Hey everyone! Just dropping by to give you a little something since it's now ready to share. Drum roll, please! I present to you, Freya, everyone's favorite everpresent AI. The link below will take you to Spaze's official character model. Don't forget to replace the [] with dot and com!

Link: imgur[]/a/vOaDNcV

It's unlike Ikuno to sulk in her room. That's something Mitsuru would do, and one of the things she disliked was being compared to him.

However, this situation was far from normal, and she didn't know what to do about it.

After Naomi professed her love, Ikuno continued to sit on the verandah for a good while before she felt she could move. The whirlwind of thoughts and emotions suddenly coursing through her had made it so that she couldn't focus. Somehow she made it back to her room, but her head hadn't become any more clear.

The issue was twofold. Ikuno had never considered having romantic feelings with anyone other than Ichigo until now, and she didn't believe she'd be a very good partner in the first place. The two of these things together, when coupled with the shock factor of the sudden confession, resulted in Ikuno having too many things on her mind.

Ikuno curls up around a pillow on her bed, discarding her glasses and jamming her face into the soft material. She flops over sideways after a few seconds.

How am I even supposed to respond to this? Ikuno thinks to herself. It's obvious to her that Naomi expects some kind of answer, but that's a lot harder said than done. It's also something she's currently incapable of giving.

I've never thought of Naomi as anything more than a friend because I was always so focused on Ichigo, Ikuno muses. If I hadn't been, would I have had an answer for her?

Ikuno shakes her head, hoping it'll help. It doesn't. Instead, it pulls Naomi's reddened face to the forefront of her mind, along with the words, "I love you." She can feel her face get hotter as she recalls the event.

She was really sincere, Ikuno says to herself after the moment fades. She can't be mistaken. Those are her true feelings, even if I don't know what to do with them. I mean, we get along well, and it's nice being with her. I could tell her yes because of that.

But… accepting Naomi's feelings means giving up on mine for Ichigo. They're emotions Ikuno has held on to for years, and they have not wavered. She didn't stop when Goro was partnered with Ichigo, or when she was matched with Mitsuru. She didn't stop when she was told that pistil to pistil connections wouldn't work. And she still didn't stop when Ichigo found her new partner to be her perfect match, the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

Ikuno thinks back to a few hours before, watching (Y/N) and Ichigo play with the girls. A few tears appear in the corners of her eyes. They don't mean to, but it's like they're rubbing it in my face. They don't have a care in the world when they're with one another. And the two of them now have the little girls. They're practically a family.

Finally, Ikuno is able to accept the thing she desperately wished to avoid for so long. There's no way anything will come of these feelings for Ichigo now. The two of them really are perfect for one another. I can't ever fit into that romantic picture.

Then, an image of Naomi flashes across her vision. Ikuno remembers the countless days spent with the other girl in the Garden, and the many moments they've shared. And then, the dazzling image of Naomi highlighted by the sun lingers in her mind, tightening her chest and sending a shot of warmth through her body.

I'll never be able to forget Ichigo, Ikuno thinks, but that doesn't have to stop me from thinking about others. I don't have to forget her, just accept the way things are.

For once, Ikuno's clouded mind becomes clear. She tosses her pillow away onto the other side of the bed and stands, before walking out

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Naomi sits on a desk chair in her own room, a hole larger than her fist gnawing itself through her stomach thanks to worry. It's painful.

Stupid, stupid, stupid! Naomi berates herself. In the heat of the moment, after seeing all the sadness and pain Ikuno had had to go through, she had been unable to stop herself from blurting out the one thing she didn't want her friend to hear.

I've totally rushed things, Naomi concludes, after quite a long internal debate with herself. In thirty seconds, I've gone and ruined our entire friendship. She's going to be weirded out and won't want to be around me. She has to think I've just been lusting after her this entire time!

Naomi lets out a loud sigh, which ends up being more of a groan, and puts her face in the palm of her hand.

A sharp knock clacks off the door, and Naomi jumps up out of surprise. She hears a muffled "Naomi?" through the wall, but the voice is unmistakable. Her stomach flips upside down. "Come in," she says, swallowing the bitter taste rising in her mouth.

The knob turns and Ikuno steps through the frame. She gives a half smile and a small wave before saying, "Hi, Naomi." She gestures to the bed, a few feet away from Naomi's chair. "Do you mind if I sit?"

"S-Sure," Naomi says, before clearing her throat. God, now I'm stuttering. Could this get any worse?

