Three weeks after the fall of the Third Garden, you find yourself once again sitting at your desk hidden in the cliff below Haven. You had been working diligently until moments ago when a knock came at the door. A perky girl with hair as blue as the sky and green eyes the color of the sea had shown herself in, seating herself in the chair across from you.

"What can I do for you?" you ask the girl. This is the first time you've met her so you have no idea what to expect from her.

"I was told that I needed to talk to you and get your permission before any work could be done on my FranXX's retrofit," she chirps. You lean forward and lace your fingers together on the desk.

"Before we get to that, how about some introductions? I'm (Y/N), the commander of our little band of misfits." The girl eagerly shakes your hand and says, "I'm Code 067." She notices your confusion and explains further. "I was rescued from the Garden several weeks ago. My partner and I haven't gotten around to choosing our own names yet."

With the introductions complete, you guide the topic back to business. "Well then, 67, what is it about your FranXX's retrofit that I need to be consulted for?"

The girl chuckles nervously. "Well, when I talked to the maintenance crew they said my idea was 'impressive, but presented interesting design considerations that would push the bounds of our current supply'."

Translation: the retrofit is complicated and labor/resource intensive.

Now understanding what you are likely to be in for and what you will likely need to do, you continue. "Why don't you tell me more about it?"

Code 067's eyes light up. "Okay, so 059 and I, he's my partner, saw what Lieutenant Commander Kana did when she was fighting against the FranXX defending the Garden. It was so cool how she took us on several at a time but still managed to never get overwhelmed. Now that I get to modify my FranXX, I wanted to make it so I could fight like she did."

Still just as animated, she continues. "My idea was to add extra armor to the FranXX and give it some deployable spikes. That way no one would try to get close and if they did, they'd hurt themselves more than us. For a weapon, I was thinking of an axe. But not just a little axe, we want a greataxe. And then we could install a little button on the axe that lets you split it into two smaller ones that could be used in each hand. You know, like a berserker!"

While you can't fault the girl for her imagination, in reality, the design is equal parts thematic and functional. However, there is no doubt why Maintenance had sent her to you. Mitsuru or Zorome must have grown tired of her asking and being politely told no. Fabricating and integrating the upgrades would be nearly impossible without making a new unit from the ground up.

"That really is something," you admit after taking a moment to ponder the situation. "I think you're right that it would be really effective. But we don't have the ability to make something like that right now."

Clearly embarrassed that she has wasted your time, Code 067 bows her head.

"What if we scaled it back, hmm? Start with the greataxe and the extra plating. Then, when we have the ability, we can upgrade it as you said."

067 freezes for a second before she looks back up at you. Little tears glisten in her eyes. "Do you mean it, Commander? Can we really make our Terraria?"

You nod. "We sure can. Just remember that it won't be finished in a day and you'll still have to wait your turn for the next round of upgrades."

Code 067 shoots to her feet and sprints around the desk. Before you know it, she's wrapped you in a hug. "Thank you! Thank you so much, Commander!"

Just as quickly as she'd come, she leaves. The girl makes her way across the office and from the door she shouts, "I won't forget this, Commander! I'll make you proud, you'll see!" She turns to go, but before the door closes you hear her say, "I have to tell 059, he'll be so excited!"

Shortly after the door opens again, this time revealing Ichigo. "Whoever that was, she seemed excited. Should I be worried?" Her tone is playful rather than accusatory as she takes a seat across from you.

"The only thing you need to be worried about is what'll happen if I get my hands on you again tonight," you shoot back with a wink. "Oh," Ichigo covers her mouth with her hand, pretending to be shocked. "I really do need to be careful then. We wouldn't want a repeat of several days ago… or before that."

The memory brings a smile to your face, but you push it aside. "Are you here for anything other than to pester me?"

Ichigo beams. "Remember how you said you'd support me in the things I wanted to do from now on?" You blink once. "...Yeah," you say with a growing feeling of dread.

Your partner's grin remains dazzling. "Well, now that the Stampede Division is in full swing, I thought that maybe we should give it a try. You know, to show everyone that it can work, and it isn't really that hard."

"We already did that," you point out, flicking your wrist as the pen in your hand completes a half circle. "It was back at the Garden when everyone gathered together and watched me parade you around the training ring."

Ichigo's grin fades. "Could you not say it like that? It makes me feel like some kind of show animal."

