Standard Disclaimer!!
I, Zentrodie, of here by sound mind and body wish to say.I'm poor so I don't own either Love Hina or Evangelion. Sad isn't it?
Quick note to you readers. A different original story of mine, "Games People Play", is up for a takoballs award! Now I know I'm not going to win it, the competition is HERENDECE, but it's nice to get nominated. I feel like I'm not that bad at original stuff anymore!! But to those of you who hope for more MST's, don't despair! I have the plans for the next saga in mind and will start it VERY soon :)
Well enough of the pre-reading stuff, I take it that if you're even here it is because you wish to read about Shinji and Shinobu's lunch.
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Out of Disaster Chapter-3 "Good Intentions"
The cafeteria was a battleground. Students were quick to gather as much food as possible and to fill their favorite seats. Touji and Kensuke were no different. Neither wanted to make their own lunches so when the teacher dismissed the class for lunch they tore off to obtain substance.
Pushing one of the smaller kids out of the way Touji spoke, "Hey Kensuke, where Shinji go again?"
Following in Touji's wake, "You forget to easily. He's going to give his bento to that Maehara girl."
"Then should we get him some food too? When he comes all the good stuff will be gone," he said while taking extra helpings of sandwiches and dessert.
Kensuke gathered his food and marveled at the heaping portions on Touji's plate, but he still wasn't sure if the extra food was for Shinji or seconds for Touji. He said getting a little extra for Shinji wouldn't be a bad thing, while they found a nice window seat.
Touji dove into his plate of food without hesitation; Kensuke examined it a little first. 'How can he stomach this stuff so easily.looks like road kill.'
Taking a few shaky bites of his lunch Kensuke noticed the class- representative was looking at the back of Touji's head. "What you do wrong today in class Touji?"
Stopping mid-bite, "What you mean?"
"The class-rep is looking at you."
Taking a look behind him only to find Hikari talking quietly with Asuka, "Liar!"
Putting his hands up in defense, " She was man, really she was!"
"Whatever. What's taking Shinji so long, he doesn't get here soon I'm going to eat his."
Looking at the empty plate, Kensuke figured he already HAD eaten Shinji's portion. "Maybe that girl was more upset than Shinji figured she'd be and something happened."
"What, like she beat the hell out of him, smack him around, you don't think she'd try to kill him do you?"
"Not that far, but I think we should go check on them. You see how Shinji was looking at her?" Kensuke dumped the rest of his lunch in a nearby trashcan.
Shaking his head at the wasted food, "He was just staring.at.her, hey you think."
Kensuke quickly cut him off, "Hello captain obvious, but did you see her giving him the exact same look?"
Touji had to admit he never really looked at Shinobu during class. He agreed that they should go check on them though, just to be sure. They bused their trays and headed for the exit, unknown to them somebody had been listening to their conversation and had moved to follow.
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The duo walked out of the classroom in frustration.
"If they didn't stay in the room, where could they have gone?" Kensuke almost said as he readjusted his glasses.
A moment of inspiration struck Touji, "Outside, Shinji always liked to eat outside."
Looking at the jock, Kensuke was surprised by the insight that he himself had overlooked. He nodded to his jump suit clad friend and they headed outside towards Shinji's usual stomping ground.
As they took the final turn they stopped dead in their tracks. They had finally found Shinji, but not as they had pictured him. The scene before them was totally unfitting to their rather depressed friend. Shinji and Shinobu were sitting under a sakura tree sharing a bento. That in itself was shocking, but to increase their surprise they were both talking happily to each other.
"Kensuke.hit me," the stupefied jock said.
Never one to resist, Kensuke slugged him in the arm.
Wincing slightly as the pain crept into his arm, "So this isn't a dream, wow."
"Eloquently put. I never expected this."
A feeling of obligation washed over Touji, "We have to help him!"
Confused by the notion, "Help him?"
"Yeah help him, tell this girl all kinds of shit about Shinji to help him out!"
"How is that helping him?" rising an eyebrow.
Full of conviction, "He'd never self promote himself to get a girl, that's how well help him!"
Still a bit reluctant to jump the gun on this topic and cause more harm than good, "What if he doesn't want to date her, did you think of that?"
"But they were made for each other! In class they look like the Dynamically Depressed Duo!"
He had to admit they did have a similar air about them, and they both appeared to enjoy the company of the other. He nodded and agreed to assist Touji in his plan to 'help' Shinji.
As they neared the dining couple they finally overheard their conversation.
Shinji said to his present companion, "And if you add a little vinegar to the batter it makes the octopus balls taste salty but not to bitter."
Taking a bite of his offering, "You're right Ikari-san it's great! How did you get so skilled at this?" Shinobu asked a little jealous at his cooking.
Looking at the mostly empty box, "Cooking.well lets say it helps me to keep my mind occupied."
Nodding in silent agreement to the boy, "I wish I could learn some more of your recipes."
It was at this time that the two stalking stooges made their entrances. Their sudden appearance startled Shinji, resulting in a slight jump. Shinobu, losing the feeling of peace, looked intimidated by the new arrivals.
Sensing the fear in her Shinji quickly introduced the pair to her as his friends.
Touji was quick to set his plan into action, "So Shinji aiming for another girl?"
Looking at the taller boy, Shinji mumbled, "What are you talking about Touji?"
