfect pink lips. Alex wanted to leave the room. He couldn’t possibly be this close to Hank and not imagine their lips pressed together. It wasn’t fair, and it was really awkward. “So, um, you’ve been in your lab a lot? Have you been doing anything interesting?” Alex asked, trying to keep the conversation light and friendly. I haven’t heard the Professor bragging on any new invention of yours lately, Alex thought wondering if the kiss he stupidly gave to Hank was the reason for it.

He knew that the two of them should talk about what happened, but the kitchen was certainly not the place for that. It was a conversation that would have to happen eventually. Alex knew that, and he had the conversation a thousand times in his head, each with a different ending. He didn’t know what he wanted Hank to say. He didn’t know if it would be better if the two of them just had a simple friendly relationship, or if he wanted Hank to like him as much as he liked him. That would be great, but Alex didn’t want any tension between him and Raven. He genuinely liked the girl, but he hated her at the same time. Alex thought that he was the most selfish person he’d ever known. He wouldn’t deny it, if someone accused him of that. 

[thatbluebeast-blog]

To say that Hank noticed how different Alex acted around him would be as much of an understatement as saying Hank’s feet were a bit bigger than average. The way he was acting now in fact made Hank tear his gaze from his own hand to eye Alex, study him even, maybe even properly looking at the boy for more than instant, since Hank hadn’t done so in days. Alex’ avoiding maneuvers had only caused Hank more confusion. Hank noticed that those rare times he did leave the lab for proper nourishment, the second he came within a twenty foor radius, Alex would dart out. Hank focused on finding the reason behind this rather than how much it pained him that Alex didn’t want to see his fucking face. 

He simply nodded at when Alex vaguely told him about his training session with the Professor. Charles, who every time he spoke to Hank, the conversation somehow led to Alex. Hank knew he'd do it on purpose. He would hate him for it, but he simply couldn't. It was a wonder that the Professor still respected Hank after he'd been with his sister while having thoughts about Alex. I did not just think about that, this isn't an issue, this wasn't me. Hank couldn't stop himself from asking, "How has that been?" He knew his improvement had slowed, but it hadn't stop. He wanted to show that he still cared about him- his training. 

It’s not as if Hank had been keeping tabs on Alex. That would simply be ridiculous. the things he overheard were nothing but that, things he's overheard and it somewhat interested in hearing. He took a quick look at Alex, noting how he wasn't looking at everything else in the room except Hank. It looked odd, Hank really hadn't fathom how Alex looked when he felt awkward,  until he looked at him now. He felt like it didn't belong, how it wasn't suitable of the ever social Alex. Looks like Hanks awkwardness was contagious. He glanced at the kitchen door for a moment, trying to see if anyone was about to come it. If someone did walk in, the tension would be lifted since the two wouldn’t have to feel forced to talk to each other. But Hank didn’t want that to be the case. He didn’t want his future run-ins with Alex to be simple small talk conversation in hopes of getting around each other and going back to pretending the other didn’t even live in the same building.

He tensed up when Alex asked about his lab work, immediately feeling shameful over the lack of progress. Hank prides himself in very few things, one of those things being his inventions. He had been cooped up in his lab for god knows how long, and he had absolutely nothing to show for it. His tapping stopped as he looked down at his hands, his above average sized hands , scowling at himself. He needed an excuse, something to show that he was okay, because really he was. It was Alex, maybe he wouldn't be able to tell the difference between fact and bullshit-- but Hank wasn't that type of person, there had to be truth in what he was saying.

"Yes I've been able to get a plethora of work done on a variety of different projects."  Which wasn't a lie, he;d tried his hands and a lot of things- he just never finished any of them. His voice got lower as he spoke, not really showing any confidence in what he was saying. It wasn't even as if Alex cared. "I've been experimenting a lot with thermodynamics, which means I could improve a lot of the equipment's' efficiency." Normally he would have been shameless when talk about what others deemed as his 'sciencey stuff', but now just wasn't the time for it. 

That's it. That's when Hank realized something, something that seldom occurs. He was acting like an idiot. He was sitting there, twiddling his thumbs and having a not-so great conversation with a boy he didn't want to admit he missed. he wondered when he stopped thinking logically about things- probably when his emotions started taking over. He took a deep breath, maybe, they should actually clear the air. "Alex-" he said, almost immediately regretting he did so. They least they could do was go back to being not-really-friends. 

[thatbluebeast-blog]

That's so Hankward

[thatbluebeast-blog]

wreaking-havok:

Alex watched the other boy’s face, and he felt horrible. He noticed the blush across Hank’s cheeks, but he just knew it was because he’d done something unwanted to the other mutant. He told Alex he had to go, and he stepped aside. Goddamn it, Alex. You are the stupidest person in the entire world. You should have known better not to do something like that to poor, innocent Hank. He’s with Raven. He’ll never like you the way you like him. How did you expect him to react? You can’t have thought he would kiss you back. Alex waited a few minutes before allowing himself to walk out of the weight room, and go up to his own bedroom. He knew he wouldn’t run into Hank. Alex could just imagine the way the other boy ran off to his lab wanting to create as much distance between them as possible. Looks like you’re going to be stuck with the Professor training you from now on. There is no way Hank is going to want to be alone with you for any amount of time after that display. Alex couldn’t even be angry because he brought this upon himself. When he made it back up to his bedroom, he buried his face in his pillow and screamed. He got cleaned up, and went straight to bed, skipping dinner because there was no way he could face Hank at the table. The Professor either, for Alex knew he would know something was bothering him, and read his mind. Alex couldn’t handle that.

