"Well…that's not good," you whisper to yourself, looking up at the squad of standard model FranXX surrounding your group. At the same time, your mind works at an electrifying pace to try and figure out what's going on and how you're going to navigate your way out of this. What are they even doing here? Did they somehow manage to follow us? No, that's impossible. They couldn't have. We were so careful to keep from leaving an obvious trail. Did they track us, then? I don't think that the FranXX have any kind of locator beacons. They didn't just happen upon us, did they? The insane amount of luck that would require…

"Unidentified FranXX," a voice booms outside. "We are here to have a word with you." You hurriedly glance from screen to screen, looking between the active FranXX towering above you and the deactivated units of your friends. "Squad 13," Ichigo begins giving orders, "private comms only. No one says a word without my permission." She turns to you. "Tell me you have at least some idea of what's going on?"

You shake your head. "I've got nothing…" But then suddenly, your mind flashes back to a time when you were in the Replacement Division at the Garden. One day, the Nines had arrived unannounced and demanded to be seen from maintenance that very instant. The schedule had been cleared for them without a second thought, resulting in your maintenance being put off until the next day.

"That's it," you whisper. Ichigo shoots you a confused look. "What's it?" she asks.

"Follow my lead," you reply, activating Delphinium's external speakers and quickly jumping into a connection with Ichigo. "What is the meaning of this?" you ask quietly, voice dripping with venom as Delphinium stands. You wouldn't know it, but the subdued yet powerful aura plays into your plan far better than a bolstering one would. "Who are you and why have you come here? You run the risk of upsetting our entire operation."

The lead FranXX takes a step forward. "We are Squad 56. Your FranXX were sighted from our plantation in an inactive state and we deployed to render aid. What led you to this situation?"

"Your aid is unneeded," you coolly answer. "We're special forces. Trained from birth to operate independently from the plantations."

"I'm afraid I have never heard of such a unit," the squad leader replies. "Please provide your code for verification with Plantation 56."

"Nine Omega."

Inside Delphinium, the eyes of her image go wide and a few gasps leak through over your squad comm, telling you that everyone is just as surprised as she is. The FranXX outside shift nervously before the lead drops to a knee. "Forgive me, Nine Omega," she whispers, her tone quickly going from accusatory to fearful as the reputation of the Nines works in your favor. The other members of the squad quickly follow suit and kneel before you.

"Could you not tell we were elites?" you ask as Delphinium dismissively waves her hand. "Have you ever seen a FranXX like ours? Who else could we be?"

"Laying it on a little thick, don't you think?" Hiro asks on a private comm channel. "If you go too far, they might doubt you," Ikuno agrees.

"Of course," the squad leader lifts her head to look at you while speaking. "Plantation 56 is nearby. If there is any aid we could provide, you need only ask. If you permit it then we will deliver this news to our commander, as he will want to know that you are in the area."

"Understood," Delphinium tells them, speaking for the first time. "You may go." Squad 56 nods and walks away, stopping a respectful distance from you to contact Plantation 56.

"What the hell was that?!" Zorome demands over the squad comm. "Nines?! We aren't Nines!" "I am well aware of that, Zorome," you reply calmly, "but it was the only thing I could come up with." "We do look different from other squads," Genista answers hopefully. "Yeah, and we were trained to stay outside the plantations," Futoshi agrees, "so it wasn't a complete lie."

"Yeah, but what if they find out?" Zorome asks. The channel is silent for a few seconds. "We kill them," Strelitzia answers, granting a gasp of surprise from Miku and Kokoro. "Woah, Zero Two," comes the calming voice of Hiro, "we can't just kill them." "No one can know who we are," Zero Two fires back. "If that saves us, then-"

"Enough," Delphinium interjects. "For now, we'll stick with this ruse of being Nines until they stop believing us." "But, who are we though?" Argentea asks. You're about to answer, but not before Mitsuru beats you by a split second. "(Y/N) said he was Omega," he begins, "and that means Ichigo would have to be Psi. Ikuno and I can be Phi and Chi."

"He's right," you agree. "In order to make this work, everyone needs to go by letters of the Greek alphabet. Just like the real Nines. Miku, Zorome, you two are Mu and Nu. Futoshi and Kokoro, Sigma and Tau." Hiro jumps in excitedly. "Zero Two is Iota, so that means I'm-" "No," Ichigo cuts him off. "We can't use Iota because that would be a dead giveaway it's really her. Zero Two, you shouldn't leave Strelitzia either." "I don't want to anyway," Zero Two grumbles, "plantations make me sick."

