Chapter 4

A/N: Nothing much to say other than read the last chapter if you haven't or the first joke won't make any sense. Also, I don't own Neon Genesis Evangelion. Enjoy.

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Apparently, Shinji was at a picnic. Everyone from NERV was there, Misato, Asuka, Rei, Dr. Akagi, the bridge techs, and even his father. They were all outside at a park, the weather was beautiful and everybody was sitting at a picnic table conversing and laughing.

"Hmmm, this potato salad is delicious." said Misato loudly, rubbing her stomach and grinning.

"Who made this potato salad?" Asuka asked no one in particular, with a mouthful of said salad still in the process of being chewed.

"Shinji, have some potato salad." said Commander Ikari to his son. Shinji stared at him for a second before shouting, "No, I won't eat the potato salad." With this outburst all the picnic goers became deathly silent.

"Why me, why this potato salad" Shinji continued, "You only brought me here to eat this potato salad, why!?"

"Because I have a use for you" Gendo replied, and he proceeded to dump potato salad on Shinji's head, then everyone started to throw potato salad at Shinji until he was buried in it. At this point Shinji opened his eyes and realized he was in a bed and not really submerged in potato salad

(A/N: hopefully that's my last mention of potato salad ever again)

Misato was standing over him, with an unusually stern look on her face.

"Oh Misato, thank God it's you, I had the weirdest set of dreams. The first one, I was at a picnic and I was being buried alive. But before that I was here in this hospital where Rei was acting weird."

"Really," was all Shinji got as an answer.

Shinji continued, "Yeah, she was, what's the right word … yeah, demented. She was crying and laughing and just acting strange. But she wasn't the only one, my father visited me too. He was acting strange too, he was actually nice to me." All through his explanation, Shinji began to realize that he remembered too many details for these events to be a dream and Misato only confirmed this realization.

"I don't know about any picnics, but everything in the hospital really happened. We'll talk about this later; now come on and get up, you've been cleared by Dr. Akagi. We're going home."

Shinji sighed with relief. Even though he had only been in Tokyo 3 for a few months, he saw Misato's apartment as his home, and even with all her flaws, Misato was family to him and he wouldn't change anything about her. Oh, was he in for a surprise.

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Shinji's thoughts as he crossed the threshold of the apartment were focused mainly on Misato's driving.

"She actually followed the rules of the road. My God she actually stopped at red lights, hell she even stopped at the yellow lights too." Shinji couldn't help but feel amazed as he subconsciously made his way to the kitchen. On the way he was unaccustomed to the state of relaxation he was in, never feeling that calm after a ride with Misato.

"Hey Shinji, I know it's my turn to cook, but I really don't feel like it. Could you do it, please?" Misato yelled to Shinji from her room.

"Sure, Misato" Shinji shouted back. He actually didn't mind, as he liked to cook and since coming to Tokyo-3, he had gotten very good. The saying practice makes perfect was proven through Shinji's constant practice of the art. The alternative, that is to let Misato cook, was unacceptable however. The first night after eating her cooking was spent on the toilet; he hadn't got a lot of sleep that night. And after Asuka joined the duo, Shinji was forced to cook even more. For one thing Asuka usually made Shinji cook on nights she was supposed to. But on the few instances when she did cook, she would try to produce elaborate European dishes that usually ended up in the garbage and the occupants of the apartment eating take out silently (not wanting to offend the red headed firecracker).

Shinji opened the refrigerator, looked inside, looked back outside to see what he already had out to use, and did a double take back to the contents of the refrigerator. Replacing the usual assortment of beer was actual food. Glorious and wonderful, fresh food was all Shinji could find. Although he was overjoyed at the thought of fresh ingredients, a tiny part of his brain could help but find this discovery unnerving. "Chalk this up along with Rei, Asuka, and my father's behavior as well as Misato's driving on the weird list." He was going to discuss all these things with Misato tonight.

After Shinji finished preparing dinner, he called Asuka and Misato to the table. Misato came only after a few seconds and explained Asuka wasn't hungry and had already gone to bed. They both sat down and began eating. Although Shinji was normally quiet, Misato was being unusually silent too. Shinji looked up from his food and noticed she had poured a glass of wine for her self. She picked the glass up, twirled it like a professional wine connoisseur, and sipped it elegantly. She then noticed Shinji staring at her.

