Zero Two dreamed.

She saw strangers, decked in black, coming to drag her away back to the bad place, where she was so, so alone.

No!

She watched her Darling, that black haired, blue eyed boy who had saved her and shown her the outside world, trying to protect her, only to be beaten down.

Dalin!

She saw blood, red and blue, splatter across the snow.

Dalin!

She had to help him! He was hurt! They were going to take Darling away!

"Zero Two!"

He was calling for her!

"Zero Two! Wake up!"

Green eyes flecked with red snapped open, and she gasped, free from the nightmare at last. The first thing she saw was the familiar blue gaze and messy black hair of her Darling, looking down at her.

He smiled, and her world that had always been so dark and scary lit up.

"Hey, Zero Two."

Darling was here. He was okay. They hadn't taken him away!

She sobbed.

"Dalin!" She cried happily, tackling the boy into the bed. She wrapped herself around him desperately and pressed her face against the crook of his neck as tears poured from her eyes. Darling returned the embrace tightly, and laughed into her hair.

"I missed you too!" Hiro consoled the girl, rubbing her back.

Zero Two hiccuped and snuggled into him at the contact, inhaling his scent between choked breathes. It was something she couldn't describe, but it made her feel happy and safe, and she only cried harder, clinging to him.

"Hey, it's alright." Hiro said softly into her ear. "I'm not going anywhere, and no one is going to hurt you again. So don't cry.."

She didn't understand his words, but just like in the forest, his voice called to her and she looked up with tear stained eyes. Her Darling was still smiling at her gently, his gaze soft. A rush of something burned through her heart, and her lips wobbled.

"Dalin..!" Zero Two whimpered.

She was so happy!

Darling was with her! He was looking at her! Watching her!

"See?" He murmured, and his hand cupped her face. He traced her cheeks as he wiped away her tears, his skin warm against hers. "Everything is okay now."

Zero Two stared in wonder.

Darling was…! Darling was touching her! He was warm, so, so warm!

She melted against him contently, his whispers and soft touches soothing her. Green eyes slowly dried as he did his work.

"There we go." Her Darling said happily, beaming down at her. "No more tears okay?"

Zero Two smiled shakily back, an awkward, toothy grin that lit up her entire face.

Hiro laughed and hugged her closer, and her heart soared.

Her Darling was here, happy and safe and perfect.

She nuzzled against him, brushing her horns against his chest.

Unseen by the two children, they shined a crimson red.

In his office, Werner leaned back against his chair and thought over his meeting with the Code 016 as he waited. Dealing with the boy had been tiring. It had been more than a century since he'd last held any genuine affection for anyone, as that part of him had died with her. So having to string the child along had been more difficult than he'd expected.

Such trivial discomfort mattered little in the end though, it had all been necessary.

He needed the boy compliant, and between the slight modifications he'd made to his memory and his little charade, the seeds had been planted. He had little doubt that Code 016 would be his entirely in time. And through him, he would have Code 002 as well, all without the mess he had originally expected.

Werner chuckled.

It was ironic that the foolishness of a child would do so much for his plans.

The old man was pulled from his musings when the alarm to his office's security system rang, and a voice called through the comms.

"Doctor, I'm here as you requested."

"Oh? Come in." Werner said curiously. She was here earlier than expected, he'd thought it would at least be another hour before she'd complete the task he'd given her.

The door slid open, and a young woman with red hair and green eyes entered the room.

"You're early, Nana."

"Yes, Doctor. I've arranged for the transfer of the supplies you requested from the Nursery, and the staff has been instructed to move them to the hangar, and to your transport once it's been prepared." Nana replied respectfully.

"Excellent." Franxx hummed in approval. She had always been very efficient. "Very well. We will discuss the assignment I mentioned earlier. Tell me, what do you know of Code 002?"

Nana blinked.

"Code 002? That's the Klaxosaur girl, isn't it?"

"Yes. It's time to move to the next stage of her development as she's recently had something of a...breakthrough thanks to one of the children."

"A child? How did that happen?" Nana asked, surprised.

"Indeed. Code 016 came across her during one of his trips to the lab, and her reaction was...interesting. Which brings me to our business." He paused, and clicked a button on his computer, sending the relevant file to the woman. "You'll be responsible for their care from now on. I've sent you all the information you'll need."

She nodded, and pulled the file up on her tablet. After reading through it, her eyes widened and she looked at the man.

"Doctor?" Nana was uncertain. "These two, what you're planning...It's very unusual."

