Deception (Darling In The Franxx X OC/Male reader) [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter 6: The meaning of love

It has been about two weeks since the boys versus girls incident. Not much has happened since then, other than being sent to defend the plantation from the usual klaxosaur attack every few days.

Currently, Squad 13 have arrived back at the boarding house after another successful operation. They were all doing their own things when they heard Futoshi shouting from the lounge.

Futoshi: Guys! They're here!

Everyone went to the lounge to see a pile of presents all neatly wrapped up. They immediately tear into their presents as they could not contain their excitement.

Zorome got a new ball and Futoshi was given several kinds of snacks. Mitsuru opens his to see a shiny new pen and Goro, some new fishing poles.

Ikuno receives a new stack of books and Miku takes a whiff of her new perfume. Kokoro carefully inspects her sewing kit and Ichigo happily hugs her new stuffed animal as Goro teases her for asking for childish stuff.

Watching from the sides, are Hiro, Akiri and Zero Two.

Zero Two: Presents?

Hiro: Yeah. Once a year, we can ask Papa for the things we want, and we'll get them on this particular day

Akiri: That's nice. Gives the squad a much needed morale boost

Zero Two: Huh... What's that? A picture book?

She asked Hiro as she points to what he is holding.

Hiro: Oh, nah. This is an illustrated guide. Do you like picture books? I think we have some in the study

Zorome: Okay, listen up! I'm gonna read Papa's message!

Zorome loudly announces as he clears his throat and starts reading the letter out loud.

Zorome: Boys and girls, your numerous accomplishments represent a ray of hope, a harbinger of peace and prosperity for mankind. Glory be to you noble parasites, who risk your lives for us

Everyone looked amazed by the contents of the letter, but the same couldn't be said for Zero Two who looks rather unimpressed.

Zorome: Hear that?! He called us "a ray hope"! That makes me wanna do even better!

Akiri: Do better at following orders or do better at ignoring them?

He jokingly asked, earning a few giggles from the others.

(Timeskip)

Akiri was walking towards his room when he overheard Hiro and Goro talking about something in their room.

Goro: Remember when I told you I didn't understand this "love" thing you guys talk about?

Akiri: (thoughts) Love...? Why does that sound so familiar?

He then quietly went closer to the slightly opened door and listens in on their conversation.

Goro: Now, I'm staying to think that it means the other person is special to you

Hiro: Special? Maybe, yeah

Goro: You've always been Ichigo's hero. That's special, right?

Hiro: Where is this all coming from?

Goro: I'm thinking that she probably feels the same way about you as you do about Zero Two

Hiro: The same?

Goro: Like, you know, wanting to know more about you, be with you more, and uh... Do that kiss thing with you

Akiri: (thoughts) That word again... Kiss...