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Melody Lanes - Part Two

  I

  ?So, let’s get this over with,“ Asuka said as the group entered the karaoke box again.

  The square room was colorful, except for the black leather couch: the walls were decorated with drawings of various palm trees and exotic plants. Behind the leather seats against the walls, blue light streamed upward, blending with the orange and yellow of the numerous ceiling LEDs peeking out from a dense canopy of plastic leaves and some glittering disco balls. To the right, a large flat-screen TV was embedded in the wall, with the logo of the bowling and karaoke alley slowly gliding back and forth. Small tables and stools were scattered in the middle of the room; drinks and microphones were already set up on some of them.

  ?Wow, don’t get too excited, Redhead,“ Touji said, grabbing a microphone.

  Asuka gave him the finger and threw herself onto the couch. ?Just wait until you hear my Baka sing, then all of you can pack it in.“

  Shinji sat down next to Asuka, scratching the back of his head and clearing his throat. ?Well, I’m not that good.“

  Asuka ruffled his hair and kissed him. ?Always too modest, my Baka.“ Hikari giggled.

  ?Are we here to chat or to sing?“ Touji said. He was standing on the stage in front of a small monitor, squinting at it as he tapped around.

  ?Hikari, let’s sing a duet later, okay?“ Asuka asked.

  ?Oh no…“ Hikari said, burying her face in her hands.

  Asuka nudged her friend. ?Come on, it’ll be fun!“

  ?If Touji takes much longer, we’ll be celebrating Asuka’s nineteenth birthday,“ Robert said, leaning back on the couch with his legs crossed.

  ?Yeah, yeah! Almost got it!“

  Asuka let her head drop onto Shinji’s shoulder and made snoring sounds.

  ?There!“ Touji said. ?Got it!“

  ?Finally!“ Asuka groaned. ?Now hurry up and sing your ?Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star‘ so the real singers, like me and my Baka, can take over!“

  Touji now gave her the finger. The logo suddenly disappeared from the flat-screen, and a loading circle appeared. Then a bouncing green ball popped up from the left, and a bass intro began to play.

  ?I know this…“ Asuka said, looking at Shinji, who only grinned. ?You know this one again, don’t you?“ Shinji nodded.

  ?Come on, Asuka, even I know this one!“ Hikari said. Asuka stuck her tongue out at her.

  After a few seconds, the drums and electric guitar kicked in, and as Touji began singing the first verse – he didn’t hit every note, but his raspy, cracking voice fit the tinny guitar sound – Asuka suddenly said to Shinji, ?Naruto! Yeah, that’s it! That cartoon series you made me watch!“

  Shinji snorted. ?First of all, Naruto is an anime, not a ‘cartoon’!“

  Asuka cupped Shinji’s face in her hands and gently squeezed, making his lips pout like a fish. ?And shecond,“ he mumbled, ?you liked the show too, if I recall correctly.“

  ?Yeah, yeah,“ Asuka grinned and kissed him.

  ?Psst!“ Hikari said. ?The chorus is coming up!“

  Shinji had been absolutely horrified when he found out that Asuka didn’t know Naruto. Anime and music were the only two friends he had as a child. Now, he shared those two passions with Asuka. He smiled, and his stomach fluttered as he thought back to all those days they had spent just sitting on the couch, eating junk food and watching anime. It was best when it rained outside. And the absolute best were the times when they got distracted and had to rewatch an episode.

  The applause from the others pulled Shinji out of his thoughts. Touji had just stepped down from the stage when Asuka jumped up and snatched the microphone from his hand. ?My turn now!“

  As Touji sat down next to Shinji, shaking his head, Shinji patted him on the shoulder. ?Not bad!“

  Touji waved it off. ?I’ve seen Naruto so many times, I didn’t even need the screen.“

  ?Maybe we should have a marathon at our place sometime?“ Shinji suggested. ?Have you seen Boruto yet?“

  ?Nah,“ Touji said. ?That doesn’t feel like Naruto to me, you know?“

  Ah, a hardcore fan, Shinji thought.

  Asuka’s song suddenly began. It started with a whistling intro, supported by a bass.

  Robert sat up. ?Seriously?“ Hikari and Touji still looked confused, but Shinji recognized the song immediately. As the drums and powerful electric guitar came in, Robert was already air-drumming in time. Even though the song wasn’t exactly Shinji’s taste, he was always swept up by Asuka’s passionate energy and couldn’t help drumming along when she sang ?Engel“ by Rammstein. Asuka sang the first verse in German, and Touji and Hikari’s eyes and mouths flew open. By now, Shinji understood the lyrics; he had translated them and Asuka had sung them to him often enough, explaining the meaning of some words.

  The chorus kicked in, and Shinji found himself singing along. They didn’t want to be ‘Engel’ or angels. Not that kind. When Asuka sang about angels, she wasn’t singing about the ones from any religion. Asuka sang about avenging angels. With her words, she was delivering blows to anyone and anything that had ever hurt her. She fought like she was fourteen again, stuck in an Evangelion. She burned with a fire that Shinji recognized from their last battles together: Asuka Soryu Langley against the rest of the world. The hard guitar riffs in Shinji’s mind became the sounds of Asuka’s Eva unit, pounding its massive fists like hammers on the enemy in time with the drums. Bam. Again. And again.

