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[imusntrunaway]

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[imusntrunaway]

Fall was when the trees would turn red and gold, right? Did people watch those trees, too?

[substitutable]

Some places were famous for the trees, so tourists would go there. They didn't go see them the way people went to see the cherry blossoms, though.

I guess... they were nice.

[imusntrunaway]

It sounds nice. [He pushes his empty ice cream carton aside.] The only season we had back home was summer.

[substitutable]

... I think I would've preferred to stay inside all the time.

[Not.. that he didn't already. He wonders if there's a reason why it's like that. Maybe, if there could be a nicer mission (nicer? was that even the right word?) like the one Kano and Kido talked about before, maybe it could be to a Japan with seasons and Shinji can check it out.

That's a weird hope to have for someone he doesn't know so he doesn't say anything.]

[imusntrunaway]

[What a depressing answer...]

It wasn't so bad. [Says the eternal summer child.] There were months when it wasn't as hot as it would be.

[substitutable]

That's good.

I'm not that good with the heat. [Because he hasn't been without AC in two years.] My skin would also burn in the sun, so I'd probably go down with a heat stroke there.

[imusntrunaway]

You're lucky to be here then. I don't think it'll be anywhere near that hot here. [Or that they'd see the sun, to be honest.]

[substitutable]

... "Lucky," you say...

Well, I guess so. Small fortunes.

[imusntrunaway]

[... that was a choice in words, wasn't it. There's no need to apologize, but--]

... I'm sorry. I meant the weather.

[substitutable]

Huh? Aah, no, you don't have to apologize.

Besides, who knows when... if they'll throw us into the Sahara or something?

[imusntrunaway]

I think they'd give us a fair warning before they do.

[substitutable]

Even if they give us a warning, you shouldn't underestimate my delicacy.

[imusntrunaway]

... that's not something to brag about.

[substitutable]

I'm not bragging. It's true.

[imusntrunaway]

You'll survive... it isn't that bad...

[substitutable]

You're used to it. [I haven't felt sun in two years, Shinji...]

Well, I guess I would. As long as I don't get dragged around everywhere like they did that day.

[imusntrunaway]

The missions are usually voluntary. [Except for the more recent ones but he's not going to bring that up.]

[substitutable]

Then that helps. I wouldn't be of much use during them, anyway.

[He leans on the counter, looking like he's thinking for a moment, before he raises a hand to stifle a yawn.]

[imusntrunaway]

[Shinji glances up at the yawn, then at his watch.

... did that much time pass?]

Thank you for the ice cream.

[substitutable]

You're welcome... [He's quick to start sounding sleepy and he almost rolls off the chair he was sitting on, reaching for the empty cartons. Maybe he plans on carrying it all the way down to his own trash...]

[imusntrunaway]

[Shinji notices and straightens up.] ... you can throw them away here.

[substitutable]

Huh? [He stifles a yawn.] You sure? I mean, I don't mind...

[imusntrunaway]

[That gets a polite smile and he reaches for the cartons now.] It's not a big deal. Here, I can...

[substitutable]

[He returns a polite smile, then.]

Thanks.