~*~*~*~*Let’s do the time warp again*~*~*~*~

For the next couple weeks, Alex completely avoided Hank. He did his training with Charles after telling him that he thought that Hank should focus on his experiments rather than waste his time in the bunker trying to train him. He missed seeing the other mutant the mornings he would train, and around the mansion. It was bringing down Alex’s mood, and he was acting very out of character. When anyone around the mansion would ask what was wrong, he would just tell them that he hadn’t had enough sleep, or that he overexerted himself in the bunker. They didn’t really buy it, but they’d always drop the subject.

Alex walked into the kitchen on his day off, and poured himself a mug of coffee. He made himself some toast, and that’s when he heard the door that leads to the backyard click open. Please don’t be him. Please don’t be Hank. Alex turned his head slightly, and saw the last-lies, first-person he wanted to see walk through the door. Fuck. I should go-no stay, and see if he talks to you. Alex grabbed some sugar and creamer for his coffee, and turned towards Hank apprehensively. “Er, hey.” 

The next few weeks went by horrendously slow for Hank. No one questioned him about his odd behavior, because to them he was anything but acting weird. He would spend most of his time in the lab, like he usually did, but instead of brainstorming new projects and improvements for the mansion, or fixing and updating all the equipment he said he would, he spent his time surrounded by failed experiments and simply hunched over his desk in deep thought, trying to focus his mind on anything else but fucking Alex and his blond hair and blue eyes. That never ended in success.

It was confusing, beyond puzzling even. When he would receive a kiss from Raven, Alex's face would flash through his mind along with his soft lips that had left an imprint on Hank. All those times Hank felt a surge of guilt-- and he wouldn't be able to stomach any more time spent with Raven, he didn't want put a dent in her usual good, happy mood. What did it really mean when someone kissed him? Hank would have simply thought of it as a normal human reaction when they feel a personal attachment to someone, usually fueled by some amount of affection toward said person, but Hank couldn't fathom Alex having any feelings of that sort towards him. And that unsolvable solution is what led to more hours spent in the lab.

Professor Charles had been training Alex instead. Hank would never ask him how he was doing, nor did he make it obvious he wanted to know, but Charles would tell him that Alex was improving, and although Hank wouldn't respond, too busy being embarrassed by the whole situation and how nothing was kept from Charles, he couldn't help but be glad that Alex s training was slightly getting better.

The few times he actually did leave the lab --that nowadays substituted for his bedroom as well ( considering he would often fall asleep there, only to be nudge awake by Raven in the morning), for a few hours, he would be outside, walking, jogging, and finally running. Getting into his natural sense and for once not denying or trying to hide anything, simply letting the wind blow through his hair as he ran. It got his mind off of a lot of things, and it became a relaxing pastime. He lost track of how many laps he;d done, and how much time had passed, so he settled on stopping after getting exhausted (it took a lot for Hank to be drained of energy ).  He noticed after his run how drenched in sweat he was, he scowled at himself before quickly running up to the nearest sink located outside the mansion and dousing himself in water until he felt completely cooled down. He took a towel off a rack, mostly there for anyone to grab after a long day's work, and made his way towards the kitchen where he planned to get something to drink.

He put the towel over his head, entering the kitchen through the back entrance, not noticing anyone was in the room due to the fact that his eyes were facing the floor and the towel covered his a good percentage of his vision. He sat took a seat at the table, immediately hearing a voice- Alex' voice- talk to him. He had caught him off guard, being pulled from his state of calmness to a sudden state of nervousness with no apparent change. "Hey," he said monotonously, keeping his voice evn and not letting any of the emotions he currently held slip through. "I.. haven't seen you around." he said, lightly tapping his fingers against the table and keeping his eyes focused on the bouncing of his fingers tips and the incredibly low rhythm the action made. He supposed that this would be what most people labeled as 'testing the waters,; he didn't know how to act around Alex, not anymore, and he didn't know how to address the situation or if it  even should  be addressed in the first place.

[mr-fix-it-deactivated20111023]

Well, this is Hankward...

[thatbluebeast-blog]

mr-fix-it: about.” And I’m sure you’d be valuable to the team.” 

Liam shot Hank an impish grin, “Well, Hank you’re what- 21,22? That’s ages older than I am. And we both know you’re the opposite of weak. I mean, no weakling could cover as much ground as you do- big feet or not.” The glasses slid back onto Hank’s face and Liam’s eyes widened in anticipation as he nodded. He returned the nod, attempting to hide the eagerness in his expression. Hank’s eyes ran over him and Liam swallowed, trying to calm his heart rate. No need to seem desperate right? Just, interested. A dark eyebrow arched at Hank’s observations and when Hank spoke, Liam’s ears perked. 

