A/N: REVIEW FOR IT FEEDS MY ENGINE OF CREATION!
Over SIX THOUSAND WORDS FOR YOU ALL!
WARNING!
A scene in this chapter might trigger some people.
If so, I apologize for any duress it accidentally causes.
I ask that you read the ENTIRE chapter before rendering your judgement.
HOLY CRAP SO MANY REVIEWS 0_0
Lots of Reviews equal inspiration, hence this speedy update~!
Also, to clarify, this Naruto is from his world.
In other words, happy, good Naruto, albeit slightly twisted by the events that brought him here. A certain "disaster" resulted in him accidentally finding his way over to the "Darling" world which promptly resulted in his capture. Of course he woke and all but raised hell which lead to Kurama rearing his head. Because of this event, he's seen as little more than a beast in human form. Little more than a power source, to be used and discarded. Despite his humanity, many foolishly think he's no better than Zero Two. When in fact, he's far, far more dangerous if provoked.
Oh dear, did I just say that? Meaning...
...the adults are going to GET IT once he gains control of his powers.
As to whether or not they fled...well, this chapter addresses it.
The adults-at this time-aren't able to erase, or even alter, Naruto's memories. His tenant simply won't have it. Anything done to him is simply undone by Kurama. Obviously he wouldn't let them near Zero Two, either. Neither feels the need to flee.
Furthermore, this chapter elaborates on Naruto's relationship with the 'ol fox.
...let's call it a dangerous friendship.
I wanted to give Hiro a main role in this story, I really did, but it just didn't work out. Considering what his fate would be without Zero Two there to swoop in and save him...I didn't want to put him through that. In other words, he and Zero Two never met one another. No bond was formed. He WAS around, but then he just...vanished. Like so many other orphans in the cage. I know, I know, it seems like I cucked him and I hate to do it to our boy. But I like to think that he'll find happiness in the anime. At least, I hope he will.
I've also got plans-such plans!-for Plantation 13's Parasites as well.
Naruto and Zero Two are gonna tear al kinds of shit up~!
Also, bit of an easter egg here, from Naruto's world.
Some things are just universal, I suppose.
Warning, someone gets slapped!
Oh, and before I forget!
Time skips ahoy~!
"Poor kids. Talking about proving themselves to "Papa"...they don't even know the truth."
"So? What's it matter, Darling? They're all going to die sooner or later, anyway."
"Oi, that may be so but there's no need to rub it in their faces, ya know...
"Betcha two kisses they're gossiping behind our backs right now."
"You're on. Wanna eavesdrop?"
"Good idea!"
"Shhh! Don't talk about the new squad leaders like that!"
"But I heard the two of them are monsters."
"Eh? What makes you say such a thing?"
"Just look at their eyes."
"They're not human."
"Eh, that's creepy."
"So? What of it?"
"EEEK!"
~Zero Two and Zero Nine.
A Taste of Hope
Zero Two.
He gave me that name.
It was a strange name, but I liked it.
He taught me words after that, how to speak, to talk.
After that came letters and symbols, followed by learning to read.
Others attempted teaching me after that. Communicating. Well, they tried.
There were other words like pistil, stamen, klaxosaur, plantation, but I didn't like them.
I ignored them, because I was able to read my storybook thanks to the one, simple act of kindness.
That "pretty thing" taught me more than I'd ever dreamed; but most importantly, it-he!-gave me my favorite word.
"Darling."
I finally decided, then. Made my decision. Naruto. He was my darling. My prince, like in the storybook. My shining ray of hope. MINE. The others could talk to him, even befriend him, but they could never know him the way I did, not really. We understood each other. The others didn't. I was determined to keep that from happening at all costs. He didn't need anyone else; no, just the thought of him losing him to another girl, or worse, a human girl, terrified me beyond words. So I did the one thing I could think to do. I clung to him. I refused to speak to anyone but him.
He could be loud, goofy, a bit of an idiot at times...but he was mine.
