+++++ 3rd Angel + 9 Sunday (10)

"They don't move right, Maya-San," Shinji slumped Unit-01 forward, allowing the arms to dangle as he pantomimed the awkward-looking, fluid, motions of the Angel as he remembered it. "It focused its attention on two limbs at once, either its legs or its arms." Shambling around, then stopping to use his arms like a marionette, he demonstrated the effects he described, "I'm not saying that the combat simulation isn't useful, a two-on-one situation is something I should train for." With Asuka, for a week. "But you asked if the Angel was acting right, and that's…well, that's what I saw." His voice ran out of steam as he realized he was criticizing someone, "Sorry."

"No," Maya was typing everything he said out into a notepad, "no apologies, Shinji-Kun! This is great!" Pausing to take another bite of her home-made western meal, she swayed happily in her seat, "And the lunch is great too. It tastes good, but I know I'm going to have to work out twice as hard. No wonder obesity was a huge problem pre-Impact, if this was how they normally ate."

Misato, feeling slightly jealous that her former ward had made a special meal for another woman that did nothing to protect him, and yet had brought her nothing, tapped her pen against her console, "I'd like you to proceed, Shinji. You need more repetitions to get the movements and evasions down pat. Remember, combat isn't about action alone, it's about reaction too. Muscle memory saves lives."

"Yes, ma'am," Shinji nodded, bringing the purple titan back into a combat ready stance. "Whenever you're ready, Aoba-San."

"Just Shigeru, Shinji-Kun. If you're friends with one of us, you're friends with all three," he playfully shoved Maya where Shinji would see the motion. "And a happy Maya-San makes the work much easier on everyone here. Ok, you're go in five, four, three," he tapped the last two beats silently and keyed the sequence to start once more.

Unit-01, now in perfect synchronicity with its Pilot, turned and took several hops backwards to prevent either copy of the Third Angel from having an unopposed chance at his back. Knowing that the giant power cord stored there would be a damning loss, the memory of his fight with the Fourteenth Angel a glaring reminder, he focused on learning how he could maneuver to both protect it and still engage the enemy.

The bridge's microphones were now all tied to Misato's to prevent a repeat of the previous day, so when she muted the connection all lights turned red, "How long will it take to change the way they move to come closer to what he feels is 'realistic'?"

Ritsuko sat drinking the soup Shinji had made her, lost in her own thoughts. The brilliant scientist's response was therefore vague, as it didn't merit much in the way of processing power, "Depends." She did not want to make brutal, passionate, love to Shinji. He was far too young for her, he already had a wonderful girlfriend, who she also did not want to find a way to bury her head between the legs of, all of this was just the result of her not finding anyone…more appropriate.

Sipping her meal, she savored the simple mixture he had provided. Somehow he had known her favorite, or had just made another incredibly lucky guess, and it was phenomenal. How Gendo Ikari had managed to be a part of producing someone so completely unlike Gendo Ikari gave rise to so many pertinent questions. Was 'Nurture' truly that much weaker than 'Nature'? Did the Commander of NERV have a much softer, kinder, side that simply withered and died when Yui Ikari was tragically absorbed into the crime against nature Shinji piloted with such skill? How would it feel to be held down as those blue eyes smiled down at her, that gorgeous shock white hair swaying as he….

"Ritsuko!" Misato stomped on the leg of her suddenly flighty friend's chair, forcing the seat back onto all four legs and startling the faux-blonde out of her reverie, "What has you so distracted? You insisted that you be here to observe, and all you're observing is the inside of that thermos."

Embarrassment flooded her mind, "I'm simply trying to find ways to provide the output that Shinji needs. I'm sorry if that means I can't listen to you whine about everything else." Glaring at her off-and-on friend, Ritsuko stood and replaced the cap on her soup, "I'm going to be in my lab working, tell him that so long as he records what he does with Horaki-San for combat training, I'll consider his physical fitness requirement met."

Scowling, confused, Misato looked over to Maya, who simply shrugged in confusion herself and turned back to watch Shinji demonstrate a capacity for combat that had the young technician's mind alight with her own questions. "Touch my food and pull away stumps," she defended her meal from Makoto and Shigeru's subtle encroaching cutlery with a single, calm, threat. "You want food, you make friends with him or find a date." The Bridge Bunnies were a united front, but border conflicts between friendly neighbors were inevitable, and the nation of Ibuki reigned supreme.

+++++ 3rd Angel + 9 : Sunday (10)

"He has skill," Gendo watched the highlights from the day's combat simulation begin its loop again.

"We may have a chance of pulling this off after all," Kozo smiled.

"And our problem in Nagano?"

The old Professor's smile dropped immediately, "Resolved. There were…issues…found. As you know, the reports we were receiving from the gentleman weren't entirely forthcoming. The Agents that arrested him reported…pictures. They have been filed, though I would caution against looking at them."

"Was he exposed to this issue?"

