2022-10-08: Tuning

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<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        It's been a tumultuous year for the Tokyo-3 Municipal School District so far. To some degree, it's expected; Tokyo-3 is ever a city on the cusp of disaster, being the fortress against the Angels and other kaiju threats, and therefore being the first line of defense against them. (Also, Tokyo-3 has something the Angels want, but shh, that's a secret.) But it does mean that it gets less funding than other school zones in other cities, because families with children in them are reluctant to stay.
        
        For that reason, the school board for the T3MSD has decided to try to lure in more funding by establishing that even if they have fewer children in their school, they are of a higher quality than other children. How to do that? That was a subject of much vigorous debate, but ultimately they decided on a recital. With one Mari Makinami Illustrious newly instated as student council president, they set the task to her to locate and recruit the most talented musicians in the school, organize a themed recital to be conducted before the end of the school year (either of the second semester in December, or the final semester in March), pick out the music, so on and so forth.
        
        They also reached out to one Misato Katsuragi to be the adult supervision, even though she's not a teacher, even though she isn't involved in music. (She might just have been chosen because of her NERV connections and a certain hope for funding from some of the school's most high-profile students. But shh, no one can prove that.) It's a very important task, and is to be Mari's proving ground in her new position.
        
        It may or may not also be their way of bargaining with her to stay on as student council president even though no one can actually locate her school registration.
        
        And that's why everyone has been gathered in the music room after the half-day of school on Saturday, 'everyone' being everyone that Mari and Misato decided to tap for this recital. Among them is naturally Kaworu Nagisa, who's well-known for his love of music and his skill at the piano, among other instruments.
        
        "I see. So that's why we're here," he muses, seated with legs folded. "What did you have in mind for the recital itself?" 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

Mari has manifested as the new student council president. Is this another inexplicable act of Mari, or has Shinji truly been so wrapped up in his own concerns and troubles that he never noticed Mari went to this school? Both are so terrifyingly, equally likely that Shinji is afraid to ask. So he does not.

And when it comes to Misato, Shinji is rarely one to question. Fighting is, he's learned, pointless. So along he goes, roped into another new obligation. He's not the only one, either, and given the particular set of students collected here, Shinji's fearing the worst.

Music. A recital.

All right, that's... not as bad as it could be. But temporary relief gives way to a new -- and at least more normal? -- fretting. He's already looking uncomfortable in his seat, scrunched on himself and reflexively trying to look smaller.

"So you want us to play in front of an audience...?"

As if he's skilled enough for something on that level.

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.


One Asuka Shikinami Langley is here. And apparently she's the Tokyo-3 Middle School Vice President!? What's the deal with that! She didn't even put her name in for nomination! Well of course she knows the deal with that, and she's been glowering at the new Prez every time she catches sight at her. Things that sharp blue-eyed glare might be saying right now.

'Do you even go to this school!?'
'You're a high schooler! Did everyone forget that fact?
 'I hope you don't expect me to take part in this!!!'
'You're cutting into my gaming time you Catty Four Eyes!

So right now the VP is seated in another chair, arms loosely crossed, anxiety masked by this air of vague hostility...

... after all Mari's the only person that knows her secret.

"How about you just come out with it and stop wasting our time?"

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


Are the children of higher quality in Tokyo-3's municipal school district?

Does the city of the future nurture the students of the future?

Is there such a thing as a future?

Rei Ayanami is here, as per instructions. In her uniform, she is "almost as she always is," at a casual glance; expression gnomically impossible to easily read, outfit unremarkable and unmodified in any characterful way, no unique little touches other than her hairstyle.

A recital.

They told me that I should do what I want.

Rei is still for a moment.

Tedious.
A long effort.
If I wanted, I could leave.

Rei's eyes turn towards her knees.

It will be difficult.
It will be tiring.
I would have to spend time near the Second.

Rei's eyes lift back up.

I would have to spend time with Ikari.
I would have to spend time with
Nagisa.
I would have to spend time with
Mari.

Rei's shoulders shift back.

Have?
Is it have?

... No, Rei isn't going to say anything.

<Pose Tracker> Misato Katsuragi has posed.

Misato loves 'adult supervision' work because the work involved in adult supervision is, in her eyes, 'be present and not do real work'. She sits a a chair near the door, spinning it around backwards before she does so she can lean into the head of the chair.

"Congratulations on your new job, Mari~" Misato singsongs. "I'm really impressed so many of you ended up in student council. That probably looks good on your resume."

As an adult, she thinks, she should say something like that, right? "And music will definitely help you get into college~."

There, she thinks, responsible adulting: Check.

She smiles broadly, clearly proud of herself.

<Pose Tracker> Alloy Kaas has posed.


        Alouette sits in her chair, against the wall, listening. What is in mind indeed. Even with the explanation given, Alloy is still absent of understanding how this works. Asuka is here, glowering from her seat. Alouette looks to Shinji, checking on him.

                "So you want us to play in front of an audience...?"

        An audience. That's a heck of a thing. Alouette has never done anything before an audience. Maybe she can help out in a way that doesn't make her the subject of an audiences attention. What about...

        Alouette watches Rei, and it is almost like watching herself from the outside. Which is a curious and... disorienting thing. Alloy starts to reach out towards Rei, to comfort... but there is several feet between them. How silly. She drops her hand, and stares into her lap. She waits for more direction, more instruction, something to replace swirling questions. How can she help Rei and Shinji... and Asuka?

