A/N: I'm so sorry it took me such a long time to update this. I'll explain… I started this story all of a sudden which left me with a terrible problem: I didn't have a clue about the plot. Since it's vital for me to have a well defined plot (otherwise things just don't make sense) I decided to stop writing until I had figured it out. As you can see it took me some time… but everything's going to change now so, on with the fiction (new character will be coming up in this chapter, and one of them is hidden).

Disclaimer: Oh joy, I get to say that none of the characters belong to me.

Warning: If you reached so far you already know what this fic's about… yep, boys making out big time (but not yet, hehe)

Chapter 6

First classes (24 September, 2017, Monday)

Pulcinella (Ballet in one act); Ouverture: allegro moderato- Igor Stravinsky

Ever experienced that strange feeling that you're just dying for the next day to come and when you're asleep the slightest little thing will wake you up so you can start the day as quickly as possible?

Well, the same thing happened to Shinji, and strangely enough, on a Monday morning.

It was the alarm clock that woke him up… and for one day, that insistent teeth-grinding ring, sounded like the most beautiful of choruses. His eyes opened as quickly as possible as if the time they were shut was nothing but a blink. Before the ringing could continue his hand descended on the off switch bringing silence to the room. Without even yawning Shinji rose to his feet and looked around; Kaworu wasn't there anymore, the other bed in the room open and empty.

Not wasting any time, Shinji went inside the bathroom and turned on the shower pleased to see there was still hot water as the steam began to rise from the stall. Taking as little time possible to get undressed and jumping into the stream of warm water (knowing full well how cold the air was) he proceeded to clean himself as thoroughly and quickly as possible. It took him less the fifteen minutes to get washed and soon enough he was coming out of the bathroom, towel around his waist and going to fetch some clothes from the wardrobe. He wasn't that selective and ended up with a very plain set of brown trousers, grey shirt and dark blue sweater.

Making sure he had everything prepared he packed his schoolbag, grabbed his cello case and went for the door. But, just when he was about to open it, he noticed a small sheet of paper on the small table besides the door. He dropped the case he was holding, took the paper in his hands and read it.

Hope you have a perfect first day of school. - Kaworu

Shinji smiled… he was sure it was going to be perfect.

And he was off for his classes. But first… he had to take breakfast.

Shinji gulped as he saw the cafeteria… it was completely filled with people, some of them eating, some of them talking and others seemingly trying to hurry their way out of the room carrying either instruments or sheets. The last few days Shinji had spent, classes hadn't started yet, so he had never quite got the chance to see how truly crowded the cafeteria could be. But now that he looked around he could truly see how many students the Institute had.

And these are just the ones sleeping here. He thought to himself.

He made his way to the bar and picked up a tray, cello in hand, as he waited in the small waiting line. It didn't take him too long to get his food (the same he usually had since he started eating there).

Now to get a seat.

Shinji scouted the area looking for an open spot… it was actually very easy to find. He was glad to see Rei placidly munching on a piece of toast intently looking at nothing. As he had expected from the blue haired girl, there was no one sitting next to her as if she let out a strange aura. He smiled and made his way to sit next to her.

He started feeling uncomfortable noticing some people were looking at him as he approached Rei. There were many people who stared in disbelief as he walked up to the female. Shinji tried to pretend it was nothing and finally sat down in front of his friend.

"Good morning Rei!"

Suddenly the nearby space became silent some people gasping other just staring completely mute. Rei looked up, red eyes meeting Shinji's blue ones and a smile quickly came to her face.

"Hi Shinji, sleep well?"

Shinji nodded and felt awkward as everyone's attention centred on a normal morning greeting. Ayanami sent a cold stare around her warding off all attention. She sighed and mumbled something inwardly before starting to talk to Shinji.

"So… ready for you classes?" She asked playfully.

Shinji chuckled as he gave his muffin a first bite tasting the soft chocolaty flavour.

"Yes I am… I just can't wait."

"What is your first class?"

Shinji grabbed his backpack and took out the schedule.

"Cello… on the Early Music building…"

"Oh good… you'll really like the teacher, she's very special."

