As she'd tried to further her investigation, it seemed she'd hit a snag she really hadn't been expecting.
"Just focus on your regular cases please. Drop it."
When trying to get some further resources and assistance in looking into the entity of the Seele Corporation, her superiors took notice and immediately told her to let it go, despite her bringing up the very valid point that they might be harboring a known fugitive.
"Maya, it looks like we're on our own!"
"I'm not surprised ma'am. It'd be like questioning the government itself."
She yawned, "You're still with me on this, right?"
"Of course ma'am! I wouldn't have it any other way!"
Maya Ibuki was such a good sport and honestly what would she have done without this woman's hacking abilities? Public records only went so far, so her next move was to give Makoto Hyuga a call to meet.
"OH! Say no more! I can meet you!"
She felt a bit bad. He seemed incredibly excited and she wasn't sure if it was due to her status or because he seemed very fond of her to where the first time they'd met she'd noticed he was a puddle of adoration even in front of the boys.
She checked her phone. Missed messages from Shinji. She'd read them briefly before having to start yet another investigation. Like they were just piling her up with nonsense to keep her busy, but she wouldn't lose focus.
She also felt bad about not being home in a while. Her and Maya had to do late night steak outs, spy on suspicious activities, and she was being careful to not be seen or caught on the field. The downside of the papers boasting about her heroism was her becoming an unwilling public figure. She didn't want to attract any of that to her home and also get her son involved.
On top of all of this measly work, she had to deal with the fact that her son was trying to work up the courage to tell her about his same-sex relationship. She wanted to be happy, but she was still disappointed at being the very last person to know. Asuka was a treasure trove of information on how that was going, because she was going to be nosy. When she'd gotten the text and found out he'd been getting busy with his boyfriend, she'd internally screamed while sitting at her desk. He's already gotten past first base!? SECOND base!? He's already hitting home runs!? Oh dear lord, how much have I missed!?
How could she have missed such milestones in his life!? His first relationship! It was a big deal that she wanted to be a part of. Her own family was never there for her in her own youth yet here she was missing out on her own sons life, now that he had one.
When he'd come home one evening, she and Maya were working in the living room, and Shinji rushed past them without a word. It made them think something was wrong at first. She looked at Maya and said simply, "Let me check on him for a second." His room wasn't locked but she wouldn't intrude by knocking. It was better to let him have his space. She almost thought she'd laugh overhearing him try to tell Penpen a simple 'I love you' and decided to slip away to get back to work. Ritsuko was right, he was doing just fine.
Suddenly, she'd got a text that she'd been hoping for.
"Maya, are you okay to do this paperwork for me? Pretty please!? I'll treat you to udon!"
"I...I have so much already ma'am..."
"But I think Shinji finally wants to tell me about his relationship! I can't miss this! Look!"
Maya looked at the phone and perked up, "Oh he wants to talk in person, I think you're right. Just remember to go easy on him. It's a big discussion to have. I'm so glad he's willing to talk about it though! When I saw them at the café it was easy to tell they were an item!"
"Right!? I'll do my best. Oh boy. I better meet Hyuga soon. He's meeting me at my regular bar. I'll probably meet the boys tomorrow. I don't want to mix work time with son time."
Maya watched with a nervous smile as Misato just piled more and more papers on her desk, "Ah...should I...give any updates to Dr. Akagi?"
"Knock yourself out. Here's her number!"
Maya was instantly happy, "I'll do all the paperwork you need me to ma'am! Have a great time at the bar with Hyuga!"
When Misato put on her jacket and left, she'd immediately saved the number and decided to call the woman of her dreams.
"Hello?"
Ah, so she's the type to answer a number she doesn't know! "H-hi! It's Ibuki Maya. I got your number from Katsuragi. I just wanted to make sure you saved it just in case and I'll do the same. I was told to update you on everything I can find regarding our investigation."
"Yes, and were you able to find anything else?"
"Nothing concrete yet, unfortunately.."
"I see. Misato isn't working you too hard is she?"
She'd eyed the massive stack of paperwork, sighing, "N-No...of course not..."
"You don't have to cover for her, not with me. She hates filling out reports and dumped them on you didn't she?"
"Y-yes..."
"Why don't you take a break and meet me?"
Maya widened her eyes, "Really!? Right now?"
"Absolutely. Meet me for dinner. My treat. It's the least we can do for all of the extra work we're putting on you."