Ikuno moves to the bed and sits down on the closest side to the other girl. Naomi watches her do so, and they lock eyes once Ikuno gets comfortable. She can feel the heat rise to her cheeks at the contact and tries to stop it from happening.

"I… I first want to thank you, Naomi," Ikuno begins, looking a bit sheepish. "You gave me a lot to think about, and I realized some things that I should've a while ago. I wasn't expecting you to do what you did, but I'm glad you did so. I needed the shock."

Unable to respond with her voice, Naomi simply nods and tries to give a smile. It's hard to do, given the pressure.

Ikuno continues. "Since we were children, I've liked Ichigo. I don't know when my feelings first turned into love, but that's what they became, and that's what they've been for the past few years. But… it's also been me watching her slowly drift away from me."

"I've never been able to let these feelings of mine go. It's always ended up with me convincing myself I still have a chance with her, or that things will just work out for me somehow." But then, Ikuno shakes her head. "Once she and (Y/N) became the handlers for those two girls, though, my fate was sealed for good, and I realized that. I'll never be able to have a healthy romantic relationship with Ichigo, and I could never break her new family up to satisfy my selfish desires."

Ikuno takes a few long breaths to calm herself, and Naomi wants nothing more than to rush over and squeeze her in a big hug. However, she stays still and gives Ikuno space.

"I never expected to have a friend quite like you, Naomi," the purple-haired girl says. This time, she gives a true, broad smile, one that makes Naomi's heart pump loudly in her chest. "You think your feelings are a burden to me? Well, I won't let them be. I can't tell you what exactly it is that I feel, but I know I want to be with you, Naomi."

Ikuno blushes, something Naomi has never seen before.

"Do you… do you understand, Naomi? The things you've been feeling for me these past few weeks, I know I'm feeling them for you. I just, I didn't realize it."

Now, it's Naomi's turn to be speechless. Her mental jaw drops as her mind fails to comprehend just how much Ikuno's words have betrayed her expectations. And then everything just clicks into place.

Naomi jumps up from her spot, begins crying, and rushes the steps over to Ikuno in the same moment. She wraps her arm around the other girl faster than Ikuno knows what's happening, squeezing her as tightly as she can manage.

Ikuno lets out a cry of surprise as she does this, and Naomi snaps out of the hug. "Oh my god, Ikuno, I'm so sorry! It was just a reflex or an impulse, I didn't mean–"

Naomi shuts up after a few seconds when she feels Ikuno's arms gently wrap around her. Instinctively Naomi returns the contact, pressing herself as close to Ikuno as she can. As she does, she feels a warm breath on her shoulder as Ikuno's head finds its way to the crook of her neck.

"Please don't be sorry," Ikuno whispers. "It's not that I don't want it, I'm just unfamiliar." She tightens her grip in reassurance.

As the two of them stand in the room, quietly embracing, they become acutely aware of the tears not just on their faces, but on their shoulders as well. And neither of them are from sadness.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Today was going to be interesting, of that much you can be sure.

Ichigo had informed you last night that today was Asuna and Asada's final day of Taming and that she wanted you to be there when they finished. This morning she added that she wanted to start on their training as well. Now you find yourself walking toward Delphinium, with Ichigo in tow, to move her down to the Stampede Division's training area.

"You're sure they'll be ready for this?" you ask. "I'm positive," Ichigo answers. "The girls have been working hard for over a week to complete this trial and they deserve it. I think I may even make dinner tonight as a treat."

The two of you turn off the catwalk and proceed into Delphinium. Continuing your line of questioning, you ask, "How long had they been doing it before you told me about them?" Ichigo does a quick calculation in her head. "They've only been in training for a little over nine days," she admits. "And I introduced you three days ago, so that makes it six."

Ichigo takes her place on her platform and you in the chair behind her. It's been about two weeks since you last piloted together, but the connection comes to you without fail on the first attempt. The feeling of your consciousness melding with Ichigo's, her calm and determination, it washes over your mind like the tide.

"You know, this feels really similar to something else," Ichigo points out. "The two of us coming together as one, almost like when we–" "Uhm, Ichigo," you interrupt her. "Delphinium is online, you're talking to everyone right now." As she realizes her words were broadcast via Delphinium's external speakers, the FranXX blushes heavily.

"Maybe we keep our conversations private, hmm?" you say. The flustered mech nods and switches to a private channel. "God, that's so embarrassing. I almost admitted we had sex to everyone." "Ichigo, I'm flattered, I really am," the voice on the other end of the line replies. "But I don't think Miku would be very happy with me if I took you up on your offer."

