Chapter Text

Shinji

It was a horrible day. Another long day at work for Shinji, of barely nothing. Kent was an easy job, since he did it through the student co-op program, all they expected of him was to water the plants in the greenhouse. That sounds fine until you’ve done laps twice and cannot give the plants any more water (plus whatever chemicals they wanted Shinji to spray, he never cared to remember.) The worst part is, no one ever bothers to tell him what to do after. He ends up kind of hanging around the greenhouse as if he were slacking (he’s not.) People sometimes ask him the location of items he doesn't remember, so he plays a guessing game with his mind. Though, it isn’t pleasant having older folk being mad at you, so he tries to avoid them if he sees them coming.

Today was going to be another night alone. His mom worked long hours, and with his dad gone, it was usually only the two of them, though sometimes mom’s friend, Fuyutsuki came around. While Shinji found their age gap mildly creepy sometimes, he knows there’s nothing going on between them (hopefully.) He was sort of like Shinji’s dad back in the day, He was always there to babysit when mom couldn’t be home, and Shinji admits he gives pretty sound advice when prompted to.

Shinji was excited to go home. When his shift finally ended, he never hauled ass faster out of the backroom before. He’s practically jogging at this point. When he feels the wall of cool air, Shinji feels so free he may actually cry. The wind was like a cool hug to his soul, and the gray of the sky was a relief after being in Kent all day. He checked his phone, and saw a text message from Asuka. Have you gotten a hold of Rei? I was wondering if she wanted to come to the party, but she’s not answering. I know you're coming already but maybe just stop by or something, since you guys live pretty close to each other. Oh right, the party. Shinji totally forgot about that. He felt kind of tired and considered cancelling, but then remembered all his friends will be there, so he should go even if he doesn't feel like it right now. Shinji replies; Yeah sure. He should stop by home and do his chores first.

When he gets home he finds the door is unlocked. A familiar pair of shoes are sitting at the door.Fuyutsuki. He doesn't really feel like talking so he tries to discreetly sweep quietly. Then take out the trash, and fold the laundry. Eventually though, Shinji makes the mistake of entering the kitchen just to run into Fuyutsuki doing the dishes. Kozo Fuyutsuki was a nice, wise man. He had dark, thoughtful eyebrows and now greying hair. Though he was mom's old university professor, they became good friends. He was there during all of Shinji's major milestones so far, and while it would be a stretch to call him a father figure, he was still something of another family member.

“Hey Shinji. Don’t worry about the dishes.” He said in his smooth voice without looking up.
“Thanks Fu-fu.” Fu-fu was a nickname Shinji gave him as a baby and never bothered to correct. Without another word, Shinji went upstairs and changed into a basic white t-shirt and jeans. Since he was just going to be hanging out with friends, he didn’t feel any need to dress up. Looking in the mirror, he sees…his father. It’s funny how much he looks like Gendo. He wonders if he was anything like him, if he’d be proud of Shinji today. No matter though, Asuka and the others are waiting for him. He just hopes Rei cooperates, otherwise Shinji will face Asuka’s wrath at the party, and that’s no fun at all.

“Tell mom I’ll be home in the morning or something.” Shinji calls before heading out the door, not wanting to stick around long enough for Fuyutsuki to respond. He immediately started down the block to Rei’s house. While walking through the sunset, he brainstorms reasons why Rei might not have answered Asuka. They’re very close, even though they weren’t in the beginning. Maybe Rei was reading? Scrolling on Tumblr? Maybe on some top secret mission? Finally arriving at the small green house on the corner, he took a few deep breaths, the suspiciously low hanging tree in the front yard seemingly looming over him. He decided to just walk in the house, since he’s known Rei for a very long time. At first glance, the house seemed empty.

“Rei!” he called out, as he walked into the kitchen to steal some Dunkaroos. There’s always loads of them at her house. He finds a small little chocolate package, jackpot-
“Who are you?” a voice says from behind him. His accent was vaguely German, but not the thickest. The voice wasn’t hostile at all, more curious. Shinji freezes, mid dunkaroo-dip. Shinji had never heard this voice before. Turning around he’s greeted with the most wondrous creature to bless his eyes. He has similar genetics to Rei, but completely different hair. He’s lean with soft, light skin. He’s a bit taller than Shinji. The most notable similarity between him and Rei is those odd red eyes. His hair was white like an elderly person, but he was clearly around Shinji’s age. His hair was messy and down to his shoulders. He wore baggy jeans and a black tank top, showing off his attractive, toned form. Shinji realized he had been low-key staring at him, and realized he should probably respond. “I should be asking who you are. Where is Ms.Akagi? Or Rei? That’s who I came to find anyway, do you know where she is?” The boy seemed to be contemplating Shinji’s answer, before replying.
“Are you dating my sister?” he asked bluntly. Shinji was absolutely floored. He stammered and blushed. Him, dating Rei? That is the least likely thing to ever happen in the realm of possibilities. Shinji had known Rei ever since they were in elementary school. While she was shy at first, they had grown close before Asuka had moved to the area in grade 4, and before he met Toji and Kensuke. They always hung out now, and the Akagi household was Shinji’s second home. Before Shinji had the chance to reply, a familiar, soft voice came from behind the other guy.