"Not to my knowledge. I have seen the signs in enough people in those situations, he shows none of the classic symptoms. His fugue states, and what he uttered during the one I witnessed, seems to simply indicate a confusion about his place in the world. Any abuse was the absence of engagement and lack of appropriate socialization." Kozo grimaced, "As loathe as I am to bring up the topic-"

"No," Gendo shook his head. "We will trust in Lieutenant Ibuki and Doctor Akagi. They have his trust, and we know their loyalties. If he has any issues, he will bring them up to those two. We gain nothing by increasing his exposure to uncontrolled inquiries. How goes the progress of the First?"

The topic had been concluded, and Kozo knew better than to try and argue the point. He had gained territory, and accepted that consolidation for now was the best strategy. "Her recovery has been stymied, this new recalcitrance, for example…."

+++++ 3rd Angel + 9 : Sunday (10)

"Come in," Misato kept her eyes on the forms she signed. The paperwork seemed never-ending, and if she wasn't cautious she would have to make another special trip to the incinerator, and then to HR to ask for another copy that she could sign in the correct spot.

"Am…uhm, am I interrupting?" Shinji stood in her doorway, a small box in his hands and his backpack slung over his shoulder. "If now's not a good time?"

"No!" Misato slapped her pen down, a feeling of elation working its way down her spine. She didn't have to awkwardly find a way to stop by his house, now, "I was hoping that I could catch you before you left, but…paperwork," she waved her hand around the desk.

"You have a very important job, Misato-San," crossing the distance as if passing through a minefield, he tentatively held out the box. "I made you a lunch, but I couldn't find you to deliver it before I had to start the exercises."

Despite her excitement, the violet-haired warrior gently retrieved her gift, rather than rip it free from his grasp. He hadn't forgotten about me, hadn't asked me for help only to forget that I had needs too. In truth, she was afraid that he'd take it back once she gave him the bad news, and so she set it down on the desk before her. I have to be a better person, if I ever want him to see me as someone he trusts. I can't…I can't be selfish anymore. "I'm glad you came and found me, Shinji." She grimaced, "I'm afraid I can't help you with the Suzuhara situation. Section Two has orders from above me, and I was told that any inquiries beyond what I had already done would have to go directly to the Commander." Looking at the lunch, then back at her former ward, she inclined her head, "I'm sorry."

His father. The strap on his bag, an odd canvas and leather military accessory that Toshiro insisted he carry, creaked as Shinji's fist clenched around it. "Thank you for trying." I should go see him. Which 'him' he referred to got hazy as his anger swirled around his mind. He'd love to strike his father the way Toshiro insisted he hit him, and maybe if he saw Toji where the young man couldn't use his fists he'd be more willing to listen to him. Maybe I could ask why he didn't listen to the alarm.

"He's been moved out of the city," Misato continued. "Where, I don't know. All I know is Section Two is detaining him for 'security reasons related to the Evangelion Project'." Taking a deep breath, she gestured to the offering on her table, "If…you don't want to give me that, I'll understand."

"Wh-what?" Shinji blinked, "N-no, Misato-San, I made that for you. Please, I'll be happier knowing that you get the occasional healthy meal." They wouldn't still use him as the Fourth Child, that…they'd throw him in jail for a punch I didn't even feel, but they'd still keep him around so they could give him a damn Eva?! His confusion, worry, and budding anger all vied for dominance of his features, and colored his words as he once more urged his former guardian to eat, "Please, Misato, eat. I…I need to go."

"Shinji," she called as he turned, "wait!"

He paused with his hand on the door, "I…uhm, I'm supposed to meet Hikari-San. I-I really need to go."

"Just one minute," Misato stood, moving around her desk to stand by him, "I just wanted to let you know…I was serious. I know I messed up, and I know that we didn't end our short time together on the best note, but if you ever, ever, have anything you need to talk about…if you don't feel you can talk about it to someone else, please? I want to be someone you can trust. My promise stands, so long as it doesn't threaten our fight against the Angels, or your safety, my lips are sealed."

His shoulders relaxed slightly as a tension he didn't know he was holding released inside of him, "Th-thank you." He turned his head towards her the barest amount, "I…I don't blame you. If I had been more honest, maybe things could have been different."

"We, Shinji," she reached out and tugged on his sleeve, offering him a hug. Taking his head dropping slightly as an invitation, she stepped up and wrapped her arms around him, "We should have been more honest. I won't let you take away my responsibility for what happened, you have enough of your own to deal with to go adding mine." Stepping back, she hit him with that million-megawatt smile that she couldn't know he missed so dearly, "So, one last bit of advice from your big sis?" He nodded slowly. "Don't let Hikari-Chan escape. On your date today, even if it's hard to do it, tell her how you really feel." She cuffed his shoulder, "I can see you really like her, and if you know in here," her finger tapped over his heart, "that she's the one? Tell her. It's how the worst, best, relationship I ever had failed. He wouldn't tell me three simple words, and I wouldn't put up with his issues for anything less."

