Chapter 8: Grand Occasion (I didn't ask for this)
"What's wrong, Hikari?" Asuka asked, joining her friend as they left the front of the school. "You look down."
Hikari sighed, her shoulders slumping a bit. "Oh, the school trip got cancelled, that's all."
"Wait, what?!" Asuka barked, her hands immediately tightening into fists. She stepped closer to her friend as they walked, making the brunette lean away a tiny bit.
"Apparently, we can't afford it anymore." Hikari muttered crossly, taking a quick step away as the two continued their walk across the school grounds.
Asuka opened her mouth to shout some more, but stopped herself. "Anymore?" She asked, frowning suspiciously. "How does that work?"
Hikari nodded. "Well, we were supposed to go to Okinawa this year. " She explained quietly, slowing down a bit. "The school agreed to pay half the cost if we raised enough for the other half." She glared at the school for a moment as the two of them passed under a cherry tree. "Well, we managed to get the money, but now it doesn't matter. " She sighed, a note of disgust in her voice. "We were really looking forward to it, but now some thief went and ruined it all."
Asuka glanced at the school for a moment before perking up. "Wait, a thief? How do you know it was stolen?"
"Oh..." Hikari scratched the back of her neck, looking sheepish all of a sudden. "Um...I overheard some of the teachers talking, and they said that the money for it just went missing. The way they were talking, we had it all ready to pay for the trip, then all of a sudden, poof, its gone."
"Whaaaaaaat?" Asuka cocked her head, her face screwed up in a frown of confusion. "Wouldn't they have...insurance or something for stuff like that?"
Hikari pshawed. "They made us pay for half of the trip. You really think those cheap jerks would buy insurance for it?" She opened her mouth to continue, but she stopped herself. She took a deep breath, sighing bitterly after a moment. "I'm sorry for being so snippy. It's just...I was really looking forward to it, and now..."
Asuka opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by the ringing of the bell.
Silently, Hikari turned and began walking back towards the school, resignation clear in her poise. "Come on Asuka." She called morosely, not bothering to turn around. "We still have to go to class, even if its run by a bunch of stingy jerks."
Asuka grimaced, but followed her friend, fuming silently the whole way back.
"...So it was actually a trick to make the guy get worked up enough to do it? Huh...never thought of it like that..."
Toji turned the page, studiously examining the book. "And then she says she loves him too, they kiss, and...that's it." He frowned, closing the book and tossing it onto the pile in the corner. "So, it's like the other books on this stuff...the same stuff happens, at least in the end."
He turned over on his bed, staring blankly at the wall. But all those guys did different things...so what do I do? Do I surprise some blonde girl with a confession? Rescue some brunette from danger? Make lunch for a redhead?
He stood up, walking to his closed door and turned around, surveying his room like he'd just moved in. "Man...Even learning about dating doesn't help. Woulda been better iffn I just waited around..." He sighed, idly playing with his sleeve as he leaned against the door. "Then I wouldn't have to do all that work with the girl..." The jock paused for a moment, hearing footsteps on the other side of the door. "At least now she won't be a problem."
He pushed off the door and walked back to the bed, sitting down after a moment. He regarded the books in the corner keenly, drumming his fingers on his thigh. So, I just need to do what those books say and I'll get a girlfriend no problem. Then I just gotta-
"Toji? Are you alright?" Asked an old voice from the other side of the door.
"Yeah, Granddad." Toji replied automatically, his tone instantly cocky. "I told you, no cold's gonna keep me down!"
"You were running a fever for two days!" The old voice shot back. "That ain't just some cold!"
"Yeah Yeah." The jock replied dismissively. "'It's not just some cold, you should see a doctor, you're not fit to go outside.' " He jeered, his tone drier to imitate the old man. "but, iffn you don't remember, you're the one who checked on me and found out it was gone yesterday morning."
The old man growled in frustration. "Why in the hell did my son raise you to be so foolish?" He complained bitterly. "If your mother was still around, she'd have never let you grow up to be so damn dumb!"
Silence filled the air for several moments.
"...I'm sorry, grandson." The old man said quietly. "I...I shouldn't have said that."
"It's...it's okay grandad." The jock said, his voice just as quiet. "I...I know you're just concerned, is all. And yer probably right about what Ma'd say, too." He took a breath, his tone back to normal when he spoke up again. "But I'm fine, and there's no reason to worry sis if I can help it."
"Toji..." The old man began reproachfully. "She wouldn't-"
"She'd find out. I know it." Toji paused, sighing quietly as he laid down on the bed. "I'm sorry for bein such a hassle, but I really am fine."
The old man sighed in defeat. "Alright. Just...don't do this again. For all our sakes."
"...Yes, grandpa."
The old man didn't reply, leaving the fading sound of footsteps the only thing the jock heard for a little while.
Once they were gone, the jock waited a few moments before he sat up on the bed.
So, all I have to do is get a girlfriend, and then anything I do after, I can pass it off as doing it cause I love my girlfriend. That way, I can look around for him without getting caught or having to be all sneaky about it.
"...Who do I choose? I...He didn't know anybody like in these books..." After a moment, Toji shook his head and laid down on the bed, closing his eyes. Guess I'll start tomorrow.
Shinji staggered into the living room and slumped into a convenient chair, sweaty, exhausted, and aching. Don't ever…want…to go running…again… He sighed deeply. I'm just going to sit here, and not talk to anybody. That way, I won't get dragged into another fight with Asuka. He smiled at the thought, only to frown as he realized something. Oh right…Gig's not asleep.
"Hey!" Gig yelled, his voice drier than normal. "Redbeat! Get me a drink!"
"More like, you get me a drink!" Asuka yelled back from the kitchen.
"Kid, don't let her give us that cross-talk!" Gig complained, gesturing in the redhead's general direction.
Shinji sighed, sinking deeper into the chair. Why does this keep happening.He shut his eyes with a quiet groan. Is it really so hard for them to get along?
"Dammit kid, you gotta stand up for us more." Gig complained, his voice full of spite. "I can't do all the work here! I mean, look at how she's acting! She's walking all over us!"
On cue, Asuka came in, a glass of red juice in her hand. She made a show of displaying the icy drink as she walked over to another chair and sat down, a mile-wide grin on her face as she picked up the remote and turned on the TV.
"So, what should we watch?" She said, her tone as saccharine as the smile she wore.
"As if I'd watch something you'd enjoy!" Gig snorted derisively. "It's probably disgusting, much like your…hair."
This is like the sixth time this has happened….And I think he's used that before.
Asuka snickered at the half-baked insult. "Oh, that's too bad." She giggled, clearly delighting in the growl she provoked. "Well, how about I try to find something we can both enjoy. Okay?" She said sweetly.
Gig groaned in agony. "Y'know what, I'm not dealing with this anymore! Kid, I'm taking off. You deal with her."
Shinji sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. And once again, it ends with him going off to sulk. At least its predictable. He glanced over to the kitchen. I should probably get something to drink…
There were a few moments of silence until Asuka spoke up. "So that's what, the fourth time he's said that?" Asuka chuckled briefly. "Doesn't he get the fact that I'm better than him yet?"
Shinji sighed. "I don't know." He rasped, feeling extremely hot. He thought about getting some water, but he couldn't make himself get up. "I don't really…listen to him most of the time."
Asuka looked thoughtful for a moment, then set her icy drink down and stood up. Without a word, she went into the kitchen, only to come back moments later with a glass of water.
"Here." She said, offering it to him. "You look like you need it."
"And here are your printouts." The brunette chirped as the last few papers left her hands. "Don't forget to finish them for next week."
"Thanks, Miss Horaki." Shinji said, taking the papers and stuffing them into his bag.
"You're welcome, but I'm just doing my job." Hikari said, her smile turning into a bit of a frown as she looked about the nearly empty classroom. "I just wish people would stick around until I was done." She sighed, turning to leave.
"Hmmm…." Gig hummed thoughtfully as Shinji stood up.
"Huh?" Hikari turned back at that noise, backing up a step once she caught the strange look on Shinji's face. "W-why are you staring at me like that?" She said, a blush beginning to creep onto her cheeks.
Shinji started at her question. "Oh. Um…" He said, trailing off as his hands lay frozen on his desk.
The two stood there in silence for a few moments, feeling intensely awkward as the din of the school slowly died down.
Hikari broke the silence first, her blush now pronounced. "W-Well…" She said, slowly sliding towards the door. "I need to go see the teacher, so-"
"Hey what would you say to a date?" Gig spoke up, freezing the brunette in her tracks.
