"You too, huh…" Hiro murmurs, both of them side by side with only their body warmth providing comfort for the other. When Zero Two saw his scars, he didn't expect her to show hers as well; in fact, he never saw her as the type to engage in any kind of self harm with how optimistic and bubbly she was towards him. Then again, thinking back to the time she got beaten up by the thugs, Hiro knows she could've finish them up within mere minutes, seeing how she did after he showed up; but no, she let them do what they wanted towards her, no matter how painful it was for her.

"I...I've always been alone..things like this, I'm used to it."

What if that was her way of coping with the solitude the world has forced upon her because of her horns. What if they really were similar in a million ways..

Hiro gulps, beads of cold sweat rolling down his forehead, "Back then, was that the reason why you didn't defend yourself against those thugs?" she looks at him, a blank look on her face confirming his suspicions. A feeling of dread enters him.

"I've told you before...I'm used to it.." she says, a rueful smile etched on her lips, "At first, it hurted like hell, in fact, I felt like I was about to die with every blow I get." she takes a deep breath, trying to choose what words to say, "But despite how bloody and badly beaten I get after every fight, I'm still alive. The pain my body felt burned, but it also gave me a rush, a thrilling feeling and because of that, I began craving for more fights in order to test how strong my will to live was."

'I felt more humane...more complete'

"But it wasn't just that, I felt that I deserved to live a life full of chaos. I felt that every punch I get is a punishment I get for existing in this world, and in a sick, fucked up kind of way, I wanted it. Craved it even. This feelings became too strong that I started doing this." Zero Two points to the faint scars on her arm. "Although I only did it once. It didn't feel as thrilling

"Why?" was all Hiro manages to ask.

Zero Two shrugs. "It's because I'm a monster, perhaps.." she lightly touches her horns.

"But, that was all in the past." she looks at him with a soft look that makes his insides melt. "Once you've found me, I KNEW you would be my darling, and the moment I saw you shed tears for me, I vowed to myself I'd never go back to who I was back then, because right now…" she caresses his cheek lovingly and manages to give him a bright smile,

"I'm happy…"

Still..I..

Hot tears were flowing freely from Hiro's eyes, his chest felt so full at the moment, it felt like it would burst any second. Instinctively, Zero Two leans closer to his face and licks away some of his tears, to which, if done in any normal circumstance, he would be blushing hard, but what he was feeling was all too surreal he couldn't bother being flustered.

Never in his life, has he felt so full. Never in his life had he met someone as broken as he was, yet willing enough to bare open their hearts and be able to smile so sweetly while doing so. Never had he imagined how just how important he was to Zero Two just as she was to him. Everything just made him feel so...so..

Happy.

"Since I've told you my story, it would be better if you share me yours.." Zero Two says, "But I'd understand if you won't…anyways, let me make you some hot chocolate, maybe that would make you feel better." As she stands, she feels a hand hold onto her. "No, it's fine, please just stay here." giving him a look of questioning, Zero Two finally agrees, but not before saying "Then would you tell me what's going on inside your head?" and to her genuine surprise, she sees Hiro slowly nod his head.

"Remember when I told you about feeling empty back then?" she nods, looking down at their hands that were still holding on to each other tightly, before looking back up at Hiro's aquamarine eyes. "Like what I've said, people regarded me as a prodigy back then..and long story short, I grew to loathe that image. I felt nothing, and...and it scared me." Hiro trembles. "The emptiness I felt at such a young age, the lack of purpose, and the pressure to uphold my image came crashing down on me all at one, and I…"

"I…."

Zero Two's hold grows tighter, comforting him. Taking a deep breath, Hiro continues. "I broke. I stopped caring all at once, it felt like I was some sort of zombie. I was good as dead."

"Still, everything feels so complicated! One moment I'm overcome with so much hate for myself, and the next, I didn't even give a damn!" Hiro raises his voice in frustration. "I hated it...hated how I was back then and I hated what I've become! I just wanted to die!" he growls, hitting his head with his free hand. "While when I felt absolutely empty, I itched. My whole body itched to feel something, anything and because of this, contradicting thoughts running over and over in my head, I resorted to cutting." Hiro looks over to Zero Two, his lips forming a weak smile, eyes dull like murky water.