Big sis…. If she didn't hate him…they weren't good for each other, not as housemates. But he accepted that he had powerful feelings for her, even if they were muddled by their twin insecurities. Maybe now that they had a comfortable distance forced between them…maybe they could have a better relationship than ever, "Well, uhm…I should trust my nee-san, shouldn't I?" Mister Kaji had best not hurt her again. No matter how key he was in my second chance.

"I'll try not to abuse that trust ever again," she smoothed out his clothes, "now go on. It's rude to keep a lady waiting."

+++++ 3rd Angel + 9 : Sunday (10)

As Shinji approached the small fountain where he was to meet Hikari, he noticed his girlfriend speaking in English to two women that appeared lost. He paused in the shade of a nearby tree, not wanting to distract her as she helped them trace a route on an old foldout map of the national railways. Tell her how I feel? At the moment, he felt that she was an oasis in the midst of a blazing desert. Except he didn't want to continue on after resting, he wanted to build a city around her. He wanted to construct shrines, conduct media advertisement campaigns singing her glories. What the Horaki family had offered him, what they continued to do for him, to no gain of their own…how could he express that and not sound like a narcissistic lunatic? He couldn't just turn to her and say, 'I want to spend forever with you, but you and your family need to take this money and find somewhere to hide on the other side of the planet. I hear New Boston is nice.'.

He sighed in frustrated irritation, "Am I just destined to be too weak to save anyone?" Standing between the two ladies she assisted, with a poise and grace that he both admired and envied, the woman he never knew he wanted but now that he had didn't know how to let go of caught sight of him and nodded slightly. He knew she appreciated his nature, and while some men might have simply joined in to offer what help they could, or take over and 'do it right', she understood that he would rather avoid anyone and everyone else whenever he was able to.

From her position, the Class Rep mentally groaned. As much as she wanted to call over to Shinji and have him come provide her an opening to move the two ladies onward. Or as much as she wished that he were the kind of man that would come over and calmly wrap his arm around her shoulders so that while she was doing what she should do, she could also do what she wanted to, the man she intended to marry was quite a number of years away from being strong enough to do that. "So, these two lines connect here," she pressed on in the tourists' native tongue, "over to our north." When both ladies inevitably turned south, spying Shinji and freezing, Hikari made the least bad decision available, "Shinji!" Switching to Japanese and the Okinawan sub-dialect her mother had used almost exclusively, "Why don't ya come over heah befah these two does something unfortunate, ne?" Trusting that the women's limited Japanese wouldn't have covered Okinawan, her tone was light and welcoming, despite the words being anything but.

"Oh, uhm," carrying his rucksack, Shinji bowed slightly in greeting as he gave the two women a wide birth. Once he was safely by his intended, he looked at the railway map that had gone taut between the two women's grasp, "North," he pointed in the appropriate direction. "You should go two blocks," he made sure they were looking where he was pointing, "that way." His English wasn't immaculate, but the words came unbidden to him as he needed them.

"Oh my God, Mary," the shorter blonde's eyes lit up with the kind of passion Shinji usually connected with Kensuke and the Evangelion, "he's gorgeous! Quick, let's ask for a picture."

"Oh, uhm," he tried to find a reason to demure, "o-only if my fiancée is ok with it." He looked down to Hikari, pleadingly, "Hikari-Chan?" The stunned look on her face made him review what he had said, and the back and forth translation of his choice of words provided no explanation. Should I not admit she's my girlfriend to foreigners?

"I…yes," she couldn't decide if he had slipped up mentally and was hoping to ask her to marry him on the date today, if he had somehow confused the words for 'girlfriend' and 'fiancée', or if he was suddenly an expert liar. When he said the most important word she hadn't known she wanted so desperately to hear, his face was clear of his tells. "My fiancé can take a picture with you," she held out her hand, "I don't mind taking it."

"Oh, thank you," the taller brunette pressed a camera into Hikari's hand, "your man is the kind of person we've been searching for, for our website." Cuddling into Shinji's side, she beckoned her friend over, "Come on, Josephine, we don't want him to change his mind!" Her pose, a broad 'peace sign' and cheesy grin, was soon mirrored on Shinji's opposite side.

Shinji, accepting that he had somehow miscommunicated his intent to Hikari, took the result with dignity. He gave the camera the same smile he had begun to give Ritsuko, the open-hearted desire to convey a wish for better days to those who saw it. The camera flashed, and he felt twin squeezes on his hips as the two ladies parted with him. He looked to Hikari, "Did they say website?"

Her nod preceded her returning the camera, "What kind of website is it you run, if I may ask?"

Mary responded with a grin and a shrug, "Oh, it's a site where we show attractive, kind, men from around the world. It's our desire to show that there are good options outside of our homeland. There are, at least back home, four unmarried women for every one and a half men."

Josephine nodded sadly, "Wars, conflicts, 'border actions', the men died in droves protecting our country both pre- and post-Impact. The government has eased polygamy laws to try and cope, but…not everyone wants to do that."