Maya thought her heart was singing. A beautiful woman such as Ritsuko Akagi was asking her out? She'd thought to freshen up and change into something more casual for the occasion, "Can we meet in an hour? Tell me where and I'll be there!"
Standing in front of the restaurant, Maya was trying her best not to blush. It wasn't a date at all. Or at least that's what she had to keep telling herself. Akagi was just nice enough to buy her food due to her workload. It was a wonderful gesture but it felt different coming from Ritsuko as opposed to Misato. Probably because of her crush. She looked in her small mirror to check and make sure she looked decent enough.
Am I overdressed? Is this too much? I'm dressed up like for a date. But it isn't a date. She's so beautiful and I finally get to meet her casually like this. Lucky me! I could sing at the opportunity alone. I'll do all the paperwork for eternity to get a chance like this!
Maya hoped she wasn't overstepping. Would this be strictly work related? She hoped not.
When the casually dressed doctor Akagi showed up in a tank top and pencil skirt, she'd thought she'd faint. This woman is stunning no matter what she's wearing! Aaaaah!
"Hi!" She'd tried to calm herself down, probably realizing her face was a dead giveaway if she wasn't careful. This could be a business only meeting after all. She didn't want to look stupid for their first time alone together.
"I booked us a table already. Shall we?"
"Yes...right! Absolutely!"
Sitting across from Dr. Akagi felt like a fever dream.
"You don't have to be so nervous. I understand that Misato is running you all over the place. I just thought that you deserved a break for all you've done thus far. So tell me, how high exactly is the stack she gave you?"
Maya laughed, "My desk is a paperwork war zone unfortunately..."
"I'll talk to her about it. It's not fair to you."
"No no...I don't mind! It's not that bad, really!"
Ritsuko sighed, "I also wanted to thank you. All we hit is road block after road block. Thanks to you we're even the smallest bit closer to figuring things out. I do have high expectations for you as Misato's new partner and just in general. You seem like a very bright woman."
I am going to die if she compliments me again.
She was drinking her water a little too fast. Hoping she wouldn't do something stupid like spill it on herself. That would be just her luck in front of this stunning goddess. She had to set it down before she made a fool of herself, "It's nothing really. I'm only getting started. If I keep working at it, I can find out more for you. Also, I think this is the first time I've seen fresh air in days. So I'm a bit woozy. Please forgive me!"
"It's no good if you're overworked. I know that Misato can be all about a grind culture when she's in her zone."
"How long have you known each other? If you don't mind me asking?"
"Years. She's a bit like a sister to me. I try to keep her sane, knowing everything your job entails. If you ever need someone to talk to, I don't mind if you talk to me."
Maya knew she was blushing now.
Ritsuko just gave a small smile, "Tell me a bit more about yourself. I was surprised when the precinct rushed to assign Misato a new partner and it happened to be you. It must mean you're exceptional."
Maya knew how she could get. Her technology spiel was a bit long winded to the wrong person so she'd kept it a lot more casual. Tone it back Maya, dial it back. She didn't mind talking about herself for once, or her background. In fact, she'd been relatively proud of herself and confident in her abilities. Though she blushed more when she realized that instead of being as casual, it seemed she was just word vomiting her resume. "Aaaah, I also do stuff outside of work. I'm not all work! I um I like to go biking a lot! I'm not the most outdoorsy but that's fun. I hope I'm not bragging oh my gosh..."
Ritsuko just smiled more, "You're cute."
Maya believed for just a moment that she'd choked and died and gone to heaven. Maybe the real her choked on tuna and she was being revived and would come back down to the real world at some point from the coma, "Cute?"
"Indeed. Do you always get flustered this easily?"
"Just when around a pretty lady..."
They both froze.
Maya got up from the table and walked away, "Excuse me I have to go to the bathroom!"
She was mortified to have said something like that out loud. Her inner Maya was screaming. She buried her face in her hands in the stall and let out a small scream. What are you doing!? I THOUGHT I WAS THINKING IT BUT I ACCIDENTALLY SAID IT OUT LOUD. STUPID STUPID STUPID HOW COULD I BE SO STUPID!? SHE'S PROBABLY WEIRDED OUT BY NOW. This is going to be so awkward that I could die. What can I even say that sounds similar so I can play it off!?
"Maya?"
She let out an audible squeak of surprise.
"Come out here."
"No ma'am! I think the tuna has gotten to me. You should enjoy the rest of your time without me. I'm just going to go home once I relieve myself here! Thank you so much for the treat. I am so sorry that I have to leave early!"