Rethinking his part in the plan Kensuke just looked at how Shinobu's face was following the dialog very closely. 'This could do more harm than good.a lot more harm.'
Noticing how Kensuke didn't take up where he was supposed to Touji adlibbed, "Your guardian is a major babe, you live with a babe.even if her mood is temperamental at times, AND you work with another babe. So going to add another girl to the group?"
Shinobu listened to Touji and let her head drop. She was starting to grown fond of this Shinji but after hearing all this information about his living conditions, and the other girls in his life she figured she had little chance. She dusted the remaining crumbs off her skirt stood up and started to run way.
Despite Kensuke's efforts to stop him or Shinobu's hurried exit, Touji pressed on as his attention was solely focused on Shinji. "I bet you wanted to invite her over after school."
He was proud of that question. Any guy would try to get the girl he liked over to his place. Touji simply hoped Shinji had the hormones enough to make a move on the question. Shinji didn't respond only lower his head further.
In a last ditch effort to stop his friend from making a bigger mistake Kensuke cut in, "Touji she left."
Both teens looked at Kensuke then at the empty space Shinobu had been sitting. Touji then altered from looking at the empty space and Shinji's hurt face. 'Oh shit.'
Rising to his feet as the situation dawned on him, Shinji was quick to follow her.
Slumping to the ground, Touji looked at Kensuke. "You were supposed to help me."
"Help her to hate the ground all three of us walk on?" Kensuke said as he took a seat next to his buddy.
"Think Shinji can fix things up with her?"
Smacking the back of Touji's head, "Maybe, if your stupid comments about him being a lady killer didn't alter her perspective of him to much."
In an attempt to justify him self, "I just wanted to help him score man, not like I planned her to freak out."
"But she DID freak out and we DID ruin the lunch thing they had going on.man you really dropped the ball in this one." Kensuke hollered.
The verbal beat down continued well into the lunch period, drawing quite a crowd of on-lookers. On of the on-lookers was Hikari, who after hearing the scandalous news quickly ran to tell Asuka. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
It took the remaining lunch period for Shinji to find where Shinobu had run off too, which left him little time to explain himself. He found her hunched over her own bento in the classroom next to her own. He listened to a few sniffles from the girl, and although he couldn't see her face he was sure she was at least holding back tears.
Taking a few unsteady steps towards her, "Shinobu.crying into your food.will make it soggy."
At the sound of his voice, she peeked her head up showing him her slightly red eyes. He was glad he had gotten her attention, but upset at himself for causing her yet more grief.
"It.what they said." Shinji stammered over his words as he tried to save face in front of her.
She found her eyes locked with his, "It's true though.isn't it? I see you coming to class with that Asuka girl.is she the one that lives with you?" Shinobu pictured the vision of arguably the most beautiful girl in her class.
"Well about that." his words being drowned out by the bell sounding, "Shinobu, can we talk after school about this, please?"
Maybe it was because he reminded her a little of Keitaro, how lunch had actually been very nice, or because of the hurt expression in his eyes, anyway she agreed to meet him after classes ended to talk, 'I just hope I don't miss my train.' ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
Shinji tried to ignore the constant instant messages from Touji pleading to be forgiven for his mistake, but after the twentieth he relented. Kensuke's reprimand had Touji feeling incredibly guilty.
Across the room another computer conversation was raging.
[So Shinji hit on that Shinobu girl during lunch I heard.] Hikari sent.
Asuka's reply was short [That's why she looks like death warmed over?]
[Maybe, Kensuke was going on and to Touji about how he messed things up]
Asuka stole a glance at her flat mate, 'Yeah he's a pervert and an idiot.but could he really cause that girl THAT much trouble?' [I'll look into it. Can't have that baka harassing us young women now can we?]
Asuka and Hikari closed out their chat windows and tried to pay attention to the teacher's lectures.
Similar chat windows were open during the remainder of the day. Many were just shocked classmates comments that Shinji actually ate lunch with somebody different. A few of the girls that sought Shinji's affection, for purely trophy reasons, saw Shinobu as a threat to the proposed popularity boost that dating a pilot would bring. Despite the up swelling of attention brought towards Shinji and Shinobu nobody took any further action during the day.
The class was dismissed on time and the bustle of eager children ran from the room. Asuka found herself waiting at the gates for Shinji, but after about ten minutes of waiting she left to tell Misato the news.
Touji and Kensuke did their usual routine of following behind a group of girls until they passed an arcade, and when they reached it they wasted their money.
In the near empty classroom, Shinji went over to talk to Shinobu again. She was still sitting in her chair and awaiting his appearance and explanation. He sat in the desk next to hers and after a quick look around the room initiated the conversation.
"It wasn't true."
"What wasn't true Ikari-san?"
Unable to keep looking in her eyes his head sagged, "I'm not popular at all. Touji and Kensuke are basically my only friends and they wanted to 'help' me."
Taking in his tone of voice and body language she could easily tell he was telling the truth, but her mind questioned, 'help him with what?'
She knew she shouldn't ask, but she found herself asking him to explain further before she could stop herself.
Again checking the room for eavesdroppers he continued, "Aside from Asuka and Rei, I've never really talked to a girl my age like we did."
The names sank into Shinobu's mind, "Are those the girls you live with?"
Taken aback by the question he reclined in his seat, "I live with Asuka and my commanding officer because of 'you know what'." Shinji hopped Shinobu would realize what he meant, as talking openly about the Evangelion was taboo.