"Is something wrong Shinji-kun?" Misato was looking at Shinji with the same creeped-out look that Shinji was giving Misato.

Shinji's determination to discover what was going on that had filled him in the kitchen now melted away, replacing it with the everyday cowardice that he was so familiar with. "Uhhh, I see you're drinking wine." Shinji said softly.

"Yeah, I'm drinking wine. I always have some with dinner, they say a glass every day is good for you. Was that all?" Misato replied with a smile.

"She might act differently, but she still is Misato," Shinji thought, feeling his insecurities leave him as she smiled.

"Umm, well, actually there was something else." Shinji said. He was just thinking how weird his thoughts were going to sound out loud. "Everyone is different!"

Misato looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Please, go on."

Shinji looked at her for a second before continuing, "Well, ever since the angel attack, everyone has been acting really bizarre. Rei by herself was odd enough, she was crying, she was laughing, she gave me a hug; she never does stuff like that."

Misato opened her mouth as if to say something, stopped, then closed it again. Giving more thought to her response, she said (with her eyebrow still raised), "Are you sure you're okay, I mean Rei has always been extra emotional. Mind you, we've never had to sedate her before today, but there has never been a more serious Angel attack where you're life has been in such danger."

Shinji stared in shock at Misato. "She must be crazy, absolutely nuts." he thought. "So you're going to tell me Rei has always been so lovey dovey; has my father always been 'dad of the year'?" He said the word "father" with a disgust fit for murderers and traitors.

"Well yes, he has always been a good father. In fact I think he's been too nice to you." At this statement Shinji choked on the water he had been sipping. "It's because of his upraising that you've become…" Misato suddenly looked discouraged, like she stepped over a boundary not meant to be crossed. Shinji just sat there watching Misato, saying nothing, willing her to finish the sentence. Misato stared back at Shinji, apparently surprised that Shinji hadn't said anything yet.

Misato, although unnerved by Shinji's silence, said,"Speaking of people acting different, I've noticed you haven't exactly been the same after the Angel attack either. "

"What, me! You're the one acting strange and you're accusing me of being different."

"Calm down Shinji, I'm not accusing you of being different; I'm just saying I've noticed a few changes. But to be on the safe side, I think Ritsuko should take a closer look at you. I'd take you to her tonight but I know for a fact that she is very busy. I think you can last until tomorrow after school, can't you?"

"I guess," said Shinji dejectedly, returning to his food. After a few minutes of focusing on his tempura, Shinji recalled what Misato had said a moment ago: "It's because of his upraising that you've become…" What was she going to say to him? Curiosity got the better of Shinji and he decided to humor Misato. "Misato. Umm, assuming I'm the one acting differently, how should I be behaving?"

Misato choked on her food. She gave a slightly fearful look before saying, "Oh I don't know, I can just tell that you're acting different."

"Come on Misato, tell me," pleaded Shinji.

"There's nothing to tell Shinji, I'm sorry I brought it up. Let's drop it okay."

"Please Misato!"

"Really Shinji, it was nothing, forget about it."

Shinji, suddenly feeling more courageous, decided to press the issue, "I think you're keeping something from me, please tell me."

"I'm being serious Shinji, please drop it!" Misato said kindly but with force behind it.

"Alright Misato," said Shinji disappointedly. He decided finally that he was done with dinner. Although he could eat more, he didn't want to sit in awkward silence with Misato. He stood up and took his plate to the sink.

"Are you done Shinji?"

"Yes Misato, I wasn't very hungry."

"Okay Shinji, I'll do the dishes since you cooked the meal tonight, its only fair."

Misato missed Shinji tripping over his own feet when she volunteered to do the dishes. "Misato never volunteers to do anything, especially chores." Shinji was so deep in thought he barely noticed that he got to his room. He stopped before opening it. His sign wasn't up. Although at first he had found the sign saying Little Shin's Room irritating, he grew to like it. His room, the smallest in the apartment, had been forced upon him when Asuka had kicked him out of his old room. When she had first arrived at the Katsuragi residence, Asuka had moved all of Shinji's things out of his room. He had been so flabbergasted and intimidated by Asuka's audacity and distracted by the synch training for the fight with the ninth angel that by the time he wanted his room back, there was no point. Everyone was so settled with their arrangements; it would have been a bigger hassle to not only "convince" Asuka to allow it but to actually move back. But at least he got a bed, the only one in Misato's home. Expecting to find his room empty, he quickly turned the knob, not giving a thought to the sounds he heard behind his door.