You rub your hand against the back of your head. "My bad. You still look like you have more to say about making a showing of the Stampede Mode, though."

"I think we should be one of the handlers," Ichigo states.

Your knee jerk reaction is to say absolutely not. You have enough work right now and taming a new Stampede pistil sounds like an alarming amount of dedication. However, you do want to support Ichigo's ideas, and to have the commander supporting the new division would be a good way to help with a smooth integration.

"That sounds like it could be challenging," you frown. "You and I both have very tight schedules with very little free time. But, if you really want to do this… I think we can make it work."

"That's great!" Ichigo shoots to her feet, wearing a huge smile. "I've already picked out the girls. Oh, you'll be so happy when you meet them! They are just adorable!"

"Hold on," you attempt to slow Ichigo down enough to get some clarification. "What do you mean, 'the girls'? We only need one to prove our point."

Ichigo takes you by the hand and begins to lead you from the office. "Come with me and you'll see."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Your walk takes you down the hall and into the docking bay. It has changed a great deal in the time since you arrived at Haven. For one thing, the cavernous room is completely illuminated. The more important change however is that nearly every dock is filled.

The Proto-FranXX you'd originally found were now gone, either having been broken down to components if they were degraded, or if they were in better shape they had been used as templates to create more rebel FranXX. This leaves your force with a variety of models of differing age and mechanical ability, but it does give it a bit of ragtag charm.

Beyond the docking bay is the foundry. You can hear and smell the facility long before reaching it with the heavy smell of ozone and the loud sound of machines grinding, cutting, and fitting together parts for use in Haven's FranXX. Without hearing protection you can feel a headache setting in, but the trip is fast enough that won't be a problem for long.

After the foundry, you take a left and enter an actual cavern that had only been recently excavated. The smooth path still has pieces of stray rock jutting out from the walls, but it's wide enough to move several FranXX down without issue. A cliff overlooks a ravine below. A series of concrete rings have been set up to act as training grounds for the Stampede FranXX and their handlers. Further to the side, cattle chutes have been erected for the purpose of a new process designated "The Taming." The ritual itself is being somewhat idolized to encourage pistils to join the division, but given that this is the very first class, all the pomp and circumstance is deserved.

The Taming itself is a simple process. A FranXX is led into the chute, though "dragged" is a more accurate description, and locked into place. This serves two purposes. First, the pistil holds very little control over the FranXX when in Stampede, so by keeping them restrained it prevents unnecessary risk of injury. Second, by being restrained, it allows them to focus on gaining control of the unit and taming their bestial tendencies.

While this sounded nice in theory when it had been pitched to you by Ichigo, who is now responsible for the division as a whole, looking at the setup is somewhat unnerving. It's hard to say what is most unsettling between watching the cages shake back and forth, hearing the metal groan as if it were ready to give out, or the howls, screeches, and other cries of the Stampede units locked in their cages.

There are only three FranXX attempting the ritual at the moment, but several more empty chutes wait for their occupants.

"What do you think?" Ichigo asks.

"That this is terrifying," you answer. "What happens if one of them breaks free? They could destroy everything down here."

Ichigo crosses her arms and gazes out over her domain. "They can't break free. We tested those cages on me. If I couldn't get out of one while in complete control, there's no way they could."

I hope you're right about that.

Seeing that you aren't completely convinced, she continues. "We always have at least one team on standby to restrain them with their FranXX if we have to as a precaution. There's also the bulkhead at the entrance. Plus, the fuel tanks are never more than a quarter full. They'll run out before being able to cause too much damage."

Ichigo glances up at you out of the corner of her left eye. Her vision is partially obscured by a few locks that have escaped her dove hairpin. "This way," she nods down the path. "They should be waiting for us in the office."

The remainder of the trip passes without incident and you arrive at a simple metal building more reminiscent of a cargo container than an actual structure. Several windows with bars catch your eye before you walk inside. The building's interior is equally spartan except for the multitude of monitors covering the walls.

Ichigo leads you to the only other door and shows you in. There's a simple desk with a single folding chair across from it, and a window on the south wall looking out over the grounds. Ichigo takes a seat behind the desk and instinctively you follow suit.

"What do you think of my office?" she asks. You barely need to study it, thanks to how sparse the decoration is. "It's… quaint," you reply. Ichigo rolls her eyes. "We can't all inherit a huge, fully furnished office, you know. It may be small, but it's mine."