Extremely slowly, Hikari turned back to Shinji. "…A…A…date…?" She said slowly, shock warring with embarrassment on her red face. "Like…a…"
"Yes. A date." Gig said, making sure to pronounce every word as slowly and clearly as possible. "Like, A date, this weekend, with just us two. Or something."
Hikari swallowed nervously, her cheeks now burning a bright, fiery red. "Umm…w-well, I…I'm not doing much, so…I guess…" She stumbled over her words, barely resisting the urge to hide her face in her hands like a little girl.
"Oh, so it's a yes?" Gig said, delighting in Hikari's hard fought battle to keep her eyes from squeezing shut in embarrassment. "Not to answer for you or anything."
"Umm…I…y-yes…" Hikari mumbled quietly, her blush now so strong it was almost purple. Her nails dug into her palms as her gaze darted about the room, as if in search of something to talk about.
"Cool." Gig said easily. "So, what're you in the mood for? Movie? Concert?" He grinned evilly. "Or maybe something a little more…personal?" He called, barely keeping the snickers out of his voice as the brunette shivered. "Hey, don't worry! I'm fine with anything, I promise!"
"Ah…um…" The poor brunette stuttered, looking like she was about to melt down in embarrassment until her furtive gaze caught sight of the clock. Relief momentarily washed over her features as she opened her mouth to speak. "I-I just remembered! I have…an appointment soon! I'm sorry, but I have to go!"
With that, the overwhelmed girl dashed out of the classroom, hiding her face with her hands.
About a minute or so after Gig mostly stopped snickering, Shinji managed to speak up.
"…Why did you-"
"Welp, did my part, up to you now kid." Gig cut him off, still snickering a bit.
It took Shinji a while to parse that statement. "…Up to me? But…you asked her out." He said, a note of depression creeping into his voice.
Gig snorted. "Yeah, but lemme ask you this: does she know that?" He drawled, waiting a moment before continuing. "No? Well, that means she has to think you asked. Sides, if you remember, she said yes. "
"…Oh." Shinji felt like he could be knocked over with a feather.
She really did say yes, so…so…. It was an attractive thought, and yet at the same time Shinji couldn't ignore his growing dread as his imagination began to run through all the ways to completely screw it up. So, to avoid thinking about it too hard, he decided to ask Gig a question he'd tried earlier. "But, why did you…do it?"
Gig coughed. "Because you clearly need a lesson in quality." He sniffed derisively, pausing a moment before continuing. "Seriously, redhead=lame. Get that drilled into your head. I mean, first off-"
As Gig launched into a full lecture on the moral, personal, and physical failings of redheads, Shinji picked up his bag and walked out of the classroom, lost in thought. Completely ignoring Gig, his mind replayed what had happened over and over on the way home, coming to the same conclusion every time.
It was about the point he arrived at the apartment door that he realized something.
…She said yes. Gig asked her, but Hikari thought I asked, so she really said it to me.
She actually said yes. Not to Gig. To me.
Me. I.
…
…
…Oh god what do I do.
Asuka stomped down the quiet city street, stewing over the day's events. "I can't believe the nerve of him!" She muttered angrily, kicking a stray can. "As if I didn't have enough problems, he tries to ask me out by acting like I'm some prize he can walk in with?"
"It still wasn't very nice to tell him off like that."
Asuka sighed dramatically, ducking into the shade of a building. "Well I had to set an example, or I'd be forced to deal with stupid idiots like that every day!" She waved a hand dismissively. "Besides, I'm sure he still has all his teeth. It's not like he tried to ask out Hikari or something."
"So, does that mean you have to interview anybody your friends like?"
Asuka sighed, shaking her head. "No you ninny, I can trust her to-"
The redhead stopped dead as her eyes shot wide open. Very slowly, she turned a full 360 degrees, taking pains to examine her surroundings in the greatest detail. Everything she saw led her to only one conclusion.
She was standing on an empty street.
"…Who am I talking to?" She ventured tentatively, keeping her voice down in case this was some prank to make her look like a fool.
"Me! ...I think!" The voice chirped. Its tone was bright and cheery, but whoever it belonged to sounded like an absolute ditz, or a space case at best. "I mean, I don't see anybody else around, so it has to be me, right?"
Asuka took a deep breath and squinted, casting her gaze around the street. She has to be hiding somewhere, but where? And how can she be so loud?
"What are you doing?"
"Looking for you." The redhead said firmly, a hand on her chin. "Where are you hiding?"
"Oh, we're playing hide'n'seek?" It chirped giddily. "Goody! I'll hide over…over…uh…um…" The voice trailed off.
"What?" Asuka's brow furrowed. "What are you going on about now?"
"Er…Uh…um…I'm….not sure we can play this game." The quiet voice said sadly.
"…Really?" Asuka said, deciding to play along. "Well, tell me where you are, and I'll do the rest."
"Uh…I…I'm not really sure." The voice admitted, a hint of unease in its tone. "I'm…next to a big pole…and a window with a sign in it…" The voice paused. "I think it says closed…and there's some tiny writing on the side."
Asuka looked left, stiffening a bit as she spied a telephone pole to her side. Slowly, she turned to her right, finding a shop window with a CLOSED sign hanging in the centre. The redhead had to bend forward until her forehead nearly touched the glass to realize that 'good riddance' was written in the corner.
Asuka clenched her fists. "How can you not be sure? You're practically next to me!" she hissed.
"I am?" The voice chirped. "Then…how come I can't see you?"
Asuka opened her mouth to start shouting, but stopped as she felt a presence behind her. She turned, only to find nothing. "…You can't see me?" She asked, her face twisting into a frown.
"Well…" The voice seemed to struggle for words. "It's…like…I know you're here, but I can't see you. You know?"
Dread crept down the redhead's spine as she felt the presence behind her again. No…No, it can't be… Very slowly, she raised her hand. "What do you see now?" She asked, her throat suddenly dry.
"Well, now I can see the back of a hand." The voice supplied helpfully. "But everything else's the same, if that helps."
Black fear began to build in the pit of Asuka's stomach. "…Please tell me you aren't in my head." She whispered, feeling her shoulders start to shake.
"Oh! That would explain a lot!" The voice chirped brightly. "Like how I can't see you but I know you're there and all that stuff I heard and that weird night-"
"Oh god you are." Asuka rasped, already not listening to the voice. I'm going crazy. Oh god I'm hearing voices and they'll find out and they're gonna yank me off the pilot roster and lock me up and I'll be worthless and forgotten and alone and-
"Stop shouting!"
"H-huh?" Asuka blinked, startled by the voice's sudden cry. She straightened, looking around a bit to realize the street was still empty. "I wasn't shouting…" Her eyes went wide. "Wait, you can read my thoughts?"
"You were so shouting!" The voice accused. "You were so loud and scary and sad and scared and-…and…and…" The voice ground to a halt, like it was trying to focus.
There were a few moments of silence before the voice groaned quietly. "…What were we talking about?"
"…I asked if you could read my thoughts." On cue, Asuka's stomach growled. The image of a nice, big steak floated through her mind, and she nearly started to drool before she realized it could be a way to test this 'voice'. "What am I thinking about right now?" She asked, concentrating very hard on visualizing the steak.
"Huh? Thinking? Um…um…" The voice hummed in concentration. "…you're thinking about…about…oh, I'm too hungry to think right now." It sighed. "Can we get something to eat?"
Asuka straightened, narrowing her eyes. "Hmm…" She guessed food, but that's too general to tell me anything useful. I need something that it would have to…'be me' to know…Wait, that's it! "Hey, voice. If I'm crazy, you should know my past, right?"
"Huh? Um…maybe?" The voice agreed amiably. "If I really am a part of you, I guess it's possible….maybe it's a kind of mental disassociation from your current life and-"
"Yeah yeah that's great." She cut the voice off, rolling her eyes a bit. "What I mean is, what did Mr. Kaji get me for my birthday?"
"Um….Mr. Kaji? Your birthday?" The voice said uncertainly. "…uh…I don't know."
"…You don't know." She said flatly. It's my sundress. She put her hands on her hips, narrowing her eyes. "You're sure."
"Um…was it a fluffy teddy bear?"
"…You don't know." Asuka blinked, her mouth falling open a bit. "You don't know? How can you be some crazy thing my mind cooked up if you don't know something so important?!"
"Well, I just don't!" It chirped. "So I guess you're not going crazy?"
Asuka sighed, her shoulders drooping. "I guess." She thought for a moment. How can this voice not be something I cooked up? Is it a ghost? If it is, who's it a ghost of? An image of Shinji sniggering flashed through her mind, andshe frowned. …Hang on.
