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Small Town

Earth's most wanted mutant was hiding out, keeping a low profile in a small town. Erik Lehnsherr was staying out of eyes, ditching his recognizable appearances for more subtle looks. He'd even adapted to some basic human routines. Like at the moment, he was sitting in the cafe he'd come to visit often. It wasn't the best coffee in the world, but something kept pulling him in.

"Barton! Coffee run!" A managerial voice called out, followed by a girl's voice accepting her task.

Erik stayed in his corner, looking out the window as he waited for the coffee cart. It was an ordinary, small town life out there, but inside, Erik noticed the reflection of a red cloud, and he immediately turned to look. The redhead had used some sort of magic on the milk jug, and what once was barely a cup was now a jug full. Interesting, Erik thought to himself as he broke into habit and bit on his finger.

Soon enough Barton rolled the coffee cart over and was ready to serve with a smile.

"Hi there, stranger. What can I get you for?"

"I'll have a café, blanche."

The redhead laughed at him with a smile and began pouring the milk in the dark liquid. The girl kept pouring but he didn't stop her. She chuckled nervously.

"Like it white, do you?"

"'Fraid you'll run out of milk?" He subtly referenced the spectacle he'd seen.

Barton's smile dropped and she stopped pouring the milk.

"What makes you think I run a dairy farm?"

Erik smiled and reclined, taking a quick look out the window. "You don't?"

Barton smiled customarily at him and walked away with her cart.

"I saw that." He called out.

Suddenly a red cloud spread all over the cafe. Everything stood still. When she came back, she wasn't nice.

Barton whirled around and slammed her glowing red hands on the table.

"My brother and father will be here in a second. So don't you dare try anything."

Erik wasn't fazed. Instead he leaned up and reached for the metal spoon, without using his hands of course. Barton watched wide eyed as the spoon came over and dropped itself into the man's coffee, stirring as he twirled his finger above.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"H-how can you do that?"

"I was born with it. Call it my, mutation. I'm Erik."

"Wanda. What did you mean by mutation?"

"Wow, it really is a small town, isn't it." He sat back again and looked out the window, noticing the people outside continuing with life.

"Shouldn't you fix this before someone comes in?" He eyed around them to the red cloud.

Wanda sighed. "Do you mind standing cover?"

Erik grinned at her. "Of course," and he slipped out the booth.

Wanda readied herself as much as she had the luxury to, then took a breath and recalled her powers. They went in as soon as they had come out, overwhelming her body. The cafe went back live like not a second had passed.

Erik turned around expecting to commend her, but immediately went on his knees next to her.

"Wanda, are you alright?" He asked with a worry. Her arms were bruised with internal bleeding and her nose was actually bleeding. He grabbed a napkin from his table and dabbed at the blood on her face.

"I've never done something big like this before." Wanda said with a breaking voice.

"You don't truly understand your powers, do you?"

Wanda shook her head.

"Why don't you go home, Ms. Barton. You'll hurt yourself more. I'm sorry if I got you hurt." Erik got up to sit in the booth but Wanda grabbed his arm. He took her hand and sat back in his seat.

"You know something. About, about this. Powers. Mutations. You know more than I do, at least."

"I do. But it's probably best for another time, love." He showed her her purpling arm. "You should call home."

Wanda sniffed and nodded. Erik reached in his pocket for his wallet, taking out cash for the coffee. He set it down on the table with a nice tip and got up, ready to walk off.

"Thank you for the coffee, Ms. Barton."

"Will you be back?" Wanda snapped around. "Here? We can, we should talk."

Erik smiled down at her. "Consider me a regular. Get well soon, darling."

The man walked out and Wanda remained sitting at the booth, her arms laid out in front of her on the table.

"Wanda!" Her manager's voice called for her, but when she didn't respond, he came over. "Hey, Barton!" He reached and was almost about to call her back to work when he noticed her arms. "I'll call your father." He left to ring her dad and came back with ice packs for her.