You nod, understanding the sentiment. In the meantime, Ichigo picks up the phone and dials a number. "Where are the girls?" she says into the receiver. You hear a muffled response but are unable to make out what is being said. Ichigo sighs. "Alright, we'll be down in a minute."

"They haven't finished training for the day yet," she informs you as she rises from her chair. "We'll meet them when they do. I'm sure they'll love to know that you were here to watch them."

Why exactly would they be so happy I'm here? you wonder to yourself, but push the thought aside regardless.

Exiting the building, Ichigo leads you further into the cavern toward the chutes. It's hard to tell details from outside the cages, but two of the stampeding FranXX are very clearly canine and the third is larger while being approximately bear-shaped.

Despite your being apprehensive about getting closer, Ichigo seems to have no qualms with the notion. She walks up to the staircase attached to the side of one and begins to climb. Only when she realizes that you are not following does she stop. She gives a wave before continuing.

Reluctantly, you follow. The stairs shake as the silver canine thrashes against its restraints and you grab the rail on instinct. This continues for thirty or so seconds before the FranXX calms down.

Ichigo waits for you at the top step. The silver dog eyes you both and barks. In the next chute over, a golden hound has fallen inactive. Further still is the bear, which is also motionless.

Pointing to the active unit, Ichigo says, "Argentum." Her hand drifts to the golden one. "Aurum." "You named them?" you ask. She shrugs. "What else was I supposed to do? Call them 'you' and 'other one'? The handlers have to be able to get their attention somehow."

"Alright, makes sense," you concede.

"Ichigo!" a high-pitched squeal off to the left draws your attention. You turn to see a girl no older than seven running toward you. Her long, curly hair is a brilliant gold in color, complementing her seemingly radiant personality. She wears a massive smile that you're sure must never leave her face.

"Hey, sweetie!" Ichigo squats to receive the hug. "I didn't get mad today!" the little girl says proudly. "I know," Ichigo gushes. "You did so good, I'm proud of you."

A little girl? What was she doing in the FranXX? And did Ichigo call her sweetie?

While you are still pondering, a tug on your pant leg causes you to look down. Another girl, who also is much younger than you expected, looks up at you. Instinctively you kneel to look at her. She has long hair similar in length to the first, although it's straight and a metallic shade of silver. Her bangs help to hide her eyes a little, as she looks a little embarrassed to be talking to you. "D-did I do better today?"

"Um… yeah," you say after hesitating. You run your hand through her silver hair and she freezes. Realizing the mistake, you quickly withdraw.

The tension in the little one's face relaxes. Her voice is so soft it's nearly a whisper. "T-thank you. I don't like it when people touch my head."

Interacting with children is something you have no experience with, so you stand there awkwardly beside the child. Neither of you says anything, but you continue to look at one another with the clear expectation of the other to do so. The silence remains until Ichigo and the blonde girl join you.

"Hi!" the excitable little one runs up and wraps your leg in a hug. "I'm Asuna! What's your name?" "(Y/N)," you reply after a moment's hesitation. The girl calling herself Asuna gasps. "Really? You're him?" She looks to Ichigo for confirmation. With a smile, Ichigo nods.

"Yay!" Asuna shouts. "Asada, Asada! It's him!" The other child, who you can only infer is Asada, still stands beside you. Looking at her, though, you can see tears forming in her eyes. Unexpectedly, Asada clutches to your other leg and begins sobbing into your pants.

Completely overwhelmed by having one girl sobbing and the other squealing, while both are holding on to you tightly, your mind remains frozen. As if by instinct, you place a hand on each of their backs. Asuna stops jumping and lays her head against you. Similarly, Asada's shaking legs grow steadier and her breathing becomes softer.

In front of you Ichigo has covered her mouth to hide either laughter or tears, but the happiness that glows in her eyes is indescribable. She walks over to you and joins the girls in their hug. Despite the situation still being relatively inexplicable and even more confusing to you that it had been before, a coal of warmth has been lit in your chest.

A minute later, Ichigo releases you and kneels. "Girls, I think you should let him go now. It's rude to hang on someone you've just met." Asuna and Asada let go and take a step back.

You crouch to the eye level of the three girls. "Asuna, Asada," Ichigo says, "this is (Y/N)." "Um… hello," you offer.

