Disclaimers:
Neon Genesis Evangelion and all related characters, concepts, etc., are property of ADVision and Gainax.
Ikari Family Tales
Chapter Two: The Day after Christmas
By dennisud
Ikari Family Tales
AN: These are the collection of the various one shots based on the story:
"Bonds of Survival-OVA" . If you reviewed these as one shots, you can skip it or review them if you want! I'll be adding more to this as inspiration strikes me.
This has NOT been pre-read so please keep this in mind.
Chapter one: The Visit
The winds was biting my exposed face as we made our quiet trek through the cemetery. Though it was June the weather still had some surprises and this a cold wind from the north made us all wear sweaters and coats.
Asuka was walking on my right side unusually quiet and starting straight ahead.
Rei on my other side was equally quiet but had to cradle her son, Taro in her arms wrapped in a think blanket. It took us only a few more minutes until we found the markers we had sought out.
There in front of us were the grave markers of my mother ... and my father.
We all stood there looking at them I thinking of all that had happened almost six years ago. Almost losing my friends, my family. I remember not really caring for anyone or anything then. I'm glad things turned out as they did ... though I still had a thought in the back of my mind. Did i really want my father dead now.
Not knowing the lives we led, nor of the family we have. I look at Rei who seems to be thinking her own thoughts as Taro sleeps in her arms.
May father wouldn't know Taro, heck he wouldn't have ever dreamt of him the way he had Rei ...
I push down a clear feeling of anger and betrayal. How could he have doe that to her. How could he have to do what he did with us? My hands clench in anger until two hands take them from either side of me as I look to see both my friends, my family looking at me with caring and understanding.
They don't say it in words but it was clear they seemed to understand what I was thinking, at least about who. I nod and squeeze back as we all turn to the markers again. I pull my hands fro theirs and bring them together slapping them 3 times and bowing.
He was my father and for that sole fact I pray. But then again i reflect that without him calling for me, I never would have met Rei, I never would have met Asuka, or Touji, Hikari, Kensuke, Misato, Kaji, and the rest.
"Thanks father, for your part in my birth, and thanks for giving me the opportunity to meet the three people I care for the most." They both seemed to know who the third one is and nod." Though that is all I can thank you for ... that is enough to forgive, but never forget your transgressions father."
I sighed deeply and turned to both of them in turn, kissing each and hugging them both. I turn again to the black obelisk that marked my father's grave. "I have finally found my peace now," I take their hands in mine," I hope you have found yours." I bow to his and my mother's grave. Goodbye father, see you next year."
I step back Rei and Asuka doing the same, and in sync we turn and head back to the cemetery's parking lot. As we walk Taro awakens and squirms in Rei's arms. She tries to calm him but he seems to be getting more fussy.
"Here Rei, let me take him, I'll see if his Auntie Asuka can keep him happy with his favorite song." Rei nods and Asuka gently takes Taro from her grasp and sings quietly to him one of her German lullabies, making faces as we make our way to the car. I caution Asuka to be careful walking as she is now four months pregnant with our child. She nods never stopping her singing as Taro gurgles in contentment.
I help them into the car, and turn once more to where my parents grave site is.
'I hope you are both happy, I know I am. Thanks.'
Within a few minutes we make our way back home another Father's day visit complete. I take Asuka hand not just to let her know I care for her, but to let her know we will always be there for her. Rei pats her on her shoulder. "A-chan, we will be there when your father arrives." I say as she simply nods as she continues to sing to the baby in the back who's giggles now can be heard. I look through the rearview mirror as I see Rei smiling at Taro then she looks up and nods the smile never waivers.
Father's day can be good for some and bad for others. I see it as a way to clear the sad thoughts and remember that we can do with our lives what we wants without forgetting where we came from.
Then in unison Rei and Asuka say "Happy fathers day, Shinji-Kun."
I nod as I realize, I'm a father now.
AN: I always put out a one-shot to commemorate the day as I was far more lucky to have a good and caring father as many of those characters I write about didn't. I want to give them their chance to say thanks in their own way. dennisud