"So it seems like things have changed a lot in the KND since we've been…" David paused. "Apart of it," he finally settled on, looking around at some of the treehouse's tech, while Ashley just watched him.

"I'd bet," Hoagie commented. "If you're interested, I can show you some of the new tech. I built a lot of things around here myself," he said proudly, grinning. David couldn't help but grin a little, intrigued by the offer.

"I think I'd like that," he answered, but his gaze shifted back to Ashley. "I mean, if that's okay with you, Ashley. I don't want to just leave you…Or maybe you could come with?" he offered, still unsure of the prospect of consciously being away from her yet. Before Ashley could reply, Kuki grabbed her by the wrist gently.

"Let me show you around! I can even show you my room; it's been so long since there's been another girl here!" Kuki giggled, pulling Ashley away with her. Ashley just shrugged at David before she was led from the room, unable to keep herself from smiling at Kuki's excitement. She had expected it to be much more difficult to get on good terms with one of their former enemies; but Kuki Sanban had never been the type to be wary or untrusting.

David just chuckled at Numbuh 3's excitement before following Hoagie as he began to show him their 2x4 technology he'd spent long hours working on. "You've made a lot of interesting tech," David said, impressed by Numbuh 2's work.

"Thanks. So, uh, were you the tech officer for Sector Z?" the shorter boy asked him, a little hesitantly, not entirely sure how he'd react to being asked about the old days. David just paused for a moment, not expecting the question, and Hoagie immediately worried about it. "I mean, you don't have to answer that if it bothers you! I was just curious about it!"

"…No, it's okay. I was indeed the tech officer for Sector Z. Or…I am?" David answered, looking confused. "I'm not sure who or what we are anymore…Well…" he trailed off, not wanting to say the word broken that was hovering on his tongue aloud. "…Anyway, we obviously never had anything like this. It's all come a long way," he grinned. Hoagie grinned back a little nervously, still worried that he had bothered the other operative.

Meanwhile, Ashley was stunned by the sheer amount of stuffed animals that flooded Kuki's room. Kuki just beamed, introducing as many of her Rainbow Monkeys to the other girl as she could. She waved them about and hugged each of them individually; all of them having a unique name that only Kuki herself would ever be able to remember.

"You really like Rainbow Monkeys, huh?" Ashley asked, slowly smiling a little.

"I don't just LIKE them, silly! I LOVE them!" Kuki squealed in excitement.

"Well, they are pretty cute," the blonde replied. Before she knew it, Ashley got pulled into playing with Kuki and her stuffed animals. She felt a little awkward at first but soon got into it, her troubles temporarily leaving her while she spent time with Numbuh 3.

Meanwhile, Wally was still upset about the two Delightfuls being in the treehouse. "I ain't gonna trust 'em, no sir. Not me, no way," he grumbled to himself, getting a soda from the kitchen and going off to play video games. "Just 'cause they suckered in Numbuh 2 and Numbuh 3, but they ain't gonna get me, nope. 'Cause I'm too cool. K-E-W-L, cool," he said to himself, taking up a controller and plopping down on the sofa to play one of his favourite games.

Hoagie and David came into the living room before long, pausing to see what Wally was playing. "Whatcha playin', Numbuh 4?" Hoagie asked with a grin, while David just watched the screen with a curious expression and a raised brow.

"You know what I'm playin'," Wally retorted, not giving an actual answer and keeping his eyes on the screen.

"It looks…Fascinating," David muttered, quickly getting drawn into the game. "I've never played a game like this before."

"Why don't you let David have a try? I know this game's two-player," Hoagie suggested. Wally just looked at him, contemplating the idea. He got up momentarily and got the second controller, handing it to David.

"Here ya go," he said bluntly. "Just press the start button in the middle." He waited until David had joined in the game, then started to show him how to play, gradually warming up and getting into it. David just grinned as he slowly began to get the hang of it, having loads of fun with the game and Wally. Hoagie just grinned, grabbing himself a soda before settling to watch them.

"Is that soda?" David asked after a minute, having noticed Numbuh 2 coming back with the beverage.

"Sure is. The fizziest kind we got," Hoagie chuckled. "Oh, uh, would you like some? I shoulda asked…"

"It's alright," David smiled. "But yes, please. I can't remember the last time I was able to have a soda…" he said, his smile fading momentarily before shaking his head. Hoagie just nodded, getting up to get another soda for David, coming back quickly before opening it. David paused the game when he took the cold, sugary beverage, looking at it curiously before carefully lifting it to his lips and taking a sip. He lowered it and stared at the drink, grinning widely. "It's awesome!"

"We're glad it makes you feel so bubbly," Numbuh 2 joked, and Wally just gave Hoagie an unamused look.

"Is that really the best ya can do?" he grumbled.

"My jokes are great," Hoagie defended.

The three boys ended up spending the rest of the day together, Kuki and Ashley rejoining them at some point but having enjoyed their time together. "We're so glad you agreed to help us, thank you all," David and Ashley said together, looking startled. "I guess that's…not gone yet," they muttered, suddenly looking sad.

"Hey, cheer up. That'll stop in no time flat, I mean it happens to regular kids too sometimes," Hoagie said. They both just nodded, smiling a little as they relaxed again.

Everyone jumped as the intruder alarm went off again. "Again?" Wally asked, frowning.

"Kids Next Door, Battlestations!" Hoagie shouted, Numbuhs 2, 3 and 4 grabbing their weapons. David and Ashley were terrified, wondering if Father had somehow figured out they were there already. The main door to the treehouse opened, and the operatives all gasped.

David and Ashley breathed out a single word in unison, but not focused on that fact this time. "Constance!"

And chapter three is here! I should be working on other things but eh, can't help myself xD Enjoy!