        The Colonel speaks, she congratulates Mari, and Alouette looks over towards the bespectacled marvel. She claps her gloved hands softly. Thats what you are supposed to do when someone says "congratulations" right? 

<Pose Tracker> Mari Makinami Illustrious has posed.

"Hm hm hm hm, hm hm hm hm~" o/`

Congratulations to Mari Makinami Illustrious, new student council president of Tokyo-3 Municipal*! Disregard the obvious question of age. Or whether or not she should have been part of the high school council. Or whether she even goes to the school at all.

She won! Be happy for her.

Mari certainly seems to be, at least; sitting pretty at the music room's front desk -- literally so, as she's currently seated -on- the desk itself, space cleared to allow her to really give her legs room to stretch as she half-lounges in luxury, palms planted on the desktop surface and head tilted back as she hums 'Silent Night' into the open air.

Her explanation on the situation they have all been unilaterally invited into is cheery, and short, and sweet. It comes accompanied with a lifted hand and wiggling fingers and an airy "hii~iii~" to all those who have shown up, before her little musical interlude continues.

It also goes without saying that every time her inestimable Vice President looks her way, she's favored with the most cat-that-ate-the-canary smile there ever was.

"Thank you, thank you! I guess they just realized I was the only perfect person for the job," proclaims the humble and modest Mari Makinami to Misato's congratulations, her glowing expression somehow more effusive for Alloy's clapping. Is she preening? She's preening. "But I'm not here for the accolades! I'm here to be a shining beacon for Tokyo-3 school life~. You could say it's now my greatest passion!"

It's only as the questions come for this shining new beacon of Tokyo-3 Municipal school life that her humming comes to a tapering end. "Hum," she exhales; this is not a hum, it is just a sound. Blue eyes lidded languidly, she looks first Asuka's way.

"But it's so much more satisfying when you build up the anticipation to a proper crescendo, my faithful Vice President!"

See? It's on point, because it's related to music. This is how you can tell Makinami is taking her duty seriously.

Still -- they have questions, and Mari has answers. As Shinji voices a common anxiety, Mari s l o w l y turns upon the desk until she can face him fully, a glimmer in those half-lidded blues of hers.

"Yep," coos the unmarked Child, "we're gonna pack the house, if I have anything to say about it. It's time for you enter the limelight and strut your stuff, Puppy Boy~." She seems to consider this for a moment. "Maybe we can put together some costumes, really make things pop. Hum..."

But this is when Kaworu's question comes. Mari's musings end (for now), fingers tapping along the desk top as she considers.

"Something festive," answers the bespectacled girl. "We have the option between December and March, but I think we strike during December, full of the holiday spirit, so we can usher in the promise of a bright new year right!"

As for what she needs from all of them? Mari's smile curls into something more indulgent (somehow) as she looks Alloy's way. She casts the girl a wink.

<3 "I need the feverish beating of your passionate hearts~." <3

She feels this is answer enough. But in case it isn't:

"Each of you have a gift just waiting to be free, or else you wouldn't be here! What I need from all of you is to put a piece of yourself into this recital, so you can say to a certainty, 'this is mine. I helped make this.' If you think that means contributing music to it is the way to do it, that's good enough for me! If you want to do more, show me what you've got! But I know each of you has the talent I need. And I know each of you has reason to be here." Her gaze falls, for a moment, on the quiet Rei at this. She offers the blue-haired Child a wink and a warm smile.

"So how about we start here: tell me what instruments you play. Bare yourself to your president~."

Maybe she could have phrased that differently,

but she really doesn't think so.


*she's still not wearing the Tokyo-3 school uniform

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        One might also note literally every Child but Eisen is here. This might in turn beg the question of how Eisen got out of this, even though Mari is in charge and Misato is supporting her. The answer is that he said the magic word: 'no.' Also he's on a mission in space. That probably had something to do with it, too.
        
        But since he isn't here, it's up to the rest of them to perform, whether musically or otherwise. So sayth Mari Makinami Illustrious. Kaworu listens to what she has to say. Then he gives Misato a sidelong crooked smile at her assertion that music will look good on their college resumes. His gaze softens for Shinji and Rei as they convey their anxiety not through their words but through their bodies as one hunches in on himself and the other stares at her knees for a moment. As he looks at them, his eyes catch Alloy's, similarly searching the room. He gives her a soft, understanding smile.
        
        He doesn't bother to look at Asuka. Asuka projects her emotional state like she were an IMAX theatre.
        
        "It isn't so bad, performing in front of an audience," he reassures Shinji gently. "They're all cast in darkness, while you and your fellow performers shine in the light. You need only focus on the bow of your cello and the rest of your ensemble, and everything will fall into place."
        
        To Mari, his smile turns wry, though there's a sparkle of humor in his red eyes. Some might be fazed by her phrasing; he, as usual, is not. "If this recital is meant to be a serious showcasing of the talents of this school's students, it would behoove you to issue formal wear instead of costumes," he points out. "As for the instruments I play, there's of course the piano, but there's also the violin, the guitar, the harp, the cello, the bass, the..."
        
        He goes on like this for some time until he's finished or, more likely, until someone stops him. 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

Shinji eyes Mari skeptically with her claims of her school related passions. Especially this school. What's with her uniform! How is that allowed! The question of whether Mari actually existed here or not is only becoming more confusing in both directions.

