"Ahhhhhhh!" Shinji screamed as he jumped out of his skin in surprise, dropping Rei's groceries on the apartment floor, causing the guests who had been hiding to jump out from their positions. they were all wearing party hats, Pen Pen included who also had a party blower held in his beak.
"HAHAHA! you scare too easily Shinji" Masura heartily chuckled as he walked away from Misatos' couch, his large frame made larger by the small size of Misato's apartment and the relatively small furniture
"You okay Shinji?" Misato asked as she walked over to her charge, who was a shade paler than usual
"I'm...fine... what's going on?" Shinji asked looking around to see that the room apartment was covered in multicolour decorations, with banners across the walls.
"Come on! Isn't it obvious Baka!" Asuka yelled pointing at the party hat on her head
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Misato cried, raising her arms into the air. Which was soon followed by the rest of the room following suit
"How did you...when did...wait I thought you said you were staying behind!" Shiji cried pointing at Kensuke, Toji, Hikari and Asuka, with Toji and Kensuke high fiving one another
"Well I helped Misato plan the party, but we knew you would pick up on the plans because you live so close to everyone
"So we had to figure out a way to get here without you second-guessing so we decided to pretended to have annoyed Hikari, we get detention and would have known" Kensuke explain
"That's why I said I had homework to do, you know I have trouble with the Kanji so when I decided to stay behind wouldn't seem too odd." Asuka
Wait, but how did you all know I wouldn't come home to...Rei, you knew didn't you!?"
Rei nodded
"I wanted to help and offered to delay your return with a shopping trip
"So we went shopping for nothing?
"No. I needed food and you offered to come along. Two birds one stone I believe." Rei stated, getting a surprised chuckle from Ritsuko
"Okay...wait, is that why you insisted to make breakfast today so I would leave early?"
"Guilty. I knew your set in your breakfast routine which usually means I wouldn't have as much time to decorate sooooo I asked Asuka to overreact so she could get you out of here nice and early.
"They went through all this trouble for me. I...I can't even remember the last time anyone did anything like this for me." Shinji thought
"I don't know what to say..." Shinji mumbled as he felt a warm sensation in his chest
" you don't need to say anything, have a seat and ill get you something to eat." Misato smiled as Shinji nodded and walked over to the couch, as he did so he got a pat on the back from Masura, Kensuke and Toji before he sat down.
After a brief snack breaks the room prepared for the main event. Shinji was sitting beside Kensuke and Toji, Hikari and Asuka were sitting on the floor together Masura and Ritsuko where sat on two dining chairs which had been brought in from the kitchen. Misato meanwhile was standing sipping a soda.
"You want to open your presents, Shinji Kun?" Misato leaned over to Shinji
"Yeah...if that alright with everyone?"
"Go head Shin-man... I want to see who can top us hahaha" Toji chuckled nudging Kensuke who chuckled as well
"Well, I may as well start things off. Here you go Shinji. I hope you like it." Masura stated, leaning over to pass Shinji, his gift. It was wrapped in grey camouflaged wrapping paper.
"I wonder what it is?" Kensuke whispered to Toji
"No idea but that guy is scary... Is he Misato's boyfriend?
"If he is then we better lay low" Toji grumbled noting the size of Masuras hands which could only be described as shovel-like.
It turned out that Masura had got he had on a collection of Pride fighting league DVDs. With a few of the boxes having signatures upon them
"Thanks, Masura."
"I thought you'd like it, given how much you've grown since you started training with me, I thought you'd appreciate it, I managed to get a few of them signed by a few fighters I had contact with. So not only will it be an educational and entertaining watch but someday it might be worth something" Masura beamed cheesily breaking the intimidating facade which his appearance portrayed
"As per usual, you always go for something that relates to fighting, even the wrapping paper" Ritsukuo mumbled.
"I think it's our turn, we have got this in the bag! Toji proclaimed confidently as he handed Shinji a small square wrapped in plain purple paper
"Hmmm, I wonder what it is?" Shinji thought as he tore the paper to reveal a game.