"Hey." Asuka said quietly.
"Huh?"
"What's your name?"
"My…name?" It said slowly.
"Yeah. A name." the redhead rolled her hand. "Like Ann, or Adel, or Bridgette. You know, a name?"
"Oh yeah!" The voice chirped in sudden understanding. "My name is…it is….uhhhhh….My name…ummm…" It trailed off.
Asuka generously gave it a few moments of silence before speaking up. "Well?"
"I…I can't remember…" It offered helplessly.
Asuka frowned. "How can you not remember?" She chided. "It's your name!"
"I'm trying! But I'm drawing a total blank!" the bright voice said, sounding deeply strained. " It…its like…I-I-I don't have a nameeeeeee!" It wailed pitifully.
"I-I didn't mean-" Asuka tried to backpedal.
"I-I don't know who I aaammm!" The voice began to sob, ignoring the flustered redhead. "I don't know who I am and I'm not a person and I'm not real and-"
"Oh geez, uh…" Asuka said quickly, trying to ignore the waves of guilt and embarrassment the sobs created in her. "L-look, I'll give you a name! Just stop crying!" She pleaded desperately.
"R-really?" It hiccupped.
"Y-yes!" She said quickly, looking around for inspiration as her mind worked. "Um…how does Red strike you?" she said, a bit more forcefully than she wanted.
"…Red?" The voice sniffed. "Why 'Red'?"
Asuka brought up her hand, index finger raised and an explanation on her lips, only to pause as she opened her mouth. "Umm…because it's …short?" She offered weakly, unsure herself just why she'd said it.
"Red…" The voice hummed thoughtfully. "Actually…I like it!" Red chirped, now happy again.
"You do?" the redhead asked, slightly unnerved by the voice's…Red's sudden happiness.
"Yeah!" Red said enthusiastically. "It…fits me! Somehow!"
"Oh." Asuka said, shrugging as her feelings of guilt were assuaged. "Well, it's great that you like it, because until you remember your real name, I'll be calling you that, okay?" She smiled a bit, hoping it would keep the voi…Red from crying again.
"Okay!" Red chirped. "So, what should we do now?"
The redhead thought for a moment. If…Red really isn't something I dreamed up, I have to find out more about it. But I can't question her here…if anyone showed up, I'd…. She shivered a little. I need someplace private to do this…I know!
"Um, hello?"
Asuka cleared her throat, her eyes scanning the area as she did. "Well, Misato and Shinji are probably wondering where I am by now, and its not like I have anything I really want to do." The redhead announced smoothly. "So, I'm just going to go home."
"Yay!"
Asuka, now armed with a plan in mind, turned for home, walking with her head held high and a slightly forced smile on her face.
Ten seconds after she turned the corner, the shop door opened, revealing a tall man with short black hair and dark skin. He stepped out into the afternoon sun, clad in a black suit and sunglasses.
In his hand was a notepad and pencil.
Asuka opened the apartment door quietly, feeling a bit drained after her talk with...Red on the way back. Actually, 'talk' wasn't really the right word. It was more like Asuka felt a bit drained after listening to Red's impromptu lecture series on nearly everything she saw on the way back.
It's like her head is stuffed with rainbows and sunshine, she's so aggravatingly cheerful. ...Wait, that would make it my head that's filled with rainbows and... She stopped for a moment, and shook her head. This is confusing.
"We're home!" Red called cheerily. "Okay, now you say it!"
Asuka rolled her eyes, but decided to humour the cheery voice. She took a breath, and-
"You're absolutely sure you're okay?" Misato said, her voice calm and even as it came from the kitchen. "You seem a bit on edge, Shinji."
The greeting died on Asuka's lips as her ears perked up. Hm? What are they talking about?
"I-it's nothing Misato. I'm just...thinking. Y-Yeah, that's it, so don't worry." Shinji practically tripped over his words, his tone nervous and panicky.
Asuka put a hand on her chin. That's the Third, but what's he mumbling about? She narrowed her gaze. And why is he trying to lie about it, too?
"Maybe he's just embarrassed about something?" Red supplied helpfully. "People say all kinds of stuff when they're embarrassed! It's like a science fact!"
Ignoring her passenger, Asuka snuck up to the edge of the front hallway. She pressed against the wall, intently listening.
"Really? Because it seems like...are you listening to me?"
"Helloooooo?" Red called. "Answer? Asuka? Please?"
Misato cleared her throat. "What's wrong, Shinji? You seem a bit distracted."
Shinji jumped a bit and looked back across the kitchen table, the flash of red he'd seen already fading in his mind. He gulped, noticing how the woman was sizing him up. "Um…N-nothing M-Misato…It's nothing." The young teen said, trying to force a smile. "Like I said, I'm just...thinking. It's not really important."
She smirked. "Now I know you're hiding something." Her eyes glittered mischievously as he refused to meet her gaze. "What, didn't you know how big and round your eyes get when you lie to my face?" She shook her head a little, rolling her eyes at how the young teen's mouth fell open. "Come on, you can tell me!"
"Um…" He shifted in his seat, looking about the room.
"Well?" She rolled her hand. "Out with it!"
"…I…I…" He stuttered, staring at his shoes for a moment before shutting his eyes and taking a deep breath.
Misato frowned, narrowing her gaze. "Look, do I have to-"
"IwastalkingwiththeclassrepafterschoolandIaskedher outonadatenextweekandIdon'tknowwhattodo." His answer came out in a panicked rush, leaving him gasping for air at the end. After a moment, he looked up at Misato, curious despite his reservations as to what she'd say.
Misato's mouth fell open for a few moments as she tried to parse what the young man had said. Once she did though, it curved into a smile almost too big for her face. "Aw, so that's why you were acting so suspicious! I knew you had it in you!" She cheered, her eyes sparkling in delight. "And you're looking for advice on what to do, right?" She drawled, pointing at him lazily.
Shinji's blush worsened, and he looked away. "Um…I...I just don't...I m-mean..." He trailed off, his jaw continuing to work as he tried and failed to think of something to say.
"Now now, no need to be shy about it!" Misato chided lightly, waving a finger at the boy. "After all, you've come to the right person! Alright, the first thing you want to do is-"
(MEANWHILE)
"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh what should I wear!?" Hikari cried as she searched through her closet, throwing everything she found onto her bed in a haphazard pile.
"Calm down, sis!" Kodama chuckled, watching her sister dash about like a panicking chicken. "It's not a big deal!"
"IT IS! IT TOTALLY IS! HE ASKED ME OUT AND I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!" Hikari shrieked, throwing the last of the clothes on the bed. "Look at these! They're terrible!" She pointed a shaky finger at the several dozen school uniforms before sweeping over to the few dresses she had, which were in various muted, dull colours. "I can't show up wearing any of these! He'll laugh, or worse he'll think I'm making fun of him!"
The older, ponytailed brunette sighed, sinking a little deeper into her chair. I dash home after sis calls in a total panic and it's for this?"He's not going to-"
"YES HE IS!" The girl cried, picking up one of the dowdiest dresses there. "Look at this!" She shakily held the dress against herself, almost looking like a sock with arms as she continued to work herself up. "ItsterribleandhellhateitandleaveandIllbesittingth ereandIllcryandmakeafoolofmyselfandI'llgrowoldandg reyanddieallalone-"
"ENOUGH!" Kodama said forcefully, standing up from her chair once she was sure Hikari was paying attention.
"B-but..." the young lady tried to protest. "He...He'll...I..."
Rather than reply, Kodama held out a hand to stop her sister's aimless squawking. "Look, sis." She spoke calmly and evenly, fixing the young brunette with a flat stare. "It's fine. Yerlookin fine. The dress is fine. Everythin'. Is. Fine."
"It is?" Hikari asked, slightly mollified. "But…"
Kodama pointed to the mirror, putting on a practised smile as she did. "Look, half the work's done right here! Heck, I reckon yer pretty enough that yer could walk out there wearin' nothin but yer uniform and wow the lucky guy! No earrins', or makeup, or lipstick, and he'd still be fallin all over ya!" She put a calming hand on Hikari's shoulders. "Ya could be neckin with 'im in some dark movie theatre, or finding yerselves a nice corner in some ritzy cafe joint, wouldn't matter! Yer jus' have to be confident, and it'll go smooth as silk, kay?"