Any bravado this skepticism might perceptually put upon his face is wiped clean the moment Mari begins to turn toward him. Shinji shrinks further, fingers gripping the edge of his seat. "C-Costumes?!"

And with Mari and Misato in charge of calling the shots on those? This is getting worse by the moment!

Eisen said no. Shinji does not realize that he has this option. Even if he did... well, that would not help Shinji Ikari. He's not learning to assert himself in the next five minutes.

Kaworu tries to reassure him, and Shinji's tension deflates -- like a sad balloon more than a relaxation. "...I don't know about that," he laments. But it's Kaworu who said it, and Kaworu's usually right about these things. Maybe Shinji can survive. Maybe. It isn't as if he's alone here either. Kaworu, and Rei, and Alloy, and Asuka... (Mari and Misato are currently The Enemy and do not yet count.)

Conveniently, Kaworu's also called Shinji out for Shinji, so he doesn't feel like he's being presumptuous when he feebly admits to Mari: "...I play the cello."

He expects piano from Kaworu, but Kaworu is ever a font of surprises. Shinji stops. He sits up. He stares at Kaworu, surprised, then baffled, then starting to get a little concerned. How... who... who made Kaworu learn all these instruments...

He won't be the one to shut Kaworu up, because he's lost the capacity to form a response.

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.


Asuka's eyes shoot over to Misato as she compliments them and protests in stark contrast to Mari's preening, "None of us even signed up to run!" Asuka doesn't mind praise, but she wants it to be for something she's actually responsible for.

"Shining Beacon of Nonsense." Asuka mutters to herself, before all but shouting across the music room, "Faithful!? Don't refer to me like I'm your sidekick or something!"

Somehow that prevents her from addressing Mari's sense of drama here.

Her eyes do slide over to Shinji as Mari addresses his anxiety. There's some sympathy as she waits for Kaworu to ask his question, however she asks something as if to assess... "You've never played in front of others before?" She murmurs after. Given that Shinji plays the Cello, it'd be interesting to her if he hadn't.

A prolonged groan is uttered from her lips as Mari speaks of the feverish beating of their passionate hearts and the holiday spirit.

However, then... Mari asks.

It'd be easy for her to say no. However... as she recalls, she did not in fact tell anyone before that she hasn't played a musical instrument. Her response had been 'As if I'd want to play with any of you.'

However... isn't this what she practiced before, "I learned the Violin years ago at the University." She lies to everyone's faces, she does it while looking Mari dead in the eye, "Just haven't had a reason to pick it up again after transferring here."

Years ago? Try she just learned over a few months. However, she is a very dedicated student when she wants to be.

Mari is full of secrets, so she figures she won't reveal that one but... she's still sweating anyway as she looks her in the eye, seeing if her bluff might be called after all.

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


'Music will definitely help you get into college~'

Rei looks at Misato now. Directly. She seems, if anything, confounded. Maybe she hasn't thought about college? Yeah, that's probably it, it's likely that the Commander had no specific plans for her that were discussed. For college. Yeah.

Mari speaks about the beating of their passionate heart. Rei looks back towards her.

Kaworu speaks and Rei's eyes turn towards him momentarily. The question comes of what instrument she can play, and she says, quietly, "Viola," which seems to be a sufficient sentence to her for the purposes of this conversation.

Though, she looks back up and seems about to speak up. It's a moment of bright, sharp attention which probably stands out like a lit match in a dark basement room, if you happen to be looking. It doesn't quite form.

She does look towards Alouette, though; and while her face is not cruel, it remains unreadable. Perhaps she saw, and at least, she isn't upset.

<Pose Tracker> Alloy Kaas has posed.


        Alloy too turns at the mention of college towards Misato. Just confusion written on her face. Alouette may as well be a singularity within a black hole, or a factorial, as much as a college student. The idea of being anything other than, this, presented the way Misato Katsuragi had makes Alouette's brain break ever so slightly.

                "I need the feverish beating of your passionate hearts~."

        Alloy can barely hear it over the throbbing of her pulse beating in her ears. Her heart is pounding. A wink...

        Alouette blinks, and blinks and it's several more before she begins coming back to real awareness.

                "So how about we start here: tell me what instruments you play. Bare yourself to your president~."

        Instruments... wait. What? Her eyes dart to Kaworu. Who meets her with a smile. Reassurance and she scoots back from the honest edge of her seat she was unaware she was hanging on. She looks to Rei. A silent exchange between them. Maybe they will put it into words another time.

        Asuka mentions a violin, and Alouette laughs softly. It's clearly not one of mockery, but of nervousness. Though the timing of it... Alouette allows herself to fall forward in a bit of relief. Of course, one solution presents more problems. 

<Pose Tracker> Misato Katsuragi has posed.

Misato eases back in his chair and waggles her hand to Mari. Mari's personality type--at least surface level--meshes pretty well with Misato's. They seem pretty similar and so she's willing to let her take point. She's exuberant but that's practically a necessity for the job. Students are a lot harder to motivate than adults sometimes.

She looks to Shinji and wiggles her hands at him too. "Sounds fun, right Shinji?"

She beams brightly.

Then--Rei looks at her.

Misato blinks and looks back at Rei.

They look at each other for a moment.

She doesn't say anything before Rei turns her head again.

??? Misato has no idea what happened there.

"Aww, well, that's okay. It'll be a good team building exercise." Misato says, pretending there's a good reason for all of this.