"Z-Zorome?!" she shouts, nearly deafening the young man. "What are you doing on my private comm?" "You called me!" he retorts. "Whatever, just forget everything you heard," Delphinium huffs.

"Want to talk to me now?" you ask over the line Delphinium had intended to activate. "No!" Delphinium shuts down the line, thinking that she's once again picked the incorrect recipient of her message.

"Love, calm down, it's me." Your continued efforts bear fruit as Ichigo gets a grip on the situation. "I'm such an idiot," she whines. "Now I've just told Zorome we had sex." "It could be worse," you reply, trying to hide that it was something he already knew. "You could have told everyone like you almost did."

In order to get her mind off recent events and back on track, you change the subject. "We should get going. Asuna and Asada are waiting for us, right?" Hearing about her adoptees, Ichigo immediately changes tune. "I left after seeing the girls into their FranXX for the final session. They should be close to finished when we arrive."

"I'm still amazed by them," you say as Delphinium walks through the halls of Haven's underground base. "Asuna and Asada are so small, but they can handle a FranXX in Stampede like it's nothing. Haven't you failed girls twice their age?"

Delphinium nods. "We have. Something about them being twins is the key. When they wanted to join, I was going to tell them no. But then, I thought it would be easier to let them try and see why it wasn't a good idea until they were older. However, their compatibility scores were so high it just didn't make sense to stop them. I made sure they knew what fighting would mean and they said they wanted to help people like we did."

"Exactly how high were their scores?" you inquire. "High enough they could pilot a FranXX," Delphinium replies. "But I'm not comfortable allowing them to do that. Having a little girl pilot with a boy twice her age just feels wrong."

That does sound a little weird. Better be safe than sorry.

"I think that was the right call," you reassure Ichigo, though her tone implied it was unnecessary. "If they want to when they're older, we can always find partners for them," Delphinium shrugs in response. "Why do I get the feeling no boy is going to be good enough for that?" you whisper. "Hmm? Did you say something?" your partner asks. "Nope," you reply with a smile. "Nothing at all."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After the somewhat entertaining start to your day, Delphinium finally walks under the bulkhead and into the cavern housing the Stampede Division. As you survey the area from the cliffside, the internal monitors increase their zoom automatically to the focus of your vision. Two FranXX, one silver and the other gold, are restrained within the cattle cages. However, neither seems to really need them. Both dogs wait calmly, glancing around the room, waiting to spot their masters' arrival.

A bark pierces the silence as Aurum, Asuna's FranXX, notices Delphinium. Argentum likewise snaps to the blue FranXX, but unlike her sister she remains silent. Delphinium smiles and makes her way down to the girls.

"Hey girls," she says is a motherly tone upon reaching them. Delphinium reaches out to pet the canine FranXX, resting a hand on Argentum's head while scratching Aurum's chin. "Did you miss me, because I missed you. And look at you, you're both so well behaved. You both are making me so proud."

"Aren't you going to say something?" Delphinium whispers over a private line. "R-Right," you stammer. You'd actually been marveling not only at how well Asuna and Asada were handling their FranXX, but also at the way your partner was interacting with them. As such, you'd been too preoccupied to speak.

"Aurum, Argentum, you both look sharp today. Let's have a good workout," you tell the dogs. Delphinium's frowns. Clearly, you hadn't given the greeting she'd hoped for. Aurum doesn't seem to care though, as she happily yips in response to hearing your voice. Argentum makes her feelings known by licking the hand petting her.

"How about we get you out, hmm?" Delphinium hums. Speaking to one of the operators back in the command crate holding her office, she says, "Release Aurum. We'll lead her to ring one then come back for Argentum." The radio crackles to life as the response, "Understood, ma'am," is given.

With a mechanical hiss and the groaning of metal, the locks holding Aurum in place are undone one by one. It takes the better part of thirty seconds for the process to complete and the golden FranXX leaps out to enjoy her new freedom.

Without thinking you say, "Aurum", and point to the ground beside Delphinium. Having only made it several paces from you, the FranXX quickly returns to your side and looks up at you expectantly. "Good," you say with a smile, and reward her behavior with a pat on the head.

Behind you, Argentum lets out a soft whine. "We'll be right back sweetie," Delphinium reassures her. Inside the cockpit, one of the training rings is highlighted and she tells you, "That's our ring."

