2022-10-20: On First Dates and Future Strategies

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<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        This particular trip to Tsutsujidai has been fairly productive so far, not unlike how an expectorate is productive in clearing the lungs. There's still quite a bit of material left to hack up, though. That's why Kaworu's given Yuta a call and asked him if it was all right if he and Shinji came by for a visit while they were in town. Yuta suggested they turn it into another sleepover--after all that tension, it would be good to have a chance to relax--and Kaworu, who doesn't care even a little that it's exams week, suggested they call up Orpheus and see if he'd be willing to join them.
        
        The four agreed to it, some with greater or lesser amounts of enthusiasm. Kaworu thus went to Yuta's place with Shinji, then left to pick up Orpheus from the train station (that is to say, travel to Nouvelle Tokyo via the trains and come back with him, but Kaworu doesn't specify that). Misato has parted ways to pay a visit to the Junk Shop Aya; she's not about to leave Shinji behind in Tsutsujidai after what happened with Asuka. She's been informed that they'll be sleeping over, so she's making her own arrangements.
        
        Before long, Kaworu returns to Yuta's apartment, Orpheus at his side. "I'm glad you had the time to come join us. I know it's very short notice," he says to him as he knocks on the door. "Actually, there's something Shinji's going through right now that I hope you'll be able to advise him on..."
        
        He considers holding off on saying what; then he decides it's best to be upfront before they go inside, and concludes, "It's matters of the heart. I told you already that Akane has been 'convincing' various people to give up their personal battles and move into Tsutsujidai, and the Second--that is, Asuka Shikinami Langley--is one of them."
        
        He doesn't say they just had their first date the other day. But based on context, Orpheus can probably guess something like that is going on. 

<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.

With such a short amount of time to prepare, there are no fairy lights waiting to greet the young men. But Yuta is still doing his best to be a good host! A quick run down to the Junk Shop earned him the day's leftover few pieces of cake, and he's always got some water bottles around.

Dirty clothes are tossed into the hamper, the hamper hidden in his closet, and the door to his room closed. Perfect. The apartment is the very picture of a clean, normal place. Cake and water bottles are set on the table, and Yuta arranges the couch's pillows nicely.

Hopefully Kaworu and Shinji won't mind that he essentially threatened their commanding officer. Yuta squeezes his eyes closed. That may have been a mistake... But he can't accept anyone frightening Akane like that.

Soon enough, friends are at the door. Yuta opens it with a smile. "I'm so glad to see you guys! Come in!" 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

Shinji agreed with little enthusiasm but, notably, no resistance or feet dragging. It is not that Shinji does not want to go, but that his thoughts are elsewhere, gnawing and eating at him uncomfortably. Short notice means /Shinji/ didn't bring anything either.

"...Sorry for the intrusion," he says to Yuta. Shinji has no idea what it is he should say, falling back on the routine of formalities. When Kaworu leaves, poor Yuta is left with a quiet Shinji lost in and consumed by his own thoughts.

For the moment, with great reluctance, all he feels he deserves to sip on is some water.

When Kaworu returns with Orpheus, they get a polite noise more than a proper greeting. 

<Pose Tracker> Orpheus Zevon has posed.

"Truth be told, it wasn't the short notice that surprised me, but more of the actual notice. . ." Truth be told, he honestly wasn't expecting one of these to happen again so soon, or the fact that he'd be invited again. Not that he thought he was rude or anything, it's just. . .For him, the oldest, or at least the oldest looking of the group probably was just a bit surprised to think of any reason they'd invite him again. All the same, as Kaworu returns, the blonde-haired Britannian has come back in kind with a similar set-up to the last time. A large bag, and a proper change of sleeping attire.

"Ah-- So that's the case then?" A sound of revelation escapes into his voice. It seemed to be that he was being called upon for some of his 'wisdom' again. "Mmm, I'm not really against it, though. . ." It's at this time Orpheus peers back to Shinji, "If Shinji wants advice, I think it's only appropriate I hear him ask for it, right?" He knows Shinji's a shy one at this point. But this was the kind of thing where it was probably best not to intervene when certain emotions were involved. Especially when he hears more about Akane's involvement.

Looks like that girl finally made her move. . . If she's using /that/ thing again. I couldn't blame the ones she grabbed. . .The question will be--

His thoughts are cut-off as Yuta opens the door and with it, he receives a nod from Orpheus as well. "Seems like we'll be in your care again. Thanks for having us."

In no time he's making his way back into the familiar house-hold, or rather. . .Somewhat familiar household? It becomes very clear, very early it's not as spruced up as last time, and Orpheus finds himself calling it out immediately. "Guess you guys weren't kidding about the short notice, huh?" No lights, no snacks, no movies prepped it seemed. It was definitely less planned this time around. "Still, your place looks very nice like this. Probably could save yourself the hassle for number three." 

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        "Thank you. I'll be right back," Kaworu tells Yuta, gives Shinji one last look, and then leaves. Some time later, he returns with Orpheus. There may not be much in the way of food or entertainment because of the short notice, but he hardly minds that. This is a situation where it's more important to talk than to play, in his view.
        
        He chuckles a bit at Orpheus. "I'd like to have you in my life a little more often while our paths still intersect," he replies. "And Shinji and Yuta don't seem to mind you." A nod at his understanding--and at his intuition. "Yes... It's enough for you to be here."
        
        He turns his attention to the door as it opens and strolls inside, sneakers left at the foyer. "Shinji and I were here for a get-together that was taking place at Tsutsujidai High, and Yuta was there as well. I thought it might be good for us to get together and talk about things afterwards," he explains once they're all inside. His gaze returns to Shinji, and it softens with fondness, but also worry. After all, Shinji looks as gloomy as he's ever been.
        
        As for the threats, Kaworu isn't bothered. Misato was quite forward; by his view, it's only fair that Yuta be as forward back. For the time being, he takes a seat on the couch and crosses his legs. He doesn't go for any of the cake or water.
        
        "Personally, I'm genuinely surprised Akane drew in the Second Child," he apparently deciding to get right into it. "I didn't have the impression that she cared for her very much." He glances at Yuta and Shinji in turn, then adds, "I wonder if it's because of the bond she managed to form with Anti." 

<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.

Yuta's managed to change into a tank top and pajama pants, happily shedding his school uniform when he had a moment. More and more, the uniform feels like it doesn't belong to him. Most days, he can't be bothered to even wear a tie.

Shinji's a quiet person, but this is something more. Yuta sits down next to him. "Is it Asuka?" He asks, face concerned. "I didn't hear much of your conversation back at the school, but... It's obvious something's different with her. As long as she's here, Ikari, I'll keep an eye on her. I'll make sure she's safe."

