"Thanks for having us." Misato said as she stepped into Lecter's house. Ornate was the only way the house could be described. Or you could call it a museum.

"Of course, I was concerned you wouldn't accept my offer, but since you have, I'm assuming there's no update," Lecter said.

"Nothing since you left. I thought about not coming here, I think he would have preferred if we stayed," Shinji still held the same non-descript expression and Misato worried that if the worst came and they could not find Asuka, this would be his permanent continence. "But since you're a doctor I decided you'd know best," Misato said.

"I appreciate the vote of confidence, now please take a seat anywhere you'd like the food is almost prepared aside from one dish. Might I have a word with Shinji?"

Misato looked at Shinji and the boy nodded and walked with Lecter still avoiding eye contact. Before Lecter and Shinji left the room the doctor turned back to Misato and spoke: "Miss Katsuragi please make yourself at home." He did not wait for her response, and she desperately hoped he could help Shinji in some way. Her self-assurance they would find Asuka was suddenly hollowing.


"Due to patient confidentiality, I could not ask in Miss Katsuragi's presence since it was information you shared with me during one of our sessions, but since the art interest you. Would you like to help me prepare the final dish for the meal?" Lecter asked.

Shinji looked up at the doctor, his face a mix of surprise and disinterest. "You are of course free to refuse," Lecter continued. "However, you should know in this case I believe some artistry would do good for both the artist and admirer."

"No—not now I..." Shinji slowly looked up. "Uhh...sure I'll help." Lecter smiled.

"Very good, now come down to my kitchen." Shinji looked around trying to be sure that his eyes did not deceive him as they were currently standing in what could only be defined as a kitchen. "The real kitchen." Lecter said with the same small smile.

They both made their way down well-crafted stairs to reveal a basement converted to a cathedral of culinary arts. A lavish spread rested on a side counter. The dishes contained only food Shinji would expect to find in institutions specializing in traditional Japanizes cuisine.

"Did—did you make everything yourself?"

"When the need arises to explore the world, I have found the most convenient way is to learn to cook." Lecter washed his hands and Shinji copied him. Even the flow from the faucet adopted an ethereal almost divine quality. Every instrument in the room was the best the market bared.

Lecter picked up a covered dish from a counter Shinji had not even noticed and removed the lid revealing what looked to be beef strips. The strips were in an unusual shape or at least a shape he had never seen before. Shinji inquired about the identity of the meat.

"This will be a test of your ability as an artist, not someone who follows a pre-ordained checklist," Lecter said his voice taking on a paternal quality. "I'll provide help as you ask, but the kitchen is at your command."

There was a short silence before Shinji resolved himself to action. He well knew all of this was a ploy to occupy his mind, so he decided to do what he always did when superior forces acted upon him: go along. He did not have the strength to change his habits now and at this moment he had no interest in changing. She'd want me to do it. I think she always liked my cooking. And it will help Misato, she'll be happy, so she can help find Asuka. His internal musings were a rationalization of his decision to act, his mind having already been made. Made as soon as the doctor asked something of him.

The five pink strips were a contrast to the pale plate they sat on and in a moment of inspiration Shinji knew exactly how the meat would be prepared.

Cooking which resembles sophistication, requires a mix of creative insight and following prescribed instructions. Shinji's partiality towards cooking was not altogether surprising considering his inclination towards music. It would be easy to consider him simply an artist, but that would discount his joy in looking at the faces of those watching or consuming his performance. The strings of the cello required the same delicacy as the application of spice. Music he could perform by heat, he often played not by a process of rote memory. Instead, he sought the emotion of the original composer. Cooking without a recipe did not allow for the adoration of a ghost. The past would have to be his resource, his past self would guide his actions. His senses would need to be at full faculty to react.

Shinji hardened his resolve; he would cook as if Asuka were to be the guest of honor. She always seemed to enjoy his cooking. This meal would be his tribute to her. His way of holding himself together until she was found, until he could make her a meal worthy of her consumption.


Lecter had brought several dishes into the dining room with the assurance that the meal's magnum opus had yet to arrive. The anticipated dish soon arrived in Shinji's arms. Misato was famished having realized she had not eaten more than a bag of chips in two days. Shinji wore the same facial expression he had throughout the entire debacle, except now there was a slight hit of something else. It was not pride but maybe it was hope. Maybe Lecter had told him something in whatever second kitchen they went down to which gave him some hope. He probably just hopes I'll like the food. She thought to herself before realizing she had been staring at him the whole time he was in the room. The room which classical music graced like waves at a distance.

As she looked away towards the other delicacies on the table her hunger became overwhelming. I'm glad he's with me and all right. No! How could you think that damn it? God damn it! I can't do that to her... or him. God I'm a mess.

Her hands trembled so she placed them below the table. Hopefully before the other two noticed. Get it together, he needs you and so does she. Damn it. Asuka why—damn it...Shinji— why'd I take us here.

"Another glass of wine?" Lecter asked.

"Please," She replied, making no effort to lift her glass and expose her trembling hands. Lecter filled her glass then took a seat at the head of the table. Shinji moved his place setting, so it was next to her instead of across the table. Once he was set, they started eating.

"My compliments to the chef," Lecter said after biting into the meat Shinji had cooked. Shinji failed to acknowledge the compliment. He had only taken a small bite of rice and seemed more interested in staring at the food.

"You need to eat something Shinji, we both need our strength. Come on take a few bites," Misato said. Shinji took a few more bites out of the rice.

"Try your own dish Shinji, admire you own work," Lecter said.

Shinji hesitated for a few more moments and fiddled around with a piece of meat before taking a bite.

"What do you think?" Lecter asked.

"I—I love it. It's really good." Shinji replied before going for another bite. His admitted enjoyment brought him further guilt.

"Don't worry Shinji, she would love to hear that."

The End