She did not expect that to be the answer he told her. She expected to hear he was in love with Asuka and THAT was why he was living not because of his position as a pilot. She smiled at him softly and stood up.
Standing up as well, "I'm sorry about what they said. I really enjoyed eating lunch with you."
Packing her bag, "No apology needed, I guess I jumped to conclusions myself. Now I need to hurry or I'll miss my train home."
In a moment of courage, "Could I walk you to the station?"
The request shocked Shinobu greatly, he wanted to escort her.HER. She couldn't believe this important person truly wished to spend more time with her. Shinji took her silence as a sign that she didn't want to.
Nodding at the still shocked girl, "Ok, I guess it's a bit much to ask."
"No no.its just, I never suspected you'd want to, sure."
Blushing feverously she nodded and they walked out of the class. The only witness to the events that transpired in the room headed to Nerv to report the news to the Commander and to ask questions about an odd feeling she was having. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
The duo approached the station just in time to watch Shinobu's train leave the station.
As the train sped away, Shinji's head dipped slightly and he mumbled out a string of apologies. He took the blame for her missing the train fully.
Shinobu giggled at the overly apologetic form Shinji was in, "It's ok, but the next train heading towards my home isn't until eight."
She wasn't really all that upset. She found herself enjoying Shinji's company more and more. The talk they had while they walked to the station pleased her greatly. The problem now was what to do to pass the roughly five-hour wait. She looked again at Shinji and found his face terribly red.
"Ikari-san is something wrong?" *
Shinji found it hard to vocalize the thoughts in his head, "I.um.since you can't go home.would.you like to.visit my apartment?
The stammered sentence sent Shinobu into a fit of hysterics, her head was spinning and her face matched his in tone. 'He just invited me over.what do I do? What do I do?
The bluntness of his words echoed in his head, "To share some cooking recipes! You said.you wanted to learn some of mine."
With a clenched hand over her mouth the nodded mutely to the invitation and they slowly made their way back to the Katsuragi homestead.
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At the Apartment a couple were in a heated conversation.
"Word is he was hitting on that girl, and since he didn't come home he's probably stalking her as we speak!"
Easing back in her chair Misato countered, "Asuka, I don't think Shinji is the stalking type. Anyway Section-2 wouldn't let him out of Tokyo-3 without written permission from me or the Commander."
"But what if he IS doing something. I mean that's what the word in the classroom is"
"Maybe they hit it off better than anybody expected and they went to a utility closet?" while she didn't believe it possible it got the result she hoped for.
Asuka's face dropped, 'What if she actually likes him?' The talk continued but with a lower intensity. Asuka told Misato of all the rumors she heard and Misato agreed to talk to Shinji about things. After Asuka had left to watch some television, Misato was left thinking about Asuka's feelings in this matter.
She was surprised that Asuka didn't seem upset or jealous about Shinji paying attention to another girl. 'She sounded like a concerned younger sister.' She smiled at the thought; both of her wards desperately needed some companionship. If her wards felt something for each other, even if it was like siblings, it would help them immensely.
'What if Shinji DID do something with this Maehara girl, he's hardly ever this late.' Her stomach rumbled. 'He better get here soon too. I'm starving.' ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Twenty minutes passed and the hunger pains were growing in intensity. Misato was growing desperate. 'Could I call Section-2 and have them bring him home? Could claim it to be an emergency.' She eyed her cell-phone and debated on the correct course of action.
In the living room, Asuka was suffering just as badly. 'Damn him! He spoiled us by cooking so often.' Sure she could cook, just not very well. "Misato can we order take-out?"
Calling back from the kitchen, "Sure, thanks to our master chef being absent we must adapt."
Smiling as the problem was to be solved Asuka joined Misato in the kitchen, "Just don't order anything weird."
Accosted, "Weird, when have I ordered anything weird?"
Scrunching her nose, "Remember the sauerkraut pizza?"
"Thought you'd like that combination."
As Asuka thought of her retort they heard the door shut. Their eyes meet, and in unison "Never mind. SHINJI GET IN HERE!"
A few moments passed and still Shinji had yet to obey their order. They called out to their chef to make his presence known.
Shinji walked into the kitchen slowly with Shinobu trailing behind. With a tinge of fear in his voice, "I'm home.did I forget to do something?"
The duo entered into full view and astonished the two starving females. Misato set her beer down and rubbed her eyes. Asuka's face held a slight smirk.
Misato beat Asuka to the punch, "Shinji-kun, you invited a friend over?"
Squirming under the growing intensity of their combined gaze, "Yes, this is Shinobu Maehara. I invited her over to share some cooking tips."
At her introduction, Shinobu stepped out from behind Shinji's shadow and bowed slightly to the two women. She was having a hard time dealing with this, not only did Shinji live with two girls but the elder's form sent enormous feelings of inadequacy through her. 'She's in the military, she could be a fashion model!'
Smiling at Shinobu, Asuka extended her hand, "You're a cook? Good, get work."
Unfamiliar with the Western tradition, Shinobu held her hand out in front of her body as Asuka did. Asuka burst into a fit of laugher, as Shinobu didn't understand she wanted to shake her hand, 'What is with Japanese and contact?'
Standing up and ushering Asuka out of the room, "Now Shinji, you don't 'have' to make enough food to feed Asuka and I, but we'd really appreciate it."