Her partner nodded, "So we started our trip around the world. If we can help even a handful of women take a risk and try to find love in a foreign land? Maybe convince that man to come back and take a good job to help everyone out…we can help keep the nation our husbands died to protect alive." She turned to Shinji, "Take good care of your love, you hear?"

"I…uhm, yes," he nodded in confusion, "I promise I will." He hadn't quite followed the entire conversation, but he knew that the two ladies were on a trip and were trying to protect their home by…taking pictures? When Hikari openly embraced him, her arm around his back, and her hand on his ribs, he trusted that he had responded in an appropriate manner.

After waving goodbye to the two strangers, Hikari set their pace as they began their date. "Shinji," she kept her voice as neutral as possible, despite hope and desire begging to be set free, "when they told you to take good care of me, did you understand what they meant?"

"Yes," he nodded. The translation for that sentence was easy, "They said, 'Take good care of the one you love, do you hear me?', right?"

"Close enough," she smiled happily. "So, you'll take care of me?"

"I…yes," he nodded slowly. "I intend to take care of you, and your family. As much as you'll let me." He opened his mouth, then closed it and realized he still didn't have the right words to use.

Hikari noticed the hesitation, and so she kept her peace to allow him time to think. With all day to spend together, she wasn't in any rush to be anywhere. With our entire lives to spend together, she couldn't hide the thrill she felt at that thought, I don't need to rush anything. The mostly empty pack had been switched to his opposing shoulder, her father's intent was that it be filled with appropriate clothing for him to wear both inside and when not in class. She shared his feelings on the facts of the matter, her boyfriend had almost nothing to call his own. He needed to start somewhere in building his life, and the clothes on a man's back were often said to be all he truly could call his own.

Thinking back to the conversation with the odd foreigners, Hikari's smile dimmed. Even Shinji's body didn't belong to him. He, like the husbands the women had lost, was being thrown into a war for the sake of everyone else. His flesh, his blood, his very bones belonged to the world, to every man, woman, and child within it that needed his unique talents to protect them from alien monstrosities. She amended her previous joy as she thought deeper on the realities of the matter, his life may not last through tomorrow. The thought frightened her, tears building as she suddenly contemplated a world without the earnest, gentle, man beside her.

"Hikari," he couldn't look at her, and so hadn't seen the variety of emotions she was working through. If he looked at her, he knew he'd lock up, become tongue-tied as he tried to make sense of the insanity that was his existence. "When…when you said the other day…." He swallowed, trying to force the words loose, "Before T…Suzuhara-San interrupted us, you told me that you loved me. Did you mean it?"

She swallowed her pain and composed herself, "Yes," she burdened the word with as much certitude as she could pile upon it, "I've had crushes, I've looked at people and wondered what it would be like to lay with them. I've had thoughts of what it would be like to be with someone for the rest of my life, and I've wanted to just go out and spend time with someone to get to know them." Her grip tightened on his hand, "I've never, not before I met you, had my heart beg to stop beating when I thought I would lose them forever. The day we spent in class, where I thought that Misato had offered you everything, I didn't know what I was feeling. And then as I watched women start to throw themselves at you, I realized that it wasn't just 'jealousy', it was fear." She gazed imploringly up at him, "I never want to lose you, Shinji. I never want to know a world where I have to face morning after morning without you in it." She halted their forward progress, sharing a seat with him on a small stone bench free from the direct sunlight, "I know it sounds creepy, I know we've only known each other for a week, but I don't care."

Shifting herself so that she sat proudly, her back straight and her eyes clear, she unburdened herself of the need for hidden thoughts, "My father knew my mother for two days before they were wed. He stumbled across her as she was being hurt by a group of thugs, and did what he knew was right. Eight men against one, and he killed them to a man." The pride in her voice was unmistakable, "Mom was from an area that wasn't…civilized…before Second Impact. Daddy was in that area for 'work', and after he rescued Mom, he refused to let her stay. She told me, before…she told me he said, 'I just finished saving your life. Why would I then send you back into trouble where I'd have to save you again?' His intent," she chuckled, "was that he would bring her back to Hakone, set her up with a reasonable job, give her a chance at a life. Instead, Mom presented herself to Daddy's bosses as his wife. 'The life you save is your responsibility forever', she contended."

Her smile at the memory held pain, "Daddy's bosses agreed, telling him that he now had a responsibility to her. They were married that night." Her giggle was fragile, "He refused to sleep in bed with her for a little over two months. He would be married to her, but he would not 'defile her' after having gone to the lengths he had to save her from the same horrors in a filthy alleyway." She looked back to Shinji, a playful twinkle in her eyes, "My mother began greeting him every day upon his return in less and less clothing. One day he came back to find her wearing nothing but two very well-placed bits of seaweed. 'Your father is only flesh and blood, child', she told me. Two months, four days after he saved her from the darkness, Mom swore Kodama was conceived. She never regretted her decision." The joy faded from her eyes, her head bowed, "When we went to the hospital to say goodbye, she begged Kodama and I to find someone that she would be proud of. To make sure that Nozomi found someone she would be proud of. 'True love, my dear sweet children, is forever. You will know it when you feel it, and if you have to force your love's head under its surface until they choke on it, so they realize that they love you just as much, do so'."

