A/N: Not much to say, honestly. :)

Big thanks (as always) to my betas, KingPolar and Ambient_Riot, for their work.

Zero Two looked up from her artwork, narrowing her eyes.

She murmured softly, eyes dancing over the bright colors she'd drawn out. Something about it still felt off…

Hiro looked up from the book he was reading. "You alright, honey?" He asked, biting into one of the cookies Futoshi had given them as a wedding present. He'd given them a lot of cookies.

Zero Two flipped the sheet of paper, looking expectantly at her darling. "Does this look right to you?"

"What?" He chuckled. "Everything you draw looks great to me, honey. I'm not the best at judging artwork."

Zero Two pouted, returning to her work. She'd finished the picture book up to when the princess left, and was working on illustrating the ending her darling had written.

It was a nice ending, and her darling liked what she'd done, so what was wrong? What was she missing?

Her eyes widened, realization dissipating the fog in her mind.

"Hey, darling? I'd like to add another page," she suggested, watching as her darling smiled.

"If it's what you need, then go ahead," he responded. His eyes flickered from her to the window, intently watching a snowflake to its resting place.

Something about winter intrigued Hiro. It may be because… well, he'd only ever experienced it in the cage, but the beauty of everything captivated him.

Maybe it was the weather - the first time seeing it like this. The experience of those tiny icy flakes drifting down lazily onto your hand, or your coat, or your tongue, and knowing that it was an entirely random meeting, one by chance. Maybe it was the feeling of starting over, of washing everything away. The knowledge of the death of the world, before it's reborn.

He'd almost done the same, after all.

Hiro shook his head, letting the familiar and yet so eldritch thoughts of death alone - and yet not alone, fall out of his mind. Now wasn't the time to be thinking about the past.

He set his book down, sitting up on the couch. Why had his honey asked him for more pages?

He leaned over her, wanting to see what she was working on. This method was foiled by her turning around to face him, shielding the paper with her body.

"Uh-uh. No peeking, darling," she admonished, tapping him lightly on the nose. "I'll show it to you when I'm done, 'kay?"

"Alright," Hiro sighed, leaning back into the couch. What other spirals could he get his thoughts into today? Maybe…

Zero Two watched her darling fade out of consciousness. After making sure he wasn't looking, she returned to drawing.

A few moments passed before the pinkette noted the sudden lack of noise filling the space, and deciding to change that, she grabbed the holoscreen remote, flicking it on.

While it was surprising to her that they'd managed to get networks and programming back in such a short time, it also wasn't. People like Zorome existed, after all. Although… the man wanted to be a teacher! Was he crazy? Maybe he was just an idiot. Miku still seemed to think so, anyways.

The news was on, and Ikuno was making another appearance. Apparently the "camera loves her," or so Naomi told them. The headline showed she was talking about… what? Seas coming back, whatever that meant.

Zero Two got back to her drawing, allowing her gray-haired friend to drone on about some sciency-stuff that she didn't really understand.

The hybrid hummed softly, engrossed in her completely new creation. It was… an epilogue, of sorts - to the rest of the story book. She didn't really want any words accompanying it, feeling better to leave it as just images.

"...we'll be fine here, but the beach will be nearby." Zero Two's ears perked up at that comment. Oh… the beach! Fun times with darling in swimsuits! And it'll be easily accessible~!

Zero Two stopped herself. Wait, why will it be close by? She thought, deciding to connect some dots in her head. Oh, right! The sea's coming back! Maybe it won't be red!

She'd have to mention it to Ichigo, she knew the bluenette loved the beach.

Half an hour later, Zero Two took her crayon off of the page with a flourish, and jumped onto her darling's lap.

Hiro woke up to find his honey grinning down at him. "Darling, look!" She presented the sheet of paper to him, and he took a moment to run his eyes over it.

She'd drawn the prince and the princess in the woods, a small log cabin behind them. Beside them, and in the woman's arms, were three children.

Hiro handed her the sheet back, and kissed her. "It's perfect," he said, slowly.

She beamed, then started laughing as Hiro poked at her now much larger stomach. She was due in about two months, and both of them couldn't wait.

They'd experience the feeling of raising someone for the future, together.

Miku punched in the keycode for her and Zorome's now shared suite, balancing a couple bags filled with small grocery items on her arm.

She crossed the threshold, untying her scarf. Where was the idiot, anyways? The sound of light humming coming from the bathroom was her answer.