Shinji sensed that he did have to cook enough for them. The look I their eyes as he mentioned food was one of bliss. With the kitchen to themselves, Shinji donned his apron and handed a spare to Shinobu. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Shinji and Shinobu both felt as if time was moving in fast-forward. He and taught her a few western dishes with relative ease. He centered on western dishes as Shinobu told him she knew a great deal of traditional dishes.
She was pleasantly surprised to learn that Shinji was truly an adept cook and teacher. She looked with a sense of silent awe with how much care he took to explain things to her. 'He's just as nice as Keitaro-sempai.' On several occasions Shinji, while shakily, took her hands in his to guide her over the steps. During those occasions she was glad he couldn't see her face or the bright red that was her face.
Misato would wander into the kitchen to check on the progress of the meal, and to request a bit more be made. Shinji had the suspicion that it was really to spy on their conversation, but he would never make such a bold claim.
When they finished, Misato and Asuka joined them around the table to eat. Suspecting something, Asuka kept altering her focus from Shinji to Shinobu. She couldn't place Shinji's motive, 'What is that boy up to."
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Shinobu found it a bit difficult to eat in front of the two strangers, but was able to keep an air of sociability. She could tell the conversation was being altered due to her presence. 'Must be because I'm a possible security leak.'
The two girls excused themselves leaving her and Shinji with the plates.
Looking at the carnage, "Um.Shinji-san, don't they help you?"
He gathered the plates and headed towards the sink, "Well, sometimes they do. Lately I've been volunteering."
"Can I help you with them?" she said in a weakening voice.
He refused to be a burden to her, claiming it was his foolishness that caused the whole mess anyway. Shinobu argued that she would be a poor guest if she didn't help. The two pressed their respective sides until Misato called out to Shinji that the woman is always right. He relented and allowed Shinobu to help him. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
To pass the remaining time before she had to leave for her train, they did homework. Once they started, Asuka joined them at the table. Shinobu found herself laughing softly as Asuka would make jokes about how Shinji always needed somebody's help. She wasn't a great student either, but she still found if funny.
The German found herself enjoying the quiet girls company, 'She's a lot like Shinji, but at least she doesn't apologize as much.'
They talked after either finishing the work of just giving up on it. The pilots asked Shinobu if the transfer and train ride was a great hindrance. To which she said it wasn't to bad and to set matters straight said she didn't even consider them responsible.
Seven Thirty rolled around and Shinobu announced that she was going to depart. When she got her shoes on and stepped outside, she found Asuka shoving Shinji out the door.
"Take baka here with you. It's not safe this time of night."
She looked at the blushing Shinji as he put his shoes on after Asuka pitched them at him. A feeling of warmth entered her. "Thank you Ikari- san."
With a huff, Asuka simply put, "Don't honor him so much, Shinji is fine."
Shinji stared blankly at Asuka and turned to Shinobu, 'Is she honoring me?'
Asuka shut the door wondering what came over her. 'Did I just send SHINJI to escort that girl?' She retired to the television to chastise herself for acting so foolishly.
Walking to the station, "She's nice."
Shinji took a look at his companion, "Who Asuka?"
Shinobu put her hand to her mouth as a few giggles escaped her lips, "Who else?"
"Oh yeah, she can be really nice at times, but if you get her mad.look out."
She conjured images of Asuka's rage in her head from school. She vowed to try to never upset the girl.
Again the conversation hit a lull, neither knew what to talk about. When the arrived at the platform, Shinji stressed how nice an evening he had with her. Shinobu agreed with him.
She fought against herself from continuing but failed, "Can I make your lunch tomorrow?"
The idea was defiantly pleasing to him. He agreed that he'd accept her lunch tomorrow and she boarded her train and left.
As her trained sped off towards her home, Shinobu planned to make an extra special lunch for tomorrow.
Feeling at ease, Shinji found the walk home to be a minor trifle. He finally made a new friend and put the guilt behind him. His mind wondered to why Asuka had thrown him out and ordered him to escort Shinobu to the station. 'Maybe she just wanted me out of the apartment.' ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
The flat was quiet when he got home. That fact unnerved him, as it was way to early for Misato to be sleeping.
He crept quietly and slowly towards his room. 'If she catches me, she's never let me live this down.' His hand reached out for the handle to his door when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Shin-chan, how did your date go?"
He spun around and braced his back against the door in what seemed like one second, "Date.what date?"
A wide smile crossed her face, "Dinner and conversation is a date."
Shinji never heard it put that way. "Was that a date? She was stranded in the city what was I supposed to do?'
Misato leaned closer to the prone boy and sniffed his collar, "She give you a kiss good night?"
Shinji blushed furiously at the comment and Misato fell to her knees laughing. Shinji didn't know that in Hinata-inn Shinobu was receiving the same treatment from Kitsune.
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Author Comments
I tried to keep all the characters "in-character" but I may have failed in some places.
The note was for those that haven't read/scene Love Hina. Shinobu has the habit of calling people either -sempai or -san based on age. If older sempai same age san.
For those of you who know me for my msts GOOD NEWS I'm going to start my new mst right now. So OoD and Anata will be taking a tiny hiatus as I write one or two chapters of my latest mst.
Sorry if you didn't like the chapter, if you did please write me a review, not too much to ask is it?