She took a moment, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief, "We left Daddy alone in the room, then. When he came back out, she was gone. He hasn't once so much as looked at another woman," she sighed, "he's made it clear that he has three in his life already, and that he does not need or desire another. He's lonely, but it is the loneliness that follows death, not the loneliness of having nobody to truly call your own." Fussing with the cloth in her hands, she let bitterness through, "I almost failed, Shinji. I almost settled on Toji Suzuhara, on a boy that would leave his baby sister alone in a bathroom all day, on a child that ignored a threat to her life," her fists clenched, "on an animal that put himself over family. You…you saved me," her hands relaxed slowly, "it may have just been a ladder, I may have been in a room alone, but you saved me. Not from broken bones, or bruised muscles. From disappointing my mother, and more importantly…myself." She dabbed at her eyes again, "Mom would have adored you. If you think Daddy's being overbearing with his insistence that you learn to defend yourself, that you learn to fight, Mom would have poured guilt over you until you practiced day and night just to make it stop." She laughed, "It's a good thing I didn't put on any makeup today, I must look horrifying."

"Y-you look beautiful," Shinji's voice creaked. He wanted to cry himself, knowing how fiercely Hikari's mother must have fought to raise children so they had a better chance at life than she had been given. How Toshiro must feel every day, looking at the three young women in his home and being reminded of his wife's beauty, her kindness. He didn't send them away. The bitter anger served to cement his feelings, he would not be his father. He wouldn't send the Horaki family away to protect them, he'd just protect them. If they chose to leave, it would be their choice, and their choice alone. "Hikari," he willed his hands to be steady as he grasped hers gently, "I can't…be who you deserve." He saw her face firm, his own fears of rejection displayed openly in her eyes, "I'm weak. I'm flawed, and no matter how hard I try I always seem to screw up. But I…I…." Tear off the bandage, get in the fight. "I need you in my life. I need your support, your honesty, your care. I…I need your love. I don't know how…how to show love, or affection, or anything like that.

"I'm terrified that everything I say, everything I do, is wrong. I've been trying to think of some way to move your family away from Tokyo-3, not because I want you to leave, but because I want you to be safe. I…I'll never be like your father, Toshiro-San is clearly a far better man than I could ever dream of being, but I can see where he was coming from with your mother. He wanted to take something beautiful and place it in a garden that wasn't choked with weeds. He wanted to do what was in his power to save at least one life." Her hands were smooth, warm despite somehow being cold in the heat of the day; as he ran his thumbs along the backs, he felt simultaneous joy and terror that he was defiling her wonderful nature, "But I won't do what my father did, either. I won't send you away. If…when you choose to leave, it will be your choice. Not mine." He swallowed, "Because I never want you to leave."

"I'm not leaving," Hikari shook her head fiercely, "ever." Freeing her hands, she pulled his head down to kiss him with all of the passion she could muster. I'm going to hold you down until you breathe free air, Shinji Ikari. You are mine.

+++++ 3rd Angel + 9 : Sunday (10)

The decision to purchase new shoes was something Shinji quickly determined ranked highly on his list of best events for the day. Somehow, despite her slip-on, toeless, footwear looking incredibly uncomfortable, his girlfriend contended that they were actually by far her favorite pair to go walking around stores in. What Shinji felt was ridiculous was that his solid, sensible, black loafers were quickly shown to be a far second to the grey and blue classic sneakers to properly shod himself with.

"You poor man," the old storekeeper shook his head ruefully. "At your size, I bet your knees have had an extra ten years taken from them by whoever insisted you wear these." Holding up Shinji's old shoes, he nodded kindly, "I'll tell you what, I have a new shipment coming in. I'll sell you a second pair of the same shoes, in black, for a third of the going price. You've got a beautiful lady to spend money on, I see, but I just can't let you walk out without two pairs to rotate through." He laughed, "May not look it, but my son's a volleyball player. He swaps shoes each day so that they don't wear out as fast."

"Thank you, sir," Hikari offered a fetching grin to the older gentleman. "It took me ten minutes to talk him into trying a change of shoes. You see, Shinji," she gestured at the floor-length mirror, "you look just fine in them. Change isn't bad, it's just change."

"Wise words," the owner intoned. "In about six months, come on back. With your build, I bet you're pretty active. You won't be a teen forever, and thirty-year-old you will thank you for remembering to take care of your feet."

After paying for everything, and packing away the shoes properly in his pack, they headed out once more to see what else Hikari could decide that she wanted to talk him into buying. It swiftly became something of a game, one he truly didn't mind losing. She'd see an outfit, or an accessory, that would make him more comfortable. She'd discuss the pros, he'd discuss what cons he could think of, she'd win because he had no idea what he was doing, and she was happy that he wasn't just shrugging and plodding along. Watching her happiness return filled him with confidence, because if she was no longer sad, he had to be doing something right.