“He's my friend.” Rei simply said. She stepped into view, and it seemed she got a new hair style. Her pale blue hair had been styled into a simple wolf cut, which really suited her. It was the same short length as before.
“Rei, who's that?” Shinji asked, still confused about this hot guy in Rei’s kitchen.
“Remeber my older brother? The one who decided to live in Germany with my uncle a while back…well that’s him.” Shinji stares at Rei for a little, then darts his gaze over to the guy with white hair. The thing is, Shinji did vaguely remember Rei’s older brother. He left when he was in grade 4, but Shinji had only seen him around a couple of times. He spent most of the time cooped up in his room. One day in grade 3 Rei had said her brother left to live in Germany for a while and that was the last Shinji had heard of him. He doesn't even remember his name-

“This is Kaworu…Kaworu, Shinji. My friend. Remember what I told you about him?”
“Oh yeah.” Kaworu replied, clearly still thinking about it. He was peering curiously at Shinji.
“Hi uh…Kaworu…sorry if I disturbed you with the yelling I just, I…usually it’s just Rei home at this time and she never mentioned another person.”
Kaworu waved a dismissive hand “Oh no, don’t apologize. But just for heads up, I’m staying here, so we don’t scare each other again.” he said with a sly wink. Rei seemed to notice because she rolled her eyes. Shinji felt very awkward. He cleared his throat. Just spit it out now. “Rei? Did you see any of Asuka’s messages…or um calls, whatever it was.” Rei politely shook her head. “Oh well I was wondering if you uh…wanted to come to a fun party. Asuka won’t make you drink or anything, just sayin…”
Rei contemplated it for a moment. “Okay sure.” She looked back at her brother. “Would you like to come?”
Kaworu seemed pleasantly surprised. But then a mischievous glint came over his eyes, it was subtle, but not enough that it went over Shinji’s head completely. “Are you going to introduce me to all your little friends?” he asked teasingly. Rei just looked at him funny.
“I’m going to grab my phone, be right back.” She hastily turned away. Shinji could hear her light footsteps going up the stairs. A deeply uncomfortable silence fell over Shinji and Kaworu. However Kaworu didn’t seem phased at all.
After a moment, Kaworu asked “Are ya gonna eat that, Shinji?” he said, referring to Shinji’s now forgotten Dunkaroo. Shinji was tempted to keep it, but he decided to be polite, since Kaworu’s cute.
“Uh no, but you can have it.” He shyly handed the package to Kaworu, silently crying inside. Kaworu took the Dunkaroo and started eating it. Though after a minute or so, Kaworu extended his hand out.
“Have some Shinji.” He said kindly, though Shinji didn’t feel as if he had a choice. He ignored his thoughts about just getting his own packet. However he pushed his gluttonous thoughts down to point out the obvious to himself. A hot guy is offering you Dunkaroos, don’t mess this up. Talk. Think. Do Something. Say something- “You don’t have to be so nervous, Shinji. I’m not going to bite. Unless you want me too…ignore that. What I mean is that just because I’m Rei’s brother, I’m not trying to make it awkward or anything. I don’t think you're going to hurt her, she talks about you all the time. But she is taking longer than just getting her phone, but I suppose she’s just like that.”

Shinji nodded his head, taking a little cookie and dipping it into the chocolate frosting. “Yeah, I just, it’s hard to talk to new people, y’know? She said nothing about you coming back and I kind of forgot about you since she never talked about you that much.” Shinji immediately internally cringed, that's definitely the last thing Kaworu wanted to hear, but he seems to be…aware?