Ritsuko chuckled, "Come on out here."
She found herself leaving the stall and standing in front of the woman despite being in fight or flight mode, moreso flight. Flight seemed like a really good option right about now.
"You seem stressed."
"Yes ma'am. I always am. It's how I stay efficient at my duties! If I'm always stressed then I am always ready for action!"
"I can help you destress. I know massage. Why don't we leave here and go to my place?"
"I...huh?"
"I know it's about a bit more than the tuna. How about I help you relax just for one evening?"
She found herself readily agreeing, hoping there was a bit more to that invitation. Fortunately yet unfortunately, massage really was all that transpired. But she wouldn't complain, just having those hands on her after getting undressed at her place was more than enough. Ritsuko hadn't brought up her awkward words, and she wasn't sure if she was pretending she didn't hear them or waiting for the right moment to bring it up. Either way, she was content with this. A nice dinner, a massage from a goddess, and she was on her way home feeling rejuvenated.
"How about this? For every pile of work Misato gives you, I'll give you a massage for all of your hard work."
Those hands were magic and once again, she'd readily agreed because she knew she couldn't get enough of it. She'd take any excuse to see Misato's sexy friend again. She'd swooned, rubbing her arms, "Aaah what a good day. But dammit keep yourself under control! I can't go saying things like that out loud again!"
She sighed, "I better just get back to work..."
She got a text and checked it, blushing and screeching.
'I do hope we can go out again sometime, Maya-chan."
Makoto wondered if he should bring flowers, a gift? What would a superwoman such as Misato Katsuragi even want as a gift? Perhaps a necklace? An expensive necklace? Or maybe something else like boxing gloves?
Ever since he'd met her, she'd been all that was on his mind. Her long dark hair, her pretty smile, that incredibly in shape body.
He shook his head. He couldn't get distracted here. While he'd had a crush on her ever since he first met her, he knew that would be incredibly awkward to pursue. She was the adopted mother of Ikari Shinji, who was dating Kaworu, who he'd taken care of as his own. Talk about complicated and awkward to even think about pursuing. There was no way he could do that to them. So he had to forget about those feelings. Besides, with Misato's track record for solving cases, she was actually dangerous to be hanging around. If she caught wind of anything, a number of people at Seele would be in the shits. He hoped they wouldn't come for him and think he'd talked.
Ikari Shinji was one of the sweetest people he'd ever met without exaggeration and it made him incredibly happy to see Kaworu had fallen in love with such a nice person. When they'd gone fishing and to the hotsprings, he'd used that time to get to know him better. Shigeru could be a loose cannon, so he'd stuck around for quality time and to keep an eye on that guy. While Shigeru was a wonderful friend of many years, he was a bit too chaotic for a first time alone outing.
He'd frowned a bit. Shinji didn't seem to resemble his father too much, but there was some resemblance there. Kaworu just so happened to fall in love with the one person whose ties could make everything so much more complicated, and yet he couldn't deny just how happy they were. The couple honestly seemed like they were made for each other. When he'd looked into Shinji's background, it seemed that he'd been abandoned, so that gave him a glimmer of hope that this relationship wouldn't rain down a bunch of unforeseen consequences. With that in mind, he could wholeheartedly support it, because frankly, they both deserved to be happy.
The first time Kaworu had come out to him about the relationship and his orientation, he immediately recognized the name Ikari and was a bit wary but he would be patient and hear out his son like he always had. He could practically hear the grinning in his voice over the phone when he'd mentioned meeting someone special and how they should meet.
Is son an accurate term? I always do this to myself. On paper, he was in charge of Nagisa Kaworu despite having no blood relation, and he'd fought hard for that privilege despite how young he himself was at the time. He'd thought about when they'd first met.
Reaching a hand out, he'd tried to put on his most heartwarming smile, despite being deathly afraid of what could happen at any moment. Of what he'd read about in the classified files. He didn't want to end up like the others, but knew that if he wanted to win his case, he needed to take a galaxy sized leap of faith, "H-hey there buddy. I'm so glad they allowed me to finally meet you. Think of me as...a friend. Your new friend."
The white haired boy was shaking and looking away, so he'd thought of the one thing he believed a scared kid needed. A hug. Before he knew it, the child had passed out in his arms, and he knew in that moment that he was making the right decision. His terror had melted away in an instant and he'd looked down and didn't see the case files in his mind anymore, but just saw a kid that desperately needed his help. That didn't need this isolation to be all there was to life.