Several stores, and a large variety of purchases later, they were walking down the other side of the outdoor shopping plaza. Spying a jewelry store, Shinji froze. Sitting in a display case was a garish, blood-red, orb on a silver loop necklace. The gem seemed to glow from within, apropos of nothing, a rose in a field of lilies. It was a perfect replica of the Angel's weakness. The shine, the smooth, featureless curves, his mind warred between reality and a desire to go implant something sharp through the center.

"Shinji?" Hikari had taken a few more steps before she noticed his sudden halt, "Shinji what's wrong?"

"N-nothing," he couldn't take his eyes from it.

Placing herself before him, she turned her neck so she followed his line of sight, "Is…there something wrong with that store?" She waited, and when he didn't respond took charge, "Shinji, look at me." Stepping away, she rotated so that she faced him, "Shinji."

"S-sorry," he blinked, fixing his eyes on his girlfriend. "I-I…."

"Let's take a break," she smiled with practiced ease, "you've gone through a lot of stores. I'd say you've earned a bit of a rest."

His mouth, once more, raced ahead of his mind, "Is…are you going to be doing this for the rest of your life? Pulling me back from…from random fixations when something…."

"If that's what it takes to stay with you," she shrugged, unconcerned. "But I don't think you'll be like this forever, Shinji. We will find you help, and the past will keep drifting further away." Guiding him away from the jewelry store, she heard his stomach complain, "It seems your body agrees with me," she giggled. "Maybe a late lunch?"

"S-sure," he blushed with embarrassment, "if you're hungry."

"Oh, I'll find something," she looked around. "Hmm, how about there? 'Lán Hè', I think. Chinese sound good?" Taking him by the hand, she guided him gently towards the restaurant and away from whatever odd memories the necklace had conjured up in his mind. Her chest warmed as he took a faster step to pull the door open for her. Regardless of his own issues, he always sought ways to put her foremost in his world, and she wanted to just kiss him to death for it.

"Hello, welcome tooooo," Yang Xu clapped happily as she bounced, "Hikari-Chan, Shinji-Kun, so nice to see you!" She tilted herself to look past them, "Just the two of you?"

"Good afternoon, Yang-San," Shinji bowed in greeting.

"Yes, it's just the two of us today." Hikari hoped that she hadn't just walked into a worse situation than she had left behind, "Is it busy?"

"Oh, it's always busy," Yang waved away the concern. "But for our special customers, the Blue Crane will always have room under her wings." Turning back to the wall, she picked up a phone and pressed a few buttons, "马, 拯救城市的飞行员就在这里. 是啊. 当然! 谢谢." She rolled her eyes as she hung up, "Do you have any idea how hard it is to translate 'Pilot' back into Mandarin? I mean, you don't fly, which is what I think of when someone says 'Pilot'. I just went with the first word that came to mind, so expect my mom to bop me. Should have used 驾驶员." She shrugged. "Oh well, she got the point." Stepping between her classmates, she took each person's arm, "Come with me, your dining experience awaits."

Guiding the pair through the main floor, nodding to various staff that ensured nobody was in her path, Yang slipped free as they approached a set of well decorated doors. The wood was lacquered to a near glow, the green inlay clearly jade and marble. There was a scene on each side of a Crane defending its nest against a viper, mirrored from one door to the other. Turning to face them, she gave Hikari a sly wink and knocked twice, stepping one leg before the other and twisting into a stylized bow with her hands clasped into a single large fist. Behind her, the doors opened, held in place by a pair of burly men wearing sharply tailored chefs uniforms. As one, the two men intoned, "They shelter beneath the Crane."

"Aya, ya, ya," the old woman standing before the table clapped her hands, "you are not paying attention to your studies, Yang." She missed the eyeroll her daughter gave Shinji and Hikari as she righted herself. "She said you flew planes, and that titan is no plane. Such silliness." Beckoning the students over, she smiled broadly, "Come, come. I want to meet the young man who fights for us and the young woman that captured his heart."

Yang swept behind them, ushering them into the room. In truth, Hikari hadn't expected anything like this when she chose the restaurant, and from the glances she risked towards Shinji she was impressed he was taking it as well as he was.

Shinji was mortified. He didn't want people making a production over his status, he hardly wanted the people that knew him to be aware of his status. However, in a testament to his growth he internalized his shrieking terror and merely blushed instead of running away screaming. "Please," he was proud of how his voice was steady, "I'm merely doing what anyone would do, ma'am."