"Wow, this is just out!" Shinji looked at the artwork, which showed a man with a beard, with one eye covered by an eyepatch in front of a black background.
"Yeah man, we thought you'd like it, I did some research and it's been really well received so we cashed together to get it.
"We haven't even played it yet so, you know where coming up for a games night
"Absolutely, thank you" Shinji chirped.
"I don't think I can top what Toji and Kensuke got you, but I hope you like it." Hikari sighed as she passed Shinji four presents, they were of varying sizes and weights, and all wrapped in paper covered in multi-coloured triangles. Once Shinji had unwrapped the presents the full picture was revealed.
"That's really thoughtful of you Hikari thank you," Shinji said thankfully, going over to Hikari and giving her a hug.
"I was really stuck with what to get you, then I remember Asuka saying you make the dinner for her and Misato most nights so once I knew that I knew what to get you." Hikari beamed as she looked at the gifts she had gotten Shinji. They were a well made black kitchen apron with the words " Masterchef" emblazed on the front, a thick book with forks and spoons printed on the front with the words recipe book on it. A set of high-quality Japanese kitchen knives and finally a premium oak chopping board,
"Thank you"
"Who wants to go next?" Misato stated to the room.
"I'll go" Ritsuku stated, passing Shinji a birthday gift bag,
"Hmm, I wonder what it is?"
"Whatever it is it can't beat what we got him haha... on a side note, how come Shinji knows so many babes?" Toji whispered as he lifted his eyes ever so slightly to Risuko who was nursing a small whisky.
"Maybe he's a secret babe magnet and he been fooling us the whole time?" Kensuke whispered back.
"I didn't know what to get you Shinji but I hope you like them"
Shinji opened his Ritsukos gifts and found that Ritsukuo had bought him several shirts, jumpers, trousers and jeans.
" clothes...wait these are by Uniqlo. Ritsuko must have spent a lot to get these." Shinji thought as he looked at all the clothes. And noticed that while they were not extravagant or over the top in design, they were still very well made and yet so simple.
"I also put the receipt in case they don't fit or you don't like them.
"They look great, thank you Ritsuko," Shinjo bowed from his sitting position
I almost forgot, here I got you these as well." Ritsuko stated in a flustered manner as jumped from her seat and grabbed the plastic party bag she had brought in, which was lying in the hallway.
"What is it?" Shinji asked
"Youll see"
"How did you know?" Shinji asked as he looked at what he had been given. there was a number of music books, cello strings, waxes and oils used to maintain his instrument.
"Misato told me you played, I know theirs a music store not far from here so I thought you might need these in case you play some more."
Thank you, Ritsuko. Shinji beamed, going over to Ritsuko and hugged her.
"Your very welcome Shinji, maybe you can let me hear you play sometime if you wouldn't mind?"
"Sure..." Shinji mumbled, as he felt his himself blush at the request
"That how Shinji's got all these ladies. Ladies love a guy who likes music." Toji whispered.
"Maybe Shinji should give us lessons?" Kensuke's nudged Toji with his elbow as he spoke.
"I would like to go next Rei piped up" Rei stated in her usual monotone voice.
"Sure, go right head" Misato grinned as Rei grabbed her school bag which he had between her legs and pulled out a neatly wrapped box, covered in multicoloured balloons on a white background. Along with numerous smaller gifts wrapped in the same wrapping paper
"You spent way too much Rei, I can't accept this" Shinji yelped as he looked up from his gift.
"What! How do you know what a Wii U is, you don't even use a phone." Asuka bellowed in surprise
"I researched what was popular at the moment and I had the money so I bought it and please take it, I felt you would enjoy playing with it so I don't mind the cost.
"Shit, we might be on the ropes Toji who knew Rei had actual good taste
"Okay...thank you, Rei" Shinji stood up and gave Rei a tight hug, causing Rei to slowly return the favour.
"She's finally getting the chance to see and feel like a normal person, she seems to be enjoying it," Ritsukts thought to herself as she caught sight of the red hue of Rei's cheeks and the small smile on her lips.