"…Really?" Hikari opined hopefully, a shy smile on her face as she took in her sisters words. "Even if I didn't have any…any..." She trailed off, her smile turning into a look of absolute panic. "OHMYGOSH I DON'T HAVE ANY MAKEUP OR SHOES OR EARRINGS AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Kodama just groaned in exhaustion as her sister once again began running around like a headless chicken.
(BACK IN THE APARTMENT)
"Hikari...Hikari...Oh! That's your friend, right?" Red asked obliviously. "The class repres...reperes...rep..." She paused for a moment. "...the lady that hands out all the papers? Pigtails? Stern? Always wearing her uniform?"
Asuka's mouth dropped open. …He asked her out? She clenched her fists, her gaze narrowing slightly as an angry invective began to build in the pit of her stomach. Just like that? How could he say something so embarrassing?
"…Hello?" Red asked quietly. "Are you okay?"
Does he have no shame!?
"Um…you're clenching your fists pretty hard...Oh! Are you mad? ...You're mad aren't you." Red thought for a moment. "Is this about your friend?"
Instead of answering the confused voice, Asuka stepped out from the front hall with an angry tirade on her lips.
"Hey! Third!"
"Okay, so now that we've covered the introduction, what you want to do next is-"
"Hey! Third!" Asuka called, proudly stepping out from the front hall. "What do you think you're doing asking MY friend out like that!"
Shinji practically leapt out of his chair in fright. " A-Asuka!? When did you get here?!" He stammered, mouth agape as he backed away from her.
Misato, for her part, just chuckled. "Well well, Asuka, i didn't know you got to choose dates for your friends." She paused for a moment, humming thoughtfully. "Or...maybe you're just jealous that it's not you?" She grinned mischievously, leaning back a little farther in her chair.
Asuka had the decency to look shocked for a moment before scoffing. "What? As if I'd be jealous!" She crossed her arms, turning away with an exaggerated huff, tossing her hair for good measure. "I'm only interested in great men like Mr. Kaji, not a good little boy like him!"
"Are you sure?" Red piped up, her tone thoughtful. "He's pretty nice, he's your teammate, he's got that cool guy in his head, he cooks good food... Doesn't all that count for something?"
"Like I said, good does not equal great!" Asuka humphed, dismissively tossing her head just in time to miss Misato and Shinji's confused faces. "High standards are important for a pilot like me!" Once she was sure her blush was gone, she turned back, crossing her arms and gazing disapprovingly at her teammate. "And you simply do not meet them! S-So there!"
While Shinji just sat there looking confused, Misato's mischievous grin returned in a flash. "Ohhhh...well then, Asuka... If you aren't jealous, what's the problem?" She shrugged expansively, leaning back a little into her chair.
"The problem is that I'm concerned for my friend and what this...idiot might do to her!" She huffed, pointing at Shinji for good measure. "Not that I'm jealous of her, which I'm NOT!"
"Suuuuuure you are." Misato nodded slowly, rolling her eyes as she did. "Hmmm...Hold on...Maybe..." She grinned like a shark as she tapped her nose playfully. "...Could it be that you've got eyes for her? I mean, not that I would object or anything..."
"What!?" Asuka blanched, while Shinji's face turned bright red. "No! How could you even think that?!"
"Hm..." Misato tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Then, did you have someone else in mind for him?" She questioned, her eyes glinting with satisfaction as she watched her ward's face twist and twitch. "Oh! Maybe...you thought he was batting for the other-"
"No! NO NO NO! I did not have anyone else in mind, you...you...degenerate!" Asuka yelled, shaking a fist at her smirking guardian in frustration. "Ugh! You know what, I don't have to take this!" She complained, turning on her heel and storming off in a huff. "Just keep me out of your perverted imagination!"
"Sure thing, Asuka!" Misato called brightly before turning back to Shinji and smirking at his pronounced blush. "Now then Shinji, where were we? Oh yes, now, halfway through you want to make sure you use your..."
Mercifully, Asuka's door muffled their stupid voices so she didn't have to listen to their stupid conversation about that stupid date.
"Ugh. What is wrong with her?!" She huffed, drawing a hand through her hair. "Does she have no shame at all?"
"I'dunno. Maybe she traded it for more booze." Red chirped amiably. "Like an IOU note or something."
Asuka giggled a bit at that image. "Yeah, maybe."
There was silence for a moment as Asuka laid down on her bed. The room was smaller than she would've liked, but...she could deal with it. Even if it did mean giving up almost half her wardrobe.
"Sooooooooo, now what?" Red asked brightly.
"Now?" Asuka stretched languidly, working the kinks out of her back. "Now, you and I are going to have a little talk." She put her hands behind her head, wiggling her toes a little.
"Well, if you say so!" Red chirped. " Um, about what, exactly?"
Asuka frowned a bit. "Well, first of all, when did you wake up?" She asked quietly, glancing towards the door for a moment.
"Oh...Um...I think six am?" Red's tone, while still bright, seemed a bit perplexed by Asuka's question. "Pretty close to that anyway."
Asuka narrowed her eyes, feeling a distinct urge to groan. "I didn't mean today." She hissed quietly, stopping herself from insulting the voice.
"Ohhhhhhhh!" Red said, her tone full of realization. "You mean the first time! Um...That would be...about...a month ago? I think?"
Asuka flipped over onto her stomach, her hands idly laying with her sheets."You think?"
"Well, I didn't really mark the day, y'know?"
Asuka turned over on the bed, regarding the wall coolly. "So, you don't remember the ship?" She asked, closing her eyes and imagining her trip to Tokyo-3 and everything that had happened during it.
"A ship?" Red asked cluelessly. "When were we on a ship?"
Asuka sighed. "...never you mind."
"Okay." Red agreed blankly.
Asuka rolled her eyes, turning back to stare at her boring ceiling. "Anyway, I-"
"I should've just said no..."
"Hm?" Asuka sat up, turning to look at her door. "That was the Third's voice."
"He sounds worried about something."
She leaned forward to listen closer, and was rewarded with the muffled sound of a door closing.
Asuka, her curiosity roused, got up and put on a pair of white socks to muffle her footsteps. Then she padded to her door and opened it, taking pains to be as quiet as possible. She slipped across the darkened hall, and pressed up against his door, careful not to actually touch it.
"What do I do...Misato told me a bunch of stuff I should do for her...but..."
It's about Hikari! Asuka narrowed her eyes. I almost forgot that idiot was taking her out. God, it'll be a disaster if I'm not there...to keep an eye on them!
"Maybe...Maybe it'll all work out..."
Having heard enough, Asuka slipped away from the door and got back in her room just as quietly as she'd left.
"What was that about?" Red asked as Asuka dressed for bed in record time. "He didn't really say anything before you left."
"I heard all I needed to." The redhead answered simply, slipping into bed almost mechanically. "Now be quiet. The last thing I need is to wake up tired tomorrow."
"...Er, okay." Red agreed, sounding a bit baffled as Asuka pulled the covers up and shut her eyes. "Then, good night..." She said kindly.
Asuka yawned, smiling a bit as she fell to sleep.
Tomorrow was going to be a very interesting day.
Kozo regarded the man across from him coolly. "...So, you are the one they recommended?" He asked, leaning forward a bit in his chair and resting his arms on the oaken desk.
"I'm pretty sure there's only one Diego Ladro, sir." The dark-skinned man shrugged, the overhead lights glinting off his sunglasses. He sat completely at ease in his tailored suit, his short brown hair and carefully neutral expression making him seem almost forgettable, if not for the fact he was six feet tall and very heavily muscled. "I can go check with them, if you like." He leaned back in the chair, his posture loose and relaxed.
"No, no, that won't be necessary." Kozo said, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable in his uniform. "I'm just surprised someone so accomplished decided to come here."
"Call it the last stop on a guardsman's tour of duty." Ladro said flatly, his voice harsh and scratchy like he'd smoked a lifetime's worth of cigars. "What greater accomplishment to end it with than running protection for the world's saviours?"
"I can certainly understand the appeal. " Kozo said quietly, scanning the man's tanned face for a moment. "It seems quite natural, as your file paints you as a rather outstanding man. In fact, you're almost perfectly tailored to our needs." He sighed, laying his hands flat on the table. "Which makes it all the more surprising you're asking for such a low salary."
The man chuckled mirthlessly. "I'm not big on worldly pleasures or pointless baubles. Way I see it, that money can be better spent helping me do my job, rather than on pointless junk." He took off his sunglasses, folding them up and stuffing them in his shirt pocket.
"That's...very charitable of you." Kozo said quietly, finding the man even more suspicious now that he could see his eyes. He pushed that suspicion down though, keeping the amiable smile plastered on his face. "Very well then. You'll be given command of Section Two in a few days time, once we sort out the paperwork." He stood up, extending his hand to the man. "Mr. Diego Ladro, let me be the first to say 'welcome to NERV'."
