Standard Disclaimer

Man pool is closing soon and that makes me a sad panda. Oh well, moving along with this story is nice again. Was a lil sick, got over it a buddy of mine moved out of town which sucked. But on the whole life is plodding along normally

X-X

With Nothing Else

Chapter – 3

Sitting across the breakfast table from Misato, Shinji tried to hold back the little grin that threatened to break through. "She shouldn't take that much longer, Misato-san. I've told her that you'll need to get in there before you leave," Shinji buttered a piece of toast and put it on Rei's plate. The week of living with the albino had been strange in both good and bad ways. Shinji found it ironic how Misato took to the new border. Rei was, to say the least, quite the little pig when it came to cleanliness. Clothing was just dropped when not needed, towels pooled and dripping after use, and plates were left to draw flies. Just as Misato had been when Shinji wasn't around to clean up after her.

"You'd think the girl was part mermaid or something with how long she stays in the bath," Misato kicked her feet agitatedly. Sipping her beer, the woman kept casting balefully glares at the shut door. Blowing some of her hair out of her face, "Well today is the last day of this though. Got the manager to move up the cleanup schedule on her apartment. Your girlfriend is going to be moving in tomorrow." She picked at her food and continued her vigil over the bathroom.

Taking a moment to set a plate of fish down for Pen-Pen, the bird warked in appreciation, Shinji didn't need to wonder how Misato did it. "Guess I'll help her move into it then. Not like she has a lot to move," Shinji shrugged. Rei had even less than he did it seemed, so maybe an hour max would see her tiny roomful of belongings moved down. Feeling his bladder start to make itself known, Shinji shifted to alleviate the burden. "Wasn't it supposed to take a month for him to get Rei-san's apartment ready?" Shinji raised an eyebrow at Misato. Misato was quite spoiled and selfish, Shinji noticed since Rei moved in. The older woman likely went to talk to Tenkawa-san, the apartment manager, in her morning clothing to ask for 'a little help'.

Clad in her standard morning clothing, a thin and nearly bursting green tank top and shorts closer to a belt, Misato wiggled on her chair. Not making eye contact with the boy that correctly pegged her actions, "Well I asked him about making it priority. An additional rent per month was better than fixing the water heater for unused units." Misato wasn't fooling anybody. Falling forward, her chair slamming against the ground, the woman's face split open in a divine smile. "Oh I almost forgot! I got the day off tomorrow and I got some tickets to a new onsen from Aoba-kun last week. Feel up for a little trip after you two finish your big task? It will be Sunday after all," Misato winked at the lad.

An onsen with Rei…Shinji was a little unsure. "I don't know what that would really do, Misato-san. I mean those places are segregated aren't they?" Shinji hoped Rei would honor that. His new girlfriend had taken to the role faster than he ever thought possible. Rei was moving fast, a lot faster than Shinji was really comfortable with. But she seemed so happy, so eager, so he allowed her anything she wanted. Even if it had him uncomfortable. When Misato wasn't around, Rei was always there…touching or sitting right alongside of him. A small kiss the second day of their relationship had been, delightful. But just five days later, the previous night, well…Shinji was worried.

"Oh you worried about seeing your lovely Misato-san in naught but her skin? You sinner. Or are you worried somebody might try and steal your little albino beauty away," Misato hoisted her bust a little. Leaning across the table, she lashed out and slapped her palm on the top of Shinji's head and jostled it. "We'll be in swimsuits you little perv, so you and your little girlfriend won't be sharing any skinship," she smiled wildly at the boy as she played with him.

Stepping out of the bathroom, veiled in a shroud of fog like a goddess's descent, Rei stepped into the room with her towel around her shoulders. The room, moments later filled with the combined laughter of both Misato and Shinji, went fully silent save for Pen-Pen's eating. Walking past the two, her feet leaving wet splotches on the ground as she stopped to nod at Shinji, she only said, "Forgot my clothing in my room."

Slowly easing herself back into her chair, Misato gripped the bridge of her nose, she hissed out through clenched teeth. "That girl is going to be the death of me if she keeps that up. How she can be so casual about…about…Look Shin-chan I hope you're not taking advantage of her little social ignorance And I didn't need to know she needs to shave down there," Misato chugged her beer and tossed the can into the garbage. Sliding out of from under the table, Misato adjusted her shifted clothing, "You two haven't…you know done anything inappropriate have you? Been giving you two a lot of free time alone, and I know you're a raging sex machine."

"Misato-san!" Shinji squealed out red-faced and indignantly, "Don't say things like that. You know that…that…" He didn't know what to say to defend himself so just cringed inwardly on himself. Yesterday they had come close, dangerously close to taking that step and Shinji wasn't sure how he felt about that. Wasn't it supposed to take longer, a month or so of solid dating before going THAT far? But Rei didn't seem to be the waiting type. Each day was a checklist of things to be evaluated and performed. And now, thanks to last night, Shinji knew just how Rei tasted down there. It was a mellow flavor, not good or bad, but befitting her. Sheepishly looking over at Misato as she headed to the bathroom, "Don't tease us like that. W-we're new at this stuff."

Taking her seat next to Shinji, her school uniform was slightly damp and transparent, Rei pressed her lips to his cheek before besetting her vegetarian lunch. "I concur, Katsuragi-san, that it is inappropriate for you to speak to Shinji-kun in such a manner. Our activities are of a personal nature and not the subject of conversation," Rei sampled her rice with closed eyes. She chewed slowly, and took a very showing swallow that Shinji recognized. When she had returned the favor, when he had shamefully erupted, she did the same thing. Licking her lips, Rei nodded, "You will be late if you dawdle, Katsuragi-san."

"Oh you know I only tease because I care is all. Don't need to get all defensive Rei-kun," Misato replied without the same level of mirth. She stood there for a moment, waffling between saying something else or retreating to the bathroom. "Just…" she stopped and left the two teens to their own devices.

The moment the door closed, Shinji felt Rei grasp his hand under the table. She didn't say anything, just held his hand and ate with one hand and rubbed the back of Shinji's hand with her thumb. With a good portion of the meal down, "It is true what Katsuragi-san said, you are very skilled, Shinji-kun. After she leaves, would you like to attempt such again?" Rei didn't sound embarrassed but her cheeks did color.

Sputtering into his tea, Shinji freed himself from Rei's casual touch to clean himself. She couldn't mean that, they'd only have about twenty minutes after Misato left before they had to. "I-I don't think that's a good idea, Rei-san. I mean…it took while and I'd h-hate to rush?" he gathered up the plates Misato and he used. While Rei had actually taken little effort to bring to climax, Shinji wasn't quite so brief. Was it his nerves and fears, or just his normal reaction Shinji didn't know, but it felt odd. Yes it felt good, but Rei's intensity was bothersome. She wasn't doing it because she thought it was expected, was she? "Oh did hear about Misato-san's little gift to us? Tickets to some bathhouse tomorrow. D-did you want to go?" she wasn't always keen on going out. Rei was more a 'stay at home' type of girl.

Delving into her meal now that Shinji was washing dishes, Rei shoveled the well prepared food down like a machine. Showing no care for social stigma, Rei spoke with her mouth full and spat out bits of salad and rice. "If you want to go, I will acquiesce. As for today I have a test with Akagi-san so I will not be present until later in the evening," she ran her arm against her mouth to clean herself. Taking Shinji's cup of tea she washed down her meal. Bringing her dishes over to him, she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him. Just pressing herself against him, she sighed contently.

Closing his eyes as he felt that warmth spread through him, Shinji continued to wash the dishes while Rei got her feel on. She was so touchy feely, not what Shinji expected. While he wasn't too keen on it, he just couldn't tell her no, so he let her do what she wanted. The more time they spent together, the more his feelings grew, so he wanted her happy! If it inconvenienced him a little, well so be it. "Well if you don't want to go, we can just tell Misato-san no. I don't want you do something you don't…don't like," would she tell him though? That's what worried Shinji most, that Rei was just going along with everything. They were so inexperienced in this, were they doing things right? Was there a right?