"Of course you are," the old woman beamed happily. Floating over and helping him into a seat while Yang placed Hikari at his right hand, she patted his shoulder, "Because in all of humanity there is only one man capable of driving that contraption, and you have accepted that you must therefore drive it." She took Shinji's bag and passed it to one of the burly men, who carried it off as if it were the most prized item in the world. Sitting across from Hikari, leaving the seat to Shinji's left at the large round table empty, "My daughter has named you Shinji, of the Ikari family," she turned to Hikari, "and you are Hikari, of the Horaki family. I know your father," she gestured to the Class Rep, "a good man with a good appetite. I do not, however," she returned to Shinji, "know your father. Except by acclaim." Yang disappeared from the room, leaving the three alone.

"You're lucky," Shinji murmured darkly.

"So I have heard," Yang's mother laughed. "If I may, would you allow me to order? I would show you our family's best, in the hopes that you will visit us more often."

"Please do," Hikari inclined her head gracefully. "My father didn't tell me he visited here, I'll have to ask him about it."

"Don't fret, dear. I'm well aware of his health. We share…a common goal. His fellows often come here after business has been taken care of, and I would not see a hair on any of their heads harmed while they relax." She looked to Shinji, "My husband runs a clinic that provides medical care for people with Toshiro Horaki's…concerns. While I understand that your company may be keen to see to your immediate health needs, I would like to offer his services in a more supplementary capacity." Her eyes commiserated as she looked to Hikari, "Large men, as you know, require special attention."

The first cart was rolled out by a lovely young woman in an ankle-length qipao, "Nana, do I have your permission to pour?"

"Of course, Jiaxin," the woman waved indifferently. She returned to her analysis of Shinji's soul, "You seem very nervous. Is the day not treating you well?"

"I, thank you," he offered a duck of his head to the woman serving him. She responded with a smile that was alarmingly hostile. Blinking, he tried to recall what he was about to say, "I…don't do well with…."

"It has been a trying few days, a…child in our class took his frustrations out on us." Hikari's jaw clenched slightly, the only sign of her feelings on the matter, "While the matter was dealt with, it has been difficult to bring Shinji back down to a steady calm."

"Suzuhara-San, eh?" Yang re-entered, dressed in clothes more suited for relaxing than the outfit she had greeted them in, "Please tell me he didn't do something stupid, like try to fight for your hand?"

"He…." Shinji looked down, "He blames me for his sister's condition."

"Which can't be your fault," Yang frowned, "Wei is in Sakura-Chan's class, with Nozomi-Chan, he says she wasn't there that day." Glaring at Jiaxin as the young woman dropped a teacup in front of her, she continued, "From the shelter to where he lives is…maybe five minutes? The Suzuhara family are right by the school." Motioning for Shinji to drink his tea, she turned to her mother, "I could crawl from his place to the shelter with the warning we had before things started shaking."

The matriarch considered Shinji for a moment, "Your conscience cuts deeply, doesn't it?" Her eyes moved about his face as she thought about her next words, "It is a good thing for us all that one burdened with such power holds his convictions so dearly." One of the men returned with a broad cart, wood-crafted dishes covered with mesh-weaved bamboo emitting smells that Shinji found enticing. "Ah, thank you Gao." Starting with Shinji, he uncovered the plates, placing them softly and precisely around the table. "Kǎo zhūròu húntún, we use a family blend of seasonings, it helps open up your stomach so that the soup settles well. Please, eat, eat."

Not wishing to be rude, Shinji followed instructions. Just short of too warm, the wonton, as he knew it, was a delicious combination of moist and crunchy. Personally, he found it to be an excellent appetizer. Professionally, "I'd, uhm, I'd like to know the recipe. This is very good." He popped the other half into his mouth and chewed, nodding as he began to recognize some of the spices, "I can make out some of it, but the harmony is wonderful."

"You are a chef?" Yang's mother looked to her daughter, "Why was I not told?"

"Because there's only so much I can say of my Class Rep's boyfriend before it starts to sound like I'm aiming for him myself?" Yang shrugged, "Shinji-Kun is, to my knowledge, a pilot, a track star, a chef, a peacemaker, a scholar, a crack shot with a basketball, a poet, and better looking than Jiaxin could ever hope to be." The sound of a dish shattering from the next room brought a dark grin to Yang's face, "So I forgot a few things when I told you about him, he's here, isn't he?" She winked to Hikari, "Don't worry, I'll help you keep those three away from him."

"Since we're being blunt," Hikari lifted an eyebrow, "what about you?"

"Not interested," she looked to Shinji, "he's taken. If he could be convinced to leave you, he could be convinced to leave me. Now," she batted her eyelashes, "if you dump him, he's fair game. But until then? Not that kind of woman."

"Raised her better than that," Yang's mother nodded. "What do you prefer to use when cooking?"

"Oh, I…I'm not really able to say. I've learned to use what I have at hand, because I've never owned anything of my own." He turned to Hikari, "Though, I might buy a few things now that I'm living…where I am."

"Child," Yang's mother gave her daughter a stern look, "the traditional rules are still in force. Your friends or no, they shelter beneath the crane." Yang gave a dutiful bow, then resumed eating. "Let me know what Toshiro's kitchen lacks, I will find you a supplier that does not skimp on craftsmanship."

