Author Note: this is the first of 15 entries for a new writing community called 15pairings on LiveJournal. Go to my profile for the link.
Title: A Man's Heart is in His Stomach
Author: Neochick
Theme: #1 something sweet
Fandom: Neon Genesis Evangelion
Pairing: Touji x Hikari
Disclaimer: Sadly the characters of NGE do not belong to me in anyway or form. They belong to GAINAX.
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The sunken form of Touji Suzuhara was barely visible from behind his computer as his teacher continued reciting the events of fifteen years ago with such a lack of luster that it threatened to slowly lull him into insanity. The only thing that kept the boy awake was the occasional glances at the clock; his freedom was only seconds away.
" … And it is through these final moments that the meteor made impact upon the Antarctic, melting the ice cap and destroying-" The bell couldn't have came at a better time, the tolls silences the professors speech, the other children in the class were just as relieved as he was. Then her voice broke out from the front of the room as it always did, it was strangely comforting to him.
"Come guys, show some respect! All rise," The class rep motioned for them to bow and the kids did so. "Class dismissed."
"About time." Came from one of the former fourth child's best friend Kensuke as he rose from his desk, stretching his arms above him. Touji didn't spare him a second glance as his eyes fell upon the brunette at the head of the classroom rearranging desks. The amateur cameraman easily noticed this as he pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "And what are you ogling so fondly Touji?" The sandy haired boy jabbed his friend in the side, only to receive a growl in response.
"Would you just shut up? It's not like that." Touji couldn't help but notice how much he sounded like Shinji. Kensuke smirked knowingly before grabbing his bag and loading in his notes from class.
"Well then, since Shinji is off at NERV, want to go over to the pool? I bet the place is crawling with girls." Touji notices the class reps ears perk up slightly, a frown forming on her lips. She sent him a disappointed glance. Kensuke was already at the door by now. "Coming?"
"Nah, you go ahead. I'll… catch up with you later."
"Suit yourself." The room grew very quiet with his departure, its only occupants the suppose Jock and the busy Class Rep. Touji continued packing his bag slowly, swinging the strap over his shoulder. Hikari had finished as well, wiping her forehead with a look of small accomplishment. She then looked back at the boy with a small smile as tiny traces of blush crept onto her cheeks. He thought it looked rather sweet, which caused Touji to get all flustered.
"Hey Suzuhara…" Hikari began as she closed the distance between herself and him. Touji grinned nervously as he ran a hand through his short ebony hair. He darted his gaze to the door, tempted to just run away but he reminded himself that he was better then that and that would only hurt the Class Reps feelings if he did so. 'I'm not Shinji!'
" Yeah Class Rep? Need someone to stay after school to clean up, since Ayanami is out and all?" He shifted his weight to his other foot trying to hide his anxiety with a calm collected face.
"Oh no! I was only just…" she exclaimed then began to blush in embarrassment at the outburst. Touji couldn't help but laugh a little. Hikari shyly smiled too and lightly smacked him on the arm. "What I mean is I was wondering if perhaps… you would like to have lunch with me?" Touji raised an eyebrow in surprise… was she?
"Are you asking me out on a date? The Class Rep?" The boy visible cringed at the sheer bluntness of his question. She'd probably take it as a no, Hikari's face was evidence enough of that, completely crimson and full of rejection.
"I'm sorry, what was I thinking?" She faked a smile. "Just forget I asked. I…should just get going." She was turning around when Touji reached out to grab her arm. Hikari looked back at him questionably. 'Shit, she's crying.' Tears laced her lashes but she quickly rubbed them away.
"Mind if I get a word in?" He released her wrist and raised his hand behind his head. "Don't take my reaction the wrong why. I was just surprised." He grinned "It's not everyday a pretty girl asks me to lunch." 'Smooth Touji' the fourth child mentally patted himself on the back as the red coloured her cheeks again. Sure she wasn't exactly Misato but he had to admit the girl was cute. "Of course I'd like too."
" Oh." She returned the smile.
"I just need to go to the cafeteria-
"Wait!" She cried, and then bowed her head embarrassed. "I mean I have a lot of leftovers from the lunches I made this morning so… I wouldn't want you to waste your money on cafeteria food."
"Sounds good, I haven't had well cooked meal since… I can't remember when." Both looked at each other and laughed.
The pair walked into the schoolyard only to have all eyes turn to them. While Hikari didn't seem to mind, Touji could only wonder what people were thinking of him as whispers filled the courtyard; he had a reputation to protect after all.
"Is that the Class Rep with Touji?"
"What's Hikari doing with that dumb jock?"
"Did you hear that Touji's cheating on Soyhru with Hokari?"
"Well it severs her right after kissing that baka-Shinji."
The fourth child nearly choked on that last comment. Him with that witch? It made his skin crawl just thinking about it. "Come on Class Rep let's find some place to sit." Hikari looked slightly confused at the uneasiness in his voice but nodded.
They came upon a small-secluded area, a tall tree in the center, small buds of sakuras forming. "Wow it's so pretty." Touji couldn't help but look at Hikari's face as it sparkled with a smile.
"Yeah it is." Hokari sat down, her back against the tree, taking the time to spread out her skirt on the grass. Touji winced as he tried to do the same but it was difficult with his prosthetic leg. The girl frowned in worry.
