"This was like, totally boring," Hope remarked, breaking her silence since your arrival in New York for a political mission.

With arms crossed, she followed you back to the portal leading to Krakoa.

You shot her a smirk in response. "I thought you were eager for a mission," you teased.

Her eyes rolled dramatically.

"I was totally expecting some action, not playing delivery girl for medicine," she quipped with a hint of annoyance as she stepped into the portal.

Once you were back in Krakoa, she turned to you, her disappointment palpable.

"You know, it's like everyone still sees me as 'THE MOST VALUABLE ASSET IN KRAKOA,'" she remarked, her hand gestures exaggerating the point.

"And you, well, it's not like you ever have time to hang out, especially with your current status," she explained. "So yeah, I was really looking forward to this."

As she turned to leave, you interjected, "Let me make it up to you. How about we grab a drink?"

Hope paused suddenly, caught off guard by your proposal. With a raised eyebrow and a smirk, she responded, "Wait, are you seriously asking me out?"

You nodded, arms folded, mirroring her smile.

"Alright, I'll let you take me out," she agreed with a gentle chuckle. Then, adopting a playful tone, she teased, "But let's get one thing straight: this is just because I'm bored. It's not like I think you're cute or anything."

Both of you burst into laughter at her playful comeback.