Sometimes, he didn't know whether he was a friend or a dad. At times he certainly felt like either one, like these drastically different roles were interchangeable due to the progression of their bond over all these years.
When Kaworu had come out to him as being attracted to another man, he certainly felt more like a dad in that moment. It was a bit surprising since he didn't think Kaworu was the type to feel attraction at all, but he'd be supportive. It wasn't like his upbringing and condition would allow him the time to really meet people and figure out something as complex as orientation. The first thing he'd asked though, was how much information he was willing to disclose. That was always the priority. A relationship had to be built on trust and for Kaworu, that was bound to be more difficult than for most people. They'd had to go over cover stories extensively just in case, they had to go over the options. He didn't really want to support Kaworu having to live a lie, as that wouldn't bring him happiness in the long run. Kaji seemed to support the whole 'living a lie and lying extensively to the people he'd accept into his life' option, but he knew Kaworu as a person. He knew he wouldn't be able to handle being truly in love with someone and having to hide so much. From the way he'd heard him speak about Shinji, he could certainly agree to himself that Kaworu wasn't just smitten, but had found something most people could only wish to find in their lifetimes, which made it all the more exciting as well as complicated.
Knowing that Kaworu had talked to Shinji about the schizophrenia told him that much initially. Finding out that Shinji knew about the angel paintings gave him the full picture of Kaworu's intentions.
Makoto tilted his head back, taking another drink while he waited for Misato to arrive.
"Sorry to keep you waiting! Damn, how many drinks did you have!? You sure know how to party, man! I'm shocked!"
"It's non-alcoholic. I don't really drink..."
Mistao sat next to him with a smile he'd thought to himself as angelic, looking to the bartender and ordering something incredibly alcoholic for herself.
"So what is it that you wanted to talk about?"
Misato chuckled, "Relax, I just wanted to hang out with a fellow parent. It's not something I get to do all that often. Although I have to admit, I'm a bit surprised. You're really young to be a dad."
Makoto put his glass down, reaching to briefly fiddle with his glasses, "Well, it seems we're just two people who couldn't help but take someone in when presented with the opportunity."
They both sighed.
Makoto smiled a bit, "When he told me he'd gotten a boyfriend, I was surprised."
"Oh? So yours came and told you. That's so funny because Shinji still hasn't come to me himself yet. I'm a bit jealous haha."
"I'm sorry. I didn't know! He does seem like the really shy type, meanwhile Kaworu isn't really one to hold back what he's thinking in the moment. He called me and I could practically hear the joy over the phone. I regret being so busy with work all the time. I'd like to get to see them more often!"
Misato grabbed her drink when it was placed in front of her, taking a sip, "You mean working as a lawyer for Seele yeah? I can imagine you have your hands full."
He looked over at her, "Yeah. You know how it is! They come out with some new product, they call us to draft up paperwork and disclaimers. I have expanded beyond them though. It's more like I got my start there and was able to do my own thing with enough time and experience. It's a good name to have on your resume. Though I just got lucky and was in the right place at the right time. When it comes down to it, I'm not anything special."
She chuckled, "I beg to differ."
"Pardon?"
"You got a start there but was able to branch out and do your own thing. That takes a lot of guts to do."
"Well, I couldn't always come to Seele's beck and call when I had a kid to raise. I imagine it's the same with your precinct!"
Misato had to think about her next response, "It's...it's actually really easy. Because for me, when I took in Shinji, he was already a teenager. So whenever I got a call from work, it wasn't hard to answer. He'd be in school, trying to adjust to being a normal teen despite everything. Poor thing really tried, too."
Now Makoto had to pretend like he didn't know anything, "Poor thing?"
Misato nodded before taking another sip of her drink, "He's really shy. He's got depression and anxiety on top of that. I don't really know how to fix it. Like, he's pretty much an adult now and I still have no idea."
"I didn't know that." he had to think, because he genuinely didn't know, yet it made a whole lot of sense, "But you might be thinking about it the wrong way. You're thinking of what to do to fix him, but all you really need to do is support him. It's a part of who he is, so is it something that really needs you to fix as if he's a thing that's broken? I think with enough guidance, he can learn to cope in healthy ways. As a guardian, that's really all we need to do while these boys figure themselves out."
"You sound like you've got some experience."