No one else could have him.
I'd kill anyone who tried.
Because he was mine.
Then we did something stupid.
We tried to escape.
Just the two of us, together.
We were just children. What could we do?
Weak, powerless children, without the slightest clue.
Even so, we were still naive enough to make an attempt.
For all our foolishness, we made it pretty far before they caught us.
I'm pretty sure the old geezers tried to do something to our memories after that. Or maybe because of it?
Regardless, the procedure didn't take...at least, probably not in the way they'd intended. On either of us. It was worse for my Darling. Much worse. Whatever they did unlocked something deep inside of him. Something so awful and terrible that they never tried to tamper with either of our memories ever again. I didn't know what he did to terrify them that badly. The guard just...screamed and threw him back in my room. He was covered in blood. Blood that wasn't his. His right eye turned red after that. Crimson and slitted. Like some kind of animal. It never changed back. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it.
Scarlet.
Like me.
Like my horns.
I thought it was pretty.
I realized something, that day.
My Darling was a monster, like me.
But the "humans" had hurt him terribly.
On that day, I truly loathed "them" more than I'd thought possible. Why would they do such a thing to my Darling?! The one who gave me a name, a purpose, a reason to live?! And they wanted me to forget him?! To act like he never existed?! No! He's my darling! I couldn't bear the thought of it. But for some reason, he didn't hate them. He just patted my head and said:
"Huh? You're Zero Two, right? How could I forget something that important?"
Ha!
As expected of my Darling!
Even though we're both monsters...
...even though those humans had hurt him...
...I wanted to become human. Like him. For him.
It was vain of me to think so, but I needed it.
I wanted Darling to see me, to look at me. Me, and only me. No one else. I couldn't stand the thought of it. My blood boiled whenever he told me about "that one" near him, clinging to him. So she'd lost someone. I didn't care. How could I care? I never saw her face. The only image I had of her was a vague one, given to me by my Darling. It made me hate her all the more; because it wasn't fair. I was trapped in that room, the same room they often took him out of. My world was confined to four walls, a roof, and the ceiling, and him. When I did leave it, it was for tests, tests, always those god awful tests...!
But my Darling was always there.
He never left me.
It didn't matter how many times they separated us. We always found each other. I'm not sure who was the more stubborn. Eventually "they" gave up and let us be.
I didn't care. I was just glad they finally stopped.
I wanted to stand by his side, forever.
I wanted to make him mine.
In a sense, I succeeded.
In becoming human.
Albeit partially.
For a time.
But Darling was strange.
He didn't seem to care that he was human; no, if anything he seemed determined to throw that humanity away entirely. After our failed escape attempt he still smiled, still taught me my words and letters. But something had changed in him. Hardened. I didn't know what until it was too late. By then it didn't matter. Could I have done something? Should I have? Would it have changed anything? I didn't know. If anything, it made me kinda happy. He trusted me more. Talked to me more. So what if it was at the expense of everyone else? He didn't need them.
Then things changed again, this time through no fault of our own.
When HE came.
When SHE tried to interfere.
When the Beast reared its head.
(...Scene Break...)
Naruto whistled.
"Ha! So this is a Franxx!"
Zero Two almost shared his sentiment.
His expression seemed fixed, almost hungry even.
The oni wondered what her own must have looked like.
She imagined she wore a similar expression, one bordering on euphoria.
Curious steps spurred her Darling forward, sent him circling around it and the hangar. Slow strides carried him to its legs, followed by its ankles. Wild eyes of crimson and cerulean gazed up at the towering automaton before them with reckless abandon. Boyish exuberance burned in his gaze; indeed, he looked all of an instant from surmounting the ladder and climbing all over the Franxx before a guard finally attempted to stop him in his tracks. Attempted. The blond simply leaped over him with a laugh, clearing several feet and his attempted captor in a single bound to alight on the robot's head.
"Jeez, this thing is huge!" he called down at her. "And we get to pilot this?! Best day ever! Zero Two, get up here!"
