A/N: No hetero sleepover. Also all of them are nerds. No one has any braincells anymore. Penpen took them.

"I hope you understand that the reason I was called is because Shinji is worried about your mental well-being after the events from earlier tonight. Frankly, I'm glad he did call me. I don't usually make house calls, but I would for Misato or for him. I am extending the same courtesy to you as a new client."

"Therapy is for crazy people! I'm not fucking crazy!"

"That is a misconception and a grossly outdated one. Are you saying that people who need someone to talk to through hard times are crazy?"

"People should just be able to handle themselves.."

"You've gotten help from a plethora of company tonight and did not leave your previous residence by yourself."

Asuka frowned, "That's different."

Ritsuko nodded, "How so?"

"I didn't ask for this. They just did it."

"Are you not glad they did?"

"I...didn't say that."

Ritsuko nodded, knowing if she took notes, it would just upset the girl further.

When she'd gotten to Misato's house, she was not expecting any of the things that she'd witnessed. The group hug she'd walked in on was something she was eager to talk to Shinji about during their next session soon. It seems a lot happened in his life recently that she had to catch up on. She was also very surprised to know that everyone was gathered because Asuka had moved into this house as a result of a particularly nasty fight with family. To where her new client felt it was the final straw. She would have to dig deeper to find out what was said exactly, since according to Shinji, Asuka just dealt with her living situation on her own and became a smoker to de-stress.

From what she now understood, Kaworu was the one Asuka initially reached out to and he assembled a team to get her out of the house and into this one. Meanwhile, she was actually quite proud and content that Shinji was thinking about Asuka's mental health and called a professional immediately.

She didn't break up the group hug, just watched, and it was broken up by Penpen squaking from having enough. Though a number of people finally noticed she was there and had gotten a bit embarrassed. She'd went to talk to Shinji directly, pulling him aside since he was the one who called. When he explained, she'd understood.

She absolutely would take on Asuka as a client, it was long overdue that she had.

Their first session was in what would be her new room, surrounded by boxes and bags, the door closed for privacy. This would become a challenge, as Asuka wasn't willing to suddenly accept therapy as an option. The first step was to convince her that it was a good thing and that having to seek out a therapist didn't make a person weak or needy, an attitude she personally hated for it's prevalence among the general public.

It seems her family never wanted to send her because they didn't want anyone else knowing their dirty laundry. That was the biggest tragedy of all, since getting Asuka the help she needed sooner would have been more than beneficial.

She was especially fortunate for this opportunity, since Asuka's parents worked for Seele and this was yet another avenue into the secret investigation, one that was delivered right into her lap unexpectedly. Though she shook her head at the alarming number of awful parents that worked for Seele. Which seemed to be growing.

"Asuka, are you willing to meet with me to talk more regularly? No one can make you. You must decide for yourself."

She was surprised to see the young woman nod. So she is receptive to therapy. Excellent.

Ritsuko reached into her purse, taking out her business card, "Please take this. The address of my office is there and the number is for my cell. I'd wish to speak again in a more professional setting. If there is anything else you would like to talk about, I'm all ears. I do understand you have some unpacking to do. If you want me to leave, I can do that also."

"Can I bitch about my parents?"

"You most certainly can. I'm all ears."

Toji was looking around the bedroom and he'd felt a shiver go up his spine. The feeling that hit him was that plenty of gay things had happened in this room, despite it looking like a normal boys room. Maybe a bit more dull than he'd been expecting. Gay bedroom.

"I found these sleeping bags in with Misato's things so I hope it's okay if you guys sleep on the floor."

Toji pointed at Kaworu, "There's only one bed and two sleeping bags. Where's this guy sleeping? On the couch in the living room or-?"

Shinji shook his head, "We'll be sharing my bed."

Kensuke chuckled as Toji now pointed at Shinji, "That's indecent and I won't be able to sleep on your floor knowing you guys are sharing a bed so close to me. I don't want you doing anything weird while I'm nearby."