Asuka and everyone, Yuta thinks. All the new transfers...

"Sorry about that. And thank you." Orpheus gets an apologetic smile. "It's pretty spur of the moment. We just had the new student welcome at my school, and, um. It's a long story. But I'm guessing it'll be important to tell you." Kaworu seems to think it's okay, so... May as well get started!

"Lately, a lot of new people have moved in Tsutsujidai. That's never really happened before, even when it came into the physical world. This is a place that doesn't change unless Akane Shinjo wants it to. And almost everyone moving in is someone who fought against her at some point. Asuka, Ouka, Alouette..." Yuta looks conflicted. "I like having more time with my friends, but they're all different, now."

"Everyone is happier. Unburdened. Willing to give up the things they were fighting for." Yuta clenches his fists, unable to meet anyone's eyes. "I've found out each one of them was suffering in awful ways, and have been for a while. Things I had no idea about, even though they were fighting by my side. I'm ashamed."

But this isn't about himself. Yuta goes on, relaxing his hands. "It's obvious Akane' done /something/, we just don't know what. There's no new kaiju activity, and the only thing she seems to actually be doing to them is being really friendly and nice? I don't understand it. Gridman and the others don't, either." 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

Stress and relief fight for space inside Shinji. He doesn't want to talk about it because he doesn't know how, but he needs to talk about it, because it's what he's thinking about.

Yuta next to him, Shinji gives a weak nod. "...And Nagisa, too." Asuka's escape and arrival was a shock, but Ouka's presence here -- and her changed behavior -- put a special kind of nauseated fear into Shinji. He still remembers the way her whole demeanor changed at him when he tried to talk about the School, like it wasn't 'her' at all.

But Yuta promises to look after Asuka, and Shinji looks toward him. "Thank you." He means that, but he doesn't know how to sound like he does.

Everyone gets into it, and Shinji uncurls from squashing himself in the corner of the couch, sitting with his feet on the floor. Everyone's happier...

It's hard to argue with it. Shinji doesn't know how to articulate it, the way it's unsettling, the way it doesn't feel right. Maybe he's just selfish and broken and wrong and doesn't know what happiness is. But the damage it's doing to /Akane/...

"...I don't think it's going to make Akane happier," Shinji says. His fingers dig into the cushions of the couch as his thoughts dare to form, even if he thinks he might be being foolish: "I think that's the point." 

<Pose Tracker> Orpheus Zevon has posed.

". . ." There's no expression that's ultimately written on Orpheus' face as Kaworu makes mention of their paths. There were so many ways that one could interpret Kaworu's remark. "I see. If that's the case, I can only hope in the future you'll still feel that way."

Like the others he's learned enough of the custom to take off his shoes before entering, and this time he's still wearing reasonable 'pajama-esque' attire. A light sweatshirt, sweat-pants combination adorns his frame, and the bag is left at the table with a bit of a thud.

As he gets settled in, he takes some time to make himself comfortable at the nearby table. He's listening as Kaworu makes mention of the recent get-together, Akane's pulling of Asuka, and taking in Yuta's compliments in stride. He doesn't immediately jump in on the topic either, he's more curious to hear of the events that have fallen upon this city since the last time he had appeared.

After another moment or so of silence, Orpheus finally speaks. "That so?"

It's almost well. . .A bit disinterested? Almost as if this matter wasn't something of his concern. Or just couldn't fully comprehend? Perhaps that would have made sense, after all. . .As far as Yuta was concerned, Orpheus was just a normal high-schooler right? Concepts like a person controlling an entire space like this probably sounded as phantasmal as perhaps the Getters would to those who had never experienced what came along their path.

"Akane Shinjo. . .I've met her. . .Once now. She seems like the type who'd be very convincing at getting others to flock to her. At least at a glance." Most of his words probably did follow what one might have expected of meeting the highschooler, Akane Shinjo.

Again, a sound of indifference follows, "I don't know much about if she's convincing enough to get a whole group of people but-- Oi. . .Say that again."

His attention gets cut off as Shinji talks about Akane's damage to herself, about this making her happy. He puts the spotlight on Shinji, but almost encourages the young man to keep talking, even if it's not something that's in his comfort zone. "Why do you think that's the case? Didn't Yuta just say it himself? Everyone's happy, right? All those people were suffering, and now they're able to find some sort of happiness, yes? Shouldn't that be enough?"

It's at this point, he truly is waiting on Shinji of all people to do something he's not used to doing. Speaking his mind. 

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Kaworu's perpetual smile turns rueful at Orpheus's hope. However, he lets that one go. They're both heading inside now, and that's not a conversation for mixed company.
        
        Once everyone's inside and settled, Kaworu gives Yuta a small nod and otherwise falls silent as the redheaded young man goes into a more in-depth explanation of what's been going on lately for Orpheus's sake. Orpheus mentioning he's met Akane before once draws Kaworu's attention in the form of a thoughtful look, but he doesn't remark. He only cuts in to explain, "Yuta means a girl named Alouette Pommier, not Alouette Kaas. And Shinji means a girl named Ouka Nagisa, no relation of mine."
        
        Yuta's promise to look after Asuka and the others gets him a small smile from Kaworu--not for Asuka's sake, but Shinji's. Even if he may or may not sound especially enthused, he does uncurl from where he'd squashed himself on the other side of the couch. For Shinji, coaxing him out of his shell is no mean feat.
        
        "You don't need to be ashamed, Yuta," he tells him gently. "A person's suffering often comprises things they can't or aren't willing to share. It's not your fault you didn't know." He looks over at Shinji then, when he asserts (however reluctantly) that Akane won't get any happier--that that's the point.
        
        It's Orpheus who jumps on that, though, and Kaworu glances at him as he insists Shinji explain himself. Despite the intensity of his questions, Kaworu doesn't get the sense that he's trying to counterman him--on the contrary, he wants to hear more.
        
        Even if that weren't the case, though, Kaworu would still look back at Shinji and give him an encouraging smile. "Go on," he says. 

<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.

Shinji gets a nod, and a smile that hopefully looks more determined than Yuta feels. "You'd do the same for me if it was Rikka."

Not going to make Akane happier..? Yuta tilts his head. Everything Akane does is for herself, isn't it? "What do you mean, Ikari? Why would she do something she doesn't want? She's always enjoyed being popular in class. The girls love hanging out with her, and a lot of the guys have crushes on her." Isn't this just more of the same?

"You met Akane, Orpheus?" Yuta looks surprised. "That's pretty unusual..."

Orpheus' questions are pretty intense... Yuta looks to Shinji. Hopefully he can handle this.