"I'm fucked up, aren't I?" he asks, but before Zero Two could respond, he begins once more with his story, "Anyways, it all started when I was doing some art assignment alone in my room. I had to use a cutter for my artwork, and all was normal until I felt the pointed object prick my finger." Hiro raises the very same finger to his eyes, reminiscing that small, burning sensation that started it all. He takes a deep breath, "I didn't know why, but the moment the blood oozed out my finger, I felt light and at ease. The next thing I knew, I was running the cutter along my flesh, a scorching tingle erupting every time a new wound opens."

"After that, I did not stop, I couldn't stop! because It just felt so good…..Too good, even when Goro tried to stop me, I didn't listen, because nobody knows just how goddamn hard everything is for me!"

Zero Two stares at him with concern-filled eyes, she could feel Hiro's hand growing cold and he was already visibly trembling over spilling out too much information. She knew just how hard it was for him to fully open himself up to her and she knew it would be even harder for her to help him, knowing all too well she was as messed up as he was.

She knew she needed some help, and she knew just where to ask for it.

But for now, as Hiro slowly descends into a mental breakdown, all she could do is pull him into her arms and whisper any sort of comforting words she could muster into his ear.

"Hey, darling, since we both told each other our weaknesses, don't you think it's best if we overcome them together? After all, we are partners." she feels Hiro slowly nod against her bosom.

Darkness.

That's what accompanied him as he lies in bed staring blankly at the ceiling and when he closes his eyes, all he could see is Zero Two.

Zero Two…

She was changing him. Back then, Hiro would have never dared opening up his deepest, darkest thoughts to anyone, after all, once he stopped caring for himself, he stopped caring for others as well, but ever since he met the horned girl, he could feel every ounce of him changing. He found himself opening up to Zorome the other day, and this time, to her, even risking a mental breakdown because of that. He also found himself craving the warmth she was giving him, making him want to convey that same kind of warmth towards her. Hell, he hadn't told her earlier that ever since they've met, not once did he feel the strong urge to cut up more wounds on his arms, just the occasional itch that could be easily avoided.

It was thanks to her that the emptiness he was feeling was slowly being filled with an emotion he couldn't quite name yet, but somehow, he had a feeling this emotion would be the catalyst to his change into someone who'd be able to stay by Zero Two's side.

Because of that, he would forever be grateful over meeting the said girl by chance at the Sakura Tree on top of the hill. If they hadn't met, then what would've become of him today and in the coming future?

Well, if all of this was some sort of dream, then Hiro would rather not wake from it.

It was after classes, and Ichigo was tasked to bring some materials to the student council office from the supplies closet. Entering the stuffy room, she sees the box of papers the council needs up high on the shelves. 'Great..just what I needed.' she huffs. Stepping on whatever object she could use as a platform, she reaches up to no avail. "Goro should be doing this…" She grumbles, straining with all her might to grab the box.

Suddenly, she hears the door creak open, making her lose her balance. Ichigo lets out a high pitched yelp, but instead of hitting the ground, she feels a pair of hands holding her under her armpits and bringing her back to her feet. As she turns towards her savior to express her gratitude, her eyes widen in surprise seeing a pink haired girl with a pair of red horns.

"Z-zero Two?!"

Ichigo feels a wave of awkwardness come at her, making her avert her eyes to the floor. Till now, she still hasn't apologized to Zero Two for hitting her. 'Looks like now's the right time for me to apologize..' "U-um, I-"

"Ichigo, can I speak with you for a moment?" Ichigo notes how the girl before her seems much more meek, compared how closed off she was being two weeks ago. "Sure, what's up? Also, I'd like to say sorry for what I did two weeks ago..I-

"It's about Hiro."

Hiro?

Ichigo feels her blood run cold at the mention of his name. Did something happen to him? Did him and Zero Two fight, explaining why the girl in front of her looked so uneasy? Whatever it was, she needed answers.

And she needed those answers, now.

It was strange.

