A/N: Character death mention. Suicide mention.

Recommend Listening:

Makes Me Feel Better - Cyberpunk Ost (listened for thinking about Asuka Angst)

Magenta - Nano (probably the song Shinji gives to Asuka in the car. I couldn't think of another one in the moment.)

Destiny - Neffex (Toji plays in his car)

Walking next to Kaworu at the market, she'd stretched, letting out a sigh. He was looking at all sorts of trinkets to show to her, eager to get her opinion on something nice to buy for Shinji as a gift. She wondered to herself how she'd ended up in a situation like this overall. She'd always been curious about him from the moment he'd started coming to the café. There was that. Thinking back, she felt a bit dumb for how she hadn't noticed this guy was practically all over her coworker from the beginning, another man at that.

But she wasn't going to judge them for something like that.

Since he'd come around, things got way more interesting. Shinji was being a bit less spineless, Rei was more active instead of reactive, she'd seen his obnoxious friend Shigeru from time to time but he was actually pretty funny on his own even if she didn't want to admit it.

The work environment was different.

So when she'd agreed to be his friend, she wondered to herself about how it was a bit dishonest, since she was basically spying on him, feeding the juicy gossip back to Misato to read and keep tabs on this couple. Not that she actually felt bad or anything. Misato asking her that just made things even more interesting.

So then she'd found herself..having fun at work of all places. With Kaworu there, with Toji there, with Shinji not being a people avoiding jerk, with Rei actually being way more open than she'd ever seen her.

Often, she'd want to to just stay and not leave. Not have to go back to that house. Continue the good times at the café. Let it be a new...safer space for good times and fun.

The fan she'd picked out was beautiful and she noticed the way Kaworu's eyes seem to light up at the sight of it. The hand fan was a winner. He seemed so happy to be buying it. Getting a gift for someone he really cared about. If she had more experience with love, perhaps she could have better understood the love that radiated off of this man at the mere thought of doing something as simple as getting a gift to make Shinji happy.

After that, after a fun day out with her new friend Kaworu, she had to go back to the place that exhausted her. He'd taken it upon himself to escort her the entire way and carry all of their bags.

It was then that she'd gotten quieter and he'd noticed relatively quickly.

"You seem to never speak well of your family...I've noticed."

"Why would I? I hate them."

Kaworu, for once, seemed a bit unsure of how to respond. After thinking for a moment, he asked a simple, "Why?"

Such a question, it was absurd. It was stupid. And so she'd actually let herself have another loud, angry outburst, pointing in his face to empathize her points about how unfair, how idiotic, how...apathetic, her family was.

They didn't care about her, they never did.

They didn't listen.

They didn't stop to take the time and hear. To even ask how she was. Her father just...moved on to another woman and not just any woman. Her mother's own doctor. It was as insulting as it was too fast. They thought she was stupid. She could easily put two and two together and realized they'd been having an affair even before her mother hung herself. Her father was a lieing, cheating bastard and she took glee to tell her step-mother she was a fucking whore to her face every time she got the chance.

She couldn't move on. How could she when she was the first one to find her real mother's body?

Screaming at her new friend until she couldn't anymore, she'd realized that he had a look of resolve. That he was standing his ground despite her verbal assault.

Kaworu simply asked when she was done ranting, "Would you like to leave this place?"

She didn't know what to say. Not right away. She'd made a fist and simply said, "I need to think about it."

He took out his phone before saying, "When you want out, text me this word. I'll be there."

"You're a moron."

He just smiled a bit in response, "I mean it."

And she'd thought of those last 3 words as she'd taken her bags from him and went inside, just to hear a snide remark from the step-mother, which she immediately reacted negatively to.

They knew how to push her buttons around here.

It's not that she hadn't thought of leaving before. It's just that...no one made it sound so simple. She knew a place that she was welcome and wouldn't have to answer a single question if she was finally tired of living with these people who clearly only wanted to control her and not let her make her own decisions.

Disappointed? In her? No. She was disappointed in them.

In the man who was too stupid and afraid to face his role in his own wife's suicide. In the woman who swooped in and decided that this man was quite the steal and that she'd impose her own ideals on the daughter that didn't even want her there.

It was only a matter of time before she'd had it with them. The constant back and forth, the screaming matches, the stress, the anger, the anxiety, all of it.

Asuka had to compose herself before sending the text. She didn't want that idiot loverboy to know that she'd been crying.

And with that, she'd started packing her things.