She'd told him that if he wasn't out of the bath by the time she got back, there would be consequences.

And Miku was ready to fulfill her end of that bargain.

Zorome was having a nice day, reclining in the bath. How long had he been in here?

A sharp rattling on the door was his answer. Long enough.

He sighed, rising from the tub and drying himself off, wrapping a towel around his waist. He slowly opened the door to find Miku glaring him down, unperturbed by his lack of upper-body clothing.

"What were you doing in there?" She probed, still unfazed.

"Not much," he shrugged, moving out into the hall past her. She followed him into their bedroom, only looking away after he told her he needed to put on actual clothing.

After a moment, he tapped her shoulder and she whipped around, her long hair hitting him across the face a bit less than lightly.

"I told you," she began, "that there would be consequences." He paled slightly. "So, here's the consequences."

Zorome swallowed nervously, shrinking slightly before her.

"You're making dinner tonight," she said simply, walking out of the room.

Zorome straightened. "What?" He snickered. He'd been taking cooking lessons from Futoshi, so this would be a piece of cake.

He moved to the squad's kitchen, putting on an apron spectacularly. He struck a pose, relishing in the moment. Oh, he'd show her!

"What are you doing? Get to work!" His girlfriend called, disappearing back into their room.

Zorome's eyes shone from the kitchen light, his hands already grabbing at foodstuff.

Some time passed, where Zorome entered a machine-like state, losing track of when he was.

He was snapped out of said state by Miku entering the common area, the woman now wearing pajamas. Zorome could barely make out a slight deformation in her lower abdomen.

"Food'll be done soon," he said, narrowing his eyes. "You look cozy there, y'know."

Miku yawned, rubbing at her eyes. "Yeah, I know."

Zorome moved to speak. "Let me think," she said, cutting him off.

Zorome returned to their food, working a bit harder. His instincts told him that she'd cool off if she ate something.

A few minutes later, he placed their dinner on a few plates and carried it over to the squad's eating area.

The brown-haired man sat down across from her, steepling his hands. "So, what's up?" He asked, trying to act nicer than he had just a short while ago. He had a strange feeling that he was becoming whipped.

Miku looked at him from over her plate which contained some relatively fancy-looking sushi that took him all too long to make. "This is…" she looked away. "Pretty good."

Zorome rubbed the back of his neck. "Glad you like it. I've been learning," he enunciated, wondering why she'd changed the subject.

The two continued eating in silence, tension freezing the air over the table. Eventually, Miku finished her food and rested her head on one of her hands.

"Zorome… " she sighed, composing herself. "I… remember what we talked about?"

The man sitting across from her nodded, still chewing his food. She looked at him expectantly.

"Hmm?" He asked, confused. Why was she... ? She tilted her head downwards slightly in response, looking at him intently.

Oh, he thought. That's right. I'd better do something in that regard.

After a moment of silence, she flared up, her cheeks reddening. "Do I have to spell it out for you?!" She yelled, leaning over the table. Her boyfriend raised his hands in defense.

"Agh, fine! I get it," he admitted. "I know, I know, you're pregnant. You have been for a while."

Miku sat back down, nodding sharply. "Right. So, what are we gonna do, Zorome?"

He leaned back a little. "Simple! I, the great Zorome, will grant you the honor of marrying me," he said nonchalantly.

Miku was… surprised, to say the least. She supposed she thought low of him, because that was the exact opposite of what she'd predicted. "Did you just propose to me?" She said, disbelief written on her face.

Zorome looked at the corner of his eyes. "I think so," he confirmed. "And?"

Miku smiled, wiping a small tear from her eye. "You're an idiot," she stated. "But you're one I wouldn't mind being with for a while."

Zorome mentally high-fived himself. Nice.

Nana exited the small clinic room, wiping at her arm. She never would get used to needles, would she? She looked up from her arm at the two people waiting for her.

Hachi was sitting outside with Zeta, pointing at various men and talking to her. The gray-haired woman merely put her face in her hands, embarrassed. Did they really have to go looking now?

The one-eyed man perked up when he noticed Nana approaching. "Hello," he greeted. "How was your shot?"

She sighed. "It was fine, although… can it do that to our bodies? Fix them? It seems Ikuno has a cure for everything."