It was Kaworu's turn to chuckle, "Honestly, there's nothing quite wrong with us sharing a bed. I promise that we won't do anything with the both of you here. You have my word."

"I don't trust like that! What if you're getting handsy under the covers or something!?"

Kensuke shook his head, "You know Toji, you certainly think of a lot of gay things for a guy who claims to only like girls."

Toji crossed his arms, sitting on the floor, "I just want to make sure nothing indecent happens!"

Shinji just sighed, "I wouldn't really do that. Besides, all I can think about right now is what just happened..."

Everyone went quiet. All the boys sat on the floor now.

Kensuke had to break the awkward silence, "Well I'm glad you called me, Shinji. I thought for a bit it was because you wanted to come to the party I was at, but I'm glad I left that place. It got a bit too rowdy for my liking anyway. I don't really drink all that much so..."

Kaworu put a hand over Shinji's and smiled more, "I'm quite happy with the turnout for tonight. I have to personally thank you both for coming through on such short notice. I'm sure that despite insulting us for it, that was just Asuka's way of saying thank you."

Toji huffed, "She sure has a weird way of expressing her gratitude. But did you see those people watching us from the doorway? That was kinda creepy. Those were her folks right?"

Shinji nodded, "I'd never seen them until today and I honestly...don't want to have to see them again. That was nerve wracking to have them staring us down the whole time. I'm glad Shigeru was there with us."

Kensuke had to ask, "Who was that Shigeru guy anyway? I don't recognize him."

Kaworu nodded, "Ah, you wouldn't. He's a good friend of mine! He comes by the café every now and then. You'll see him around more often!"

Toji had to stare at him, "That guy looked tough. I was surprised when I saw him and was glad he was on our side. Is he like...a yakuza or something?"

"Probably. I wouldn't put it past him. I'm not actually sure!"

The other boys froze, all staring at Kaworu.

Even Shinji had to look over in surprise, "W-what!?"

Kaworu just shrugged, "I didn't think it would be a big deal if he was. He's been like a best friend to me for a long time and I can always appreciate how he comes through for me in times of need. He's also just fun to hang out with in general."

Toji got wide eyed, "Dude that is...wild. What the hell man!? How do you even meet some kinda delinquent like that?!"

"Online."

"Do you not find that dangerous like...at all?!"

Kaworu laced his fingers with his partners and said simply, "I know him. I know he'd never hurt me or anyone that I care about. As I said, I'm not sure about his background, but it wouldn't surprise me if he was a delinquent."

Kensuke leaned forward a bit, fascinated, "When you guys became friends, did you have to swear an oath to become brothers!?"

"I am not a yakuza...nor have I sworn an oath with Shigeru.."

Kensuke looked a bit disappointed, "Dang. Okay then."

Shinji was wondering now if it could be true. The only things he really knew about Shigeru was a blatant disregard for the law, somehow in a fun way, and he mentioned being disowned by family. Now he was wondering if he could find out more.

A knock on the door got all of the boys attention at once.

Hikari asked, "Did you guys want anything? I'm making tea and snacks! Rei and I are going to be helping Asuka unpack in her room and we'll be staying in there tonight."

"Actually no than-"

Toji put a hand over Kensuke's mouth to shut him up and immediately replied, "Yes, we'd love some!"

"Alright, there's four of you right? We'll be back once it's ready!"

"Thanks!"

Now all the boys were staring at Toji, who brought his hand away from Kensuke's mouth, "What!? I really wanted snacks made by cute girls!"

Kensuke snickered, "It's soooo obvious that you like her. You should just ask her out and get it over with!"

"I can't just do that man. We've know each other since we were younger and I used to be a jerk. I mean she could be totally different by now. What if she has a boyfriend? There's so much about the current her that I just don't know. I only know what kind of coffee she likes best..."