"It's n-nice to meet you," the silver-haired twin says. "I'm Asada." "And I'm Asuna," her sister loudly announces for the second time. "Is it true you're going to take care of us from now on?"

It is at this moment that you remember why Ichigo had brought you here. Ichigo said "girls" earlier. And Asuna just asked if I was going to take care of her. That means… these two are the ones Ichigo wants.

Before you can speak, Ichigo puts her arms around the girls and ushers them toward the stairs. "You two need to get cleaned up. You can ask him all the questions you want when you're done." They both quickly adopt pouting looks. "Awwh," Asada grumbles. She takes her sister's hand and quietly allows herself to be pulled along by her blonde double.

Both of you watch the pair as they go until not even the tops of their heads are visible. After the girls have disappeared down the stairs, Ichigo turns to face you. "Well, what do you think?"

"Should we be letting them walk down the stairs alone?" is your response. "The rails might not be tall enough for them. They could fall."

Ichigo smiles. "They're big girls, they can handle it. And you didn't answer my question."

"They're adorable," you say. "Asuna is so shy. I can't believe how cute she is."

Ichigo chuckles before correcting you. "Asada is the shy one. You can tell them apart by their hair, among other things. Asuna's is gold and Asada has silver."

"That explains the FranXX," you murmur. "Argentum and Aurum are silver and gold in Latin." The two metal beasts in question are both distinctly canine, but are more doggish than Delphinium. They're lithe and athletic like greyhounds. Aside from their coloration they are perfect copies of one another, just like their pilots.

"You want to keep them, don't you?" you accuse Ichigo.

She taps her toe against the catwalk. "I was hoping that after meeting them, you would too. I kinda already promised them we'd be their handlers. They were so cute, and both of them are so sweet. I know that if you just give them a chance they'll–"

Ichigo trails off, seeing that you don't appear to be listening. "I wish you would've told me this was your plan from the beginning," you tell her. "We promised not to keep things from each other and be supportive. Honestly, I'm disappointed."

Ichigo drops her head.

"...Of course we can keep them."

You barely have time to brace yourself to avoid falling over the rail as Ichigo crashes into you. Her lips brush against yours in a passionate kiss. "Thank you, thank you so much," she whispers. "I've wanted them since the minute I laid eyes on them. Someone had to take care of them, so I thought 'why shouldn't it be us'?"

"Are you sure we're ready?" you ask.

"I don't know that we'll ever be 'ready'." Ichigo admits. "But think about it, we're some of the most important people in the rebellion. Clearly, we don't have time to have a child even if we both want one. Asuna and Asada are old enough to take care of themselves in most things. They just need love and attention, something we've got in spades."

"One happy family?" you joke. Ichigo gives you a peck on the cheek. "One happy family. Now come on, the girls will want to talk with you once they finish up. They already know everything about me."

"How long have you known them?" you ask as the two of you make your way back to the ground. "Oh, you know," Ichigo sheepishly begins, "I might have planned this since I found them at the Garden."

"That was three weeks ago!" you realize, your voice louder than intended. "You mean you've been telling them we could be a family for that long but didn't say anything to me?"

"That isn't the only thing," Ichigo purses her lips. "Since I'm coming clean, I asked Mitsuru to have a door put between our room and the one Hiro and Zero Two moved out of. The girls will be staying there, and I want them to be able to see us without disturbing everyone else."

You allow your shoulders to slouch as you give out a sigh, but you can't stop the smile from appearing on your face. "You know what?" At your voice, Ichigo glances up at you. "Hmm?" You wrap your arm around her waist, and she cuddles closer to you. Then you pinch her side. Ichigo jumps and you laugh. "It's a good thing I love you."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Psi was angry, that much was evident as her FranXX nearly collapsed into its docking clamps. From their position some fifty yards down the catwalk, Sigma and Tau hear her frustrated screams as the cockpit door opens. After a look at his partner, Sigma begins walking toward his squad leader. It's very clear which personality is in control, and someone needed to speak with Psi before she caused any damage.

As the pair turn to the walkway leading into the cockpit, something comes flying out at them. Sigma and Tau duck as the body of a human male approximately seventeen years of age sails past and over the rail. It falls the three hundred or so feet to the ground below, making a horrifying squelch as it splatters the area in the unfortunate boy's entrails.