A grin stretched across his face before he could stop it. Hank was picking him to come with him on this mission- one of the first on his team. Liam composed his radical grin into a smug smile and teased, “Trying to avoid any more broken bones?” He remembered healing Raven’s arm his first day. She had broken it during one of Hank’s missions. Maybe I can help keep from repeating that. Hell, if anything, I can get out of this mansion for a bit. 

Hank noted Liam's reaction, he seemed excited, anticipating the events that would come. Well someone should be, he figured he might as well be in the same mindset. He managed to smile a bit and raise one brow, his upper body leaned forward as if tyring to be drawn into the conversation. "With you it would be something less to worry about." He slowly nodded than raises his shoulders to a shrug. "You seem to be interested, trying to avoid another day of boredom?" He eyed the stack of papers scattered behind Liam, "Or should I say more student work?" This time his other brow shot up too, and his lips settled into a tight line. "Tell me it's for a worthwile reason Liam, I would appreciate you being on the team."

The team, it wasn't his team although he were leading, he still considered he, and whoever else that might join, to be equals, all working torwards the same goal. The fact of the matter was that Hank wasn't about to get a bihead over this, though he believed he'd have a right to.

[thatbluebeast-blog]

The name's McCoy, Hank McCoy

[thatbluebeast-blog]

wreaking-havok:

Gemma being nervous for this mission was an understatement. She was terrified. She hadn’t been a part of anything like this before, let alone having a job like that to take over. She could feel her heart racing for a moment, until it began to gradually hit a slower pace. She gazed over at Liam, who smiled, his hand in hers. “Thank you,” she replied, letting go of Liam’s hand. She didn’t really want to, something about that contact, holding his hand, made her feel calmer. It wasn’t just the fact he fixed her rapidly beating heart, but Liam…Liam calmed her. That was besides the point, it was mission time.

Gemma smiled as Liam let her off the plane first. She hopped off of the last step, wanting to kiss the ground she had landed on. Finally, solid ground. This is like heaven, she thought. Okay, time to get serious, no matter how pretty the sand looks, or how nice Liam looks in the sun. No. Time to get real. She though, shaking her head. She ran her fingers nervously through her hair, looking around at the security cameras she was supposed to disable.

“Okay, Hank.” she said as he barked his orders at her. Disable security cameras? Does he even know what my ability is? How am I going to…wait, I know what I can do. She thought. She stood like a statue as he barked his orders at the others, feeling her heart rate rise as he mentioned Liam was there if anything went…wrong. Something was bound to go wrong, something always goes wrong, Gemma just…just didn’t want to be there when it did. She also didn’t want something to happen to her friends. “Something better not go wrong or I am so going back home,” she muttered under her breath, folding her arms across her chest.

Alex listened to Hank’s spiel about what everyone’s duties for the mission. He knew Hank had put a lot of thought into the plan, and it was best to know what everyone would be doing, and where they all would be at all times just in cases something unexpected happen. It was Alex’s opinion that the group should expect the unexpected especially because they were dealing with the government. They didn’t know what kind of hidden things they would be put up against. Alex nodded accepting his job. “I’ll be as discreet as I possibly can, but I’ll make no promises not to destroy anything.” He knew he’d have to destroy something in order to get to the mutant that was being held hostage.

Alex stepped off the jet, and examined his surroundings. The beach wasn’t exactly the first place he would think of when landing, but that was probably Hank’s reasoning for landing there in the first place. The always brilliant Hank thought of everything. He stood next to the other mutants, and waited for Hank to tell them what their next move would be.

Everyone seemed to understand what there role would be, but that didn't seem to rid of the tension in the air. But Hank wasn't feeling nervous. Well not as nervous. The closer the time to act was, the more Hank realized that this wasn't training, this was serious. "There chance that we'll have to retreat is rather small, I'm sure we'll pull through." After going over what their plan one more time, Hank led them to the facility.

The fact that they had to do a bit of running wasn't that much of a problem for Hank, it would have been better then landing the jet in plain site. After gathering he . Dozens of facts ran through his mind at that instant, one of the largest U.S. Marine Corps bases, covering over 100 miles of land, over 12,000 military personnel and Why couldn't we just find him at a coffee shop?

The perimeters were surrounded by dense forest, and the gates were surrounded by few guards. After sneaking up on one who seemed to have missed his afternoon nap, Hank knocked him up easily enough. Next was  accessing the security system, he opened up the number pad, plugging in his handheld contraption and signaling for everyone to get to their assigned post. They were to go in at different entrances and meet up at the center. After gaining access to the system he signaled for Gemma before anyone of them could go in.