"Assuming you can pilot it." a harsh, flinty voice interjected.
Zero Two nearly hissed.
"You...?!"
Though the newcomer had the appearance of an older man, she doubted he was one. No "human" could be so foul. Despite his shorting grey hair and a mustache, this man was far crueler than his age suggested. Half of his face lay hidden behind a mechanical mask of some sort-or maybe that truly was his face-and he leaned heavily upon a cane. As ever, his white was pristine and pressed, his white gloves immaculate and unstained. A lone horn jutted from the mechanical side of his face, hinting at his less-than-noble origins.
Despite all this, his lone organic eye somehow managed to convey a smile.
"Her name is Strelizia." ignorant of her anger, Doctor Franxx turned his horrible visage upward, regarding the rigid blond perched atop the Franxx's head. "I do hope the two of you appreciate the hard work you've put me through. It wasn't easy to bring this here."
"Tch. Shoulda known there'd be a catch."
Three short leaps brought Naruto to Zero Two's side. Not in front of her or behind her, but beside her.
His hand found hers and squeezed, pale fingers interlocking with tan.
Those mismatching eyes rounded on the doctor.
Together, they presented a united front.
She knew he hadn't forgotten him; neither of them had. How could they? He'd tried to take their memories. To expunge all their time together, discarding it as little more than "noise" to be erased. No amount of years or favors would be enough to blunt that anger, even if the geezer had brought this mech to the Garden solely for them. Perhaps it was just another ploy to separate the two of them again. Perhaps not. Who could say when the doctor was involved? Whatever the case, there could be no escaping the old man. Not truly. After all, he'd designed they very Franxx they were to pilot, just for him.
The damned things were even named after him. What an ego!
"You're seriously going to let us pilot this, Franxx?" in the end, Naruto voice her sentiment before she could. Slitted eyes regarded the doctor with wary suspicion. "We might use it to to crush you, ya know." There it was again. That light, lilting note in his words that suggested all was well and good; when in truth, it didn't match his eyes. She couldn't tell if he was joking or not. Sometimes her Darling could be hard to read. This was one of those times. There was a strangely feral glint in his eyes, despite the pleasant smile. Like a fox about to attack a much larger predator.
In the end, the doctor didn't rise to the bait.
"Ha!" a metallic laugh burst out of the man's helm, harsh and hollow. "If that were the case, I would've died a long time ago! Be that as it may, I've brought a backup just in case the girl fails."
Zero Two felt herself twitch.
Naruto blinked.
"Backup?"
Distant footsteps echoed in the makeshift hangar.
"Senpai."
Naruto tilted his head to regard the newcomer.
"Ichigo?"
Ah.
Her.
She knew.
Zero Two knew at once.
This was the one he'd spoken of.
Unlike them, this one was clad in a white robe beneath her winter coat, suggesting she'd just come from the Lab before being brought here. Of her own will perhaps? Or had she been dragged in against her will? Zero Two didn't care. Rather, she couldn't bring herself to care. Green eyes the color of poisoned honey shone within a face framed by ocean blue hair. She was young, younger than them both by perhaps a year or more, but even so, her stride didn't falter. If anything, she seemed almost heartened by the sight of them, no the sight of Naruto-no.
It was her.
Despite never having laid eyes on her before, not even once, she knew. Saw it, in the way this one looked at her Darling. Something in her gut twisted horribly at the sight; a vicious snake of horrid dread knotting inwards on itself in endless loops. This one was a threat. A challenger. Someone who would happily tear down everything she'd ever known, all for her own selfish desires. She wanted to kill her. Wrap hands around her throat and squeeze, squeeze, squeeze until those awful eyes went glassy. She couldn't stand that look. No, the very sight of it made her...!
Perhaps sensing her distress, her Darling released her hand and approached the newcomer.
"Ichigo, what're you doing here?" the older boy frowned down at her. "You're not ready for something like this yet."
