It was more difficult than I assumed it would be, she thought, but there was no way she would say it out loud. Let him think what he wanted.  She was about to put the key in the keyhole and she froze; he could find out if he wanted to.  He could read her thoughts…damn it, he was as bad as Xavier.  Plus, he could shape shift, had the strength of…of her daughter—is that why she had helped him?  He reminded her of—she shook her head and unlocked the door.

J’onn stepped towards her, “Are you all right?”

Mystique tried to ignore the concern in his eyes. “I’m fine,” she replied coldly.  She locked the door behind her and walked towards the window.  The blinds were drawn and she shifted to her natural form.  She could feel his eyes on her, but was relieved that she didn’t feel his presence in her mind.

She wasn’t sure if he had waited for her in the room like she ordered.  She got the sense that if she asked, he’d answer honestly, but she didn’t want to know more about him than she already did.

“I’m sure you don’t need this, but here,” she unlocked a drawer and threw the items that were inside on the bed.

J’onn picked up the fake passport, cash, and a single key.

“What’s this?” he asked.

Mystique replied without looking at him, “A house in Caldecott.  You have trouble elsewhere, you can head there.  No one will ever find you.”

J’onn smiled.  He didn’t need to read her mind to know his presence affected her more than she led on.  He still didn’t know why she helped him.  All she said was she heard rumors about a nameless organization looking to hire someone to get rid of certain powerful individuals.  He had been on the list and Mystique managed to get to him before Libra could.  He was saddened that he wasn’t in a position to help the League anymore, but had to lay low instead because his presence might actually harm them.

“Mystique,” his baritone startled her, but she hid it well.  He couldn’t describe it, but he felt a connection to her.  Could be the shape shifting, could be something else, “Come with me.”

She laughed humorlessly and shook her head.  She was regretting helping him already.

He took a step towards her and reached for her hand.  She was too stunned by his gentle touch to pull away, “We’re the same.  There’s no place for us anywhere.  Come with me.”

She looked down at her blue hand in his large green one.  She was surprised by his gesture; though, it was surprising that it didn’t bother her.  Still, she shook her head, “No.”

J’onn sighed, his hand falling to his side.  He picked up the items and headed for the door.  He shifted forms, his green skin turning pale and dirty-blond hair appearing on his head.  He opened the door and looked back at her. “Thank you,” he said and closed the door behind him.