MARVEL'S MONSTER HUNTER WORLD

"Hello, Colossus, would you mind if I take a look at what you're painting?" Watson asked, walking up behind him.

"Of course, I don't mind. It's not finished yet, but it's coming along." Colossus continued sketching as he spoke. "I heard you had a sparring match with Logan? Too bad I missed it—I honestly regret not watching."

Watson glanced at the canvas and saw that Colossus had been painting the courtyard. Hearing Colossus' comment, he smiled and replied, "It's fine. We ended in a tie. But I have to say, your painting skills are amazing. You're really talented."

"Thank you!" Colossus beamed at the compliment.

"I remember you can shift back to your normal form, right? Why stay in this state?"

"It helps me focus. In this form, I'm less distracted, and my grip on the brush stays steady without tiring."

Watson suddenly remembered that Colossus enjoyed painting portraits of the X-Men. Curious, he asked, "I heard you're good at drawing portraits. Would you mind sketching one of me? A bust would be great."

Colossus looked a bit surprised at the request, but he quickly nodded. "Of course! But can I give you a copy later? I'd like to keep one for myself."

Watson readily agreed. Since Colossus was nearly finished with his previous work, Watson stood in place, acting as his model.

To look more imposing, Watson summoned his fire dragon armor, then removed his helmet and rested it on his arm.

Though Colossus' face was solid steel, his expression still showed concentration. He was completely absorbed in the painting.

Watson, however, found standing still almost unbearable—it felt like he was standing at attention in the military. Not tiring, just boring.

An hour later, Colossus finally announced, "Done."

Watson let out a relieved sigh, stretching his body. His joints cracked as he moved, and he silently admired people who could do this for a living.

As he took a look at his portrait, appreciating his own handsome face, his phone suddenly rang.

Caller ID: Charming Agent.

"Hey, baby. What made you think of calling me?" Watson said, flashing an apologetic gesture to Colossus before stepping aside.

"What's the matter, dear Watson? Don't you miss me~? Or has your poor Natasha lost her charm?" A teasing voice responded. "I just got home, but you weren't there~"

Watson chuckled. "That's impossible. My dear Natasha is the most stunning and charming woman of the 21st century. I'm just in a… special place right now."

Nearby, Colossus overheard the conversation, glanced at his hands, and muttered, "Another one with a girlfriend..."

But Watson didn't hear him. If he had, he might have tried to comfort him.

"Hmm? A special place? Fine, I'll let that slide~" Natasha continued. "I just wanted to tell you, I'm in Los Angeles handling an old bastard. I'll be back tomorrow, and I've prepared a little surprise for you~ You'll love it."

A surprise? Watson's eyes lit up with anticipation, but he quickly asked, "Need your knight to assist?"

"No need, my dear~ Just some ordinary folks. Don't forget, I'm Black Widow."

"They say Black Widows eat their husbands."

"That's right. So, just wait for me to finish up~ Alright, dear, I'll hang up now~"

Colossus, who had overheard half of the conversation, couldn't take it anymore. He quietly walked away, feeling like he had just witnessed something way too intimate. If he kept listening, he might drop a small steel tear.

An Unexpected Proposal

As the sky darkened, Watson leaned against the wall, feeling a little bored. Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching.

Turning around, he saw Jean walking toward him.

"Hey, so this is where you are," she said.

Watson looked at her as she got closer. Something felt… off. Was she trying to seduce him?

Did this mean the question he had asked earlier now had an answer?!

"It's dinnertime. The professor asked me to find you."

"Oh, let's go together, then," Watson nodded, about to follow her.

"Wait a moment. There's something else."

Hearing this, Watson turned his head, curious.

Jean hesitated, then said, "You should know that mutants are divided into two factions. We'd like you to help us fight against Magneto's Brotherhood."

"But wasn't Magneto just imprisoned?"

Jean shook her head. "We all know that won't hold him forever."

Watson suddenly thought of something and looked at the situation from another angle. Then, he met Jean's gaze with a serious expression.

"No. I won't take sides in this conflict. Magneto's methods are extreme, but his goals aren't necessarily wrong."

"You think so?" Jean frowned—but Watson caught something in her eyes.

Was that… relief?

A mischievous smile spread across Watson's face as he leaned in. Looking at her close, red lips, he murmured, "But if our dear Miss Jean is willing to have a deep discussion about it with me… I might reconsider helping."

"You—!" Jean stepped back immediately, eyes full of disbelief.

But deep inside, she was chuckling. So the Flame Knight was a bit of a pervert after all.

Watson, however, stepped closer again.

"Mr. Jean! Mr. Watson!"

A young student, who had been teleporting around during basketball practice, suddenly teleported in front of them—and upon seeing this scene, his eyes widened in shock before he turned and ran off at full speed.

"Don't let me go! You've been caught!" Jean exclaimed. "Once Charles hears about this, I'd love to see how you explain yourself!"

"Come on now, are you sure I was caught?" Watson smirked. "Also, since when does Jean call Professor Charles by his first name? Hmm… it seems like you're not Jean after all, are you, my dear Miss Mystique?"

At that moment, Mystique's expression shifted.

Watson continued, voice playful but firm. "You're hoping Charles will let you off easy, aren't you? But sorry, dear, I won't make it that simple."

Before Mystique could react, Watson suddenly exploded into motion, grabbed her hand, and pulled her into his arms. Then, with a powerful leap, he jumped over the school's outer wall, landing outside.

Despite struggling hard, Mystique couldn't break free. Watson's strength was unnatural.

Once they were far enough, Watson finally let go, and Mystique immediately stood up, watching him warily.

"When did you figure me out?" she demanded.

Watson chuckled. "Oh, finally acting like a proper villain? But I won't tell you that… unless you agree to my condition."

Mystique narrowed her eyes. "Fine. What do you want?"

Suddenly, Watson's expression turned completely serious.

Then, with the straightest face, he said, "Why didn't you seduce me at the start? No, wait—wrong wording. I meant… I want to see your real form. I bet it's beautiful!"