Progress! I spent most of today marching back and forth to the HQ J6 for tech help (5 times... in 46C heat), so little was written... but some was!
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"So, what do you think?"
Rei considered for a moment, then looked around her living room. "I believe my apartment should be adequate, if we take some precautions and do not use my bedroom."
Shinji smiled. "Thanks, Rei. I... I really want to get this perfect for her. I don't think she's had a real, happy birthday in forever, and I... really want her to be happy. More than anything in the world."
Rei gave one of her tiny smiles and nodded. "I understand. I wish for her happiness as well. And I know that making her happy makes you happy." Rei's face clouded slightly. "So I will do something that I do not like, because you both being happy is more important than my irritation with him."
Shinji blinked, confused. "'Him'? 'Him' who?"
"I know another who can help with this," Rei said with a small frown.
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His grin was very annoying, Rei decided.
"Of course! I would be delighted to help a fellow Pilot and musician. I did want to see them play, after all."