"Then it's settled," you announce. "Hiro, you are Kappa, and should it be necessary Zero Two can be Omicron. Don't forget that we can't act like ourselves. The Nines are feared by all parasites, so we have to be as well. Remember how they acted when we met them at the Garden. Cruel, elitist, and disapproving. If you can't act that way then try to look angry or disappointed, and don't say anything."

"Just follow our lead and everything will be fine," Delphinium gives the others a warm smile before turning back in the direction you had left Squad 56.

As you finish the discussion, Squad 56 returns. "What is it?" Delphinium snaps impatiently. "Please forgive our continued interruption," the squad leader offers. "Our commander wanted to extend the offer of food and fuel. If you have been operating for some time since your last resupply, we would be happy to assist you."

Delphinium looks to you and after a moment of consideration, you nod. "A most gracious offer," she replies. "We accept. Please lead us to Plantation 56." The lead FranXX bows, as do her squadmates, and then begins walking to the east.

"Are we really doing this?" Argentea asks, giving you a sidelong glance. "We could use the fuel, and if they're going to give us more food freely, we should take advantage of it while we can," Chlorophytum answers.

"Alright guys," you get their attention and nod toward Squad 56, who is beginning to gain distance on you. "Let's get moving, and remember that you are better than everyone."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After only several minutes of walking, Plantation 56 comes into view. The dome-like structure is exactly identical to the home you had just abandoned. However, it's missing the crude hole you had cut in the side and the glass of its birdcage still reflects the early morning sun.

"Looks just like Plantation 13," Delphinium whispers. "Yeah," you agree, "but stay focused. We can't afford to screw this up. Who are you, and why are you here?"

"Nine Psi," she answers. "Second in command of our squad behind you, Nine Omega. We were deployed to search the area for an important Klaxosaur relic. All further details are classified."

"Good," you flash her a confident smile and she returns a small grin, before her eyes leave you and focus once again on the plantation. "Phew," you exhale quietly to yourself. Thank God she bought it. As long as she thinks I'm confident, she won't doubt it either. And confidence is key when you're lying through your teeth.

"Nine Omega," the squad leader addresses you suddenly.

"Yes?" you ask.

"We ask that you please take our places in the docking bay so that your FranXX can be refueled and that any necessary maintenance can be conducted," she says, the FranXX extending her arm to the now-open bay doors. "Our FranXX will remain outside for the time being. If you would be so kind as to wait for us in the docking bay, we would be glad to show you around."

"That is acceptable," you reply as Delphinium leads Squad 13 into the plantation's docking bay. It is strange to see the interior of another plantation so soon after you had left, and it sets you on edge. Actually, you had thought you'd never see the inside of one again. You are technically in hostile territory now, even if Plantation 56's residents don't realize you are enemies.

You guide Delphinium to the dock closest to the door leading further into the plantation. It would be best if you and Ichigo were the first to greet Squad 56, since you were probably going to be doing the majority of the work selling your status as Nines.

There is a metallic clang as the clamps close around Delphinium's wrists and ankles and the ever-present image of Delphinium on your right disappears as you sever your connection to Ichigo. You rise from the chair and take a deep breath. Just... act natural. They have no reason to think you are lying. Your FranXX are unlike anything they've seen and none of us look like standard parasites. We've got this.

"(Y/N)," you open your eyes to find Ichigo directly in front of you, her large emerald eyes staring deeply into yours. "Tell me this is going to work."

You smile, cup her chin, and give her a quick peck on the lips. "It'll work. I promise." Ichigo exhales quietly. "That's good enough for me." Her soft expression hardens, and she shifts her weight on one side while placing a hand on her hip. "Ready, Omega?" she asks with a hint of condescension, her attitude transformation complete.

"Of course, Psi," you agree with a sneer.

Ichigo presses the control on her waist and the familiar hiss of the cockpit depressurizing fills your ears. A moment later, the door opens and Ichigo takes the first step across Delphinium's faceplate and onto the platform. You follow suit and wait for your escort from Squad 56, who are making their way across the bay some three hundred feet below.

Further down the catwalk, Miku and Zorome exit Argentea, both looking somewhat nervous. Mitsuru and Ikuno are already walking toward you, each wearing a disapproving stare. Kokoro is all but hiding behind Futoshi who, to his credit, is doing what he can to appear strong and tall as one would expect of a Nine. Finally, at the far end, Hiro exits Strelitzia alone. Giving a silent thanks that Zero Two was willing to remain, you wait for your inevitable contact with Squad 56.

