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For most of your life, you lived in hiding. Having a mutation this physically obvious made it hard to live a normal life. That was until you were invited to stay with the Xmen, where being a mutant was normal. You still weren't all that used to being surrounded by this many people. Especially people who didn't look afraid of you. It was refreshing, but also unfamiliar which was frightening at first.
It had only been a couple of weeks and you'd explored your way around the mansion. There were so many rooms with so many different purposes to discover. Classrooms, training rooms, storage rooms, bedrooms, and more. Maybe you'd start teaching in one of those classrooms to repay the Xmen for taking you in.
Currently, your favorite room was the laboratory. It was quiet for the most part, except for Hank McCoy. The big blue genius was always there working on something new. Sometimes he'd make small talk or explain his process for a little bit. However, it didn't form any full conversations yet. That's when he made the switch to a radio station that only plays classical music. Something to fill the silence without the awkwardness.
You tried to mingle, or at least be present, in the upstairs living room but Kurt and Kitty were already having a conversation of their own and Logan and Remy were bickering about something. Whatever it was, it was too much noise at once so you retreated to the lab which was becoming your usual spot.
Hank was working, as expected. He was so busy he didn't see you come in until he turned around to grab a different tool. He almost jumped, startled by your sudden appearance.
"How long have you been watching?" Hank asked calmly. You sat in a comfy swivel chair that had space in between the seat and the head rest for your tail to hang out of.
"Not long. I just got here." you answered, wheeling the chair a little bit closer to where he was.
Hank groaned and rested his face in his hands for a brief moment.
"Apologies. I've just been stuck on this particular project for longer than I'd like. And... I'm rather peeved." Beast explains after lifting his head back up to its normal position.
"No problem. I like watching you work anyway. I mean- not in a creepy way.. I hope." you wince at the awkward admission. Awesome. Admitting you like watching someone. Totally normal.
Hank lets out a warm chuckle. The warmest you'd ever heard.
"No need to worry. I don't mind at all. I'm glad to see you so interested, actually. Are you fond of science as well?" Hank turns away from his desk once and looks you in the eye. His are a deep blue to match his fur and skin and.. everything.
"No. Well- yes. Well... you just look so peaceful when you're working. Plus.. it's quiet down here." You revealed.
"Ah.. the chaos of this school can take some getting used to." Beast returned to face his deconstructed tech and went back to fiddling with different wires and pieces.
You continued watching him work. Every move was made with such precision and delicacy despite his larger than usual hands. It was easy to lose track of time when his flowing movements were so mesmerizing.
"So.. what is it?" You questioned, deciding you'd like to listen to him talk some more.
Too many voices at the same time were distracting and honestly overwhelming. But when Beast talked, it was so deep and soothing, anyone could fall asleep to the sound of his voice.
"Well, it's not much currently. But if I'm able to succeed, it should be a device that helps mutants with more... physical abilities to blend in." He briefly explained.
You look down at his work in progress and then up at him with recognition in your eyes.
"Like us?" You asked quietly.
This topic wasn't often discussed between mutants. Most of them understood that it was easier for some to live amongst humans than others, and it was useless for the average mutants to argue with eachother when all of their rights and safety were at stake. It still felt nice to be with others that understood. Not just because of their unique abilities, but because they looked different too.
"Yes, like us. I suppose this idea was rather selfish. It's not a priority. I.. just wanted to see if I could." Hank sighed.
"It's okay to be selfish." you tilt your head to get a better look at all the parts and how they might fit together. "You spend all your time protecting both mutants and humans. Plus this could help other mutants too if it works out."
You try to hold back a smile at the thought of all the different possibilities this new invention could bring. For yourself as well as all the other mutants who had to live in hiding because of how they looked. That smile came out anyway and displayed several sharp teeth. You quickly covered your mouth, not wanting to be seen as aggressive.
Hank noticed the curve of your lips and what they were hiding.
"I see we're in the same boat then." He glances back at you. "But while you're staying here, you shouldn't be ashamed of these things. We're all mutants. It's safe." Hank smiles, as if encouraging you to do the same.
"Says the guy building a contraption to make himself appear human." you give a snarky reply, not holding back the wonky looking smirk.
"Touche." Beast shrugs.
Neither of you had to discuss the simultaneous expectations to be proud of who you are but also don't let anyone know. It was a struggle lots of the Xmen shared and you knew that. But somehow the understanding between you and Hank felt different.
Days went by where you'd silently watch Hank while he spent his days working in the lab. You did your best to stay quiet and not bother him even though it was clear he enjoyed having some company. Coming down to the lab after a stressful day made it feel like the outside world disappeared. Peering over Hank's shoulder was indescribably relaxing.
You rolled your chair across the smooth floors right next to his.
"Do you think it might be ready for testing soon?" You leaned in close to the almost assembled invention.
"Are you asking to volunteer to be my guinea pig?" Beast joked, which he seemed to only do when he was comfortable with someone.
"No but- I would." You abruptly look up from the machinery, the both of your faces suddenly the closest they'd ever been.
Hank looked away, embarassed at the proximity at the same time you did.
"I uh.. need to ensure some safety protocols first." Beast added, still turned away. This was the first time you'd ever seen him remotely flustered. It was so incredibly cute.
You nodded as he continued working. Just a few days later, he deemed the project ready to be tested on a real mutant. He'd strapped the contraption onto a harness that would be worn underneath a shirt, that way the user could discreetly wear it without giving away that their appearance was being tampered with.
You took off your shirt and strapped on the device. Beast turned around from his screens and practically froze. He obviously knew how his gadget worked. He was the one who made it. But it still shocked him to see you standing there with a perfect bare torso except for his invention. He would absolutely not let himself stare no matter how curious he was.