For a moment she almost thought those words would shatter the bluenette. Somehow, she rallied through and shook her head.
"The Doctor thinks I am." her thin, reedy voice rose in disagreement despite the blond's disapproving expression. "If I can be of use to you...
"No."
This time, the girl did flinch.
"N-No?"
"You're nowhere near ready to pilot a Franxx with me. Or anyone, for that matter." Ah. Zero Two understood now. He was trying to be kind. To spare the girl pain. Go back, Ichigo." Dismissing her bravery, Naruto turned and flicked her forehead gently, pushing two fingers against her brow. Turning his back on the stricken girl, he made as if to leave her behind, only to pause instead. "Look. I'm sorry about what happened to Hiro, but I'm not the one for you to depend on. Just...go back to the Garden and forget about all this. About me."
Sometimes, he really could be too kind for his own good.
Her hand shot out, snagging him by the sleeve.
"Can't you see she's killing you?"
Naruto went rigid.
"What?"
The girl turned those wide, pleading eyes on him, gripping his arm for all she was worth.
"Zero Two...she's a monster. I overheard the guards talking! You can't trust her!"
Zero Two watched her darling twitch. A hand rose, palming his face.
"I tried to be nice...but you're so damn annoying!
Ichigo froze.
"What...what did you just say?"
White teeth flashed in a rictus of a scowl.
"I won't say it again. Let go of my arm. Now."
"Listen to me! I've heard about her! She's using you! She's a mon-
CRUNCH.
Zero Two watched the scene between them with intent, one legs kicking absently against Strelizia's heel.
As such, she had a prime view of her "Darling" and his eyes as both snapped red. She hummed softly to herself as the boy turned to face the younger girl, eyes narrowed to indignant ruby slits. Without warning his hand cracked out, striking Ichigo across the face and flinging her to the floor. A single backhand. Nothing more. Nothing less. That strike alone left a vicious red hand-print against the girl's face. She suspected Naruto would've done much more if he hadn't restrained himself from lashing out.
"Annoying annoying annoying annoyingannoyingannoyingannoyingannoying!" the words tore out of him on a roar. "Why don't you understand?!"
His shadow seemed to loom over Ichigo.
As if it would swallow her whole.
A hand snaked out in a flash.
Seized her by the collar.
"Yeah, she's a monster." he growled, revealing sharpened canine teeth as her jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "A beautiful monster. Guess that makes me one too, for choosing her. Neither of us are human! And I have absolutely no pity for anyone who tries to take her from me!"
Feebly, her hands clawed at his wrist.
"Senpai, you're hurting me...
Naruto shouted over her.
"Yes! I am!" he leered, exposing sharpened teeth. "Perhaps you should speak more softly to me, Ichigo-chan. These days, the enemies of these monsters are dropping like flies!"
Wordlessly, he released his hold on her collar and dropped her to the floor.
"Get out of my sight."
"But..but I...
"GO!"
The guards didn't have to be told twice; after witnessing that display, it took little more than a nod from Doctor Franxx to spur them into action. Within moments they took the shattered girl by her arms and ushered her away, heedless of her emotions. Naruto didn't move. Not an inch. He stood there in stoic silence, maintaining his bitter vigil, until her sobs finally faded into the distance. Only then did he turn to face the one responsible for engineering this sordid scene. Zero Two found herself somewhat startled to see both his eyes had gone red.
"Satisfied?"
"Did you have to scare her that badly?" the Doctor posited, tilting his head. "That was cruel. You may have just crippled any chance of her ever becoming a Parasite. Was your hatred for her that severe?"
Again came that eerie blank look, that impossible expression of his.
...hate? No. I didn't hate her. How could I hate her? But...
Naruto covered his eyes with a clawed hand.
Was that a tear she saw just now?
Trailing down his whiskers?
No, that was impossible.
...it was necessary."
Aha.