Several minutes later, the door opens and Squad 56 steps onto the catwalk.

"Please, allow me to be the first to welcome you to our plantation," a girl begins before bowing. For the second time today, her squad joins in and they all pay their respects. "I am Code 030, squad leader of Plantation 56. It is a pleasure to welcome ones such as yourselves to our humble plantation."

"Humble indeed," you agree. The girl flinches as you speak, but still maintains her smile. "As I said before, we would like to offer you a meal while your units are refueled," she continues. "It should take several hours, so you would also be welcome to the facilities we have in Mistilteinn. Being out in the field for long periods of time must be taxing, so we would be honored to assist you in any way we can."

"Mu," Ichigo speaks up. Miku snaps to attention and looks to her. "You said you wished for a shower, yes?" The redhead looks puzzled for a moment before realization dawns on her. "Uh… yes, I did," she agrees.

The squad leader turns and looks to one of the other girls. "Please make sure that the showers are ready for Mu and any others who wish to use them." Very nervously, the girl replies. "Which ones, squad leader?"

Realizing that there are in fact two sets of showers for parasites, the squad leader looks back to Miku. "Miss Mu, would you prefer the showers in the dressing rooms or a private bath in Mistilteinn?" "The bath sounds nice," Miku responds warmly.

You mentally facepalm at Miku treating Squad 56 so kindly, but Ikuno steps up without hesitation and ensures that it couldn't be taken the wrong way. "You aren't even going to ask?" she hisses at Miku before addressing the squad leader. "The baths are freshly cleaned? If they are not, then it will need to be done before I set foot in them."

"Uh, yes ma'am," the squad leader hurriedly answers. "They were cleaned last night." "Good," Ikuno huffs, pushing her glasses up. "Chi, you needn't be so crude," Mitsuru chides her. "Can't you see? The poor things are scared to death as it is." Ikuno glares more than a few daggers at him in response. "Phi, if you question me again like this, I will throw you from this platform."

Frankly, you are awestruck by Ikuno's behavior. Never in the time that you had known her had she acted this way, and it bothers you seeing the quiet girl like this. A quick glance reveals that the others find her actions to be surprising as well, but Squad 56 is what's truly telling. They look at the violet-haired girl as if she is the devil herself.

"That is enough, you two," you order. Ikuno had done an excellent job of selling herself as a Nine, with Mitsuru backing her up. However, you also don't want to terrorize these parasites any more than you have to. You turn to the squad leader, who has managed to wipe the look of unadulterated terror off her face. "Squad leader, please lead us to Mistilteinn."

She nods. "Right this way." Following her out of the room and into the halls of the plantation, you can't help but think how unnecessary her escort really is. Plantation 56 is completely identical to Plantation 13, and every other plantation for that matter. As a result, you already know your way from the docking bay to pretty much anywhere these parasites could take you. But you still allow them to lead, giving the impression that they are needed.

Turning a corner, you see the familiar elevator that runs from the very bottom of the plantation all the way to Mistilteinn at the top. "We will need to take two cars," the squad leader announces. "Nines Omega and Psi, if you would remain with me then we can take the second."

"Very well," Ichigo replies, motioning for the rest of your squad to follow Squad 56 into the elevator. The doors close and your friends disappear out of sight, leaving you alone with Code 030.

"So what is it you would like to discuss with us?" you ask her, shooting a disapproving glance. "By my count there are only nine members of your squad present," she answers. "But you had five FranXX, which means that one is missing."

"Very perceptive of you," you commend her. "We do have a tenth member, Omicron, but she remained in her FranXX." "It is for your safety," Ichigo continues. "Omicron...does not play well with others." Ichigo pauses to give a little head tilt and smile, clearly unnerving Code 030. "She tends to become aggressive around parasites. She isn't all there, you know, but she's very effective on the battlefield. So, Papa allowed her to stay. Kappa was chosen as her partner because she was the most calm around him."

"I see," the girl nods. "Thank you for considering my squad's wellbeing." As she finishes speaking, there is a dinging sound and the elevators doors slide open. She steps inside and presses a button, level 4. That isn't for Mistilteinn.

"I hope you will find it to be acceptable, but the commander wishes to speak with you before the meal is served and your FranXX are serviced," she says, looking out the window of the car rather than at you and Ichigo. "Both him and Nana are awaiting us in the command center. It shouldn't be long, just verifying your credentials."