Resting her chin on his shoulder, Rei shook her head. "We have no other plans, it is acceptable," Rei's soft voice cooed out. If nothing else, Rei was exceptionally easy to please. Everything just made her happy it seemed. How empty had her life had been before this odd little relationship started? Her hands started to stray a little bit south, her face started to nuzzle against Shinji's as her breathing sharpened. "You smell good," she admitted.

Nearly dropping a plate, Shinji lurched in Rei's hold. Quickly drying his hands, he stopped Rei from going any further. Holding her hands, he spun around to find her scant inches from him. She was always so close when they were alone…it unnerved Shinji again. "J-just the shampoo, Misato-san got me as a joke gift," Shinji relaxed a little. It had been a tease again, Misato getting him a fancy men's toiletries set, but with nothing else he used it all the same. When Rei refused to move, he started to wonder if he was supposed to do something, was she waiting for him to act? "I think I heard the shower shut off, she'll be getting out soon," he hoped she took the hint. It wouldn't do to give Misato teasing fuel.

"When will I be moved to the other apartment? Will you m-move with me?" Rei asked with quite the unexpected hitch in her voice. She didn't move away, but her hands did fall to her side. Her head tilted from side to side, and she bounced on the balls of her feet. "And the water shut off several minutes ago, she will be out after she is done eavesdropping," she cast a quick glance at the door.

Stumbling back and bouncing against the sink, the sharp pain in his back was quickly forgotten about as he saw the door opening. "She's spying on us?" Shinji said incredulously. How long had Rei known Misato was listening and yet she continued to act as she was? Damn she was a different type of girl, but he found that charming about her. Her odd behaviors and personality was fetching, she was just as odd as he was when it came to this thing. Seeing the damp haired captain walking out with a sheepish look on her face, "Misato-san! Why were you…?"

"Busted," Misato chuckled as she buttoned up her uniform. It was her dress fatigues, something big was happening at Nerv today. Opening the fridge and pulling out Ritsuko and her own lunch, she winked at the pair. Without sounding the least bit sincere, "Sorry about that, Shin-chan. I wanted to know what you two do when you're alone. Can't blame a woman for feeling a little jealous of such a…loving couple." She gestured at how close Rei was to him as she spoke. Swinging the cloth bundles over her shoulder, "Do I get my kiss goodbye or am I cut off now due to you being an owned man?"

Moving between Misato and Shinji defensively, Rei showed her territorial nature again. It had arose the day after she started living with the pair, Rei point blank told Misato that Shinji and her were dating. No mincing words, no coyness, just the statement of facts and how Rei wasn't going to let Misato tease Shinji to hard. It wasn't appropriate to touch, Rei wouldn't allow it. "Your comment is ill appropriate according to the magazine I have read. I repeat that Shinji-kun and I are the only ones allowed to do such," she took a large step forward, defiantly.

"Misato-san is just teasing, Rei-san. She says stuff like that from time to time just to mess with me. She doesn't mean it," Shinji was quick to defuse the situation. During the course of the week there had been two altercations between Rei and Misato over preserved slights. Knowing how to calm Rei quickly, Shinji put a hand on her shoulder and they relaxed instantly. "Tell Akagi-san hi for me, Misato-san. I haven't seen her yesterday during my tests," Shinji wanted the conversation to shift. Why Rei was so quick to attack Misato's jokes, he didn't know. But Misato had that irritated twitch in her eye again, not good.

Scowling, Misato just waved her hands dismissively as she headed towards the door. "Whatever, I won't get into an argument over it. And to answer your question about when you're moving, Rei-kun. You're moving tomorrow and Shinji-kun is staying here. Not appropriate for a girl and boy your ages to live together alone without supervision," Misato was quick to throw the word appropriate back at the albino. Standing in the doorframe leading out, Misato's chest puffed out angrily. "I might be a little late coming back myself, Shinji-kun. We're finalizing the transfer with Nerv-Germany. Next week is our date to go get her. And sadly, Rei-kun, you'll have to stay behind for additional Unit-00 recovery tests," Misato smugly grinned before shutting the door.

"I'm moving out tomorrow…but it was to take longer," Rei said staring at the closed door. She took several steps towards it and stopped to look back at Shinji. "Did I cause this change in schedule, did I upset her?" Rei appeared confused.

Oh how he wished he knew how to handle this type of thing better. Shinji knew Misato had rushed things to get the apartment back to her liking. Misato wanted to be queen of the apartment, and Rei's influence stole her thunder and changed things. "You're only moving downstairs, Rei-chan," he wasn't comfortable saying that when others were around. "Not like you can't visit whenever you want, we'll get a key made for you," Misato wouldn't be upset, well he thought anyway. When Rei moved again, she was right in front of him, "R-Rei-chan is something wro…mmphf."

Whatever issues Rei had, she didn't voice them. Hearing her name spoken so affectionately flipped a switch in her mind, and she acted on it. Clumsily wrapping her arms around Shinji again, she embraced him with all the passion and skill of a teenage shut-in. They had a few minutes before they had to leave, so Shinji just let go and caved in to Rei's whims. She hardly asked for anything, nothing really, so it wasn't that big of deal. So what if they were moving fast, him a little uncomfortable, it's the thought that counted! They'd work out their problems, and things would get better.

X-X

Holding one of Kensuke's fake guns, Touji pretended to take shots at yakuza that only he could see. Despite being a toy, he had to admit the thing had some heft to it and felt real enough. Why Kensuke wasted money on things like that though, Touji didn't really want to think about. Setting it back down amid the other air soft guns Kensuke heavily modified, Touji fell into one of the leather chairs in the Aida living room. "Man are you guys ever going to be done so I can have my turn?" he whined at Shinji and Kensuke's match.

"You took your time when it was your go, now you have to sit and watch us. Bet we can run out the timer," Kensuke snickered and nodded at Shinji. Leaning into Shinji, bouncing shoulders with the fellow gamer, the geek made a point of just jumping around the screen and doing nothing. Let out a cry as Shinji took advantage of his playing around, "Damn it, ya got me fucker. The illustrious Shinji Ayanami hasn't been defanged yet."

With the player two victory screen going, Shinji set the controller down, clearly done playing despite his victory. "What are you talking about, we've only been dating for a week. S-stop making things sound like we're married already," Shinji climbed over to the couch and bumped off the coffee table. Grabbing his glass of water, Shinji still had a slim smile on his face, but from what only he knew. Drumming his fingers against the couch, "It's nice though…being with her."

Taking the remote and flipping the station away from the game, Touji could read between the lines. Their Saturday bonding session was shifting from games for awhile, just like he wanted. It was time to pump Shinji for information about being the first of them in a 'serious' relationship. "So due tell us how you de-thawed the ice queen? Girl was sticking to you like a second skin all week. Still has that creepy blank expression, but man if she didn't show she owned you," Touji favored one of Kensuke's dad's beers. If he only drank one or two Ken wouldn't get upset.

Flipping through a binder of DVD's, Kensuke chuckled a little. "Yeah man, no offense but I doubted you'd be here today. Hell if Ayanami didn't have to go to Nerv she'd either be here or you wouldn't. Girl owns you without saying a word," he found what he was looking for and pulled out two disks. Holding them both out, one a tasteless image of two nude women holding on other, the other a bloody mask, "So horror with sex or just sex?"

Not feeling like getting his libido up, Touji pointed at the horror movie. "Rather hit up Shinji about the great female hunt than watch what he's doing with Ayanami," he teased. Shinji wasn't the type to fuck that fast into a relationship, so either they hadn't done much or Rei was a freak. Kicking his feet up on the table, a good buzz going, Touji was enjoying the day so far. The other jocks were alright on occasion, but they were way too competitive for Touji's liking. But hopefully Shinji and Rei were just on the 'just started dating' high, or it'd be really annoying real fast. Rei really did force her way into Shinji's life like a wart.