"Nice to be working here, Sub-Director Fuyutsuki." Diego took Kozo's hand and shook it mechanically. "I'm glad to do my part in the fight against those monsters." He said with a practised smile as he let go of the old man's hand. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a team to start assembling." He turned to leave, walking out of the office with an even pace.
The second the door closed, Kozo slumped down in his chair as an immense feeling of dread washed over him. He closed his eyes and took a few breaths to calm down.
After a few moments of quiet, Kozo heard the door open. He didn't bother opening his eyes as footsteps echoed throughout the room. "Ikari, are you sure this is wise?" He asked, already sure of the answer.
"Better to have him where we can put his talents to use, than to refuse him and have the old men distracting us with more pointless complaints." Gendo said evenly, quickly taking a seat in the vacant chair. "In addition, this way he will be of minimal use to Inspector Kaji's investigation." He adjusted his sleeve for a moment before returning his gaze to his subordinate.
"If the truth about him were to ever become known, it would be disastrous for NERV's reputation." Kozo sighed, mechanically opening his desk and pulling out the game board they always used.
"By the time the council would agree to do that it will be too late." Gendo answered, tenting his hands in his lap. "Now then, I believe you start this time?"
"Yes." Kozo agreed, already preparing for another string of losses as he picked up a white stone.
Shinji sighed quietly as he stood up from the bench, feeling a distinct urge to start pacing around the fountain again. It had been almost fifteen minutes since he'd gotten here, and Hikari hadn't shown up, or even called him. Not that he could blame her for deciding not to come. "I guess she's not really here..."
"Eh. Not too surprised she decided to ditch. " Gig jibed. "I mean, this is you we're talking about."
Shinji slumped, making a puppylike whine of discontent. "Maybe I'll just go home..." He shook his head and reluctantly got up. Slowly, he began to walk around the fountain next to the bench, getting one last look at the pretty water feature before he left.
He'd taken only five steps when he ran into someone.
"-And random girl with the block!"
"Oof!" He heard a girl say.
"S-sorry miss, I didn't mean to..." He turned to apologize, only to fall silent as he came face to face with Hikari. His mouth fell open a bit as he noticed that she was wearing a white dress that reached almost to her ankles, hiding her white socks and unremarkable brown shoes. He idly noted how her pigtails had been replaced by a shoulder-length ponytail as the rest of him worked for something to say.
"Well well, I was right! Knocking off those pigtails definitely bumped her up a notch!"
"Oh...um...Hi." He finally said, feeling a distinct urge to scratch the back of his neck.
"...H-hi." Hikari replied, averting her eyes and blushing prettily.
Gig groaned in pain. "Kid, you live with a chick who's got tits as big as your head. How can this phase you?"
"Um...how long have you been here?" He asked, gazing at everything but the girl in front of him.
"...Fifteen minutes." Hikari muttered in embarrassment, her freckles now very visible on her red face.
"...I take it back." Gig said flatly. "I take it all back. You idiots are damn well perfect for each other."
"Oh. Um...you look pretty." Shinji got out, feeling heat spreading over his own face.
Hikari's blush worsened and she looked away, playing a bit with her dress's sleeve. "Th-thanks...you look good too." She murmured demurely.
"Hey kid, do you hear someone shouting nonsense? Like they're angry or something? Kid?"
"So...we should go..." Shinji said, looking towards the exit of the park. "I mean, if...if we want to do anything before it gets too crowded."
"Y-yeah." Hikari nodded, glancing in the same direction. "That's...a good idea."
"...What torture have I signed on for?"
Without another word, the two blushing teenagers left the park.
"Why are we in a tree?" Red asked, sounding very perplexed. "This doesn't really seem like a good idea."
"Because I need to keep an eye on them without them noticing!" Asuka whispered, intently watching the two teens next to the fountain. "In case you forgot, that's my friend out there, and I have to make sure that fool doesn't do anything with her!"
"Uh, why? Didn't you say you could trust her yesterday?"
"Er, I...that is...Look I just have to, okay?!" Asuka hissed, watching the two round the fountain and continue past a set of trees. "Good, they're gone. Now I just have to...to..." She glanced at the ground for a moment, realizing an important truth as she did. "How do I get down from here?" She paused for a moment, realizing another important truth. "...Come to think of it, How did I get up here?"
"Um...Was the ground always that far away?" Red asked. "I don't remember it being that far away...maybe we should call for help?"
"You shut up!" Asuka snapped testily. "It's easy to get down! Watch!"
The redhead took a deep breath, only to abruptly freeze as she heard an ominous cracking noise beneath her feet.
"...I'm watching!"
Hikari stopped. "Um, Shinji? Did you hear something?" She asked, turning to look back down the tree-lined dirt path.
"Hear what?" the young man asked, stopping a few feet away.
"I thought I heard someone cursing." She said, looking around a bit.
Shinji listened, but didn't hear anything. "It's probably nothing important." He said after a moment, shrugging a bit.
"Yeah, it probably was." Hikari admitted, smiling as she started walking again. "Anyway, let's keep going."
"...I guess you were right!" Red chirped brightly. "It really was easy to get down!"
"Shut up..." Asuka groaned irascibly as she lay flat on the ground.
Kaji sighed quietly as he walked down the sidewalk. Days like these were getting steadily rarer, and he was grateful to be able to just relax and enjoy himself. He could go shopping, get a bite to eat, maybe buy a gift for Misato and spin that into a date, and then...
His cellphone rang. In one smooth motion, he fished the thing out of his shirt pocket and put it to his cheek, answering the call before the first ring was even halfway finished. "Hello?" He said neutrally, ready to switch tones immediately depending on who was on the other end.
"Kaji?"
Instantly, a cocky grin snapped onto his unshaven face, and his walk slowed right down. "Well, well, Katsuragi." He chuckled confidently. "To what do I owe the honor of your-?"
"Can the act." Misato said curtly. "I'm not in the mood."
Kaji sighed, shaking his head a little. "Worth a shot. Anyway, what is it? This is my day off, you know."
Misato sighed quietly. "Look, I need you to...look after Shinji and that Horaki girl. I want their date to go well, you know?"
Kaji cocked his head to the side, stopping in the middle of the crowded sidewalk. "You want me to babysit them?"
"Well, not 'babysit' them, but..." Misato paused for a moment. "More like...nudging them along, you know?"
"...Oh, I see." He intoned thoughtfully, thinking over his options. "You want me to keep an eye on them, and maybe just 'happen' to be around for advice or recommendations?" He moved to lean against a store window as someone jostled him. "Do I have it right?"
"Yeah."
Kaji grinned roguishly. "Weeeellll...This is my day off, you know. I can't do this for free, so let me see..." He said smugly, opening his palm and counting off on his fingers. "Since its a personal favour, I might be able to get you a discount..."
There was an aggrieved sigh on the other end of the line. "...I'll go out with you this Sunday."
The man snapped his fingers. "Sold."
"Thanks. Now, if you'll excuse me-Oh, Pilot Ayanami! Just who I wanted-"
The line went dead, and Kaji stuffed his phone back in his pocket with a frown. He put a hand to his chin as he pushed off from the window. "Now, if I was a lovestruck boy like him, where would I go?" He muttered softly, pausing a moment before he shook his head. "Like hell I know what goes on in that boy's head...I really should've asked her where they were going to go..."
Kaji looked up, only to spy a redhead walking down the other side of the street. She was clad in an oversized coat and wide-brimmed hat, and moved with short, quick bursts that served only to draw attention to her. She bumped into several people before taking off in a dash down the street.
With a feeling of mild bemusement, Kaji realized both who was under that ridiculous outfit, and the only reason she would wear it in such hot weather.
Chuckling softly, he began following her, slipping through the crowd with practised ease as the sun rose higher in the sky.
"So, we're watching a movie?" Hikari asked, gazing at the decrepit old movie theatre. The place was old, but in a way that made it seem torn between two choices. The first was to cast off the remnants of the past and become a modern entertainment venue. The other was remaining a decrepit old deathtrap masquerading as a modern movie theatre.
Shinji read the placard above them. "It sounds like they're running some series of old films. Right now it's something called 'the Lady of Light." He peered at the list. "It's on in like ten minutes."
Hikari smiled. "That sounds so romantic..." She said dreamily, closing her eyes and humming softly.
"It does?"
