That one simple kiss seemed to last hours. Neither party wished to release their lips for anything in the world. The only thing that mattered at that time was each other.

Her wings to escape the hell she was grounded to.

His freedom from the burden of inadequacy.

Everything had fallen into place once more.

Unbeknownst to the intimate physical pair, two spirits rejoiced in their promises being fulfilled. Azure and crimson forms danced and embraced in the afterlife, filled with adoration for one another. After many years, they had finally found each other on Earth. No longer would they be pained from loneliness and longing.

Their birdcages were burst open and just like before, the pair could lean on one another. Two birds with a single wing, a male and female, could take to the skies by becoming one. It was a way of life that was profoundly beautiful.

The lips parted ways for just but a few moments, long enough for his soft blue eyes to lock with her exotic, green ones. Smiles accompanied the gaze between the two.

Slowly and methodically, the boy's hand found purchase on Zakura's waist and around her back. She felt as if she could tell his intention, and so responded by wrapping her legs around his own waist. His smile became a devilish smirk as he lifted the light girl from the floor with little effort. Forcing his lips to return to their vacation on her's, Aihiko then carefully stepped to the couch the girl had fallen asleep on earlier than evening.

He laid her tenderly on her back and pulled from the kiss, proceeding afterwards to look over her exposed, porcelain skin. Everything was fantastic to him, and he couldn't get enough. His hunger was far from being satiated. He wanted more, she could tell just by the look in his eyes. She hadn't minded his intention at all, he was the very first boy she felt this in tune with. Everything felt natural and perfect, and if darling wanted to stare, then by all means, she would let him stare away. All she longed for was safety, and he had offered it in full.

The boy leaning over her body then swallowed audibly. She watched his adam's apple bounce in his throat as he did so. His eyes had stopped exploring her figure and landed upon her slightly flushed face.

"I just… can't seem to get enough of you," the boy whispered sweetly. "Everything is so perfect and I can't help myself. You excite me and… I… I know it's sudden but…"

She watched him move down to her right ear, she cleared all of her thoughts to remain intent on hearing the boy's words.

"I really… think I… I really like you, Zakura."

He knew her name?! Granted, it hadn't been a drastic change from her birth name but…! That wasn't a slip up, he intended the Z to be there! Had he found her ID while she was in the shower?

Calm down, calm. Calmcalmcalm. It's fine if he knows. There's nothing to hide from him.

Yeah, all that can wait until later! He practically just confessed!

Ohmygodohmygodohmygod he likes me that way!? EEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

The girl's face became beet red as her mind began to race through the implications of the boy's confession. Did he want more than kissing? Did he want the full course?!

Her thoughts were put on hold by a sensation on her shoulder. He had begun to kiss it passionately. It wasn't just kissing, he was sucking on her skin, albeit quite gently. A gasp escaped her lips at the sudden sign of affection. Was he - ?! Was he going to go all the way from just a kiss?!

After a few seconds, he pulled away from her shoulder, leaving a very faint mark, and leaving Zakura screaming for more.

What?! Don't stop, that felt incredible!

As if he was able to read her mind, the boy's lips returned to her skin, but this time found themselves being placed onto her neck, and a bit more forceful this time. Another kiss, and then another, and another still, Hiko began to pepper her entire neck with signs of affection. Her teeth dug into her bottom lip as she attempted to contain herself. Why were these kisses driving her wild?! She couldn't figure it out, but apparently, he was not the only one craving more.

A final kiss was bestowed just below her jaw, it was wet and passionate. She felt the boy gently bite and suck on the spot, increasing in intensity as time went on. The vampire kiss put her in a state of complete ecstasy, she shivered and attempted to control herself from begging for more. This was far enough to go with Aihiko right now, as she had only just reunited with him. Being sexual was out of the question. In the meantime, she could simply enjoy the gesture to its full potential.

Fuck, I can barely think with him kissing me like this… everything is cloudy and… and! And! I love it! But it's just kissing, why am I losing control like this!?

Another touch then caught Zakura's attention. Not on her neck - he was still kissing away - he had begun to feel her midsection, quite gently, she might add. Almost like he was taking his time and being careful not to step over boundaries, although she had clearly not given him permission.

He seemed to softly rub her belly, and then methodically move his hand to her chest. With the same delicate touch, his hands massaged her right breast. The feeling caused her to release a hot, heavy breath and then swallow.

Why wasn't she against this treatment? She hated when other men had done this to her, but perhaps that was due to them having malicious intent? Was it because she felt comfort in him that she hadn't spoken up? Whatever the case, she had secretly hoped that he wouldn't go all the way - not yet at least.