His smile dimming a little, Shinji wasn't liking either option but chose the obvious non-porn one. Touji often joked that Shinji never watched the stuff unless they forced him too during the hang outs. "Not much to tell really. We just like being around one another. We play music together, she's really good with her violin. Misato-san has a lot of movies to watch. Or we just sit and talk, see what we have in common," Shinji's tell was blinding at that point.

Sharing a brief glance at Kensuke to see if he noticed, Touji was relieved to see his long time compatriot hadn't gotten soft. Shinji, whenever he knew more than he wanted to tell, would fidget like mad and tug on his ear. And low and behold Shinji was yanking on his left lobe like it was trying to escape! "Oh you can't play us for saps man. That girl was literally sitting in your lap over lunch yesterday. You don't go from hand holding to letting her sit on your crotch without her knowing the terrain," maybe Rei was a bit odd, they said it was always the quiet ones and who was quieter than her?

Starting the movie on the large screen television with surround sound, Kensuke found the unoccupied seat on the couch and fell into it. Kensuke's dad had money in spades it seemed, or had an allergic reaction to saving it. "He's got a point, Shin-man. I've been watching Ayanami since she started going to school with us," he quickly waved his hands defensively when Shinji's face paled. "Not on the make for her, I like people watching so calm down. Just she never showed interest in ANYBODY until you and her got hooked up. It's funny to watch really," he skipped through the previews.

"Don't scare me like that. I know that Rei-san can be a little odd at times. But you just have to get to know her. She's actually really expressive once you know what to look for," Shinji said a bit defensively. Finding both boys eagerly watching him with rapt anticipation, Shinji stalled with a long drink of his water. Almost trying to faze into the couch, "What do you want to know…but nothing to personal a-alright?" He always caved in when they badgered him long enough.

Knowing not to push to hard or he'd leave, Touji started watching the movie. It was a new one, an American import, but the dub wasn't that bad. "Oh stop acting like we're pulling teeth. You KNOW you want to tell us a little something. It's written all over your face," Touji flinched his head jokingly. Lord knows Touji would be all about bragging if he was getting some from a girl. But what girl…well Misato would be the best ever, but that wasn't very likely. Girls in class…well that bitch toying with Kensuke would be good to knock her perfect ass down a peg. Actual girlfriend though, he did always have a soft spot for the class rep. Sipping the beer more, still tasted like foul swill, "So spill dem beans Ikari! How far HAVE you gotten with her? What base?"

Having had the bases explained to him in graphic detail in a previous day of teenage boy revelry, Shinji had no excuses. Paling as the movie proved to have quite the high budget for practical effects, Shinji squirmed more. "D-do I have to tell? You won't tell anybody else will you?" he sounded afraid, but of what was to vague to guess. They all held their hands over Shinji's in the solemn vow of the teenager. He held up three fingers, "L-last night…she just…do you think its going to fast?"

Throwing his hands up in triumph, Kensuke let out a loud victory cheer of solidarity. "Our man Shinji hit a triple after only a week! Holy hell I thought you two would be all hand holding and cuddles on the couch or other boring shit. And to think she's the one instigating everything. Girl is defiantly not what I was expecting," Kensuke sounded just a little to happy. "Now if you can only get Chidori to believe you when you say you didn't turn down Tachibana you're on easy street!" he leaned forward watching the movie in earnest.

Having his good mood soured by hearing about the abusive bitch, Touji found he could pound a beer if given good enough reason. Finding Shinji's question actually quite profound, Touji let his drunken mind pour over it for a moment. "If- If ya not ready ya not ready, Shin-man. Don't do shit you don't want to, even if ya think ya should," he slurred as he wiggled in his seat. Shinji was far to accommodating, both Touji and Kensuke knew that, the type it's real easy to have be taken advantage of. Hell they were doing it now for information! Letting out a gut buster belch, "If Ayanami pushing you to fast or some shit, fuck her! Wait…no DON'T fuck her…I mean…ah shit."

"What our drunk on two cans of beer jock is trying to say is, go at YOUR pace. It's a couple right, not one catering the other. We hear the bullshit all the time from the girls on television, right?" Kensuke took the empty can from Touji's armrest. Twisting the can until it was crushed, he tossed it into a nearby garbage can. "But, not to bring things down, do you think you can talk with Chidori again, Shinji? She was over here last week and got into a big argument with Tachibana over the phone. I don't get it, but she's pissed at something between the two of you," Kensuke paused the video and pointed. "Look at that! Head came right off, guns don't really do that!" he spoke in criticism of the movie.

Nodding to their logic, Shinji actually brightened up and joined them in kicking his feet up on the coffee table. "You're right. I'll just tell her we need to slow down a bit. Bet she's reading magazines or over heard somebody and thinks it's what we're supposed to do. She's impressionable like that. You should see what happens when Misato-san tries to tease her. OH!" Shinji nearly jumped in his seat, "We're going to meet a fleet in little over a week. Misato-san said I could bring you two along if you want to come."

The remote falling from his hand, Kensuke's whole body vibrated with a sudden zeal. "We can go meet the fleet brining Unit-02 over? I over heard my dad talking about that, man you're the best Shinji! I never thought I'd see something like that," he practically bounced in his seat.

"A date with Misato-san? Nothing would get me to say no to that!" Touji thrust his fist into the air. Maybe he had a shot with her after all, girls liked younger men right? It was all over the news, teachers and students hooking up and causing a scandal. Imagining Misato and him in an office at Nerv, Touji felt his pants tighten. Shifting his weight to mask his little bout of confidence, "I'll have to tell Mari about this! You two should come with me. Shin-man she's asking about you." Now that Shinji had a girlfriend, Touji wasn't to worried. A twelve year old girl with hero worship was a dangerous thing, not that he suspected Shinji would take advantage.

Scratching the side of his cheek, Shinji suddenly found the movie very interesting. "I don't know if it's a date, and I don't think it's a good idea for me to do that. I mean…" Shinji just shrugged with no words to find. Setting the glass down, it was empty now and offered no manner of delaying anything. Finding an out to Touji's request, "As for your friend, Kensuke, I'll talk to her at school I guess. Would it help if I had Rei-san with me to prove I wasn't lying to her?"

"Already using your girl as a shield?" Touji barked out. What was Shinji so afraid of? Yeah he had been wrong to blame him for Mari getting hurt, Shinji didn't still believe he was at fault did he? Mari had a valid point when she yelled him out, they'd have both died if Shinji hadn't actually saved them! "Just go tell that bitch to mind her own business! I have to watch her treat Ken like her own personal butler, I won't stand to see her cause issues for you too!" Touji yelled. His emotions were running wild with him, drinking always made him more aggressive. Damn chick with her big rack and cute face, bitches like that just used men looking for the bigger better deal!

It was Kensuke's turn to turn red, but not in embarrassment. "Touji-man, stop talking bad about Chidori. She's not the bitch you think she is, and she's not using me. I keep telling you that we've been friends longer than you and I have been friends! She's just opinionated is all, you know the type," Kensuke took an oddly standoffish posture. Crossing his arms, the smaller boy's face scrunched tight in frustration. "And no, Shinji, don't bring Ayanami with you. She said something odd about her, I don't buy it, but it'd be best if you talk to her alone," he polished off his soda with a flourish.

Always defending that cunt, Touji wasn't falling for it though. "Whatever man, lets just watch the movie before I have to head home. Going to go see Mari tomorrow morning and then I have a study group to make up for my failed test scores," Touji hated school! All because he didn't know history he had to lose his one full day off that week. "So what about it Shinji, want to go with me tomorrow? I'd ask you Ken, but I bet your best buddy needs her shoes spit shined!" how couldn't Ken see how she was using him!