"I know a thing or two. That's what my job is all about. Knowing all of the things." he chuckled, "I thought I wanted to do family law at first, but it got a bit too ugly for me to stay with it. It was really depressing! You wouldn't believe the drama that people bring to the table and then just let their kids be in the middle of it! Or just outright use their kids as bargaining chips! The audacity!"
"Who're you telling!? These parents out here are insane!"
They both had to take a swig of their drinks.
"Katsuragi, I wanted to tell you, I haven't gotten to see our boys together for that much, but I can tell they're really happy. I'm so glad they found each other. It's like they help each other and it's just so wholesome to hear how it plays out. I don't think I've seen Kaworu quite like how he is now. Confident, content, more social than ever, and out here enjoying his life. Haha I guess that's what happens when you're not single anymore. Not that I would know. But next time you see them together, take a good look at how they interact!"
"Oh I definitely will. I can't just let anyone come into Shinji's life." Though her gut was speaking to her, "Something tells me these two together...it's something that's not a bad thing. I guess if you've got a hands off approach, I can do the same. But I can think of some advice they'd be needing from someone with experience in relationships!"
"That'd be great! I don't really have that kind of experience haha! I'd be no help to them at all so I haven't really offered any! Just told Kaworu to take his time, no need to rush into things. From what I know, they've gone on dates and still do! Ah and they've had their first kiss!"
"And a lot more than that from what I hear.."
Makoto had to put his drink down before he spilled it, "Oh. Man I feel like he's just grown up so fast. I can live not knowing all the relationship specifics as long as they're fine."
Misato was laughing, "Okay but you haven't given him the talk? Seriously?"
"Oh no no. That's too embarrassing. I'd let someone else do that! I wouldn't even know where to start!"
Misato looked over at him, getting a read on his face. This was quite an eye opening conversation in multiple ways. It seemed he still was working with Seele, hadn't truly left them and establishing a connection now could hopefully get him to talk when the time came, but she'd rather get full cooperation from him. The conversation was a little bit of give and take. Give a little miscellaneous info, let him talk about something because any information was valuable. He seemed like an honest person, though she was quick to pick up his sense of loyalty.
She wouldn't pull out the big guns today or alert him about her investigation. No, today was about getting a basis of where to go next. She smiled to herself because she knew before long she could convince him to switch his loyalties to her and that would be her most valuable asset.
"I am so, so, so sorry you had to see this...Misato has definitely been home alright..."
"Will you need help cleaning up in here? This seems like a lot. I'm not sure how one piles up this much trash..."
Penpen was swimming over garbage like it was water.
Shinji had to roll his sleeves up, "No. I've got this. Please just have a seat over there!"
"I'd really like to help!"
Shinji shook his head, "I have a thing about cleaning. I kinda..like things a certain way. It won't take me forever. I promise!"
Kaworu smiled, "Oh and here I am learning something new about you yet again. I like keeping things clean as well but I tend to have more of a dust issue than outright trash."
Misato why are you like this!? He'd been hoping that perhaps she would have picked up on some cleanly habits by now, but it just never seemed to stick. In times like this, it was like he was the one really taking care of her. Either way, cleaning her house obsessively was something that tended to let him collect his thoughts and that's what he needed right now.
They wouldn't call Kaji today as talking with Misato face to face finally would undoubtedly be a lot for one day. He needed to think of how to tell her everything that'd happened. He didn't even tell her how they met the last time Kaworu had come here. Now he was hoping today would be a sober conversation at best.
When he'd finished in the living room, he'd checked the other rooms to make sure they were somewhat okay.
Kaworu had come behind him, rubbing his shoulders affectionately and he'd leaned back onto him, "You did a lot just now. How about I help you relax? Let's go to your room."
Relaxing sounded good, so he'd led the way.
Laying down on his bed, he'd closed his eyes while feeling fingers press against each side of his forehead, "This relieves headaches but also relaxes you. There are points here that you don't need to press too much. I should learn how to massage. I feel like you'd enjoy that a lot."
"I...don't think I'd be able to relax with you giving me a massage. I'll just think of how your hands are usually on me...I'll be honest, I'd just end up excited..."
Kaworu leaned down, kissing his partner's forehead, "That sounds about right. Although massage is about relaxation and shouldn't be mixed with that. Hmm I'll think of some other ways to help your body relax. You do quite a lot. I didn't realize it was you who kept this residence cleanly. Since you've been spending your nights with me, I guess dinners here have been takeout for your mother?"