So it had been a trap then. One last ploy by the doctor to separate the two of them. The thought made Zero Two bite her thumb. Why did she feel so anxious, then? It all worked out in the end. Her Darling hadn't faltered, no, not in the least. He was still here. Still by here side. He hadn't betrayed her. He never would. He had unanimously rejected someone for her...
...so why did she feel so uneasy?
"Very well, then!" Doctor Franxx's cane struck the ground sharply, nearly causing her to flinch. "I suppose I can accept that."
Naruto's smile was pure as sunshine.
His words, however, were anything but.
"...I'm going to kill you someday, old man."
For his part, Doctor Franxx seemed utterly unfazed.
If anything, she seemed almost amused by the boy's threat.
"If such a time comes, then I'll gladly accept my death at your hands. Now then...
Gesturing grandly to Strelizia's prone form the good Doctor stepped aside for the two of them.
...shall we begin?"
Strelizia was ours.
Ours alone.
When we got older, and they tried to take the Franxx from us, I refused to ride with anyone but my Darling. I killed whomever they tried to make my partner. Its not like I went out of my way to do it; in the end, they just couldn't keep up with me. They were awful people, anyway. Perhaps, it was childish of me, but it worked. The humans realized the only way to keep Strelizia active was to have the two of us pilot. If they didn't, they'd just waste more manpower. Again, I didn't care why they made the decision, only that they did.
The bitch got the message, or so I hoped.
Yes, my Darling chose me over her.
And I got to keep him.
When we finally got to ride togeter...even now I can't properly put it into words. Exhilarating? Terrifying? Like dropping off a cliff and plunging into warm water. Falling, yet knowing someone will catch you. My memory's a little fuzzy when I think back on our very first ride together, but I do remember one thing. It felt...right. Like two halves coming together. I saw his mind, and he saw mine. I think I saw more than I was supposed to. That might be why my memory of that day isn't quite right. That's why I love him. He's a monster. Just like me. The only difference is he's from another world.
My Darling isn't normal.
Then again, neither am I.
That day only solidified my resolve.
I decided that day; I'd do anything for him. I'd kill monsters. Become human. I would be his lance. And then kill "those" awful humans who hurt him. I would burn the world to ash, if he asked me. Nothing would shake my resolve. I made up my mind; after seeing all the world had to offer and experiencing all its pleasures, I'd destroy it. Or spare it, if my Darling asked me to. For his sake. If he wanted to find his home, I'd take him there in heartbeat if I could. And if that "world" rejected him, too, I'd destroy...tear it apart...RIP IT TO PIECES...!
And then, one way or another, someway, somehow, we would be free.
Back then, we did realize until much later how easy we had it...
...until the world came down on us years later.
Until we visited that damn Plantation.
(...Scene Break...)
"Darling, I'm bored. When are we gonna land?"
A low rumble of laughter started in Naruto's chest, crawled up his throat and trickled out his mouth. Other than that, he gave no reaction to her complaints. Meaning. he kept his nose stuck in that damn book. Unsatisfied by her partner's muted reaction, Zero Two puffed out her cheeks in annoyance. If she had to find one flaw with her partner it was this; sometimes he got entirely too focused on the wrong thing. That novel, for instance. It bore a strange orange cover with the words Icha Icha emblazoned on the front, and she had no idea where he'd gotten it. Likely, he'd swiped it from an adult. More importantly! It was distracting him!
Well, she had ways to remedy that.
Shifting her weight on the seat opposite him and careful not to poke him with her horns, Zero Two propped herself up against his back. This elicited little more than a soft grunt from the blond. Well. That simply wouldn't do now, would it? Draping both arms over her partner's broad shoulders, she pulled him closer, the better to nuzzle into his neck. When this still didn't produce the desired reaction, the hybrid growled and deliberately laid her mouth against the side of his throat, close enough to kiss him. Poised to carry out her brilliant plan, she spared him one final glance.
Still no sign he'd taken notice of her.
Too bad.
An impish smile curled her lips upward.
"If you're going to ignore me...