The brunette started. "Uh, I mean, it sounds like it would be neat to see! Let's go inside!" She said quickly, almost dashing into the dark theatre.
"W-wait...!" He said weakly, following after her before the doors even closed.
It took only a few moments before a huffing and puffing redhead in an overcoat and wide brimmed hat followed them inside.
"Mayoka! My love for you burns as bright as the stars in the sky!"
"Mr. Mateo...I..."
"Come now. A beauty such as yours must shine as the bright sun in the sky, not as some diamond hidden deep in the dark, cold earth. Come with me, so everyone can see the greatness that resides in you."
"Oh, Mateo!"
"Oh, Mayoka!"
"Pffft..." Hikari started giggling as the two characters onscreen embraced. "This is really a classic?"
"Oh..." Shinji said, casting a glance around the nearly deserted theatre. "S-sorry if its not what you wanted."
She shook her head. "No its okay...this is just...this movie is so silly." She waved a hand towards the screen. "I mean, listen to them! Nobody talks like that!" Her shoulders shook a bit as she broke into a round of fresh giggles.
Shinji, despite himself, started giggling too. "Yeah..."
The moment was interrupted when the two heard a loud, dreamy sigh from behind them. They turned around, finding some smiling girl in a overcoat three sizes too big for her and a wide-brimmed hat. She sighed again, seemingly ignorant of the two's curious gazes.
A little disturbed by the girl, the two turned back and tried to watch the movie without laughing.
It took barely five minutes before they realized something.
"This movie is...actually really bad. It's not even funny now." Hikari said, frowning as the main lead and the girl's father argued over nothing. "I mean, the flyer said it was two hours and thirty minutes, and in like half an hour the plot's over."
"You're right." Shinji agreed, more out of boredom than any other reason.
Hikari sighed, shaking her head as she leaned in close to him. "Let's just go." She said, ignorant of the way he shuffled away from her. "We've still got a while, so maybe we can do something else before the day's over."
Shinji nodded, getting up with her and following her out of the dark theatre.
"Okay, so now where do we go?" Hikari asked Shinji as they stood outside the theatre, watching the crowds file by.
"Um...I don't know...do you want to go somewhere?" He deflected the question back at her.
Hikari pursed her lips for a moment. "Well, maybe we could..." The brunette trailed off, blushing as her stomach rumbled rather loudly. "S-sorry...I'm kind of hungry...I didn't eat this morning." She admitted sheepishly.
Shinji opened his mouth to reply, only to shut it as his stomach rumbled too. "Eh...That's...kind of true for me, too..." He conceded, scratching the back of his neck.
Hikari laughed a little at that before casting her gaze around the area, weaving back and forth to see past the throngs of people on the sidewalk. "Maybe we can find some little shop or something...
"Well hey there kids!"
They turned, finding an unshaven, ponytailed man emerging from the crowd. He was sloppily dressed, with his tie crooked and his shirt untucked. In his hand was a plastic shopping bag with something inside, they couldn't tell what though.
"Mr. Kaji?" Shinji said, genuinely surprised. "What are you doing here?"
The man flashed a wide grin, his pearly-white teeth almost glinting in the sunlight. "Oh, just doing some shopping." He said easily, rolling his shoulders as he bounced the bag in his hand a bit. "Don't really get the chance much these days."
"For what?" Hikari asked, looking curiously at the bag.
"Oh, it's just a little favour I'm doing for Katsuragi." He said, reaching into the bag and pulling out a black piece of lingerie. "She always loves little things like these."
"M-M-Mr Kaji! P-put that away!" Shinji protested, looking at the man with a shocked expression while Hikari just blushed and stared at the offending item. "W-we're out in public!"
"Oh sure." He agreed, stuffing the item back in the bag. "Wouldn't want to give you two ideas right at the start."
"W-W-W-What?!"
"GGHHHHHGKFDKFGFGDKD!"
"Deep breaths! Deep breaths! Remember health class!"
"H-huh? What was that?" Hikari and Shinji looked around for the source of the anguished death rattle "That sounded really close...is something going on?"
Kaji smirked, shaking his head in amusement for a moment. "Nah, that wasn't a 'something going on' sound." He put a hand on his chin, looking deep in thought. "I'd say that was just the sound of a thousand teenage fantasies shattering all at once." He mused, his tone full of good humour and understanding.
"...What?"
Kaji rolled his eyes at their confused faces. "Anyway..." He said, crossing his arms and giving the two a level stare. "You two look hungry."
The two blushed, nodding somewhat reluctantly. "Um, yeah." Shinji said, looking quite embarrassed. "We were going to go get lunch, so-"
Kaji clapped his hands. "Perfect! I know just the place!"
Hikari backed up a step in surprise. "You do?" She asked, sheepishly stepping forward after a moment.
"Yeah. It's right over there!" Kaji pointed to his side. "Me and Misato go there all the time."
Hikari and Shinji peered at the indicated place for a moment. "...The Fiery Maid Cafe?" Hikari ventured, sounding very confused. "I didn't think Ms. Katsuragi liked that stuff..."
Kaji nodded, smiling. "Oh yeah, we-er, no!" His eyes snapped open, and the unshaven man quickly shook his head. "Not that one! I meant the one beside it." He pointed again, this time a little to the left.
"Oh." Both teens said dumbly as they read the sign. "Ultimate Shadow Ramen?"
"Yup! It's great!" He clapped his hands on their backs, making the two jump a bit. "Come on then!"
"Oh my..." Hikari took in the place with wide eyes, her mouth falling open a bit.
It wasn't a dive...at least, not in the regular sense. It was more like the place was trying to be stylish, yet it looked like it had been designed by committee and then that same committee had tried to fit it into the budget. It certainly explained the design 'decisions' like having shiny steel stools and fake wood paneling right next to each other, or trying to make the place warm and dark while using fluorescent lights, or having the floor look like old carpet yet click when you walked on it.
Shinji shrugged. "Well...maybe the food is good? Mr. Kaji and Misato come here, so there has to be something about it..." He turned, only to find his chaperone mysteriously missing. "Mr Kaji? Umm..."
Hikari spun around, moving a bit faster than she intended. "He's gone? Why-"
"Hello! How may I serve you?"
Both teens practically jumped as they whipped around. Standing in front of them was a middle aged, towering brunette with hazel eyes and a slightly forced smile. Her right hand tapped on the podium in front of her, while her left was hanging down by the waist of her black dress pants and white dress shirt.
"Oh, um...we're here for lunch?" Hikari said awkwardly.
"Oh, right this way then!" In seconds, the woman had them seated in a secluded booth at the back of the room. Before either teen could say a word, menus were in their hands and the waitress was gone, leaving only a smile and a promise to check on them.
There was silence for a little while as the two looked at each other and the menus.
"I guess we should order..." Shinji said, shrugging helplessly when Hikari just stared at him. The two flipped open the menus and began to read, their faces alternating between surprise, shock, and confusion with every item they read over.
"...Is that a steak on those noodles?"
"Wait, it 'comes with ice spikes'? Is that why you pay twice as much for it?"
"17 desserts in one? I-Is this for people who want heart attacks?"
"'Jello Italia'? Do...do you use a fork?"
They were barely halfway through when someone sat down nearby with a loud thump, drawing their attention away from the mystifying menus.
Hikari looked up first, twisting around to see who'd come by. "...Asuka?"
Shinji looked up at that. "Asuka?" He asked, grateful for something else to think about. "She's here?"
Hikari motioned with her head. "I swear that's her over there."
On the other side of the room in another secluded booth was a redhead wearing an overcoat three sizes too big for her, with a wide-brimmed hat sitting on the table. She had the menu propped up in front of her, and was leaning down into it, as if to mask her face as much as possible. She continually peeked over the top though, sneaking glances between Hikari and Shinji's table and the main entrance.
"I...I think that is her." Shinji said after watching the girl sneak a glance over the top for the fifth time. "But, why is she acting so strange?" He cocked his head as she peeked out from the side this time.
"Maybe she's waiting for someone?" Hikari offered, turning back to him. "She-"
"Hello! Are you ready to order?"
Stifling a gasp, the two looked up into the face of the waitress from earlier. She had an expectant smile on her face, and her arms were folded across her chest.
"Umm..." Shinji fumbled for something to order. "Uh...I'll have...the Steak Ramen?" He said awkwardly, picking the first thing on the page.
"Great!" She said, producing a notepad and writing in it at blinding speed. "And the lady?"
Hikari blushed. "Um...what he's having?" She said, looking as lost as her date did.