Cutting in before Kensuke could retort, and the angry look on his face was quite telling, Shinji waved his hands. "I'd go tomorrow, but Misato-san got some tickets to an onsen. Misato-san, Rei-san, myself, and I bet one of her work friends are going to that. Next time though, I'll go next time I promise. Alright?" he looked pleadingly at Kensuke. Desperate to avoid a fight, the timid boy singled out the one most likely to respond to logic at the moment.

"Whatever, lets just watch the movie," Kensuke deflated under Shinji's mental assault. The geek sulked for the remainder of the movie saying little that wasn't related to the gore-fest on the screen. Once the credits started playing, he wasn't looking so angry anymore and popped his back. "So who wants to order some food and keep this going? Getting later, but Shinji and I don't have shit to worry about tomorrow. You don't sleep worth a damn anyway," Kensuke couldn't help himself.

Checking his watch though, Shinji let out a groan and got up. "Misato-san and Rei-san will be home soon and wanting food. We might start moving Rei-san into her own place tonight too. So I'll have to take off now," he was already heading for the door.

Following on unsteady legs, Touji wobbled as his head failed to keep up with his body. "You're just off to get yourself a piece of the Ayanami pie aren't you…not that I blame ya. Chick is odd, but she's got a body on her…fuck I'd nail her if you wasn't dating her and she was offering," his mind was screaming at him. Why had he said that damn it! He didn't really mean it…sure she was cute but Touji wanted his first time to be with a real hottie not some lifeless husk like Rei. "S-sorry man…didn't…think I'm going to be sick," and he was, luckily he found one of the garbage cans and didn't make to much a mess.

"We know Touji…we know," but Shinji didn't look like he agreed with what he said. The damage was done, and the smaller boy left with a queer glint in his eye, one that was ill placed on his face. Touji ended up sleeping at Kensuke's, having another two beers and watching the other movie Ken had pulled out. Good night, but the hangover the next morning sucked hard.

X-X

Waking a good two minutes before he alarm went off, Makoto glared at the red digits that illuminated his bedroom. God he hated mornings, but he had to get moving or he'd be late for work. Sitting up and turning off the alarm before the blasted thing had the chance to blare its annoying sounds, he rolled his feet off his futon. Another morning shift, well at least that meant he had his Sunday afternoon off. Not like he had any plans for it, he wasn't really a plan type. Scratching his bare chest, he shuffled about his moderately sized apartment in a daze.

"Maybe Katsuragi-san will be working today," he yawned as he headed to his refrigerator. While he was quite enamored with the woman, Makoto wasn't an idiot. Fixing himself some bread and coffee, he'd get something for lunch. Not really a breakfast person, he just put enough in his stomach to keep his stomach from hurting. Eying his uniform, hanging on the chair across from his with disdain. "Why couldn't I have gone into something more interesting," he yawned as he watched the coffee pot filling.

He joined Nerv because of the threats the angels presented and sense of danger. Girls were impressed by that, and he wouldn't lie to himself he had little going for him. Moderately attractive, had an easy going attitude, and his strength was in his mind. All good things for getting and keeping a job, not so much for other things in life. "God I'm lonely," he slathered his bread with jam and at it while checking his mail. Nothing of any real interest, some DVD's coming he'd pick up soon and a PC game. Truly he was living life to the fullest, a truer bachelor their hadn't been.

Being the type of guy that showered at night rather than the morning, he had nothing else to do after his meager breakfast. Drinking his coffee as he donned his uniform and saw his latest victory at the grocery store. While he did occasionally buy a set of tickets to hopefully entice Katsuragi out for an evening, he generally won them like he said. Going to the small mom and pop shops helped since they had less competition. "Not that it'll ever do me any good. Women like that just don't…" he didn't want to go there. Thinking of how he kept striking out with the ladies just made him depressed.

Fixing his hair in the bathroom, he eyed the contact case and his glasses. Was it worth it to try the contacts again? They hurt like hell to wear, but maybe they'd help him stand out more. Putting his thick framed glasses on instead, "More likely nobody would recognize me anymore." He snickered at that, imagining various scenarios. He'd try talking to Maya and she'd not realize it was him, he'd say something cool or dashing and leave her flustered. Maybe he'd fix a system really good and Akagi might actually smile for a change. And Misato…would expect him to go get her coffee.

"Yeah I'm pathetic, but at least maybe we're friends," Makoto gave a shrug and found the couch inviting. Flipping on the news, boring stories of cats and weather that looked perfect for not working. Paying it head service, he finished his coffee and checked his watch. Yeah it was time to go get his train or he'd have to pay for a taxi, not what he wanted to do today. Dropping his wallet and phone into his pockets, he headed off to work. Finding his seat taken by the old woman that occasionally rode the rails, he used one of the hand holds at the other side. No reason to make her uncomfortable. Literally hanging on the cloth loop, "Wonder what they think of me. Bet I'm a pet or a tool. Just like college."

It didn't take a genius to see how the ladies treated him at work, but he just didn't know what else to do. Nice guys finished last, but he couldn't be somebody he wasn't. So he'd get coffee, run for snacks, and just try to get even a little in there good graces. Fantasies aside, he wasn't that upset with his life. If Misato ever did come to see him as a man and not a way of getting out of work it'd be awesome. Scanning his cardkey at the gate, Makoto found his chair empty and sat down listlessly. "I don't know, maybe I should lower my standards," Misato was top tier and he wasn't.

"I keep telling you that, but you never listen," Shigeru gave his buddy a slight slap on the back. Already up and running, Shigeru was waiting on calibrations. Scanning the deck for superiors, Akagi was talking with a tech on the far side of the room. Tapping his nose, "I could introduce you to some of Haruhi's friends. Not the top lookers, unemployed right now, but at least it beats your hand."

One of the few friends from college that stayed in his life, Makoto was well used to Shigeru's ribbing. His girlfriend's friends were quite literally dregs on society that were living in her apartment. They wanted them out so kept trying to pawn one of them off on him. Well he didn't just want a body, Makoto wasn't that shallow. "Well once they get a job and stop living in the room YOU want, then we'll talk. Until then I'll keep slavishly working to get Katsuragi-san to remember my name," he puffed his chest out in mock pride. Did she even know his first name? He was pretty sure she did, and it was just his self-esteem issues making him doubt it.

"Hyuga-kun, how are the calibrations for Unit-02's loading dock going? It'll be here before we know it, and if it's not ready the commander will have our head," Ritsuko announced her arrival. A clipboard in her hand, the woman had a bored and listless air about her. A blue turtleneck glared out from underneath her lab coat was quite striking. Looking up from her task list for the day, "Oh Aoba-kun did you get those harmonics on Unit-00 finished?"

Scooting his chair back to his station, the long haired man sheepishly pointed at his monitor. "Just got it in twenty minutes ago. Going to take a lot longer to fix the armor than expected and get it going. We had to completely scrap the first layer after all," he tried to will himself invisible.

Actually having good news, Makoto jumped in to protect his buddy from harm. "The loading bay for Unit-02 is already finished though, Akagi-san. So those extra technicians can go help with the repairs on Unit-00," he said just a little louder to get Ritsuko's attention. Not trying to steal a look at her curves, Makoto was unfortunately in the perfect position to gaze up at her. Now if that woman stopped being so cold and distant she'd be something of interest. But she was just too smart for him, Ritsuko intimidated the life out of Makoto. What Misato and she talked about, Makoto didn't know for the life of him. Totally opposite personalities. Before she had a chance to go back to Shigeru, "Was there anything else Akagi-san. Best to get a good start on the day."

"Oh yeah, I guess that's it for now. Have Ayanami's tests ran through the Magi and schedule another test for Ikari-kun with a follow up physical," she let her clipboard slide down. For a rarity a frown graced her normally featureless lips. Softly adding as an afterthought, "Hope it's just a fluke, but I'm doubting it."