"H-Hiko…", she attempted to communicate, her voice still harsh and near silent. His lips parted ways from her neck and she met those brilliant icy blue eyes of his with hers. Every time she glanced into them, they simultaneously drilled holes in her, freezing her in place, and also gave her solace, soothing her mind of any irregular thoughts. His right hand continued to feel up her breast.

Finally snapped from his sudden assault on Zakura, the black haired boy's cheeks grew quite red. He stared into her eyes for a minute, mesmerized by them, before finally responding.

"I… I'm sorry! I'm so, so, so sorry…! I really don't know what came over me…!", the boy blurted out in a hurry. He looked to his hand then back to the angel's face and ripped his hand from her flesh instantly. "I am so unbeliveably sorry, Zakura! Truly! You have every right to -"

Her hands wrenched him to her lips, shutting the rambling apologetic boy up immediately. This time, it was a short, yet passionate kiss. When they broke, the green eyed girl only smiled back, soothing the boy's guilt.

"It's okay… I… enjoyed it…"

"Y-y-you d-did…? I-I… I'm so inexperienced…!", he attempted to retort, but no avail. His face's red hue only rose in saturation.

"It's alright…! I only… wanted to stop… before we went too far…!", she choked out, and then proceeded to hack. Talking still had to be sparse until she recovered from this affliction on her neck.

Aihiko understood the situation and rose to his feet, off the couch, and dashed to the kitchen to pour a glass of water. The girl seated on his furniture continued to cough and adjusted herself into a sitting position, covering her mouth with her forearm.

Against his better judgement, the flustered boy sprinted to help his angel, back through the kitchen, around the stairs, and then ducking in between furniture. Just before reaching the couch Zakura was seated on, however, he had managed to trip himself up on her towel laying on the floor in front of the couch. He stumbled forwards, trying to catch himself on something, anything.

At last, something had caught him. Something… soft and squishy… he had landed directly in the girl's breasts, but just as always, she hadn't minded in the slightest.

Swiping the glass from the boy before he spilt it like the klutz he was, Zakura downed the entire glass in an instant, not minding that some escaped the boundaries of her mouth and ran down her chin.

Just like before, the innocent boy jumped back in surprise, apologizing dramatically and vehemently. Pink hair whipped back and forth as the girl shook her head gently to the boy.

"Quit it," she barked hoarsely. "I told you… I don't mind."

Aihiko quickly tugged at the collar of his school uniform and chuckled in embarrassment and acknowledgement.

"R-right… heh… I-I'll um… go get the clothes you were supposed t-to wear…"

The teenager took off to the bathroom, where he did just as he claimed he would. He had also made sure to transition the girl's school uniform to the dryer and start up the machine before returning to the high schooler on his couch.

Remaining put on the couch, Zakura gently massaged the spot where Hiko had conceived that last kiss. It wasn't that it hurt, but she could feel it there, almost throbbing. A sudden shower of white, red, and black cloth grabbed her attention.

"A-at least put on these clothes… please…"

She looked to the shy boy who was now averting his eyes from her body. He had faced the complete opposite direction in order to give her a sense of privacy. Damn, was he fun to tease. His innocence could be picked apart, piece by piece until she was sure nothing remained.

Perhaps he has had enough experiences for tonight. I think I'll give him a break. I'll be slow and methodical, until this boy has truly become a man. Hehehe~

She giggled internally, knowing she would have no issue picking away at the black haired boy's innocence. It will be fun to see his reaction every step of the way. He had no experience with women, hm? She would change that in due time. Tonight was just the first step in her game.

Slipping into the garments the boy offered her for temporary wear, she noted that both were quite large. The dress fell easily below her knees despite her height, and the black shorts - which she assumed were his - were a bit loose around her hips, but managed to stay secure.

She gently cleared her throat, alerting the boy that she was done getting dressed. She sat back and sighed, laying her hands on her stomach as it begged for food. Hiko turned to face her and chuckled quietly before seating himself right next to her.

"Food will be ready shortly, okay? You'll get fed and have a place to sleep tonight and… well, as long as you'd like. I know you live on the streets, and I…"

She interrupted his thought process by using his shoulder as a head rest. Her soft and silky pink hair tickled his arm and he adjusted it to wrap around her upper back, making sure to place his hand on her left shoulder comfortingly. She proceeded to close her eyes and enjoy the tender moment before speaking softly.