"I hope so."

"Hey guys… you're already eating. Mind if we join?" the outburst came from a blonde approaching figure with a mischievous expression.

Rei smiled again, this time not drawing any attention from the people around them.

"Naruto, hello… and hello to you too Sasuke, come on and sit."

The grey eyed youth smiled at Rei and sat down, holding what appeared to be a newspaper. Shinji took a quick glance at the first page, surprised to find it written in English.

The daily Institute

"Hey… what is that? And why isn't it written in Dutch?"

Sasuke gave him a calm glance and smiled.

"It's supposed to be in English since 80 of the students are foreign. And this…" he pointed at the newspaper "…is the Daily Institute"

"It's the Institute's own private newspaper." Naruto cut Sasuke short making him send a threatening stare at the blonde. "It's run by a couple of girls in here… it's actually nice, but sometimes they get too nosy about people's business."

"If you ask me it's just a silly gossip driven tabloid." Rei said coldly "… I mean, if we want to know how people are doing we ask them, not wait until some silly column decides it's supposed to be known by all of the school."

"You only say that because they said you were too cold in the last concert and made a nasty comment about one of the string quartets." Naruto snickered. "You should have seen it Shinji, the group almost tried to strangle her when they read about it."

Wow… he really likes trouble. Shinji thought.

Rei coughed.

"If I can remember, I think most of the public agreed with me. That stupid paper only criticized me because one of the writers was part of that quartet."

"Yeah… I guess you're right." The blonde scratched his head. "Still, it does come in handy when you need to check out when the next concerts will be held."

"There is a poster in the entrance of the Cafeteria with all of the dates written on it." Rei said coldly. "You only read that because you love gossip."

"Actually…" Sasuke spoke, breaking the two from their argument "… it has something in it for you, Shinji."

"Hmm, what is it?"

Sasuke handed him the paper marking the page.

"The students of the Institute would like to give a warm welcome to the newly arrived students and hope they feel at home as soon as possible. For those of you sleeping here: GET READY TO PARTY!

Tonight there will be a student concert held at the hall in the dorms. Everyone, if you want to show people your talent, be it a group or solo act, we're here to listen to it if it's good! Come on come all, nine pm!

Good luck to you all!"

Shinji smiled… perhaps too many exclamation points but it was an extremely nice welcome

"What's this concert?"

"Just a little something they normally make every week. It's a bit of chill out time; people normally use it to show what they are studying or just to have some fun. I like it a lot but tonight I won't be able to come. Have to study."

While talking Shinji absentmindedly looked at the clock in the hall and gasped.

"I'm late… I have to hurry." He said, getting up "See you later."

He waved as he ran for the halls leaving the other three, still eating their breakfast. Naruto turned to the other two.

"He does know that the teachers normally arrive five minutes later, right?"

Sasuke and Rei exchanged glances and both smiled, Rei taking a sip from her cup and Sasuke taking a bite from his toast.

"What…?"

"You're forgetting that Shinji doesn't know his way around the place… he better hurry if he wants to get there on time." Sasuke said, taking another bite.

"If he does get there at on time… knowing Shinji I'd bet he'll be five minutes late."

The three gave a small chuckle and resumed their breakfast.

I'm late, I'm late! Baka, baka, baka!

Shinji grumbled as he tried to make his way through the somewhat crowded halls of the school. He felt like that damn rabbit from Alice; he just hoped he wouldn't lose his head for this.

Why do they make maps so hard to read… it's like they want us to get lost.

He sighed as he finally spotted the plank hanging from the ceiling with "Cello section" written on it. He walked a few steps to find his room and it didn't seem like there was anyone inside yet.

Maybe the teacher is also lost… can't blame anyone for being late with maps like this.

He opened the door going inside. He quickly closed it and begun to open his cello case.

"AND WHY ARE YOU SO LATE?"

Shinji gave a shriek and leaped from where he was, eyes open wide. He stared at the figure of a woman, probably in her thirties, with dashing violet hair and an amused smile. She was wearing a somewhat tight garment, with a small skirt, making good work at exposing her figure. She spoke still smiling.

