IC >> INBOX (EXSILIUM)

[imusntrunaway]

The person you are trying to call is not available. Please leave a message after the beep.

[Beeeeeeeeeeeep.]

Comments

[imusntrunaway]

[That earns no reply from him.]

[redheadcarrier]

Don't ignore me Ikari!

[imusntrunaway]

[He shouldn't respond. He shouldn't respond he shouldn't respond he shouldn't]

Do you need something, Asuka?

[redheadcarrier]

I want you to pay attention to ME!

[imusntrunaway]

I'm doing that, aren't I?
I'm answering your texts.

[redheadcarrier]

You don't actually care.

[imusntrunaway]

That's not right...

[redheadcarrier]

Why?

[imusntrunaway]

Back in the training room...
I wasn't lying about what I wanted.

[redheadcarrier]

Prove it.

[imusntrunaway]

What do you want me to do?

[redheadcarrier]

[Her answer comes about fifteen minutes later.]

I don't know.

[imusntrunaway]

[That's bad news, because he isn't sure what he should do either.

An hour later he texts her back.]

There's a festival coming up.

[redheadcarrier]

So?

[imusntrunaway]

Are you going?

[redheadcarrier]

It'll probably be stupid.

[But not technically a no.]

[imusntrunaway]

I see.

[Small talk is good. If he chats about pointless things with her, she won't be mad, right?]

I hope you enjoy yourself.

[redheadcarrier]

[Dammit Shinji, why don't you ever pick up on her subtle hints?]

Gee. Thanks.

text;

[salvagedsoul]

Are you doing anything after the fireworks?

text;

[imusntrunaway]

Not really.
Why?

text;

[salvagedsoul]

I'd like to see you. I found a piano.

text;

[imusntrunaway]

Is it in good condition?

text;

[salvagedsoul]

It's playable. I'm going to try to replace a few parts if I can.

Will you come?

text;

[imusntrunaway]

... yes.
Where are you?

text;

[salvagedsoul]

I can send you a map. If you get lost, just tell me.

[a few minutes later, a roughly drawn map arrives in his inbox, directing him to a building within a ruined area near the Hold.]