Kaworu chuckled, "When I asked Shinji-kun out, I was unsure about many things as well, but I was sure that we both liked each other. It takes a big leap of faith to do, and the worst thing you can hear in response is no."

Now Toji was looking at them holding hands and it dawned on him, "That's right...you guys...are really a couple right? I want...advice on how to ask her out. Like...how did you ask Shinji out exactly!?"

Kensuke was shaking in his spot, trying not to laugh too loudly, "S-so, you're okay with some gay advice now huh!? Despite being the gay police earlier."

"SHUT IT KENSUKE. THIS IS IMPORTANT."

Shinji thought back, "The way Kaworu asked me out. Well we played a game of questions and he asked me on a date during that. Our first date was really fun."

Toji sat cross legged, hands on his knees, listening intently, "So you just slipped in the date invitation during a regular conversation huh? Okay okay."

Kaworu thought aloud, "At the time, I was very sure we both liked each other. But if I had gotten a no, I would have respected that and still wanted to remain friends. You have to be willing to face yes or no both as valid answers."

Toji nodded, "But were you smooth with it? Did you outright ask or did you kinda talk about other things and slip it in there?"

"Hmm...perhaps a bit of both? I didn't want to come off too forward and startle or put off Shinji-kun. I tried to make sure that while I asked directly, it flowed with the conversation. You can't just be talking about the weather and then ask someone out. It should come more naturally."

"I see I see. Shinji, what'd you think about that though? About the way he did it? And you said yes right?"

Shinji blushed a bit, "I knew what was happening. I wanted to, so I said yes. But we didn't go out on that first date right away. He'd taken the time afterwards to plan something really nice. I enjoyed it a lot, just like how I enjoy spending time with him."

"And uh, so during the date, what happened? You didn't do anything indecent did you!? Would a girl like if you made a move by the end of the night?"

"It depends on the person. I come to the café a lot and have run into Miss Horaki quite a bit. She seems like a nice person and she probably wouldn't like if you came onto her too strongly. I wouldn't make any sudden moves if you do get to go on a date. You can't go too quickly or it's off-putting." Kaworu looked over at his boyfriend, "Besides, we've spent so much time together since, that we've gotten to do other things much later on. Isn't that right Shinji-kun?"

Now his blush came on full force, "Y...yeah..."

Toji was looking at them both in contemplation, "I mean, I wouldn't go too far. You really shouldn't be doing all that much until you're married anyway."

Kaworu laughed loudly. Shinji looked away. Kensuke laid down on the floor to hide his face. All of them replying in unison, "SERIOUSLY!?"

Toji was firm, "WHAT? It's true! That's why you shouldn't be indecent! That's for married people!"

"I'm...I'm so sorry Toji but you might be in the minority here with that line of thinking..."

Shinji raised his hand up, showing off his red bracelet, "What if you're...engaged then? You're just committed to the one person...so it should be okay right?"

"Still not married. Just planning the wedding!"

Shinji put his hand down, shaking his head, "I can't really...agree. I think if you really care about a person and they care about you, it should be okay to show it to them in...a...way...you both like...you know...when you both feel that strongly about each other..."

Now they all stared at Shinji.

Kaworu hugged him and kissed his cheek, "I couldn't have said it better myself. I very much enjoy showing you how I feel with my body as a medium of passionate expression."

Toji coughed loudly. Kensuke wondered if he should be getting out his camera.

"It's indecent. You know you've done it right if you wait till you're married! That way nothing can come between you two cause you've built up everything else first! You have a solid foundation!"

Kaworu had to wonder aloud, "Then what, per say, is acceptable to do in your eyes? You limit yourself, my friend!"

Toji grinned while thinking to himself, "You know, stuff like holding hands."

He took Shinji's hand, "Mhm! Go on!"

Toji huffed, "Stuff like...hugging."

Kaworu hugged Shinji more, "Mhm?"

Now Toji had to look away, "I guess that kissing is okay...but not much more than that!"