Without needing too much guidance, Aurum follows Delphinium across the massive cavern to the ring. By the end of the short trip she's nearly a stride ahead of you, and her tail swishes back and forth in excitement. The ground rumbles as a section of the ring's outer wall recedes to allow your entry.

Aurum needs no direction and quickly bounds into the arena. She starts to roll about in the dirt and dust, happy as a lark, and you hear Ichigo moan in response. "Noo, but you were all clean!" With a smile, you direct her back to the Taming area where Argentum is waiting.

The silver canine has hung her head and whines gently for all to hear. Delphinium kneels and you speak. "Hey, what's wrong? Did you think we weren't coming back for you?" Argentum looks up and licks the faceplate, causing Delphinium to shiver as Ichigo unconsciously reacts.

"Hey now, that's enough," you tell her. "We'll let you out now." Using the same comm Ichigo had, you ask for Argentum to be released. A moment later the hissing returns and the FranXX is allowed to move of its own volition. Unlike her sister, she simply takes a step out of her cage and quietly waits by Delphinium's left side, the opposite of Aurum's choice.

Argentum is once again unlike her twin on the walk to the training ring. Instead of racing ahead she lags slightly behind, watching every nook and cranny of the cavern as if something could be hiding in the darkness. You can't help but marvel that while Asuna and Asada are twins, they couldn't be more different.

After Argentum has entered and the ring is sealed, you take stock of the area. It's mostly spartan other than a few training implements near the door. While you were gone, Aurum has succeeded in her quest to become dirty, as brown and black smudges of dirt and grime stand out against her golden coat. She happily pants in the center of the ring and barks three times.

"What am I going to do with you?" Delphinium whispers. "I'd start with a bath," you reply nonchalantly. Your partner rolls her eyes and walks to the center of the ring. Argentum follows silently in her shadow.

The plan you and Ichigo had settled on for training Aurum and Argentum was relatively simple. The first stage would involve spending time playing with the FranXX but maintaining a clear sense of control, using the time to lay the groundwork for stages two and three.

Stage two consists of obedience training and would take several days at the least. Aurum and Argentum would be expected to act as well or better than Delphinium had after you'd gained control of her at the Third Garden. Spending time with Asuna and Asada outside of training could lead gains as well, because in the end this was a matter of trust. Whether they were in the FranXX or out, they could all easily become more familiar.

The final stage would be combat training. The Stampede Division was formed for this purpose and thus this portion of the training would be the most rigorous. If a pistil could pass the trials leading here but failed to become combat ready, then all the effort will have been for naught.

Let's start with something basic.

"Aurum," you point to the ground in front of you. "Come." The golden hound cocks her head and stares at Delphinium, but doesn't move an inch. Inside the cockpit you frown. "I said come."

Aurum pants and scratches her ear using her hind leg. "Aur–" you say, before you get cut off by Delphinium. "Aurum, do you want to play, sweetie?" The mech crouches and pats her legs.

Like a bullet from a gun, Aurum takes off toward you at full sprint. There is no time to react as she covers the distance in a stride before leaping toward her masters. She hits Delphinium at full force and the pair tumble over backward.

Now in the mood to have fun, Aurum stands over the blue FranXX and playfully nips at her faceplate. Giggling, Delphinium grabs her forelegs and rolls to the left, pinning the canine against the ground. Still all smiles and tail wags, Aurum yips and tries to free herself. She is unsuccessful however and begins to whine.

"Sounds like someone's a sore loser," Delphinium chuckle.

WHAM!

Something hits Delphinium in her midsection from the side and she doubles over. Now standing protectively over her sister is Argentum. The silver hound gets low to the ground and sticks her hind in the air as if she's ready to further push the offensive.

"Feeling left out, are you?" you ask the girl. Argentum barks and her tail gives a single shake. That's more emotion than we've gotten out of her this entire time.

"Alright," you say as Delphinium reaches for one of the toys in the arena, a length of rope balled on each end. She takes an end and loops it over her forearm once before tossing the other toward the waiting dogs. Both stare at it without knowing what to think.

With a quick flick of her wrist, Delphinium sends a shock looping through the line. "Well, aren't you going to try and take it from us?"

The playful Aurum is the first to take up the challenge, grabbing the rope between her teeth and giving it a yank. Delphinium is prepared for this and holds her own. Aurum in turn pulls harder, clearly having fun with this new toy.