Again thanks to Golden Kitsune for prereading
Ja-mata
Zentrodie (zentrodie@secondimpact.com www.geocities.com/zentrodie.geo )
I, Zentrodie, of here by sound mind and body wish to say.I'm poor so I don't own either Love Hina or Evangelion. Sad isn't it?
Quick note to you readers. A different original story of mine, "Games People Play", is up for a takoballs award! Now I know I'm not going to win it, the competition is HERENDECE, but it's nice to get nominated. I feel like I'm not that bad at original stuff anymore!! But to those of you who hope for more MST's, don't despair! I have the plans for the next saga in mind and will start it VERY soon :)
Well enough of the pre-reading stuff, I take it that if you're even here it is because you wish to read about Shinji and Shinobu's lunch.
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Out of Disaster Chapter-3 "Good Intentions"
The cafeteria was a battleground. Students were quick to gather as much food as possible and to fill their favorite seats. Touji and Kensuke were no different. Neither wanted to make their own lunches so when the teacher dismissed the class for lunch they tore off to obtain substance.
Pushing one of the smaller kids out of the way Touji spoke, "Hey Kensuke, where Shinji go again?"
Following in Touji's wake, "You forget to easily. He's going to give his bento to that Maehara girl."
"Then should we get him some food too? When he comes all the good stuff will be gone," he said while taking extra helpings of sandwiches and dessert.
Kensuke gathered his food and marveled at the heaping portions on Touji's plate, but he still wasn't sure if the extra food was for Shinji or seconds for Touji. He said getting a little extra for Shinji wouldn't be a bad thing, while they found a nice window seat.
Touji dove into his plate of food without hesitation; Kensuke examined it a little first. 'How can he stomach this stuff so easily.looks like road kill.'
Taking a few shaky bites of his lunch Kensuke noticed the class- representative was looking at the back of Touji's head. "What you do wrong today in class Touji?"
Stopping mid-bite, "What you mean?"
"The class-rep is looking at you."
Taking a look behind him only to find Hikari talking quietly with Asuka, "Liar!"
Putting his hands up in defense, " She was man, really she was!"
"Whatever. What's taking Shinji so long, he doesn't get here soon I'm going to eat his."
Looking at the empty plate, Kensuke figured he already HAD eaten Shinji's portion. "Maybe that girl was more upset than Shinji figured she'd be and something happened."
"What, like she beat the hell out of him, smack him around, you don't think she'd try to kill him do you?"
"Not that far, but I think we should go check on them. You see how Shinji was looking at her?" Kensuke dumped the rest of his lunch in a nearby trashcan.
Shaking his head at the wasted food, "He was just staring.at.her, hey you think."
Kensuke quickly cut him off, "Hello captain obvious, but did you see her giving him the exact same look?"
Touji had to admit he never really looked at Shinobu during class. He agreed that they should go check on them though, just to be sure. They bused their trays and headed for the exit, unknown to them somebody had been listening to their conversation and had moved to follow.
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The duo walked out of the classroom in frustration.
"If they didn't stay in the room, where could they have gone?" Kensuke almost said as he readjusted his glasses.
A moment of inspiration struck Touji, "Outside, Shinji always liked to eat outside."
Looking at the jock, Kensuke was surprised by the insight that he himself had overlooked. He nodded to his jump suit clad friend and they headed outside towards Shinji's usual stomping ground.
As they took the final turn they stopped dead in their tracks. They had finally found Shinji, but not as they had pictured him. The scene before them was totally unfitting to their rather depressed friend. Shinji and Shinobu were sitting under a sakura tree sharing a bento. That in itself was shocking, but to increase their surprise they were both talking happily to each other.
"Kensuke.hit me," the stupefied jock said.
Never one to resist, Kensuke slugged him in the arm.
Wincing slightly as the pain crept into his arm, "So this isn't a dream, wow."
"Eloquently put. I never expected this."
A feeling of obligation washed over Touji, "We have to help him!"
Confused by the notion, "Help him?"
"Yeah help him, tell this girl all kinds of shit about Shinji to help him out!"
"How is that helping him?" rising an eyebrow.
Full of conviction, "He'd never self promote himself to get a girl, that's how well help him!"
Still a bit reluctant to jump the gun on this topic and cause more harm than good, "What if he doesn't want to date her, did you think of that?"
"But they were made for each other! In class they look like the Dynamically Depressed Duo!"
He had to admit they did have a similar air about them, and they both appeared to enjoy the company of the other. He nodded and agreed to assist Touji in his plan to 'help' Shinji.
As they neared the dining couple they finally overheard their conversation.
Shinji said to his present companion, "And if you add a little vinegar to the batter it makes the octopus balls taste salty but not to bitter."
Taking a bite of his offering, "You're right Ikari-san it's great! How did you get so skilled at this?" Shinobu asked a little jealous at his cooking.
Looking at the mostly empty box, "Cooking.well lets say it helps me to keep my mind occupied."
Nodding in silent agreement to the boy, "I wish I could learn some more of your recipes."
It was at this time that the two stalking stooges made their entrances. Their sudden appearance startled Shinji, resulting in a slight jump. Shinobu, losing the feeling of peace, looked intimidated by the new arrivals.
Sensing the fear in her Shinji quickly introduced the pair to her as his friends.
Touji was quick to set his plan into action, "So Shinji aiming for another girl?"
Looking at the taller boy, Shinji mumbled, "What are you talking about Touji?"
Rethinking his part in the plan Kensuke just looked at how Shinobu's face was following the dialog very closely. 'This could do more harm than good.a lot more harm.'
