"Well look who decided to show up," Miku jabs as you, Hiro, and Goro enter the briefing room. "Sorry… we're…. late," you pant. After taking a moment to catch your breath you see that everyone else had been waiting for the three of you to arrive.
"Now that you are all here we can begin," Nana says. Nana then proceeds to give the ground rules for your vacation. You listen but don't really comprehend what she is saying instead thinking about how ready for this break you are. "Any questions?" Nana asks, thirty seconds pass in silence, "Alright, then follow me and we will get you underway."
You follow Nana down to the docking bay where one of the doors stands open. You proceed through it stopping just outside. The world around you is teeming with life, trees stand tall, and the chirping of nearby birds can be heard. "Follow that path and it will take you to the beach," Nana says pointing to a dirt trail leading into the trees, "Remember if you need us for anything you can reach us with your communicators, otherwise be careful and have fun kids," Nana says turning and walking back into the plantation.
Squad 13 marvels at the forest as you walk down the path. You have to admit that the sights and sounds are much more vivid than those of Mistilteinn. As you walk you see flowers in full bloom and animals moving in the heavy brush. "It's amazing that despite everything, places like this still exist," Ikuno says. "Yeah, it is," Goro agrees.
After several more minutes of walking you begin to hear the sound of waves crashing. Rounding a bend, you are presented with your first ever view of the ocean. The water is a deep blue and the golden sand stretches at least a half mile in each direction.
"There it is!" Zorome yells sprinting forward, discarding his shirt as he does. "Hey wait for me!" Futoshi exclaims chasing him. Everyone laughs as the boys run into the surf screaming like little kids. You and Goro begin assembling the umbrellas you'd brought with you, placing them in the sand and laying some of the towels below them.
"What are you wearing?" Miku asks looking at you. "What do you mean?" you question, looking down at your clothing. "Those shorts are hideous," she scoffs, "And what are those glasses on your head?" "I don't know, but they block out the sun," you answer. "I think your just upset I have some and you don't," you finish sticking out your tongue. Miku huffs in response as she walks away.
Nearby Kyu removes the shirt she had been wearing over her swimsuit. Having been her partner for over a year piloting the Franxx, seeing her in a parasite suit frequently, and having known her for most of your life, you would have liked to think you were prepared for this moment. Oh how you were wrong.
You stand there enraptured by her as she talks with Kokoro. She smiles while Kokoro speaks then laughs covering her mouth with her hand. Her sky-blue hair sways slightly in the breeze and the warm sun shines on her skin making the view even better. She is the most beautiful thing I've seen in my entire life, you think. Beside you Goro stares intently at Ichigo, his eyes never leaving her form.
You are so enamored by Kyu that you fail to notice as she approaches you. "(Y/N)? (Y/N)?" she asks but you fail to hear. "(Y/N)," she says snapping her fingers. "Huh, what? What do you need?" you stammer returning from your day dream. "You were staring," Kyu says sternly.
"Was I?" you ask placing a hand behind your head, "Well the ocean is beautiful isn't it? It's hard not to stare." Good save, she has no clue. "I know you were staring at me, idiot," she replies. Damn. "What was that Zorome?" you yell, pretending to hear something. "He didn't say," Kyu begins "Don't worry I'm coming!" you interrupt her, running to join the other boys in the surf. Kyu watches you as you go, she gives a satisfied smile then returns to Miku and Kokoro.
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"Hey guys what did I miss?" you ask reaching Zorome and Futoshi. You are ignored by the two who stare intently at the girls lounging on the beach. "Is it just me or are the girls like 50% cuter today?" Zorome asks. "Yeah you're right," Futoshi agrees. "The view certainly is something," Goro says from beside you.
The three of you look at Goro wearing various faces of confusion. "Wait what did you say Goro?" Zorome questions. "It almost sounded like you were one of us for a second," Futoshi adds. "Hey what the hell!" Goro exclaims, "I'm still a guy just like you!" "Yeah, but I thought all you double digits were nothing but a bunch of goody two shoes," Zorome chides him.