Usually, he and Zero Two would walk home together after class, but today, she tells him to go on without her. When he asks why, she just tells him the headmaster was calling for her, but deep inside, a part of him knows she wasn't telling the truth. In fact, she was acting a bit strange the whole day, being more withdrawn the whole day, even when they were alone.

Did he do something wrong? Did she finally realize just how messed up he was and decided it was better to leave him be? Fearful thoughts ran inside his head but he chose to ignore them. 'No, Zero Two wouldn't do that. She even told me how happy she was being with me…'

Yes, Hiro decides he should strengthen his faith towards Zero Two, since she had just poured out her heart to him, and he, the same last had made it clear that she'd be there to stay and comfort him through the tight hug they both shared. She even promised that despite their weaknesses, she'd accompany him in overcoming them. All he has to do is believe in Zero Two, and believe he shall do,

After all, like what she's said, they were partners.

Ichigo couldn't believe it. All this information made her feel dizzy, making her stagger a few steps backward, almost stumbling back. "I...I never knew…" yes, it was apparent to her how depressed Hiro acted, but she never really realized how worse it was for him.

In fact, never had she suspected him of ever cutting himself!

"D-does, Goro know?" Zero Two eyes her thoughtfully before speaking, "I think I heard darling mention his name…"

'He knew? Then why didn't he…' Ichigo feels slightly betrayed being left in the dark by her two friends, thankfully, Zero Two sensed what she was feeling and attempted to clear the situation, "Darling said Goro tried stopping him...I believe darling might've force your friend to keep his mouth shut about the whole thing…also, I too believe this issue shouldn't reach the others, considering how sensitive it is"

"Even so, I…" 'couldn't do a single damn thing!'

"Nobody's to blame here. You care for him, it's apparent, that's why I asked you for help." Zero Two turns away, "I, don't think I could do this alone...darling is lucky to have friends like you," 'unlike me…'

"So please, help me help darling. Teach him to lean on others more." Ichigo feels her chest grow warm. She realizes her judgment towards Zero Two was wrong. She wasn't the heartless person she thought she was, instead, Zero Two also had a vulnerable side to her, especially when it involves the person special to her.

'She's just like me…'

Through Zero Two's request, she feels the resolve to help Hiro grow even stronger. All she had to do was think of ways in order for her and the whole gang to get closer to Hiro once more, and with Zero Two's support, she believes they could do it, no matter how hard it may be cracking Hiro's shell.

In fact, she thinks there's something all of them can do, especially with the first set of exams just lurking around the corner.

With a determined glint in her eye, she smiles at Zero Two, a silent camaraderie brewing between the two ladies,

'For Hiro's sake….'"Zero Two, I think I have an idea that could help"

Hello everyone! I'd like to once again, thank all those who are reading Hello Darling! Your support inspires me to widen my horizons when it comes to writing! also, a shout out to my dude at reddit, lgknightor1 for the welcoming feedback and wonderful ideas! Good luck with your powerpoints dude.

Also, I'd like to talk about how Zero Two seems a bit more caring towards pre!Memory wiped Hiro than the female fatale she appears to be in the original story. well, since this AU is in a normal setting, Zero Two was able to have Dr. Franxx and her sister (guess who) as her family, so she was raised learning values needed in dealing with others. Also, her main goal isn't to become human, since she is one, just with horns, so she isn't gonna go ape shit towards our squad 13. her main goal would be tackled as we go deeper with our story.

Speaking of the story, I've been planning to separate it into three major parts since it's gonna get veeerry long, meaning Hello Darling! would be the first part. I've had the skeleton for Hello Darling's flow done, with just a few minor changes being considered. So rest assured, where far from done with this story!

Lastly, I think ya'll have noticed that this arc has been focusing on depression and self harm and I wish I could be able to reach out to those who are experiencing the same pains and troubles. I want all of you to know that you are beautiful creatures worth fighting for and there would be people who would be willing to listen to you, such as me. If you'd like, you could just send me a private message here or on reddit and I'd gladly PM you back!

Finally, I don't own anything related to DitF, except this story. all credits goes to its original owners. Please enjoy and right a review if you can!