#aliax

Alia had been dedicated to her work for so long that she often forgot to slow down. Despite his own hangups, X had done his best to help her with that issue, and the result was almost always heavily favorable.

Tonight, Alia sat in the maintenance pod she often rested in, and X had made himself comfortable in her lap, leaning against her. She held him with one arm, and with the fingers of her other hand, she combed through his wild, untamed hair, savoring the silky-soft texture.

"X..." Alia spoke in a gentle tone. "I have a question."

X peered up at her, and a sweet smile drew across his lips. "Yeah?"

"Why do you keep your helmet on?" Alia lowered her hand to the side of his head, running her thumb along the rim of his ear. "When you aren't in the field, there's no need to."

"...It's embarrassing," X answered her, and his face turned pink. "Everyone thought I was cute..."

Alia laughed. "You are." She stroked his cheek with her fingers. "Perhaps it's better this way. Only I can see how cute you really are..."

"Yeah... I prefer it this way." X leaned into her touch. "...I love you, Alia." He raised his hand to brush his fingers over hers. "I love you..."

"I love you too." Alia grasped his hand, leaning in to kiss the top of his head. "I love you too."

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