Not to be left out a second time, Argentum chomps down on the line just above her sister and begins to pull as well. Under the combined strength of both animals, Delphinium quickly begins to lose ground. She slides forward a bit before digging in her heels to stop the loss. Stepping up their game the girls whip their heads as one.

The resulting force drags Delphinium from her feet, and she lands in a heap. Before she can rise, both canines pounce on her and begin an assault of tongues. Delphinium laughs as their show of affection tickles her arms and face.

Several minutes later the tide abates, allowing Delphinium to sit up. Aurum rests her head on the FranXX's right thigh while Argentum pokes at her left hand with her snout. A quick pat on the head for Aurum and a scratch on Argentum's chin later, Delphinium stands.

With a smile Delphinium turns to the waiting girls. "Round two?" you ask.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After the day's training was done, you broke from Ichigo and the twins to clean yourselves up. You easily finish first, having used the shower in the base rather than the extravagant one in your suite. Ichigo had instead taken the girls there so the three of them could wash up at the same time using the larger space.

When you walk through the door to your suite, no one is immediately visible but the laughter coming from the bathroom tells you where you might find them. Asuna and Asada share a thick bubble bath, with the former splashing around and attempting to get her sister to play along. Ichigo has only recently finished her shower, as a towel is wrapped around her upper body as she dries her hair.

None of the room's occupants notice as you slink in. Ichigo is watching the girls from the corner of her eye in the mirror, but freezes when something brushes against the back of her thigh. "You are showing quite a lot of leg," a familiar voice whispers. "Most girls would kill for a figure like yours." Biting her lip, she whispers, "I'm glad you like it, but can we not in front of the girls?"

"Fair enough," you reply. Ichigo gives an "eep!" as you pinch her back, but before she can scold you, you've already walked away.

"Hey, you two," you greet Asuna and Asada. "Hi!" Asuna beams. Water sloshes within the tub as she raises an arm to wave at the man a few feet away. In her shy way, Asada doesn't speak to acknowledge your presence but she gives you a short-lived smile.

"How do you like the bubbles?" you ask, admiring the mass of soap that had been poured into the water. "I love them!" Asuna shouts. "I can make all kinds of things, watch!" The golden blonde gathers the nearby bubbles and uses her fingers to mold it into the outline of a bunny.

"That's very good," you compliment her. "Did Ichigo teach you how to do that?" "No," Asuna sounds puzzled. "Does she like to make things with bubbles too?" You chuckle. "She loves to make things with bubbles. She used to take bubble baths all the time."

"Hey, Ichigo!" the excitable girl attempts to garner her attention. "Why don't you take bubble baths anymore?" "Well sweetie, I wanted to save the bubbles for you girls," she replies matter-of-factly.

The elder twin frowns. She seems deep in thought for close to thirty seconds before triumphantly exclaiming, "I know! Then you could get in with us next time! It's big enough we could all fit!"

"I don't think that's necessary. You girls can have fun without me," you say trying to back out, but Asada says otherwise. She reaches out with her wet hand and rests it on your chest, as you've been kneeling by the tub this entire time. "Do you not want to be with us? Did we do something wrong?"

The question first is enough to break your heart. The second shatters the pieces.

"What are you saying? I absolutely want to be with you both. All the time, in fact," you say to calm the little girl's fear. "Boys and girls don't usually take baths together, that's all. But if you really want me to, I will."

Asada smiles and scoots over to the edge of the tub. Despite being soaked from head to toe in water and foam, she hugs you. She's surprisingly warm, but the electrifying feeling caused by this embrace is altogether different than what you feel with Ichigo.

"Yeah!" Asuna throws herself at you as well, completely ruining the fresh shirt you're wearing. "It's more fun if we all do things together!" "I agree," a voice says from behind as a third pair of arms wraps around you from behind.

Sitting in the bathroom being held by the women special in your life causes the coal that had been lit in your chest after meeting Asuna and Asada to burn brighter.

They both trust me so much, even though we've only just met. They're adorable, well behaved, and ours. Ichigo finding them must have been a blessing from the start, I was just too dense to realize. And look at her, Ichigo's turning into the perfect mother. She's already putting them first.

The embrace lasts for close to a minute before Asuna grows bored and dives under the water. Asada likewise returns to the bath and plays with the bubbles. Ichigo stands and makes her way to the door but motions for you to follow.

"What is it?" you ask as she begins changing in the bedroom. While the silk screen is still present, it's become largely for ornamental effect as Ichigo drops the towel in front of you and begins to dress. "I'm going to make dinner like I said this morning, could you watch the girls until it's ready?"