"We made an agreement that she would send me this when she wanted to leave that house. I didn't expect it to come now."

Shinji nodded, it really was something serious after all. Though now he wondered what they were going to do about it. He didn't have to wonder long, as they were on the move and Kaworu suddenly made a phone call, "Shigeru, I need you. Mhm! Come pick us up from the address I'm about to text you. If you could hurry, there's a lady in trouble."

Shinji got out his phone and took a deep breath to prepare himself before making a phone call.

"Heeey! What's up?"

"Kensuke, are you available right now?"

"Yeah man! What do you need?"

"A car.."

"Say no more. Toji drives. I'll call him!"

"He does!?"

"Yeah! I'll meet up with him and we'll meet up with you. Just tell me where to go."

"I can text it."

He was surprised that Kensuke so readily agreed without even knowing any of the details or context. It was actually a good feeling to know that he could rely on his new friend, no questions asked.

"Two cars should be enough. I don't do this often but, just in case things are not pleasant, it is good to have Shigeru with us. He tends to come off as a delinquent."

Shinji looked over, surprised, "Ummmm why would we need him?"

Their eyes met, "Oh I am sure Asuka's folks are home right now. They might not take too kindly to us coming to escort her out of their house."

Shinji had to think to himself. He didn't know much about her situation other than the outbursts she tended to have every now and then. Cussing her family name, her parents, he remembered her mentioning a step-mother. He realized that he actually knew very little about Asuka and her life outside of her presence in the café. Hell, he knew more about Toji. He wondered if this was because she just kept it to herself other than what she let slip every now and then. She was a surprisingly secretive person now that he'd thought about it.

"Hmmm, I hope that she doesn't mind that we're coming with a group of people instead of just myself. I do recall the last time we went shopping together, I'd purchased a large selection for her. I can only imagine how many other belongings are in her possession."

"Kaworu, do you know where she'll be staying? Will she be in a hotel or-?"

He shrugged, "She mentioned knowing a place. I'll let her give us the directions when we meet her. In the meantime-", he stopped walking, "We can wait for Shigeru here."

He had no idea where 'here' was, but they were certainly back within civilization. He looked up at the building and could only wonder about it briefly, then looked back to his partner when his hand was grabbed and squeezed lightly.

Kaworu loomed in close, lowering his voice, "Sorry the evening was cut short. I'll make it up to you next time."

"Make it up to me huh?"

Kaworu kissed his cheek, "Remember my words from tonight. Be sure to keep them in your heart. Aaah I could say it over and over again, or even sing it. I definitely would like to repeat those words to you while I make it up to you. I wanted to end our date with a satisfactory resolution."

Now he was blushing, because he could tell exactly what Kaworu was thinking without even needing to try. "Okay. Probably not tonight though."

"Not tonight, hopefully tomorrow? I'd certainly hope that tomorrow would be a better time. I thought of something...very nice to show you how much I mean those words."

He nodded, leaning in to give a quick kiss for affirmation, before he'd heard his phone ringing.

"Shinji, Toji says something is happening tonight?"

He could hear the concern in Rei's voice, "Yeah. Asuka needs some help. So we're gathering everyone to go to her house.. I don't know all the details but it sounds serious."

"I'll give her a call."

That was all he'd heard before the line went dead. He looked back to see that Kaworu was making yet another phone call.

Makoto's voice could be heard loud and clear, "Hey buddy, what's up?"

"I have a legal question."

"What did Shigeru do now!?"

"I promise this is not about him. We have a friend who we're helping move in the middle of the night. I wanted to know if she moves in with someone else, what happens if the people she previously lived with come back to get her?"

"Does she need help filing a restraining order? I can help with that."

"I don't think so, but we would feel a lot better if you came to meet us. Are you in town?"

"I sure am! I can meet you!"

"Excellent!"

Shigeru's car just happened to pull up at that time and they got in.

"So what's going on? You said something about a lady in trouble?"

"Remember Asuka from the café? She needs help moving some things."

"At this time of night!?"

"Indeed!"

Shigeru looked back at Kaworu, who was in the backseat with Shinji before he asked outright, "You called me so, am I gonna need to beat somebody down? I mean, I'm always ready to fucking brawl. I got brass knuckles in the glove compartment."

"I don't think that will be necessary. Just looking like you can is quite enough."

"Oh an intimidation play huh? Nice nice! Okay. Where to?"