"Well, at least you have good reflexes. It's something every player should have if you want to react to the unexpected… although the shriek can be a bit deafening."

Shinji tried to say something but was still a little shocked from the sudden welcome. The female began again, seeing no response from the youth.

"So, you're my new student, Shinji… nice to meet you. My name is Misato Katsuragi and I expect you to work hard if you actually want to keep your fingers intact."

She smiled as she spoke confusing Shinji on whether she was serious or not about the fingers. He snapped from his shock and gave a small bow.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Katsuragi."

The woman sighed.

"Do all new students have to be so formal? Jeez… it's like I'm the pope or something. Misato will be fine and no more bowing, it's not the reason why I'm here."

Shinji stood up eyeing the female.

"Very well, Misato-san."

"Hmm… I don't really like the san, makes me sound old, but it will do for now. Getting back on why I'm here." She looked at her clock "You have 1 minute to get your things ready and sit on that chair so I can hear you play something."

Hearing this Shinji quickly began to take his instrument from the case. It wasn't long before he was already seated on the chair in the middle of the classroom. Misato smiled.

"Good… that was 46 seconds. Normally new students take bit more… but you never know when you have to get ready in only a few seconds." She took a glance at Shinji's instrument and made a face. "I think that cello has reached the "firewood" stage by now."

Shinji blushed and looked away, frowning deeply.

"Calm down Shinji… I'm not blaming you or anything. But it is true… I think that cello is more of a burden. I doubt you can truly reach perfection with it. I read you files… I know that is all you can afford for now. So I decided to get the school board to lend you a cello until you get yourself a new one."

The dark haired boy suddenly became ecstatic, his eyes shining.

"Are you serious…? I mean, do I really get a new cello?"

Misato smiled and went to fetch the new instrument… the surface was polished red, the wood well cared for and the strings looked very expensive; not to mention the way it seemed to be much more comfortable. Shinji quickly stood up putting his old instrument down and welcoming the new one to his hands.

I can't believe this!

He passed his hand over the wood felling the lean surface and well designed shape. Even the smell of the lacquer was unbelievable, mature but healthy showing how truly good the instrument was. He looked at Misato still smiling.

"Can I really keep this?"

Misato smiled.

Just like a kid with the toy he always wanted…

"Until you find a better one, yes…"

Shinji tried not to scream with excitement… still revelling at how good the instrument looked and felt. The violet haired woman cleared he throat.

"Well… are you going to show me what you can do with it or are you going to keep on frisking the damn thing?"

Shinji blushed and quickly sat down preparing himself… bow in hand.

"Sorry about that. What should I play?"

"Anything you like… I just want to get a feel of your personality when playing the instrument."

The boy thought for a few seconds before bringing his bow down on the cello.

Cello suite no. 1 in G major- Prelude (Johann Sebastian Bach)

Shinji ended the small piece and looked at his bow and cello with a mesmerized look.

"Did I actually do that?"

"Yes you did. That's what happens when you get an instrument good enough for your capacities."

The male looked at his tutor and smiled.

"So… how was it?"

"Well; I can see why you were given the scholarship. If the recording wasn't enough, right now you've convinced me… you have a future in music."

Shinji felt his chest inflate as he heard Misato's comment.

"But…" the woman looked over at him with a serious expression "… we have a lot of work to do, that's for sure. First off… I'd like to know one thing. Who were you playing for?"

Shinji's brow creased at the strange question, not knowing what to say.

"What do you mean? I don't understand."

"When you go on stage in front of people… who do you play for?"

"For the public, of course…"

That sentence earned him a smack on the head.

"No stupid… who in particular, who is the person, who's truly the reason for you playing?"

Again, Shinji felt confused.

"I… I don't know. Who should it be?"

"That's for you to find out and tell me. Now… technically speaking, there are a few things about Bach you must respect if you want to play it correctly. I'm not saying what I heard wasn't good… most students only dream of reaching your stage with your age, but there are things you need to know."

And so began Shinji's first class.