"(Y/n)'s a double digit too," Goro whines. "He does have a point Goro," you state, "You pretty much do everything by the book where I mostly make it up as I go." "Oh yeah hot shot?" Zorome sarcastically remarks, "Looked like it went real well for you earlier, you got caught."
"And you would never stare at Miku, right Zorome?" you shoot back. "I wouldn't be dumb enough to get caught," he replies. "Bullshit," you retort, "I saw her yelling at you the other day for trying to look up her skirt." Zorome's face grows red as he tries to think of an excuse. By this point Goro and Futoshi are both laughing and struggling to swim at the same time. "Alright guys that's enough," Goro says.
"I'm not done yet," Zorome declares from his perch on the inner tube. "I just want you to know (Y/N) that I can do whatever I want, Miku loves the attention even if she won't admit it." "Oh, well why didn't you say so?" you reply, "Let's just ask her then,"
"Hey Miku," you begin to yell before Zorome drags you beneath the water. The two of you wrestle for a moment before returning for air. The girls continue what they were doing seeming to have not heard you. "Phew, she didn't hear," Zorome sighs in relief.
On the shore Miku, Kyu, Kokoro, and Ichigo have made a rough square and are taking turns hitting a beach ball back and forth. Ikuno sits beneath one of the umbrellas and reads while Mitsuru is nowhere to be found.
"Hey, wait up!" you hear Hiro yell off to the side. Turning to investigate you see him following Zero Two deeper into the water. Zorome and Futoshi share a grin before following. Goro looks to you, you shrug turning after Zorome and Futoshi. The four of you stand off to the side hiding in the shallows.
"So this is what the ocean feels like," Zero Two says, clearly pleased, "Mhm, and it does taste salty," she adds licking her skin. "I finally made it and it's all thanks to you Darling," she finishes hugging him.
"Sorry, Zero Two," Hiro says blushing and looking away, "I can't look at you right now," he finishes. "What? Is something wrong?" she asks. "No, no, you look great," Hiro frantically replies, "It's just that seeing you in a swimsuit," his voice trails off. "But Darling you saw me naked before," she says. Wait what? He saw her naked? I haven't heard that from either of them.
"Naked?" Goro whispers sounding horrified. "I wonder what it was like," Futoshi ponders. "I can't believe he beats us every time," Zorome hisses.
"It's not like I meant to," Hiro replies, "Besides," he is interrupted by Zero Two pulling him closer. Their faces stopping mere inches apart. Hiro draws a quick breath as Zero Two leans closer still. It looks as though they are going to kiss but just before Zero Two changes course licking him instead.
Zorome looks on in a state of shock, "He's got a lot to answer for, let's go." He then dives beneath the waves swimming towards the pair. The three of you look at each other before following.
Hiro exhales opening his mouth to speak but Zero Two places a finger over his lips silencing him. "Were you expecting a kiss?" she asks coyly. "A kiss is a declaration that someone belongs to you, so you should only ever kiss the person you love. Got it?" she asks tapping his lips. "Only who you love," Hiro mumbles.
"What have you done it with someone other than me perhaps?" she asks with a mischievous grin. Before Hiro can answer, he is pulled beneath the waves by Zorome and Futoshi. He panics at first then sees you and Goro, after which he gives up and simply follows.
Your group exits the ocean in a little side cove which you believe is out of sight. Zorome and Futoshi deposit Hiro on the ground and you form a circle around him. "What's going on?" Hiro asks. "We didn't want to intrude," Goro says indicating you and himself, "But these two wouldn't listen."
"What the heck is a kiss?" Zorome demands. Hiro immediately blushes, "You were listening the whole time?" he exclaims. "A kiss," Futoshi says dreamily, "It sounds so magical." "What's gotten into you? Goro, please, help." Hiro begs. "Sorry Hiro," Goro replies pushing up his glasses, "But I also want to know what a kiss is."