He gave the address for the Soryu residence, texting Asuka to let her know that he was on his way.

"I wonder if there's anything else I can do for her.."

"Shinji-kun, I think something you can do is prepare some calming music on a playlist! You have your headphones yes? I'm sure she is going to want to be soothed somehow. This is absolutely something you can do."

"Also should I tell Kensuke and Toji to go to her house?", he started texting the instant he saw that nod.

When they arrived at the house, the sight that met them was one to behold.

Asuka was standing outside, surrounded by suitcases and bags and he was glad they'd brought multiple cars for the number of suitcases alone. She just looked on triumphantly, but said as they'd stepped out the car, "I only text YOU. Who told you to bring an entire entourage!?"

Kaworu waved, "Well I do recall how many things you've gotten with me alone-"

The door opened and the couple standing in the doorway were easy to spot. The air felt tense as they looked on while Asuka refused to look back.

Shigeru had gotten out of his car, looking at the people in the doorway, walking up the walkway and crossing his arms while glaring at them with his most hateful glare, "Try me."

They said nothing, rather looked downcast. They'd continue to say nothing as Asuka's belongings were being moved by Kaworu and Shinji.

Another car had pulled up, and a horn honked as it parked behind Shigeru's car, with Kensuke and Toji coming out. The latter looking a bit wide-eyed at the sight they'd come up to.

Shinji just told them, "Grab what you can, pack it, and we're leaving as soon as we get it all."

Asuka just stood in place, arms crossed, watching as all of the boys were doing the work. While she wanted to be pissed off at Kaworu for getting this many people involved, she had to admit it was...nice, to see all these guys were willing to help. She didn't even want to admit that this was her time of need, or that she was still experiencing a feeling of shock from the nasty argument she'd had with her family that led to this of all things. It was still unclear in her own mind if she was being kicked out because they finally had enough of her, or if she was the one who was leaving them behind because she loathed them so much and let them know for a good amount of the evening before storming off to what used to be her room. Hanging out of her purse was a headless doll, the head tucked away deeper in the depths, hidden from view.

If she looked at it again, she'd cry in front of all of these people and she couldn't have that at all. She'd just been able to pull herself together. Now is not the time to be showing signs of weakness.

Shinji looked over at Asuka, a dreadul feeling hitting him instantly. This might be the first time he could actually notice that she was trying her best to put on a strong face. To the others, she looked like she'd always had. Something about her seemed different and he didn't like it.

"Excuse me for a moment."

He walked a bit away to make another phone call.

"Shinji, it's late at night! Is something wrong?"

"Yeah but it's...not about me. Can you come to meet me tonight? It's important."

"I can. Tell me where and I'll be there."

"Thanks Dr. Akagi."

When he'd hung up, it was to Asuka shouting obscenities at the people in the doorway, who he could guess were her parents. She'd been trying not to acknowledge them but it seemed she'd failed because of something one of them said.

Shigeru was stopping her from marching up to them in her rage and was able to escort her back towards the cars. Since they had Toji, Kensuke, and Kaworu helping move things along, it'd gone quicker than he'd thought.

When he rejoined the other boys, Toji said simply, "I have more room for people in my car. We kinda packed the other one pretty tightly. Where are we taking all this stuff anyway?"

It was at that moment that realization hit Shinji like a ton of bricks. He knew where Asuka wanted to stay now and he sighed, "We're going to my house. Here's the address."

Asuka, on this night, was moving in with him and Misato. He wondered if Misato knew all that was transpiring this evening or if the new housemate would be a whacky surprise in the morning. Either way, with how close she'd always been to Misato, he wondered why he hadn't figured it out before. He text Dr. Akagi to go to his house and wait for him to arrive and he'd explain when they got there.

Kaworu put a hand on his shoulder to get his attention and he looked over, "Hmm?"

"It's time to go. I'm afraid if we stay here longer, things will only get worse. We've taken everything we could see."

Toji had gotten back into his car, Kensuke taking the passengers seat, Asuka had gone into the back with Kaworu on one side and Shinji on the other.

The car ride didn't feel nearly as tense as being at that house, with her parents mixed emotional stares. With curious neighbors looking on and whispering amongst each other.

He got out his headphones and held them over to Asuka, who silently took them and put them on. He just pressed play and decided to try being a person of comfort for someone else for a change. With Kaworu telling him over an hour ago that he could be a person of comfort, he'd thought to himself that it had been timely to get such a simple realization.