Timing it just so, she nipped him precisely as he began to turn to the next page.
...you'd better prepare for the consequences!"
CHOMP!
"OI?!"
The blond jerked beneath her unexpected affection, his body spasming in a single, massive shudder. Much like a bucking bronco, she thought to herself. Suddenly, he rounded on her; swinging about in her arms until they sat face to face. She found herself face to face with a pair of brilliant, mismatching eyes. Blue and crimson glared back at her in mild disbelief and admonishment. Somehow, the sight made Zero Two grin all the more. She loved surprising him-no, she told a lie. She just loved her Darling. All of him. Every single aspect. Catching Naruto by surprise was merely a bonus-oh.
Oops.
Belatedly, she realized she'd accidentally drawn blood by biting him.
Such a minor wound meant nothing to Naruto of course; it would heal in a few minutes thanks to the unique properties of his body. Still, the realization that she'd injured him almost made her sheepish. Almost. Still, if the years had given her anything it was confidence, not cowardice aaaaaaaand he was playing with her horns again. Despite her best attempts to muster up a response, words abandoned Zero Two and she slumped. The twin tips had always been sensitive and today his fingers were no less nimble, dancing over the red points with practiced precision.
"Ah, Darling!" she hissed out a startled breath,her knees quivering as she nearly melted on the spot. "That's no fair! You have to warn me before you do that!"
"Like you warned me before bitin' my neck so early in the morning?" he drawled, stifling a yawn with his free hand. "Seriously, you a vampire or something? Gonna try and suck my blood?"
"Maybe~!"
"Oi."
Zero Two hummed softly, pushing her head into his palm.
"Still, I'd say it was worth it." she purred. "You taste better when you're excited."
"Wasn't aware I had a taste." Naruto arched an eyebrow. "Although...
The pinkette blinked.
"Although?"
He flashed her a foxy smile.
"Turnabout is fair play, ya know!"
Then her world upended.
Quick as greased lightning the jinchuuriki pushed her down across the long seats and pinned her there by the shoulders. Startled as she was, the oni didn't bother to resist. A noise of pleasant surprise fled from her lips as she crashed into the seat, the thin foam creaking beneath her light body. Her cap went flying, her pink hair spooling out to form a vibrantly pale halo behind her head in the wan sunlight. Emerald eyes widened in pleasant surprise, and despite her initial shock, Zero Two found herself smiling. Had anyone else attempted such a feat, she would've killed them on the spot. Not Naruto. Not him. No, never him.
After all, Naruto was her Darling.
She'd won him for herself.
Staked her claim.
Should anyone ever challenge that claim again, she'd tear them apart. Plain and simple. Be it that bitch, Papa, or the Nines, even that mad doctor...they'd all die. She'd see to it herself. No one would take her happiness away. She'd sooner die by her own hand than allow such an event to transpire. Yes, she was stronger now. She could fight. He could fight. They were powerful now. Soon, they might even be able to escape for good. If her Darling's plan worked, they wouldn't even need to worry about fuel for Strelizia...
"Say, Darling. What were you reading, anyway?"
Naruto fixed her with a dark look.
"Not telling."
"Aw~!"
As she looked on a thin red tether of corrosive light jutted from his back and slapped the book shut. Another laid it to rest on the seat opposite them. Right, right. She'd almost forgotten he could do this. That was a handy ability to have. She almost wished she could do the same. But other thoughts demanded precedence. Far more enticing things...
"Heh."
Heartened by his smile just as much as his proximity to her, Zero Two leaned up and kissed him with reckless abandon, nipping his lip with her sharp teeth in her haste to reach him. A hand cupped her cheek and she was quick to wind her arms around his back and pull him close. Part of her reveled in the low growl it drew from him, even as hit bit her. There was nothing gentle about this kiss; in part because the two of them simply lacked any sort of restraint when it came to the other. They were monsters, masquerading as humans. Some might even call them demons. One sought humanity above all else, the other disdained it with such bitter vehemence that they'd sooner seen the world burn than save it.