"Great!" The waitress beamed, her notepad vanishing the instant she flipped it shut. "I'll be back with your orders shortly!" She collected their menus and turned on her heel in one motion, vanishing into the kitchen in a way that both teens thought impossibly fast.
With both still mulling over the disconcerting actions of their waitress, it felt like barely a moment had passed before the woman came back. with two bowls on a plate. She set them down in front of the two with a practised ease, and immediately vanished.
The two slowly gazed down at the bowls in front of them.
"well...It's definitely got a steak in it..." Hikari said slowly, poking at it with her knife for a moment. "It doesn't look so bad..." She abuptly froze for a moment. "Um...Shinji?"
"Y-yes?"
"...When did we get knives?"
After a long, awkward silence, Shinji slowly cut off a piece and ate it, chewing for a little while before swallowing. "Well, its not...bad..." His stilted delivery did nothing to make either of them feel better.
Hikari did the same, pulling a confused face as she ate a bit more of the steak...ramen...whatever it was. "This is just...I mean, n-nothing's wrong with it, it's just...I mean..." She fumbled over the words for a moment. "It...It just doesn't feel right. Does that make sense?"
It didn't, but Shinji nodded anyway. "Maybe we should just go..." He said, getting up when Hikari nodded. "It's not really-"
"Ah, you've finished!"
Shinji jumped, grimacing as his knee banged into the table. He took a sharp breath before he looked up, spying a similar look of pain on Hikari's face before he turned to the waitress. "Uh...Y-yes...I think we have..." He spoke slowly, straining to sound normal.
"Great! Follow me and we'll settle the bill at the front." The waitress turned and left, dragging the two teens behind her with merely her presence. They crashed into each other a bit as they reached the podium, getting to the front of it just as the waitress finished ringing up the bill. "Alright! Here's the bill!" She handed them a slip of paper.
Shinji felt a distinct urge to gasp. That many zeroes should not be there for a bowl of ramen and a steak. Dread began to rise up his spine as he realized he had no way to afford this. The look on Hikari's face seemed to share that realization.
"Cash or charge is fine with us." The waitress smiled in a way that did nothing to calm the two.
"Umm...We...uh..."
"Great! I'll pay cash, then."
The two turned as a wad of bills was stuffed between them. Right behind them was Kaji, still unshaven and wearing a sloppy grin to match his sloppy outfit. "Keep the change, miss." He said with a wink and a smile as he swept the two towards the entrance.
"Thank you! Have a nice day!" The woman called as the unshaven man practically dragged the frozen teens out the door.
The woman watched them leave, letting out a quiet sigh when he was out the door. "Sheesh...why order something like that if you can't-oof!" She felt someone elbow past her and sprint out the door. "Hey! You can't just leave!"
"I didn't order anything!" The girl barked as she dashed out the door.
The waitress just stared quietly for a moment before turning back to the girl's table. "...huh. She left her hat." The waitress thought for a moment, and then walked over and picked the hat up. "...Hey! It fits! And it looks pretty good!" She posed a bit, giggling quietly.
"MIKAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Came a old, gravelly roar from the back.
"C-coming Boss!"
"I guess it was good Mr. Kaji paid for our lunch like that." Hikari said, walking down the loosely packed sidewalk with Shinji.
"Yeah..." The young man sighed. "I couldn't afford anything like that."
"Neither could I. I've never even seen that many zeroes." She shook her head. "Still, it's weird he did that for us and then just vanished. How does he do that, anyway?"
"I don't kno-oof!" Shinji cut off as someone elbowed past him. Rubbing his side gingerly, he stopped and looked around for a moment, suddenly noticing all the people practically running around them. "Is there a sale going on?" He said carelessly, looking in the window to his left.
"Huh?" Hikari stopped, noting his gaze and turning herself to get a look. "Oh hey, this is that new toy store!" She said brightly, her face lighting up as she stepped closer to the window. "Oh, look at this little guy! He's so cute!" She pointed into the bin on the other side, which was filled with fuzzy things that looked vaguely like dolphins.
"...I don't really see it." Shinji said after a moment's pause.
"Oh, you just need to hold one! I'll show you!" Hikari said, motioning for him to come inside for a moment before simply running through the doors, Shinji reluctantly following a moment later.
A minute later, a running redhead in an oversized coat slowed to a stop in front of the store. She looked inside, shivering powerfully for a moment as the sun beat down on her. Then, she just started walking again, as if nothing had happened.
"I still don't see the cute part..." Shinji said slowly, staring at the little blob of fuzz in his date's hands.
"But just look at his little flipper arms!" Hikari wiggled the stubby arms of the blue whale-ish thing for emphasis. " And just look at how cheap he is! I could get like eight of these for me- I mean Nozumi!" She giggled a bit, smiling broadly for a moment before turning back to the case. "So I...where'd they go?"
"Oh, sorry!" They turned around once they heard the woman apologize. She had short brown hair, brown eyes, and was wearing a nice white shirt with some long jeans. "I didn't know you still wanted one." She motioned towards the case with her arms, which were filled to bursting with the fuzzy little animals dolls.
"Miss Ibuki?" Shinji said, stepping forward for a moment. "Umm...why are you here?"
Maya smiled a bit. "It's my day off, and since I'm going to a wedding soon, these are going to be gifts for the lucky couple." Her gaze turned faraway for a moment. "Gifts for people who will promise to be with each other forever..."
"Aw, that's so sweet!" Hikari squealed happily, her bright smile now almost blinding. "Here, take this one!" She said, stuffing the doll into the older brunette's arms.
"Oh thanks!" Maya said cheerily, fighting to keep everything in her arms. "Now I can give them a whole set!"
"You're welcome miss!" Still smiling brightly, Hikari grabbed Shinji's arm. "Come on, let's see if we can't find any for us-I mean them!" She urged, heedless of the way he was tensing under her iron grip.
"H-hey, q-quit pulliiiing!" Shinji said, panic rising in his voice while the brunette dragged him off.
Maya watched them go, a sweet smile on her face as they vanished around the aisle corner. "Oh, those two are adorable." She cooed, giggling a bit at the sight.
"It's great to see them enjoying themselves, right?"
"Yeah! Shinji's got a great smile when he- ah!" Maya jumped a bit and turned around, almost dropping the stuffed animals as she saw who was with her. "Inspector Kaji? What are you doing here?"
The man shrugged. "Call it a favour for Katsuragi." He said, offering a plastic bag that Maya gratefully accepted. "She wants me to make sure those two hit it off, or at least keep out of trouble. Course, I can't be obvious about it."
"Oh." Maya glanced over to where the two teens had disappeared. "Must be tough doing that all by yourself." She reasoned, dumping the animals into the bag. "Especially since you have to stay so close to them."
Kaji was silent for a moment before he turned back to the brunette. "Say, Ibuki."
"Yes?"
He glanced around quickly. "You're free this afternoon, right?"
"Well, I'm not doing anything important..." She cocked her head. "Why?"
He motioned for her to come closer. "Well..."
"Umm...sorry for doing that to you." Hikari apologized again, walking down the street with a penitent expression on her face. "I...should've asked."
"I-it's okay." Shinji replied, gingerly rubbing the angry red spot on his arm where she had grabbed him. "I...I know you were just trying to help miss Ibuki...you don't have to apologize."
She shook her head, her gait slowing as the crowd around them began to thin out. "No...that's not true. I wanted to show you all that stuff, but I shouldn't have hurt you trying to do it." Her shoulders slumped, and she let out a quiet sigh. "It was wrong of me to drag you around like that..."
"Oh..."
"E-Even if it felt nice." She mumbled, looking away from him.
Shinji stopped dead in his tracks. "N-Nice?" He asked, his eyes wide as he felt the spot on his arm grow warm.
Hikari started. "Oh! Ummm..." Slowly, she turned back to him, a nervous smile on her face. "...Y-yes?" She admitted, blushing brightly.
Shinji blushed back, feeling very warm all of a sudden. "Oh...I, uh," He began to stammer, his gaze darting around until it settled on something behind his date. "That's...that's..."
"Ummm...Shinji?" Hikari frowned as the blush drained from Shinji's face, his shy smile replaced by a frown of suspicion. "What's wrong?"
The boy pointed past her. " That's Mr. Kaji over there, right?" He asked slowly, squinting a bit.
Hikari turned around, shielding her eyes with her hands as she looked for the scruffy inspector. Sure enough, only a moment's gaze was needed to confirm who was down the street, and that he wasn't alone. "And...Miss Ibuki? Where did the stuffed animals go?"
"And..." They watched as a redhead strode up to the two and began speaking to the older man. "That's Asuka talking to them!"