"You know, Tau, I do believe she's in a bad mood," Sigma says. Tau nods, her head bobbing quickly.

As if she'd been summoned, a girl with calm blue hair slithers out of the FranXX. "Sigma, Tau," Psi's tone of voice is still dangerous as she acknowledges them. Her eyes look past them to where the body had flown. Unexpectedly, Psi violently slams her heel against the catwalk. The reinforced shoe punches through the steel. This is repeated until four holes have been made.

"They keep sending me weaklings!" Psi shouts, gripping the sides of her head as she hunches over. "Never last long enough, make me do all the work…" As her hands cover her face, Psi begins to sob. "I just want my darling Omega back."

"You know, Psi, Tau and I are both terribly sorry for Omega's loss," Sigma states. Psi's gaze snaps to him. Before either of them can blink, Psi is in Sigma's face. "Are you mocking me?! Are you entertained by my heartbreak?!"

"Calm. Down." A softer voice orders. Psi then realizes that one of Tau's hands is on her arm and the other has a firm grip of the belt on her waist. Psi hangs her head.

Sigma takes the opportunity to clear the air. "You know, that isn't the case at all, Psi. You know, this is just how I speak." "I do know that," Psi says, her voice now cool and collected. "However, there are times where I am simply unable to control myself. Without him… without him it seems to be getting worse."

Seeing that Psi has gained control, Tau releases her. Almost immediately, Tau, who is shorter than Psi by several inches, begins to tap her toes against the ground in a rapid manner. "We. Still. Here."

"And I appreciate you both," Psi admits. "Without all of you I don't know that I could make it through this. These parasites the doctor has been sending don't help. They aren't capable of piloting more than twenty minutes before expiring. What am I to do in a sortie? Carry several of them into battle and replace them as they give out?"

"You know, perhaps it is best that we shower first," Sigma suggests. "You know, dinner should be prepared soon, and the food tastes better that way." Tau nods, as does Psi. The trio makes their way out of the docking bay and to the nearby dressing rooms.

Psi approaches her locker and gazes wistfully at the one beside it. It still has "Omega" written across the nameplate, just like all his things did. The doctor had said his things were hers now. Some kind of tactic to help her through his loss no doubt, but it had failed miserably. Psi refuses to touch anything of his. By not disturbing it, she can maintain the illusion that he is merely absent and not truly gone.

The sound of the showers draws Psi back to reality and she strips down. First her crimson parasite suit, then her undergarments. She leaves them where they fell, as a robot will be along to collect them soon enough.

On Psi's walk to the shower she encounters Sigma. The pair nod at one another before taking adjacent stalls. Neither is concerned about being seen in the nude by the other, nor is Tau when she joins them moments later. The second class of Nines had been raised even more stringently than the first. All their feelings of sexuality had been removed. Even Psi in her distinct nature felt no sexual attraction to her former partner, only an intense emotional one.

The warm water had felt good against her skin, but after precisely three minutes Psi exits the shower and begins to towel off. To spend any longer than necessary would be a waste. When she returns to her locker, the dirty clothes on the floor are gone and a clean dress uniform has been hung within.

After dressing, Psi proceeds to the mess hall. Her squadmates have been seated around the long table and are awaiting her arrival to start the meal. The girl sits at the nearest vacant chair, one at the head of the table. The empty one at the far end only serves as a painful reminder of her situation.

Despite her inner turmoil, Psi recites the prayer. "May Papa never thirst. May his table be forever full, and may he continue to bless us with his guidance. Amen."

With grace given the Nines eat. Idle conversation is kept to a minimum that leaves the room quiet, save for the clinking of silverware and Tau's tapping. It has been like this each night since the Nines had awoken nearly a month ago. Days were spent retraining themselves for combat operations and night were spent in leisure, for the most part. The only exception being Psi, as she preferred to turn in early. Being alone was challenging for her, so sleeping was the best way to ensure that she maintained control.

After the meal, her squadmates excuse themselves one by one or in pairs. Sigma and Tau are the last, clearly not wanting to leave her alone if their gazes are anything to go by.

"You know, Psi, I was thinking of playing chess," Sigma offers. "You know, Tau gets bored with it rather quickly. You know, perhaps you and I could play instead?"

"A game sounds good," Psi answers. "It'll keep our minds sharp."

