Darling in the FranXX: Insurrection

Chapter 44 - Gathering Storm

Waking up the morning after the wedding didn't really feel different. As you'd said in your vows, you and Ichigo were getting married, but the two of you had already been living like you were for months. You even had two adoptive children. Still, though, your wife seems to have a glow surrounding her as she goes about her morning.

Your partner does everything in her usual manner. First, a shower, because Ichigo loved to bathe in the warm water. Next, someone in the kitchen was kind enough to prepare breakfast for the two of you, so you ate together on the small round table in the corner by the window. Bacon, eggs, and pancakes with syrup are a simple but welcome treat from toast or bagels.

Ichigo admitted to being a bit sore from your activities the night prior after breakfast and returned to soak in the tub in hope of alleviating the ailment. Unsurprisingly she chose to add a bit of bubble bath, and was soon covered in the foamy substance. With her arms propped up on the edges of the tub with another of her books, she looked totally relaxed.

By the time Ichigo is settled it's almost 0900 and you've yet to hear anything from the girls' room. Going to check on them, you push open the door to see that Asuna had crawled into her sister's bed at some point in the night and is now sprawled out completely. Asada has the misfortune of scrunching herself onto the very edge of the bed to avoid being thrown off by her sister.

Seeing the girls wrapped up the way they are causes you to smile. For how mature and highly skilled they are, it's nice to see them show moments of being normal kids as well. Their childhood is far more loving and supportive than your own had been at the Garden, and it is your goal to keep it that way. Asuna and Asada would grow up knowing they had a support system they could turn to at any time, be it you, Ichigo, or any of your friends.

With nothing left to do you pull open the balcony door and step out into the breeze. Rather than close it, you leave the door open to allow the salty air into the room holding your sleeping daughters, thinking it would be good for them. A chair sits on the balcony and is just tall enough for you to see over the stone railing and watch the village of Haven as it goes about its day.

After engaging in people-watching for the better part of forty-five minutes, you hear rustling in the bedroom behind you. Upon further investigation, it seems Asada has finally been awoken, thanks to her sister forcing her off the bed. The seven-year-old is on her feet when you reach her and rubbing her backside.

"Owie," she grumbles before glaring at her sister.

You sweep the child off her feet and assault her with kisses. "Good morning!"

"Stop it! Stop it!" Asada giggles, trying to push you away.

"Nope!" you shout, peppering her cheeks with more.

"Ichigo, help me!" the girl yells.

Knowing that your wife is still in the bath and more than likely wouldn't come after hearing the laughter, you continue, saying, "No one can help you now, you're mine!"

The silver-haired girl continues to squirm in your arms. "(Y/N), let me go!"

You stop. "Drop you? If you insist!"

"No!" she yells as she begins her second plunge of the morning. Instead of the floor, however, she drops onto the soft blankets of her sibling's bed. Asada sits up and glances to either side, confused as to why she hadn't hit the hardwood slats.

"Feel better now?" you ask, looming over her.

Your daughter pouts by crossing her arms and looking away from you. "That was mean."