"You're living…well," Yang tittered, "now I'm really going to help keep them away from you." She looked over to Hikari, "Why aren't you wearing a ring? It's not against the rules, and it'd really help keep the vultures from circling."

"I-isn't it too soon?" Shinji finished off the last piece on his plate, "I mean…I don't want to do anything that would make her look bad. People have…uhm, they've already started saying terrible things about her." A scowl crawled into place, "I haven't liked what they've said."

As Hikari tried to find a way to ask if Shinji would honestly consider giving her a ring, Yang's mother spoke into the pause, "There will always be harridans that can't abide others being happy, young Shinji. They scold, they spread foul rumors, they tut behind their hands while embroiled in jealous feelings that they can't have what the target of their vileness possesses."

"Jealousy is a snake eating its own tail," Yang added firmly. "I would rather spend any time jealousy would take from me working towards my own happiness, wouldn't you?"

"Well spoken, child. Well spoken." As the meal continued, the elder Xu turned the discussion to the various foods that were served, intermingling with conversation about both he and Hikari's future plans. The matriarch seemed genuinely pleased to offer what advice she could, or offer to look into various means to gain the information that would help them along the way. The more they spoke, the more Shinji relaxed, until he was laughing along with various tales and stories of customers at the Blue Crane that weren't given 'preferred' status.

As the dessert was taken away, Shinji looked to his host, "The meal was delicious, Xu-San. Thank you for taking time to sit and speak with us today, I…I'm feeling much better."

"I'm sorry that we haven't had a chance to spend more time together, Yang-Chan," Hikari smiled across the table. "Between my job as Class Rep, and taking care of my sisters, your job here with your family, and school, we seem to have missed a good chance to be better friends."

"Visit here more often," Yang shrugged. "Even if its just to talk over a cup of tea, it is better than nothing at all. We have our duties," she looked to Shinji, "our responsibilities. But taking time to talk over tea can bring peace to even the most troubled hearts."

Shinji's bag was returned to him, the large man setting it down gently by his chair. "Thank you," Shinji bowed, receiving a polite smile in response. "How much do I owe you, Xu-San?"

"Take good care of the Horaki family, young Shinji. That's all you'll ever have to give in return for a good meal here." The old woman waved off the idea of payment, "I make more money in a day than I could spend in ten lifetimes. Knowing that I can give a healthy, filling, meal to someone dedicated to defending the poor and hungry is where I find my happiness."

A small smile graced Shinji's face as he heard a mirror of his own personal ethos from someone he had begun to respect, "Then, thank you, Xu-San. If you, or Yang-San, ever need anything, please let me know. I…I don't have many friends, but I do want to be a good one to those I have."

Yang hopped up, hugging Shinji's head and shoulders, "You too, Shinji-Kun. Even if it's just advice on what to get for Hikari-Chan, you come to me if I can help you." Moving easily to Hikari, she stooped to offer a chest-to-chest hug, "You too, Hikari-Chan." She lowered her voice, "Between the two of us, you and I will make it clear that he's well and truly taken, ok?"

"Thank you, Yang-Chan. It will be nice to have someone around, for when I'm not there to swat them away." Hikari stood, bowing to the elder Xu, "Thank you for taking care of my father, Xu-San. If he becomes unreasonable, please let me know." She leaned in and whispered a request for the nearest bathroom to Yang, who nodded and offered to show her the way, "I'll meet you out front, Shinji."

"Oh, of course," Shinji hefted his rucksack, turning to the door.

"Jiaxin will see you out," the old woman hooked her finger, beckoning the young woman.

"This way," the waitress ground out through clenched teeth.

Shinji followed her through the doors, once more held open by the large men who bowed in a collegial respect. As he moved through the main lobby, he tried to ignore the stares of various customers that wondered how he had rated such service. The tempo to Jiaxin's steps made clear that she was agitated, prompting him to pause at the door and ask, "Excuse me, miss," he waited for her to look at him, "I'm sorry…but did I do something to offend you?"

He watched as her jaw clenched and unclenched, a clear temper present. After a handful of breaths, she shook her head, "No. You did nothing. She just had to stumble into the same class as you." Her eyes flicked towards the direction that Yang and Hikari approached, "Take my advice, guard your tongue around her." With that, she bowed respectfully and walked away, shoulder checking Yang on her way past.

"Love you too, cousin," Yang called sweetly after. Walking the final few steps to Shinji, she rolled her eyes, "I'm so going to enjoy the rest of the evening. You two have fun, and I'll see you in class tomorrow. Did you like anything in particular, Shinji-Kun? It never hurts to ask me to bring in something you want."

"I, uhm," deciding that it was better to not risk upsetting Hikari, he sought a way to defer without being rude. Her request that he be hers and hers alone could have any number of meanings, and he wasn't yet aware of them all, "I'll give it some thought? I'm very full right now."

"Sounds great," she nodded. Bowing them out, she winked at Shinji, "Thank you for visiting the Blue Crane, please come again."