The following is an IOC original based on material belonging to Gainax
The Instrument of Creation presents:
Blue Bird's Ballad
I wonder what they're saying…Sounds like happiness; celebration of the sun under which they spread their wings and flutter from branch to branch, delighted by the breeze that musically moves the leaves…Perhaps they're singing along; a joyous song that sounds like happiness…
"Ayanami," Shinji called out to Rei, who was sitting in her desk, gazing out the window. "Class is over…"
Rei looked at Shinji, seeing his hands hanging carelessly at his sides; hands that would suffer to ensure she was okay, just like Gendo Ikari's.
"Would you like to…walk with me to NERV?" Shinji asked as the last of the other students left the classroom. "Ritsuko wants to run tests again, so…"
Rei merely started at Shinji.
What are you saying? It sounds like happiness; the tone—the pitch. Walk with you? Why would I want to walk with you? What do you want from me?
Feeling awkward because of Rei's prolonged silence, Shinji ran a hand through his hair while smiling nervously.
Rei's eyes widened slightly.
That smile…Is that what you want me to do; smile like before? Smile like I did when you rushed to my side, burning your hands to get there, just like your father…
The corners of Rei's mouth began to rise. Rei couldn't help but imagine feeling Shinji's hands; feeling a connection that was more than just risking her life for the sake of others—a physical connection…a connection that felt good.
"I know how to get to NERV Headquarters, Pilot Ikari," Rei said simply, but behind her blank stare she was imagining Shinji touching her face, her neck, her shoulders—her chest was warmed by a feeling that reminded her of Gendo.
"I—I knew that..." Shinji quietly stammered while turning his gaze to the floor. "It's just, I thought maybe...you'd like to walk with me."
Rei remained silent, watching Shinji absently open and close his hand; in her mind, that hand had found its way down her shoulders and tightly clasped onto her own—Rei's smiled widened slightly.
"That would be acceptable, Pilot Ikari," she said in a monotone as she stood up and grabbed her shoulder bag.
Shinji's face lit up like the sun that gave the birds outside a reason to celebrate. After nodding, he started towards the door, but stopped when he noticed that Rei wasn't following. Turning around with his hand clenched into a fist at his side, he merrily said, "Come on, Rei."
Moving faster than the breeze outside, Rei's shoes clicked musically along the floor as she hurried over, surprisingly clasping Shinji's hand upon arrival.
They exited the classroom together, but in Rei's mind, she walked all the way to NERV Headquarters hand in hand with Gendo Ikari.
Feels like happiness…