[thatbluebeast-blog]

That's so Hankward

[thatbluebeast-blog]

wreaking-havok:

Alex cocked his head to the side. Hank was taking an awfully long time to answer his simple questions. “Would you rather someone else?” “No,” Alex said answering much too quickly. He certainly didn’t want anyone else to help him. He enjoyed seeing Hank on training days. He disliked the times Charles assisted him. It was nothing against Charles. He was brilliant, and always knew the right things to say to help Alex with his training, but he was just there. Training on those days was boring, and he knew no one else would help him the way Hank did. Even if Hank was just there acting like his awkward self with his clipboard glued to his hands, forever writing nonsense that Alex could never hope to comprehend. “I mean, you’re a good helper Hank. You know what to do when my suit isn’t acting at its top level,” he said babbling. Alex had to hold back his smile when Hank told him that he wanted to help. It was a step in the right direction, and it was reassuring to Alex to hear it come from Hank’s mouth. It meant more to Alex than he would ever say. To him it meant that Hank didn’t hate him despite all the hurtful things Alex said to him since the day they met. I do appreciate it, Hank. I just don’t know how to show that I do. Alex wished he could show Hank that he appreciated all he did, but that would reveal his feelings. He couldn’t have that. Alex stood up, and brushed off his hands on his shirt. He nodded slightly. “Yeah, I’m done for the day.”

Alex started to walk towards the door. Alex stole one last glance at the other boy before walking through the threshold. Hank was writing something down on his clipboard. He sighed, and shut the door behind him. Alex leaned against the paneled wall in the hallway for a moment. Fuck this. It’s time to grow a pair. I can’t keep doing this. I have to stop going around like I don’t have these feelings. They’re screaming to be released, and I’m tired of keeping them inside. Alex opened the door to the weight room again. Hank was standing in the same position, still writing something down. “H-Hank?” Alex said with a shaky voice. He took a few steps towards the other boy. He turned around, and gave Alex a questioning look. Alex’s mind was going crazy with things to say to the mutant that stood before him. I like you, Hank. I like you more than I’ve liked anyone in a long time. I know I’m mean to you, but I want you to forgive me, and like me back. None of the thoughts were voiced. Alex just looked at Hank, his dark locks, those sky blue eyes that were hidden by his glasses, and his pair of perfectly pink lips. He closed the distance between them in a few strides. Alex put his hands on either side of Hank’s face, pulling him down slightly-there was no way Alex was going to stand on his tip toes-and pressed his lips against Hank’s gently. He pulled back quickly. He didn’t regret what he did per se, but he felt like it shouldn’t have happened like that. He knew Hank was with Raven, but he didn’t feel any remorse. “I-I’m sorry.” Alex didn’t run away. He wanted to, but that would be cowardly. He wanted to see Hank’s reaction good or bad. He’d be able to move on easier if he knew immediately.

 Hank wasn't expecting a straight answer, he silently rejoiced, only showing it through a small smile. He faintly nodded when Alex said he was done, he looked at him as he left the room, noticing how much he was staring and quickly referring back to his clipboard to write down the progress they had made (in Alex's training. No progress had been made in Hank's love life."

Hank was startled by Alex's voice, not noticing that he had reentered the room. He looked up from his clipboard when he called, their eyes met and Hank caught his breath for a moment, regaining his composure the second after and giving Alex a confused look. For a moment they simply stared each other, Hank did his best not to avert his eyes.

 Alex closed the distance between them and Hank almost flinched away, "Alex, you're getting really clo-" before Hank could even finish his sentence his lips were met with Alex's softer and warmer ones, he was caught completely off guard. For that instant Hank's mind were filled with questions and disbelief that he was in fact kissing Alex at the moment; he forgot how to even breath let alone move his lips. Before his mind could completely register what had just happened, Alex pulled away, where he then uttered an apology while Hank quietly tried to recall how to breathe properly. "No- It-it's... I..." He felt his face get warm, there was no doubt that a blush has spread across his pale skin, causing him to avert his eyes in the hopes that Alex wouldn't notice.

He glanced at Alex for a moment, only to be met with those perfect eyes, making him lose his composure even more and he immediately stared straight at the floor, holding his clipboard tightly to his side before stuttering the words, "I-i need to go." No-- I don't want to. But Hank already made his way towards the door trying to keep a bit of distance from Alex- but no too much. He knew he would mentally scold himself. What about Raven. Guilt. What about your feelings? Confusion. Hank couldn't even admit to himself that he enjoyed it, couldn't even say he wanted to kiss Alex again, that only brought more guilt, and the feeling of not knowing what he was suppose to do with himself. He turned his head slightly, only to snap it back forward, it was to tempting to even look at Alex right now-- and Hank really needed to get out of the situation. Like the coward he believes he is. He sighed "I'll see you around..." he spoke quietly before leaving the room, regretting the decision already. 

[thatbluebeast-blog]

theillutionist-mairi:

The Beast around: theillutionist-mairi: Mairi was surprised by the taller man meeting...

theillutionist-mairi:

Mairi was surprised by the taller man meeting her at the door. When he kindly bid her a good morning, she had barely registered what he had said, taking a moment before replying. She had barely met anyone about the mansion, most of them hiding away leaving the Scottish...

Mairi smiled, taking his hand in welcoming. She enjoyed meeting the other people around her, people she was going to be living with for who knows how long. "Hallo Hank, nice to meetcha." She laughed lightly as she crossed her arms against her chest once more. She shrugged, "Just wanderin' 'bout, I guess." She looked around, the sun barely poking through the grey clouds which began to surround the afternoon sky. 