Kaworu's reassurance brings a smile back to Yuta's face. "Thanks, Kaworu. I still wish I could do more." 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

Yuta tells Shinji he'd do the same, and Shinji gives a single blink at that. It's not exactly /wrong/, which is as much a surprise as how easily Yuta believes it. "...Mm."

But now Shinji's spoken, and he's being questioned on his dumb opinions and theories faster than he can get the words in his head together.

Shinji looks back at Orpheus in trepidation. "... That's the point," he repeats. He stiffens the more Orpheaus asks after, not defensive nearly so much as punctured through. His mouth is dry. Kaworu encourages him to speak, more encouraging. Deep breath.

"I met the 'devil'. I was with Alouette -- with Kaas. He..." Shinji's face scrunches with anger as he looks away, as if to make sure it isn't directed at anyone here, where it does not belong. "He twists things." Professing his twisted view of Kaworu, for one. "We agreed before we needed to save Akane, didn't we? We know he wouldn't want us to."

Shinji brings his knees up to his chest again. "Whatever she's done... they didn't transfer of their own will. They're not... acting like themselves. And maybe she cares about them. Maybe it's better. I don't know! Fighting is awful! Who wouldn't anyone want to run away?! But... But everyone who's being nice to her and standing up for her... Akane knows why. She'll always know why. He can convince her it's the only reason why."

His expression cracks further with a new realization. "And if we manage to undo what happened, they'll be angry." He remembers the way Asuka wasn't so willing to 'save' Akane initially, her anger and near violence in that meeting...

Shinji can't see how to put a stop to this, and even if he /could/, he cannot see a way that doesn't make everything worse, for everyone. And leaving it alone is worse too. They're being caged in. 

<Pose Tracker> Orpheus Zevon has posed.

Orpheus had indeed jumped on it. It honestly felt like that the reason for his invitation was one of acting as a role model? Some sort of figure of knowledge. In most cases, he'd have felt more inclined to speak up on the topic but in this situation. He felt a need to stay a bit more neutral. Not entirely so, but it would have been a bit cruel. . .For Akane.

He finds himself in a situation where he knows both sides of the story. Or at least, enough of both ends. He could have very well spoken on Akane's nature, he could let them know what it was that is affecting their friends, of the Kaiju and it's abilities. . .Even its name. Though those words never reach his lips.

It is not that he dislikes Shinji, or Yuta, and he owes Kaworu his life. Though at the same time, he is not a hero. In the time that he gave his advice the last time, it was on a whim. Yuta had hit a nerve, and it forced something that ultimately even he was surprised about. For him to speak so openly, was out of the question now though. Especially when the one they were planning to go against was someone who had confided in him as well. If anything, the level of trust that Akane Shinjo had put in him was something that probably would have left the three of these boys shocked in their own right.

These are the thoughts that mingle in Orpheus' mind as he listens to Shinji's conjuncture. Though it's Kaworu's remark first that he speaks up at. "Alouette Pommier and Ouka Nagisa. . .Thank you for the clarification." In truth, he's pretty sure he's met these two already as well, but at the very least Kaworu at least remembers to keep up their act, and it's appreciated all the same. The conversation doesn't immediately transition back to Shinji, instead letting him linger on the conclusions he himself had made as he returns his attention to Yuta's questioning. "That so? Mmm, perhaps. It was a bit of a chance encounter. I had been working with Tsutsujidai's branch of the GUTs Alliance. It turns out one of the representatives was a friend of hers. Or who knows. . .Perhaps she was considering whether I was worth inviting here as well? I'm sure the thought of us being neighbors would be a funny thought."

There's a bit of humor that escapes his lips this time, even in the direness of the room. Maybe he really didn't grab the gravity of the situation after all? It's all up to this point that Orpheus finally gets up and just makes his way to Shinji as he still had been holding onto the couch cushion. There's a deep connection of eyes before ultimately. . .He simply hands him a bottle of water. "Drink. Your throat's going to get sore if you get worked up like that. " He'll leave the bottle for the young man before taking a seat next to Shinji, though this time his eyes are shut as if in contemplation of what was right to say. Frankly, if no one bothered to speak up there would simply be a moment of silence for a good long minute. . .

There's a long sigh that escapes his lips, he really now wonders if he's the person for this kind of job, but ultimately even if he won't give them the truth. . .

"Do you all expect me to have an answer for this kind of thing?" At this point, there's a bit of a leer that goes to Shinji and Yuta. Seriously, they all just started spouting stuff about devils, and whether people are happy, to someone who was only a year older than them. To someone who was to the best of their knowledge a normal highschooler one could find anywhere. And now, like a blunt high schooler, he's going to call them out on it a bit.

"So what? You think Akane's bribing your friends somehow? Or that this 'Devil's whispering sweet nothings in her ear to do this? So what? At the end of the day. . .Isn't it only common sense that people will try to find happiness where they can?"

His gaze shifts to Hibiki all of a sudden, "Didn't the last time we speak, I said something along the lines to make sure to think things through? It sounds like you've all thought on the problem. You've thought of a villain to point fingers at, you thought of whether you /should/ help them, and how they might hate you for it. But at the end of the day. . . If you really want to avoid your friends being angry, or trying to 'save' Akane. . . Shouldn't you all just be asking the questions, 'If I can't give them the kind of happiness they have now, should I try to take that happiness away?', 'If I'm going to take their happiness away from them, can I give them a different kind of happiness?', 'Even if I can, is this what they really want?'" The look in his eyes stays locked on the two, as if trying to drill into their very beings. "You've been talking like you're trying to overcomplicate this by playing at heroes and monsters, but at the end of the day, Couldn't you be finding the answers you're looking for just by simply thinking of how to be the friends that care for them?" 

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Though Yuta might still wish he could do more, there's always a limit to what any one person can do. Understanding one's limits is how one learns how to reach out and ask others for help. At least... it's something that Kaworu has slowly come to learn this time around. He smiles back at Yuta. "I understand," he replies with even more sincerity than usual.
        
        Orpheus explains he'd met Akane while acting as a GUTS representative. "Ah, is that so?" he says. It's true that Orpheus has a double life he's leading, and Kaworu is more than content to help him keep it a secret, but it's also true that he's living life as a seemingly normal student. It's entirely possible he really did meet Akane as part of a GUTS exchange. He thus accepts it on its face, even if Orpheus's sense of humor is a little grim.
        
        He focuses then on Shinji. His eyes widen, then narrow, when he mentions that he and Alouette Kaas met Alexis. That's... deeply discomfiting. Instinct tells him that with that combination, Alexis almost certainly said something about him, but... he hesitates to ask. Whatever he said, it's probably not something Kaworu wants repeated in mixed company.
        