Kaworu turned his boyfriend to face him, leaning in, "Oh? But what kind of kissing? Like a quick small one, or a deeper one such as this..."

Shinji put his free hand up and over Kaworu's mouth, blushing hard, "Please not like that. Don't kiss me just to prove a point!"

"Hold on!"

They all looked over at Toji, who looked deep in thought now, "So if I want to ask her out, I don't want to seem like some square loser and like I don't know what I'm doing. I need...some more help guys."

Shinji continued to cover Kaworu's mouth, "So uh...I take it you don't mind asking us since we're two guys? I don't think I can really give you a girl's perspective..."

Toji looked him in the eye said, "Since you're the one taking it, wouldn't that mean that you're more like a girl? So you can give me that perspective, right?"

Kensuke had to bring a pillow to his face and scream.

Shinji and Kaworu just looked on in shock.

"I...Toji...it's not even remotely the same...I am not a girl. What I do with Kaworu-kun is...it's not...where do I even begin!?", He was rubbing his head in confusion, "Toji...please...think Toji... for two seconds!"

"HEY! ARE YOU CALLING ME STUPID!?"

Kaworu shook his head and sighed deeply, "You draw comparisons with things you absolutely should not. This is where the confusion comes in. There is no girl part of us at all, we are in fact two men. Please take care to remember that. That is really all that needs to be understood, truly."

Kensuke took the pillow down from his face, "Guys I am so sorry that Toji is so stupid..."

Kaworu shook his head, "I wouldn't say stupid, just...ignorant...there is a difference."

Toji growled, "Watch it assholes. I am right here!"

Shinji had to put his hands down and sigh, "I guess we should explain some things until Toji gets it. Because I can't go on like this. I think I'll pass out from exhaustion. Maybe he might even discover something about himself for all we know."

Kaworu blinked, "Toji...is there something you want to tell us? Have you ever found yourself to have feelings for another man?"

"WHAT? NO!"

Kensuke leaned in, "Are you sure? We've known each other a long time. Nothing for someone as good looking and charismatic as me?!"

Toji turned away from all of them, "No no and no! Guys what the hell!?"

There was movement and Toji could only look to the bed in horror as all 3 sat on it while looking at him.

"Toji...maybe somewhere deep down, you really are one of us. And that's why you question it so hard. It's okay, you can tell us anything." Kensuke was trying not to laugh, "One of us! One of us! One of us!"

Kaworu motioned, "You should come over here and see for yourself there's nothing to be embarrassed about by sharing the same space. Whether you are one of us or not, you have such a narrow perspective of manliness that it borders to ridiculousness."

"One of us! One of us!"

Toji grumbled before standing up, "Okay fine fine! Just quit your damn chanting. You sound creepy as hell." He came over to the bed, sitting between Kensuke and Kaworu, "Are you all fucking happy now? We're all sitting on the bed like a bunch of...I don't know..."

Shinji had to say, "Just sitting with us on a bed doesn't make you anything. You're still you."

Kaworu waved a hand, "Or did anything change in the last few seconds that we should be aware of?"

Toji shook his head, "I don't feel any different..."

Kensuke leaned in a bit closer, "Hey, remember when we were younger and would practice kissing? You didn't feel anything then right?"

"What!?" Shinji and Kaworu both gasped.

Toji shrugged, "Okay let me explain! Look, it was a long time ago. It was a stupid idea to practice kissing to be able to do it and impress girls that you could do it properly. We were all stupid!"

"So Toji...let me get this straight...your first kiss was with Kensuke!?"

"It hardly counts as that!"

Kensuke grinned, "Oh I don't know. It was very nice for me. Fellas, is it gay to practice kissing with your guy friend even if it's to impress girls later? I sure thought it was."

Now Kaworu was laughing, "One of us! My goodness! I am shocked!"

