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[astrobleme]

[There's just a generic, computer-synthesized greeting that implores you to leave a message at your convenience.]

Comments

[astrobleme]

But I don't know what you mean. [He can only hope she isn't referring to his relationship status. Because, uh... "it's complicated" wouldn't even begin to cover that.]

[interstices]

Liar! You can't just worm your way out of this when he's already posting about Valentine's Day!

[astrobleme]

[God damn it. God fucking damn it. His face is getting too warm to deny that he's blushing.]

Kaworu-kun isn't my boyfriend, [he mumbles, as if that explains everything.]

[interstices]

Then what is he?

[For that matter, what is she, but she's afraid to ask that. If he's going to relegate her to being his daily reminder to eat and occasionally wash his hair, she's not willing to hear that yet.]

[astrobleme]

He's my friend. [Shinji can say that much with unwavering certainty, at least. His voice is sincere and faithful. And he can say it in just the same way with,] You're my friend, too. [Which, in all honesty, is pretty stellar for him. He has a lot of trouble with making friends.]

Look, I'm... not... I'm not prepared to think about that mushy stuff. Not right now. It's embarrassing, and... I don't understand it. Liking me. Loving me. I just don't understand it.

[interstices]

[That's... surprisingly at least on the border of mature. Asuka looks slightly mollified, anyway. It's not a yes, but it's not a no, either. She's lived off of worse deferrals.]

Yeah, all right. [A pause.] But he does want in your pants.

[astrobleme]

[Oh boy. Shinji has always wanted to know what it's like to die of a pulmonary embolism.] I don't think Angels are interested in that sort of thing?! [His voice gets higher and higher, while his face gets redder and redder. He's doing a great impression of a tea kettle.]

[interstices]

[Asuka can't contain herself at the look on Shinji's face and the sound of his voice reversing puberty. She bursts into laughter, even if it sounds a little weird and barkish. She's almost forgotten how to laugh. Leaning forward, she punches Shinji in the shoulder-- not quite as lightly as she means to.]

Whatever you say, idiot. I'll protect you.

[astrobleme]

[Domestic abuse, on top of everything else...! Shinji makes a point of rubbing his poor, unequivocally bruised shoulder, before he decides to stand up again.

He sounds slightly less squeaky when he replies:] I'm a guy, you know. Don't need you to protect my purity. [Then, with a sigh, he draws the blanket in tighter around himself.]

[interstices]

[He's starting to crawl back into his shell. Asuka's more okay with that right now than she expected. She's even still amused. Sort of. Casting Kaworu as an incorrigible predator might be the most petty, useless revenge, but it's one she'll take.]

I think you do. [She hesitates briefly.] Hey, go back to bed, then. Get some sleep.

[astrobleme]

[Shinji slept all afternoon, but he's still stupidly tired. This Valentine's Day drama is a lot more trouble than it's worth. Why can't everyone just get along? What is so hard about that?]

Not until you feel better, [he says, sniffling.]

[interstices]

I'm fine. Seriously.

[astrobleme]

[Sniffle.]

Fine. I'll go back to bed...

Just don't forget my promise.