Hachi's lips came slightly upwards, the result of a feeling foreign and welcome all at once. "Well, probably, and this wasn't even one of Ikuno's. Naomi actually made it - she said Ikuno had enough on her plate already."

Nana rolled her eyes and sat on the other side of Zeta, patting her on the back. "Is mean old man Hachi bringing you down?" The hybrid moaned an affirmation.

"Hey, I'm not that old," he said dryly.

Nana glared at him. "While I am happy that you're getting your emotions back, do you really have to torment this sweet girl here?" She rubbed Zeta's back, leaning down towards her head. "Don't let Hachi bully you, dear. It'll be fine!"

The green-horned hybrid moaned once more, straightening in the clinic chair. "Why are you guys like this in public?"

"So, it would be fine to tease you in private?" Nana smirked.

Zeta opened her mouth to speak, but decided better of it. She got up, wishing the two of them a good day.

She had an interesting feeling about today. She felt like she was going to be given a chance at something, and she didn't quite know what.

She pondered this as she walked absentmindedly towards the Bird Nest's mall complex, marvelling at the frozen ground around her.

She was happy for Hachi and Nana - the two had become the parents she never had, and that came with all strings attached. The teasing, the helping out, and most importantly…

The trust. Zeta trusted them. She didn't trust a lot of people two years ago, but she… she had friends now. Friends who wanted to be around her, not empty shells that lived to fight.

Even still, though… did she have a purpose? Most days it felt like she was a wanderer, searching endlessly for something, although exactly what it was she was looking for evaded her.

Was it love? Acceptance? A place to call home?

Zeta looked down at the ground, idly looking at the way her boots deformed the snow.

She hummed softly, arms extended. Maybe, right now, she didn't need a purpose. Maybe she could just enjoy life as it is.

The gray-haired girl started skipping happily, looking up towards her destination. She hummed louder, and started moving a bit faster.

She didn't notice the man walking opposite her, trying to get her attention. It wasn't until he yelled out, breaking her out of her stupor, that she turned.

The man in question was slightly taller than her, and was wearing a bright, heavy coat. His hair was cut short, arcing across his forehead, and was… a dark, comfortable shade of brown.

His eyes were sea-green, and they narrowed as he realized she was staring.

He cocked his head to the side curiously, before moving to introduce himself.

"Sorry for interrupting your walk," he began, extending his hand. "My name's Suriyo. I'm the guard that saw you first enter here, and you've… intrigued me, ever since."

Zeta shook his hand nervously, placing the other inside her jacket pocket. "I'm Zeta," she said, before smirking. "You're interested in me?"

He laughed lightly, framing his chin with two fingers. "Well, not in that way. But, you reminded me of me, you know."

Zeta's eyebrows came together, and her mouth opened slightly. "What?" She asked, looking at him as if he were insane. He's sympathizing with me?

He smiled sadly, looking at the ground. "I was lost too, you know," he stated. "My whole world came crashing down around me, and I was left to pick through the rubble." Zeta's eyes widened. "I'm not sure if that compares, but…" he trailed off, flinching under her gaze.

He cleared his throat. "Anyways… I was going to visit some friends of mine, and I was wondering if you'd like to come along, seeing as you don't seem to have much to do."

Zeta shook her head up and down hard, thankful that someone had managed to get her to do something. Maybe she'd make a few friends, too!

She turned around, forgoing her previous pursuit at the mall - she was probably just going to go window shopping again - in favor of this new venture.

Snow began to fall around them, and Zeta was entranced by its beauty. She stared at the crystals as they weaved through the air, and one landed on her nose. Her eyes crossed, and she smiled wide, teeth visible.

Suriyo regarded her out of the corner of his eye, raising his eyebrow at her fangs. They're kinda cute, he admitted to himself. He knew it wasn't okay to be thinking of a girl he'd just met in such a way, and he told his subconscious as much. It wouldn't do to discomfort a potential friend.

They walked in silence for a while, before her acquaintance turned to face a graveyard. She raised her eyebrows.

"I thought we were going to see some of your friends," she said, confused. Suriyo looked at her and nodded, moving inside the solemn field.

Zeta stood for a moment, thinking over her options. After a moment, she gritted her teeth and ran after him, boots crunching the soft snow beneath her. As she came up to his side, she opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off.

"Do you remember the second battle at the Crevasse?" He asked, staring far off ahead of him.

Zeta nodded. "It was my last time piloting," she confirmed.