        So he does as he is wont anyway and listens. When Shinji is done, Kaworu muses, "That's quite insightful." If he has anything more to say, though, Orpheus cuts through it with what is essentially a lecture. Kaworu watches him as he does; sitting himself next to Shinji means Orpheus is also sitting next to Kaworu now.
        
        This wasn't what he'd had in mind when he'd asked Orpheus to offer some advice. Still, he doesn't stop him. If this is what Orpheus genuinely thinks, then it's important for him to be able to have his say. Seolla had said something similar too. It makes Kaworu wonder as well: how much does freedom and free will truly matter to Lilim? Is it all right to them to live in a cage as long as it's a pleasant one?
        
        However... he has his own thoughts on the matter. He turns his gaze out the nearest window. "This may seem a bit off-topic, but a short while ago, I spoke with Renais Cardiff-Shishioh, another one of Tsutsujidai's new residents, about Akane Shinjo and Alexis Kerib. I'd told Akane that Alexis means her ill, but she still would not relent. Renais Cardiff-Shishioh pointed out that Akane has been primed by Alexis not to trust anyone--anyone who wants to help her is re-framed as an enemy that wants to destroy her world. Since everyone is an enemy, that makes Alexis an enemy she at least knows, and that's why she stays with him."
        
        He looks back at his companions, expression grave. "It's true that it's common sense to pursue happiness. But I think Shinji is right. Whether all of this was Akane's idea or not, regardless of her intentions, Alexis will take advantage of it to hurt her even more." Kaworu's lashes droop as his gaze sinks to the cushion between him and Shinji. "...And she'll think she deserves it. That she isn't worthy of anything better, because she's only capable of hurting others. Even--no, especially the ones she cares for most."
        
        A brief silence.
        
        "That said... I think Orpheus is right on some level, too. This is a world of the heart. Before the 'Devil,' before the kaiju, there was the heart of a girl in pain. Everything else has followed from there. Including..." Kaworu turns his sober gaze to his fellow Child. "Say, Shinji... Is it possible you feel something like that about the Second Child? She and Col. Katsuragi both implied that the two of you... went on a date, recently. And you've seemed more flustered than usual about her, even before she left NERV..."
        
        Another pause, far more unpleasant. He of course already knows what happened. But: "Is it all right if we ask you to talk about it...?" 

<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.

"Shinji's write about Alexis. I met him too." Yuta nods to his friend, then addresses Kaworu and Orpheus. "He made me feel like no matter what I did, I was playing right into his hands. It was really scary."

Yuta doesn't mention the fact that he tried to sacrifice himself for Akane. It didn't work, so it doesn't matter.

"Oh, I'm really glad she didn't target you." Yuta says, eyebrows high in surprise. "Not that it wouldn't be fun to be neighbors or anything. But I know you must have a reason to stay where you are, just like everyone else."

Heart sinking as Shinji goes on, Yuta grimaces. Alexis would never allow something to happen that was actually good for Akane, would he. "I see." Yuta manages. "I definitely agree she's done something... and maybe she's trying to be kind. But everyone is too different from how they used to be."

Yuta puts a hand on Shinji's shoulder. That final hypothesis is pretty horrible. Realizing they abandoned their friends and comrades because of Akane will be a harsh way to wake up. "...we'll be there for them. Whatever they need."

"You don't have to have an answer." Yuta looks surprised at Orpheus' leer. Had they hurt his feelings by filling him in? "You're my friend, and I value your opinions. But please don't feel like you need to fix this, or anything!"

Blue eyes widen as Orpheus continues. So many questions... Yuta feels pinned underneath the older boy's gaze. After a deep breath, he decides to give Orpheus his best answers. "Yes. I've done a lot of thinking on this. I don't know what it's like to be any of my friends and have suffered, and then find a place of peace. I've always been happy here, and protected, and surrounded by friends. In a lot of ways, I'm really lucky."

"I... think maybe this is better for some of them, and worse for some of them. Ouka... I'm glad she's here. I'm glad she got away from that School. But Alouette? She loved her team like family." It feels wrong, making assumptions for people who aren't here. But what else can he do? "Asuka certainly wouldn't want to be... um, brainwashed, or something. Whatever this is. I think she'd be furious at the very thought of it."

Bringing a hand to his chest, Yuta closes his eyes. "If it were me. If I was offered a chance to stop fighting so hard, I'd be really tempted. But I could never take it, as long as I knew there was something only I can do. As long as people are depending on me to protect them. I would want my friends to wake me up. I don't have any choice."

Kaworu begins to speak, and Yuta opens his eyes to look at his friend. Alexis... Everything comes back to him, once again. "Is that why she's pushing Rikka away? Is Alexis poisoning Akane against her? Does that mean this entire thing is one big trap to make more people hate Akane?" Anger sparks in Yuta's eyes, usually so good-natured. "How sick is that guy? When will he let up, already!"

Yuta fumes for a few moments, glaring at the dark screen of his switched-off TV. But Kaworu goes on, and Yuta is far too polite to let his anger keep him from connecting with a companion. "Oh, Shinji, you and Asuka went on a date? That's great news! I hope it was fun!" It's easier to fall back into this place of blithe support for his friends. Far easier than thinking about what's waiting for Akane. "I'd love to hear about it, if you're comfortable. If you want, I'll share my attempt at a date, too." A little laugh, only a hint bitter. "It's not a happy story, though." 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

Shinji regards Orpheus more out of his peripheral vision than directly, afraid, not exactly of /Orpheus/, but what he currently represents: questions Shinji isn't sure how to answer, challenges to ideas that already have him on edge, and pushes out of his comfort zone. But, after a moment, he accepts the water. And obediently, he drinks it.

When Orpheus asks if anyone expects him to have an answer, Yuta speaks where Shinji doesn't quite have the strength to give an opinion under that leer. Which finally gives Shinji the energy to offer his input. "I don't think anyone has an answer to this." ...His grim input, but a genuine opinion all the same. He didn't expect Orpheus to solve it.

"Because their anger will just prove his point to her...! It's win-win for him!" Shinji does /not/ like that. It's futile. Helpless. It's an awful trap and it's not fair!

Or Shinji could be wrong about the whole thing, riled up into anxiousness over the wrong thing. That thought makes him feel stupid and helpless in a different way. But Kaworu offers insight that makes the idea squeeze around Shinji again. Re-framing everyone as an enemy... This whole set up makes it impossible to be Akane's ally, and in the end, Akane will be the one who hurt them at Alexis' urging. It's a terrifyingly expert plan. Why would someone engineer this sort of manipulation...?!

But Orpheus presses a dangerous series of questions. Shinji wilts under them. Kaworu's segue into a new subject is even more dangerous. Shinji glowers at the ground. Yuta congratulating him turns his expression to guilt. "...It didn't go well."

This. Is an understatement.