"I can try," you answer. "They listen to you much better than they listen to me." Ichigo shrugs. "The only way to make that better is to practice." She kisses you on the cheek and says, "I'll send you a message when it's ready. Just make sure they actually get clean before getting out of the tub. Then dry and brush their hair and put them in the clothes I laid out in their room. Even you should be capable of doing that."

You roll your eyes as she departs, whispering, "Yes, dear. Of course, dear."

The door clicks shut and you resolve yourself for the coming struggle. Rather than fetching a new shirt for them to soak, you leave your current one on and move to check the girls' room for the outfits Ichigo mentioned. They're a pair of slightly frilly cream-colored dresses, one with pink accents and the other blue.

Across from the beds a little stool sits in front of an oval mirror. You know from watching that Ichigo would have the girls take turns sitting there while she did their hair. That's something you are undoubtedly lacking in, so for tonight Asuna and Asada would have to settle for either a ponytail or just a brushing.

You return to the bedroom and are greeted by Asuna's laughter through the bathroom door. It's pure and sweet, like she doesn't have a worry in the world. With a roll of your eyes you step in.

"Girls," two sets of eyes turn to focus on you, "it's time for you two to wash up now." "Aww," Asuna whines. "(Y/N), I was having fun." "And if you keep this up you won't be having dinner," you shoot back. "Now follow your sister's example and get clean."

The blonde glares at you as if to test your resolve. In turn, you raise a brow and snap twice. The battle lost, Asuna groans and slides beneath the surface to wet her hair.

Several minutes later, Asada asks for a towel. You provide one and help her to dry off. "Can I wear it like Ichigo does?" Her large silver eyes peer into your soul and you can't help but buckle. "Alright," you say, wrapping the towel around her. "Now lift your arms." Asada does as instructed and you finish tucking in the end of the towel.

On Ichigo, the towels were long enough that it covered everything but short enough that it kept things interesting and allowed the mind to wander. On Asada, who's much smaller, it more resembles a dress reaching below her knees, even when tied off just under her shoulders. The young girl seems satisfied in her replication of Ichigo's behavior and observes herself in the mirror.

"You look very pretty," you compliment her. Asada blushes and turns away. She then begins fiddling with the hair dryer belonging to Ichigo. The child manages to turn it on at the lowest setting and points it directly at her face.

You smile and place your hand over hers. "It's for your hair, like this." You adjust the blower to a higher setting and show Asada how to slowly wave the hair dryer back and forth over a section of her hair until it's dry. She picks it up quickly and you leave her to it so you can deal with Asuna.

The girl in question has been watching the entire time instead of cleaning herself as instructed. When you turn to face her she immediately grabs the nearest soap bottle with a cheeky smile and says, "I can't get it open." You roll your eyes. "Give it here."

The bottle has nothing wrong with it, not that you're surprised. In the seconds that you spend proving "help," Asuna slides over to put her back against the tub wall in front of you. "Wash my hair," she more says than asks.

Now very glad you chose not to change shirts, you roll up the sleeves and squirt some shampoo onto Asuna's head. She giggles as you run your hands through her hair, clearly enjoying the experience. Likewise you are shocked by how soft her hair is, just like silken thread.

"There, all done," you say after several minutes. Suddenly Asuna tries to bolt away, realizing that she would be expected to leave the bath. "Not this time little lady," you grunt, slinging a towel off your shoulder and sweeping your arms under her, lifting her out of the tub and wrapping her in the towel in one motion. The blonde squeals with delight as you princess carry her to the towel rack.

"Do mine like Ichigo's too!" she insists. "First you have to dry off," you respond, getting a new towel over her. Asuna moans, "But (Y/N)!" "Whine and I won't do it at all" is all you have to say to change her tune.

Asada has finished drying her hair after this, though a few clumps still appear to be damp. She hasn't done bad for her first time though. You walk Asuna through the steps of using the hair dryer before leading Asada into the other room.

You allow Asada to dress in private, standing in the doorway with your back turned so that you can see her sister thoroughly enjoying the hair drying experience. A tug on your shirt tells you that she's finished and you turn around. Asada doesn't say anything but walks to the dresser and grabs the hairbrush, then plops down on the stool.

"Your hair is beautiful," you tell Asada as you kneel behind her. "Asuna's is prettier," the twin whispers. "Really?" you ask, running the brush through her hair. "Because I don't think so. You and your sister are both very lovely."