<Pose Tracker> Mari Makinami Illustrious has posed.

Never fear; Mari herself will address her sense of drama soon enough.

Before then, the threat of costumes lingers over Shinji's head like a Damocles sword of flamboyant (flamboyant? it's Mari; flamboyant.) embarrassment until Kaworu intervenes with a reasonable counterpoint. "Are costumes not serious?" she wonders, a pout at her lips. "They're the weapon you wield when you want to make a point to the world! They have to be crafted with love and care and consideration for exactly what you want to convey!"

Her pout deepens. Mari blows a defeated puff into the air. "Fiiine. I guess our costumes will convey formality," she concludes. Something sparks in those blue eyes. "... But maybe with a touch of character..."

... problem... solved...?

One by one, they sound off their instrument of choice. Or instruments, in the curious case of Kaworu; Mari's gaze glimmers with a private amusement as the silver-haired youth continues on and on to a degree of instruments that shouldn't realistically be achievable for someone his age by any sort of practical rubric. If it seems ungodly impossible -- Mari Makinami isn't questioning it at all, as if it were just obvious; nor is she attempting to interrupt, either. She just listens, and listens, and...

Maybe appropriately, it's Asuka that diverts her attention from Kaworu's inestimable musical mastery. Positioned as she is, facing towards Kaworu and away from Asuka, the bespectacled school president does not turn to face Asuka; instead, she just sort of... bends backwards, and tilts her head back, until her reddish-brown twintails are dangling as she peers at Asuka Shikinami Langley upside-down.

'I learned the Violin years ago at the University.' And her upside-down smile grows. 'Just haven't had a reason to pick it up again' and grows 'after transferring here.' And grows, until it has reached eye-squinting, Cheshire proportions.

Asuka stares -right at Mari-. And true to our beginning narration, Mari remains completely quiet in response, building an anticipation in uncertainty over whether Asuka's bluff will be called until--

"Wow! A prodigy in every way. That's my Vice Princess~."

She coos, right at the crescendo.

And with that, Mari lurches forward again with a bob and a clap of her hands. "My, my. Looks like we've got a serious suite of strings so far. And one very flexible Tabby Cat!" Her gaze tilts towards Alouette, here. She considers her, for a quiet moment. And then:

"Of course!" she declares to Misato, throwing their inestimable chaperone a bubbly thumbs up. "The bonds of music are unbreakable. And it goes without saying, we've got time and lots of planning to go before the recital! This might be an exciting opportunity to discover a new, musical side of yourself you never knew you had. Treat this as opportunity to experiment! And of course, if you're not sure what your heart is speaking to you, your president's doors are always open to help you discover it~."

And with this, she favors Alouette with a brief, small smile, much more subdued. As if, for once, she doesn't feel fit to call attention to it.

Her both general and secretly specific offer given, though, there's something else that catches Mari's cattish curiosity. She blinks. Her head tilts. And with a smooth, leg-swinging movement, the dubiously-elected Student Council President disembarks from her desk-throne, kicks up onto her feet with a "hup!," and moves --

To lean over quite comfortably (to her) close to Rei, blue eyes wide with that shine of interest.

"What's up, Vanilla Bean?"

She saw that. After all -- she happens to be looking, when looking needs to be happening.

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        In the end, it isn't a word that stops Kaworu, but a silence--Rei's sharp, bright silence, the breath before a word that is ultimately never spoken. He pauses and, like a moth, his attention is drawn to her. "Is there something you wanted to say, First?" he prompts, right before Mari leans in and asks the same, much, much closer to Rei.
        
        He smiles at Shinji next as his fellow Child sits up and stares. "I truly love music," he tells him, as if that explains everything. At least it might help reassure him that no one forced him to learn all those instruments.
        
        Though Asuka might have said before to Mari, Rei, and him that she would never play with them, it's true she never actually specified she didn't play at all. All the same, Kaworu isn't surprised when she says she plays the violin. But then, it's Kaworu, isn't it? He's hardly ever surprised by anything, and even when he is, he usually takes it in stride. There's only been a handful of times when he's ever expressed shock.

        Even Alloy's silence is expected. She's said before on NERV channels that she doesn't play any instruments, and while she could have chosen one since then, Kaworu assumes she would have come to him for advice if so. (But then, it's not as though he's privy to her entire private life, especially since he encourages her to have one in the first place.) When Mari encourages Alouette to find an instrument of her own, he turns his smile to them both.
        
        Misato pipes up then. Though he wasn't the one she addressed, Kaworu chuckles. "It will be fun," he says with warmth. "I look forward to playing."
        
        Mari's pouting about costumes get a chuckle too. Formality with flair... He looks forward to seeing that, too, as that's as much as he's willing to push back. "As you wish, Madame President," he says with humor. "If you wanted this recital to honor the birth of the Lord, then does that mean you have specific songs in mind?" A beat; then he adds, "And are you going to perform as well?"
        
        As a vocalist, he means. He knows well what Mari's preferences are. 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

Shinji sinks into his seat as Misato addresses him. "I guess."

At least Shinji's fears that Kaworu was locked in the attic and forced to master several instruments by overzealous guardians is dispelled for now. There's a twitch of a weak, but genuine, smile as Kaworu expresses a true love for music.

Not costumes, but formality. Is that... really better? Shinji can't imagine he'll look suited to something like that. And Mari wants to add character, which sounds dangerous. They may not be able to see the audience, but the audience WILL see them...!