  When the last note faded, everyone cheered. Asuka jumped off the stage, hurried over to Shinji, and hugged him tightly. ?I needed that,“ she panted breathlessly into his ear. Shinji smiled and kissed her sweaty cheek.

  ?Not bad, Redhead,“ Touji said, clapping. ?Not as good as me, but pretty okay.“

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  ?I’ll give you ?okay‘! Hikari, come on, let’s show this idiot!“ Asuka gave Shinji another kiss and dragged a reluctant Hikari onto the stage. ?Now I’m warmed up,“ Asuka said as she selected another song on the screen. ?I’m not…“ Hikari said weakly.

  Next came an upbeat Japanese pop song that Shinji didn’t know. Asuka sang enthusiastically, and Hikari joined in after a few verses.

  Robert suddenly nudged Shinji and grinned, pointing at Touji. He was staring at the stage, a slight smile on his lips.

  ?I hope you’re not staring at my girlfriend, Suzuhara,“ Shinji said. Robert laughed. Touji flinched as if he’d been slapped.

  ?Wh-what? Oh, shut up!“ he said, turning bright red. Shinji laughed too.

  ?Got any plans for later?“ he teased.

  ?Watch it, Ikari! Just because you saved the world doesn’t mean I can’t still pound you into the ground!“ Touji said with a grin, cracking his knuckles.

  Shinji raised his hands in surrender. ?I give up!“

  ?You wouldn’t have dared to say that before, Ikari.“

  ?Well, back then I wasn’t in love with a demon.“

  ?Oh, ho, Ikari!“ Touji glanced quickly at the two women on stage, as if afraid Asuka’s wrath would strike him. But the two were still engrossed in their song.

  Robert whistled. ?Brave, brave, Shinji.“ He winked at him.

  ?Man,“ Touji said, lowering his voice, ?that demon has really rubbed off on you.“

  Shinji looked forward again. ?She has, yeah.“

  Asuka and Hikari were clearly having fun up there, and when the song ended, it was Hikari who picked the next one. The sound of an English country song came from the speakers.

  ?Oh, I know this one!“ Touji said, rushing to the stage. He grabbed another microphone, and the three of them sang ?Take Me Home, Country Roads.“

  ?Hey, Shinji,“ Robert scooted closer to him. ?The Christmas thing’s a go. You guys can celebrate at our place.“

  ?Oh! Awesome, thanks! Are you sure it’s no trouble?“

  Robert waved it off. ?Nonsense. You’re practically family already. Plus, the kids will be excited, and Julia will have an excuse to bake more cookies and cook up a storm.“

  They had planned to spend Christmas and New Year’s with Misato in Japan since they would already be there after the tests. But Misato, Kaji, and little Mika had spontaneously decided to go on a Christmas and New Year’s cruise.

  Shinji grinned and rubbed his belly. ?Mmm, I can’t wait!“

  ?Bert!“ Asuka called as she came off the stage. She grabbed a glass of water and downed it in one gulp. ?When those two lovebirds“ – she pointed behind her – ?are done, you’re up next!“

  ?That sounds like a threat,“ Robert muttered. Then he sighed. ?Meh, fine.“

  Touji and Hikari had picked another song from an anime. From Sailor Moon, Shinji thought, but he wasn’t quite sure.

  Asuka plopped down next to Shinji. ?Hey,“ he said. ?Robert said Christmas is a go.“

  Asuka beamed. ?Yay! Delicious FOOD!“ She looked at Robert. ?New Year’s too?“

  ?Yeah, sure, why not? I just have to check with the boss. But I think – ah, hold on.“ He glanced at his orange-flashing Intelliwatch and furrowed his brow. Then he stood up. ?Excuse me for a second.“ As he left, he pulled out his phone.

  ?O-M-G! I hope Julia makes those delicious marzipan cookies again,“ Asuka said. Shinji could almost see her mouth watering. The last time they had gotten cookies, the bowl had been empty in two days, and Shinji had only managed to get three of them.

  ?How do you eat so much without getting sick?“ he asked.

  ?Well, genes, talent, or all that LCL, who knows.“

  After a while, Robert came back inside. He had his serious bodyguard face on, and Shinji knew right away that something was wrong. Asuka noticed too. ?Everything okay?“ she asked.

  Touji and Hikari stopped singing. Only the song continued playing in the background.

  Robert sighed. ?There’s been another attack. In Munich.“

  Shinji’s heart sank, and his stomach turned.

  ?What?“ Touji asked. ?What attack?“

  ?Fuck!“ Asuka let her head fall back against the couch.