Shinji's brow furrows. He does /not/ want to talk about it, but it might be relevant, the way Kaworu's gently urging it. And Yuta /wants/ to hear about it... He heaves out a sigh.

"I don't think she had a good time. She got into a fight with some people, too. We ended up banned from the arcade. ...I don't even know how to kiss right."

His face is bright red with that admission.

"It... It doesn't matter, does it? You're right. I can't make her happy in that or any other way...! But she'd be angry if she knew what was going on. I can't imagine she'd choose this. She hates being told what to do." 

<Pose Tracker> Orpheus Zevon has posed.

Had he gone off on a bit of a rant? A lecture even? Perhaps. Even he finds himself a bit surprised as his scolding gets reciprocated with sympathy. It's enough that it actually has him stop, place a hand upon his chin, and re-evaluate how he had come off. Though in his eyes, it truly had felt like the group needed some form of guidance. Or perhaps, in a form of bias, because of the fact he did have some form of insight, he did feel compelled to say /something/. Maybe he was more compelled to urge them into action on some level. After all. . .As they spoke of the events that transpired with Akane, the very words he had told her come back to mind.

There were people that she wanted to be with. People that would make her comfortable where she was. But ultimately. . . "Perhaps you really are the people she needs." The words are whispered ever so slightly, that the only person who /might/ have picked up on them was Yuta, as Orpheus had begun to get up from the couch to pick up another bottle for himself. Though before anything can even be questioned on what he mumbled, he instead deflects on his own. "That so? Well, I do wonder how that would have turned out. Though, it's fine. I think she'd learn I'm not so easy a target. Whatever that means."

At this point he decided he really should linger. Saying more felt like it had dwindled their drive, especially as Shinji talks about how it might be impossible to ally with Akane. That was a statement, that if left to linger. . .To materialize. . .It really would end up the end of any salvation for that girl.

"If I can say one last thing on the matter, I think you should give Akane more credit. . ." He had just said he really doesn't know her well at all, and yet he's telling them such things? "Maybe it's just a feeling after speaking with her a bit. But I think she's the type of person. . .When genuine can surprise people. " He lingers on those words, and yet even though there's mention of 'feeling' to them, the confidence there does seem. . .Strong. Maybe like with this group sometimes he had a way of communicating well that made people want to talk to him, or maybe. . .He really was more of a lady's man then he let on? "Anyway, I think that's all I can say about my little 'date' with Akane Shinjo. I'd imagine the both of you have better stories than just talking to a girl out of the blue."

As he listens though, he does find that well. . .He was apparently wrong. Up to this point, he's offered words when he can but after the events of that date, and also well. . . He decides to see if these three can offer each other any condolences. If anything, it might have been better to offer words when asked for them this time. 

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        'Does that mean this entire thing is one big trap to make more people hate Akane?'
        
        The question gives Kaworu pause, long enough for him to reflect on what he knows of Alexis. "No. He's not that good at shogi," he determines. "But that doesn't mean he wouldn't take advantage of an opportunity presented to him." He looks at the others. "Akane's heart was already cracked by the time they met almost two years ago. Alexis is simply encouraging her to be her worst."
        
        It's true, though, what Shinji says about the situation being win-win for Alexis. Akane had told Kaworu that he and Sayla and Renais were too late... but when Orpheus speaks up, he nods slowly. "More credit... Hmm. Yes..." Kaworu's eyes flick back to Yuta and Shinji. "I also spoke with Anti recently. When I explained to him what was going on, he said that Akane is trying to save herself by digging herself out of the hole she's in. In other words, despite how much she's pushing others away, she's trying to find a way out of her situation. She's trying to be understood. She simply doesn't know who to trust, or how to ask for help."
        
        He considers Orpheus again. For someone who's only met Akane once, he certainly seems confident about his insights. "...Anti also said if those she's affected are angry with her once this is all over, it's all right. She'll still learn something important."
        
        Shinji also needs to learn something important, too. At both Kaworu and Yuta's encouragement, he describes his date with Asuka in scant detail, concluding at the end that he can't make her happy. It's technically besides the point he ends up making, which is about Asuka's spiteful will, but that's where Kaworu's thoughts stick. He lays his head on the back of the couch and stares at the ceiling.
        
        "...It really is a wonderful feeling to be chased, you know," he says quietly, perhaps seemingly out of nowhere. "It makes you feel as though you're worthwhile. That you have value." He rolls his head to one side to gaze at Shinji. "When I thought I was hurting you, I too pulled away. I told myself it was what was best for you--that I couldn't make you happy, so it was better that I kept my distance.
        
        "Was that the right decision, Shinji Ikari?" 

<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.

It feels like Shinji's getting braver. Or maybe, just more comfortable with this group -- either way, Yuta's proud of him for not retreating in the face of Orpheus' quesions.

Kaworu always seems to know so much. Yuta can't help but stare at his friend admiringly for a moment. "A cracked heart." Yuta murmurs to himself. Is that why Alexis refused to take him? Is Yuta not damaged enough to attract the Devil's attention?

"Yeah. If only we could just -- kill him, or something!" Yuta says, haltingly, as though it takes effort to get the word past his lips. "That would solve everything. He couldn't hurt Akane any more!"

Yuta just barely picks up Orpheus' whisper. It makes him pause, draining away the anger in his face. Orpheus doesn't seem like the kind of guy to praise someone easily... Yuta ducks his head a little. Maybe he was doing alright at being Akane's friend, after all.

"It's so strange to think of Anti saying anything other than 'Gridman, I'll kill you!'." Yuta sighs, slumping a bit. "He's really a good little guy. Still caring about Akane after everything she put him through. I guess he's like any of us -- born to love her. Does Anti have any ideas on how to get Akane to trust us?"

"No way!" Yuta all-but breathes, looking at Orpheus with wide eyes. "You went on a date with Akane?! What was that even like? Did she talk about kaiju shows the whole time? Did she do the, uh--" Yuta lifts one of his sock-covered feet, face going red. No other explanation is offered, and thankfully, Shinji takes the floor.

"Uh--" Yuta stammers, as Shinji describes the date. "A fight... and barred from an arcade? That makes me feel a little bit better about my try with Rikka..."

Oops. That wasn't so nice to say. Yuta hastily says something else.

"Hey, it's alright! I don't know how to kiss right either! I'm sure Asuka had fun in her own way. She, um -- she loves fights, doesn't she? So! If you guys kissed, that's a good sign. All the websites say if a date ends in a kiss, you did it right."

Voice a little steadier, Yuta squeezes Shinji's shoulder. "And we're going to save her, Ikari. Then she'll be free to feel however she wants."