"You… aren't frightened by my horns?", she inquired.

The boy rubbed her shoulder and shook his head gently, looking at the subject of her question as he responded.

"No, not at all. I… guess they caught me off guard, but they don't… scare me. Baffle me, yes. Frighten, no. They are unique and exotic, like your eyes and hair. I bet nobody else in the world has those things, and that's what makes you stand out."

Zakura quickly turned her head away from him. She didn't want to stand out, she wanted to be fully human, like she had been as a child. The horns and fangs and everything were a curse that secluded her from the rest of the world. Nobody understood her yearning for the days where her mother still lived, and she was just a happy, rambunctious child without a care in the world. Everything changed when those memories started surfacing, even her appearance. She hated everything that made her 'unique'.

"Not that standing out is a bad thing, you know," Hiko continued sincerely. "I know you hide your little horns from everyone under that beanie. I can understand how you would be hesitant to allow anyone to see them. But, like I said, different isn't always bad! Being unique is… a gift. Being able to look at yourself in the mirror and say 'there's nobody in the world like me'! That's incredible! A-and the way you carry yourself, with your head held high and the confidence and dominance you exert, even though you're practically fighting the world by yourself? That takes a lot of courage and… and… I admire those qualities of you…"

She was stunned. He… liked those things about her? He liked her dominant, unphaseable facade? He liked that she was different?

She blinked once, then twice, before looking up at the boy holding her warmly. He caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of his eyes and looked down at her, shooting her a reassuring, caring smile. He meant every word he said. He was being sincere. Sincere about her horns, her personality, her uniqueness. Someone actually accepted all of that? I-Inconceivable!

"There are some people who may be unwilling to accept those horns, and most likely, even more who will admire you for being unique. Especially if you stay confident, and proudly wear them like the jewels that they are. Shine just as brightly as them, and I guarantee the world will respect you for it."

She began to blush a bit. Nobody had ever said embarrassing things like this to her ever before. It was a new feeling, to feel admired and… special. She mattered to someone in her life? If she died… he would most certainly care.

A small, soft sigh escaped her as she smiled gratefully to the loving boy known as Aihiko. He returned the smile and leaned down to place a kiss on her head. Her blush increased a bit.

Maybe it won't be bad at all to stay around him. He seems to genuinely care about my well being and how I think about myself. Well, this is everything I've wanted. To be with my childhood friend and to be accepted. He's the one. Now I just have to not fuck up.

"Oh! Um… I wasn't going to ask you much since I didn't want to strain your voice but…"

Hiko swallowed nervously and gazed at the bruising around her neck. "Um… what all happened there? Someone… tried to strangle you, it looks like."

She most certainly didn't want to tell him that she was strangled by that look alike in her nightmare. He would surely think she was crazy. Instead, she simply nodded to his query, letting him know someone indeed tried strangling her. It was the reason she was hardly able to talk after all.

"Oh. That's horrible. Was it from another one of those fights? Other than the one today, obviously. You kicked those guys' collective asses!"

He laughed awkwardly to try and lighten the mood, but it hadn't cheered her up at all.

Knowing she was lying to keep herself from sounding completely insane, she again nodded her head.

"I see… well, d-don't worry, okay? I'll take you to and from school, and I'll make sure you don't have to go getting into street brawls to survive. Everything will be fine. Promise."

He kissed her head and smiled down at her to show he was serious. However, he still had one more question. One he felt he knew the answer to, but still needed to confirm.

"S-sorry, just one more," he started, as he pulled her schoolbag to him and unzipped it. Pulling out her ID, he held it in front of her face. "I didn't want to go through your bag but… I need to know that you are who I think you are. Your name was 'Sakura' before, and… you met me under the cherry blossom tree about 7 years ago right? You were…"

Hiko bit his lip before continuing. This could be a bad move, bringing this up, but he knew it was necessary.

"You were the one that… licked me as a kid, right? A-and I freaked out a-about it? You're that Sakura, right?"

HE STILL REMEMBERS THAT?! FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK HE THINKS I'M STILL A CREEP!

Her eyes widened in surprise, but more so, fear. Her friend had remembered the one thing she had hoped he had forgotten. Her heart stopped for a moment. She screamed internally. Everything was going so well, and now he was going to say she's a complete freakandthathedidn'tlikeheranymore fuckfuckfuckFUCK she wasn't prepared to answer this question. She had neverevereverever wanted it to become a subject again. NonononoNonoNONOnoNoNoNOnonoNO! She began to panic, she wanted to run again. Beads of sweat began to form on the girl's face as her stress levels exceeded anything she could contain. Everything was ruinedSOILEDFUckedUpFallingAPArtItWasgoingFINE!

