Title: Euphoria

Summary: Their relationship was new, the feelings they started to feel were unfamiliar but euphoric. Happens during the time between episodes 17 & 18. MitsuruXKokoro

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters.

When I'm with you

I'm in utopia

Euphoria

The water was warm around Kokoro's body as she let herself sink down until only her head was above the surface. Her muscles relaxed, releasing all of the tension in her body. The remaining girls, including Zero Two, were spread out in the large bathing area, melting into the water.

There was a resounding sigh of relief as everyone settled in and took a few moments for themselves to enjoy the pure bliss. They all knew this would probably be their last steaming hot bath for a while.

"Kokoro?"

The blond turned to her closest friend, Miku. "Yes?"

"You and Mitsuru have been very close lately," she raised an eyebrow. "Wanna tell us what's going on?"

Immediately, Kokoro's face became as red as a tomato. "W-What?"

The auburn haired girl shifted closer to her in the water, bringing her face in close. "You know what I mean, Kokoro! We all have seen you two holding hands and acting all weird!"

The other girls giggled, all used to Miku's blunt personality.

"I don't think they're just holding hands," teased Zero Two wickedly, coming to stand near Miku.

Kokoro tried to shrink away and began squeezing her hands together under the water. Their eyes were blaring down at her, waiting for her to respond. There was no way she was going to give anything away just yet. Sure, Miku was her close friend, but what happened between she and Mitsuru was precious to her and it was theirs.

Only theirs.

"Give her some space, girls! If Kokoro wants to tell us, she will in time," Ichigo was just as amused at the situation as the rest of them, but held no accusatory tone in her voice.

Miku looked slightly hurt. "But we're so close! I would have thought you would tell me, Kokoro!" She crossed her arms under her bare breasts. "You didn't even tell me you and Mitsuru kissed! I heard about it from someone else!"

Kokoro looked at Zero Two, eyes widened. "You saw that?"

A "Heh!" and playful smile were her response, and she could feel the pounding in her chest quicken. The water around her felt like it was getting hotter with each moment that passed.

Ikuno had begun scrubbing her skin, not getting too close to the other girls who were interrogating their blue-eyed teammate. "Even I'm a little surprised you could kiss Mitsuru. He's not exactly the most expressive person, but it seems as though he's changed a bit since you became partners," she remarked.

"That's true," Ichigo agreed. "I've never seen Mitsuru spend so much time with one person before you, Kokoro."

The other girls looked at each other, nodding their heads in affirmation. It seemed as though everyone noticed.

Then again, Kokoro and Mitsuru hadn't kept their hand holding secret.

Finally, Kokoro felt brave enough to open her mouth to the onslaught, trying not to reveal too much. She was going to try and keep as much private as possible, much like her meticulous partner. "Mitsuru is very kind to me and a great partner."

"Oh is he?" Ichigo snickered. Usually their team captain was cool and collected, but even she enjoyed having a little fun at times

"Is that why you like to go be with him late at night?" Now, Zero Two was uncomfortably close, running a finger down the side of Kokoro's cheek. "My Darling and I do the same thing, so I don't mind it at all."

"Is that why you didn't come to our room last night?!" Miku hollered, standing up in the water.

"I-I couldn't sleep so I went for a walk!" Kokoro's mind was racing, trying to come up with a believable excuse. She most definitely liked taking walks. After all, most of her walks consisted of her going to the greenhouse. They should believe her.

Miku didn't look like she believed her, her fingers tapping her arms. Glancing to Zero Two, Kokoro knew her lie didn't go unnoticed and silently prayed the pink-haired horned girl wouldn't say anything more.

"Ah, let's leave Kokoro alone. She's enjoying her time, and getting closer to Mitsuru is a good thing!" Ichigo chided, hoping to end their playful banter. "We should all be enjoying this time together because we don't know what the future holds."

There was a silence that fell over them, the dark reality of their situation that seemed to be forgotten, returned.

"I support you both," came a voice that was slightly farther away. "You two deserve to be happy." Just as she had protected Kokoro from the Nines, Ikuno was yet again defending her in front of the girls as well.

She didn't hide the smile that formed. "Thank you, Ikuno."

She shook her head. "We all deserve to be happy."

Miku gave a sound of understanding, looking at her closest friend. "I support you too, Kokoro."