"Nonsense." Werner replied dismissively, waving his hand. "Code 016 and Code 002 require a more...personal touch for my purposes. The ordinary protocols would only get in the way."

She still looked unsure, but after a moment the woman straightened.

"Understood."

Dr. Franxx nodded, pleased.

"Code 016 and Code 002 are currently staying in the 5th observation chamber. They'll be staying there until I speak with the boy again in the morning, after which they'll be traveling with me to Alcea. Obviously, you will be accompanying us."

He noticed she seemed a touch nervous at that, but he continued on.

"Until then, I'd like you to bring the two of them a meal for the night, along with a change of clothing. The two will need to be cleaned up, and I want them presentable."

"Yes, sir." Nana said in agreement. Any hesitation she had was gone. "Is there anything else?"

The Doctor thought for a moment, and remembered Code 016's request. He chuckled.

He supposed it would be best to humor the boy.

"Try to include something sweet with their meal."

Nana tilted her head at the odd request, but said nothing of it and nodded.

"Good. You may go." He waved her away.

The woman bowed, and left his office, the door sealing itself behind her.

Alone once again, Werner leaned on his desk, steepling his hands. He thought his choice for their caretaker was fitting. Her personality would endear her to the children and smooth things along. He imagined she'd win over Code 016 quite easily, and Code 002 would come around as well eventually.

She was also unquestionably loyal to him, so he wouldn't have to worry about her running off to APE as things developed.

He huffed.

The last thing he needed were the old monkeys breathing down his neck again over his methods.

Yes, she was definitely the best choice.

Honestly, Nana didn't understand the Doctor sometimes. Allowing a boy and a girl to live together and share the same room? It went against all the protocols the man himself had established when he created the Parasite program!

She didn't know why he felt this was necessary, especially given the apparent importance of the two. Both had been labeled S-Class Assets in the files he'd given her, meaning they were key elements of his long term goals. Why would he take such a risk with them?

Nana sighed. She knew she wouldn't get any answers, but it didn't really matter. This was Dr. Franxx. The man was brilliant, and he always had a reason behind his actions. She knew it wasn't her place to question him.

Shaking her head, the woman turned the corner to the corridor that led to the kitchens, and focused on the task at hand. Nana had already picked up clothing for the two. Now she merely needed to get their food. She had requested a meal for the children once she left the Doctor's office, and hopefully it was finished.

Stopping at the entrance, the door opened automatically, and one of the staff approached her. Like most of the other adults, he wore the usual uniform and his face was covered with a mask.

"Ma'am." He greeted her.

"Are the meals I requested ready?" Nana asked the man.

He nodded, and moved to the side as another worker, a woman this time in similar attire, pushed a cart to her with two dishes on top. Looking it over, she nodded in approval. It was a simple meal, a mix of bread, meat, and vegetables with some water, but it would do. Though, after a moment, she realized something was missing.

"The Doctor also requested something sweet for the children. Did we have nothing available?"

"No ma'am. Our supplies are limited compared to the Nursery. We found some old honey in stock, but we didn't think it would be appropriate." The man answered.

Nana tilted her head, thinking. She'd never had honey herself, but she remembered that it was occasionally used as a spread. Maybe it would go well with the rolls of bread?

It was better than nothing, and perhaps they'd enjoy it.

"Bring it to me. I'll take it."

Later, Nana would look back on that moment, and regret it.

Pushing the cart in front of her, Nana reached the observation chamber where Code 016 and Code 002 were being kept after several minutes. She waved her hand over the security system, and after verifying her clearance, the door slid open and she stepped inside. The two children were sitting together on a bed on the far side of the room huddled together, and she greeted them.

"Hello children, I'm-ehhh?" Nana blinked and stopped in shock.

Code 002 was glowering at her, teeth bared in a snarl.

She was growling!

Nana stepped back a bit at the sheer hate the girl had in her eyes. She looked ready to leap at her and bite her throat out!

Fortunately, before anything could happen, Code 016 intervened.

"Zero Two! It's okay!" He assured the red-skinned girl, pulling her closer to him and grabbing her hand. Slowly, the girl stopped growling, but her gaze never changed. Angry green eyes with a bit of red followed Nana's every move. "She's not going to hurt us, don't worry."

He looked at the woman nervously.

"I'm sorry, but she doesn't really like adults that much." He said apologetically. "Did Dr. Franxx send you?"

Nana coughed, embarrassed. She'd been intimidated by a child!

"Y-yes, I'm Nana. The Doctor sent me to bring you your meals for the evening, along with a change of clothes so that you can clean up."