Her reaction was all he needed to confirm it was truly her. After throwing the ID onto the table, he then threw himself around her, squeezing her entire body with all the strength he could muster.

"I'M SO SORRY! FOR EVERYTHING I SAID!"

Tears welled up in his eyes as his voice cracked under the pressure. "I NEVER MEANT TO HURT YOU THAT WAY! I OVERREACTED AND I'M SO, SO, SO SORRY!"

She felt him begin to shake and sniffle, holding himself back from fully wailing. Her panic washed away instantly. What was… Was he actually apologizing for back then?

"I'm sorry I pushed you and called you a freak…! I'm sorry I said I didn't want you as a friend! I'm sorry that I made you hate me! I waited under that tree, day after day, for months, hoping you would come back so I could apologize! All I've wanted my entire life since that day, was to truly apologize for what I had done to you! You were my first and only friend and I hurt you! Please, forgive me! You're not a freak! You're incredible for fighting this world all by yourself!"

Both teenagers had practically broken down into tears. His whimpers and apologetic sobs were echoed by her sniffling and unsteady breaths. His apology had hit home, and quite thoroughly. She had no idea he felt guilty all these years… He waited under that tree for her return… but she was so busy with her own illness at the time…

"Sakura… or Z-Zakura… Back then doesn't matter anymore! I take it all back, truthfully! I don't mind your horns or if you lick me! You're perfect as the person you are… please… please believe me… I need you in my life again… I'm not… whole without you…"

Zakura threw her arms around the boy and embraced him just as powerfully as he had her. She didn't ever want to let go. Her tears drenched Aihiko's formal school uniform, as she wailed into his shoulder, muffled by his clothing.

"Yoww… fo… gi.. men…!", she was practically inaudible through the distraught cries of them both, and even more suppressed by her lack of voice and the uniform she was almost choking on.

"Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!", he whimpered back, overwhelmed by the burden of guilt finally lifting from his shoulders after all these years.

The two remained tightly in each other's embrace until they adequately regained their composure. Which is to say, for several minutes. A few sniffles and tears were still created by the two teenagers, but they had comfortably come to rest in a cuddling state, relaxing each other with steady, slow strokes to each other's backs. Hiko, feeling Zakura was still emotional, decided to rhythmically rock the two of them to and fro.

He planted a kiss gently on her forehead and wiped her tears from her eyes with a smile full of relief. She managed a slight one in return.

"I love you, Zakura… don't ever be afraid to lean on me, okay? We will get through everything. Together."

She nodded and snuggled herself into Hiko's chest as he wrapped his arms around her as comfortingly as he knew how. Everything that had stressed her the past 7 years seemed to just melt away in this boy's arms. He softly ran his hand through her hair.

She wouldn't hide herself from him, at the very least. However, talking about the voices and memories would have to wait. She was sure he could be trusted, but wanted to be absolutely certain that it wouldn't cause any problems between them before releasing any of that information.

His sweet childhood friend had begun to doze off on top him as he remembered her food. Enough time had passed for the rice porridge to cook properly.

Damn. I don't want to wake her though, she looks like she's finally at peace… sorry, Zakura, we can go to bed early.

"Hey, your food is probably ready," he said, gently nudging the sleepy girl on his chest. "You're probably really hungry, right?"

He heard her stomach growl just at the mention of food. He chuckled lightly and gently picked her up off the couch as she wrapped her arms around his neck instinctively.

"Let's go sit at the table, okay?"

Half asleep, she managed a semi-nod.

Humming sweetly to the girl in his arms, Aihiko carried her to the kitchen table at a leisurely pace. He didn't want to shock the girl from her sleepy state. He watched her every step of the way, admiring those beautiful pink locks of hers. She truly was an angel, through and through.

"Here we are. Anything is particular you want on your oyaku? I normally just garnish with some scallions and parsley, nothing too extreme."

"That's fine…", the girl softly yawned.

Pulling out a chair with his foot with surprising expertise, Hiko sat the drowsy girl down and kissed her cheek softly, giving her a quick reminder of his affection before turning his attention to the simmering pot on the stove.

The girl slumped slightly as she rubbed her eyes and her stomach rumbled again. She was definitely hungry. Luckily he had prepared a good amount of rice, enough to feed a small family at least. After preparing the rice with the toppings, he brought a bowl full over to her seat at the table and placed it in front of her.