Shinji froze. Immediately he figured something was wrong. His walls had red and pink wallpaper. He didn't remember having pink and red wallpaper. His floor was littered with underwear of the girl variety. He definitely didn't remember wearing girls' underwear ever. Then instead of producing curiosity, Shinji noticed something that made his stomach drop to his knees. He absolutely didn't remember having a naked red head sitting on his bed, ever; in the history of his life. There staring back at him was Asuka, in all her natural glory; not a single piece of clothing on her. Shinji looked into Asuka's eyes. She was looking back into his with a similar look of shock that he felt. Shinji, now even more terrified than in his first battle with an Angel, let a low moan of horror escape his mouth. However, instead of lashing out at him, causing him the worst pain in his life, Asuka let loose a scream and dove under the covers.

"Eeeeeek, Shinji get out!"

Shinji didn't need to be told twice. He slammed the door and bolted down the hallway. Not knowing where else to go (as his first choice of hiding place was occupied by a birthday suit wearing Asuka) he ripped open the hall closet door and smashed it shut. He slumped down, letting loose a sigh on the way. He was in for it. Asuka was going to kill him. She was going to rip out his skull and beat him to death with it, however physically impossible it seemed. He waited for the sound of his demise to announce his annihilation. He waited for what seemed like hours, but when he checked his watch only 20 minutes had gone by. Every creek of a floor panel sent adrenaline through his veins. When he heard footsteps, he nearly wet himself. It was only Misato though. She was talking to what sounded like Ritsuko on the phone.

"Yeah I'm sure something is up with him. What's different about him? Well for one thing he cooks now! Not only that but he does it well. It was the best meal I've had since you and I went out with Kaji to that fancy place downtown. No, no that's not the only thing that's changed. He hasn't been acting like the spoiled brat that he has been. I swear it's creeping me out. He hasn't yelled at me or Asuka since he's woken up. I asked him to cook dinner when it wasn't his turn; not only did he accept, he did with no complaints. Asuka has finally shown Shinji some backbone and he is actually taking it without a fight. Not only that, the way he carries himself is different too. That signature confidence of his is gone, he barely looks me in the eye when I talk to him, he walks with his shoulders slouched and head hung low. I wouldn't be surprised if his synch scores are going to be lower in the next set of tests. He's terrified of Asuka and Rei. Well I don't blame him for being scared of Rei either, Ritsuko. She was acting crazier than usual. Still it seems like this isn't really Shinji. You're right Ritsuko, the angel could be affecting him somehow, although I doubt it made him dangerous. Another possibility is that he has amnesia; he doesn't seem to remember some key details about his life. That's why I want him to come see you tomorrow; I just wish it could be sooner. I know, I know, you're incredibly busy, sheesh! Listen I know you've got work to do and I need to get to bed early; I've got a feeling its going to be a long day tomorrow. I'll see you tomorrow, talk to you later, bye." Shinji heard a beep as Misato hung up the phone. She wasn't done with the conversation though, "I swear Ritsuko, I think you're slipping; clearing Shinji to leave when something is obviously wrong with him."

Shinji listened to Misato's footsteps as she made her way to her room. So, he was "supposed" to be acting like a jerk. The very thought gave him the willies. If he wasn't so scared of Asuka, he'd find where he was supposed to sleep to think about it some more. But the risk of Asuka roaming the apartment looking for a blood sacrifice for the offense that had been committed was too great. Exhausted by his constant state of panic and alertness, he soon drifted off to an uncomfortable sleep.