You laugh at Hiro's misfortune which he notices, "Hey ask (Y/N)," he says, "I saw him kissing Kyu after the battle the other day." You stop laughing, oh crap. "Wait what?" Goro asks surprised. "You mean you knew this entire time and didn't tell us?" Zorome yells.
About this time, the girls having noticed your absence and begun looking for you, round the corner. "Hey what are you guys doing?" Ichigo asks. "Do any of you know what a kiss is?" Zorome yells unable to contain himself. The girls react with confusion save for Kyu and Ichigo. Kyu you had expected, Ichigo you had not. You follow her gaze as she quickly looks at Hiro before blushing and turning away. Definitely something going on there.
"Nope," Ichigo yells. The girls gather around Hiro as well, while you silently thank the heavens that the heat is off you again. "So Hiro tell us what it is," Zorome orders. "It's, uh, it's when two people put their mouths together," he stammers. "Their mouths?" everyone exclaims. "Damn it Hiro," Zorome exclaims, "You have to let me kiss you," he prepares to dive but you catch him.
"Woah, Woah, Woah, little man," you say, "You might be disappointed if you kiss him. It's usually a boy and a girl." "Let me go," he yells, "I'm going to kiss someone," "Miku?" you suggest. "Miku I demand you kiss me," Zorome orders. Miku gasps, her face quickly shifting to one of anger, but Kyu stops her, whispering in her ear. Miku smiles, "Why of course Zorome," she says sweetly, "Just come here and close your eyes."
Zorome looks amazed that his plan worked but does as he is told. "Now, close your eyes," Miku lightly orders placing her left hand on his shoulder. Zorome's face is flushed and his breathing has become heavy. After Zorome closes his eyes Miku begins to move. She draws back her right hand and slaps Zorome sending him to the ground. "What the hell was that for?!" he asks rubbing his cheek while everyone else laughs. "That will teach you," is Miku's only response.
"But we still don't know what a kiss is," Futoshi grumbles, looking back to Hiro, "Why don't you show us?" "Hey, it's not my fault I can't," Hiro replies, "I don't know where Zero Two is after you guys pulled me away." He looks at you again and you can tell he sees a way out, "But I'm sure they can show you," he finishes pointing to you and Kyu.
Kyu quickly abandons you standing beside Kokoro. "I don't know what it was," she says feigning innocence, "We were just standing there and (Y/N) suddenly put our mouths together." "Oh no you don't," you retort, "I seem to remember you starting it before the battle. I certainly didn't ask to be kissed then." Kyu blushes now hiding behind Kokoro who looks beyond confused by her childhood friends.
Fortunately for you both, Mitsuru, who had been missing until now, arrived. "There is something you should see," he said before turning and walking away. "Thanks for the explanation," Ikuno says dryly. "Well I guess we'd better follow him," Goro says leading the way.
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Mitsuru leads everyone through a jagged set of rocks at the far end of the beach. "There is something at the end of this path," he says continuing through the forest. You walk beside Zero Two at the end of the group.
"Hiro saw you naked?" you ask. "Yeah, why?" she asks oblivious to your concern. "And you are not at all bothered by that?" "Why should I be?" she questions, "He is my Darling." You sigh, "Fine, it was recently then?" "Nope," she answers. "Ok," you say growing frustrated, "When was it?" "When I went swimming in the lake," she replies. You stop for a moment comprehending what she just said. "Wait, you mean to tell me the first time he saw you, you were naked?" you ask. "Uh huh," she replies happily. Oh god, no wonder he can't stay away from her. "You've got him wrapped around your finger, don't you?"
Zero Two smiles devilishly but doesn't answer. "I can't believe you. The first time, really?" you say aloud, embarrassed on her behalf. She continues to smile and begins humming as you walk. "If you won't listen to me I will have to tell Kyu," you say.