"Same here," he agreed, gaze unchanging. "My squad got hit hard when the aliens showed up. My partner and I… we were the only people who made it out."

He stopped in front of eleven gravestones, and reached into his pocket.

Zeta looked down, sympathy willing her to act and also to be still. "What happened to your partner?"

Suriyo pulled out a bouquet of eleven small goldband lilies. "Yellow blood cells got her, not long after the giant mech left. She pushed herself too far, trying to save our squadmates," he sniffed at the air, looking up. "She told me to move on. To not dwell on things too much."

He knelt down at the graves, leaving a blossom at each. Zeta began to feel the sympathy welling itself inside her turn to sadness at the action. True sadness, not the false sadness of feeling useless. The sort of feeling you get after, well, all your friends die, and you're left alone.

Zeta had never known the feeling. Those monsters in her squad, they weren't her friends. She couldn't even consider them her family. They were just… there.

She wiped at her eyes as Suriyo finished his honorations, moving back to where she was.

He gestured to leave, and she agreed in silence. As they neared the archway that broke the small cobblestone wall surrounding the field, he spoke up.

"You were a Nine, correct?"

"I wish I wasn't," she seethed, teeth clenched. Maybe, if she were a normal parasite, she'd have someone who could relate to her, someone who could-

"Ah, then you know the feeling," he said solemnly, exiting the graveyard.

Her eyes widened. "How did you…?"

"I've heard tell of the Nine they left behind. Alpha's stamen. People say she's… emotionless, unable to feel," he clarified, looking at her. "I don't believe that. Just from today, Zeta, you've proven to me that you're more than that. You've shown me your emotions, your hurt. You sympathized with me.

"You've felt useless too, haven't you?" She nodded quickly, surprised that this man could unravel her so easily. "So did I. But… give it time. You'll find something." He presented her with his PDA, the small screen displaying his contact information. "If you ever need someone to talk to, let me know."

She pulled out her own device, placing him in her contacts. They stood there for some time, watching their breaths hang in the cold air.

Zeta thanked him for everything he'd done today, before walking away. She still didn't know where she was going, but… a path was lit somewhere in the distance. She could feel it.

Suriyo smiled as her form disappeared into the snow, before turning and continuing back to his quarters. He felt better today, having opened up to someone for once. Maybe… the two of them could heal their wounds, together.

Maybe he could be the person she needed.

Ichigo walked slowly down the corridor, worry overtaking her thoughts once more.

Goro couldn't… he'll be fine, right?

Zero Two and Hiro were busy, as was the rest of the squad, so their commander had taken to wandering today.

Goro had left on his first reconnaissance trip a week earlier, and she was scared. Edelweiss was an unknown, still. Just how much of a threat were they, really? Enough of one for the klaxosaurs to warn us…

She came up to Ikuno's lab and knocked slowly, sighing. Maybe she could talk with the researcher, if she wasn't too busy.

Said woman opened the door almost immediately, as if she were anticipating someone.

Her eyes widened. "Ichigo. How are you?"

"Fine, fine," the bluenette mumbled. "I'm still worried about Goro, you know."

Ikuno smiled. "Ah, he'll be fine. He's got two people to come back to now, eh?" The scientist chuckled, remembering that her short friend was pregnant. Sure is happening a lot nowadays… maybe the term 'fertility wave' was too on-the-nose.

"That makes me feel a bit better, thanks," she smiled. "So, what are you working on?"

Ikuno moved out of the way to let Ichigo come in, and both sat facing her computer monitor.

"Well, I think I've managed to figure out how Strelizia operates. If you'll bear with me…" The scientist pulled up two schematics of the white-and-red mech, one highlighting something.

"What am I looking at?" Ichigo asked, intrigued.

Ikuno pushed her glasses up. "So, I haven't exactly found a name for this yet, but I can explain its purpose. After the female klaxosapien soul inhabiting Strelizia merged with Apus, this developed on the mech," she said, checking to see if Ichigo was following. "So far, I've determined that when Zero Two attempts to connect with the mech, this mechanism moves her own soul to fill the gap left behind. Hiro acts as an anchor, allowing her soul to move back into her body after she disconnects."

"What if she stampedes?" Ichigo asked worriedly.

"She could probably maintain it for a while, but eventually she'd become stuck inside, and I'm not sure how we could get her out," Ikuno responded. "Hopefully, that'll never happen."

"How about… damage to the pistil's body?"