Sigma smiles. "You know, I was hoping you'd say that. You know, but I think it would be best if we took it elsewhere."

"Parlor," Tau says excitedly. The girl jumps from her chair and practically sprints out of the room. Psi and Sigma follow her down the halls until they reach the finely furnished room. It's an ornate sitting room, reminiscent of days long past. Red wallpaper, mahogany furniture, and a large fireplace decorate the space.

When Sigma and Psi enter the room, Tau has already retrieved the chess set and anxiously hands it to Sigma. He nods to a nearby table and chairs. Sitting opposite Psi, Sigma opens the box to reveal intricately carved ivory pieces in black and white. It takes less than sixty seconds for the board to be set up, and as white Psi takes the first move, already planning out her victory.

Thirty minutes later, Psi moves one of her pawns into Sigma's home row. She picks up the piece and turns to Tau, who has arranged the taken black and white pieces into a battle of some sort, playing her own game with them. "Tau, might I have my queen?"

Completely absorbed in her game, Tau knocks over a black rook with the white queen. She then proceeds to surround it with both black knights and several pawns. Tau spins the queen on her base as if the piece were frightened before looking up at the room's other occupants.

"My queen?" Psi repeats. Tau frowns and sheepishly hands over the piece. "I'll give you his in a moment," she promises. Tau nods feverishly.

"You know, I wouldn't be so sure of that," Sigma says, moving his bishop to cut off the white king's retreat.

"Not good enough," Psi chastises him, moving her new queen to an adjacent square, in the process taking the last black rook and leaving the king vulnerable. "Check."

"You know, now, how did you...?" Sigma scratches his chin. The boy sighs and flicks his king. The piece topples over, signaling his defeat. "You know, Psi, I believe that brings our count to 43-7. You know, Omega used to let me win some to be polite."

Psi stands with a sad look in her eye. "He was kind like that." Realizing his mistake, Sigma tries to correct himself. "You know, Psi I didn't mean it like tha–"

"Thank you for the game," Psi says. "I'm feeling tired now so I'll turn in. Goodnight, Sigma, Tau."

Tau's hand swishes back and forth as she waves. Once Psi is gone she eyes Sigma. He put his hands up in defeat. "You know, I know, I know, I made a mistake. You know, she wasn't always like this. You know, we didn't have to be careful of what we said. You know, when Omega was here, Psi always seemed much happier and more stable. You know, I hope for her, and all of us, that if he's still out there, he'll come back to us again."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It's a bright and sunny day in Haven. As a whole, the leaders of the rebellion believed it was a great idea to spend some time relaxing out under the warm sunshine. And so, the whole of the town was to be off duty for the day, left to their own devices to enjoy the downtime however they wish.

The residents of the manor on the hill find themselves out by the rear of their home, clustering near the wide verandah and hanging about the forest not far beyond. Save for Mitsuru, the whole squad is outside together.

Miku and Zorome are playing about with a ball in a nearby clearing, either rolling it between themselves while they sit, or chasing the other when one eventually says something the other doesn't like.

In proper Zero Two fashion, the pink-haired girl runs about wildly in a mad game of tag with her darling, a game in which Hiro always just manages to catch up with his partner.

The two newest additions, Asuna and Asada, are messing about with sticks in the dirt. They stay to themselves, not yet completely comfortable with the others outside, save for two.

Sitting quietly in the grass, in full view of the sunlight and the girls, is Ichigo and (Y/N). The two of them chat quietly by themselves, occasionally laughing not only to one another, but also at the antics of Zero Two, Zorome, and Miku. Additionally, they also join in playing with the girls whenever the two come over to initiate something with their new parental figures.

Perching on the verandah proper is Ikuno and Naomi, who take turns reading out loud from a book and watching the others go about their quiet time.

"It's crazy how different this family is, isn't it?" Naomi muses aloud. "Everyone's in their own little world out here, but we're all still together. It's… companionable, somehow."

Ikuno nods her head in agreement. "Of course it is. We've been together for a long while now, through APE and the start of a war. It's natural that we'd all become close after that." At that, Naomi's expression turns a little regretful, and Ikuno quickly tries to console her. "You were with us from the beginning, and you were with us for our largest battle so far, Naomi. Don't feel left out." Ikuno gives her a reassuring smile.

"Of course not," Naomi says in response. "I feel a part of this as much as anyone else. I really do."