She watched curiously as Code 016 nodded, and looked down at the girl.

"Zero Two? Are you hungry?" He asked, but her only response was to tighten her hold on the boy, mumbling something incoherent. He whispered something to the girl that she couldn't hear, but nothing changed, and Code 002 continued to glare at her.

Code 016 sighed.

Why was the girl so wary of adults? The files the Doctor had given her said nothing about this. What had scared Code 002 so badly that she'd been ready to attack her as soon as she'd walked in the door? She would be sure to ask him when she reported back. Until she knew more, it was probably best for her to keep her distance.

"Well," Nana said after a moment, ignoring the red-skinned girl's scathing gaze. "I'll bring your food and clothes in, and I'll leave the two of you alone. Will you be alright on your own?"

Code 016 peeked over a head of pink hair.

"We'll be fine. I can take care of her."

She nodded, and returned to the hallway, pushing the cart into the room.

"I'll leave this here for now, and pick it up later.. It's a simple meal, but there should be more than enough for the two of you."

Nana left it at the edge of the room so as to not further spook Code 002, and tilted her head at the two.

"The Doctor also requested that I bring you something sweet. Unfortunately, all we had available was some honey. I've heard it's quite good on bread, so I hope the two of you will like it."

Code 016 smiled.

"Thank you!"

Nana hesitantly smiled back.

"Do you need anything else before I go?"

The boy seemed to think about something, but finally shook his head.

"I'll see the two of you in the morning then." She said, and turned to leave the room. Glancing back at them one last time before the door slid shut, she saw that Code 002 had finally stopped watching her, and was gazing at Code 16 intensely. There was an emotion in the girl's eyes that she couldn't place, but for some reason it seemed familiar.

She shook her head.

What strange children.

It took a few minutes for Zero Two to finally calm down after Nana had left, even with him comforting the girl, but eventually she stopped looking at him like he was going to disappear and relaxed against him again.

Hiro patted her head, running his fingers through her pink hair, and she leaned into his touch happily.

"Dalin!"

He laughed.

"I told you she wouldn't hurt us." He reassured her. "She was just bringing us food. I'm sure you must be hungry. C'mon." He tugged her hand as he pulled away and scooted off the bed. Zero Two followed him instantly, feet pattering on the floor, and he led her over to the cart. Two trays sat on in it, filled with food and a glass of water each, but what caught his eye was the small bottle of golden liquid that sat to the side.

So that was honey. He grinned. He really hoped Zero Two would like it.

Picking up a tray, he handed it to Zero Two, who sniffed at it ravenously. She seemed to be seconds away from just trying to stuff her face in it, and she looked at him with pleading green eyes.

"I knew you had to be hungry." Hiro said knowingly. "Just wait a bit longer, okay?"

He tucked the bottle of honey under his arm and grabbed his own tray, pulling her along.

Now, where should they eat? He looked around the room, and realized that there weren't any tables they could use. They could just drag the cart over to the bed and eat there, but he really didn't want to make a mess where they had to sleep.

"I guess we can just eat on the floor.." He said to himself.

Picking out a spot in the middle of the room, he sat down carefully, pulling Zero Two with him. Finally releasing her hand, he smiled at her and pointed at her tray.

"There we go. Now let's eat."

"Uwah!" She cheered.

Zero Two didn't even hesitate.

In less than a second, she was grabbing handfuls of food and shoveling it into her mouth messily, barely stopping to chew and swallow before she threw more into the fray.

Hiro stared, stunned.

"Z-Zero Two!" He stammered, breaking out of his stupor. "What are you doing?"

The horned girl stopped and blinked, tilting her head innocently, her face a mess.

"Da?" She mumbled, confused, bits of half chewed food falling from her mouth.

Of course.

Of course the adults hadn't taught her how to eat properly. They hadn't even taught her to speak or read. They hadn't taught her anything.

"It's okay." He said, his voice strained. He didn't want her to think he was upset at her. This wasn't her fault. "J-just stop for a second. I'll show you."

Setting his own tray to the side, Hiro picked up his fork, and speared a carrot on his plate. She watched him curiously, and he brought it to his mouth and took a bite.

"See? Now you try." He encouraged her, pointing at her own fork.

Zero Two looked unsure, but she awkwardly grabbed the fork and jabbed a piece of meat. She shakily emulated the boy, and attempted to stuff it in her mouth.

Instead, the girl missed, and nearly stabbed herself in the face.

His lips twitched.

"Uwuuuu." She pouted at him.