When Kaworu speaks to Shinji... it almost feels intimiate. Yuta wonders if he and Orpheus should leave the room and give them time together. Blushing a little, he carefully looks down at his water bottle, fussing with the ring around its neck. Being chased... Feeling like you have value... Anyone would want that, wouldn't they?

...wait. Yuta glances over at Kaworu, watching him look at Shinji. They were talking about Shinji's date with Asuka, and now, suddenly about Kaworu's feelings for Shinji. Kaworu never brings up things out of nowhere. There's always a connection. Does Kaworu want Shinji to chase after him..? ...maybe it isn't Yuta's business. 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

Kaworu comments that Alexis isn't that good at shogi, and Shinji looks to him, oddly... perked up? Proud? A glimmer of life in his eye to know that maybe while Alexis was being an awful person to Kaworu, he was still losing at the shogi. Sometimes, you have to take your small wins...?

Orpheus encourages them to give Akane more credit, and Shinji softens, just a little. Kaworu offers insight, too. The thoughts settle in, tinged with hope despite all the gloom.

"...She's still the girl that would stand up and get in fights with teachers about what she believed in," Shinji notes. Both an agreement, and a meek attempt to add his own hope to the pile.

But did Orpheus have to call it a date...?! Like such matters are so simple...!

Yuta mentions /killing/ Alexis, and Shinji flinches alert. He stares a moment, then into space instead of at people, then away. "... Do you think... there's any saving Alexis? For Akane to listen to him, even if he's... twisted... do you think she would miss him?" A father figure, maybe...? This is one hundred percent not the projection path to go down, Shinji.

But there's Shinji's failure of a date, that even makes /Yuta/ feel better. Shinji groans and all his bones go limp. He has become a noodly pile of Shinji despair.

"The date continued after that." It doesn't occur to Shinji this is a good sign. "...And got worse." Does it get worse than bloodshed?! "I think I embarrassed and annoyed her the whole time..." He has no time to further wallow before Kaworu provides his input. Cutting, impossible to escape input.

Shinji tenses, looking to Kaworu with fear, like he's on the verge of having that conversation's result taken away if he can't keep consistent with the assertions of it. "That's different...! You're -- I'm --" His doubtful face is enough to know Shinji doesn't have arguments here. He fizzles out, sighing. "...It wasn't," he concedes, reluctantly.

He is painfully oblivious to the intimacy Yuta is able to perceive.

"She asked for another date. But it didn't feel right--" Shinji shakes his head. That's an excuse, like Orpheus said early. Finding monsters and heroes and what's wrong or right. ".../I/ don't want another one, if it's going to be... like this." He sighs. "But I can't leave this alone, either." 

<Pose Tracker> Orpheus Zevon has posed.

"When I thought I was hurting you, I too pulled away. I told myself it was what was best for you--that I couldn't make you happy, so it was better that I kept my distance. Was that the right decision, Shinji Ikari?" When those words leave Kaworu's lips, there's an honest surprise on Orpheus' face. His eyes interlocking with the young man's as if to make sure one more time if those words were true? Though, Yuta's expression makes it apparently clear that this was the message. As an older 'sibling', as one of those Euliya wanted him to look after, there's a part of him that does want to console him in the moment. It's a rare time whereas said 'sibling' he almost feels compelled to ask for more details. Though. . .This was clearly not the moment. Though he'll want to check in with Kaworu another time. After all, he imagines they'll be spending much time together soon hopefully. . .

This empathizing is cut just a tad short though as he ends up sparking a similar sort of surprise in Yuta's voice. It's enough that even Orpheus feels the need to lean back a bit even though the two were still a fair distance apart.

"Settle down, Yuta. It was just a play on words, honestly. Also. . .What are you doing?" An eyebrow is raised the moment he brings up his sock. Was there something he should be aware of about this girl that he missed? Another sigh escapes his lips, "It was nothing like that. In fact, I imagine it'd be troublesome for her if you even called it something of the sort. Though. . .She did talk about that Karaba. . .Man? I think that's how you say it? Oh. . .And there was one more thing, but that's a secret that I can't reveal till later." A scandalous set of words if there ever was one. Although, he had explained that the two were out for a midnight stroll, and then he stayed the night over at her house well. . .He could definitely see them saying it was a date in its own right. Though divulging something to that degree was too far. The fact he even mentioned her name at this point had been solely to have him be relevant in the conversation and give Oz some credibility about his thoughts on her. Though even more than that, he does want to see on some level if they can help her. So if he can see as Shinji's face lightens a bit as he tells him those words, it's a bit more reassuring

Still, the phrase was just meant to lighten the mood with some slight humor, though it was becoming ever more apparent between Shinji and Yuta respectively the word 'date' was going to become a trigger word. Though while there's quite a bit of despair mongering in Shinji's story, somehow Oz seems to have a bit more neutral, if not content look to offer Shinji this time as he says his final words. "I think you're right on that account. It's important to think about going forward with the people in your life." His eyes do trail off to Yuta as well. He didn't forget about his date either, and while he's not pushing on it, he is mentioning this tidbit one final time. Man, what was it with these kids and making him talk?! "As for worrying about Akane and her. . .Father figure? All I can say is, just like you have to worry about your own relationships. Let her worry about how she handles that one, right?" 

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        'If only we could just--kill him, or something!'
        
        "...You can't. He's immortal," Kaworu tells Yuta quietly. "He has lived for tens of hundreds of thousands of years, unchanging."
        
        Perhaps Yuta knows that already, and that's why he said if only. But with Shinji wondering if there's any saving Alexis... Kaworu can't help but think of the conversation he once had with Nidaime. For now, he keeps his silence. If Yuta can't use the Fixer Beam, then bringing it up will only hurt him. ...Shinji's sudden interest at the mention of shogi does get him to smile at him, though it isn't clear to Kaworu why he's interested.
        
        "If he does, he didn't share them. He only said not to give up on her before he left," Kaworu says of Anti. "He is a good child, though. I keep telling him and Akane both how well she made him."
        
        A date? Kaworu rather doubts it was a date in that manner. Yuta and Shinji both jump to that conclusion, though, and he chuckles a bit--even recognizes what Yuta's trying to say. "Ah, the way she explores you with her feet? She's done that to me before," he offers, which will definitely not create the wrong impression with any of them.
        
        He doesn't comment on Yuta's failed date with Rikka--he knows about that already too--but he does meet Orpheus's stare when he speaks of his feelings for Shinji. Given that he uses them in parallel with Shinji's feelings for Asuka, it surely says a lot about both of them. ...Whether Orpheus or Yuta understand it is another thing. He doesn't linger on that.
        