Zero Two stops, turning to face you head on, "You wouldn't," she challenges. "Oh, wouldn't I?" you retort. A look of dread crosses Zero Two's face, she knows all to well how Kyu would react to the news. "Fine," she huffs. "By the way, I saw you finally kissed her," Zero Two says mischievously, "Took you long enough." Now it is your turn to stop. "What I do or don't do with Kyu is none of your concern." You reply. "Oh, really?" she asks playfully, "Then why is what I do with Darling yours?" Damn it, she's got me.
"Alright fine," you concede, "I just worry about you ok." Zero Two pulls you into a hug, "I know," she says, squeezing you tight, "But I can handle things."
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"We're here," Mitsuru announces. Clearing the trees, you are presented with the remains of a small sea-side village. Most of the buildings are in a state of partial collapse and vehicles litter the streets. Plants and vines cover the exteriors of what remains.
"What is this place?" Miku asks in awe. "It looks like a small town," Ikuno replies as you make your way into the village. "No way," Zorome replies, "Where are all the people and why is everything covered in plants?" "Do you think anyone lives here?" Kokoro asks. "Who knows," Mitsuru states wistfully, "But I've never heard of anyone living outside the plantations before."
"Hey, look up there," Zorome says pointing at a large manor on a nearby hill, "That looks like our boarding house back in Mistilteinn." "Hmm," Ikuno ponders, "Lets go take a look." "Wait before you go," you say stopping them, "Ichigo, where are we going to meet back up?" "Uh, how about the path by the cliff, at sunset," she offers. Everyone nods in agreement then goes their separate ways.
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Several hours later everyone reconvenes at the cliff. Several of the others make small talk as you wait for the last pair, Kokoro and Mitsuru, to arrive.
"We still never figured it out," Zorome says, "What is this place?" "Well it must have been part of civilization at some point," Ikuno answers. "So, people lived here in the past?" Goro asks.
"They abandoned it," Zero Two says wistfully, gazing out over the water, "Humans used to live on the surface until they abandoned it." "There are places like this all over the world," you add, "We've been to several. Some are many times larger than plantations, others are quaint like this one," you pause, "But they are all empty." Some look out over the ocean while others look back to the town, it seems they all realize the sadness associated with the old world.
After a few minutes of silence Ichigo speaks, "It looks like everyone is here, we should head back." "I'm exhausted," Miku complains. "And we can make dinner," Futoshi excitedly proclaims. Most of you laugh at that lightening the mood, then follow Ichigo and Goro back to the beach.
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It is dark when you arrive but to your surprise there is a fire going. Getting closer you find that not only is there a fire but there is a grill above it and food has already been cooking. "How did this get here?" Ikuno asks. "Who cares?" Zorome questions, "Let's eat!" Futoshi wastes no time, grabbing a skewer from the grill and eating its contents immediately. "Ow, hot, hot, hot," he yells burning himself.
You get your food then sit beside Kyu and Kokoro on one of the logs. Everyone chats as they eat, revealing what they had seen or found in the city. Kokoro stays quiet however never removing her left hand from her jacket pocket. You are about to ask her if something is wrong before Miku approaches. Miku grumbles about being tired then plops down beside Kokoro, resting her head in the blonde girl's lap. "Miku," Kokoro blushes, "What are you doing?"
Zorome and Futoshi are captivated by the scene, their eyes bulging and tongues wagging. "Hey, boys," you snap your fingers, "Pick your jaws up, your embarrassing yourselves." "Miku where are your manners?" Kokoro asks. "I don't care right now," she replies, "I'm tired and the boys are just jealous that I've got the lap and not them."
"What do you think life would be like if we didn't live in the plantations?" Hiro asks. "Where did that come from?" Zorome questions. "I don't know," Hiro replies, "It's just there is so much more space out here, and pretty scenery and animals." "Yeah, but there are also Klaxosaurs," Miku points out. "Maybe if we hadn't started to mine magma energy," Hiro says trailing off.