"He will be dissatisfied," you remark. "We will not appear in any database he has access to. You yourself should not even know that we exist. If it were not by chance that you found us resting this morning, you never would have."

Code 030 turns to look at you, confusion evident. "We are off the record," Ichigo clarifies. "We work independently from the plantations and report directly to Papa himself, so there would be no mention of us in the plantation's files. And even if he were to have access to the files on the Nines, ours are expressly classified and wouldn't appear on any terminal."

Code 030, who you now realize is clearly several years older than most of her squad, bows her head. "I am only doing as I am told, please do take that into consideration if you become angry or annoyed. My squad and I are only doing our duty."

She's already trying to protect her squad from us… she must have had some interaction with the real Nines before. Based on the way she's acting, it wasn't good, not that that surprises me.

"That has been noted," you tell her. "Your concern for your squad, rather than yourself, has as well. No harm shall come to them from myself, Psi, or the other members of our squad. You have my word."

Code 030 exhales. "Thank you, Nine Omega."

Ding!

The elevators slows and finally stops. A moment later the doors part, revealing another plain white hallway. "If you would please follow me," Code 030 leads you out of the elevator, "the command center is this way."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Plantation 56's command center is a dimly lit, semicircular room near the top of the dome. The upper portion of the walls are covered in monitors and projections of the plantation's surroundings, while the lower sections and much of the floor house workstations. The walk from the central elevator shaft is less than two hundred feet, granting easy access, and when you arrive it is eerily quiet. It isn't quiet because the room is empty, though it could easily be mistaken as such, but because no one inside speaks without reason. There is no idle chatter among the analysts and no sound plays from the any of the various monitors.

"Commander," Code 030 announces your presence as the door closes behind you. It is at this point that you realize that standing in the center of the room at a console, one you are very familiar with seeing Hachi at, is a short and stocky man in a military uniform holding a datapad. Beside him is a blonde woman several inches taller than he is. Her features are much more modest than Nana's, but her smile is warm and inviting, just like your former caretaker's.

"030," the man's gruff voice nearly sounds like gravel in your ears. "I trust you have brought them with you?" Code 030 refuses to meet his eyes, instead looking at her feet. "Yes, sir."

"How many times to I have to tell you to look at me when I am talking to you?" he grumbles, clearly annoyed with her.

Code 030 hesitates for a moment before looking at him. "Yes, sir, sorry sir. I have brought Nines Psi and Omega as you instructed."

"Good, you may wait outside," he says as the pair begin walking toward you. Before Code 030 turns to go, the caretaker gives her a warm smile. "Thank you, dear, we shouldn't be too long." The corner of the younger girl's mouth momentarily curls into a smile before she nods. "Yes, Nana."

After the door closes, the commander remains silent. You can feel his eyes making their way up and down your form, judging you and your claim.

"Can I help you with something, commander?" you ask, knowing that taking the lead in this conversation will give you the advantage. "I've never heard of Nine Omega before," he answers, glaring at you. "Then it appears that you were not deemed important enough to know of us," you shoot back with a sly grin.

"I'll have you kn-" "Please forgive him," the blonde woman says, cutting him off. "Hachi has been under a great deal of stress recently. We all have. HQ issued a warning that Plantation 103 was destroyed by a previously unseen Klaxosaur of unprecedented size, a Super-Lehmann class. That was yesterday, and it happened only 20 miles from our current position. The entire staff has been on high alert since the incident. We've locked down the plantation and ceased all movement for the time being to keep from being found."

"What can you tell us about the Klaxosaur?" Ichigo asks.

"Footage shows it to be a large canine creature," the commander answers. "It also had two smaller ones that followed it, each somewhere between a Gutenberg and Mohorovicic in size."

Ichigo places a hand on her chin and appears to think for a moment. "I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with such a Klaxosaur." She turns to you. "Omega?" You shake your head.

"So you weren't sent to destroy it?" the blonde woman's voice wanes as she asks.

"No," you reply. "We are currently in the area on a classified mission from Papa, but it does not include destroying this Klaxosaur. Should it cross our path, however, we will have no choice but to end its existence."

"So why are you here then?" the commander presses angrily. "As Omega said," Ichigo replies with a hint of ice in her tone. "We are here on a classified mission for Papa. Now, I would suggest you lose that tone when speaking to me. Omega doesn't like it when people are rude to his partner, and I don't think Papa would mind if we removed an insubordinate officer who stood in the way of our mission."