        "It feels good to kiss," he says a little mistily, thinking of his own experiences. "But the two of you are still trying to understand one another. Compared to the beginning of the year, your relationship is completely different, isn't it? So it only makes sense that as the nature of it shifts, you'll face new difficulties. The Second Child is not one who softens up easily. Yet in her own way, she's been trying her hardest to be gentler with you."
        
        He focuses back on Shinji; Shinji's stammering, then silence, expresses he understands the point Kaworu has made well. "So you should face her the same way. You say you can't leave it alone, so don't. If this isn't how you want it to be, change it into what you do want." He smiles, soft and bittersweet, head still laying on the back of the couch. "Chase after her, Shinji. Assert to her what she means to you." 

<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.

Yuta smiles to hear Akane would fight with her teachers about the things she believed in. "That's really cool of her." He says, softly, hoping to encourage Shinji. "I know I'd be scared to do something like that."

The breath goes out of Yuta when Kaworu says Alexis can't be killed. Shock and horror are clear on his face. "Then, how... How are any of us supposed to reach her? How is this fight ever going to end?"

"Saving him..?" Yuta looks surprised. Has he really never considered this? "I... Wow, Shinji. You're really a better person than I am. I never thought about it like this. Even if he's been twisting Akane and using her, in her mind, he's all she's got." Yuta looks down. "I'll talk to Gridman about it. If anyone would know if it's possible, he would." But Orpheus makes a good point, too. In the end, it's all up to Akane.

Orpheus asks what Yuta's doing with his foot, and Yuta quickly puts it back down, clearing his throat. "Um. Nothing. Absolutely nothing." He's still blushing as red as his hair, but Kaworu just -- says it. "Kaworu, you too? Oh man, I'm sorry." With that, Yuta quickly changes the subject. "A secret..? Come on, Orpheus, don't leave us hanging like that!"

Oh no, Shinji-noodles, right on the couch. Yuta shoves down the impulse to laugh at his friend outright melting, reaching out to pat his shoulder, trying to offer a little comfort. "Hang in there, Ikari! Think about it, if Asuka wasn't having fun, don't you think she would've just stormed off or something?"

How in the world could the date have gotten /worse/? Yuta wonders, but doesn't dare ask. Shinji really might turn into a pile of goo.

"You don't have to go on another date if you don't want to. That's important to remember." Yuta advises, very seriously. Consent is everything! "There's other ways to help her out, I'm sure of it."

/Beep/.

This time, the sound is every bit as short as Yuta's grown used to, but it keeps the piercing note it had at the New Student Meeting. With a growl of frustration, Yuta tugs his wristband off. Beneath it is some kind of mechanical device, absolutely quiet and still. It's rather bulky -- how was that wristband laying flat?

Reaching forward, Yuta bashes the thing on his arm against the table once, twice. "I'm so sick of this thing! It's keeping me awake, it's getting me in trouble in school -- it never makes any sense, anymore!"

What's the point of having it if the fight will never end? What's the point of any of it? 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

"It's what made me notice her at first," Shinji tells Yuta. "...But no one else said anything." Shinji didn't, either. He thinks that goes without saying.

Alexis is tens of hundreds of thousands of -- ?! Shinji stares at Kaworu. He sighs out. This shouldn't surprise him. They have to fight so many incomprehensible things. At the mention that he's 'better' than Yuta, Shinji shakes his head rapidly and looks fiercely down. Now he's definitely given the wrong impression...

"With her... feet?" Shinji only belatedly notices Yuta's food, blinking once, then immediately imagines being jump kicked. "Asuka did that once when she was embarrassed. You didn't get a bruise, did you?" The wrong impression in a whole new way.

But he has his own relationships to worry about, as Orpheus says.

"...At least she only pickes Savage," Shinji says in resigned agreement to their collective encouragement, slightly muffled due to the way his melted body has his cheek smooshed against the arm rest. But each has their own way of trying to lift his spirits, from physical reassurances to further pep talks. Moving forward. Facing her. Changing it. Shinji looks at his hands.

Then immediately at Kaworu, upright and no longer a bowl of overcooked noodles. "You've kissed before?!"

Shock. Or... is it? Kaworu getting a kiss isn't surprising -- it's Kaworu, girls probably want to all the time -- but there's an agitation in Shinji's voice. He's red in the face at the thought. Don't picture it! His chest tigthens. It's weird to that, stop. No, but, it's good that Kaworu's kissed, right? The Earth...? And isn't this wisdom Shinji needs? But...

Yuta's phone beeps, but Shinji's attention and thoughts are elsewhere until Yuta bashes it. He jumps, torn from his thoughts. "Hibiki? Are... are you okay?" 

<Pose Tracker> Orpheus Zevon has posed.

"Ah, so that's the case. . ." A response to both Kaworu and Yuta in kind when the mention of her feet comes up. "I don't think I'll need to worry about that sort of thing. . ." He imagines any sort of exploratory toe thought she had vanished the moment he made it /VERY/ clear that she was going to need to respect his boundaries. Though that part of the conversation fades out of relevance fast thankfully and with it, a new talk of Mr. Alexis comes and his hold on her. Again, Oz assumes that maybe he should say something, but it's just becoming more and more apparent that these boys can reassure themselves perfectly fine without some sort of big brother figure to do it. Not that he was the best for this kind of thing, but maybe he did appreciate on some level that he was considered it?

"Thousands upon thousands, huh?"

Kaworu continues to be ever the enigma. On some points he feels like he knows this kid like a sibling, and then there were others that. . .He did truly feel so foreign. "While I've met her, I can't say I've met that one before. Though you're all definitely painting him as quite the character."

More and more talks of dating ensue and well, with each notion of it everyone continues to maybe feel slightly better but with that lingering bitter taste. Even Yuta seems to have his own frustrations with the bracelet, going as far as slamming it into the table. It's at this point that Orpheus makes a choice.

As Yuta went in for that second strike, he's stopped by a more steady hand. A hand that now that Yuta's actually felt its grip on his own is well. . .Surprisingly sturdy. The beeping likely still continues, but rather than let Yuta linger on it. . .

"She said it was the key to victory. That's what That. . .Secret." As he looks Yuta right in the eyes, he places a controller in that hand. He forces that tense grip open and lets a controller rest there before making his way back to hand both Shinji and Kaworu both a controller. He pulls out the packaging for the familiar game as the last time. . .BBS.

Tension and thoughts had been sporadic. So it perhaps made sense that in these thoughts of turmoil, the best thing to do was. . .Actually sit down, and distract themselves, and what better way was there to let minds drift than a video game?

"If you're able to make it to first place Yuta, maybe I'll let you know what that key is." 

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Kaworu blinks wide-eyed at Yuta as he tells him he's sorry. "Why?"
        
        Hm.
        
        Then Shinji wonders if he got a bruise. Kaworu laughs a little, smiling in abrupt amusement. "Oh, no. She wasn't rough."
        
