Falling for them (love and deepspace X OC )

Voyage of the outcast (xavier)

After some investigation, combined with a vague hunch, l've identified a highly suspicious Wanderer.Andrew is tracking it, but it's been several days since I got a response.This lull allows me to test the new gear Simone modified for me before the next mission.
The only problem is that my partner, who promised to join me for this trial, is late as usual.

"That's Simone for you. She can turn even the simplest sidearm into something extraordinary..." I switch on the safety and put away my gun. My gaze drifts to the empty lane beside me. "Looks like Xavier, King of Tardiness, didn't get the chance to try out the new gear first."

"But at least I have the luck of a partner who's always thinking about me." The door to the shooting range opened without me noticing. Xavier leans against the doorframe and smiles. "I got caught up following a new lead. I didn't have time to tell you."

"Is it about that case you've been digging into? You've been really mysterious about it. Time you filled me in."

He raises the cup in his hand as he speaks. "Let's talk over a cup of coffee first. I'll tell you everything then."

I follow Xavier to the Training Room's lounge area. I grab the cup of coffee he offers me.I cautiously take a small sip. It's a little hot and sort of weak. But it's still decent.

"You made this?"

"The coffee machine did all the work. I just put in the beans and provided the cup."

"It sounds like you didn't do much... But the coffee isn't bad.
Hearing this, Xavier chuckles.

"So, your investigation is coffee-related?"

"Certain people were smuggling painted Protocore fragments in the coffee beans. I had to attend as a judge at the coffee contest.I figured that with all the effort they put in, there would be a clue about the Aether Cores. But all we got were some modified, regular Protocores."

"Oh, I thought..."I pause, and my gaze falls into the cup in my hand.

"..What is it?" He asked.

Since joining Special Operations, Xavier and I busied ourselves with tracking down leads on the Aether Cores.But I always had a feeling that he was carrying out this "secret mission" even long before he joined.I also think it's connected to Xavier's other secrets-but this isn't the right time to delve into them.I hold myself back from saying, 'I thought you'd know something related to the Aether Cores' whereabouts.'

"I thought you had more solid leads than Simone and I."

"Oh, I figured you'd ask something more probing."

"How so?"

As if reading my mind, Xavier gives me a chance to steer the direction of this conversation.But when Xavier lowers his head in response to my question, it almost seems like he's slightly
upset.

"Isn't there anything you genuinely want to ask?"

Despite everything we've been through so far, l've never really pressed Xavier about his connection to the Aether Cores.

"In that case.. You must know more about the Aether Cores than the Association, right?"

"In your mind, am I more capable than all of the Association's hunters combined?"

"The Association has its network, but maybe you're aware of things they can't access."

His fingers lightly tap the wooden table in the lounge area. "l'm not entirely sure how many AetherCores there are, let alone their capabilities.Their power comes from the very core of the cosmos. If fully awakened, they would spell disaster for the world.Noticing my thoughtful expression, he smiles and gently smooths the furrow between my brows. "I know. You aren't satisfied with my answer.
But there are some truths you have to see and decide for yourself."