The Suite Life X

49 - Heir Apparents

During both missions...

By the time he caught up with her, X found London in the one place he least expected.

She'd managed to wander her way into his Sanctuary.

I really need to remember to lock this place up, he noted internally as he walked into his own personal space, lined by an indoor garden, but with the centerpiece being...a certain diarama. Formerly a spare conference room towards the back of the Base, he had had it secretly renovated for his own uses.

Being the physical basis for all Reploids and de-facto leader of the organization had its perks.

Regardless, he would have to be very careful about how he chose to handle this. Obviously another direct confrontation would not end well, but maybe he could try something else...

"Beautiful, isn't it?" His carefully chosen tone was soft, yet contemplative.

London pretended not to notice. His keen vision made him aware that she ever-so-slightly stiffened.

"I always come here when things get to be...too much. I suspect it might be that way for you?"

An answer came sounding almost reflexive in its delivery. "Fine... I'm doing just fine."

He inhaled softly before letting it back out again, knowing what he was going to have to concede.

"I'm fine too... I have to be. Especially when the world's counting on me to be that way. No matter how many battles I fight, no matter how many press conferences I attend, or comrades that I have to...kill."

At that last word, the rich girl perked up, clearly listening, even though she didn't turn to face him. She also took a subtle step away from him.

He needed to address this part directly, if only to put her mind at ease.

"London, look at me." When he got no response, he repeated his command more firmly, forcing the girl to finally face him for the first time.

It was clear that she was trying to look stoic, but there it was again, bubbling just beneath the surface.

The exhaustion, the fear...

"It hurts, doesn't it?" He let his mask slip for just a moment, letting her look into what was a mirror image of the pained look she'd flashed mere moments ago.

It was so similar, in fact, that he could see the gears turning in her head as she visibly debated opening her mouth.

"You know," Knowing her less technical level of understanding, he made sure to speak very plainly. "I think I have more in common with you than you know."

"No you don't. You're p--" She caught herself and tried to correct her statement "You're mid--" She did so yet again. Coming up empty in regards to what she clearly wanted to say, she settled on... "You're not me. We're different."

"I know you're rich, London. It's not like that's a secret at this point."

"Not here, I'm not. Here, I'm...nothing."

A touch of annoyance shone through, but X tried to keep his speech level. "First of all, you are far from nothing here, and you know that as well as I do. Secondly, I can see it weighing on you, and while I don't think I'll ever understand wealth like you do, I know what it's like to inherit something that puts a lot of pressure on you."

Her tone softened with curiosity. "You... You do?"

"Indeed." He hit a button on the side of his helmet to undo it and reveal his mess of pitch-black hair underneath.