Asada slouches. You correct her posture so that you can continue to fix her hair. "Do you really think I'm as pretty as her?" Asada's eyes stare at you through the mirror. "I think that you're absolutely perfect the way you are and that you should be proud of yourself," you reply.

Asada nods. She falls silent after, but a feeling of contentment radiates from her expression and demeanor. In the meantime, the loud arrival of the energetic sister is telegraphed as she swings the door open to announce her presence.

"Alright, my turn!" she declares, standing beside you. You glance at her out of the corner of your eye. "Get dressed and then I'll brush your hair once I've finished with your sister's." Asuna huffs but does as she's told.

You can hear her putting on her clothes in the background as you finish up with Asada. No sooner has her sister stood up then she eagerly sits down. "Do mine like you did hers!"

You run the brush through Asuna's hair and immediately it catches on a clump. "Ow!" she shouts, grabbing your hand. "Sit still," you groan, swatting her hand away. "If we don't get the knots out now you'll be uncomfortable later and Ichigo will have to redo it."

"But it hurts!" Asuna groans. "Do you want me to make you do it by yourself?" you hiss. The blonde throws her hands in the air and stomps her feet. "No!"

"Then sit still!" you insist, putting your hands on her shoulders to steady her. "Ichigo does it softer," she grumbles. "What was that?" you ask, glaring at her reflection. "Thank you," she meekly replies. "You're welcome, sweetheart," is your response.

You do make a conscious effort to be gentler untangling Asuna's hair. Her curls are much harder to brush than Asada's straight hair, but with an agreement made the two of you manage to work through it. Once all is said and done you tie her hair up in a ponytail. "I wanted a braid," she complains.

"Asuna," her sister stops her, "(Y/N), doesn't know how to braid your hair like you like it. Please stop being mean to him."

"Thank you, Asada," you nod to her. "You girls stay here for just a moment while I get changed, then we'll go down for dinner. How's that sound?"

"Okay!"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Down in the kitchen, Ichigo has been working diligently to prepare a meal for her new family. She's read the recipe at least ten times and checked twice to ensure she had all the correct ingredients. With such meticulous planning, it's hard to believe how poorly it all would turn out.

Ichigo stares at the chicken she'd attempted to cook and fights the urge to cry. She'd been so focused on the pasta that when she went to remove it from the oven it had been too late. The bird was burned and there was nothing she could do about it.

To make matters worse, while attending to the blackened chicken she had then neglected the pasta. The noodles had overcooked in the boiling water and were now crunchy instead of soft. The only thing to have gone right was the salad, but messing it up was next to impossible.

Come on, I just wanted to make something nice for dinner! The girls will respect me more if I'm the one to make their meals and (Y/N) will appreciate that I've learned to cook. He always complimented Kokoro's, but now… there's no way that'll happen.

The one thing Ichigo does have after this debacle is a newfound respect for the kitchen staff. Not only did they prepare things well, but it was done for much larger volumes than she had attempted. She's nearly ready to give up and try to find someone to make something else for her when voices can be heard coming down the steps leading to the kitchen.

Oh no, they're here!

In a panic, Ichigo quickly plates the scorched chicken and carries the noodles to the table. Each salad bowl is placed in front of an empty chair and silverware follows. Ichigo has just placed the last fork in the proper setting when the final step creaks and her guests have arrived. She takes a deep breath and turns to them with a forced smile, "Dinner's ready!"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

You had been making idle talk with Asuna and Asada on your way to the kitchen for dinner. For seven-year-olds they are very articulate, a byproduct of rapid schooling by APE. However, they still display the typical social aptitude one could expect for a girl their age. On your right, Asuna sings joyously and threatens to pull her hand from yours with her overeager swinging motions. Opposite Asuna is her sister, who by comparison could be mistaken for absent. Asada may be silent, but she holds your hand just as tightly.

As you make your way down the stairs to the kitchen, you pick up the sound of rapid movement. This is followed by the clinking of plates and silverware. When you round the corner of the stairwell, Ichigo is just turning around. With a bright smile she proclaims, "Dinner's ready!"

"Yay!" Asuna shouts, releasing your hand and rushing over to the table. Asada follows her lead and seats herself in the nearest chair.

You join the girls at the table but make note of some abnormalities in Ichigo's expression. Her cheeks are rosier than usual for one thing. Another is that the smile she offered wasn't genuine. This, the noises you heard from the hall, and the blackened chicken in the middle of the table all paint a picture of what has happened.