For the second time that day, Shinji was late. The cello class had probably been one of the best he ever had in his life; Misato was tough to please and was always ready to point out those little things that were missing and you would have never noticed by yourself. The result was Shinji receiving the largest amount of homework he could imagine, but also the feeling that this would be a turning point in his playing.

Unfortunately, they had been so concentrated on the class (at one point they were actually trying to duel each other to see which one of them could play a passage the fastest and without one mistake… Misato obviously won but she said it was the first time any student of hers made her sweat) that they didn't see time passing. So basically when Shinji realized he had three minutes before his music history lesson started.

The class ended with Shinji hurriedly packing his stuff while Misato scribbled down a few notes on a pad she was holding. The last thing she said intrigued Shinji, though:

"I liked this class… made me want to change a few of my plans. Prepare yourself… I'm cooking up something for the future. And here's your homework!"

Shinji didn't have time to ask what she meant so he merely took the long list and dashed leaving his teacher snickering. The first thing the male did when he was out of the classroom was reach for his school map and figure out where his next class was being held.

Darn it… I have to change buildings.

Not wasting anymore time, Shinji began sprinting for the exit. He was able to make it to the garden that connected the various buildings of the Institute. Not taking the time to appreciate the beauty of the scenery, the fiery colours of the leaves some of them dancing in the air as they fell, he checked the map again and went towards the building where the class was held.

He entered the Modern Music building, and went first thing for the stairs. He found it strange that the halls were deserted, not even a sign of any students waiting to enter the classes. Either way he kept running, checking his watch to find that he was already ten minutes late. He hurried his step… wondering if everyone was already inside the classrooms.

He reached the second floor and checked his map once more. He only needed to get to the other side of the violin section and he would reach the history room. He started his final dash, but something caught his attention… a pair of red eyes.

"Have a nice day Miss Integra… it is wonderful to know we'll be working together this year."

It was Kaworu coming out of one of the classrooms. Shinji tried to avoid the boy… he was already very late and if he got lost in a conversation with the grey haired boy he might get to the point of missing the class altogether. But Kaworu thought otherwise and grabbed Shinji's arm when he passed almost making the younger boy fall to the ground.

"Someone's in a hurry…" said the grey haired youth smiling as always "… so, you're not even going to bother and say good morning?"

Shinji blushed and looked away from his penetrating stare.

"Sorry, about that. It's just that I'm late for my history class. We'll talk later ok."

He began to leave but Kaworu wouldn't let go.

"Did you say Music History?"

"Yes… so please let go."

"The same Music History that only starts in about an hour?"

"Exactly so if you would… what?"

Kaworu laughed, his voice sprouting like a cascade. Shinji blushed even more… he was such an idiot; he didn't even check his schedule. He looked around… so that was why there was no one around.

And why Misato-san was snickering.

He scratched his head and looked at his red eyed colleague.

"In that case… good morning Kaworu; how was your day?"

The red eyed boy chuckled.

"Just fine… but now that you have a whole hour you won't mind telling me about your classes. I've got some time and just came out of my violin class. How did Misato treat you?"

Theblueeyed boysmiled, for the first time today he had some time for himself.

Shinji entered the history room relaxed and prepared for the new class. He had spent the last hour walking around the gardens of the school with Kaworu, finally able to appreciate the beauty of autumn. The colours were so warm and bright, the fresh green replaced with the vivid red or glowing yellow. He had even picked up some leaves (he liked to let them dry between the pages of his books) and kept in his school bag. It wasn't until he had to return to classes that the two male parted.

He took a look around the classroom, still empty since he was five minutes early (something he would have never thought possible for his first day at the school). He did however spot someone sitting in one of the desks, one of the students perhaps.

A head of dark grey hair, with pale skin and a pleasant face, with a smile as if he was remembering a joke made up the other occupant of the otherwise empty classroom. He looked older than Shinji; in fact, Shinji was certain that he must at least be three years older than Shinji.

But then again it's natural to get in with nineteen years of age… you are the one that had to be the little prodigy.