Noticing how Kensuke didn't take up where he was supposed to Touji adlibbed, "Your guardian is a major babe, you live with a babe.even if her mood is temperamental at times, AND you work with another babe. So going to add another girl to the group?"
Shinobu listened to Touji and let her head drop. She was starting to grown fond of this Shinji but after hearing all this information about his living conditions, and the other girls in his life she figured she had little chance. She dusted the remaining crumbs off her skirt stood up and started to run way.
Despite Kensuke's efforts to stop him or Shinobu's hurried exit, Touji pressed on as his attention was solely focused on Shinji. "I bet you wanted to invite her over after school."
He was proud of that question. Any guy would try to get the girl he liked over to his place. Touji simply hoped Shinji had the hormones enough to make a move on the question. Shinji didn't respond only lower his head further.
In a last ditch effort to stop his friend from making a bigger mistake Kensuke cut in, "Touji she left."
Both teens looked at Kensuke then at the empty space Shinobu had been sitting. Touji then altered from looking at the empty space and Shinji's hurt face. 'Oh shit.'
Rising to his feet as the situation dawned on him, Shinji was quick to follow her.
Slumping to the ground, Touji looked at Kensuke. "You were supposed to help me."
"Help her to hate the ground all three of us walk on?" Kensuke said as he took a seat next to his buddy.
"Think Shinji can fix things up with her?"
Smacking the back of Touji's head, "Maybe, if your stupid comments about him being a lady killer didn't alter her perspective of him to much."
In an attempt to justify him self, "I just wanted to help him score man, not like I planned her to freak out."
"But she DID freak out and we DID ruin the lunch thing they had going on.man you really dropped the ball in this one." Kensuke hollered.
The verbal beat down continued well into the lunch period, drawing quite a crowd of on-lookers. On of the on-lookers was Hikari, who after hearing the scandalous news quickly ran to tell Asuka. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
It took the remaining lunch period for Shinji to find where Shinobu had run off too, which left him little time to explain himself. He found her hunched over her own bento in the classroom next to her own. He listened to a few sniffles from the girl, and although he couldn't see her face he was sure she was at least holding back tears.
Taking a few unsteady steps towards her, "Shinobu.crying into your food.will make it soggy."
At the sound of his voice, she peeked her head up showing him her slightly red eyes. He was glad he had gotten her attention, but upset at himself for causing her yet more grief.
"It.what they said." Shinji stammered over his words as he tried to save face in front of her.
She found her eyes locked with his, "It's true though.isn't it? I see you coming to class with that Asuka girl.is she the one that lives with you?" Shinobu pictured the vision of arguably the most beautiful girl in her class.
"Well about that." his words being drowned out by the bell sounding, "Shinobu, can we talk after school about this, please?"
Maybe it was because he reminded her a little of Keitaro, how lunch had actually been very nice, or because of the hurt expression in his eyes, anyway she agreed to meet him after classes ended to talk, 'I just hope I don't miss my train.' ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
Shinji tried to ignore the constant instant messages from Touji pleading to be forgiven for his mistake, but after the twentieth he relented. Kensuke's reprimand had Touji feeling incredibly guilty.
Across the room another computer conversation was raging.
[So Shinji hit on that Shinobu girl during lunch I heard.] Hikari sent.
Asuka's reply was short [That's why she looks like death warmed over?]
[Maybe, Kensuke was going on and to Touji about how he messed things up]
Asuka stole a glance at her flat mate, 'Yeah he's a pervert and an idiot.but could he really cause that girl THAT much trouble?' [I'll look into it. Can't have that baka harassing us young women now can we?]
Asuka and Hikari closed out their chat windows and tried to pay attention to the teacher's lectures.
Similar chat windows were open during the remainder of the day. Many were just shocked classmates comments that Shinji actually ate lunch with somebody different. A few of the girls that sought Shinji's affection, for purely trophy reasons, saw Shinobu as a threat to the proposed popularity boost that dating a pilot would bring. Despite the up swelling of attention brought towards Shinji and Shinobu nobody took any further action during the day.
The class was dismissed on time and the bustle of eager children ran from the room. Asuka found herself waiting at the gates for Shinji, but after about ten minutes of waiting she left to tell Misato the news.
Touji and Kensuke did their usual routine of following behind a group of girls until they passed an arcade, and when they reached it they wasted their money.
In the near empty classroom, Shinji went over to talk to Shinobu again. She was still sitting in her chair and awaiting his appearance and explanation. He sat in the desk next to hers and after a quick look around the room initiated the conversation.
"It wasn't true."
"What wasn't true Ikari-san?"
Unable to keep looking in her eyes his head sagged, "I'm not popular at all. Touji and Kensuke are basically my only friends and they wanted to 'help' me."
Taking in his tone of voice and body language she could easily tell he was telling the truth, but her mind questioned, 'help him with what?'
She knew she shouldn't ask, but she found herself asking him to explain further before she could stop herself.
Again checking the room for eavesdroppers he continued, "Aside from Asuka and Rei, I've never really talked to a girl my age like we did."
The names sank into Shinobu's mind, "Are those the girls you live with?"
Taken aback by the question he reclined in his seat, "I live with Asuka and my commanding officer because of 'you know what'." Shinji hopped Shinobu would realize what he meant, as talking openly about the Evangelion was taboo.