Scottish, he then remarked. He wasn't able to immediately differentiate her Scottish accent from an Irish one, but he it was definitively Scottish. He nodded along as he spoke, "I hope you haven't been to bored around here lately, most people don't get accustomed so fast. " As he stood there he momentarily forgot what he were to do, something in the lab maybe? No, no he were to relax, enjoy a conversation he supposed.

[thatbluebeast-blog]

That's so Hankward

[thatbluebeast-blog]

causing-havok:

Hank asked Alex if he was okay, and he nodded. “Why wouldn’t I be okay, Bozo? I’m just tired. I didn’t get near enough sleep last night. I woke up really early this morning if you can recall,” he said making up a semi-plausible excuse. It was more than possible for him to be tired because he had woken up so early for training. He hoped Hank would let it slide. You are so goddamn transparent. He can see right through you. You better start acting like you always do. Alex felt a slight blush creep across his cheeks when Hank told him he had crumbs around his mouth. He wiped the crumbs from his bagel off from the area around his mouth with the back of his hand. He was slightly embarrassed at the fact that he was such a messy eater. When Hank looked at him for a moment, and their blue eyes met Alex felt his heart give a small lurch. Goddamn it, Alex. Just finish your training for the day, and get the fuck away from Hank.  “Yep, let’s go.”

Alex walked a few steps ahead of Hank the entire walk to the relatively well equipped weight room. Alex stretched out a little, and cracked the bones in his neck, back, and knuckles. He added some weight to the barbell. It had obviously been previously used by a girl, probably Raven. He did some reps on the bench press before moving on to the free weights. Hank behind him as a spotter was more than a little distracting. He worked extra hard, and did more reps than he normally did to try to get his mind off the tall, intelligent, blue-eyed, bespectacled mutant standing so close to him. Alex gave up on the weights, and moved onto something he didn’t need Hank to be so close-pushups and crunches. After working out for the better part of an hour, Alex was not only physically exhausted, but mentally exhausted from constantly having to push Hank from his mind. He ran his hand through his short hair. He was about to leave, but something held him back, or rather someone. Instead of standing up, he sat on the ground with his knees up to his chest. He turned to Hank. “Why did you agree to help train me without having the Professor’s help? You don’t have to help me, you know. It’s not like I’m really that nice to you or anything,” Alex said, quickly adding. “I don’t want to know for any particular reason. I’m just curious.” Or maybe I am hoping you’re harboring some type of feelings for me so I don’t feel like such an idiot.

"Well we cold move your schedule to the afternoon, since it would probably increase your productivity by twenty percent  half of that deriving from the fact that you'll actually be able to eat breakfast at an appropriate time." He walked behind Alex trying to keep up with his pace but keeping himself at a reasonable distance. Hank really didn't need to-- or want to for that matter,- be the source of Alex's increasingly odd behavior, even if he did blame it on simple lack of sleep, there didn't need to be another reason to be called Bozo.

Hank didn't really lift any weights, he mostly just watched Alex, spotted him-- safety reasons- so for the most part he looked at him. Alex who looked like he had been spending some time in the sun and Alex whom the weight room seemed like an old friend. Of course he was only supervising him, monitoring his progress, the reason why Alex had most of his attention, Hank only admired the imaginative designs on the blank opposite wall when he felt he'd been staring to long and of course scribbled eligible things on his clipboard that he naturally brought with him. Alex stopped at Hank couldn't blame him, before Hank even had the chance to form a proper thought Alex asked him a question. A very simple question with a very simple answer, I need to overlook your destructive abilities. The infamous and internally vague, for research. Maybe even to see if there are ways I can improve your suit. All of them seemed completely reasonable of course, but something in Hank's gut told him it would feel weird, something short of lying, which couldn't have been too accurate. At the moment Hank wanted nothing more to sit beside him to ride of his nerves, but he calculated that there would be a 200% chance that that would have the opposite effect. He cocked his head to the side, furrowing his brows as he held his clipboard to his side, tightly. "Would you rather someone else?" he asked as a genuine question. Answering with a question was always the normal human way for avoiding a certain subject. He bit his lip for what seemed like the thousandth time that very day and noted that this wasn't one of his usually habits. His lips formed 'u' and he sighed, as if he were trying to whistle. A simple answer Hank, that's all he needed, and one that didn't stray too far from what he was feeling and goodness gracious feelings were always so goddamn confusing. "Because- I want to help you." He said simply and matter-of-factly, as if this were common first grade information. "Maybe you'll appreciate" me "it." He said with a shrug, "I'll take it that you're done for the day?" He asked quietly.

[thatbluebeast-blog]

The name's McCoy, Hank McCoy

[thatbluebeast-blog]

causing-havok:

When the jet took off the ground, Alex was glad they had really good seat harnesses. He was pushed back into his seat from the pressure of the takeoff, and then he was thrown into the harness when they were secured in the air. “Is it impossible to be gentle with takeoff, Bozo?” Alex asked. It was for appearances to continue to call Hank ‘Bozo’. He held on to the seat until they were completely in the air.

“So what’s the plan for when we get there? We can’t just go there without a plan of action,” he asked Hank. He was glad Charles picked Hank to be the leader. He was really smart, and could easily lead the mission, plus it would probably be a confidence booster for him to know that the Professor trusted him enough to let him lead a mission.

