"Good work out there today."

Normally he would have said it routinely, staring at his work on his desk, not really thinking about what he was saying. But today was different -- as soon as I walked back into Maverick Hunter headquarters, he looked up and smiled, chiming out the usual phrase with a much brighter tone.

"Thanks," I had to act differently today, too, "Is anyone else around?"

"Alia's doing some research on Axl's data, and the Commander is interviewing some potential new navigators..."

I interrupted him with a stern voice, "We need to talk."

X's eyes widened just a bit. This was the first time I had ever seen him like this. I could barely help myself.

"Of course." He responded softly.

I walked over to behind X's desk. He had now stopped all of his work completely and had turned his chair to face me. This was the first time he had ever put down his work in front of me. This was so great! I couldn't believe it was really happening!

"I've..." I paused, trying to find the right words, "I've really been feeling your absence out in the field lately..."

A weird expression came over X's face. I wasn't really sure what he felt. I couldn't tell if he was offended or just annoyed or what.

"Zero, you know how I feel about the way Maverick Hunters operates." He sighed, "I just can't go back out there and hurt any more innocent people. Besides, you have Axl now, and he--"

This was my chance!

"No. What I meant..." I looked straight into his eyes and leaned forward, "I meant I missed you."

There was no turning back now! I knew I didn't have much time left before I was discovered, so I leaned further, one hand on the back of the chair. I placed my free hand on top of X's hand that was resting in his lap. I could read in his eyes that this felt so natural to him. So I knew that this was the perfect timing.

I continued leaning forward, our faces getting closer and closer. He was confused and hesitant; his eyes were a little scared. But I was pretty sure my hunch was right -- I knew what his true feelings were.

I tried to make myself sound puzzled as well, "Is this... okay?"

His answer was breathy, "Zero..."

He closed his eyes and I couldn't stop myself after that. I burst out laughing, tumbling onto the ground. The DNA data I copied from Zero wore off instantly and in seconds I was back to my regular self.

"I so knew it!" I managed to choke out in my laughter, rolling on my back.

"A-Axl?!" X was still in disbelief.

"Sorry dude," I picked myself up, "but that was too easy!"

X just stared blankly at me for a whlie as I chuckled to myself, until Zero returned from his mission and entered the room.

"Back." He said, bluntly as ever.

I dashed out of the room giggling, and Zero approached X who was still staring expressionlessly ahead.

"What just happened?" Zero questioned, only half interested.

X quickly returned to his desk work, grumbling to himself, "Stupid kid."