Shinji confirms Asuka's question with a shake of his head. If feels more pathetic to admit that. He's been playing since he was five years old, but he was never in a performance. He never sought that out. That's not why he played. That's not why he kept playing.

Asuka plays violin, and from when she was in university. She's probably better at her craft than he at his... And Rei plays viola. Shinji straightens a little, glancing to them both. An aura of gloom cannot hide the tiniest of sparks of interest that glimmers in his eye with these realizations.

But Alloy laughs nervously, and Shinji frowns in concern. "Ah, Kaas--" He stops himself short, hesitating. She had called him by his given name when they were confronting Alexis before. Shinji leans a little closer, quieter. "...Alouette?" It is as much to get her attention as a means of seeking permission. "...I'm sure it doesn't have to be an instrument to help, if you don't want to." But maybe she does want to...? He glances to Mari and back. If she does want to, the option seems available, too.

There may be something else Rei wishes to say, but everyone else has called enough attention to her. Shinji does not want to make it Worse. ... He's listening, though, looking not so subtly in her direction.

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


It is time for THE PRESIDENT to speak to them. A PRESIDENTIAL address; one with enthusiasm. Mari turns her focus on the Second, which makes Rei turn her head to watch. Maybe she wants to see what happens. But at the declaration of 'vice-princess,' Rei looks away for a moment. Towards Shinji, as it turns out.

The cello. Yes; Rei can remember that. And she remembers the journey made, even if it wasn't to a very cheerful sort of place, in order to retrieve it from the durance of a lousy apartment in a lousy neighborhood. And it was then that --

Rei looks at Mari.

Mari is getting close, perhaps 'too close' in some cases. She's close enough that Rei thinks she might be able to guess what Mari had for lunch, if she cared to. But she's being asked a question.

"... You," Rei begins, before stopping, long enough for it to be clear that it was the verbal equivalent of starting on a fresh line or a fresh page of paper.

"I'll sing," Rei concludes, "but I might not learn in time."

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.


'Viola' Asuka already knew that Rei did, but she still finds herself surprised. When did she have the time to pick that up? Who motivated her to do it? It wasn't a recent thing, so she can't even blame Kaworu, or Mari...

... then who? Why? Did she actually take initiative for herself? Just, something she thinks about in this moment, perhaps a little... impressed actually, even if she'd never admit it.

Asuka's eyes look over to Alouette at her nervous laugh. She doesn't say anything, there's not really a glare, just like she's watching her in that moment.

Asuka's eyebrow starts to twitch when costumes are mentioned, though as Mari seems to give in to Kaworu (SEEMS TO?) her face falls still. Though there's an arch of an eyebrow as Kaworu asks if she'll perform, "Of course that Catty Four Eyes will. She can't help herself."

Asuka sweats more and more as Mari bends backwards to regard her upside down, as that Cheshire like smile forms on Mari's face. As a result of that tension, Mari catches her flat-footed right as her dramatic build up leads to the crescendo and- "Vice Princess!?" Asuka sputters at the obvious extension of her nickname into her new role.

Almost certainly giving Mari the desired result.

As Shinji shakes his head at her question. There's this distinct pause, and- "Huh. That's kind of a shame. If you've been playing a long time that means you've got a lot of skill right? That should be acknowledged by other people."

To Asuka who doesn't really 'get' what having a lack of confidence is like. Instead she focuses on the fact that he's likely skilled, and that she recognizes that he must.

<Pose Tracker> Alloy Kaas has posed.


        Alouette lifts up from her slumped position...

        ... to find the soft smile of Mari, which she returns sheepishly. She turns her head and finds Kaworu. Kind and supportive Kaworu. Always grateful for his support, she smiles to him as well, before her teeth catch one edge of her lip and starts to pull on it nervously.

        Shinji leans over to her and says her name, both of them. It catches her attention and when he offers the alternatives, her smile grows.

        "Shinji... Thank you, Shinji."

        Alouette pulls back into herself a bit, and continues surveying the others. She wishes she could help Rei, like Shinji helps... everyone. She hasn't the first clue what to do to help her though. Still, she hadn't answered the standing question...

        Alouette looks around trying to think think think... then she see's Asuka and a look. One she isn't used to. It spurs her into uncharacteristic vocalization.

        "I... I had an instrument once."

        Alloy looks at her hands as she fidgets nervously, straightening the lines of the gloves on each finger, before continuing. A deep breath.

        "It was a flute. But, it's not what you might think. I, did try to learn violin. I love the way they sound. I could only make it sound like crying though. I'll just, help the rest of you. I think that'll be best."

        She looks at Rei when she says help, as if trying to tell her, or ask her, if there is anything she can do. Maybe this is a Octopus in a china shop situation.

<Pose Tracker> Misato Katsuragi has posed.

Misato smiles harder at Shinji. If he's not going to, don't worry--Misato will smile more to make up for it.

Misato is definitely not expecting Rei to volunteer to sing. She quirks her head thoughtfully at Rei, wondering if she should maybe ease something that...doesn't require saying lots of things with your voice--but no, Misato! No! You have to support the kids!!!!

"I'm sure you'll do a great job--so long as you do your best, it's okay!"

She gives Rei two thumbsup.

For college, apparently. 

<Pose Tracker> Mari Makinami Illustrious has posed.

Asuka and Shinji are right to be afraid.