"Wait..." Hikari frowned, putting a finger to her lips for a moment. "Do...do you think they're following us?" She asked, her tone highly unsure. "Is that something they'd do?"
"...Mr. Kaji said he was doing a favour for Misato." Shinji said thoughtfully. "...and... she's the one who told me about the theatre..." He trailed off, trading a glance with Hikari.
Less than a moment later, a powerful shiver worked through the two.
"...Um...maybe we can go this way." Shinji said calmly as he turned around and began walking with a speed that said he was anything but. "Just...Just to be safe."
Hikari fell into step beside him, nervously glancing over her shoulder every few steps. "Yeah. W-we're probably overreacting anyway." She tried to laugh as they stopped at the curb. "Besides, it's not like she'd get everybody you know to-"
"Oh, hello Shinji." Came a calm, measured voice from behind them. "Who's your friend?"
It took a monumental effort for the two not to jump out of their skins as they slowly turned around.
Before them was Dr. Ritsuko Akagi, wearing a blue blouse and a medium length brown skirt, with a pair of smart black dress shoes. Her smile was small and slight, while her eyes held a look of calm contentment.
"H-hello, Dr. Akagi." Shinji squeaked, the hairs on the back of his neck standing up. "This is...uh...H-Hikari Horaki." His nails began to dig into his palm as the girl beside him nodded.
"Hm? Is something the matter?" Ritsuko asked, cocking her head. "You sound worried about something."
"Uh...No, no I'm fine." Shinji said, slowly inching backwards in sync with Hikari. "Um...uh..."
"Well, you don't really soun-..."
The two teens broke. They turned and ran from the woman as fast as they could, sprinting across the intersection and vanishing into the forested park on the other side.
Ritsuko just stood there, staring into the park with a look of confusion on her face. Her face scrunched up into a frown for a moment before she turned away with a shake of her head.
"...What was that about?" she muttered, striding into a flower shop close by.
"Hah...Hah...I think..." Hikari panted, wiping her forehead as she sank to her knees. "...we lost...her."
"I...hope...so." Shinji puffed, barely resisting the urge to sit down and never get up.
"...hah...Oh, no..." Hikari glanced at her dress and let out a groan of exhausted frustration. "Sis loaned this to me...now its all ruined..." She drew a finger through the dirty smudges as her shoulders slumped. "Maybe she'll forgive me if I tell her I just tripped..." She moved to get up, still a little unsteady.
Without even thinking about it, Shinji held out his hand, and Hikari took it gratefully. Both of them only realized what they were doing after she was already on her feet.
With a slight yelp, the two of them pulled apart, both blushing like mad.
"Ah...th-thanks for helping me up..." Hikari said, her eyes squeezing shut.
"N-no problem..." Shinji stuttered, acutely aware of the way his hand felt very nice all of a sudden.
The two lapsed into an embarrassed silence, fidgeting continually as they looked at everything but each other.
Hikari broke the silence first. "So...Um...do you think Mr. Kaji is still following us?"
"Ow!" Asuka yelped as she was once again thrown back into the alcove by the human wall in front of her. "Let me through!" She demanded impotently, trying to force her way through the unyielding crowd.
"Asuka, you're just going to have to wait." Kaji said evenly, leaning against the papered over doors behind them. "Even someone like you can't force her way through a crowd like that."
"Well, how long am I going to have to wait?!" Asuka snapped impatiently. "I feel like I've been here forever!"
Kaji directed a meaningful glance towards Maya, who simply shrugged.
"Well, the stores close around five, so we can probably leave by then." She said casually, reexamining the contents of her shopping bag once she finished. "Or sometime around then."
Kaji just laughed quietly as Asuka took less than a second to launch herself into the crowd once again.
After what felt like an eternity for the two fidgeting teens, salvation arrived in the form of rhythmic, muffled noises.
"Do...do you hear that?" Shinji murmured quietly, squinting between the trees before them.
"Yeah...yeah, I do!" Hikari said, her voice growing a bit enthusiastic. "It sounds like a concert or something...let's check it out!"
The two started walking, only vaguely aware of what they were doing as they followed the distant sound. In what felt like no time at all, they came upon a clearing filled with rows of chairs and a simplistic stage. Most of the seats were empty, but the elderly men and women onstage played like the place was packed.
The two sat down almost without thought and began to listen.
"This is nice..." The brunette sighed, her voice a bit dreamy.
"Yeah..." Shinji nodded for a moment, only to start squinting. "it...Is that Ayanami?"
Hikari suppressed a groan. "You're kidding..." She followed his gaze, her face scrunching up in a frown.
There, sitting at the front was the blue-haired girl in question. She was dressed in her school uniform, and was intently listening to the performance.
"How does this keep happening..." Hikari complained, awkwardly gesturing to the pale girl.
"Wait, I don't think she noticed us..." His eyes widened with inspiration. "Maybe if we're quiet, she won't see us?"
Hikari thought for a moment, then shrugged. "...Worth a shot."
The two settled back to listen, losing themselves in the music as the concert went on.
"That was great!" Hikari chirped amiably, her gaze sweeping around the tree-lined path. "I just wish it was longer. They really finished faster than I was expecting."
"Yeah, they were pretty good." Shinji agreed, a slight smile on his face. "They really got into it halfway through." He smiled at the memory. "It was a lot different than listening to a recording."
Hikari giggled as they rounded the corner. "...Still, I think my favourite part was-"
They stopped dead with a short gasp. Barely a hundred feet away, at the entrance of the park, was Ayanami. Worse, she was talking to Kaji, Maya and Asuka, all of whom seemed to be listening intently.
"They are following us!" Hikari hissed. "Quick, let's go the other way before they see us!"
Shinji nodded quietly, and the two began running for the opposite side of the park.
"Haaaaahh...Haaaaahhhh..." Shinji gasped as he slid to a stop in front of an apartment block, his hands on his knees. "Never...want...to do this...again." He coughed harshly for a moment. "My heart...is going...to explode." He spared a single glance at the clear glass doors before his gaze returned to his knees.
"Hah...Ahah...haaaaahh..." Hikari leaned against a nearby light pole for support, taking gigantic breaths that just made her dirty dress look even worse. "...Not if...mine does...first."
"S-sorry...this all happened." Shinji apologized, almost choking for breath between his words. "I...know it was annoying...to get followed everywhere."
He looked up at Hikari, seeing her start laughing wheezily. "Wh-What? What is it?" He frowned, and looked away. "I'm sorry...if you didn't have any fun."
The brunette smiled wearily. "Don't be..." She said, stepping forward and drawing him into a light hug that he was too exhausted to resist. "Because...I still had fun..." she whispered.
Suddenly, Shinji felt warm in a whole new way. "...Really?" He asked, shock and hope warring in his tone. "You...had fun?"
She giggled slightly. "Yeah...Cause I was with you."
Without another word, she leaned up and pecked him on the cheek. Shyly, she drew back, finding her fiery blush mirrored on his face. "I'd like to do this again...is that okay?"
"Yes?" He agreed instantly, too starstruck to even think about what he was saying.
"...Thank you." Hikari favoured him with one more smile before she turned and hurried into the apartment building, picking up her dress as she started to run down the hall.
Once she was out of sight, Shinji, slowly and mechanically, turned around and began walking home, touching his warm cheek every few steps.
The front door shut behind Shinji with a soft click, shrouding him in the warm gloom of the apartment. He slowly took off his shoes, wearing a smile so wide it was almost frightening. He filed through the dark kitchen like he was walking on clouds, too preoccupied to notice how the apartment was empty.
"Zzzzzzz...snrk...hm?"
Shinji didn't even give the living room a second glance as he stepped into the hallway. His hand traced along the wall, opening his door without even thinking about it.
"Haaaaa...huh? We're back home...?"
He stepped into his room and shut the door with his foot. the stupid grin refusing to leave his face as he began to change into his nightclothes.
"Hey kid. Did I miss anything important? You get to fourth base or whatever it is?"
Shinji stopped for a moment, halfway through putting on his nightshirt. Then, he began laughing softly, his tone almost giddy as he finished pulling on his shirt.
"...The hell's wrong with you?"
Now finished dressing, Shinji climbed into bed. He shut his eyes in seconds, the smile refusing to leave his face as he drifted off to sleep.
"H-Hey! I'm talking to you!"
Shinji rolled over, and soft snores began to echo around the room.
"...Meh, I'll just chew him out tomorrow. It's not like I'm getting anything out of him right now..."
"That's it, I'm giving them a call! I deserve an explanation!"