"There you go, Zakura. Don't be afraid to ask for seconds or thirds, I made plenty."

He smiled as she lifted her head to smell the porridge. It seemed to grab her attention as she grabbed a spoon and licked her lips.

"Just don't eat it all at...", he started but realized his warning would be in vain. She gobbled the entire bowl of rice in seconds and held the bowl out for more. He only blinked in surprise. "... once. Well you are starving, I suppose. Just don't choke, your neck is still hurt, okay?"

She nodded as he prepared a second bowl, and he couldn't seem to be fast enough for the eager, bouncing girl in her seat. Another bowl was scarfed down, and then a third and fourth. Nothing remained in the pot.

Zakura patted her belly in satisfaction. Aihiko laughed lightly to himself. It wasn't like rice was all that flavorful or filling, but she seemed to enjoy it all, nonetheless. Probably because she was living off of trash or something. He wondered what she actually ate.

"I'm glad you got your fill! You seem much better now," he commented.

She nodded in agreement and let out an adorable yawn that caused Aihiko to internally 'aww'. He couldn't seem to get enough of Zakura's cuteness, but for right now, she needed to be put to bed to rest.

He lifted the girl from her seat in the same manner as before and headed out of the kitchen and up the small staircase to the second story, and ultimately, his bedroom. He would let her take his bed and he would crash on the couch.

"I'll have your outfit ready and folded by the morning. For now, you need some shut eye," he explained as he adjusted her to open his bedroom door. "I know it's not the most comfortable bed, but it's better than the sofa downstairs. I'll let you sleep here."

A sudden tug came from his chest as he approached his queen sized bed. He looked down at the source, and was greeted by those exotic pale green eyes. She seemed a bit upset.

"What's wrong? It's only fair that my guest take my room. I don't mind -"

"Sleep… together…", she replied, almost whispering. "Please?"

His face immediately grew red. She wanted to sleep in the same bed?! They just got back together after years of being apart! Did she mean she wanted to… o-or that she meant it in an innocent way. Either way, he decided to politely decline.

"S-sorry, my m-momma probably wouldn't be happy if w-we slept in the same bed…", he promptly countered with a false reasoning.

"But…"

She gave him the most innocent puppy eyes he had ever laid eyes on. She was pulling out all the stops, using her charm against him. His mind screamed no, but his heart pleaded yes. Resisting her cuteness was not something he was capable of, and he caved in.

He could control himself. They would just sleep on opposite sides and everything would be fine.

"A-a-alright, alright. Just… sleep on one side and I'll sleep on the other, o-okay? I don't w-want my momma getting the wrong idea…"

"Mm," she responded with a gentle nod.

Phew. Thank goodness she understood the situation. It's not as if he would mind sleeping together with her in the same bed, but they had just… gotten physical and she seemed to enjoy it. What if she wanted more? He would have to turn her down and be respectful. He hadn't even asked her out on a date yet. They also just met up again, why was he going straight from friend to significant other? Was she that attractive? Was it it because of lust or love?

"I'm gonna let you rest for now, okay? I have to clean up and get your uniform ready for the morning. I'll… return after that but I want you to try sleeping before then."

Delicately, he laid the pink haired girl on his bed and smiled as she mirrored him. He leaned down and kissed her horns endearingly.

"I love you and those cute little horns of yours. Now go ahead and close those pretty little eyes of yours. I'll be back soon."

Following his given instructions, she began to make herself comfortable under the blankets on his bed and then closed her eyes. He watched the angel fall asleep within a minute and rubbed the back of his head nervously. She would certainly be a handful to care for, but he would manage, just for her. She deserved it.

Aihiko spent the next few minutes cleaning up the mess from her dinner, and readied Zakura's school uniform for the morning. His thoughts couldn't escape those bruises on her neck. She really had been strangled by someone. He felt a knot in his chest as he thought about it more and more. How could someone do that to her? Fighting is one thing, but strangling the poor girl was uncalled for.

He felt disturbed. He felt upset. He felt... pissed. Whoever did that to her would pay. If anyone ever laid a hand on his friend would feel the entirety of his wrath. He wanted, no, he needed to protect her.

These feelings for revenge were foreign to the boy, as he was almost always indifferent to the world around him. Why did it bother him so much?! It wasn't as if he could magically find whoever laid hands on her. But from now on, he swore he would be at her side outside of school. He wouldn't let that happen again if he had anything to say about it. She was his responsibility. More than that, she was his sweetheart now.