But for now, that dawning doom of uniform possibilities will bide its time. For now -- Mari has other things to focus on. ... For -now-.

'And are you going to perform as well?'

The answer to -that- question should be an obvious one to anyone who knows Mari. And Asuka even preempts the answer entirely, estimating - quite rightly - that performance and vocals are as necessary to Mari Makinami Illustrious as breathing and eating are to a human being. And yet...

Mari's own answer doesn't come immediately as one might expect. Instead, she remains silent -- because she's waiting. Waiting for another answer of her own, from a certain, soft-spoken stoic. What's up with Rei?

'You.' Her?

No. That's not it. Instead--

'I'll sing,'

A little smile blooms on Mari's lips.

'but I might not learn in time.'

That expression Mari wears is a surprisingly subdued thing, and strangely affectionate. So, too, is the way that her hand lifts after a handful of quiet seconds to tousle Rei's pale hair in the fond manner one might reserve for a little sibling.

"Of course you will, Vanilla Bean."

Is Mari going to perform?

"Hmmmm. Maybe a duet," is her simple answer to Kaworu.

She knows where the spotlight -should- be shining; after all, that's why she's student council president.

As for the rest: "I do, though, have a song in mind! I have exactly one song," she says to Kaworu as she straightens up, arms stretching over her head, and does not elaborate further. At least, not on what that song -is-. After all --

As Alouette speaks, Mari's attention tilts in quiet thought her way. "Oho? Don't worry; you don't have to play to contribute to our success, Timid Tako. In fact, that brings me to my next point--"

And here, Mari settles back comfortably on the edge of the desk, one leg crossing leisurely over the other as she holds out her hands like an offering for a hug. ... or to indicate all of them. ... ... probably that.

"I've got exactly one song in mind! I don't feel like thinking of any others. I'm very busy mired in so much student council business, after all." is she, she was literally just elected "So I want exactly one song from each of you, too. A classical composition, or something more modern, I don't mind! Bonus points if it's festive, of course, but what I really want is a song that you like. That's important to you. Whether you're playing the recital or not, I'll see your feelings expressed on the stage one way or another~."

And here, she tilts her head back, staring at Misato with a glowing smile.

"That goes for you too, colonel~."

And here, she snaps Misato a chipper salute. It is Misato's own fault, after all.

She was in the room at the time Mari felt the whim to do this come over her.

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Kaworu casts a glance towards Shinji when he admits he's never performed before others before; the light in his eyes is shaded with a subtle something, soft and quiet and maybe a little sad. It's hard to say for sure. He blinks over at Asuka when she encourages him to play, though--Kaworu is rarely surprised, but he is surprised here.
        
        Here comes the acceptance, though: the next moment, he huffs the faintest breath of what might be a sigh or what might be a laugh, and smiles a lean, lopsided smile. He saw how Shinji's attention piqued when he heard about Rei and especially Asuka's played instruments. It's just how it is.
        
        Another blink comes when Alouette admits she had a flute once, and also once tried to play the violin. She'd said before she didn't play any instruments, but--the way she phrases this now, it makes sense that she would have said so. It wasn't a lie, merely one step next to the truth. How appropriate for those of SEELE. They're both like that, he reflects.
        
        "If it's your desire to refine your skills at the flute or the violin, or both, then you should, Alouette," Kaworu says, turning a more encouraging smile on her as she worries at her lip. "But if you aren't confident that you can do so in time for a December recital, no one will force you. There are other things you can do, and your support will be invaluable either way. There is much more to a concert than simply playing an instrument--" He flashes Mme. President a now-wry smile. "--as Mary no doubt knows."
        
        Rei speaks up then, to say that she'll sing. Kaworu brightens at this. Should he catch her eye, there'll be a look in his own of that shared moment under the night sakura. He doesn't say them aloud. It's a moment for them alone, even with all these others around them.
        
        Asuka meanwhile states that of course Mari will perform--and Kaworu expects that much too--but Mari suggests a duet. He nods once, clearly pleased. "Yes, I think that would be good," he says. His expression turns thoughtful when she says she wants each of them to put forth a song they'd like to play, that doesn't even have to adhere to the theme she herself put forward. He crooks a smile over at Misato when Mari extends that request to her too.
        
        "I'll be sure to give it careful thought, Mary," he says. "When do you want them by? If we're to put on a performance in December, we'll need to determine what we're playing right away so we can begin practicing. All of us will need to do that."
        
        Even him, by implication.

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

The harder Misato smiles at Shinji, the further he wilts under the weight of implied expectation. And horror. Horror that they will not escape the Fun and the Team Building and the Formal Costumes with Character. In front of a 'Packed House'.

Shinji exchanges that quiet look with Rei, uncertain. And then... Rei wants to sing. Shinji lights up in surprise, mouth slightly open. He's trying to imagine it. Rei singing. But he won't have to imagine it. He smiles at her, faint but warm.

He isn't oblivious to Asuka and Mari's back and forth, but it is something that's fit into Shinji's idea of normalcy. That's what they do. Its absence would be something to be alert about. And Mari setting her aim to Asuka means it's not on him. Er, should he be trying to protect Asuka...? Shinji glances to Mari and her Cheshire smile, and reminds himself Asuka can, and would usually prefer, to protect herself.

Also, he's a coward.