More out of reflex than choice, Shinji tried to find a seat the furthest from the occupied one. But the other male seemed to have different plans.

"Hey!" he waved a hand at Shinji and pointed at the seat next to him "This seat isn't taken. Why not enjoy some company during classes?"

The dark haired boy gulped at the smirk the older male seemed to be throwing him. He made his way to the seat next to him. When he arrived he was offered a friendly shake of the hand.

"Now… isn't socializing better than being alone?" the male chuckled "Hello… my name is Kamina, Kamina Ayato. It is a pleasure to meet you…"

"Shinji Ikari."

"Oh right… the new cello student."

Shinji blushed at that.

Just how many people know about me!

"Wow, you look really young! Younger than I expected… how old are you?"

"Hmm…" Shinji scratched his head, a bit embarrassed "I'm sixteen."

The blue eyes of the older male widened.

"That young… you must be really something to have made it."

"I'm not that young… there isn't much of a difference between us." Shinji commented fed up with the "you're so young" speech he was being given.

"Believe me there is."

"Oh yeah…"

Just because he's three years older he thinks he's a…

"Yeah… I'm 27."

… whole lot different from… what!

Shinji stared in disbelief… eleven years, the student standing next to him was eleven years older than him.

How's that possible… how many times did he fail this class?

He remembered it was probably rude to look surprised; so he tried to disguise his shock with a nonchalant "oh" and sat down waiting for the room to fill. The quite older Kamina chuckled at the reaction.

"Told ya…"

A few minutes passed and the other students started to make their way inside the class and onto their seats. As the room filled with people and noise, Shinji started to notice something missing… the teacher was nowhere to be found. Turning to his colleague he asked.

"Does the teacher always arrive this late?"

Kamina smiled, looked at Shinji with a strangely amused expression and said.

"Let's give him a few more minutes, shall we?"

Shinji dismissed him and resumed waiting for the tardy lecturer. It wasn't until a few minutes later that he heard a loud voice coming from his right side.

"I believe we can start now."

The room was silent and Shinji gaped as he saw Kamina rise from his seat and take a look around class with a little grin playing on his lips.

"Good morning class, I hope we're all ready to begin. My name is Kamina Ayato and I'll be your Music History teacher for this year. It is a pleasure to meet you all."

After the rather original class, Shinji was certain of three things: first, that the teachers in the Institute were a bit different from the normal ones (at least they didn't look like teachers); second, that he had a lot of catching up to do both in cello and history; third, and probably the most important at that moment, that he was late and this time for real.

The class didn't take that long but there seemed to be something strange about the way the school was built. There seemed to be a point in it, in fact he saw a lot of people coming and going naturally, perfectly aware of where their next class was going to be and yet… it didn't work the same way for Shinji.

So, the boy was running yet again through the halls of the Early Music department trying to read the map and find his way at the same time. He was supposed to have Ensemble Class… the problem was that he didn't know where it was supposed to be held or which ensemble he belonged to. He preferred to run instead of figuring it out.

He went up another flight of stairs breathing heavily eyes fixed on the map not really paying attention to his surroundings.

I'm late, I'm late… I'm so late!

So concentrated was he on the map that he didn't hear the frantic voice coming nearer and nearer.

"Got to run, got to run… got to run!"

Shinji was only able to spot a long scarlet haired braid… and then his head came against something hard, leaving Shinji blind with pain and with a strange feeling of déjà-vu.

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) is probably one the most famous of the twentieth century composers, for his wild and vivid works where the powers of nature and the raw energy of youth come to life in his ballets. Even so, I actually chose one of his strangest works. Although Pulcinella is one of his ballets it is in fact inspired in the works of Baroque composers… sounds a lot like the Vivaldi that composed the Four Seasons and a lot less like the Stravinsky that composed the Rites of Spring.

As for Bach's cello suite, I think every NGE fan must have heard it being played by our dear little Shinji. Although, this time, try to picture it sounding much much better than in the series.

A/N: Well… I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and the new additions to our cast of anime stars. Again, I'm so sorry for taking so long to update, but be sure that the next one will come quite sooner than you expect.

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