Ikuno sighed. "Full of questions, are we?" Ichigo blushed. "Well, as you know, with the old system, sympathetic injuries occurred but were relatively tame compared to the FranXX's actual damage. For example, when Delphinium lost its arm.

"You were fine, but your arm was broken. With this new system, your arm would be severed as well. In addition, some strain would be passed to the stamen so as to not completely overload your nervous system," the researcher explained, watching as Ichigo took it all in.

Ichigo rubbed at her eyes and sighed. "You haven't explained how the mech turns on without magma energy. How does it move?"

Ikuno clicked past a few more slides before coming to the one she wanted. It was another side-by-side comparison of Strelizia's schematics, with tubes and other wires running in and out of the device that she just explained.

"This is the power system hooked up to the aforementioned device. The device has a secondary function - it's a motor, and as far as I can tell, it runs faster the higher the sync between pistil and stamen."

Ichigo laughed. "You're telling me this thing basically runs off of love? That's stupid."

"It is, I won't lie," Ikuno agreed. "But it works."

Ichigo regarded the ceiling for a moment, before deciding she was satisfied with this answer. Although… it could lead to problems down the line, with pilots having to be in relationships in order for their FranXX to function. "Can you reproduce this technology?"

Ikuno pulled up some more schematics, this time of the other Squad 13 FranXX. "I've already begun upgrading Delphinium, Argentea, and Genista with it. I'll also be able to fit in some extra upgrades on your weapons and such."

"Why?" Ichigo asked. These extra upgrades sound almost unnecessary.

"Why not? We're gonna need all the firepower we can get," Ikuno said nonchalantly.

Ichigo rolled her eyes. "Go ahead, Ikuno. And see if we can get Zeta a FranXX - she's been pestering me about it." The woman stood up, moving towards the exit.

"You too?" Ikuno laughed. "Won't she need a partner?"

Ichigo turned. "We'll figure something out. See you, Ikuno."

The researcher slowly waved, switching her screen over to some of Dr. Franxx's construction notes. The way he designed them… it was based completely off of pure physical compatibility, and yet now they needed them to be in a relationship to function?

Ikuno knew she had all the time in the world, but it still felt like she needed more.

Hiro walked briskly across the hall, looking for someone. He'd almost got all the invitations out, he just needed to get one to Ikuno.

The researcher had begun teaching a few friends of hers about the FranXX design process. She'd managed to adapt it to the new soul-system in a few weeks, and had begun constructing Zeta's FranXX.

She wouldn't show them the design, but Zeta was excited, so… it had to be alright?

Hiro shook his head, wondering why he was dwelling on someone else's FranXX, of all things.

I mean, you don't really have anything else to think about, he thought, nodding to himself. He was incredibly thankful for that - his mind was allowed to be at peace. No APE, no klaxosaurs, no VIRM… his thoughts were dominated by his wife.

Not that they weren't before, but there was absolutely nothing preventing his brain to be filled with still images and quiet conversations and little daydreams about their child…

They'd recently found out that the little one was for sure a girl, and Hiro knew that it was going to be a wonderful experience.

He could see himself now, walking hand-in-hand with his honey and their daughter, laughing and twirling underneath the cherry tree. His face lit up, and he actually began to giggle. Ah, how nice it is to be free like this!

He approached Ikuno's lab, still smiling brightly. He knocked, and she opened the door after a moment. Turned out she was still teaching, so if he could get in and out quickly…

"You're in a good mood," she noted.

"Yep. I've got an invitation to the squad's Christmas party here, if you'd like-"

"Ichigo already gave me one, but while you're here…" she moved aside to let him in, and he waved to her students.

Ikuno returned to the center of the room, and cleared her throat. "So, back to where we were: stamen operations in the FranXX. We seem to be lucky enough today to have someone who knows what he's talking about here. Hiro, if you'd elaborate?"

His shoulders slumped down in defeat, and he sighed. He only really wanted to get back home to his honey, instead of explaining what he did inside the mech to a bunch of people he barely knew.

"Well, if I understand what Ikuno's talking about properly, then…" he began, "The most basic, and most important, task of any stamen is to keep the pistil, and thus the FranXX itself, from undergoing too much strain. That is, keep them out of danger, and don't overextend your resources. Either one of these can lead to harm for the FranXX, and thus your pistil.