She did not expect that to be the answer he told her. She expected to hear he was in love with Asuka and THAT was why he was living not because of his position as a pilot. She smiled at him softly and stood up.
Standing up as well, "I'm sorry about what they said. I really enjoyed eating lunch with you."
Packing her bag, "No apology needed, I guess I jumped to conclusions myself. Now I need to hurry or I'll miss my train home."
In a moment of courage, "Could I walk you to the station?"
The request shocked Shinobu greatly, he wanted to escort her.HER. She couldn't believe this important person truly wished to spend more time with her. Shinji took her silence as a sign that she didn't want to.
Nodding at the still shocked girl, "Ok, I guess it's a bit much to ask."
"No no.its just, I never suspected you'd want to, sure."
Blushing feverously she nodded and they walked out of the class. The only witness to the events that transpired in the room headed to Nerv to report the news to the Commander and to ask questions about an odd feeling she was having. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
The duo approached the station just in time to watch Shinobu's train leave the station.
As the train sped away, Shinji's head dipped slightly and he mumbled out a string of apologies. He took the blame for her missing the train fully.
Shinobu giggled at the overly apologetic form Shinji was in, "It's ok, but the next train heading towards my home isn't until eight."
She wasn't really all that upset. She found herself enjoying Shinji's company more and more. The talk they had while they walked to the station pleased her greatly. The problem now was what to do to pass the roughly five-hour wait. She looked again at Shinji and found his face terribly red.
"Ikari-san is something wrong?" *
Shinji found it hard to vocalize the thoughts in his head, "I.um.since you can't go home.would.you like to.visit my apartment?
The stammered sentence sent Shinobu into a fit of hysterics, her head was spinning and her face matched his in tone. 'He just invited me over.what do I do? What do I do?
The bluntness of his words echoed in his head, "To share some cooking recipes! You said.you wanted to learn some of mine."
With a clenched hand over her mouth the nodded mutely to the invitation and they slowly made their way back to the Katsuragi homestead.
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At the Apartment a couple were in a heated conversation.
"Word is he was hitting on that girl, and since he didn't come home he's probably stalking her as we speak!"
Easing back in her chair Misato countered, "Asuka, I don't think Shinji is the stalking type. Anyway Section-2 wouldn't let him out of Tokyo-3 without written permission from me or the Commander."
"But what if he IS doing something. I mean that's what the word in the classroom is"
"Maybe they hit it off better than anybody expected and they went to a utility closet?" while she didn't believe it possible it got the result she hoped for.
Asuka's face dropped, 'What if she actually likes him?' The talk continued but with a lower intensity. Asuka told Misato of all the rumors she heard and Misato agreed to talk to Shinji about things. After Asuka had left to watch some television, Misato was left thinking about Asuka's feelings in this matter.
She was surprised that Asuka didn't seem upset or jealous about Shinji paying attention to another girl. 'She sounded like a concerned younger sister.' She smiled at the thought; both of her wards desperately needed some companionship. If her wards felt something for each other, even if it was like siblings, it would help them immensely.
'What if Shinji DID do something with this Maehara girl, he's hardly ever this late.' Her stomach rumbled. 'He better get here soon too. I'm starving.' ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Twenty minutes passed and the hunger pains were growing in intensity. Misato was growing desperate. 'Could I call Section-2 and have them bring him home? Could claim it to be an emergency.' She eyed her cell-phone and debated on the correct course of action.
In the living room, Asuka was suffering just as badly. 'Damn him! He spoiled us by cooking so often.' Sure she could cook, just not very well. "Misato can we order take-out?"
Calling back from the kitchen, "Sure, thanks to our master chef being absent we must adapt."
Smiling as the problem was to be solved Asuka joined Misato in the kitchen, "Just don't order anything weird."
Accosted, "Weird, when have I ordered anything weird?"
Scrunching her nose, "Remember the sauerkraut pizza?"
"Thought you'd like that combination."
As Asuka thought of her retort they heard the door shut. Their eyes meet, and in unison "Never mind. SHINJI GET IN HERE!"
A few moments passed and still Shinji had yet to obey their order. They called out to their chef to make his presence known.
Shinji walked into the kitchen slowly with Shinobu trailing behind. With a tinge of fear in his voice, "I'm home.did I forget to do something?"
The duo entered into full view and astonished the two starving females. Misato set her beer down and rubbed her eyes. Asuka's face held a slight smirk.
Misato beat Asuka to the punch, "Shinji-kun, you invited a friend over?"
Squirming under the growing intensity of their combined gaze, "Yes, this is Shinobu Maehara. I invited her over to share some cooking tips."
At her introduction, Shinobu stepped out from behind Shinji's shadow and bowed slightly to the two women. She was having a hard time dealing with this, not only did Shinji live with two girls but the elder's form sent enormous feelings of inadequacy through her. 'She's in the military, she could be a fashion model!'
Smiling at Shinobu, Asuka extended her hand, "You're a cook? Good, get work."
Unfamiliar with the Western tradition, Shinobu held her hand out in front of her body as Asuka did. Asuka burst into a fit of laugher, as Shinobu didn't understand she wanted to shake her hand, 'What is with Japanese and contact?'
Standing up and ushering Asuka out of the room, "Now Shinji, you don't 'have' to make enough food to feed Asuka and I, but we'd really appreciate it."