All of the girls seemed to look at Kokoro at the same time. An unspoken feeling of understanding and inspiration could be felt by all of them. They were the only females in this house and they each had a strong bond with one another. Sure, some of them may not be as close to one another, but they were a team and only they truly could understand what each of them were experiencing.

They had already been through so much together, whether it was battles, invaders, drama, or just personal struggles, they had been there for one another. Kokoro looked at each of the girls in appreciation, and silently wondered if it could be like this forever.

After a moment, Zero Two stood up. "Come here Kokoro, I'll scrub your back for you!"

And like that, the tension was broken and the girls returned to enjoying their bath together.

Having finished their bath, the girls returned to their rooms clad in their pajamas. Kokoro felt exceptionally clean, especially having been in her uniform all day, even after it had gotten wet when she slipped in the river. The light clothing was soothing against her soft skin; the fresh sheets they had replaced on her bed were also a comfort to have around her body.

But no matter how hard Kokoro tried, she couldn't seem to fall asleep. She lay on her back, the back of her arm resting on her forehead, staring at the ceiling. The room was dark except for the light of the moon shining through the window.

When they had returned to their room, Miku had apologized to her and said she wouldn't ask Kokoro anything else about her relationship with Mitsuru. It was enough for her that Kokoro seemed to be happy. She also promised not to say anything if Kokoro didn't spend the whole night in their room.

Ever since they were young parasites, Kokoro and Miku had been close. One of her fondest memories of them as children was when Miku had made her a flower crown. It was the first time anyone had given Kokoro a gift, or had reached out to her to be friends. Her eyes moved to look at the sleeping form of her best friend and smiled. They all seemed to be maturing slowly as time went on, even Miku.

We all deserve to be happy.

What exactly did that mean?

Being happy used to be their squad being accepted as pilots and going out to fight klaxosaurs. Being happy was fulfilling all of Papa's desires and goals. Being happy was following the rules and doing what they were told.

But now, it was as if none of that mattered anymore for Kokoro. Sure, she still enjoyed piloting Genista and protecting her friends. She still enjoyed working as a team to achieve a goal.

But it seemed as though her life had more meaning now. She wanted her life to have more meaning, to have more of a purpose than just to pilot and fight.

And she could.

Kokoro almost robotically removed the sheets from her body and silently exited the room. She wanted to be in her thoughts, to be around the plants she loved so dearly, in the space she felt the most tranquil.

Her footsteps were light as she made her way through the hall and down the steps. Her body moved mechanically, having made this journey every day since moving to their home. She knew the path like the back of her hand and bet she could navigate her way to the greenhouse with her eyes closed.

Turning the door knob, Kokoro's nose was pleasantly assaulted with the fragrance of flowers. Closing her eyes, she took a relaxed sniff before closing the door behind her. She moved around the small room, making sure not to disturb the plants near her. The moonlight was brightly shining down on her, casting small shadows of the plants. She made sure not to step on any of the smaller plants that she had begun to replant as they grew larger.

Kokoro found her way to the small chair that had been left in the room and sat down comfortably. She inhaled deeply to calm her thoughts and let her shoulders slump.

The past few days had been an emotional roller coaster for the long-haired girl. They only intensified with the arrival of the Nines and the discovery of her pregnancy book. She had thought about when she had most likely dropped it and wished she had never brought it with her that night when she went to the bathroom. She should have left it under her pillow or mattress, or anywhere that no one could find it easily.

Kokoro knew she had to watch her movements carefully, to keep her book a secret, but she had failed miserably. Now, she had no idea what the future held for her especially after her conversation with Nana and Hachi. Her situation was grave, and deep down she could sense her impending punishment nearing.

But would she have changed anything? Did she regret finding the book?

Not at all.

Hiro had always been the person to have broader ideas, to think differently than the others. It had inspired Kokoro to a degree, but that book was what really caused Kokoro to expand her ideas and dreams. Without it, she didn't think she would have found what her true purpose and desire was.

Being able to leave something behind for the future, a piece of herself, was what Kokoro truly desired. All living things were destined to die, but all living things, especially animals, could leave a piece of themselves behind.

All of the parasites had known that animals could reproduce while growing up, however none of them seemed to realize they could do the same. Before discovering the small book, Kokoro had also believed to some degree that they were meant to pilot, that the only reason they had their reproductive organs was in order to pilot. They weren't meant to reproduce at all, so she previously believed.