Everything changed when she stopped visiting… I felt like I had lost my other half over some stupid argument, and I could never take it back until now…

"Ew! What the heck, you creep?!", he screamed at her for licking his neck suddenly.

Her eyes widened in fear in realization of what she had done. She stumbled back and shook her head, wanting to take it back.

"I didn't know you were some kind of freak like that!"

He pushed her down to the ground in a sudden fit of disgust. Tears welled up in her large emerald eyes as she scurried backwards, dragging her long pink hair and small ivory dress through the dirt.

"I don't want a friend like you! Everyone will think you're some sort of weirdo!"

"I-I-I d-don't know w-why I…!", she protested in an attempt to explain.

Overcome with emotions, Sakura took off to find her mother. A young Aihiko wiped his neck with the sleeve of his shirt.

"Gross. She got saliva all over my neck too."

That was the last time he had seen Sakura. He had enjoyed the solace of being alone under that tree for a few days, but soon began to feel guilty over what he had said. He had overreacted and hurt his only friend.

"I wonder if she will ever come back…", he commented to himself, placing his hand on his heart. "I… think I miss her."

More days passed.

Days turned to weeks. He began to believe that girl was never coming back. Some part of him began to hope. Hope she would return so he could apologize for what would be the biggest mistake of his life.

Most days, he would simply cry and lean his head against the enormous sakura tree, praying that his friend would find it in her heart to forgive him. He wanted her back. He needed her back.

"Please… please come back… I beg you, Sakura… I miss you…"

Weeks turned into months. Eventually, an entire year had passed without her return. She wasn't coming back. He could never take back his actions or his words. She was lost to him forever.

The tears and prayers eventually had come to an end as well. The tree stopped being an important location for Aihiko. Almost everything had lost meaning to him by that following spring. Emotions soon became a thing of the past as well. He didn't deserve them, or the offers of friendship he received at school those subsequent years.

He had devoted himself to his studies, easily becoming one of the most prestigious children of his class. Granted a scholarship to a private high school, he took the offer, believing knowledge would grant him release from his past burdens.

Over time, the smiles and laughter of two children playing under that tree were forgotten. Blotched out by the darkness of his heart, he no longer wished to remember.

His sacrifice was not without penalty however, as he had become numb and oblivious to the feelings of the world around him. School and studying was his only cares. He could learn to become anything he wanted, do anything he wanted. Friends and emotions were just a burden to keep him from his potential, after all. Everyone was kept at arm's length, never to touch his closed off heart, not out of hatred, but from a lack of care.

That was, until he saw her. The pink haired high school punk, who held her own in a four-on-one brawl. She was strong, and confident, but most of all, alone. Just like him. There was something about her, he just felt she had no-one else. That moment, he suddenly began… feeling again. He was alive, and he didn't have to keep following the mundane life he lead.

That street girl inspired him. He wanted to talk to her.

That's how I was reunited with you, Zakura. You freed me from everything I was hiding from. I should thank you, but… You'd probably think I was some kind of wuss. You wouldn't be wrong though…

Aihiko yawned and stretched as he headed up the stairs. He was completely beat. Today was the first day he stepped out from the shadow of his old self. Emotions and freedom came back full force, and it had drained him like a battery. Luckily, it was time for him to recharge for the night.

After confirming the curled up ball of pink was asleep, he quietly slipped into his pajamas, folding his school uniform to wear tomorrow. As he reached his bed, he noted that she slept almost entirely silent. Just soft, steady breaths were audible.

Lifting the blankets on his side slightly and then slipping under, Hiko fluffed his pillow gently and laid his head down, sighing and smiling at the adorable angel sleeping on the other side of his bed.

Sleep tight, Zakura. Goodnight.

With that final thought, he felt himself drift off to sleep, the image of two children holding hands burned into his mind. He smiled and shed a tear.

Chapter Four - Acceptance / His Angel

(Well I originally intended this to be about half of Chapter 4, but after realizing the feedback I've been receiving, I decided to split it up into two chapters in order to give you guys something to read while I finish touching up the rest. Also, I can't believe that in a week, I've gotten more than 1000 views on this story! I hadn't intended nor expected it to get the amount of attention it has gotten, so thank you all for the support, I plan to keep on rolling with this until it is finished! A big thank you to Reddit user Ulcon for inspiring me to try creative writing again. If you haven't already, I highly recommend checking out his fanfiction, Mastermind in the Franxx on this site. It is an incredible read! With all that said, until next chapter, my darlings~!)