True as that may be, that isn't why he hasn't played for more than an audience of one. Reflexively, he glances at Kaworu to see Kaworu glancing back. He looks away quickly, a little redder than before. Shinji does not play to perform for others. He digs his heels now at the very thought of it. But he had played, willingly, for Kaworu.

Asuka calls it a shame. Shinji frowns thoughtfully downward. "I'm... not really that good." It's as much a warning to everyone as an admission -- at least, an admission Shinji perceives to be the truth. He forces himself to look back up. "But... I'll try."

Alouette thanks him, and Shinji feels another nail of commitment pinning itself to this recital. Between everyone's agreements and encouragement, there is no path to comfortably back out of it now. Which he regrets because Mari is giving them homework!

Shinji sighs. He does not say anything in protest. It's as good as an agreement.

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.


Asuka watches the exchange from Rei and Mari, Rei might not learn the lines in time. She knows already who encouraged her to sing, but for how impressed she was that she learned the Viola before her, she finds herself just as unimpressed by the sudden lack of confidence.

It doesn't surprise her, save it being delivered with Rei's usual tone. As opposed to Shinji's. For some reason it irritates her more when it comes from Rei's lips and in that tone.

She just expects beings like the two of them to be high achievers.

Which makes Alouette's... attempts not really something she can sympathize with. In her eyes, if you fail, you keep trying, and trying until you get it. She's too stubborn to quit until she masters a thing. There's not open contempt in her eyes, but like Rei she expects her to be a high achiever too.

However, Shinji's response isn't what she hoped for. She's not upset with him, though she is disappointed it didn't turn out like she thought it might. She doesn't really understand what lacking confidence in one's skills is like. "Tck." She clucks her tongue and tears her gaze away, "I'm sure you're not even half as bad as you think you are."

She tries at least, to her it's like fumbling about in the dark, trying to find out what might encourage him and never really getting there.

Mari telling them they each need to pick a song gives her a silent conniption fit as she doesn't know ANY Christmas Songs, other than the ones she's heard overhead while shopping, and she was tuning those out. To her Christmas is just another day, she doesn't believe in religion other than knowing about it academically - and the spirit of the Holiday has no sway over her.

However, she won't admit to Mari that she knows none, which means she goes home tonight and starts listening to all of them in silence and just figuring out which one will satisfy her.

For now she just tries to turn it back on her, "And which song do you have in mind?"

Rei Ayanami tosses a coin: Heads

<Pose Tracker> Misato Katsuragi has posed.

That goes for you too, colonel~

"Eh?" Misato says, looking positively clueless.

"Sorry what?" Misato asks, less clueless but still plenty clueless.

She blinks slowly. "Did I miss something?" Now in a kind of denial as the expectation starts to hit her.

She blinks a few more times, now more rapidly in succession--sort of how you might imagine a dear in headlights. "What am I doing?"

A feeling of dread hangs over her.'

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


Rei receives a double thumbs up. The expression of enthusiasm and encouragement is unambiguous. It flies towards Rei, enters the matrix of her mind, and --

What does Rei make of it?

Rei blinks at Misato, but it's not a hostile blink.

Rei's eyes turn towards Alouette again when she speaks. When she mentions a flute. Some kind of a flute. "You should play it," she tells Alouette, if without much force.

Rei can think of sorts of flutes. At least three kinds (piccolo, recorder, shakuhachi), even though she is potentially incorrect on the recorder being a kind of flute. Nobody drilled her on this one, there were too many facts about Second Impact to go over.

But there is a greater question in her face, before her. Two, in fact, both of them hanging threateningly and connected to Mari.

The first is the question of 'is this actually a good idea, will it work,' and so on, a nebulous cluster of things. Rei does not typically have quite the same self doubts as others, or doesn't understand them the same way; but it seems that Mari is assenting to this plan, and so perhaps the viola position is opened.

The second is whether or not she's going to get her head patted and touseled in front of everyone, and the answer to that one is: https://i.imgur.com/QtQ55f4.png

"..."

They have to produce a song, too. Homework.

Rei looks towards Kaworu with a certain hesitance, then back owards Shinji as she reaches upwards to push a lock of hair that had gotten a little too 'in her eyes' for comfort back into its more habitual messy-pageboy alignment.

"What song do you like?" Rei then asks Shinji, though not very loudly.

<Pose Tracker> Alloy Kaas has posed.


        Alouette listens to the, well what she should call them... assignments? Parameters? The parameters of the exercise as she intends to run it. She feels smaller, with Rei's courage displayed. In the flip side of the coin, it helps her feel more certain about her choice not to perform. Is it cowardice? Shinji... There is a feeling and she looks to him. There is a frailty projected and she moves to put a reassuring hand upon him.

        "You'll do well. We will the many of us be together, and thus, you can do anything when the many of us are together Shinji."

        Alouette squeezes the hand she placed to be reassuring. She looks to the rest and smiles.

        "I'm sure you will all be wonderful."

        Alloy looks gives another squeeze to Shinji before she begins to move. She goes and gets some water from a cooler on one wall of the room. Without rushing she finishes it, listening to what else might be said. She tosses an empty cup into the trash, before looking around the room to each. She watches Kaworu for a lingering moment before she hears Rei.

                "You should play it,"

        Rei. If but she could give Rei what she was asking for. What would happen then? She lets herself think about that silently before she responds sadly.

        "It was gun. My flute. It was inocuous and easy to transport. It used compressed air rather than chemical propellants. As I said, I had an instrument. I didn't get to play it, or rather, my performances were of a different nature."

