"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"

He had been very young when he had received it, no more than five. But the scene had impressed itself so throughly into his young mind that he had no trouble recalling it. It had been a rainy day, with nothing to keep him occupied, the result being that he became bored very quickly. He had begged his father for something to do, anything, even if it was hard. His father, looking very amused, had told him that he knew exactly what he needed, although he was unsure if he should give it to him. When asked why, he had said that what he had in mind entailed a lot of hard work for his young son, but that it was nevertheless very enjoyable. He had begun pleading until his father finally assented, and that was when he saw it.

The violin.

It was a gorgeous creature. Smooth with a glistening coat of paint on its aromatic wood, it strings as supple and as firm as a young tree branch. It seemed to call to him, begging for someone to caress it, so that it could draw him into the lovely and intoxicating world of Song. And he had answered.

For years he became its slave, laboring to master this instrument of God, so that he could enter the world of bliss whenever he so chose. Through all the sweat and tears he never stopped loving it, for who could hate such a thing? When, in his fourteenth year, he had been pronounced a musician capable enough of handling it, he had broken down weeping. It had been the best moment of his young life, becoming one with his love. But all that had changed.

For now, he had a different love.

"You looked rather lonely, so I thought I would join you. I hope I'm not disturbing you."

Glancing at the boy next to him, Kaworu could see that he was rather worked up about something, though what it was he couldn't guess at. He thought it best that he break the silence, since it was obvious that Shinji would make no move to do so. "He is so very shy", thought Kaworu. Not that it was any problem. On the contrary, it only made Kaworu like the boy more.

"N-No, of course not. Why would you be bothering me, Nagisa-kun?"

"It just seemed like you wanted to be left alone."

"Well, I did, but it's not a problem."

"Oh?" Kaworu smiled. "And why not?"

"I like it when you're near me." A sudden blush came upon Shinji, causing him to look away in embarrassment.

Kaworu barely managed to suppress a grin.

"I enjoy being in your company too, Ikari-kun." He scooted a bit closer to Shinji, who continued to look away from him.

"Have you eaten lunch yet?"

Shinji turned back with a startled look. "Lunch?"

"Yes, I haven't seen you eat anything since class ended."

Choosing not to ask why or how Kaworu had been watching him, Shinji muttered, "Not really."

"Oh, would you care for some of mine then?"

Kaworu's delight at being able to help Shinji now turned to amusement upon seeing the look on the younger boy's face. It was mostly surprise, with a little bit of shock mixed in for good measure.

"But, you don't have a..."

"I carry my meals in here." Kaworu tapped the violin case.

"Shouldn't there be a violin in there?"

"Well, there should be, yes, but that doesn't necessarily mean there has to be, now does it? I keep it at home, much too dangerous bringing it here. Besides, you'd be surprised how many bowls of rice you can cram into this thing."

Unlatching the case, Kaworu proceeded to draw out a surprising amount of food, all of it still fresh and with tantalizing aromas as well.

Shinji was now flustered. "Haven't you eaten either?"

"I was a bit preoccupied, to tell the truth. I had forgotten all about until just now. It's really no trouble. Besides, eating is much more enjoyable when in pleasant company." Kaworu felt the sudden urge to wink at his brown-haired companion but thought better of it. Shinji's face was red enough as it was.

"Thank you," murmured Shinji quietly and suddenly broke into a smile that took Kaworu aback. He had never seen the other boy smile in all the time that he had watched him, and to see it now was like being struck by lightening. It was just so happy. So happy at the thought that someone else cared enough to share his lunch with him. It made him stop for a moment.

"Is something wrong?" That lovely smile began to falter.

"No! I just thought I saw something, that's all."

"Oh."

Picking out the tastiest morsels he could find, Kaworu piled them in a bowl and handed it to Shinji. As the timid boy took hold of it, his hand accidentally brushed against Kaworu's more pale one. The action gave them both reason to pause. For a very long moment, Kaworu did not dare to look up at Shinji, fearing that he might see disgust upon those lovely features. But no, Shinji didn't appear to be disgusted at all. In fact, a smile lay upon his lips, even brighter than the one before. It was enough to make Kaworu smile as well.

"Sorry."

"Not at all."

They smiled at each other, very much at ease compared to a few minutes ago. Now seemed the best time to edge even closer to Shinji, which was exactly what Kaworu did, until the space between them was barely visible. He could feel how hot the other boy was, see his flushed face and skin. The sweet smell of soap was upon him, a cool, inviting scent that made Kaworu want to feel Shinji snuggle against him. How he wanted to kiss this shy, sweet boy. Words could not express how much it meant to him to be here, next to this boy with such sad eyes and the sweetest smile imaginable. It was indescribable.

"Ikari-kun?"

"Yes, Nagisa-kun?"

"Might I ask a favor of you?"

"Anything."

Kaworu decided not to comment upon the rather vague nature of this statement, since it left open too many interesting possibilities. "Would you call me Kaworu from now on?"

A faint blush. "All right, but could you call me Shinji as well?"

Kaworu grinned. "It'd be my pleasure, Shinji."

"The pleasure is all mine, Kaworu."

After a prolonged stare between them, the two boys began to laugh. The situation's apparent seriousness was broken by the much-needed levity. One could only stay on the edge for so long, after all.

The rest of their meal was done in silence, with the occasional glance between the two. Kaworu was enjoying this greatly; he only hoped Shinji was happy as well. When they had both finished with their respective bowls, the bell had rung. Lunch was over.

Kaworu was disappointed that it was over so quickly, but there was nothing he could do about it. He stood up and stretched along the tree, his back a little stiff. From the corner of his eye he caught Shinji staring at him, looking rather dazed. Secretly pleased, he turned to the other boy and said, "Well, shouldn't we get going, then?"

Shinji made as if to get himself up but remained upon the ground. After several more fruitless attempts, he turned to Kaworu with his face burning and asked, "Kaworu, could you help me up? I can't move my legs."

Not needing to be told twice, Kaworu wrapped his arm around Shinji's waist and raised him up. He felt exactly as Kaworu imagined he would. Soft, delicate, and so very smooth. It made him

want to press his lips against that burning face and...

"Kaworu?"

Now he had cause to blush. "Yes, Shinji?"

"Um, do you mind helping me to class? My legs don't want to work." He was embarrassed, poor boy.

Putting on his brightest smile, Kaworu clutched Shinji a bit tighter and replied, " Of course not. This gives us a bit more time together anyway, ne?" He winked once again at his dark-haired companion, causing Shinji to blush uncontrollably.

Looking back, Kaworu felt that it had been a very pleasant lunch after all.