There was a bit of turbulence, and Alex gripped his seat harder than he had at takeoff. He closed his eyes for a moment, but the plane leveled out soon enough. The two younger mutants didn’t look too good. Alex turned towards Gemma. “It’s alright, Gemma. Bozo made this plane, and he knows what he’s doing. A little turbulence isn’t going to bring this thing down.” He smiled at her, trying to be reassuring. 

A few minutes before we got there Hank  started explaining the details of what were to happen as he started descending. "I'm going to land a bit far from the actual target location, obviously so they can't detect us, so we're going to have to move on foot from there. Once there we will be going in trying to avoid as much human contact as possible, they won't hesitate to attack if they find trespassers." He left it on that note as he landed.

After safely landing on the outskirts of the town, right by the sea, "First thing we're going to do is make sure that the security cameras  surrounding the building are disabled." He looked to Gemma, "That's going to be your role, after we find a way for you to get inside you're going to have to locate all the cameras and mask them. I can direct you to where they are, seventeen on the outside and eleven on the inside."

He turned to Sean next, "Banshee, you're going to be deactivating the security system so we can get inside, at a high enough frequency you'll be able to short circuit the system-- but make sure that no one is able to here you." He winced a bit as he spoke the last sentence.

He then turned to Alex, and immediately felt his face get hot, this wasn't the time or place so rather he looked passed Alex as he spoke to him. He cleared his throat "Havok, since you're probably more physically inept" excluding Hank of course, but he wasn't about to rely on something that he had just gotten comfortable using, "fending off security if we run into any will be your main focus. Try not to cause an uproar, yeah?"

He finally looked at Liam, Hank couldn't read his emotions, but at the moment he wasn't really trying to. "Liam- I, as I'm sure everyone else does as well, trust you, you're not just here to heal us if we get wounded, even if that is a part of what you're here for, but you're also here to aid us in getting the job done."

"if anything goes amiss the most important thing is ours and the mutants safety, so we have to make sure that we don't go off tangent." Hank said before he decided to not waste too much time. "Alright, let's head out."

[thatbluebeast-blog]

That's so Hankward

[thatbluebeast-blog]

causing-havok:

As the two walked towards the house, Alex watched Hank’s body language. He looked slightly uncomfortable, but that didn’t change the fact that he was glad Hank followed him no matter what his reason was. Alex chewed on the inside of his cheek, and buried his hands in the pockets of his work out shorts. He didn’t say anything to Hank as they walked. What is wrong with me? Hank is going to know something is up. I’m never this quiet. I really need to cover my-He cut his thoughts off. Sometimes he forgot about the Professor. He could read everyone’s minds, and know every thought that ever passed through their heads. Alex’s cheeks flushed red at this realization. He knows. The Professor has to know. Oh god, what if he tells. No, he wouldn’t do that.

When Alex walked through the doors of the kitchen he walked towards the refrigerator and grabbed out a carton of orange juice. Then Alex proceeded to take a glass out of the cabinet, and filled the glass. He took a long sip of the juice, leaving the glass half full, and sighed at the refreshing beverage. He nodded at Hanks suggestion. “Sure. I can do some weights, no problem. I’m definitely up for it. I just never grabbed any breakfast before going down to the bunker this morning.” Alex grabbed a bagel and started picking at it, and popped the small bites into his mouth. He stole a few glances at Hank before he finished the bagel. Stop this, Alex. Hank is Hank. His job is to help you train, and that’s all! Easier thought than believed. Alex finished off his glass of juice, and rinsed his glass off in the sink. “I’m done. We can go up to the weight room, now.”

Hank noticed that Alex was being much more quieter than usually, completely out of character, he glanced at the shorter boy trying to get an a peak at his facial reaction, only to realize that he was blankly staring at his face, which made his eyes dart down to his feet, which he then realized were still exposed. Ignore it Hank, today doesn't entail anything about your problems. Hank took a deep breath "Are you feeling alright?" He didn't want to mention that he thought Alex was acting strange, mostly because it could all be in his head. After all everything he though about Alex were changing into things he needed to not think about especially not now.

His brows knit together as he stood, of course awkwardly, hand in his pocket as he watched Alex eat. 'Not eating isn't going to help you achieve anything." He said simply before searching the room for something to stare at, anything but Alex and he has crumbs all over his face and doesn't even realize, but Hank didn't know that since he kept his gaze locked on the opposite wall. Alex stated he was done and that's when Hank finally looked at him for more than an instant, Hank pointed to his own face, "You have a few crumbs all over your.." As he spoke each word got lower and lower and he twirled his finger at the direction he was pointing to emphasize his points. He raised both hands, "Anyway let's move on now." A few quick nods to himself before he turned and made his way towards the weight room.

[thatbluebeast-blog]

That's so Hankward

[thatbluebeast-blog]

causing-havok:

Hank glanced at Alex with a very puzzled look on his face. He really had gotten so used to the teasing that he felt a bit surprised without it. His mouth was slightly ajar and he was about to comment on that very thing but decided against it. He wasn’t about to start pushing is luck. Especially not after how warm he felt after receiving a compliment.

