Space Man

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As the quiet hum of the workshop settled around us, Xavier straightened up, his usual casual demeanor replaced with something more serious. He glanced toward Joe and Doc, nodding to each in turn.

“Thanks for coming,” he said, his tone firm yet polite. “But for now, you two should head back. Joe, I’ll come find you when we’re ready to start teaching you the admin work.”

Joe tilted his head, looking like he might protest, but a glance at Xisuma’s sleeping form and the expression on Xavier’s face made him reconsider. “Alright,” Joe finally said, giving a small, understanding smile. “Just let me know when you’re ready.”

Doc didn’t argue either, simply giving a curt nod and heading toward the door, his inventory now full with the damaged suits he’d taken to repair. Joe followed, pausing only to glance back briefly before disappearing out the door.

Now, it was just the two of us.

Xavier shifted his stance, folding his arms across his chest as he studied me. “I wanted to talk to you in private,” he said, his voice low but steady.

I tilted my head, a little wary but willing to hear him out. “What’s on your mind?”

He hesitated for a moment, his gaze flicking briefly to his brother before returning to me. “You’ve been good for him,” he said finally, his tone softer than I expected. “Better than most people realize. But... I need to know if you’re ready for what that really means.”

I frowned, not quite sure what he was getting at. “What do you mean?”

Xavier sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he searched for the right words. “Xisuma’s... complicated. You’ve seen that already. He’s carrying a lot more than just admin work or stress about his shops. He’s got scars—emotional ones—that don’t heal overnight. And if you’re planning to stick by him, to keep helping him, you need to understand what you’re signing up for.”

His words hit harder than I expected. Of course, I knew Xisuma was struggling; that much was obvious. But hearing it laid out like this, as though it were some kind of challenge or warning, made me pause.

“I’m not going anywhere,” I said firmly, meeting Xavier’s gaze. “He’s important to me. I’ll do whatever it takes to help him, no matter how long it takes.”

Xavier studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he nodded. “Good. Because he needs someone like you right now—someone who’ll stick around, even when things get tough.”

He glanced back at Xisuma, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “He won’t admit it, but he’s lucky to have you. Just... don’t forget to take care of yourself too, alright? Helping someone like him can take a toll if you’re not careful.”

I nodded, a quiet determination settling in my chest. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Xavier gave a small, approving nod before moving to crouch beside his brother. He reached out, gently adjusting the helmet as if to make sure Xisuma was comfortable. Then he looked back at me, his golden eyes warm but serious.

“Thank you,” he said simply. “For being here for him.”

I didn’t need to respond; the gratitude in Xavier’s voice said it all. Together, we’d help Xisuma find his way back to himself—one step at a time.

Xavier shifted his brother’s weight carefully, standing to his full height before turning to me. “Come on,” he said quietly. “We’re not done yet.” He adjusted Xisuma in his arms, making sure he was secure, and gestured for me to follow him.