Once again, Naomi turns to look over everyone. She notes the pairs, especially the ones openly in relationships. Watching them all with the one they love is a difficult emotion for her to swallow, with both the warmth in her heart and the pain in her chest coming simultaneously.

"Hey, Ikuno?" Naomi asks, a question on her mind. "Hmm?" says Ikuno, continuing to look at the other girl with a look on her face that says "continue." The girl does as such, asking, "How have things been with you and Mitsuru lately? With your relationship?"

At hearing the word "relationship," Ikuno's eyes quickly glance in Ichigo's direction, before returning immediately to Naomi. As Naomi watches this, her eyes narrow slightly and an imperceptible look of pain etches itself on her face for only a moment before vanishing.

Ikuno gives a sigh before speaking. "Mitsuru is as distant as ever. He acts as my partner only when he needs to and goes off on his own whenever that isn't the case. I've long since stopped caring about that. If he's going to be standoffish, I won't stop him."

Naomi takes a few seconds to digest that before a thought pops into her head. "I can't imagine any of them acting like the way the two of you do," she says, pointing towards the couples' general direction. "They're all so close, and always inseparable. Whenever I think about that," she says, staring ruefully, "I end up thinking about how nice it'd be to have someone like they do."

"I get that," Ikuno agrees solemnly. "More than you know."

Naomi hesitates for a few moments, before seemingly making up her mind. "Ikuno, you… like Ichigo, right? Not just as a friend?"

Ikuno is left speechless as the world around her grinds to a halt. As her most closely guarded secret is put forth into the open.

"How…?" is all she can say, at a loss for words.

"I've been with you a lot these past weeks, Ikuno," Naomi begins. "You're always looking at her, sneaking glances or staring. I didn't notice at first, but it's hard to ignore. And you always look so sad when you do it."

Do I admit it? Ikuno thinks to herself, before realizing that'd be futile. Her features soften and she says in a matter-of-fact tone, "Of course I'm upset about it, Naomi. Ichigo means the world to me. (Y/N) is wonderful, and I don't resent him for anything at all, but I wanted her partner to be me. I wanted to be together with her, not watch her fall so completely for someone who isn't me." Naomi's face reflects her empathy.

"I know I can't be with her, because she chose someone else," Ikuno continues. "I see the two of them holding hands all the time, and they love just being around the other. I have wanted that with her ever since I met her, and I now I can't."

"What are these feelings?" Ikuno says in a heartbreaking tone. "Why am I not allowed to love who I want? But pistils can't pilot FranXX together, and I can never be with Ichigo. Yet, I still think of her. I watch her and I think of what it'd be like if she was mine."

"Is it wrong to love someone who's not your partner? Am I just broken and defective, weird and–"

"But I love you," comes a quiet voice that cuts through her train of thought.

Once again, Ikuno's time slows to a crawl as she rejects the words she just heard.

"…What did you say?" she asks in disbelief.

"I love you, Ikuno," Naomi says, blushing fiercely. "If it's wrong to love someone who's not your partner, then I'm defective too." She fidgets with her hands for a few moments before she continues. "I've been watching after you for a long time now. As I watched, I saw your gaze was always pointed at someone else. I was surprised you were also into girls, but… saddened that the girl you liked wasn't me."

As she speaks, a few tears drip from her eyes. "I know your pain better than anyone else here, Ikuno. What you feel about Ichigo is exactly what I feel about you. I'm going after someone whose heart is captivated by someone else, and that hurts so much."

Ikuno feels the heat rise to her cheeks, and she can barely get out a reply. "B-but, why me?" After all, she was antisocial and reclusive, on top of simply being difficult. Why?

"Because you're you, Ikuno," the brown-haired girl says with a smile. "You're knowledgeable, attentive, smart, and so, so pretty. You're gentle but you speak your mind, and you're wonderful to be around. Why wouldn't I like you?"

She can only look on in confusion and disbelief as the torrent of praise comes from the mouth of her friend.

"I'm sorry for burdening you like this, Ikuno," Naomi says eventually, with a few pangs of guilt in her voice. "I needed to tell you, and I couldn't keep things in any longer. I'll… give you some alone time to think." The girl quietly gets up and walks inside, lingering on the still form of Ikuno for a few moments before shutting the door.

It is with a confused, pounding heart that Ikuno finally returns her gaze to her friends on the lawn.