  ?Everyone, just take a deep breath,“ Robert said. Then he looked at Touji. ?An attack from Mors Caeli. The second one tonight. A few hours ago, there was one in Berlin, but we’ve got that under control now. We’re still gathering information, and Munich is over two hundred kilometers away.“

  ?Where exactly?“ Shinji asked. ?Mika’s in Munich…“

  Hikari gasped.

  ?She’s fine,“ Robert quickly assured them. ?I spoke to Kaji; she’s safe. The attack happened in a subway station, and Mika is a bit outside of Munich. Kaji and Misato are on their way to her.“

  ?Those bastards are not going to ruin my party!“ Asuka said. Shinji put an arm around her.

  ?Like I said,“ Robert continued, ?Munich is far away, and I’ve already requested a few more people to keep an eye on your place. We’re still on track, and everything is under control. Unless I hear otherwise, we’re sticking with the plan and enjoying the party, got it? That’s an order!“

  Shinji jumped up. ?Jawohl, mein Generalin!“ he said in German.

  Asuka laughed. ?Was that on purpose?“

  ?Hm?“ Shinji scratched his head.

  ?For a Generalin or a feminin general, I’ve got too much beard,“ Robert said. ?Although, I once knew a Generalin…“

  ?Gross!“ Asuka said. Then she pulled Shinji back next to her. ?It’s General, my Baka. Masculine.“ She kissed him.

  ?That’s what I said.“

  Asuka kissed him again. ?Well, since you’re already up, you might as well sing after this shock, Bert!“

  ?Meh…“ Robert slumped his shoulders and picked out a song. It was ?I Can’t Dance“ by Genesis, in a version that nearly caused everyone present to bleed from the ears. But the signature dance moves were perfect.

  When the song ended and the applause died down, Shinji’s stomach fluttered again as everyone stared at him. He scratched the back of his head. ?I guess it’s my turn, huh?“

  ?Now you’ve gotta bring it, Shin-Man!“ Touji said. ?Redhead here has been talking some big game!“

  Asuka flipped Touji off and then kissed Shinji. ?Show them, my Baka. Sing for me.“

  Robert handed Shinji the microphone and patted him on the shoulder. Hikari clapped excitedly.

  Shinji stood up, nerves buzzing. He took a deep breath in and out as he stood before the karaoke screen. His fingers tightened around the microphone. After a short search, he found the song. He pressed the green play button, and the bouncing ball reappeared. But Shinji closed his eyes. He didn’t need the screen; he knew the lyrics by heart.

  And as the piano intro of Future Days by Pearl Jam began, Shinji wasn’t in Melody Lanes anymore. He was in a log cabin by a large lake. Asuka was putting raincoats and rubber pants on their kids because it was drizzling outside. But that was no reason not to go fishing. After all, Papa Shinji had promised his two daughters a fish for dinner.

  The rain painted small circles on the water, and Shinji had trouble making out the movements of the bobber on the surface. Asuka and his daughters were playing tag in the grass and weren’t much help. But Shinji smiled despite the bad weather.

  Later that evening, as they went home without catching a fish, he was still smiling. His girls were a little disappointed, but a big plate of fish sticks with ketchup soothed the hungry little crew.

  Later, when the girls were tucked into bed, snuggling with their favorite stuffed animals, he and Asuka sat on the couch in the living room, drinking a glass of red wine. A warm fire crackled in the fireplace. Outside, the rain tapped against the window and roof.

  Shinji lost himself in Asuka’s eyes. Without her, he was lost. Without her, he wasn’t complete, and parts of him were missing. He had been a broken man. Together, they could withstand any hurricane and any flood. Every promise they made to each other was serious. All their demons were finally at rest. There was only them – and many future days ahead.

  The song ended, and the piano faded out quietly. Shinji opened his eyes. For three heartbeats, everything was silent. Then Robert and Touji jumped up, clapping and whistling. Hikari had tears in her eyes. Asuka jumped onto the stage and kissed him passionately, drawing even more whistles and ?woohoo“s from the crowd. After what felt like forever, they finally pulled apart, and Asuka whispered, ?I love you, my Baka.“

  ?I love you too.“

  ?Yeah, that was a fitting finale,“ Robert said, looking at the clock. ?If we leave now, we can get home in good time.“

  ?I’m not letting Ikari have the last word!“ Touji shouted, grabbing a still-sniffling Hikari and dragging her onto the stage.

  ?I’m so jealous!“ she said as she was dragged past Shinji and Asuka. Shinji blushed and scratched the back of his head. ?Thanks?“ he stammered. Asuka shot Hikari a death glare and squeezed Shinji tighter. ?Mine!“

  Robert sighed. ?Or we could stay a little longer and then race home at breakneck speed so we don’t end up celebrating Asuka’s birthday in the car…“

  ?Don’t worry, Bert,“ Asuka said. ?Since I get to drive home, we’ll get there safe and sound and on time. After all, I learned from the best!“

  Robert raised an eyebrow. ?From whom?“

  ?She means Misato,“ Shinji grinned.

  Robert wiped his hand down his face and groaned. ?We’re all going to die…“

  Asuka winked and gave him the finger.

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