"Are you doubting Papa?" Mitsuru says coldly. "No, it's just," Hiro says before Zorome cuts him off, "Papa and the others are amazing," he exclaims, "I mean look at this place, they used to live here." Zorome says making a disgusted face. "And now they live in the plantations and we protect them. Things couldn't be better! One day we will even become adults!" "Heck yeah," Futoshi chimes in.
You shake your head though the others likely dismiss it as being aimed at the boys and not their words. Kyu stares at the ground to hide her face. "Be careful what you wish for," you say quietly to yourself.
"Alright everyone I have an announcement," Ichigo says standing, "I would like to be the first to formally welcome (Y/N), Kyu, and Zero Two as members of Squad 13. And to congratulate Hiro for becoming an official parasite."
"You guys are staying?" Futoshi asks excitedly. "Mhmm," Kyu nods with a smile. Kokoro pulls the blue haired girl beside her into a hug, somewhat crushing Miku in the process. "That's great!" Zorome yells. "Welcome to the family," Miku adds. Family, huh. I hadn't expected to have one again, not that I'm complaining, you smile to yourself.
"You guys have been very helpful," Ikuno says thoughtfully. Mitsuru however looks less than enthused. "Alright boys," Goro smiles placing a hand on you and Hiro's shoulders, "Now (Y/N) can't get out of helping clean the room anymore Hiro," Goro jokes.
"As Squad 13's leader," Ichigo continues, "I am prepared to work you to the bone, so be ready," she smiles. "So (Y/N), will you still be lieutenant squad leader?" Miku asks. "I actually don't know," you reply, "Ichigo?" she nods in reply. "Looks like it," you continue, "So as lieutenant squad leader I intend to work you to the bone," you say doing your best impression of Ichigo, "early mornings, late nights, and no cake." "No cake?" Futoshi wails. Everyone laughs except for Ichigo who pouts until you mess with her hair.
"Ahhh," Miku yawns, "I'm tired. When are we going to bed?" Everyone echoes the sentiment and you begin breaking out the sleeping bags. Most of Squad 13 lays down to sleep but Zero Two, ever the night owl, decides to return to the water.
You sit in the sand looking up at the sky. There are so many stars visible tonight, and the moon is full shedding a soft light on the beach. "It's beautiful isn't it?" Kyu says sitting down beside you. "Not as beautiful as you," you reply. "Flatterer," she scoffs laying her head on your shoulder. "So a family," you say. "Yeah," she replies, "I didn't think we'd have one again, or even a home for that matter. I couldn't be happier though. They are so full of energy and emotion. Much different from the other plantations." "They are something, that's for sure," you laugh.
"You heard what Zorome said about Papa," Kyu says, "It will devastate him when he finds out." "There is a lot they don't know," you reply, "If it weren't for traveling with the doctor we wouldn't either." "Yeah but I can't help but feel sorry for him," Kyu continues, "Did you tell Hiro about Zero Two?"
"Some, but not close to everything. He still has no clue how long we've known her," you answer. "Do you really think he is the one?" Kyu asks. "I do," you reply, "How else could he have survived?" You wait close to a minute for Kyu to answer but one never comes. Turning your head, you find her asleep against your shoulder. She's even more cute when she's sleeping, you think. "Come on," you say aloud, carefully lifting her up, "Let's get you to bed." Kyu subconsciously pulls herself closer to you as you walk, resting her head against your chest, a slight smile on her face.
You gently place Kyu in her sleeping bag pulling it over her. "Good night Kyu," you say kissing her forehead. She almost seems to reach out for you as you go. "Night (Y/N)," you hear her mumble. You climb into your own sleeping bag and stare up at the sky once more. A family, and a home. It's been an interesting couple days.