He did a bit of jogging in place, letting his feet get used to the open after being imprisoned for so long. He stretched his toes out, getting used to the feel of the ground against his bare feet. He glanced at Alex (again, no surprise there), and quickly looked the other direction before their eyes met. “Whenever you’re ready.” He got into position, remembering what Charles had told him the first time he went running, the first time he decided to hone his abilities and actually proud himself on it. After the initial signal was spoken, (though Hank was sure that Alex took off at least half a second before he was suppose too) he stood still for a moment, taking a deep breath before he started running, catching up rather quickly, and he was sure he had increased his speed since the last time.

Alex chuckled internally when he saw Hank’s jaw lower slightly. It was definitely an expected reaction to not calling him Bozo or teasing the other boy about his feet. He watched Hank warm up a little, and stretch his toes out before taking his position. “I’m ready.” Alex got into the position to run. Hank told him when to go, but he took off a second early. It wouldn’t matter in the end because Hank would catch up with him before he was able to get very far, and run past him a few times. When Hank caught up to him, he looked over at him, but then Hank gave him a small wave and sped ahead. Alex liked how confident Hank was when it came to running. Before Alex was able to get a quarter of the way around the mansion, Hank had come up to where he was once again.

Alex started to pace himself, and stopped trying to show off because obviously it’s hard to be showy with your running when the person running with you can run as fast as Hank could. Alex jogged for a while before deciding to call it quits. He was hungry, and there was no point continuing training if he was going to pass out from hunger. Okay, so it was a bit of an over exaggeration, but he was hungry and thirsty. Alex stopped running, and Hank pulled around him again. He slowed to a stop. Alex, caught his breath, “I’m gonna go inside and grab a quick bite and some water.” He kind of hoped Hank would follow him inside, but he was not about to ask him to come inside with him.

Hank didn't bother asking if he could accompany him, simply hesitation before walking behind him with his hands place at the back of his head. It was understandable that Alex was out of breath, even though Hank wasn't, but that's why Alex is the one training, and that's why Hank continued. To make sure that the required time he were to aid Alex in his training were completely fulfilled, to make sure that he would be less tempted to slack off even if Hank knew he wouldn't, being that gaining mastery over his mutation s one of the things Ales strives for. But Hank had a duty. That was the only reason he was following him inside, because they weren't done. Now all he had to do was pretend that was all true.

Maybe attempting small talk would be a good idea. He bit his lip as he walked only stopping for clearing his throat. "Afterwards you could commence lifting weights-" Was that being pushy? No no of course not, it was a suggestion and nothing more and there was no reason to suddenly feel more self conscious about every little thing,"-That is if you're up to it." He said in a lower voice, falling back to being as reserved as ever.

[thatbluebeast-blog]

theillutionist-mairi:

Mairi was surprised by the taller man meeting her at the door. When he kindly bid her a good morning, she had barely registered what he had said, taking a moment before replying. She had barely met anyone about the mansion, most of them hiding away leaving the Scottish girl to wander about alone.

"Hallo, mornin'." She replied a wide smile on her face. "I'm Mairi, and you are...?" 

She felt weird asking, like she should have already known. Holding her hand out, she gave a crooked smile towards the taller man.

'A low "Ah," slipped from Hank's lips when he realized she didn't know him. He had been so confined that he hadn't even personally met the new- or no longer new, students, he felt a bit disappointed in himself, if only socializing was as easy as aerospace engineering, or something of the sort. He raised his hand in apology, slightly bowing his head, "I'm Henry McCoy, though I prefer to go by Hank." Basic introduction.

Well, more of an effort couldn't hurt. "Any reason you're out here?" he asked, slightly cocking his head and trying to find a position for his longer than normal arms.

[theillutionist-mairi]

@anyone around

[thatbluebeast-blog]

theillutionist-mairi:

The sun was bright, warm in the sky as she wandered around again. She hadn’t really anything to do, but she did have an itch to go out, to go outside these walls and see the city around them. With her fiery locks tumbling down her shoulders and her emerald eyes covered by sunglasses, she was dressed in a pair of light denim shorts, a large light blue jumper and her old trainers. 

She hadn’t really ever been to a city, living in a small town her whole life. So here she was, wandering around the gates, like a caged animal in a zoo. She wanted to see the rumbling city, the bustling people and yet she knew sheshouldn’t. She knew in a city, she was probably the one thing they wouldn’t want, someone whose powers would lash out. She sighed, walking back to the mansion.

Hank had actually taken some of his fellow student's advice, and took a day off. Well- half a day, he still found himself in the lab early that morning. He found himself feeling weary one moment, and tempted to simply give up on the ridiculous idea of a day off and continue his work, because then it would cease to plague his thought among other things.

After finally getting his nerves back in control he decided a simple stroll would do, just enough so he could actually relax. Being the never-ending mind worker he is, he hardly notice that there was someone just outside the front door when he stepped out, much to focus on the refreshing breeze. When he finally noticed the girl- Mairi, he greeted her, with a small smile and a "Good morning."

[mr-fix-it-deactivated20111023]

Well, this is Hankward...