Having spent little time with the pilots, Makoto had a small fixation on them. "Something wrong with the Third Child?" he hoped not, world did depend on those kids. Now that had to be a hard life, and a reason why Makoto tried not to complain too much. While he had to sit and run programs and watch monitors, those two kids had to go out and risk their lives. Everybody heard the blood curdling scream Shinji made during the last angel when he nearly died. Trying to spy her little cheat sheet, Makoto cursed himself for not being able to read upside down. Caught spying, "Heard a rumor the pilots are seeing each other. Well…heard that the First is pregnant actually. She's not is she?"

"Now that would be a PR nightmare! Just imagine how the public would react to having one of the two viable pilots knocked up," Shigeru scoffed as he worked.

Clutching the medical report to her chest, Ritsuko scowled at the would be spy. "Nothing is wrong per say, just a little bothersome. Looks like the LCL might be making him sterile while exposed to it. Nothing permanent I'm betting, so no. No pregnant First Child. As for the dating bit…" Ritsuko shrugged.

"It's cute actually," Maya called out from her own station, "according to Katsuragi-san, Ayanami seems quite fixated on Ikari-kun." Handing Ritsuko a cup of unknown fluid, the mousy tech was standing quite close to the taller woman. Clearing her throat to get Ritsuko to look at her, "You better hurry Sempai or you'll miss the little date."

Checking her watch, Ritsuko threw her head back and showed off her elegant neck and her exposed hair roots. "Oh damn, Misato and her stupid fixation. I swear she's worried over nothing. Just because she doesn't have her little butler at home to herself anymore, she's worried about this. But a trip to an onsen would be a relief," Ritsuko handed her papers over to Maya. "Finish the list and call if you need anything. I'm doubting this little event takes that long," she waved and walked off.

Once Ritsuko was out of sight, "What was that about, Maya?" Makoto felt comfortable around the woman. He wasn't attracted to Maya, not that he thought she was ugly. Maya just wasn't Makoto's type, and since there was no sexual tension could just be himself with her. Over hearing his last victory at where he shopped for meat, "So is Katsuragi-san actually using those tickets after all? Been so long I thought she forgot about them." An image of Misato in a bikini flashed in his mind and he quickly had to lean forward.

"Yeah, Katsuragi brought it up yesterday. She's a little worried about the whole pilots dating thing it seems. So she wants Sempai to watch over them a little to see what she thinks," Maya got into a seat and started working herself. Stretching her hands over her head, the girl looked just a little too much like a boy to not get a snicker out of her co-workers. Scowling at the two friends of hers, "So what are you two doing after work? Going to hit the singles bars again Makoto?"

Laughing humorlessly, Makoto rolled his eyes and bunched his shoulders tightly. "Don't see you going out with anybody Maya so don't you be giving me any shit. Hell with how you're acting around Akagi-san, people are starting to talk," Makoto gnashed his teeth at the woman. Did he think she was a lesbian, he didn't know let alone care. Maya was a friend and that's as far as it went, so whatever made her happy made him happy. He just hoped at times she wouldn't get between Katsuragi and him…wasn't like he was dangerous or anything.

"God you two go on like an old married couple! If I didn't know Makoto was holding out for Katsuragi-san. A dream that sadly will never be fulfilled, I'd swear you two were going off to get coffee for your respective sempai's as cover for your romps in the supply closets," Shigeru shot a rubber band at Makoto. It missed the target and flew over Maya's head without threat.

Red faced and flustered, Makoto quickly waved his hands about manically. "Don't say that out loud! What if somebody heard you? Katsuragi-san would…would…likely have me shifted off command staff," he sulked. That's how it always worked in the past. Girl finds out he like her, and he never saw her again or got the 'let's be friends' speech. And even if nothing came from his little crush for Katsuragi, at least he got to look at her. Woman could be in magazines, and her mind was sharp as a bloody tack! It amazed him how she could go from flighty party girl to hard lined tactical genius. Smart was damn sexy. But only to a point…the Ritsuko level was to much.

"Wouldn't want her to know what everybody already knows, right Shigeru," Maya joined in on the bash Makoto party. Wheeling her chair over to him though, Maya wrapped a supportive arm around him, giving him a shake she laughed but not condescendingly. After a soft knuckle to the cheek, "We all know, Makoto, even Katsuragi-san does. Sorry, but she's just not interested in you like that. I don't think she's actually even interested in date. If what Akagi-sempai says is true, Katsuragi isn't interested in dating at all right now."

Damn Maya was a little bundle of heat as she leaned against him, but Makoto didn't mentally register it. "Well I'd be lying if I thought she was actually interested. But hey, maybe we can be friends. I'm used to the friend-zone after all. Think I'm just going to go home and watch a movie after work today, personally," he gently shrugged Maya off. Going about his job, he was glad that the others stopped trying to talk to him. The fight was out of him. He truly didn't expect much, anything, from his fixation on Misato. But to have to spelled out so plainly that he'd been wasting his time…being a geek sucked.

X-X

Holding her bag with both hands, Ritsuko kept her eyes on the other commuters on the train. She wasn't the trusting type especially with her swim suit. Swimming was one of the few things in life that gave Ritsuko true pleasure, and about her only source of exercise. But while she watched buildings pass, her mind was on the endless reports she had left behind. Sync tests, maintenance reports, and all those secret reports to the commander were just sitting there waiting for her to come back. Though on occasion it was necessary to get out or she'd go stir crazy. A trip to an indoor onsen though to spy on Shinji and Rei though, Misato was being over protective again.

"She's just upset he's not at her beck and call like he used to," Ritsuko slid her bag to her side and draped her arm over it. Checking her watch, damn she'd be a few minutes late and if Misato wasn't there would be hell to pay. Misato, god that woman was just a Ping-Pong ball of emotions lately, was funny to watch. When this whole dating thing came up, Misato was all for it. Now that the two teens were actually doing it though, Misato was all worried. Standing up as her stop was coming up, "She's just worried she'll have to do more work around the apartment I bet."

Getting out at the station, the tired and abused doctor fought her way out onto the platform amid the late morning rush. She had brought her suit with her from home so she didn't get the chance to grab a bite to eat. Maybe after this farce was over she'd go out to grab something, maybe even get Misato to go along with her. That would be the best time to admit to the little bit of news about Shinji's condition. No reason to scare the kid before it was conclusive, but Misato had to know due to her position in the hierarchy.

"She'll flip her top I bet, until she realizes no fears for an Ayanami," not that Rei had any concerns. Misato didn't need to know that though, wouldn't do well with Misato's personality. Ritsuko didn't want to think what Misato would do with even half of the black project details. Shouldering her bag again, it had been slipping, she shuddered at the idea. Misato would flip out, have a breakdown, and worse have to be dealt with. "He isn't the type to take betrayal lightly," Ritsuko knew Gendo to well now. At least her bruises were fading a little by now.

Planning her likely return to the base after the lunch, Ritsuko let the buildings drift by as she walked. Their last session had been half a week ago, and he had been his normal rough self. But he had called HER that time, not her begging for him to accept her, a win in her book. Could she do without the biting, yes, but at least it knocked her itch down a ways. Not seeing Misato and her little troupe, she let out a sigh of relief. It did nobody any good when Misato thought she had been slighted. Leaning closer to the glass door, damn she was getting a wrinkle under her eye from all the stress, she pulled at her eyelid with disdain.

"Oh! Akagi-san, you weren't waiting for us long were you?" Shinji asked as they approached the distracted woman. He looked out of place in casual clothing and holding a bag that no doubt held both Misato and Rei's changes of dress. His arm was linked at the elbow with Rei's who had her head slightly tilted down, "We got a little delayed. I uh- didn't own any trunks so we had to stop for some." His flushed face was quite telling, no doubt it wasn't a simple in and out at the shop.