"Okay, break it up love birds, I think I should go next, after all as the best piolet ….
"Stop boasting and get to the point Asuka." Misato groaned as she opened another can of soda.
"Jeez I was just trying to show I'm the best at everything...alright, here's your gift Baka Shinji." Asuka shrugged her shoulders and huffed as she passed her gift to Shinji
"Hmmm...thanks Asuka" Shinji grumbled, as he took the present from Asuka, it was a small rectangular box, wrapped in fiery red wrapping paper, which once stripped away revealed, a brand new phone.
"How much do you spend!" Toji and Kensuke cried,
"Shut up, I wasn't going to let Shinji walk about with a used phone that's already a few generations behind, besides, if I ever need him to do anything for me I'll know he'll be a text away and I know he'll get it," Asuka stated cockily, causing Kensuke and Toji to huff, though they hadn't clicked to Asuka cheeks turning a little red as she spoke
" I still owe Shinji for saving me, the kiss wasn't enough. I didn't want to give him something he wouldn't appreciate so I wanted to make it something special."
"Thank you Asuka... maybe you could help me set it up?" Shinji said meekly, giving Asuka a quick hug before asking for her help.
Alright, though I'm only showing you once alright. You can't rely on me to do everything baka." Asuka stated sternly, her voice a mix of sincerity and sternness.
"Ohhhhh, looks like Asuka's gone soft." Kensuke and Toji teased, causing Asuka to turn a bright shade of scarlet which boiled over into rage
"Shut up! , say that one more time and I'll..."
"Hey hey hey, calm it, it Shinjis Birthday, we don't want a brawl!" Misato bellowed interrupting Asuka's threat
"Alright...if you two say that again I will get my Eva and crush you both" Asuka huffed, only to sit beside Toji and lean over to speak in a low, emotionless voice. Leaving the boys in silence.
"I guess it's my turn to save the mood...i hope you like it Shinji. Pen Pen helped me pick it.
" Misato smiled as she retrieved a large rectangular object wrapped in deep purple paper which she passed to Pen Pen who was only moments ago drinking a can of beer, he waddled over to Shinji and pass it to him. There was also a small square box wrapped in the same paper on top of the larger box, which Shinji open first.
"This is beautiful...thank you." Shinji gasped as he opened the box to see a watch. Made of all metal and finished in gunmetal grey. The face was dark black with golden marks and arms noting the time. As Shinji inspected the watch he noticed on the inside of the watch on the back it has something etched onto the back
"Sometimes you need a little wishful thinking to keep on living."
"I'm glad you like it" Misato grinned
"And thank you Pen Pen, I did know you had such great taste." Shinji leaned over and hugged Pen Pen who simply accepted the hug only to honk afterwards. Shinji then placed the watch carefully into the box and moved it aside so he could open his larger gift.
"What is..." Shinji mumbled to himself only to catch a glimpse of what it was, only to quickly tear the paper apart to reveal the gift in full. It was a large light brown book, as thick as palms width.
"Shinji" Shinji stated as he looked at the title of the book, only to carefully open it, revealing numerous pictures. All dated and marked with small subtitles and footnotes. The pictures ranged from Shinji making dinner to Shinji helping with Misatos physio and even Shinji first time meeting Asuka.
"Do you like it?" Misato said softly
"I'm...I'm lost for words," Shinji whispered, he felt his eyes stinging with tears, which he wiped away.
"Throughout your life, you have always wanted to be part of a family. You gave always wanted to be loved and remembered as someone who was loved. I owe you my life and without you, my life would mean nothing...I love you Shinji and I want you to always be loved and wanted" Misato thought, she had seen just how much Shinji had was gone through, she had learned how much he had been let down and pushed aside, and now was her chance to make him feel wanted. She
"You don't need to say anything " Misato softly whispered as Shinji jumped up and hugged her, not caring what others thought on to start crying, not tears of sadness but tears of joy.
After a short while, Shinji calmed down.