Shinji chuckled, "Well Penpen knows how to recycle. It helps. Also I cook in advanced and leave her leftovers."
"You're very organized! I might need your help assorting my paint supplies next time you're over!"
"It's nothing really. Just how I am."
"Hmm hey do you know what I was thinking about?"
Shinji opened his eyes to look up at his boyfriend, "No? What is it?"
Kaworu placed a quick kiss on his lips, "We're always doing everything at my place, we haven't done anything here in your room. How much time do you think we have since we're waiting?"
Now he was blushing, "I...have no idea. She never said what time she'd be in...usually she comes in at night.."
"Let's hope we have that much time. I can help you relax after you did so much work on your day off. I have a nice idea."
Kaworu had moved entirely and was undoing the front of his pants. He knew he should resist temptation here but the door was closed.
"In here you'd listen to my voice over the phone and touch yourself. Or think about me and play with yourself. The thought excites me. You should tell me more about that."
"We should lock the door just in case..."
"Good idea."
"Ma'am, I think your talk with your son should be private. I'm not sure why I'm tagging along for this. I could really use the time to be going through more paperwork.."
Misato shrugged, "Your input is just as good as Ritsuko's! I need you for the moral support! And since you're gay you can give me pointers!"
"I...ma'am! Please!"
They'd walked into the house and Misato laughed extra loudly, "Oh it looks like Shinji is home. Look how clean it is in here!"
"Ma'am, this is such a private matter. Is it really okay for me to be here?"
"Of course it is! Oh Shinji! I'm home!"
"I'll be right down!"
Maya just looked over to see Penpen sipping a bottled water through a straw. Honestly, she had no idea why her co-worker even had a penguin for a pet. Misato was so strange, she'd realized. There was a saying about meeting your heroes, and while she wasn't feeling buyers remorse, it was definitely interesting to spend so much time with her. Maybe it was better that she did stick around for this conversation, just in case. The first person to come out from the area of Shinji's room was most certainly not Shinji, but the boyfriend himself.
Misato grinned, "Oh, so you're here too! Even better, can you get Shinji for me? Meet me out here as soon as you can!"
They sat on one side of the kitchen table, while the couple sat across from them.
Maya couldn't help but notice that despite it being very nice outside, and the temperature being decent, that Shinji was in a turtleneck, long pants, and just generally covered up from the neck down. Now she looked over to Misato, who was probably the one most likely to end the awkward silence.
However, Misato just looked on expectantly.
Shinji heaved a heavy sigh before talking first, "So um, I haven't been entirely honest and I wanted to come clean about something. The last time we'd all been together, I introduced Kaworu as my friend. Actually, we have been dating since December." He'd reached and took the hand of his partner next to him.
"Wait...what is that!? You're not engaged are you!?"
Shinji shook his head, "No no, these bracelets are just a gift I'd gotten."
Misato nodded, crossing her arms, "So, for my blessing! I need to ask you a few questions first and foremost."
Kaworu nodded, giving the hand in his a squeeze for reassurance.
"Who asked who out in the first place?"
Kaworu spoke up, "I'd come across the café and found him to be quite a cute barista. I asked him out after getting to know him for about a month."
Misato nodded again, "I see. So you did spend time as friends first. That's good. You're both serious about this right? It's not some phase that you're going through?"
"I can assure you that this is no phase. I find Shinji-kun to be very cute, nice, and quite perfect for me. My feelings are very strong and have been for quite some time. Perhaps after getting to know each other better, I can ask for your blessing at certain stages as we further our relationship."
Misato nodded, "How about for you Shinji?"
"Kaworu is...he's amazing. I enjoy being with him and getting to know him. I think since he's come into my life, I don't feel so depressed. This is definitely not a phase. My feelings are very strong too."
Misato grinned, leaning forwards a bit, "I can tell you really mean it. Ok enough with the basic questions, now we can really chat. So who's the pitcher and who's the catcher?"
Shinji went red, Kaworu looked amused, and Maya looked over in horror.
Misato laughed, "I don't think I ever gave you the talk. So it's about time. Listen, disregard anything I have ever said about you getting a girlfriend. We're having the talk, gay edition. I've done my research!"
Maya had to speak now, "M-ma'am!? Is this really!?"