Shinji was trying not to laugh, "I guess I can see the logic. How can you know you don't like guys if you never kissed one before? I just...wow. Well, by that logic I know I like every time Kaworu kisses me so..."

Toji shook his head, "Okay but have any of you fucks ever kissed a girl though!? How can you know the other way around isn't true for any of you guys!?"

Shinji shook his head, "I..we didn't just stop liking girls. It's not like we've just switched to men and never look back...Toji please...attraction is not that definite..."

Kaworu winked, "Well I'm a bit different from that. I never liked a girl to begin with." He pulled Shinji closer, kissing his cheek, "I only had eyes for Shinji-kun and no one else. I don't need to experiment with anyone else to know how I feel. It doesn't need physicality to prove. My heart feels what it does. When I look at him, I know what I want. Him and no one else."

Shinji was blushing, leaning onto his boyfriend more, "I uh...I knew I liked girls all before this, and Kaworu is the first guy I've ever liked. I know I didn't suddenly stop liking girls, but we're in a relationship. So my focus just stays on him and I don't really want to look at anyone else...I just..." He closed his eyes when Kaworu was suddenly kissing him.

"HEY HEY WHOA NONE OF THAT WHILE YOU'RE SITTING SO DAMN CLOSE TO ME ON A BED!"

Kaworu pulled away slightly, grinning at his boyfriend's blushing, "I can't help myself. Shinji-kun is just so cute. Besides, we're in his room so really what he says goes. Isn't that right?"

Shinji put his hands over his face to hide his blushing.

"Why, if we didn't have so much company over, I'd like to-" He froze when a pillow was thrown in his general direction and looked over at Toji.

Toji was blushing at such a display, grabbing for another pillow and standing up, "You have to be decent! I can already tell you're not going to be! Whatever you're thinking, stop it lewd man!"

Kensuke snickered, "What are you? 12? They can do what they want." He screamed when a pillow was thrown in his face, "What the hell man!?"

Toji growled, "And YOU! KING OF INSTIGATING SHIT! INDECENT ALL THE WAY THROUGHOUT! I'M BEING THE POLICE TONIGHT!"

Kensuke grabbed for another pillow, "Oh it's on now..."

Kaworu had to reach for one as well, "Toji...you don't know what you've just begun...and you're outnumbered."

Toji stood his ground, clutching a pillow, "I will take both of you assholes on. I will make sure you're decent by whacking you hard enough!"

"HAH! PHRASING!"

Toji started to hit Kensuke with his pillow, "Fucking indecent! That's what I can't stand with you", he pointed at Kaworu, "I don't care if you're dating or whatever! But everything about you reeks of indecency and lewd!'

Kaworu smirked, "I think I get to be however I want with my boyfriend. I don't want to hear that from someone who's kissed and not meant it. Every action you take with a person, large or small, has an effect on them in some way. What would you have done if your friend here had feelings for you at the time? You have to take responsibility for your actions. A relationship with the woman you adore won't even work if that's your attitude."

"DEFEND ME ATTACK POODLE!"

"You take it too far! To where you always seem like you're down to bang!"

"I mean...I love making love to my lover. I always take responsibility, because my intentions are loving. That last statement is not inaccurate."

Shinji was only watching, but even he had to chime in, "Guys..."

A pillow landed before him and he reached and grabbed for it while the others were smacking each other.

"AND YOU!"

Shinji looked up, "Me? What'd I do?"

Toji growled, "You're so damn complacent to this guy! He literally hoisted you out the café and you didn't even protest!"

Shinji widened his eyes, "Because I was a bit in shock. And then I knew what was happening and I wanted to-"

"YOU'RE INDECENT TOO! YOU HAD LUSTFUL EYES THAT DAY! AND EVEN TOOK A DAY OFF TO GET FUCKED!"

Shinji gripped the pillow and stood up, "I had other things to do!"

"BUT YOU'RE NOT EVEN DENYING IT! WHO EVEN DOES THAT!?"