“Yeah I know. But that doesn't matter now, the past is in the past. So, your Rei’s age right?”
Shinji nodded in response.
“So who is this Asuka? I take it she’s hosting the party?” Kaworu questioned, eating the Dunkaroos at an alarming pace, Shinji will have to step up. He snatches two more cookies.
“Yeah, she’s our friend. The three of us hang out all the time, and obviously there’s Hikari and Toji and Kensuke, but we didn’t meet the others until middle school. We have all been friends since elementary.
Kaworu nods thoughtfully. “Is it a wet or dry party?” he asks curiously.
“It’s B.Y.O.B.” Shinji explains, “Asuka won’t be responsible for any underage drinking charges, at least that's what she tells me the reason for it is.”
“Ah, I see. That makes sense. Then I suppose I’ll stop at the liquor store on my way there.”
Shinji gave Kaworu a funny look. “How old are you?”
“17.”
“They won’t sell you anything.”
“Why? In Germany I’m old enough to get beer and stuff.”
“The legal drinking age is 19 here.” Shinji informed Kaworu. Kaworu’s face dropped. “Why do you want to drink anyways? Isn’t it funner to be sober and remember everything?”
Kaworu considered this, “I mean yeah, but parties are never worth it enough to remember.”
That made Shinji sad. Kaworu’s too pretty for parties to “not be worth it.” “I can make it worth it.” He blurted out. Shit. Now he seems like a creep- wait. Shinji swears he sees a light pink dusted over Kaworu cheeks, is he flustered?
“I’m ready.” Kaworu and Shinji flinch. Rei just has a way of sneaking up on people and it seems not even Kaworu is immune.
“What took you so long?” Shinji asked. Rei changed into a red, flowy short skirt and button up blue shirt.
“Oh, Asuka wanted me to match outfits with her. She was just telling me what to wear.”
Kaworu raised an eyebrow, but decided not to comment. He casually tossed the empty Dunkaroo packet into the garbage can.

“Well it looks good on you.” Shinji complimented. “Now lets go, Asuka is probably wondering where we are.”


**************

Walking in Asuka’s house was like hitting a wall of sweat and humidity. It was oppressive. The only inviting thing about it was the music being fun R&B, even if Shinji didn’t usually listen to that. There were other teenagers everywhere, most holding red solo cups or cans of alcohol, however it wasn’t too packed. The main lights were off, however some bright, flashy, colourful lights kept it just dim and not dark, for which Shinji appreciated. However Shinji was concerned about how it became so hot and humid in there. Shinji isn’t sure if Asuka is still waiting for them, but even if she is, she’s definitely either too busy trying not to get her house destroyed or having the time of her life. It was times like these that confused Shinji.. Asuka was popular. Shinji and Rei are what people consider losers in this town, wrapped up into two genders. The truth is Shinji really is the only loser of the three, Rei is just quiet and introverted, Shinji is a Reddit mod. Asuka and Shinji are always quick to defend Rei, though, and Asuka even will defend Shinji, even though she definitely thinks he’s a loser, she’s an incredibly loyal and good friend. Shinji wouldn’t trade her for the world, even when she’s obnoxious.

Kaworu followed Rei and Shinji to where they predict Asuka might be, though Shinji can’t keep his eyes off of Kaworu. He’s still in the same outfit as before, and even in the dim lighting, Shinji is fully convinced he’d look just as good in a plastic bag. They finally find Asuka in the backyard. She was alone on the back deck outside the porch. Asuka was wearing the exact same outfit as Rei except the colours were reversed with a blue skirt and red shirt, she seemed to be waiting. When the jingle of the outside door rang, she turned back. Her expression lit up when she saw Rei and Shinji, but then dropped in confusion at Kaworu, then lit back up again.

“Oh! You’re Rei’s big brother? I’m Asuka.” She held out her hand to shake, Kaworu shook hers.
“Yep. Nice to meet you, Asuka.” he said pleasantly.
“I’m from Germany y’know.”
Kaworu’s face lit up. “That’s cool. I only lived there, but now I’m a dual citizen.”
“Same!”
Maybe Shinji is a bit jealous, but she didn’t have to be that excited. Why can’t I talk to Kaworu that easily? He lamented to himself, trying not to show his inner thoughts on his face. Maybe I should have asked him about his time in Germany. I’ll ask him later, I want to be his friend. Shinji could be making things up, but he could’ve sworn Kaworu kept sending glances at him, but he was still talking with Asuka. God, they’re so good at talking. So social-