But the book had changed everything for Kokoro. That small object, full of information and hope, changed Kokoro's destiny and as she stared at the moon, she suddenly felt herself become more confident.

To be able to leave a piece of herself behind, especially with someone she cared deeply about, was exactly what Kokoro wished for. She knew very well she was going against all that she had been taught, and especially against Papa.

Kokoro unconsciously wrapped her hands around her stomach, bending her head.

She pushed away the fear of her punishment down. The possibility of being able to create a new life filled Kokoro with excitement and trepidation.

She was excited by the fact that she could leave something behind for the future, but Kokoro knew that a natural birth was unheard of. She had also read that giving birth could have some serious complications, causing the mother to be sent to a hospital in an emergency.

Not only that, the world in which they lived was dangerous, filled with monsters in a desolate world. Granted, there were probably some places around the world like the beach they had visited, but the chance of a baby growing up to fight wasn't something Kokoro wanted either.

Was she being selfish? She wasn't sure.

But there was hope for a better and brighter future. That was what Kokoro knew. Things would have to change for all of them. She knew with each battle they were drawing closer to Papa's goal, and then after…

Kokoro let out a dissatisfied sigh. She had no idea what would happen after, and she instantly felt powerless again.

She did, however, know what was happening in the present time. She was here with her teammates and friends, and they were trying to live as normally as possible. Although they had been abandoned for the most part, they had all banded together to keep to a schedule and routine as closely as they could. Now, they had more freedom. There weren't people coming in to check on them or disturb them, they had been left to live as they pleased.

Their days were filled with laughter and happiness. Although they still had their squabbles, Squad 13 had made a great effort to work together and enjoy the time they had together. Kokoro couldn't imagine having this experience with a different group of people. She had never been as close to so many people in her whole existence.

All of these new memories and experiences were precious to Kokoro. Straightening her back, Kokoro's eyes once again returned to the moon. It was shining brightly in the sky as the clouds passed around it, acting as if it were a beacon of hope. She steeled herself internally.

In that moment, she vowed to live in the present. The future was still ahead, and the past was most definitely behind her. There was no point in worrying about either, that would only take away from the time she currently had.

The stars in the sky twinkled, and Kokoro faintly wondered how far they were exactly. Could Genista soar that high?

The sound of a door opening had Kokoro standing suddenly, moving to see who was up just as late, but she knew the answer already.

Slowly, a short haired figure stepped through the glass door towards her. The green eyes she met were filled with tenderness, a smile greeting her.

"You couldn't sleep either?"

Kokoro shook her head. "I had some things on my mind."

She felt his hand grasp hers. "What's on your mind?"

Usually Kokoro would just brush a question like this off, keeping her feelings to herself. She didn't want to burden others with her troubles, but Mitsuru was different. They both had requested the other to lean on and trust them, and with him, Kokoro found it easier to open up.

They had a complete understanding of one another, without question.

Kokoro sat back down. "I was just thinking of what is going to happen in the future."

Mitsuru bent down in front of her, still holding her hand. "Mm," he acknowledged, urging her to continue.

"I just hope there will be something to look forward to after all the fighting stops." She still had the bad habit of averting her eyes. She needed to work on that.

Kokoro felt him run his thumb over her hand, taking a moment to mull over her words.

"Nobody knows what the future holds," he began, keeping his eyes on her face as she looked to him. "But I promise to be with you every step of the way."

His smile absolutely captivated Kokoro in the moonlight. A smile none of their teammates were allowed to see, one only reserved for her. Her heart was filled with such adoration for the boy in front of her that she thought it would explode.

Kokoro reached her hands up to cup his face, tears welling in her eyes. "I promise to stay by your side as well." She leaned forward to press her forehead against his. There was no one else she wanted to be with in such a way. The relationship and bond they had created was indescribable, but it made Kokoro feel safe, confident, and hopeful for the future. "Thank you, Mitsuru."

"Mm," this time his tone was hinted with slight disagreement. "You don't need to thank me. I want to be with you." He paused for a moment, then continued. "In fact, when I'm not with you, I feel empty and…lost." He pulled away slightly to gaze in her eyes that were starting to pool with tears. "I don't like being away from you, Kokoro. I want to be by your side, always."