Ah.
She never got tired of this.
His tongue ruthlessly plundered her mouth even as her fingers sought the zipper of his jacket.
Calloused hands slipped into her jacket with practiced ease, finding the firm curves beneath, squeezing, kneading, fondling them until she nearly went mad.
Her horns burned.
Emerald eyes nearly blazed red.
"Hey, Darling."
"Hmm?"
Her hands rose with liquid speed and grace, seizing his face. Cupping his whiskered cheeks within her palms. Forcing him to look her in the eye. Yes, this was what she wanted. For him to look at her. Her, and only her. He didn't need anyone else. Only her. The two of them were all that mattered in this world. Let the rest burn. She felt as if she would if he didn't give her what she wanted. As if her entire being would combust, right here on the spot.
"Do I seem a little more human to you, now?" she purred.
Azure and red eyes blinked at her, baffled.
"What're you talking about? You're you."
Laughter burst out of her in a rush.
"Aha! That's what I like to hear! C'mere!"
Laughing, she licked his cheek.
"Why're ya licking me again, oi?"
A beat of silenced pushed between them.
...I didn't say stop."
Zero Two flashed her teeth.
"Thanks for the meal~!"
As ever he tasted delicious. She couldn't put the flavor into words. He really did taste better when he was excited. She couldn't get enough of this. It made her want to devour him. To claim him, to have him and take him here and now, to mark him and truly make him hers, so that the whole world would know. He was her Darling. This much was true, but she was also his. Forever and ever and ever. Till death did them part. No, she'd defy death in a heartbeat if it meant spending even a moment more with him, basking in his presence, bathing in his scent...
Speaking of bathing...
Unbidden, an idea was born.
"I wanna take a bath." she declared suddenly. "Can we land already?"
"Where in blazes did that come from?"
The idea of ravaging him in weightless waters was suddenly, impossibly appealing to her. There wouldn't be anyone to stop them there, away from prying eyes, all distractions-clothes!-stripped away...the very thought of it made her skin buzz with anticipation. Perhaps her Darling sensed her desire; because he propped himself up on the points of his elbows and fixed her with a curious glance. Curiosity dawned into realization as she ran a manicured hand across the scarred plane of his chest, teasing him, promising more.
"Oh." Another blink. "Well, we could just jump in Strelizia and-
"No! Not again," Doctor Franxx groaned two seats ahead of them, his hollow voice cracking in annoyance. "Show some self-control, both of you. You can bathe once we get off the plane. Together."
After all, they'd attempted such a stunt more times then he cared to count!
Jinchuuriki and Oni shared a single, mischievous look of amusement.
"Well...
"When you put it like that...
Smirking, Zero Two thrust her wrist beneath Naruto's nose.
"Hey, hey. Darling. How do I smell?"
The blond snickered softly at her.
"Hmm? Sweet, I guess."
She grinned at him.
"Is that so?"
Doctor Franxx groaned anew.
"Sheesh, what a high maintenance pair you two are...
Ah! Speaking of maintenance!
"Does Plantation Thirteen have an ocean?"
"An ocean?"
The woman beside him-Nana or something she vaguely recalled-blinked at Zero Two's suddenly inquiry. After a moment's consideration she fixed a thoughtful smile to her face, hiding the fear she felt. That didn't bother Zero Two. She'd grown used to being feared. So long as her Darling didn't fear her, that was all that mattered. And the others? She couldn't care less. Ah, but enough about them! The idea of going for a swim slammed itself against her thoughts, demanding precedence.
"Yeah, an ocean!"
Naruto exhaled in a long-suffering sigh.
"Great. Look what you've done. She'll never stop now."
"What?" The oni pouted, rubbing her head into the crook of his neck. "I just wanna swim in some clear ocean water."
"I'm sorry to say there's no ocean there." Nana admitted. "Won't a shower do?"