“Shinji.”
It was Rei, she startled Shinji. They collectively stepped a bit away from Kaworu and Asuka. He shook his head slightly, to himself “Yeah?”
“How are you, I didn’t really get a chance to ask earlier.”
“Fine. Work is as bland as normal. I didn’t really expect your uh..brother to be here though.”
Rei nodded. “He’s back forever now, well that’s what he says. He started missing me and our family, he said.”
“Why was he in Germany anyways? I mean it has to be more than just…wanting opportunity or whatever you said.” Shinji said in a hushed tone, since Kaworu was six feet away. More partygoers have come to the backyard though, so there’s more noise to cover their gossip.
“I’m not sure. He’s a really good brother and all. He’s always helpful and talkative with me, but that’s one subject he always skirted around. I stopped asking four years ago, so drop it Shinji.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah..”
“...”
“Your shirt is stained.”
“What - SHIT!”
Those damn Dunkaroo’s. Did Kaworu truly not notice? Or Rei?
“Did you notice it before?”
“Not really. Asuka might have an extra shirt or something, want me to ask-”
“No. Way.” Perhaps Shinji shouldn’t have used that tone on Rei, but if Kaworu truly didn’t notice, he doesn't need to know now.
Rei gave him an unimpressed look. “You and Asuka wear the same size more or less, it isn’t truly a big deal.”
“I can just clean it myself.” He whispers furiously. Without another word, Shinji marches inside, not caring that he is walking quite briskly, considering it’s a party. Stepping inside, he is hit with the wall of sweat and humidity (again,) and faced with the shame of his frosting stained shirt, he can barely handle it. He discreetly rushes to the bathroom upstairs, since most people use the downstairs bathroom during parties. He rushed up there and immediately searched for a wet cloth.

He immediately started desperately scrubbing at the spot on his shirt. He isn’t sure if it’s actually working, but he does. Shinji couldn’t help feeling a sense of shame. Stuff like this always seems to happen to him. Especially when you meet your best friend's cool older brother for the first time. He probably noticed. He was just being polite, which made Shinji want to throw up. God, he really was a screw up. He was tempted to blame the Dunkaroos, however every time he ate them before he never got it on his shirt. Perhaps the universe was just against him.

He stared long into the bathroom mirror. His chestnut hair hanging stupidly into little pieces over his forehead, his dumb brown eyes, his seemingly placid expression, his pale skin- Calm down Shinji, nothing bad is happening. Except, the stain is still glaringly obvious, even worse with his attempts at wiping it off. He’s still trying, the facecloth cold and unforgiving against his palm. After a couple more failed attempts, the stain just seems to be a somewhat faded (but still noticeable) brown spot with a ridiculous amount of water around it. Shinji really didn’t want to use one of Asuka’s shirts if he didn’t have to, especially with Kaworu around. He wouldn’t mind too much any other time, so long as they weren’t matching, but Asuka and Kaworu seem to be getting along really well. A bitter wave of jealousy overcame him again. He really shouldn’t feel this way. Kaworu was his best friend’s brother, who barely knows Shinji, and probably will be nothing more than an acquaintance to Shinji. It’s completely irrational, but Shinji really wants to get to know him. Also he’s hot, which is an added bonus. He hopes that he just eventually works his way into his mind by association, since he’s Rei’s brother and getting along with Asuka.

Shinji decided to search through Asuka’s medicine cabinet, opening the mirrors to reveal hidden little shelves, taking advantage of his special “friend privileges." Shinji only hopes Asuka doesn't notice.

Shinji isn’t really sure what he’s looking for. He supposes he’s just trying to distract himself…and trying to find an alternate solution to the stained-shirt-situation. Her medicine cabinet had average things you’d find in a medicine cabinet, toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, floss- Knock knock, he hears at the door. The person who knocked did so softly, as not to scare him.

“Hellooo?” A soft voice sung, a familiar soft voice. No doubt it was Kaworu. “Is that you Shinji?”
Shinji hesitated to answer. Should he really be responding? Should he let Kaworu see him like this? After a moment's thought, he decides to reply. “Yeah, it’s me. Is that Kaworu?” Shinji wasn’t sure why he asked to confirm.
Kaworu could be heard chuckling on the other side of the door “Yeah, Shinji. Are you okay? You’ve been gone for a while…can I come in?”
“...uh yeah.” Shinji’s voice squeaks unpleasantly high, he’s sure Kaworu noticed. Kaworu slowly enters the bathroom, gently shutting the door behind him. Now it was just the two of them, which terrified Shinji.
“Why’d you run off earlier?” Kaworu asks curiously, leaning against the door, peering down at Shinji.
Shinji gulped. “W-well, uhm, I…uh…had to clean something.” Wow, good going Shinji, you sound like an unclean fre-
“Oh, that’s understandable. But that still doesn't explain how long you took.”
“Well…I was just cleaning off a food stain I didn’t notice.” He finally forces it out. Shinji would’ve just lied if it was anyone else, but he felt compelled to tell Kaworu the truth. Also, he had no way to hide evidence of the stain anyways, so he might as well be transparent.
Kaworu nodded his head in understanding, he looked sympathetic. “Sorry I didn’t notice the stain before we left. I would’ve told you if I saw.”
Shinji shook his head “No! Don’t apologize, Kaworu. You didn’t do anything wrong.” Shinji assured him.
“Do you want an extra shirt or something?
“You don’t have one.”

“...You could wear my tank top.”