The day after seeing Shinji, Kaworu found himself with a change of attitude. He already knew that Shinji wasn't going to come to him, hell Shinji didn't even know who he was. But he was no longer going to mope in his apartment, lamenting his bad luck. Instead, he got himself out, put in a few job applications, bought himself some clothes and started to make a life for himself here.

In his grief of Shinji forgetting him, he had overlooked the fact that he was given a new chance at life. No one knew him, he could be whatever and whoever he wanted. Shinji would no longer feel betrayed or distrustful of him. Kaworu could re-meet Shinji and try again, do it properly this time.

That evening, he settled into his apartment, deciding that the next day he was going to track Shinji down and try to make an introduction. He fell asleep that night with thoughts of getting to know Shinji under their own terms and with as much time as they wanted.

Ryozo, do you have a job or are you a permanent fixture on my couch, Shinji said as he buttoned up his work shirt and tied the apron around his waist.

The other man looked up from his usual spot on the couch and grinned. I'll have you know, this is both of our couch.

Shinji rolled his eyes. You still didn't answer my question.

Yes, of course I have a job. I can just do it from here. The beauty of bein' a writer, I can just email in all my articles. And before you scold me about watching TV all day, it's part of my job, Ryozo stood and got himself another cup of coffee.

Well, you need to get out or something. Sitting around this much is gonna make you fat, Shinji said and made a dive to pinch Ryozo's midsection.

Ryozo laughed and shoved him away playfully. Get your ass to work and make me some money!

Shinji just shook his head and walked out the door, laughing to himself. Ryozo was something else, that was for sure. But when it came down to it, he was a wonderful friend and when bills rolled around, he put in his half without a second thought. Shinji even had reached the point where he found the other man's laziness enduring.

Ryozo settled back on the couch, pulling his laptop off the coffee table and opening it. He ran through his email and then opened up his most recent article, featuring Japan's newest pop stars, and began typing away, losing himself in the computer.

He was jarred out of his concentration when he heard a knock on the door. He suddenly wished that he was at least properly dressed, but it didn't really matter. It was probably just a salesman.

Ryozo opened the door and found a young man about his own age standing behind it. He was taken back by the man's unusual appearance. He had shaggy gray hair and brilliant red eyes that stood out brilliantly against pale, alabaster skin. Ryozo found himself taking a step back, surprised. The young man however, just smiled politely and started speaking.

Sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if an Ikari Shinji lived here? The young man asked.

Ryozo nodded slowly. Yeah. He lives here, but he's not here right now. Can I help you?

I'm an old friend of his. Where might I be able to find him?

Um, he's at work right now. He's a bartender at the restaurant down the street, Ryozo said without really meaning to. Shinji would be pissed for letting a complete stranger know where he worked.

Thanks so much for your help, The young man smiled again. Ryozo pushed aside the desire to be mean and offered his hand. The young man may have been a bit creepy, but he seemed nice enough and it was about time Shinji had some other friends. The other man shook it and then turned around, off on his merry way.

Ryozo closed the door slowly, wondering what it was that had just happened.

As Kaworu walked away from Shinji's apartment, he felt like he was walking on air. He had actually found him and while he had just met his roommate, he was one step closer. He nearly ran to the restaurant that man said Shinji worked at. He was actually going to see him. Kaworu's heart swelled with excitement and anticipation as he opened the door and made his way back to the bar.

He swallowed hard and when his eyes fell on Shinji, handing a tray full of drinks to a waitress, Kaworu felt tears spring to his eyes. They had been separated for so long and while Shinji had no idea who he was, he was still there. Kaworu took a deep breath and took a seat at the bar, feeling giddy and light headed.

Can I get you anything? Shinji asked him when he sat down.

Kaworu stared for a moment, unable to really control his actions at the moment. Once the question sank he, he smiled politely at Shinji. A coke will be fine, thanks.

Shinji turned his back towards Kaworu and opened the tap, filling a glass up with coke. He set it down in front of Kaworu and went back to working. He glanced over his shoulder at the other man. If there's anything I can get you, please, don t hesitate to let me know, Shinji smiled and started cleaning glasses.

Shinji had an odd feeling about the man sitting at the bar. He wasn't sure what it was, but he felt uneasy for some reason. It was probably the man's strange appearance. The man was young, but had the gray hair that normally graced old men and red eyes that seemed ready to swallow him up. Despite it all, the man was handsome, to the point where Shinji felt a mild attraction towards him. He shook the feeling off and started getting another tray worth of drinks ready when he heard the man's voice, speaking to him again.

Been working here long? Kaworu asked, trying to start a conversation. Shinji handed off the tray of drinks and smiled.

Long enough.

Do you like it here? The man asked, sipping at his coke.

Yeah, I can't really complain. It pays the bills and I enjoy myself. I can keep to myself most of the time, but at other times, I get to talk to nice folks such as your self, Shinji smiled politely.

No need to flatter me, Kaworu smiled, red eyes sparkling.

I don't think I've ever seen you in here before. Are you new to the area? Shinji asked, finding himself enjoying even the small talk.

Yes, I'm new. I moved here just a few days ago.

I hope you've found it welcoming so far.

I have, The man paused for a second and finished off his coke. I haven't met too many people yet though, he said, looking a bit sad at this.

No one at all? Shinji poured himself a water and wiped the bar idly.

I guess I haven't really been looking. I came here in hopes to meet up with an old friend, but I'm afraid he's forgotten all about me, Kaworu said with a cryptic smile.

I'm sorry to hear that.

No fault of yours. These things happen, Kaworu shrugged and offered his empty glass back for a refill.

Is there nothing else I can get you? Shinji asked, handing back the beverage.

An evening out perhaps, Kaworu said before he could stop himself. He clapped his hands over his mouth and felt a light blush rising to his cheeks.

Shinji chuckled a bit, surprised. It wasn't everyday the bartender got asked for a date.

I'm so sorry. That was inappropriate, not to mention ridiculous. I shouldn't have even asked that, Kaworu said, standing up.

No, it's all right, really. Please sit back down, Shinji was laughing in spite of himself.

Kaworu got back in his seat, embarrassed and knowing he had blown his opportunity. So much for being smooth and suave, sweeping Shinji off his feet. Instead he looked like a fool who had nothing better than to use awful pick up lines on the daytime bartender.

You're going to have to come along a few more times before I'll agree to that, Shinji still had a hint of a laugh in his voice. I'm flattered though. Learn a bit about me before you ask me out, my name may be a good start, Shinji smirked.

Kaworu arched an eyebrow. If only Shinji knew. But he wasn't supposed to know anything about him and to spout off things like his name would just confuse him. So he played along, content with taking it slow.

Alright then. What's you're name? Kaworu asked.

Shinji just smiled. Next time you come in, I'll tell you, Shinji smiled coyly, rather looking forward to this little game. He never considered himself much a flirt, but what did he have to lose?

Kaworu smiled. There was going to be a next time, he hadn't messed everything up entirely. Alright. Next time then.