Grabbing Shinji's cheeks with her fingers, Misato gave his face a wiggle. "Wouldn't have taken us so long had you not just showed us," she teased. Disengaging from the boy as Rei looked over at her, Misato hiked her thumb at the boy. Her tone was reserved for teasing, high pitched and grating just how Ritsuko hated, "You should have seen him in the changing room. Had to keep hold of Rei or she'd have walked in to help him." Pulling the door open, Misato gestured for the others to enter.

Rolling her eyes, Ritsuko didn't believe it for a moment. Rei was odd yes, but she wasn't that far removed to do what Misato was inferring. "Sure Misato, and the next thing you're going to tell me is she bought a bikini for this little date of theirs," she shivered as the A/C hit her. It hadn't noticed it till now, but it had been terribly humid outside. The change was so drastic that it was pure heaven in the building, and it was just full of the smell of chlorine. Best smell ever in her mind. Turning back to see Shinji and Rei trudging slow behind, "You don't mind us boring old ladies being with you do you?"

"Katsuragi-san said we would not be able to go without adult supervision," Rei said without skipping a beat or any hint of shame. She was in constant step with her man, not ahead not behind, but she had as much skin pressed to his as possible. Now while Shinji was in casual clothing, Rei was in pure form of school uniform.

Pulling the tickets out of her wallet, Misato just waved them about dismissively, "Now don't say it like that, Rei. All I meant by that was I had four tickets and it'd be a shame. An excuse really." Misato focused on Shinji as always, he was the one she was trying to convince. Sauntering over to the woman behind the counter, she pushed the reward vouchers over the slate gray countertop. "And I don't think our little Shinji here is ready for being alone with his darling girl in a swim suit. He might get ideas, and we have to protect her from those wild teenage impulses," after her debasement she started talking to the receptionist.

Now even Ritsuko thought that was in poor taste, but it was just Misato's way of showing affection. Back in college, Misato had a group of guys thinking she was an exotic dancer. Ritsuko had the unfortunate responsibility of telling them she wasn't, well it had got people to acknowledge her. "We're just wanting to relax too is all, you two. Don't let her booze addled brain ruin your day. We'll not even be around you two, just have…have fun," Ritsuko was actually getting angry. Did Misato have to tease the poor kid all the time? His fearful expression after she asked for that sample, well it still haunted her. Damn mirror, that's what he was, a mirror to her prior self. At least Shinji didn't have to worry about Rei demanding he take his pants off.

"We will not take her remarks as fact, as you say," Rei's hand slide down Shinji's arm and joined his hand. Their fingers intertwined, as they passed Misato deeper into the facility. Older patrons Ritsuko's age, watched and spoke behind hands at the teens. Shameless, that's what they were likely saying, shameless teens acting on hormones. Leaning in closer to Shinji, she whispered something to him that got his legs to go taught.

Now what was that about, Ritsuko didn't want to know but had the need to. Gendo would want to know what Rei was doing, if her loyalty was in question. "Is this happening, Misato? Or did you misread Aoba's latest attempt to win your favor?" Ritsuko asked with growing agitation. Guys just flocked to Misato, gifts were always coming her damn way. Her eyes fell on those legs again though, Shinji had a cute little butt on him. Pointing at the pair as the spoke in hushed whispers that drew more attention, "They do that a lot?" What had Rei said to get Shinji so nervous?

Waving a hand at them, Misato signed her name on the tickets and thanked the woman after she handed over locker keys. "They're always like that, well when I see them. At the apartment I have to hunt for Rei since I can't hear her most of the time. Lost in their own little world. Wonder if Kaji and I were like that when we first started dating," Misato tossed a key to Ritsuko. Twirling another around her finger she bounced Shinji and Rei's in her other hand. Clasping her hand around her own key, "What they do at her place will be something interesting. Wondering if I shouldn't try and get Soryu put up with her to curtail any hanky-panky."

Not what Ritsuko was talking about, but Misato as only observant of things she cared about. So maybe Rei's little talks were going to the wayside as Misato was fixated about some of her clothing not getting laundered. "You two ready to get this little party started?" she scooped the keys out of Misato's hands. Opting to gauge Rei's opinion on things, she held them out to the two of them waiting for somebody to act. "A world of different aquatic activities await, but no swimming so you can relax," Shinji's profile said enough to cover his aptitude for sinking. Rei however, well Ritsuko saw the girl swimming nearly as much as she did.

Rei swiped both keys from Ritsuko in one deft motion that caused Ritsuko to back pedal. "What is our timeframe?" she looked at the key and to Shinji. Her hand clenched again, nostrils flared as she found Ritsuko and Misato watching intently. Tilting her head questioningly, "You claimed we didn't need to be accompanied."

"And it would be good to know what time we need to get out so you're not waiting on us. This place is pretty big, so even if we tried to stay together we'd likely get separated," Shinji was quick defend Rei's comment. His eyes opened a little wide, fidgeting as the two older women bore down on them in silence.

Taking Rei by the shoulders, Misato tossed her key over to Shinji and propelled the girl towards the entrance. "Or so you say right now, we'll just have to see how it goes. Now Shin-chan our suits please, and we'll meet here in two hours. No peeking on the ladies side, that'll get you kicked out before we even started," Misato winked at the boy.

Taking the two full bodies suites from Shinji, Ritsuko noticed something she didn't like. "We won't take long, Shinji-kun, just go wait for us on the other side," she flinched her head at the men's side. He took a moment to look at Rei, then headed in with some extra speed in his steep. Ritsuko handed the suits over and followed the others into the changing room. He had that look about him, the look of uncertainty. She had that look just before Akito invited her over to his house and more importantly his room. Maybe Rei was the one controlling this little relationship, or maybe he was just worried in general. Just staring out in a couple, maybe Ritsuko was thinking to hard into this.

Finding a nice trio of lockers in a corner, Ritsuko was quick to get out of her clothing and into her suit. It was her normal dark blue one, and the faster she got it on the faster she could cover her bruises with a towel. Thankfully Misato was distracted by Rei's lack of care for her clothing and comments about her scar to notice. They were faded a bit, not fresh, so she could say anything to cover for them if needed, but she rather avoid it. Spying on Rei's comments about Misato's main blemish, if personality was considered, Ritsuko couldn't put her finger on it. What was going on in that teenager's head. Girl knew more than Misato did about the workings of Nerv, but here she was oblivious to how to other things.

"Didn't we talk about this before Rei? You need to shave down there or it looks like…like that jungle you got going on!" Misato teased as she fixed her own suit on. Misato for a change looked flustered and out of sorts, leave it to Rei to unnerve the captain of Nerv. Tossing her towel around her neck, she found Ritsuko tapping her foot on the ground, "Girl is going to be a nightmare to have around. I learned those things a few weeks after I started talking again!"

What's wrong Misato, not liking a girl that didn't suit your tastes? Ritsuko wanted to jib but felt better of it. They waited a little longer for Rei to get suited up, and it was Misato that forced the girl to take a towel. "Well with you living above her, she can ask you all the questions about the facts of life. Think you want to be the one to take them to the grocer for birth control pills?" Ritsuko had to laugh at that. Misato nearly fell from the shock, the wet ground helped with that. Could dish it out but not take it, always Misato's way.

Misato did fall however when Rei said without skipping a beat, "I cannot conceive so they will not be necessary. As for the status of my pubic hair, it will not be an issue." She walked past the fallen Misato as Ritsuko tended to her, and headed right to Shinji. Moving faster than the adults could, Rei capitalized on their distraction and by the time they were out, they were out of sight.

"Oh shit, they're already gone!? Damn that girl moves fast, almost as if she was hoping for this," Misato rubbed her butt. A few of the guys walking past from one room to another had to stop and notice, fitting. Shaking her wrist out of some pain, "So, do we hunt them down or do we just let them go? Not like I'm worried about them doing anything here. Just wanted to watch them a little." But Misato didn't sound too sure of herself, if anything Misato hated it was not having plan.