"Ready?" He checked patiently.
"Ready." You nodded.
Hank flipped the switch and you both waited in anticipation. A button lit up. A dinging noise played from the monitor. And... nothing. You were still your usual, obviously mutant self. Your excited expression dropped when you realized it didn't work.
"I'm sorry." Beast rest his band on your unchanged shoulder.
The two of you stewed in disappointment for a minute before Beast returned to his computer.
"This project is going to be a lot of trial and error. I don't expect you to stick around for the whole thing. It's quite boring, really." He explained in that addicting smooth tone.
"I don't care." You took off the failed project from your chest and set it on a nearby chair. "What I mean is.. if it doesn't work out, I still like being here with you no matter what it is you're doing. I've never felt ashamed of my appearance in this lab. I can just get away from everything and exist. I think that's enough for me right now." You admitted that it wasn't fully about being able to look normal. You blended in here just fine.
"Oh... I'll be honest I wasn't expecting that. This is so..." Hank mentally scrambled trying to find the correct words. "Different."
"Can I still watch?" You ask with a tilt of your head.
"Of course." He smiled fondly, relieved that you weren't too disappointed in him.
You yawned and inched closer to peek over his shoulder like always. This time, absent mindedly resting your chin on him. Hank let out a short sigh.
"I certainly don't mind this." He continued working with a little extra weight on his back.
"Oh. Oops I didn't even realize I.. it's been a long day." You tried to justify the closeness but Beast didn't seem to care at all.
"I think we could all use a break." He looked back and pulled you to latch onto the front of his body instead of behind him.
"Agreed." You huffed, taking in the softness of Hank's blue fur and suddenly thankful he usually only wore underwear and a lab coat while working.
He rested a large hand on your back and began to gently rub it, hoping to alleviate some of the stress he related to. You couldn't remember the last time anyone had held you like this and it had become extremely evident by your tail which was wagging uncontrollably.
"My stars and garters!" Hank laughed.
"Don't make fun of me." you buried your face into him to avoid eye contact.
"I'm not, I swear I'm not. It's just... fascinating. Who would want to hide this?" He looked down at you with awe.
Your tail, your abnormally sharp teeth, the texture of your skin were all traits that made you stick out in every crowd, especially combined. You spent your entire life hating them but with Hank, you felt a way you never have before.
"I could ask you the same thing. Why would you hide? Especially fur this this soft" you pried, pressed against Hank like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"You know why. I'm lucky enough to be a part of the Xmen so my public image might be a bit more positive. But we spend our whole lives trying to prove we're just like everyone else inside.. that is, if somebody's willing to give us a chance. Its not always safe to just exist as ourselves... it's lonely." He went on about the hardships of not being able to control how strangers see mutants.
"It is" You agreed.
"It doesn't have to be" he tucked a loose strand of hair away from your face.
The two of you locked eyes. What a magical moment this was. Two people who had told themselves their entire lives they'd have to get used to being alone forever suddenly found eachother. It felt like there was a magnetic force pulling Hank closer. And it was wonderful.
"May I kiss you?" Beast whispered.
Before you could answer, you were already pulling on his lab coat to get him down to your level. Your lips collided impatiently. You always felt the urge to be close to him no matter what he was doing. You moved carefully and slowly, trying to not cut his lip on accident. One of your hands cupped his cheek and the other was messing up his perfectly gelled blue hair while his hands were almost digging into your lower back, just on the base of your tail.
"Mmph" Hank practically moaned into your mouth "you don't have to be gentle with me" he groaned while running his fingers against the waistband of your pants.
Your knee moves its way in between his thighs and your tail wags. God, you were just giddy to be this close to Beast. He paused the kissing for a little.
"Does that mean you're happy?" He giggles.
"Very." You nodded.
"My, that is adorable." His claws grip onto you harder.
"I'll bite you." you smirked.
"Please?" Hank's eyes practically widen. He was into your animalistic features. Maybe because they complimented his own. Or perhaps it was because they were uniquely yours. It didn't matter. You had eachother.
You nibbled on his neck gently, obeying his request.
"That's not a bite." He grunted.
You started slipping off his lab coat and chomped down on his shoulder. It seemed his skin was just about as thick as yours so he handled how deep your teeth could really go perfectly. Just to be safe, you licked the bite on Hank's skin and he let out a satisfied sigh.
"Perfect. Not a thing I'd change" he moved a hand to your face and caressed it. He looked down at you, absolutely entranced. You didn't think anyone could look at you that way. But when it happened, it was heavenly.
"At this rate, you're never getting that machine to work and you won't get a choice." You joked.
"Sometimes I have to scrap entire projects. But I'm not all that upset this time." He kept holding you close.
"Worth it." You smiled, not hiding your teeth anymore which made Beast smile back.
"Indeed." Hank showered you in kisses in between his words. "I hope you know you are always welcome here. I want you to feel at home here at the mansion."
"I already do thanks to you." You replied, calming down in his arms.
Being close to Beast felt as good as you always imagined. He was big, warm, and soft. It was possible he was the most comfortable mutant alive.
"You don't have to hide ever again, am I clear?" He asked, somehow even softer than normal. "I fight for every mutant to have that right. That includes you. Especially you." He reassured quietly.
Hank's promises seemed like the most honest thing you'd ever heard. It took a lot for people like you to be vulnerable but it helped that he was willing to open up too.
Having someone who cared and understood this deeply felt like a far away fantasy that would never become reality. Beast thought the same until a new mutant showed up and started silently observing him in the lab every day. All you needed was a test run to go wrong so everything else could go right.