Asuka had actually leaned into him a bit, had closed her eyes, and hadn't said a word.

"Hey you guys mind if I put on my music? My car rule is driver picks the beats, passenger has to play em. I mostly listen to rap though."

Kaworu smiled a bit, "Not at all. Please go ahead." He'd looked over to see Asuka leaning on Shinji and he just thought to himself about how his boyfriend could truly be a beacon for comfort if he chose to be. It was a moment that made him proud above all else.

Clearly, Asuka didn't want to talk about it during the ride to the Katsuragi home, as she'd listened to the headphones for a moment before taking them out to just listen to the music Toji was playing from his car.

Rei was sitting on the front steps, waiting for everyone to arrive. Standing, she came over and her worry was visible, though she tried her best to smile a bit and say to Asuka, "Look at that. You came here with an entire reverse harem."

Apparently the joke was appreciated, and the girls had gone inside after Shinji opened the door. Then it was just up to the boys to unload the cars and get everything into the spare room.

Asuka and Rei sat on the couch, Asuka hugging Penpen against herself while Rei rubbed her back.

"I hate them so much."

"I know. I'm honestly relieved that you finally left. I'm glad you did reach out. There isn't any way you'd have been able to move all of these things without bringing an entourage."

"It took 2 cars.."

Rei looked down to see the headless doll, deciding it was best to not ask about that. She'd trust her instinct on that one and was not in the mood to get yelled at by the person she was trying to help.

"Fucking loverboy over there. I only text him. This is how he pays me back? I should punch him."

"We're all here for you. And we're glad he did rally the café troops."

"And stupid Shinji plays some emo ass music in the car before Toji plays some crap I never heard."

"I see." She nodded, "And will you tell them all thank you?"

"Not in this lifetime."

Still proud as ever. She sighed, continuing to rub her back. "I'll close the café for tomorrow. I won't tell the owner anything, just that everyone needs a day, alright? You shouldn't come in when you have to unpack."

"Don't do that..."

"What would you like me to do?"

Asuka hugged Penpen a bit tighter, "Everyone else can go in. I need tomorrow off."

"That's perfectly okay. We'll make Kensuke or Kaworu stand in for you."

"You'd better not."

Rei just smiled a bit more, letting a peaceful silence come upon them.

"Is this whole box make-up?"

"Toji...if you go through anything, you're asking for death. Then we'll have to make a real shrine at the café."

"I can't help that this box isn't closed all the way!"

Shigeru just shook his head, getting caught up to speed by Kaworu on the situation, and going outside to check if Makoto had arrived yet. He was actually relieved to see that he'd just arrived.

"Oh hey! Dude, I went with them. It was pretty rough. We should stay out here though just in case anyone followed us. I doubt it though."

Makoto had gotten out of his car, "Oh? So am I not needed?"

"Not sure yet. We'll wait till they tell us more."

Makoto looked up, as Shigeru was actually taller than him and he'd wondered if now was a good time to bring up something on his mind, "So...Kaworu called me and had been texting to explain a bit."

"Those parents looked like nasty people honestly. Judgemental types too. Fuck em. I flipped her dad the bird after making sure they wouldn't chase us down while I got that chick away from the house."

Makoto let out a sigh of relief, leaning against the parked car, satisfied that Shigeru did the same next to him.

"I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Oh yeah? What's that?"

"I just...never thanked you for all you've done."

Shigeru had to look over, "Where's all this coming from?"

Makoto kept looking forwards at the house, letting out another sigh, "Look at how he's turned out. Even in a situation like this, he's gotten so involved just for a friend. I don't think he would have become like this if I didn't have your help. Perhaps he would have known the right thing to do, but he wouldn't be doing it to this extent, you know?"

He had to think for a moment, "Back then, I could tell you needed the help. You kinda just took on being a single dad with not a clue. I didn't want to leave you to do that by yourself."

"I still don't even understand why. You were a complete stranger back then. Or, you were to me."

"Just cause you needed the help. He's a good guy even without us watching over him, but maybe he turned out better than even both of us cause we knew which ways to steer him."

"I was...talking to someone recently. Who in a way commended my taking Kaworu in but in that moment I thought to myself that I didn't really do it by myself. So I shouldn't take all of the credit for it. I tried to do it alone for a while and it wasn't really working. As sweet as he is, it was really hard.."

"I hope you're not being hard on yourself because you shouldn't."