For the first time since the start of this conversation, this new Hachi stumbles. As Ichigo speaks, you can see the cracks in his façade widening. His right hand, which had previously been held behind his back, now plays with the pocket of his slacks and several beads of sweat have begun to trace the furrowed lines on his forehead.

He really is terrified of us. He's just trying to maintain control because it's his own plantation. What kind of reputation do the Nines have that even I don't know of if they can scare two APE officers like a plantation's defense commander and caretaker this much?

"I see," Hachi responds. "That would be most unfortunate." "Is there anything we can do to assist you with your current mission?" Blonde Nana asks. "As servants of APE, we would be happy to give any aid we could to Papa's personal forces."

Ichigo looks to you. "An updated map of the area would be helpful," you answer. "We have been out of contact with Papa for several weeks and much has likely changed in that time." You produce the drive Hiro and Zero Two had stolen with you, which currently functions as your map.

The commander steps forward and takes it from you before walking to one of the analysts. "Ensure that these maps are updated to our most recent." "Yes sir," the woman replies, setting it down beside her console.

"Do be careful," you warn her. "While the outermost layer of that drive containing the maps is unprotected, should you attempt to go any further it will crash this entire plantation's systems." Short Hachi remains by the analyst, watching over her shoulder to ensure that nothing goes wrong.

Several silent minutes later, the drive is returned to you.

"Is there anything further we can help you with?" Nana asks.

"I don't believe so," Ichigo answers. "You've been very cooperative. We will be sure to mention it to Papa in our next report." After Ichigo finishes speaking, the two of you turn to go.

"Your FranXX have been refueled and are currently undergoing maintenance," the commander announces. "Code 030 will be notified when it has been completed."

"Excellent," you reply without even bothering to look back at him. "Until then, we will be enjoying a meal in this plantation's birdcage."

Exiting the command center, you find Code 030 waiting patiently nearby.

"That took longer than I expected," she says as she approaches you. "I hope that there wasn't an issue with the commander. He's been a little more strict than usual the past several days."

"It was nothing we aren't used to," you reply. "Being a squad that doesn't exist means it can be difficult to convince others of our credentials. Speaking of which," you give her a sidelong glance as the elevator arrives, "you and your squad never saw us, understood?"

"Yes, Nine Omega," she answers without hesitation.

"Good," you nod. "Now, let's proceed to Mistilteinn. I believe it is high time we had some decent food for a change, don't you, Psi?"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Close to two hours later, after everyone has eaten and you've all had the chance to bathe, Code 030 announces that the repair and refueling of your FranXX has been completed. Her and the other members of Squad 56 escort you to the docking bay and wait patiently for you to board your FranXX, before following you outside to return theirs to their proper resting places.

You send everyone else ahead, stopping to thank Code 030 in the most questionable wording you can manage before taking your leave.

After traveling for about thirty minutes, which should be enough to remove yourselves from the Plantation's sensor range, you finally breathe a sigh of relief.

"We made it," Argentea gleefully squeals, jumping up and down several times. "That went much better than I had expected," Mitsuru agrees. "I'm just glad we got to have some real food," Zorome cheers. "If two days of rations was that bad, I can't imagine what it will be like when I have to live off Miku's cooking."

Team Argentea quickly turns into a squabbling mess while you just laugh.

"Where did you and Ichigo end up going?" Hiro asks. "We were going to wait for you at the elevator in Mistilteinn, but Squad 56 told us you would be a while."

"We spoke with the plantation's defense commander and caretaker," Delphinium answers. "Learned a bit about the surrounding area, too," you add.

"So they didn't question you about us being Nines?" Chlorophytum asks. "Oh, they did," you reply, "but not for very long. Someone might have hinted that we could make anything that caused us trouble disappear."

As you finish speaking, Genista's hands fly to her cheeks. "(Y/N), that's awful! You didn't say that, did you?"

"No, I did not," you answer with a grin. "That's much too cruel…it was our brilliant leader." "Hey, I was on the spot," Delphinium defends herself as her voice jumps several octaves. "You didn't seem to want to say anything, so someone had to!"

"She also said that I get angry if people get too close to her," you continue teasing her. "But it seems like you do get annoyed at that," Futoshi answers without missing a beat.

"Hey, we're talking about Ichigo here," you attempt to return the conversation to its intended course before it can backfire onto you.