"Here let me help you."
" No!" Hikari looked a little frightened and made him feel guilty. "Sorry. I can do it myself," and with a determined look on his face the boy lowered himself slowly onto the ground. The class rep took a moment before smiling, even laughing a little. "What's so funny?"
" Oh it's nothing; I just realized how much you and Asuka are alike." The jock's jaw dropped in denial.
"Oh now you're comparing me to the demon?" Hikari frowned at that, crossing her arms over her chess. Touji actually found it rather cute despite the fact he was about to receive a scolding.
"You shouldn't call her that you know."
"Sorry," He responded though truth be told he wasn't really, it's not like Asuka treated him any better.
"It's alright, but anyways all I meant by it was that you too are always refusing help from others, I can never understand why. It's pretty frustrating actually. I feel bad for Ikari."
" No kidding, he has to live with her."
"Suzuhara, that's not-"
"I know." He smirked, happy that his attempt to change the subject succeeded. "Soyhru is just full of mental problems though." He laughed but Hikari said nothing. "Hey, I was only joking around." Hokari signed but chose not to go further into the matter. It was clear he didn't want to be serious. The atmosphere tensed up until…
Growl
"Hey Class Rep, I'm starved."
" Oh!" Hikari quickly forgot her attempt to defend her best friend and reached for the pink wrapped bento that she'd brought from home. Hikari revealed the contents to her companion, awaiting inspection. Without a word, he reached out and grabbed a fried shrimp with a pair of chopsticks she'd provided.
The boy had always known that the Class Rep was a good cook, but as he swallowed the food he thought he'd died an gone to heaven. The girl watched nervously. The fourth child looked over in deep thought. "It's not bad." He understated as he reached for another one. She smiled in relief and broke her own chopsticks apart. Suzuhara snacked on the butter roasted shrimp before noticing a cup of scarlet hued sauce. "Hey Class Rep, what's that?"
She looked at what he was pointing to and grinned. "It's a sauce I made myself. It's really good with those. It's very spicy though." Touji smirked he loved spicy foods. Hikari watched in mock horror as he drenched his shrimp in the sauce. "You're going to get a stomach ache!" He paid her no attention as he stuffed the gooey thing in his mouth. The heat was almost instant. His eyes widened, having not been prepared for the intensity.
"Water…" He gasped as he clung to his throat. Hikari grabbed her canteen and shoved it into his hands. The water sloshed down, washing away the hot taste. "What the hell did you put in that!" The Class Rep giggled as she munched on another shrimp, her's coated with sweet cheery sauce.
"I tried to warn you didn't I? Maybe you should try this instead." Touji shook his head he hated sweets. His formed leaned back up against the tree, Hikari followed suit.
"Hey Class Rep? Why did you ask me out here anyways?" The schoolgirl was slightly startled by this question and looked down.
"Well, for a while now Touji, I've… well I wanted to… I guess get to know you better. Asuka doesn't really approve but I really like you." She looked up with a serene smile. "I suppose that I'm being to forward aren't I." The ebony haired boy shook his head. It grew quiet again as they both looked away shyly. Suddenly the male realized something.
"Hey, you just called me Touji."
Hikari looked at him in surprise. "I did?" She shook her head fervently, "I'm sorry, I meant-"
"It sounds good when you say it. I've never been much for formalities anyways." Hikari's face flushed as Touji casually rested his left arm around her shoulders. The class rep shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting up to the boy when she noticed a small amount of the spicy sauce on his cheek.
"Oh let me get that." She sat on her knees as she wiped away the red liquid. Touji grinned and took the opportunity. Hikari froze as he captured her lips gently with his own. It took her a moment but she relaxed and closed her eyes, enjoying this long awaited kiss.
Touji tasted traces of cheery sauce, causing him to smile as he pulled away. He could learn to like sweets if they were all like this. Hikari quietly fell back on the tree and slowly leaned her head against his shoulder. She looked peaceful as she closed her eyes once more. "Thank you."
The couple sat in comfortable silence, blissfully ignoring a scream that rain from far away.
On top of the school roof, Asuka's face was contorted into a frustrated sneer, the red head pulling at her locks at the sight. "How can she like that guy?" Shinji sighed, rolling his eyes as he stood on the other side of Kensuke, looking at the scene play through on his camcorder. The Eva pilots had just returned from some long hours at NERV and were now witnessing something interesting.
"Asuka, what can I say, they were meant to be." Kensuke taunted as he turned off his camera. "And I caught their first kiss on tape." He smirked as he tapped on the device.
"Hikari deserves so much better than that Dumkopff." Asuka argued back.
Kensuke was about to retort when Shinji chimed in. "Shouldn't we leave them alone? This is kind of invading there privacy-"
"Shut up Baka-Shinji, we need to make sure that the dumb jock doesn't pull anymore funny business!" Shinji hesitated before grabbing Asuka's arm and began dragging her away. "Hey! Let me go you idiot! Come on!" More shrieks were heard as Shinji continued his mission to pull his fiery friend away. "You owe me a cup of ramen for this!"
Kensuke laughed at the odd pair before turning back towards the couple. He flipped on the camera and was about to press record when he stopped. The sandy haired individual smiled and snapped it shut.
"They make a sweet couple."