Shrugging, Ritsuko wasn't caring. It was just Rei's odd mannerisms is all, nothing to be concerned about. "Let them go, I'm not in the mood to seeing awkward teenage romance. I'll leave that to you," more she didn't want to add to her fear. If she did see something wrong with them, today wasn't the day she wanted to know it. Just one day, one day of relaxing, to hell with going back to work. Misato was apprehensive, but after a good sauna, a dip in the tubs, and finally some of the relaxation chairs Misato forgot the teens were even there.

They didn't run into the kids, Ritsuko did pay attention to that. But it was crowded, no reason to think they were hiding. Lost in a sea of ache relieving bliss, an angel could have come and she'd have told Misato to see to it. When they did meet up, Shinji was smiles and Rei was…well Rei. Misato teased them a bit as necessary, and Ritsuko left the pair to whatever plans they had for afterwards. Her phone had a message on it, it was from Gendo. He was calling her over again, a small meal, some business talk, and then…it was a good day. The next day though she had long sleeves on, her newest turtleneck, and a frown.

X-X

To say her life was getting better would have been the largest understatement that Rei could conceive of. It was a whole new world for her, things she never believed possible were happening on a daily basis and they were all tied to one person. Nothing Rei wanted more was to just be with Shinji as oft as possible, but she was doing her best to reign in her impulses. The newest magazine she had gotten, three days ago, did say allow her significant other some time apart. But it was hard, powerfully hard, to not want to wallow in that sense of joy. But if her wishes pushed him away, cast her back into that mireless life of pain and emptiness…well Rei did always have a fixation with death.

"Are you nearly done, Ayanami, we're done over here," Hikari gestured to the garbage bin and chalkboard. Daily classroom cleanup was sadly a necessity that the children had to partake in, from time to time. Dismissing the two boys that were idly talking among one another and making subtle looks at both of the girls. "You two can go, we'll finish up here alright?" she frowned at them once she saw where their eyes were. Snickering, the pair left running and without apology. Grabbing a spare rag, Hikari got on her knees, "Sometimes I think the boys in our class are all pigs."

Wringing out her cloth into the bucket, Rei clenched her teeth and felt a spike of pain. "Shinji-kun is not a swine, and should not be referred to as such," Rei would not allow for people to talk him down. She oft overheard so much conversation, Rei knew what they meant and would not stand for it. He had done so much for her in her life, Rei would repay it as long as he'd allow it. Going back to cleaning her last segment of the floor, "I have nearly completed my portion if you wish to leave." Other people were confusing and not worth the effort to talk to, she had more than enough now to fill her cup to overflowing.

"Oh I don't mind, Ayanami, I'm supposed to help after all. And I guess you're right, Ikari-kun is different than them," Hikari shrugged and offered Rei a small smile. Going about the cleaning as if Rei hadn't told her not too, Hikari was ever the attentive class representative. A hint of revere, "So Ikari-kun and you really are dating aren't you? I won't have thought either of you would have started, you're both so shy. He treat you well?"

Treat her well? Nobody had treated her better, and she wanted to go bask in that again. Shinji was due to go with Katsuragi tomorrow to collect the Second Child, so she'd have to go without his lunch. She'd also have to go without 'hanging out' with him, as Katsuragi called it, so she'd get her fill today. Avoiding Hikari's hand as she cleaned close to her, "He does and he is." Her chest warmed just thinking about him, it was hard to keep him out of her mind as of late. When she wasn't at Nerv or with the commander, he was nearly the only thing she thought about.

Chuckling a little, Hikari leaned heavily into a particularly dirty spot in the ground, "You really don't speak much do you, Ayanami." Hikari sat up and rubbed her forehead with the back of her hand, tossing her rag into the water bucket she grabbed Rei's and sighed contently. "Didn't help you much, but at least It's done. If you don't mind my asking…what's it like? I've never had a boyfriend, my older sister does but doesn't talk, and with how Ikari-kun is…" Hikari carried the bucket to the cleaning closet and shut it in.

"What are you inferring?" Rei had followed closely, a step behind the girl. From what she understood, talking about private moments was a taboo. Judging from Misato's reactions whenever she was eavesdropping, Rei found herself wanting to keep Shinji and her actions secret. Gendo had instilled the importance of secrets deeply into Rei's psyche, and she'd not fail that man. While Misato made Shinji squirm when she teased him with Rei's slips of info, how would the class representative act? Finding Hikari's jump of surprise from her standing so close peculiar as always, "And what do you mean how Ikari-kun is?" She wasn't going to lose him, nothing was worth that hell she had been in.

Quick to make some room between Rei and herself, Hikari went to her desk to grab her things. "I didn't mean anything by it really," she didn't sound so casual now, more agitated. Sliding books into her satchel, Hikari kept stealing glances at Rei. "Just, is it enjoyable? Emotionally and all, I've always heard being with the one you love is…special. And I only meant that he's so shy and withdrawn all the time. Is he like that when you're alone?" she eyed the door pleadingly.

Reading the subtle signs of worry and agitation on the girl's face, Rei found it quaint. Why people reacted to her as they did always made Rei interested. "It is very enjoyable, and our time alone is not a subject of discussion. But yes…it is special," Rei said softly almost inaudibly. Checking her watch, it had taken an hour to get the cleaning done, she heard a weak platitude from Hikari as she walked out the door. Special was underselling how things were now. Each day was full of new and wonderful things now. Each more enjoyable than the last, so much of it was unfamiliar and strange but he was patient and explained it all.

Movies were quicker distractions, not that she really watched them much. No, she was watching Shinji watch the movie. His breathing, how his chest moved in slow rolling motions, the feel of his hand on hers. That had been enough for her at first, then they pressed more together, she took all she could. It filled in the gaps, and empty places that her conditioning carved out of her. Then the night before that bathhouse they had crossed into a new venue of touching that left Rei's legs weak and her own breathing rushed and shallow. To think her body was capable of generating such pleasure, her mind was flooded and she felt herself almost leaving her body. Trying to replicate it herself had garnered less than stellar results, it had to be him. His fingers, his tongue, his touch…only his.

"And his reaction to my own actions," Rei touched her fingers to her lips and looked at them. Again, she wanted to do both again! Giving or receiving was just…words had no meaning for her to describe how mind altering it had been for her. And to add to her sense of overwhelming, no matter what she asked of Shinji he did it! Nobody ever did what she asked before, it was always her doing what THEY wanted not the other way around. Leaving the room, seeing a woman leaning against the wall tapping her foot, Rei brushed past her, "If I were to ask him to…" She knew what they had one was foreplay, the appetizer for the real thing. If she asked, he'd do it. How would that compare to what they've already done?

The girl leaning against the wall quickly rushed up to Rei and fell in step at her side. "You're something else aren't you? One day telling something to Sakura to scare her away from that Ikari kid, and the next hanging all over him like a damn shawl. Where do you get off?" Chidori's whiny voice grated on anybody's senses.

Not breaking her stride, Rei shrugged the girl off her slightly. Another minor problem in her life these unnecessary people that spoke in odd circles that she couldn't understand. "I only spoke the truth to Tachibana, nothing else," Rei had tried to be earnest with the girl. Sakura had been infringing on things best left alone. When a boy had made her late for a meeting with the commander a year ago, he suffered for it. Rei had told Gendo of the infraction and how the boy followed her home. It had been innocent enough, a card and a confession she had rejected, but he had insisted so long and hard that it took her over an hour to get to the meeting. Increasing her pace, this new girl's presence was bothersome, "Though she should have kept that information to herself."

In one large and fast step, Chidori whirled around Rei and stood blocking her with crossed arms. "She didn't tell me a damn thing other than to not press this. But now I have to watch her let that bastard hang over her because he thinks she really likes him! And I have to see her watch you lead him by the crotch all over school. Just tell me…tell me why I shouldn't just go tell him the truth? He'd like her more than the animated turnip you are," Chidori continued to move to block all of Rei's attempts to move past her.