        HM.
        
        Still... Shinji speaking of saving Alexis brings another fond look to his features. Yuta says he's a better person than him, and Shinji silently denies it by melting in further on himself, but... Kaworu quite agrees. It's so much like him. "...It would be nice if he could be saved. But it's more important to stop him from inflicting more pain on others," he murmurs
        
        It take Kaworu off-guard when Shinji tosses aside all talk of Asuka to bolt upright and gawk at him. He blinks rapidly, and his smile blinks out with it. This isn't something he can discuss easily, but... all the same, his expression soon softens. "...Yes."
        
        If there's any more he was going to say on the topic, it's interrupted by the insistent beep of Yuta's device. He expresses his frustration by smashing it on the table. Kaworu's lashes lower.
        
        "...I'm sorry."
        
        It's Orpheus who interrupts then by grabbing Yuta's hand, then bringing out game controllers and the familiar game of BBS. Kaworu sits upright, looking him and it over, especially when Orpheus hands him one of those controllers. Then he smiles slightly.
        
        "A key, hm... I wonder what else she said to you?" he murmurs. All the same, he lets the night derail into video games. After everything that's been said today, it would be good to take their minds off things for a little while.


<Pose Tracker> Yuta Hibiki has posed.

Yuta sighs. "We call Alexis the devil for a reason. He's like, a big huge guy in a cloak, and his head is always on fire? He's got some kind of mask on all the time. But it lights up like he's laughing at you sometimes." A frown. "Definitely not someone who deserves to live for thousands of years."

"What?" Yuta says, confused. "No, it wasn't painful, just kinda weird. You don't expect a girl to suddenly just... Do that, I guess." Asuka really did things like that too? Yuta really can't imagine it... but so hard it gave Shinji a bruise? Dating really /is/ a battlefield.

Shinji, don't you see how it bothers you that Kaworu might've kissed someone else? Yuta covers a knowing smile with a drink from his water bottle. He's really starting to think there's something between these two... or maybe there should be, at least. Curiously, Yuta looks over Shinji's head to try and see Kaworu's expression. It's got to be a positive sign, that the person you're interested in is distressed you've kissed, right? ...yep. Kaworu looks so soft. A little thrill of excitement for his friend blooms in his heart.

On the other hand... It feels bad to have broken down in front of his friends. Not to mention technically revealing his secret, at least to Orpheus. But he knew just about everything already, it can't be that big a deal. Yuta can't find it in him to care very much, in this moment.

"Sorry, I'm sorry." Yuta says, lowering his head. He doesn't fight against Orpheus' grip, just going still, shoulders slumping. "I'm... not some kind of hero like you guys. I don't want to keep fighting forever, and hearing Alexis can't be killed --"

Orpheus hands Yuta a controller, and the young man raises his head. Tears sparkle in his eyes, threatening to overflow. But this sudden change is enough to cut off his spiral of despair. Looking at the game Orpheus holds, Yuta manages a little laugh, then an eager nod. "Right! I won't go easy on you!"

Yuta's been practicing since the last time. The Neon Genesis Junior High Students had an odd affinity for the game and seem to be coming over all the more often. Selecting his magical prince just as before, Yuta bumps a shoulder into Orpheus.

"Thanks," he says, with a grateful smile. 

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

More important to stop the pain... That's an idea that Shinji, for better or worse, can understand deeply.

How can being jump kicked in the face be done gently? Maybe it was more like a pointed foot nudge than a kick...? For the better that Yuta and Kaworu didn't have to deal with something like that. It's a shocking thing, to be kicked.

But no, Yuta, unfortunately Shinji does not see his own distress on this. A great misreading is taking place inside of him. All Kaworu gives is a simple affirmative, no elaboration, and Shinji's lips are parted, at once wanting to ask and too nervous to do so. W-Well, kissing's embarrassing, right? And he doesn't want to -- shouldn't -- pry...? ...Later? Never? Aaaaa...

Thankfully(?) Yuta serves a distraction. Shinji frowns, hesitant. Shinji's no hero either. /He/ doesn't want to fight, any more than it seems Yuta does. Yuta's been so cheerful and optimistic all this time, though... It's sobering.

But Orpheus handles Yuta's frustrations with an elegance that does remind Shinji a bit of Kaworu. It reminds him of the first time they did this, how Orpheus handled removing the makeup. Then, there's controller, and... then they all have controllers. Shinji fits his hands around it and smiles, ever so faintly.

Yuta's tried to give him physical reassurance before, so Shinji sits next to him as they settle down for the game, and he attempts a small bump of their shoulders in silent camaraderie. 

<Pose Tracker> Orpheus Zevon has posed.

"No, there are definitely women like that. We call these ones. . .Dangerous." Orpheus somehow finds himself blurting out another piece of experience he's come to understand as of recent with certain women he's met in the Black Knights. Though, that's definitely not going to be a story he'll elaborate on. Instead, he just seemed to let things fall into place as the talk between Kaworu and Shinji continued. It is indeed a bit more of a tender moment between the two. At least in comparison to what he's seen of one of them throughout his life. It's for that reason that Orpheus starts eyeing Yuta to stay silent. It says all in his eyes that he's *known* of this situation. It was a nice enough mood before the feelings of that device went off.

The following words to escape Yuta's lip are ridden with guilt. Downtrodden with his inability to escape a fight. At first the controller had been well enough though ultimately he feels the need to speak up, "Let me remind you of something. I'm no hero. . .I'm not some Karabaman. And neither are you. So. . .Don't decide to bear the weight of /this/ world on your shoulders. . .That goes for all of you. . ."

He knows that those words can hold so many different meanings for all three. Yuta's unending battle. . .Shinji's call to arms, and Kaworu's. . .Fate.

As he does see Yuta's tears though, he hands Yuta a napkin. "Also, I don't think I see too many heroes cry. You should be saving that for after the game."

There's a bit more of a sly grin before they finally sit down, trying to match the excited look on Yuta's face of all things. for what was assuredly going to be a well fought battle. Yuta did seem pretty confident in his practices since the last time he played.

However, one thing Orpheus had failed to mention that the key to victory he had been speaking about how very little to winning over Akane in what was to come. . .And was more or less just what he described as what he had learned after an all-night BBS session against Akane back at her place and being demolished fight after fight. . .

He'd never openly admit to this, but well. . .One would pick up very quickly as he started going three v. one that. . .Clearly Oz had learned how to play brawl like a certain God does. . . No mercy. . .

At the end of the night, Oz ends up pulling out his phone and making out a text to someone with initials A. S. : "I ended up leaking your name a bit to them. . .So it's only fair I warn you that you'll be having company soon." Or something along those lines :3"

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