To listen is an effort, and just to hear is no merit. A duck hears also. —Igor Stravinsky

[labyrinthos]

Note: Continued from here with brokenparadox. Discussion of ducks, foods, and first loves. (Modern AU where Kaworu is human.)

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[brokenparadox]

[As much as Noel almost hates the response it's a fair one. He's been annoyed by Shinji, irritated at Shinji, lost all will to be particularly fond of even the name 'Shinji' but Noel was never as angry at him as he was the other night. It's a fair observation and even if it stings he can't help thinking its good that Kaworu brought it up.]

I was. Still am, to a point.

[He can't ever really stop, not anytime soon. Eventually the feelings will dissolve, eventually Noel Kreiss will not ever think of Shinji Ikari until it becomes necessary. But that'll be at least another month. Noel is calm but he doesn't forgive easily and his instincts never forget.]

No matter how upset I am I won't go out of my way to hurt him, Kaworu. That would do more damage to you than it ever could to him, and I won't be selfish like him, either.

[Refusing to understand other people's feelings, refusing to come out of his own emotions to be logical and mature - Noel can't stand people like that, he just can't. But he hasn't lost his own tranquility just because of a little flare up. Shinji isn't even worth that much, as far as he's concerned.

He holds him a little tighter for a few seconds, lets out a calming sigh.] Of course we'll live well together. I won't let anything get in the way.

[That was always the plan until Kaworu wanted to change it.]