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Shinji awoke to a horrible pain in his back and neck. The position he was in wasn't the best for sleeping, His neck was crooked to one side and there was a handle for a vacuum digging into his back. Although it was still very surreal to him, his reality was no longer surprising enough to think he was dreaming every time he woke up. While it was strange that Shinji was sleeping in a closet, he could distinctly remember the circumstances that lead to this unusual act. He gulped with nervousness at the coming pain that had red hair and swinging fists. He opened the door slightly, checking the crack of light visible to him. No sign of the Harbinger of Crimson Suffering. He opened the door fully with caution. Shinji checked his watch; it was 7:27 AM. Asuka should be in the middle of a long bath. He made his way to the kitchen and was met with surprising scene of Misato over the stove cooking eggs.

"I see you're finally up sleepy head," Misato said as she heard his footsteps approach. She turned to look at him as he sat down and her cheerful smile dissipated, "Wow, Shinji. You look like you slept in a closet." Shinji chose not to respond. "Did you fall asleep in your clothes?" An irritable grunt was all Shinji chose to respond with. "Someone's grumpy, aren't we?" Misato retorted, her smile returned. Misato set a plate of rice, sausage, and eggs in front of him. It didn't look half bad. Shinji poked it with his chopsticks before eyeing Misato who was watching him.

"What? You've always liked my cooking, what's different?

"Nothing." Shinji picked up a clump of rice, egg, and a piece of sausage and stuck it in his mouth. He had his eyes closed, waiting for that familiar feeling of his gag reflex to greet him good morning, like it did every time Misato decided to cook breakfast (which wasn't often due to either her night shifts at NERV or her alcohol induced coma's she was so fond of). The need to throw up never came as he actually swallowed the food. His eyes widened as he took another bite. He gave Misato the thumbs up.

"Hah! I haven't lost my touch after all. I didn't get a chance for Asuka to confirm my cooking skills though. All she had was some toast dunked in some Miso soup with some fermented soy bean paste on top." Shinji gave Misato a quizzical look. "Oh, Asuka had to get to school early. She left about 30 minutes ago. She said to apologize for not waiting up, but she was apparently in a hurry. Speaking of hurrying up, you should too or you'll be late.

"What?" mumbled Shinji through of a mouthful of food.

"First don't talk with your mouth full of food," scolded Misato, "Second, you'll be late for school." Shinji's eyes widened as he checked his watch. It was 7:39. "Just because you were in the hospital yesterday doesn't mean you'd get to miss school today. What kind of guardian do you think I am?"

Shinji wasn't bothering with listening to Misato at this point, instead he was calculating in his head. "If I take five minutes to bathe, and five to get dressed and leave, I'll have ten minutes to get to school. I'll have to run most of the way but I can still make it." Shinji stood up and said, "Yeah, yeah you're right, I'll be late if I don't hurry." He started walking towards his room but stopped dead in tracks. He didn't want a repeat of yesterday, even if Asuka wasn't here. "Hey Misato," Shinji was going to humor Misato again instead of telling her about last night. "My memory is a little fuzzy, where is my room again?"

"Misato smiled and said, "Oh, it's the big one on the left, in the hallway."

"Thanks!" Shinji ran off to the bathroom first. He decided to only wash his face and put on deodorant to shave some minutes off his bathing time, giving him a little more to get to school. He darted to what used to be his old room, apparently it was his now. He didn't even bother absorbing in his surroundings, he threw open the closet door. There was a little more variety of clothes but the majority was still his school uniforms. He grabbed one and practically jumped in to it. Shinji snatched his bag on the way out, not bothering to look inside.

Shinji was making good time. He had fifteen minutes to get to school, he would be fine. He slowed down his pace to think about yesterday's events. The most troubling event was the white infinity he had been exposed to and the Unit 01 he had seen. He hadn't told anyone about those things yet, he felt like no one would believe him. But he thought about it some more and figured if there was one person to tell it would be Ritsuko. After coming to this conclusion, he was actually looking forward to seeing her after school. He wanted to know what was going on, if he was crazy or if everyone else was. "Hey Shinji, you SOB, how have you been!" Shinji had arrived at school and he turned to look at who shouted at him. He never figured he be addressed in the way he had by the source of the shout.

A/N: Sorry for taking so long, a combination of finals, Xbox 360, Christmas, and no internet connection delayed this fic, so blame them not me. I also tried to make this chapter longer. Instinct told me to end it sooner, but I pushed on. Please review, and feel free to speak your mind. If I find a good piece of advice, I'll try to incorporate it in my next chapter. Peace!