"W-what's it to you anyway?"

"I WAS THERE ASSHOLE!"

"Don't talk to Shinji like that!"

"Join us Shinji-kun! This is quite fun actually!"

Toji growled again, "Oh so now it's 3 against one? I don't care. COME AT ME!"

"Again, phrasing!"

"SHUT IT KENSUKE!"

Shinji went and closed his eyes and decided to throw his pillow right in the line of Toji, who moved and was missed.

Everyone stopped and looked in shock as the door opened and the pillow hit Rei right in the face.

They all looked at each other, feeling a sense of impending doom.

Hikari came running into the living room at the amount of screams.

Rei tossed her a pillow as she was chasing all 4 men, who huddled behind the couch for cover, "Let's get them."

Hikari nodded, "Right! Girl power!"

Behind the couch, the men looked to each other mortified.

"Shinji you got us into this mess!"

"No, you're the one who moved. You could have deflected it. Shinji-kun is innocent. I couldn't have foretold the strength that woman possesses. We need to protect him from such wrath..."

Kensuke shivered, "She's pissed. A pissed off Ayanami...we need to strategize now or we're all done for..."

Toji shook, "How is she so fucking strong? They're coming! Kensuke, what's the plan!? You're the military guy!"

"Toji...Kaworu, you're our heavy hitters. You're gonna have to work together to pull off my plan. Can you do it?" He put a hand out and whispered, "Protect the Shinji!"

They each put a hand in, all whispering in unison, "Protect the Shinji."

"Now what is the plan? Quickly!"

Kensuke grinned and began whispering rapidly.

Hikari was laughing, "Come on out or I'm coming to you. There is no escape."

It was then that Kaworu dashed out from behind the couch on one side, using his pillow to block one being thrown by Hikari. When he went to pick it up, Rei was before him and swung down one handedly, only to reach out and catch the one from Toji's surprise back attack without even looking.

"OH SHIT RUN!"

Toji, pillowless, booked it back to couch and started grabbing for the couch pillows.

Shinji yelled, "You left him to die!"

Toji looked him in the eyes and said, "I am going to save him. No bro gets left behind. I just needed to refuel! Both of you...run! Kensuke protect him with your life!"

Toji turned and ran back to help Kaworu.

Kensuke nodded, "He's right. We can't stay here. We need a new location for safety, to regroup, and come up with a new strategy."

They started moving, Shinji could only gaze at Toji and Kaworu against Hikari and Rei. The pillow battle raged on.

The next thing he knew, Kensuke screamed and was on the ground with a pillow to his face.

Shinji could only look in horror as Asuka stood before him, smirking, "Oh I heard all the commotion. There's no way you're having this much fun without me. Prepare to die!"

He had a single pillow for self defense, and had to use it to try to shield from Asuka.

"Oh no you don't..."

Asuka moved back when Kaworu was before her, shielding her next swing to protect his love.

Kensuke screamed from the floor, "TACTIC 6969!"

Kaworu took a step forward slowly. Shinji, with renewed energy, took a step just behind him.

Asuka laughed, "You could make it 3 against one. It doesn't even matter. I'll clobber you all!"

Kensuke scrambled up from the floor, grabbed the pillow Asuka hit him with, and yelled while running over towards Toji, "ONWARD!"

Asuka laughed, "Isn't this cute? You're gonna team up against me? You have a death wish!?"

Kaworu said simply, "I do not fear death. I would only fear not having done enough to protect my love with every fiber of my being."

"Die then, fool!"

When Asuka swung, Kaworu had moved to shield with his own pillow. Shinji swinging at her from the side only for her to take the blow without even flinching. She smirked, "Oh you're dead meat now! That was WEAK!"

"Shinji-kun! Return to the others at once! I fear she will unveil her true strength!"

"But-"

"Go now! I will be okay!"

When Shinji ran off, Asuka laughed loudly, "I've always wanted to face you one on one. Finally, a worthy challenge!"