"Thank you all for your gifts. I...I don't know how to thank you all. "
"Come on Shinji, we're friends, as long as your happy then that all the thanks we need," Toji stated confidently patting Shinji on the bank. As this happened Misato raised her arm and tapped Hikari on the shoulder. Hikari nodded and repair stood from their seats and headed to the kitchen.
"Hey, I was thinking of maybe basing a lesson on one of the fighters in the DVDs I gave you. I was thinking, maybe Wanderli..." Masura stated, with a sense of glee in his voice, for every time he got to talk about fighters made his day, but unfortunately for him, he was soon cut off by a change in the lighting and cheer.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHINJI!" Misato cheered, as everyone except Shinjo rose their feet and started to sing. As a cake was brought out, with candles showing his age, it was a chocolate sponge cake covered in rich dark chocolate icing, but that didn't want Shinji noticed.
"I can't believe this is happening. I can't even remember mother saying this to me...I think I'm going to cry again" Shinji thoughts he wiped his eye, managing to hold his tears in and smile.
"Come on blow your candles out," Misato said sweetly as Shiji took a deep breath and just he was about to blow them out, Asuka decided to join in and blow them out.
"what the hell was that! Toji bellowed followed swiftly by Kensuke
"What! he was taking too long, and I want cake!" Asuka cried.
"Why you..." Toji grumbled as he tried to get over to Asuka to tell her off, but only stopped when Shinji started chuckling, bring the entire mood back to normal.
After the cake had been divided up and the group has spent a few hours hanging out and having fun they had finished for the night and made their way home, with a hug and thank you, everyone, except Asuka Shinji and Misato, had left.
"Phew, what a great day" Misato sighed, stretching out her back.
"I'm beat." Asuka yawned
"No wonder, you had three slices of cake.
"What if I did. It would have gone to waste if I hadn't eaten those slices" Asuka fired back.
"I thought you cared about your figure." Misato teased, pointing at her stomach, only to get a pissed off stare from Asuka.
"I can't deal with this...I'm off" Asuka grumbled as she went to her room and slammed the door.
"Jeez just trying to have a laugh...Shinji, what are you doing," Misato sighed only to hear a loud clattering noise coming from the kitchen.
"I'm just washing up...
"Oh no your not. It's your Birthday, leave them to me." Misato raised her hand and point her finger to herself
"I don't mind..." Shinji sheepishly sighed
"No no no, I'm not having the birthday boy do the washing on his birthday. You sit and relax." Misato stated sternly only to fire a cheeky smile to Shinji causing him to blush.
"Okay...thanks Misato," Shinji whispered
"Your very welcome Shinji-Kun..."
""For everything, not just the party, but for everything you have done for me." Shinji's played with his hands as he spoke
"You don't need to thank me Shinji"
"But I do, my life has become so much better since I moved in. You have given me a new life.
"I should be thanking you Shinji, I wouldn't be here without you, I...I don't think I could live without you in my life you know that you've made me a better person and I can't thank you enough." Misato turned to deal with the washing after she spoke.
"Misato" Shinji stated nervously, feeling his legs starting to tremble
"Yes, Shinji?" Misato turned to face her charge.
"Come on say it, you know you need to get it out there!" Shinji yelled in his head, hoping he would say what he had to say.
"Thank you." Shinji gave a small smile, though inside he knew he didn't have the courage yet to say how he truly felt.
"And thank you Shinji, for being in my life..." Misato leaned over and kissed Shinji softly on the forehead
"You look tired. Misato stated as she looked at Shinji's face noticing small bags under his eyes.
"I am... I'll see you in the morning Misato." Shinji yawned, as he did so he smacked his side with his close hand, not hard enough to hurt but enough to make him notice
"Night Shinji"
"Night Misato" Shinji bowed his head and made his way to his room, carefully closing the door. And once he was in his pyjamas he entered his bed and closed his eyes, with one thought on his mind that stayed with him till he fell asleep.
"Why am I so afraid to tell her that I love her?"