"The secondary purpose of the stamen is to control the non-composite parts of the mech. For example, ranged weapons and the thrusters," he stated, watching as the women in front of him took notes. Ikuno smiled as she watched him go through the information.

"The third purpose of the stamen is to anchor the pistil when her soul transfers to and from the FranXX. Without the stamen acting as the FranXX's core, the pistil's soul could become trapped inside," he explained, motioning for emphasis.

"The final purpose of the stamen is to bolster the sync rate. Because of how the motor system functions, higher synchronization numbers are desirable. This is a double-edged sword - the higher the sync, the more efficient your piloting will become, but the risk of sympathetic injuries and of the pistil merging with the FranXX increase," he finished, exhaling.

Ikuno was impressed - she didn't really expect him to be able to recall all that, but he'd need it if he wanted to continue piloting. It was important information, after all.

Hiro looked at Ikuno, and wearily asked if he could leave. She nodded, and off he went.

He really didn't want to have to lecture about piloting ever again, but some nagging feeling told him he'd have to.

Right now, though, all he wanted to do was go home and cuddle with his honey.

He zipped up his jacket again, and watched his feet as they took him to his house. He unlocked and opened the door to find his honey, still in her pink pajamas, watching reruns of children's cartoons. How cute!

She turned at the sound of the door, and nearly knocked him to the ground.

"Darling! You said you wouldn't be a minute! You were gone for fifteen!" She pouted, pink hair tickling his cheek as she leaned over him.

"Ikuno had me explain some stuff to her students, sorry! I didn't know it would happen," he laughed, patting her on the head lightly.

She got off of him and returned to the couch, pretend-sulking. Hiro instantly realized what he had to do to make her feel better.

He approached her from the back of the couch and turned her head slightly, kissing her jawline. She moaned approvingly into the gesture, moving slightly to give him more access.

Hiro climbed over the couch and landed on his side, the two of them still intertwined.

The two hybrids made out for… quite some time, their enhanced biology letting them breathe easily. Hiro only noticed that a large quantity of time had passed when the holoscreen had switched over to Ichigo and a recently-returned Goro lighting a tree.

He pulled away, his honey mumbling disapprovingly. The couch would kill both their backs, he knew, and he really didn't want to go to the squad's event tomorrow in need of a chiropractor.

He switched the holoscreen off and helped his wife up, walking slowly up to their room. He took a moment on the way to stop by their future daughter's room, smiling softly.

Zero Two looked up at her darling, smiling for the same reason as he was.

Family. After all this time...

Ichigo delicately placed the wreath and got down off the ladder she was standing on, clapping her hands together.

The party had been somewhat impromptu - she and Goro had put it together over the past two days, but… she thought it looked nice.

They'd thrown up some tinsel and lights around Squad 13's dorm, and there was some mistletoe in the corner.

Speaking of things in the corner…

She cleared her throat to get the two hybrids' attention, although they didn't do anything. She repeated the action, much louder this time, and they broke off.

"Something stuck in your throat?" Hiro asked, unaware of the discomfort he and his wife were giving to everyone else in the room.

Ichigo sighed, motioning for the lovebirds to join the rest of them on the couches. Zero Two's mouth formed an O, and she took her darling over to sit with their squadmates.

Once everyone had sat down, they began the gift exchange. It was something all of them had missed, especially without Hiro and Zero Two. But now…

Everyone was here, accounted for. There was no doubt as to people's safety. Nobody was stuck in deep space, and everyone's spirits were up - Zeta's, especially.

Her sudden shift in mood over the past couple weeks hadn't gone unnoticed by the squad, Hiro and Zero Two especially. Her horns seemed brighter than they had been before, the luster present on the married couple's apparent on hers, as well.

Maybe she'd…?

Zero Two would have to file that away for another time. Maybe later tonight - her darling had suggested they do some 'team bonding games,' and she couldn't wait!

The whole squad opened gifts until quite late in the night, and some regular eggnog made by Futoshi and Nimina was enjoyed by all.

It was around eleven when Hiro suggested they begin the 'team bonding exercises' that he'd been working on. Zorome and Miku were asleep, Ichigo and Goro were sitting by the window talking quietly, and Kokoro and Mitsuru were relaxing on the couch opposite them, playing with Ai. Naomi and Ikuno had put some festive music on, and were messing with the robotic dog that Hiro and Zero Two had gotten them. Futoshi and Nimina were watching an old movie on the holoscreen, one the news stations had on.