She's flustered, you realize. It's her first time cooking for the three of us, and without realizing it she burned the chicken. Then she rushed to put everything on the table after hearing us coming down the stairs.

"It looks great," you say, giving Ichigo a kiss on the cheek and pulling out her chair. Her eyes betray her shock as she looks at you before sitting down. After pushing it in you seat yourself.

At the table you sit directly opposite Ichigo, with Asuna and Asada to each side. Your partner leads by placing her hands palm up on the table. You do the same and the twins quickly figure out what is expected of them as they lay theirs on top of yours. A quick blessing is offered and the meal begins.

You start by cutting up portions of the chicken and passing them out to everyone at the table. The noodles are next along, with a white sauce that clearly came from a can. The salads are pre-dressed and, much to your disappointment, they appear to be the most appetizing thing at the table.

After taking a moment to look over the options, you choose to begin with the noodles. Poking them with the fork reveals that they are hard and will not be edible in the normal fashion. Instead, you cut them into portions with the knife and scoop them up. Aside from the odd crunch they taste fine.

Once you've taken several bites of the noodles, you move on to the chicken. Just looking at the burnt dry meat is enough to tell you the experience won't be enjoyable, but you cut into it anyhow. Dicing the meat into small bites will only prolong the experience so you opt for larger slices.

Hmm, so this is what ash tastes like, you think as you chew the first bite. Asuna takes hers as well and immediately recoils. She makes a noise to show her displeasure and pushes it away on her plate. Asada nibbles on her piece but seems to be making no noticeable progress.

Across the table Ichigo is silently pawing through her salad and hasn't even touched the chicken or pasta. The glossy complexion of her eyes show she's trying not to cry.

In that moment you make a decision. "Girls, if you're done with your chicken please give it to me so that I can finish it. The two of you can split my salad."

Asuna and Asada don't hesitate to offload the burned meat on you but Ichigo's expression makes it worth enduring. She's utterly bewildered by your decision and watches as you cut the chicken and take another bite of Asuna's piece. She continues to stare as you chew and finally swallow.

"What?" you ask. "You… like the chicken?" Ichigo's response is shaky like her demeanor. "It's good," you answer. "I expected nothing less when you said you were going to make dinner. And since I've never been much for salad, I thought I could get a little extra by trading the girls for theirs."

There's a hiccupping sound as Ichigo covers the mouth with her hands. Tears flow freely as she pushes her chair back to stand. "Excuse me," she whispers, rushing up the stairs.

The three of you left behind watch her as she goes. "Did you make her cry?" Asada asks. "I think Ichigo just needed to use the bathroom," you answer, refusing to admit to the girls that the tears have already fallen in the first place. "Now, eat your food."

Several minutes pass and Ichigo fails to return. Asada finishes her plate and turns to you. "May I be excused? I want to check on Ichigo." You take a moment to consider. "Yes, that's fine."

After Asada has left, Asuna helps herself to more of the salad Ichigo had left behind. As she eats, she watches you continuing to work through the flagrant fowl. "Why are you eating it?" she finally asks.

You put down your utensils and wipe your face with the napkin. "Let me tell you something, Asuna. There are times in your life where you have the opportunity to do something nice for someone else by doing something that isn't for you. Ichigo worked very hard to make us dinner tonight but it didn't turn out like she wanted it to. We all had a choice when we sat down: eat the food with a smile or eat what we could stand and push the rest away."

You sigh before admitting, "This is without a doubt the worst chicken I've had in my entire life. It's dry, burned, and I think it tastes more ashen than ash itself. But I'm going to eat every bite of it because I want Ichigo to know that I appreciate what she did for us by making it. You and your sister pushed it away, which is fine, because you're both young. But I couldn't do that, not to her."

"So," you bring the lesson full circle, "the next time you have the chance to do something nice for someone, even if you have to be a little inconvenienced to do it, think about this chicken. I didn't have to eat it. I don't want to eat it. But I love Ichigo and this will make her happy. Do you understand?"

"I think so," Asuna nods. "The noodles aren't very good, but I can eat them. And if I eat them, Ichigo will be happy." "That's right," you agree with a broad smile.

The young girl looks at her plate where the majority of her noodles remain. She then picks up the fork and scoops up a bite. "If you're going to do it, I will too," she says.

You smile and pat her on the head. "You're a good kid, you know that?" Asuna grins from ear to ear, "I know! You can keep saying it, though!"