Rei was content to let the girl annoy her verbally, but when Chidori moved to grab her Rei responded in kind. Swiftly grabbing Chidori's wrist, Rei twisted it and applied the right amount of pressure to drop the girl to her knees. "Infringing with Nerv personnel is not allowed, more so with a Child. All I told her is the truth. Nothing would be allowed to occur," that's what Gendo had told her. Anybody that spoke to her outside of school or work was to be reported to top brass. Surely what applied to her applied to Shinji as well. "Now I will release you, and will not report this, as long as you refrain from further interacting with either myself or Ikari-kun," Rei held her grip until the girl nodded.

Yanking her arm to her chest, Chidori cradled it against herself and rubbed it as tears of pain were in her eye. "You're a damn freak!" she spat on the ground between Rei's feet. Getting up on unsteady limbs, the older girl didn't let Rei get within arm's length. Pointing at Rei, an extreme rage and hate flared marring her face into an amalgam of ugly, "This isn't over yet freak, I'm going to get to the bottom of this. And when I do, you're little show is going to be over." Running away, Chidori didn't stop to see if Rei heard or cared about her threat.

Fixing her rumpled uniform, Rei just watched the girl running away. Why was that girl so animated over the simple statement of fact to somebody else? Well it wasn't her problem, all Rei would have to do is tell Fuyutski or Akagi about it and let them deal with it. A flutter in her stomach and her heart picked up its beating for a moment though…it was time to go to her apartment. It was time to get to what she had been thinking about in her free time. Katsuragi was working late to finalize the paperwork and transportation, so she'd not interfere.

"Her intents are peculiar, but not bothersome," Rei quipped as she started to jog at a slow pace. Sweating much would make her smell, and that wasn't good for an initial greeting but she had to get home fast. Home, her new home, was a marvelous place! After Shinji showed her how the A/C worked, she kept it just above cold. Somehow it felt heavenly to go to sleep under those new soft covers, and feel the cold air on her warm skin. Then there was the bath, she had spent an hour in that water yesterday due to losing track of time! How people lived with all these things and didn't appreciate them, well it angered the girl. Stopping at a red light, "They have these things yet don't care."

The jog had been brisk and yet enjoyable as her body dashed through the crowds. What would they do today, anything was better than her old days. Staring at manuals or just laying on her bed thinking no longer. Her door had been unlocked, she didn't have anything worth protecting when she wasn't home. Shinji did insist she lock the door while she was home, and that she would do for him. But her medication was hardly worth inconveniencing herself with a cardkey over. "Are you here?" she asked seeing Shinji's shoes on the mat her gave her. She kicked hers off and one fell on the mat the other upside-down by the wall.

Calling from the kitchen, his voice echoing in the mostly empty apartment, "Just finishing up supper. Thought we'd stay in today since we've both busy days tomorrow." Shinji walked into the empty living room drying his hands with a cloth her brought from his apartment. Finding her with eyes closed and pursed lips, Shinji did what she wanted and kissed her softly and briefly, "So the cleaning didn't take long it seems. Anything interesting happen?" He retired back to the kitchen and the pan simmering over a low heat.

"Nothing happened of merit," Rei admitted and believed. Her altercation with the older girl wasn't Shinji's concern. Maybe they'd go back up to his apartment to play some music or read. Or maybe she'd ask him more of the questions she did while they were alone. Sniffing the air like a dog, the intoxicating aroma made her salivate. "It appears more complex than our normal fair," she wasn't complaining though. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she pressed herself against him, the warmth spread instantly. Rubbing her cheek against his, the sensation of flesh to flesh made her mind hazy.

He jumped a little, far less than when she first did so, Shinji pulled a small sample out of the pan and held it out to her. "I figured we could have a little d-date here since we haven't had a chance to since the onsen. How does it taste?" he asked after she scarfed it down.

It danced on her tongue and made her jaw hurt a little with the overwhelming nature of the flavor. "It is most acceptable," high praise from her as Shinji had come to understand it. Content to just hold him as he cooked, his motions only marginally impaired, Rei watched him cook. Now that she had food stock at her place she tried to replicate his skills when he was unable to do so for her, but this was better. Unconsciously grinding her legs against him, sparks of electric pleasure danced up her spine, "Do you think we could touch without clothing again?"

Dropping one of his chopsticks into pan, Shinji finally moved enough to bump Rei away from him. "Rei-c-chan, I-I don't know about that. How about we wait and…you know see what happens. No reason to rush things right? Lets just eat a nice meal, and see what the evening brings, alright?" he fished his dropped implement out carefully. Lowering the heat down, he bashfully met her gaze and a timid smile crested his lips. "Not ruling anything out, just we talked about this remember?" he brushed past her and caressed his hand as he did.

Watching Shinji pull out a few cups and get a container of tea out of the fridge, Rei was tempted to steal another piece of food. It was her favorite, chilled sun tea, and it would go perfectly with what he was cooking. Yes, this was the stellar opposite than her life had been just two months ago. Knowing she couldn't truly die but wishing for it, that wasn't bothering her anymore. Life, she honestly wanted to live. Their talk about her going to fast just to please him, that wasn't true either. If anything she would want more, if the sampling the other night was any indication she would enjoy sex far more.

"As you say. Let us see how the evening progresses. Without Katsuragi to interrupt, we will have all the time we wish," Rei could feel her chest constrict. Their would be nobody spying, nobody watching, and no odd people around. It would just be them, and all the exploration they wanted! Shinji continued to chat about things, classmates, recipes, and his worry about the next day's trip. A shame she couldn't go with him, but she trusted the captain wouldn't put Shinji in harms way needlessly.

They ate in a relaxed pace, Rei savoring every bite as they listened to music on the small stereo Shinji liberated from Misato's closet. On a whim Shinji asked if she ever danced before. Of course she hadn't, but his description intrigued her. Only knowing slow dances from the movies he had watched, Shinji led the way as they experimented. Clammy hands, she was positively sweating with anticipation as they ended their third. It was just so sensual, so new, and she was done waiting.

"May we…proceed to the bedroom?" she asked as it was the only area with soft cushioning in her apartment. A look of hesitation crested Shinji's face, but she took his hand and guided it to her body. He offered no resistance. Meekly, "I would enjoy to experience it again." And just like that she felt him rising and escorting her to that tiny room she slept in. The blood thundered between her ears making her light headed. Again, it was going to happen again…

Her phone started ringing several minutes after they had just finished taking their clothing off. Rei had been staring at herself and Shinji's engorged member, she hardly heard the phone at all.

"Are you g-going to answer that Rei-chan? You hardly get calls after all," Shinji pointed at the tiny plastic device. He still shied from her gaze, twisting his hips to mask his shame an own anticipation. Gushing with nervous tension, "Could be important. Hate for somebody to come over looking for you while we're…"

For a moment, just a moment, Rei considered ignoring the phone. It was the commander, only he called for her, and it was always for the same reason. She was needed at Nerv, needed to fulfill her duty again. A synchronization with the Dummy Plug, a new test for Unit-00, or maybe this was another loyalty test. At that her body chilled…the commander could take all this bliss away from her on a whim. "We will…have to continue this once you return tomorrow. Only the Commander calls me, and it always requires a return to Nerv," Rei was already grabbing her plain cotton bra.

She didn't want to go though! Here, in this small apartment she wanted to stay and enjoy what normal people had! But she couldn't, out of fear of losing it all…she would not do that. Never would she risk losing what she had gained, never. And anything that tried to take it that she could prevent…

X-X

Author Notes

Hope I'm not laying it on TOO thick here, but sometimes its better with a hammer not a chisel. Keeping this moving at a good pace and not wallowing in unnecessary drama. Hope you're enjoying this infant of a story…needs a few more chapters to fully flesh out the grand design.

Well pool is closing soon ;_; so get your swim on people!

Ja Mata

Zentrodie