(no subject)

[x-dazzler.livejournal.com]

Since the question was asked - what was Magneto doing at the blood drive anyway?

Many thanks to x_crowdofone for coming up with this one.

Interlude

The problem with working for Magneto was the guy liked his metal lairs.  Which meant, when he was in a mood, the whole room might just up and decide to kill you.

The boss was in a mood.

Sabretooth smirked at Toad as the latter made his reluctant way down the hall to report; Toad thought about sticking out his tongue, decided he didn't really want it tied in a knot, and settled for flipping the big bastard the bird.

Magneto was sitting at his chromed desk, casually poised in his chair, helmet within easy reach. Above his outstretched hand, steel balls whirred in a complex pattern, and Toad winced -the busier the boss was with his toy, the more pissed-off he tended to be.

"Six months of tracking."  Magneto's resonant voice filled the room. "An elaborate double ruse to take advantage of our sudden opportunity. And all is nearly lost because of one insane human.  I tire of this."  His glance sent shivers up Toad's spine.  "Report."

"Uh . . . the kid was definitely there.  I mean, he didn't match the description, but how many kids are there gonna be stuck to Blaire's leg like that?  I figure he must've been wearing one of those -image things -"

"An image inducer, yes, Toad, I had already surmised as much."  The sharp tone made Toad tense, and he reminded himself that actually trying to leave before being dismissed was a quick route to cuisses de grenouilles.  "The boy is definitely with Xavier, then," Magneto continued thoughtfully, and Toad slowly relaxed.  "Excellent."