Shinji sensed that he did have to cook enough for them. The look I their eyes as he mentioned food was one of bliss. With the kitchen to themselves, Shinji donned his apron and handed a spare to Shinobu. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Shinji and Shinobu both felt as if time was moving in fast-forward. He and taught her a few western dishes with relative ease. He centered on western dishes as Shinobu told him she knew a great deal of traditional dishes.
She was pleasantly surprised to learn that Shinji was truly an adept cook and teacher. She looked with a sense of silent awe with how much care he took to explain things to her. 'He's just as nice as Keitaro-sempai.' On several occasions Shinji, while shakily, took her hands in his to guide her over the steps. During those occasions she was glad he couldn't see her face or the bright red that was her face.
Misato would wander into the kitchen to check on the progress of the meal, and to request a bit more be made. Shinji had the suspicion that it was really to spy on their conversation, but he would never make such a bold claim.
When they finished, Misato and Asuka joined them around the table to eat. Suspecting something, Asuka kept altering her focus from Shinji to Shinobu. She couldn't place Shinji's motive, 'What is that boy up to."
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Shinobu found it a bit difficult to eat in front of the two strangers, but was able to keep an air of sociability. She could tell the conversation was being altered due to her presence. 'Must be because I'm a possible security leak.'
The two girls excused themselves leaving her and Shinji with the plates.
Looking at the carnage, "Um.Shinji-san, don't they help you?"
He gathered the plates and headed towards the sink, "Well, sometimes they do. Lately I've been volunteering."
"Can I help you with them?" she said in a weakening voice.
He refused to be a burden to her, claiming it was his foolishness that caused the whole mess anyway. Shinobu argued that she would be a poor guest if she didn't help. The two pressed their respective sides until Misato called out to Shinji that the woman is always right. He relented and allowed Shinobu to help him. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
To pass the remaining time before she had to leave for her train, they did homework. Once they started, Asuka joined them at the table. Shinobu found herself laughing softly as Asuka would make jokes about how Shinji always needed somebody's help. She wasn't a great student either, but she still found if funny.
The German found herself enjoying the quiet girls company, 'She's a lot like Shinji, but at least she doesn't apologize as much.'
They talked after either finishing the work of just giving up on it. The pilots asked Shinobu if the transfer and train ride was a great hindrance. To which she said it wasn't to bad and to set matters straight said she didn't even consider them responsible.
Seven Thirty rolled around and Shinobu announced that she was going to depart. When she got her shoes on and stepped outside, she found Asuka shoving Shinji out the door.
"Take baka here with you. It's not safe this time of night."
She looked at the blushing Shinji as he put his shoes on after Asuka pitched them at him. A feeling of warmth entered her. "Thank you Ikari- san."
With a huff, Asuka simply put, "Don't honor him so much, Shinji is fine."
Shinji stared blankly at Asuka and turned to Shinobu, 'Is she honoring me?'
Asuka shut the door wondering what came over her. 'Did I just send SHINJI to escort that girl?' She retired to the television to chastise herself for acting so foolishly.
Walking to the station, "She's nice."
Shinji took a look at his companion, "Who Asuka?"
Shinobu put her hand to her mouth as a few giggles escaped her lips, "Who else?"
"Oh yeah, she can be really nice at times, but if you get her mad.look out."
She conjured images of Asuka's rage in her head from school. She vowed to try to never upset the girl.
Again the conversation hit a lull, neither knew what to talk about. When the arrived at the platform, Shinji stressed how nice an evening he had with her. Shinobu agreed with him.
She fought against herself from continuing but failed, "Can I make your lunch tomorrow?"
The idea was defiantly pleasing to him. He agreed that he'd accept her lunch tomorrow and she boarded her train and left.
As her trained sped off towards her home, Shinobu planned to make an extra special lunch for tomorrow.
Feeling at ease, Shinji found the walk home to be a minor trifle. He finally made a new friend and put the guilt behind him. His mind wondered to why Asuka had thrown him out and ordered him to escort Shinobu to the station. 'Maybe she just wanted me out of the apartment.' ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
The flat was quiet when he got home. That fact unnerved him, as it was way to early for Misato to be sleeping.
He crept quietly and slowly towards his room. 'If she catches me, she's never let me live this down.' His hand reached out for the handle to his door when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Shin-chan, how did your date go?"
He spun around and braced his back against the door in what seemed like one second, "Date.what date?"
A wide smile crossed her face, "Dinner and conversation is a date."
Shinji never heard it put that way. "Was that a date? She was stranded in the city what was I supposed to do?'
Misato leaned closer to the prone boy and sniffed his collar, "She give you a kiss good night?"
Shinji blushed furiously at the comment and Misato fell to her knees laughing. Shinji didn't know that in Hinata-inn Shinobu was receiving the same treatment from Kitsune.
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Author Comments
I tried to keep all the characters "in-character" but I may have failed in some places.
The note was for those that haven't read/scene Love Hina. Shinobu has the habit of calling people either -sempai or -san based on age. If older sempai same age san.
For those of you who know me for my msts GOOD NEWS I'm going to start my new mst right now. So OoD and Anata will be taking a tiny hiatus as I write one or two chapters of my latest mst.
Sorry if you didn't like the chapter, if you did please write me a review, not too much to ask is it?
Again thanks to Golden Kitsune for prereading
Ja-mata
Zentrodie (zentrodie@secondimpact.com www.geocities.com/zentrodie.geo )