"Harbinger of chaos! I will not allow you to pass me and regroup with the others! You shall not pass!"

"Who says I want to regroup? I'm on no one's side but my own."

"Then perhaps a truce can be reached?"

"Only if you manage to beat me."

"You say this but...I know of one who is stronger than us both. Does that not intrigue you?"

"It does a little but first things first." She clutched her pillow, "HERE I COME!"

Toji, on the other hand, could only defend.

"Every military tactic is not working. Ayanami is a monster!"

Shinji ran over to them, as they were back behind the couch huddled, "What's going on!?"

"Ayanami is just too strong. We've tried everything!"

Kensuke nodded, "On top of that, we now have to deal with Asuka too! We outnumber them and still have the disadvantage! Maybe you just have to apologize, Shinji. Make it all go away!"

Toji grimaced, "I'm getting destroyed out there. The only thing I can do is try to convince Hikari to join our side..."

"If you can manage that, it still might not be enough.."

Shinji flinched as he felt a presence behind him. He turned and looked to see Penpen, "I have an idea...!"

Rei looked to see the side battle of Asuka versus Kaworu in the pillow fight madness, distracted a moment before she looked back to see Penpen come waddling out.

Hikari panted, "This is so much fun. You guys are crazy hahaha! I haven't had a pillow fight since like...junior high. Are we sure we're all adults here?"

"All I wanted was to tell them the snacks were ready. They did this to themselves. They had to pay." Rei held a hand out to stop Hikari from walking over to Penpen, "Hold on. Something doesn't feel right here."

Shinji, Toji, and Kensuke came from different directions with a pillow ready.

Hikari screamed, "Ambush!"

"Not on my watch."

Rei stepped back, dodging and evading each of them.

"WHAT ARE YOU A MARTIAL ARTIST!? GIVE ME A BREAK!"

Rei smiled at Kensuke's fear.

Only to get a pillow hitting her from behind. She turned and narrowed her eyes to see Kaworu was behind her, "Toji...please swap with me! I can take it from here!"

"GLADLY!"

Toji charged at Asuka, who was ready for her next opponent.

Rei and Kaworu looked at each other, unmoving and trying to size up one another.

Hikari and Kensuke slowly backed away. Shinji decided to use this chance that no one was after him to just leave and go into the kitchen for those snacks.

Kaworu spoke first, "What happened to us? We were DDR partners and now we are on two different sides of this war."

"You all started this. I am looking to end it."

"This has been nothing but destruction of the highest order. I acknowledge your tenacity and strength."

"Flattery will get you nowhere. Now draw."

The pillows went flying and both of them had hit each other square in the face, falling over onto the floor.

Kensuke screamed, "YOU DID IT! YOU ABSOLUTE MADMAN! YOU GAVE YOUR LIFE AND TOOK DOWN THE BEAST!"

Hikari just shook her head.

Toji ran back over, Asuka chasing him, "A LITTLE HELP HERE!"

"You're weaker than Kaworu. Please. What made you think you could actually beat me!?"

Kensuke looked over at Hikari, "Toji's in trouble. Would you want to help us out a bit? Our strongest is down and well...it's Asuka after all."

"Sure. Why not? She's got way too much energy for this early in the morning. She needs to go down!"

"Oh awesome. Let's get her!"

They gripped their pillows and rushed to Toji's side.

"Pffft. Oh so you're with them now huh, Hikari? Doesn't matter. I'll take you down too."

Hikari and Toji looked at each other for a brief moment before preparing themselves.

Kensuke shouted, "Attack pattern 252!"

Before Hikari could ask, Toji had already stepped in front of her, and she was blushing while looking at his back.

Asuka laughed, "Your little tactics won't work on me! I'll destroy you all!"

Shinji had been surprised when going into the kitchen to see Ritsuko was calmly drinking a glass of wine the entire time. He decided to stand next to her, having grabbed one of the snacks.