"I'm in the mood for a swim." the hybrid sulked. "A shower just won't cut it for me."
Before the redhead could attempt to argue further, a lowvoice chimed overhead.
"We'll be descending shortly. Please sit down and buckle your seat-belts."
"Guess that's our cue, then."
Zero Two felt the beginnings of a scowl pluck at her face.
Cerasus, otherwise known as Plantation Thirteen loomed below them now, growing larger with each passing moment.
She'd almost forgotten about that.
"Tsk. Isn't this the plantation where that girl wound up?" she shot the dome below a dark glower and bit her her thumb as an old memory bubbled beneath the surface. "Say, why do we have to accompany the old geezer anyway? Its not like they need us for a testing. Its a waste of time. I'd rather be killing klaxosaurs."
A hand settled on her head, massaging her temples until her anger faded.
...hmm. Didn't know you kept track of that sorta thing, Zero Two."
Rounding on her Darling, the hybrid flashed him a toothy grin.
"Hehehe. I always keep track of my enemies, Darling."
A beat of silence passed between the two of them.
Each monster exchanged a long, pointed look.
Inexorably a crazed smile blossomed on both their faces, only to be stifled moments later. No words were needed. No gestures exchanged. After spending so many days together, they'd long since learned to read one another at the slightest glance. One might even call it telepathy, of a sort. Like their bond born from years spent together, their plan was shared and agreed upon in an instant. Zero Two glanced over her shoulder to where Strelizia was kept, and sure enough, Naruto followed her gaze like a magnet pulled in her wake. All that remained was the timing-seeing who would break first. Yes, t'was merely a matter of time. When, rather than if.
When all was said and done, Naruto caved mere moments before she did.
"Ahhhhhhh, fuck it!" he shouted, tearing at his hair! "I can't stand it anymore! We're taking Strelizia! See you on the surface, old man!"
"What!?" Doctor Franxx bristled. "Don't you dare, Zero Nine! Absolutely not! Zero Two! Stop him!"
Too late, Naruto jerked upright and bolted, dragging her with him.
Zero Two burst into a fresh fit of giggles as they ran.
"See?! This is why you're my Darling!"
A/N: I regret nothing. If ya'll want HiroxZero Two then by all means, stick with the anime. Its really on a tear. But if you're in the mood for monsters and madness and all manner of fluffy bits, well then, pull up a chair, grab a bag of popcorn and enjoy! Hate can be a wonderful motivator I find, and while I won't bash characters, there's one I'm not going to tolerate. Should she attempt to pull any bullshit, she's going to get knocked right back into place.
HERE WE GO! FULL SPEED AHEAD!
In the Immortal Words of Atlas...
..Review, Would You Kindly?
And enjoy the previews!
As ever, fuck Ichigo.
(Preview!)
"Ha! This is fantastic!"
Fangs flashed in the sunlight.
"Still, there are a lot of them this time...
"Huh? That's easy. We just have to kill them all, don't we?"
"Ah," her Darling shook his had in faux despair. "There it is, her scary side again...
"I won't pilot with anyone else!"
When they tried to rise his boot arced out in a windmill kick, catching them between the ribs with a sickening crack.
"Stay away from me!"
"You are an aberration. Of course I'm curious."
"Fuck you too, shitty old man."
"Mine, mine, MINE! No one else can have you!"
A fusillade of missiles slammed into his side.
Engulfed as he was in crimson, he scarcely felt them. Though fire burned and napalm raged around him, he endured it all. His mind had one focus, one desire that superseded all else. Pain meant nothing. Hate meant nothing. Death meant nothing. There was only her. Four tails thrashed behind him, demanding destruction, tainting his mind with each passing second, but even so he held on. Marshaling his will, he refused to fall to anger. For his dream. For her. And this was an obstacle to them both. Yes, that was all the enemy was.
And he knew just what to do with obstacles.
But before that, before the enemy...
The fox snarled in aggravation.
"Give her...BACK!"
R&R~!