"Hey, don't give up yet." Hiro said consolingly. "Here, I'll help you. First…."

He grasped her hand that held the fork, and adjusted her grip gently. Her green eyes followed his movements intently.

"You hold it like that. Now say, Aah."

She grinned and repeated the sound, opening her mouth just like she had in the forest.

Hiro smiled and guided the fork to her mouth. She took a bite, and he pulled it away, leaving her to chew happily.

"There you go! Now, try again." He said, letting her try in on her own again.

It went like before, but with much better results, and after she swallowed down another bite of food, Zero Two beamed at him.

"See! I knew you could do it!" Hiro congratulated her, and she preened. The girl obviously didn't understand why he was teaching her this, but for now he was just glad she seemed happy to listen to him.

"Do you think you can do it on your own now?" He gestured at her plate.

Zero Two nodded, and to prove the point, she clumsily plopped another piece of meat into her mouth with the fork.

Hiro grinned. She really was learning.

After a few minutes, Hiro and Zero Two finally finished eating, clearing out most of their plates. All that was left were two rolls of bread, and that was only because he'd stopped the girl from devouring it along with the rest. She hadn't been happy having to wait, but he had a feeling the treat he'd asked the Doctor for would make up for it.

"Zero Two, want to try something new?" He asked the girl, picking up the small bottle of honey and screwing off the lid. She leaned forward, sniffing it curiously before she lit up and nodded vigorously.

"I knew you would!" He said happily and poured a bit on his plate. Taking one of the rolls, he broke it half and dipped it in the honey and handed it to Zero Two. She took it eagerly, and after giving it another sniff, she tore into it, leaving nothing behind.

Her reaction was instantaneous. Her face flushed, eyes shining brightly, and she squealed.

Hiro laughed.

That laughter stopped when without warning she snatched the bottle off the ground, and unceremoniously dumped it in her mouth.

Honey splattered everywhere.

"Zero Two!"

"Uwah!"

"You're a mess." Her Darling chided her, shaking his head in exasperation. "I know you don't know any better, but you should've listened to me when I told you to stop."

Zero Two, sticky and stained with honey, pouted.

She knew he wasn't happy with her, but she couldn't help it! It had been so good! The taste of that pretty, pretty gold stuff still sang on her tongue, and it had been even better than the candy he'd given her!

She'd just wanted more! Was that so bad?

Her lip wobbled.

"Uwuu…."

"Stop!" He groaned, flustered. "Don't look at me like that. Now c'mon, get up."

Moping, she looked down, and chewed on her finger. He was still angry….

"Zero Two.." Darling crumbled, and finally surrendered. "Fine, fine! I'm sorry, okay?"

Big green eyes met his, and he sighed, smiling.

"It's okay. Now come here." He said and offered her his hand.

She brightened.

Darling wasn't mad anymore!

"Dalin!" She cheered. Bouncing off the floor, she darted to his side and eagerly threaded her fingers through his, humming happily. He laughed at her antics and squeezed her hand.

"Let's go get you cleaned up."

He pulled her along to another room connected to their own, and she tilted her head as they entered. It was white like the rest, but everything looked oddly shiny and smooth, and strange pieces of metal jutted from the walls.

What was this place?

"Dah?" She asked curiously and tugged his hand, pointing at the walls.

"So, you don't know what a shower is either, huh?" He mumbled. "I should've guessed."

He bit his lip, and flushed.

"Boys aren't supposed to bathe with girls, but…"

The boy shook his head, and Zero Two just watched, confused.

Darling was being weird.

"It doesn't matter. They never told me why anyways." He said finally. "Come on, Zero Two. Let's get out of these clothes."

She blinked when he let go of her hand, and began stripping off his clothing. First came his socks and shoes, then his shirt, and finally his pants, leaving him in a pair of boxers. After a moment of hesitation, those came off too, and he threw them on the other side of the room.

Zero Two stared.

Darling looked...strange without his clothes. He was thin and pale, but it was something else that caught her attention.

There was a thing dangling between his legs.

She didn't have that, did she?

"Zero Two! Stop looking, that's embarrassing!" He exclaimed, red-faced. The boy pointed at her cloak. "Now c'mon, take yours off too and we can turn it on."

Tilting her head, Zero Two shrugged, and pulled the cloak over her head, leaving them both naked.

Darling's face burned brighter, and he groaned.

It would take nearly an hour before one very embarrassed boy and an enthusiastic girl exited the shower.

By the end, Zero Two decided that bath time with Darling was fun.