Makoto shook his head, "This is nothing like how I thought my life would turn out. I wanted to go to school, get a good job that helped people, take care of my family, and maybe settle down. In that order. I went to school, I got the job, had to leave that job to start doing something else because it wasn't what I thought...then got the kid...then...never got to settle...then"

"Don't go planning everything out like that. Everything's unpredictable as hell and by now you should have noticed. Yeah it's not what you thought, but didn't it turn out pretty damn great regardless? Besides, who says you have to make your life the way everyone else says and does?"

Makoto looked down, blushing, "Thinking about it...we really raised a kid together..."

"We sure as hell did. I didn't think I'd do something like that either but how could I not? The little dude is awesome and you're rad for taking him in." Shigeru smirked, looking over, "What are you thinking about all of a sudden?"

Makoto jumped a bit, shaking his head, "Nothing. Nothing at all..." He refused to meet that expectant stare.

"Oh I doubt that, but I'm sure you'll tell me later. If we get relieved from our duties here, maybe you can tell me over drinks tonight."

"I uh...", he'd checked his phone when he'd gotten a text, "Oh. It seems we aren't needed. Or at least, maybe it isn't the time to talk legalities. I'm a bit glad because it's so late. I guess I wouldn't mind the company if you don't. I'm not really tired."

"For what it's worth, I'd do it all over again if I could. Raise a kid with you I mean!"

Makoto had to get off the car, walk around, and get in, ignoring the snickering at his worsening blush, "Just tell me where to meet you already!"

"Pffft. Alright alright!" Shigeru just laughed, but as his friend drove off, he had to wonder to himself about a few things.

"I think that's everything." Kaworu made sure to text Makoto, letting him know they'd take it from here. He did feel a bit bad he'd called for nothing, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

Kensuke had to stretch his arms up and sigh, "I'm tired. Can I just stay over here tonight?"

Shinji nodded "We should check on Asuka. But you guys can all stay over. I'll just have to figure out the sleeping arrangements.."

Kensuke fixed his glasses, "I want to see your room!"

"Umm after! Let's go check- oh someone's at the door. I'll get it."

When Shinji opened the door, it was to a sobbing Hikari.

"She's here right!? I heard what happened. Oh my gosh! Can I come in and see her!?"

"Aaah, sure..."

"Oh thank you!" She'd walked right past him and started to make herself at home before rushing into the living room to the other girls.

Shinji wondered if he was even needed, though it seemed everyone else had gathered as well, so he'd thought it best to join them all, but sit next to Kaworu on the floor.

Asuka just took a deep breath, checking her phone, "They haven't even text me yet.."

Toji wanted to pay attention to what was going on, but he was pretty surprised to see Hikari was here now. Either way, he knew he'd stick around since everyone else was, "Can someone clue me in on what exactly happened back there?"

Hikari hugged her friend from the side, "Her parents are a bunch of jerks! They practically drove her out of their house! I'm so glad she can stay here. Asuka, I would have offered you my place if I'd have known sooner!"

"It's..fine. I wanted to come here anyway. I was offered a long time ago, so I'm finally taking Misato up on her offer to live with her."

Even Kaworu had to sigh, "I'm glad it worked out somehow."

Asuka glared at him, "I ought to punch you in the face. When you said you'd come, I thought you meant just you."

"Then I would still be moving boxes across the city even now. I didn't wish to surprise you, but this was quite the emergency."

"Whatever. I'm here now and that's all that matters. I live here now. I don't care how much they beg me to come back. I'm through with both of those sick fucks. I hate them so much."

Rei hugged from the opposite side of Hikari, "You don't have to go back and we would all prefer if you didn't."

Shinji was wondering how things would be from now on, as having a new housemate was a big deal. Yet he had to focus on the conversation at hand.

Kensuke had gotten up from his floor seat, "Will a group hug help things? Group hug everybody! Asuka needs all of the hugs!"

That was a lot of touch to deal with. Perhaps too much, but the focus was just on whatever it took to help Asuka feel better. She hadn't protested the idea, so they huddled with Penpen at the very center for that group hug.

Asuka just closed her eyes for a moment before saying barely above a whisper, "You're all morons."

Hikari snickered, "You're very welcome. Know we're here for you girlie."

Ritsuko, who was told she could let herself in, as the door was practically open, could only stare.

A/N: Can we all agree that Asuka's situation is so messed up right? She needs hugs too. It may not excuse how she acts but it sure does explain it.

The squad comes through in bad times.