He paused, seeming to try and find the right words to say, or even the courage to say them.

"I love you, Kokoro."

The tears she had been holding back started to fall down her face. "Love?"

"It's when you want to be with someone no matter what, and make sure they are always happy." There was a faint blush on his face, but he didn't avert his gaze as he brushed away her tears.

Love.

Kokoro had heard that term before while spending time with the girls. According to Zero Two, that was how she and Hiro felt about each other. A deep and special connection. Something more than just a friend.

Yes, this was the word that described their relationship, for she too felt the same about Mitsuru.

Things around her seemed clearer, brighter and before she knew it, she was leaning down, pressing her lips against Mitsuru's.

Pulling away ever so slightly, Kokoro whispered against his lips, "I love you too, Mitsuru."

This time she felt Mitsuru push himself up, kissing her again as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

Outside, the chirping of crickets filled the air as the fireflies danced.

Her slumber had been filled with bright and colorful dreams of her future. There were no dark clouds, and they did not morph into a nightmare. Instead, she was happily living with Mitsuru in a far off place where it was sunny and the flowers were in colorful bloom all around them.

Their house had been a cozy size in her dream, not too big or too small. It was the perfect size for their small family as there were three of them now. She was gazing out into their front yard to see Mitsuru reading a book to their small child. Her soul warming at the sight.

Her friends had also appeared in her dream, living in their own homes close by, but had all gathered to congratulate and welcome Kokoro and Mitsuru's new child. They had prepared a large picnic together and ate delicious food.

It was beautiful, and as Kokoro slowly opened her eyes to her reality, she felt optimistic. That possible future wasn't totally impossible, in a sense. No one knew if it could truly exist, but no one knew if it wasn't something they could create.

"You're awake?"

Kokoro turned her body to face Mitsuru. They were nestled under the covers in the previous squads abandoned room, the place in which they knew they would not be disturbed. She reached out to place her hand on Mitsuru's chest as he lay on his back next to her. His hand came around her shoulders to press her closer to his body. The heat radiating through his pajamas from his body wasn't unbearable even in the warmer weather.

"Mmm," she answered. "Did you sleep well?"

He returned her sound of agreement and closed his eyes again. The sun was once again rising brightly in the sky, beginning to fill their room. "I enjoy resting here…with you."

Lifting her chest up, she rested her head on her hand that was still on Mitsuru's chest. She felt him start to caress her back, running his fingers lightly up and down. It sent shivers down her spine. "I wouldn't mind sleeping down here from now on…together."

Mitsuru also had a habit of avoiding her gaze when he was expressing himself, even if he was doing so indirectly. His green eyes would always find their way back to hers, though, when she would agree or accept the meaning behind his words.

Kokoro felt him drag his hands up her body, raising her sleeping dress ever so slightly, and hugged her to him. She felt so small compared to Mitsuru, and she was acutely aware of how her softer body was pressed so intimately against his.

He shifted again, and Kokoro found herself laying fully on top of him, her legs between his. Her rather large chest made it slightly uncomfortable, so she raised herself up a few inches. Being so close to Mitsuru had Kokoro's body instinctively begin to react, especially as his hands stroked the sides of her body, as if memorizing the lines of her curves. A familiar heat was pooling between her legs, her heart quickening.

And the way he was looking at her, his eyes questioning, but also filled with desire made Kokoro feel unexpectedly confident. Thoughts and memories of their first intimate night flashed through Kokoro's mind in understanding.

It was still slightly awkward for both of them, as they were discovering the others body still. There was a small amount of information about sex in her book, even giving a few examples. It had also gone over the different body parts of males and females, and they both had learned what a climax was.

But the book had also said that people preferred different things, and that a couple could enjoy their time discovering their certain preferences.

It was something natural and common.

She let her body move on instinct, pushing up to lean forward and kiss Mitsuru. She was almost fully sitting on him now as he rested his hands on her hips, eagerly returning her kiss. She felt him shudder, his body reacting almost instantaneously.

His hands gently found their way under her sleeping gown and touched her skin lightly. The feel of his hands on her bare sides had her moaning softly. They traveled over her abdomen before heading further up towards their real destination.

She inhaled sharply at the unexpected sensitivity she felt as Mitsuru cupped her breasts. Her lower body pressing back and down, where she could most definitely feel his body's reaction.