"It's been a night hasn't it? You're all an awfully rowdy bunch."

"I'm so tired that I could sleep for days..."

She smiled, "But you seem to be having fun. Thank you for calling me."

He looked over and saw she had, what he perceived, to be a genuine smile.

"Are you having fun?"

"Yeah..."

"I cannot stress enough how impressed I am at your progress but we can talk about all that at your next session."

A peaceful silence overtook them, despite the screaming and laughter from the living room.

"Will um...will Asuka be okay?"

"I've taken her on as a new client and I'll work just as hard to help her as I do for you. I think tonight a little stress relief was in order."

"I guess so. Today was a long day even before we found out we needed to help her."

Ritsuko chuckled, "I'd bet. Hmm, I think Misato should be home soon. I updated her on what's going on. She should know someone new moved into her house after all, even if she extended the invitation years ago. If she'd have had her way, you both would have been living here from the start. You know that right?"

"I didn't know that actually, huh."

She turned, pouring herself a refill, "They're all so loud in there." She sighed, "I'll be going home soon."

"I should check on them..."

Shinji decided, after his snack, to take a peek in the living room and the sight that met him made him chuckle.

Asuka stood on the couch triumphantly, pillow raised and cackling, everyone else was laying on the floor. As soon as she got off the couch, she looked at him, "OH! SO I FORGOT A VICTIM!"

The instant she got off the couch, a pillow hit her on the leg and she'd turned to see that Penpen had rolled it over. She could only stare at the penguin, flabbergasted at such a shocking betrayal, as the bird had been on her side. "I TRUSTED YOU! AND IN THE END, YOU DID IT FOR THE ULTIMATE VICTORY!?"

Penpen squaked up at her.

She sunk down to her knees before laying out on the floor as well, "I'm so tired."

All the bodies on the floor let out a resounding, "SAME".

The door opened and Misato had just come in, stopping in her tracks at all the bodies on her floor, "THE HELL HAPPENED HERE!?"

Ritsuko shrugged as she came up next to Shinji, "A lot. Come on in and I'll fill you in on the rest of the details."

Misato had to step over people and pillow alike once she'd fully come in. All to make way to the other side of the room and join them.

Shinji had just walked in and knelt next to Kaworu, reaching forwards and poking his side, "Hey."

Kaworu hadn't moved, "Mhm?"

"You should eat something. I think everyone should."

"Give us a few minutes."

Shinji was laughing, "I think Penpen knows he's won." The bird was standing on a pillow, gazing out at the bodies before raising his fins and letting out a victory squak, "I think I'm going to go to bed...finally."

At that, Kaworu reached and gently placed his hand on top of Shinji's, "I'll come join you soon enough. Or actually...", he rolled over, reaching up and pulling his boyfriend down, "Stay out here for a bit longer."

Shinji just laid down next to him and closed his eyes, "I could just sleep out here."

"Ayanami..."

She grumbled from across the room, "Hmm?"

Toji yawned, "I'm gonna be late for work tomorrow. Please have mercy."

"We can open late...I'll allow it...what time is it?"

Asuka sighed, "I don't even want to know."

Hikari got up with a sigh, "I'm gonna go eat...I should. I didn't even have a dinner..."

Slowly, begrudgingly, each person suddenly got up to shuffle into the kitchen and grab a snack and drink.

Kaworu brought out his phone, seeing he was getting a call from Makoto, "Oh...I should take this..."

"I HAVE DONE A BAD THING. I RUINED OUR FRIENDSHIP PACT!"

Kaworu sat up, "What's wrong?"

Shinji looked over, able to hear the conversation from being so close.

"What should I do!? I am freaking out!"

"Slow down. What happened?"

"IGOTABITTOODRUNKANDISLEPTWITHSHIGERU."

"That was the opposite of slow down. Also, what!?"

Even Shinji widened his eyes, "Huh..."