"Just correct me on anything if I'm wrong. Okay, so the first thing you want to consider is that since you're both guys, you're probably doing a looooot of butt stuff. So I wanted to make sure that you did that safely. This tutorial I read online says it takes a good amount of prep. So imagine it's a baseball game right? Bases have to be loaded before making a score. To load the bases, you have to-"
"MISATO PLEASE!"
Shinji's face was as red as their bracelets, hell he felt the blush in his ears. This is not happening...
"So the pitcher has way more of an important role here. You have to always check that your catcher is on the same page so when you throw a fastball, the catcher gets it in the right spot. Did you know that the prostate is a pleasure center? Apparently you can reach it by-"
Maya felt her spirit leaving her body.
Kaworu just started taking notes on his phone.
Shinji covered his face with his hands.
"And oh boy if you haven't even thought of using toys have I got the recommendation for you. They are so not just for the ladies! Vibrators are your friend. You can see in this catalog here that I've pulled up on my phone-"
Maya and Shinji had to cover their faces.
Kaworu was looking on with intrigue.
By the time Misato was done talking, Maya and Shinji looked completely checked out from reality due to sheer embarrassment.
Kaworu just laughed, "I've had a talk before with a friend, but I have to admit I am relieved to finally have one adjusted to my orientation and not just about being with a woman. I'd never use such advice to begin with!"
Misato nodded, "Mhm hear that Shinji? It was a good talk after all! He gets it!"
"Oh, I think Shinji-kun will need some time to recover. He might have lost a bit his lifespan just now. I'll make some tea."
Penpen was following Kaworu around after he'd gotten up.
Misato just laughed more, "Okay so Shinji this guy is a winner. Even Penpen likes him. Good for you. I'm really glad you found love!"
He muttered, "T-thank you...so we have your blessing?"
"As long as he doesn't do anything that might hurt you or set you back. You're my boy so just say the word. Nice fella or not, I will not hesitate. Thanks for the tea! Aaah! Shinji you should have told me sooner! I would've given you so much more advice! I mean, I still can! You can come to me for anything! I mean that! I am pumped to talk relationship stuff. I know I'm not always here but I really want to be involved. If you need me to not be home so you can do a surprise dinner and set the mood, just tell me! If you need me to help you decide what to wear for a date, tell mee! Heck if you need date ideas, ask me! It's what I'm here for! Gosh everyone thought I'd be weird about this! I'm so excited for you cause it shows such a huge amount of progress! I'm so happy that you've improved this much! I remember when you didn't even talk to people at all and here you are in your first long-term relationship now!"
Maya shook her head, "Ma'am...you should have just started with that...I feel I lost a bit of my lifespan as well.."
"Nonsense! The talk was great! Also Shinji your boyfriend is welcome over at any time. Just do me a favor and give me a heads up if you're gonna be doing stuff. I mean I want to give you your privacy as well! Actually, I'm sorry I shouldn't have said yes to tea. This calls for a celebration! We should drink!"
"Ma'am, please. I don't feel like drinking right now! And neither does anybody else!"
"Then more for me!"
Shinji thought to himself it was an embarrassing outcome, but not a bad one. How once again, his fears seemed to be almost comically nonsensical when looking at this turnout. Yui accepted them, Misato accepted them, all of their friends did. That was surprising but made him genuinely happy to know. Perhaps even he could have a drink, as it was a cause to celebrate.
"Ma'am...you've had too much..."
"I LOVE A HAPPY SON OKAY! HE DESERVES TO BE HAPPY! NO MORE BULLSHIT! WE GOTTA TELL THE WHOLE PRECINCT THAT HE HAS A BOYFRIEND!"
On second thought, maybe he shouldn't and just take care of Misato, as his mother had consumed more than a human being could possibly take in less than five minutes.
Kaworu helped him help her to the restroom and Maya had just thanked them and took over her care. Saying quickly with a smile, "You guys make a very cute couple. We're both extremely happy for you. If either of you need anything please don't hesitate to call me. Excuse me..."
Kaworu pulled him into a hug, "It all worked out in the end. Isn't that wonderful?"
He hugged back, "I think that's everyone I wanted to tell...we're still meeting Dr. Kaji soon right?"
"Indeed. That is going to be interesting. It's good we paced it out and didn't do it all the same day. It'd be too much. He's...quite the person. Very strange but helpful at times, I'll admit. How about we call him after you get off of work tomorrow? I'll accompany you in the morning and then we can go to my place for that meeting."
Shinji hugged into him more, "That sounds good."