He pulled himself back, eyes clouded with lust. "Are you okay?"

Biting her lip, she nodded. "It feels…good."

His fingers began to gently squeeze, running his thumbs back and forth over her peaked nipples. The fabric of her nightgown began to annoy Kokoro, and she quickly found herself raising it above her head and throwing it off to the side carelessly, leaving her only in her panties.

Kokoro wanted to feel Mitsuru's skin as well. She reached forward, grabbing the edge of his night shirt and pulled. He lifted his chest up and granted her wish, throwing his shirt to join her forgotten dress. The only clothing between them now were her undergarment and his shorts.

"Should I take them off?" his voice was soft and husky, but he made no movement, waiting for her answer. His hands rested on the top of her thighs, his gaze unwavering as he looked up at her.

With a slight nod, she was helping him remove his remaining piece of clothing, revealing himself fully to her. Seeing the physical reaction he had made Kokoro feel a primal satisfaction. Her breath was coming out in shorter pants, anticipating what was to come next. She was still sitting over him as he moved his mouth up to hers, his hands reaching to remove her last barrier.

Finally, they were completely bare in front of one another. Mitsuru let himself fall back onto the bed to take her in. She didn't shy away from his gaze, also taking in the sight of his bare body beneath hers.

Being able to see the male body like this still amazed Kokoro. They were truly different, and there was no doubt in Kokoro's mind about their inherent ability to procreate.

"Are you ready?"

"Mm," she answered, her hand trailing down his chest in a feathery light touch. She paused, her hand just above his hardened erection, and when he gave no sign of protest, Kokoro guided him to her entrance. She could feel him twitch slightly in her hand in eagerness.

Bracing herself with one hand on Mitsuru's chest, Kokoro slowly lowered herself onto him, slowly filling herself with him. It wasn't as painful as the first time, but she still needed time to adjust her body. She spread her knees a little wider as she straddled Mitsuru, eliciting a hiss from his mouth. He hadn't moved an inch.

"K-Kokoro?" his fingers began to dig slightly into her thighs as he restrained himself. As if catching himself, he forced his hands to move up and down, trying to comfort her.

Gradually, Kokoro moved her body up before sinking down once again. The pain and soreness from their first time was still there slightly, but this time Kokoro could feel her body reacting more pleasurably to the sensation of their joining.

She could feel her mind become muddled as she closed her eyes, slowly allowing her body to move on reflex. Mitsuru had been patient as she moved her body over him, waiting until she seemed to move more fluidly before once again exploring the landscape of her body.

His touches set her skin on fire as every part of Kokoro became aware of his ministrations. His hands moved up and down her back, over her hips, caressing her sides before once again molding her soft breasts in his hands. She thought her mind was going to explode, and she fell slightly forward, catching herself with her arms on either side of Mitsuru.

He stilled, letting Kokoro move over him to enjoy the pure bliss of being joined. He pressed his lips against Kokoro's, tangling one hand in her hair while the other traveled to her hip. She felt him bend his legs, spreading hers wider, before he started moving sluggishly within her.

She whimpered against his lips at the feeling of him going in and out. There was a faint tightening sensation with each thrust he took until it eventually had Kokoro almost crying out. She could hear Mitsuru's moan of pleasure as her body tightened around him.

Ripping her lips away, Kokoro dug her nails into her lover's shoulders. "Mitsuru!"

He thrust into her deeply and the knot that had been tightly wound suddenly exploded within her, leaving Kokoro in a state of pure bliss, her breath catching in her throat. Mitsuru wrapped his hands tightly around her hips, sucking on the dip of where Kokoro's neck met her shoulder.

He pushed her down to meet his thrust one last time before he spilled himself within her, releasing a satisfied moan.

Her body collapsed on top of Mitsuru, totally spent as he let his head fall back onto the pillow, chest heaving from the exertion of his body. They lay there like that until their breathing evened out, not daring to move until their bodies recovered.

Mitsuru began caressing her exposed back after a short while, comforting her. His unspoken gesture of kindness filled with contentment, had Kokoro smiling.

Sitting up, Kokoro looked lovingly down at her green eyed lover, knowing there was no other person she'd rather be with in no other place.

"I love you, Mitsuru."

She didn't wait for Mitsuru's response as she leaned down and kissed him, pouring all of her love and affection into him.