"I think he wants to be closer to her, like I am with Darling when we sleep together," Strelitzia joins in on the fun.

"What?!" you practically shout, a blush now covering your face. "I do not!"

"Now that you mention it," Delphinium rests her chin in her hand, "I did think I saw someone trying to peek through the window of the baths back at the plantation."

"Getting caught now, are you, (Y/N)?" Zorome asks, his argument with Miku seeming to have ended at an incredibly inconvenient time for you.

"I absolutely swear I didn't," you attempt to defend yourself.

"It's okay, Ichigo, I know how you feel," Argentea places a hand on her hip. "Zorome tries to do it to me all the time!"

"Since when?!" he demands. "Since always!" she retorts as the pair resumes their argument as if it hadn't stopped in the first place.

Meanwhile, you continue trying to prove your innocence, "I would never do something like that. Zero Two, back me up, I never looked at you when you were in the room with Hiro and I."

"You did one time," Strelitzia grins.

"That wasn't my fault!" you yell. "If you'd actually slept with clothes on like a normal person, I never would have!"

"But sleeping naked is much more comfortable," she purrs. "Don't you agree, Darling?" There is a brief silence before Hiro answers. "Let's change the subject."

Everyone shares a laugh and the conversation dies down as you resume your journey toward your new home.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

That evening as you prepare for bed, you strike up a conversation with Ichigo.

"Interesting day, huh?" you ask, unrolling your sleeping bag.

"Depends on what you consider 'interesting'," she quips. "If you mean impersonating the Nines and threatening the Nana and Hachi of another plantation, then yes, you could say we had an interesting day."

"Smart-alec," you grumble.

"What was that?" Ichigo asks with a smile.

"I called you a smart-alec," you answer, giving her an annoyed huff and turning your back to her.

"Aw, you aren't still mad, are you?" Ichigo asks, her tone still playful.

You unzip your sleeping bag and slide in. "Nope."

"You know what I think?" a voice asks from above you. You open your eyes and find Ichigo looking down at you only a few inches away, wearing a huge smile. "I think that you're still mad."

"What would I have to be mad about?" you ask sarcastically. "It's not like you called me a pervert in front of the entire squad or something."

Ichigo giggles in response. "I said it was a joke and everyone laughed it off later. You don't have to let it bother you."

"I am perfectly fine," you state, rolling over to your other side to hide from her.

"Aw come on, you tease me all the time. How come I can't have fun too?" Ichigo pouts, curling her lower lip.

"You know, maybe I should just ask Hiro if he wants to trade for the night," you say. "I could stay with Zero Two, someone who I've actually seen naked."

Ichigo looks taken aback for a moment. "Now if you keep talking like that, I'm gonna be just a little more than angry. So..." she walks over to her sleeping bag on the other side of the cockpit and drags it over to you. "...I know that you want to be closer to me when we sleep, and if it means you'll stop being mad then I'll allow it. But just for tonight." She takes the cover of your sleeping bag and pulls it off you, allowing it to hit the floor before she lays beside you in the makeshift bed.

Meanwhile, you continue to ignore her. Well, you try, anyway. But you heart is beginning to race. She isn't really going to do what I think she is, is she?

As she pulls her sleeping bag over the two of you to use as a blanket, she gives a small warning. "Don't try anything while I'm asleep. If you do, I'll know." However, her words contradict her actions as she draws even closer to you under the blanket. "Besides, it's really cold tonight, and this way we'll both stay warmer."

After thirty seconds or so, you're about to finally say something. She must know it too, because it's then that she makes her final move. "Night (Y/N)," she chirps, giving you a quick peck on the lips before laying on her side. She faces toward you and then closes her eyes.

What in the hell has gotten in to her? you ask yourself. I mean, I'm not going to complain that she's right here, but what made her decide that this was the best way to make me forgive her? If she was thinking along the lines of earlier, she would have offered to let me see her WAIT! DO NOT GO THERE! THE FACT YOU SAW ZERO TWO WAS AN ACCIDENT, AND YOU CAN'T START THINKING ABOUT ICHIGO LIKE THAT WHEN SHE'S RIGHT HERE!

You shiver at the path your mind had been instinctually leading you down. You had managed to stop yourself before something serious happened, but one thing is for sure, with Ichigo this close to you, your willpower will be tested tonight and you already know you won't sleep a wink.

Little do you know that despite her calm demeanor, a mere ten inches from you, your partner's heart threatened to beat out of her chest as well.