[thatbluebeast-blog]

mr-fix-it:

Liam couldn’t stop the smirk that took over his face, “Ah, but Hank you forget- I’m young. I can handle staying up for days on end and it having little to no effect on me. You on the other hand…” he trailed off as his sleep-deprived brain jammed and he lost his train of thought. Giving his head a quick shake, he laughed, “Besides, sleep is for the weak.” He sat in silence for a few minutes, twirling his pencil between his fingers before looking up at Hank. He cleared his throat and said at an attempt at nonchalance, “So, Charles wants you to lead a rescue mission?”

Hank took of his glasses and dug the palm of his free hand into an eye, resisting the urge to yawn. "I quite frankly don't know which I should be more offended by, the fact that you're implying I'm old, or that you're implying I'm weak. I take a liking to neither." Hank wouldn't admit he took less offence with the latter, considering that at times he found it to be true, which is why Liam's next statement made him tense. He slowly nodded, putting his glasses back on, he didn;t feel tired anymore, just a slow tying of knots in his something. He cleared his throat before he spoke again. "Oh, you've already heard?" He took a seat, "I team has yet to be assembled, however I don't doubt all will go well."  He looked at Liam, as if he was analyzing him, trying to gauge at his reaction and see how he reacted to the news. "Everyone's abilities has to be considered-" which is why the next part of the sentence was one of the few things Hank was absolutely sure about." And I'm sure you'd be valuable to the team." 

[mr-fix-it-deactivated20111023]

Well, this is Hankward...

[thatbluebeast-blog]

mr-fix-it:

thatbluebeast:

A small smirk came across Hank’s face when Liam spoke about college. A lot of the students that came to the school stopped trying, simply thinking they could live in the mansion forever, detached from the outside world, and Hank was happy to know that that wasn’t the case with everyone. Hank laid an arm on the fridge door as he gazed inside it, momentarily forgetting what he came in here for. He was working on designing new suits for everyone, for better guard use and was also in the middle of prototyping an upgraded version of Cerebro, but all that came from his mouth were “I’m workinona flsdmdfrasda..” followed by a yawn. He quickly shook his head snapping himself awake, not realizing he just spoke complete gibberish. 

Liam couldn’t stop the laugh that erupted from his mouth at the jumbled mess of words and sounds that came from Hank. Maybe the two of them were more tired than they thought. “Sorry? Didn’t quite catch that,” Liam smirked, reaching for the now flat soda, taking a long drink. Even though the carbonation was long gone, the caffeine was still there and it gave him a much needed boost. He nodded at Hank, “You need to go to sleep. You sleep less than Charles.” 

He got a glass of milk from the fridge, closing it and eyeing Liam in the most confused expression, he slapped himself, the sting waking him even more. "I said," he cleared his throat, taking a long sip of the milk and wiping his newly made mustache with his thumb. He sighed, "It doesn't make any difference, you'll get to see soon enough." He leaned back on the counter, mind already trying to figure out the next step in his plans. "Oh, I'm sure I at least sleep more than him, if not then about the same amount." He half shrugged, "You should be taking your own advice."

[thatbluebeast-blog]

That's so Hankward

[thatbluebeast-blog]

causing-havok:

Ah, there’s a smile. Alex grinned at the fact that he could make Hank crack up, even slightly. He thought Hank had a very nice smile. It was one of his favorite things about Hank, but he thought that Hank didn’t show off his pearly whites enough, or at least not around him.

Alex stood up from tying his shoes, and watched Hank take off his glasses and push his hair back. He grinned, and turned away so Hank wouldn’t see the stupid look on his face. He looks really cute without his glasses. Alex mentally smacked himself. He had to remind himself that Hank and Rae, and he had Ro. He thought that he wanted her, and they’d gone out and had some really hot make-out sessions, but  then he saw Hank like this…He pushed the thought from his head. Hank sighed, and removed his shoes. Alex laughed when Hank got that cocky tone in his voice. It was good that Hank was confident about his ability. Alex shrugged. He knew Hank could run much faster than he could no matter how fast he sprinted. It was part of his ability. “Why would I be? You’ll probably end up running past me closer to ten times.” He didn’t insult Hank, and that would probably shock him. He could have mentioned anything about his feet or called him Bozo but he refrained. Maybe if he showed Hank he could be mature…Alex cut off the thought. It would never happen.

Hank glanced at Alex with a very puzzled look on his face. He really had gotten so used to the teasing that he felt a bit surprised without it. His mouth was slightly ajar and he was about to comment on that very thing but decided against it. He wasn't about to start pushing is luck. Especially not after how warm he felt after receiving a compliment.

He did a bit of jogging in place, letting his feet get used to the open after being imprisoned for so long. He stretched his toes out, getting used to the feel of the ground against his bare feet. He glanced at Alex (again, no surprise there), and quickly looked the other direction before their eyes met. "Whenever you're ready." He got into position, remembering what Charles had told him the first time he went running, the first time he decided to hone his abilities and actually proud himself on it. After the initial signal was spoken, (though Hank was sure that Alex took off at least half a second before he was suppose too) he stood still for a moment, taking a deep breath before he started running, catching up rather quickly, and he was sure he had increased his speed since the last time.