The only person who wasn't preoccupied was Zeta. Hiro sighed. He didn't want to annoy anyone, but he really thought that the events he had planned would help them get to know each other better. Or, if not that, spice the night up a little.

He managed to get Zeta's attention, and was going to get Futoshi and Nimina's attention when his honey stopped him.

"Darling, let's leave them to it. We can do those exercises any time, you know. Not just now," she said, pulling him down to rest his head on her shoulder.

"You're right," the black-haired man conceded, kissing her softly on the temple. Zeta looked on and smiled, jealousy surprising her by keeping its ugly head down.

Eventually, Naomi and Ikuno moved back to the couches, as did Ichigo and Goro. Hiro decided that now was as good a time as any to begin phase two, and so did his honey.

He cleared his throat, gathering everyone's gazes. "Most of you are here, so I think we can begin."

"I'd like to start us off with a toast: to friendship," he said, raising his glass of eggnog. His squadmates followed, faces bright.

After a few hearty sips, he put his glass down. "Now, for the real deal." He motioned for Ichigo to get a tired Zorome to wake Miku up before beginning.

He relaxed into his seat. "We'll start off with some basic questions. How about… your favorite memory of the winter season?"

"Hey, are there any length requirements?" Futoshi asked, excited to hear what others had to say. Hiro shook his head. Futoshi grinned, and decided to lead off the answers. They took turns going around the room, before it came to Hiro. He looked over to his honey, a question written in his eyes. She nodded, and he began to talk.

"You all remember the Garden, right?" Everyone nodded. "This happened a while ago, back when all of us were there."

"I was walking outside one day, still confused as to why the world was like it was, when I came across a red-skinned girl being dragged along against her will. I asked and asked and asked the adults about who she was, why she was here, to no avail. No one answered me," he recalled, his friends looking on curiously. Who was he talking about?

"I decided to go searching. One day, I saw her again, fighting against the adults in her room. She didn't want to be here. She's like me, I thought. Even though we looked different, even though she had these ginormous red horns and teeth sharper than the winter wind, she was the same as me." Hiro looked down at his wife, smiling. Ichigo's eyes went wide, piecing what he'd been saying together.

"We broke out. We went on an adventure - we read the picture book, I gave her a name, licked her knee, and we fell in love. Even though the world tore us apart, tried its hardest to keep us from happiness, it failed. Each and every time, it failed. You know why?" He looked around the room, tears in his eyes, and yet still smiling brightly. "Because, we promised," he finished.

The room was silent, everyone contemplating the meaning behind his words.

Goro was the first to speak. "Hiro, you… you lied? About meeting Zero Two in Mistilteinn?"

Hiro nodded. "I had to, I'm sorry. We would've told you about this earlier, but… it wasn't safe. APE was still watching, and when they weren't any longer, we weren't here. That was why I suggested we do the 'team bonding exercises,' so that we could finally tell you all about this."

Mitsuru smiled, eyes tired. "So, that was why you changed so drastically so quickly. I always wondered why…" he trailed off, blinking slowly.

Ichigo was next. "You… I was always so worried, you know? Worried why what happened happened, why you just… forgot. But, I know now. It was for her," she smiled at Zero Two, bringing the pink-haired woman to blush.

It was getting late - really late - and many people had gotten up to go to bed after Hiro finished. He himself got Zero Two up, much to her chagrin, and wished everyone a good night.

He walked out of the room, presents in one hand and his honey's linked with the other. As they neared their house, he realized that the cold wasn't really bothering him. Must be the warmth from my friends.

He opened the door and led his sleepy wife to their room, her plopping onto the bed and falling asleep almost instantly. He laughed, glad she was already wearing nightclothes, and changed into his own.

He got into the bed beside her, smiling at the way her fangs showed a little when she slept. He didn't know how anyone could ever think of her as a monster just because of two little protrusions on her head and how her teeth looked, but sometimes people confused him.

Never his honey, though. Together, we are one, he remembered telling her. Their appearances were like that now, too - yin and yang, fire and water, completing the other.

It took Hiro a while to remember what he did with Zero Two, but he never forgot why.

As he closed his eyes and let dreams come, a single thought pierced the late-night haze.

For her.

A/N: Ah, winter. A nice season, if you ask me.

Dinobabies are coming. Be prepared.

And after that… things pick up.

Yours as ever, dsw78