        She offers another smile, though lesser, dimished. She looks at Asuka and sees... she isn't sure. Disappointment? She laughs softly to herself and can't meet the gaze, her eyes falling to notice the patterns in the tile. 

<Pose Tracker> Mari Makinami Illustrious has posed.

'Did I miss something? What am I doing?'

Mari just smiles at Misato. Lips curled just so to feline perfection. It says one thing:

'You know exactly what~'

Yes, that's right. The dread work has been invoked upon Misato. The one work no entity can ever truly outrun.

                        h o m e w o r k

And as all submit to their Madame President's ruling, Mari takes a moment to look sublimely, serenely, smugly satisfied, legs crossed and hands layered on knee and posture impeccably prim. It is with this great and majestic presence that she answers Kaworu's question: when does she want them?

"In two weeks. That'll give us enough time to rehearse."

That's right.

                        h o m e w o r k

with a

                        d u e d a t e

"I promise the practice rehearsals will be <3 blissfully grueling <3~"

why

did that need hearts

And with that, Mari hops right off the desk again, hands clapping together jubilantly. "So! We'll all reconvene in two weeks. If you need to see me beforehand, you just need to yearn for it earnestly in your heart, and I'll be there." that can't be true, can it "But--"

Suddenly, Asuka! Trying to turn her own tricks upon her! Mari blinks. Her head tilts. And her response is simple:

She wanders her way right towards Asuka.

Leans in, until she is dangerously close to Asuka's ear

"That's..."

and whispers

"... a meowstery~"

.............................

"Welp! I have so much work to do for my constituents, so I'll be leaving now!" she declares immediately after, all but hopping back onto her feet. She pauses, as Alouette talks about her instrument. Her weapon. She pauses -- and casts a look over her shoulder, considering the girl thoughtfully.

"Just because a tool's been used for violence, doesn't mean it can't become more than just that, Tako. It just needs to want to. You should keep that in mind."

And with that, Mari will make her way out of the room, fingers wiggling as she goes.

"Au revoir, my musical darlings~."

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        "How unexpected," Kaworu says in amusement when Mari verbally pounces on Misato. And yet, it's very much like her.
        
        So too is Alouette's explanation. He regards her as she clarifies what she meant by a flute. So that's why she said it wasn't what they thought. It would be nice if he could be surprised by that, given that he came to the wrong conclusion about what she meant, but he really, truly isn't. "I see," he says, and leaves it at that. Mari's encouragement will hopefully be enough.
        
        His gaze gentles as it always does when he looks back at Shinji. Asuka's brand of encouragement is... kinder than he would have expected, and he's grateful for that. Even more so, he's grateful that Shinji is willing to give it a try despite all his misgivings.
        
        "I'm excited to finally get to practice with you," he tells him with subdued effusiveness. When Rei asks Shinji what song he likes, Kaworu too listens closely for the answer.
        
        After all, Mari has issued that homework to all of them, for follow-up in two weeks' time. Whether Misato expected to be involved in that or not, whether Alloy thinks she's fit to be involved in that or not, whether Asuka wants to be involved in that or not, they've all been invited to contribute. To Kaworu, that's the most exciting thing of all.
        
        It's a shame Eisen has no interest in joining this unison... but then, for all he claims he wants to understand others, he's always preferred his laboratory to the company of others.
        
        For now, Kaworu hums Pachelbel's Canon in D to himself as Mari sashays out of the room, already considering the many songs he would love to perform with everyone. 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

Even Misato is not immune?! One might think Shinji would feel a sense of vindication at this. He does not. He fears Mari further.

Hearts make Shinji fear Mari even further than that.

Asuka thinks Shinji isn't half as bad as he thinks. A knee-jerk thought wonders how she'd possibly know, but then he realizes... that may be how Asuka feels toward some of his other skills. She's praised his piloting before. Helped him with school work. She says Shinji's average... but Shinji thinks he's less than average. Shinji smiles a little at Asuka. "...Well... I won't hold you back."

Alouette offers her own words and a touch of encouragement, getting Shinji's attention. Together... that again. Anything, as long as they're together. Doubt lingers, but... a recital can't get them killed. Shinji ends up nodding to her with more conviction than a recital calls for.

And then Alloy drops that tidbit of her history and Shinji nearly sputters, looking to her. His mouth is half open, horror clear in his eyes before he gets a hold of himself. He looks down again, feeling foolish and small. A recital is almost too difficult, even after everything. And so many of them have been through worse.

His mood lifts when Kaworu mentions they'll be able to practice together. Lifts, and then with only a small delay, perks fully. It's as if, in all the 'excitement', Shinji failed to realize this highly necessary aspect of a recital. "...Oh. That's right."

...The thought feels... warm.

Rei asks what song Shinji likes, and Shinji hesitates. Shinji likes plenty of songs, but there's always that risk of judgment in trying to say so. "There's... a few," he says, stalling to think of something to say. But it's Rei. He should be honest with Rei. A song he likes... preferably with lyrics to sing.

"I don't know many 'festive' songs..." Shinji's never celebrated. He did not grow up with celebrations of any sort, and has no religious obligation to the holiday in question. "But I can bring you a few songs to listen to. Ones I like."

What Kaworu's humming captures Shinji's attention briefly, and his finger twitches, subtly moving along with it. That may well be one of them.

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