Disclaimer: I do not own Neon Genisis Evangelion or it's characters. All credit goes to it's creators.
It was dawn out in the city of Tokyo 3, most of her occupants asleep. We find that our resident robot pilot/pothead is not one of them.
He was staying in Hikari's guest room. It was fairly large and painted in a cream color. It had a king sized bed with black sheets and comforter. Shinji was sitting cross legged on top of his bed, laptop open in front of him and the lights off.
After his first bar fight, he drove Kodama and himself home with little difficulty. The both of them came home finding Hikari and Nozomi sound asleep. They split to their separate rooms to rest for the night.
Shinji had only gotten about 4 hours of sleep before he woke up. Unable to go back to sleep he got onto his laptop.
Sticking out of the side was the USB that Gendo had given Shinji. Shinji had soon figured out that within it were account numbers that contained all of the money that he had earned as a pilot and then some.
There were also supply lists as well. Parts for his car, tools, and even more weaponry, all stashed at the storage locker. Along with all of this were various how to manuals that Gendo had written specifically for Shinji. All of his small little tricks in life as well as manipulation.
Gendo wanted to pass this on to Shinji, not for forgiveness, but rather the need of a father to give his son the necessary tools for life.
Shinji laid back on his bed and looked up at the ceiling. What would he do with it all? He figured the first thing is for him to get a house. 'I could go after school. I do have a car now.' Shinji thought to himself.
Shinji felt a grimace form on his face. Truth be told, Shinji liked staying with Hikari, he felt like he actually meant something to her and her sisters. He pushed the matter out of his mind for later.
He was about to stand up when he heard a sound come from the doorway. With quick reflexes he reached under his pillow and drew his blade, snapping it open before he took a crouched stance on the bed.
He looked at the door with feral eyes only to see a wide eyed Kodama wearing a t shirt and shorts." Oh it's just you."Shinji said as he plopped back down on the bed.
Kodama sweat dropped at him. "I hope I didn't scare said as she walked over and sat on the end of his bed.
"Naw, I'm fine. What can I do for you?"He said as he swung his legs over the side of the bed, back hunched.
"I couldn't sleep, and I saw the light from your room and thought you might be up."
"Yeah I was looking some things up, I'm a little restless myself to tell you the truth." He said as he palmed his face with his left hand, a weary look in his eye.
"Did you not sleep well?She asked .
Shinji turned to look at her. "Oh it's not that, I'm just getting used to being in a new environment."He said scratching his long mane of hair. It wasn't known to many people, but Shinji had to get a lot of haircuts because of how fast his hair grows.
But lately he had decided to let it grow out, and now it was only a scant inch from what would be the middle of his back.
Kodama saw Shinji fiddling with his long mane of hair and had an idea. She moved herself to her knees and positioned herself behind him on the bed.
She delved her hands into his hair at the top of his head, and started to braid his hair. Shinji felt her hands weave his hair into a single braid.
" said. "Now you don't have to worry about your hair getting in your face."She said as she handed Shinji a mirror that was sitting on the night stand.
Shinji took the mirror and surveyed her work. Because of the length of his hair, his braid ran down near to the middle of his back and hung freely, but other than the weird weight difference he liked the new look.
"Thanks."He said as he got up. He then walked over to where he had piled his clothes up and put on his cargoes but leaving his shirt, leaving him clad in his wife beater.
Kodama moved to where he had been sitting before. Little did she know, her shorts were riding up slightly, revealing inked skin on her left thigh.
Shinji eyed her. "You have a tattoo?"He asked. Her eyes widened slightly before she formed a smile
"Yeah, guilty as charged, Rachel was the one who pushed me to get it, she said I would never have enough nerve to get it myself."She said raising the leg of her shorts up, revealing a henna styled butterfly.
Shinji eyed the ink. He could tell it was well done just by the detail put into it.
"Not bad, wouldn't mind getting one myself one day. He said as an afterthought. "Well I'm going to go out for a little while, maybe a little drive will help me get my head together."
Kodama heard the stress in his voice, she knew something had to be bothering him, she moved from off of the bed and closer to Shinji. You know I'm not just a roommate, you can talk to me too."She said looking him in the eye with sincerity.
Shinji looked back and spoke. "I just wish there could have been a better way that me and Misato could have handled this situation. I mean I know I'm not an adult, but that doesn't mean we couldn't have solved this civilly."He replied.
Kodama nodded her head. "Look why don't we go for a drive later on today instead, to help clear your head maybe?"She said with a small smile
Shinji knew she did not have an ulterior motive, he could find those like a drug dog on speed.
"Sure we can go to the mall or something, but now I honestly need to get some sleep, beating up assholes make me tired."He said yawning
.
"Ok Shinji, good night or morning."She said as she walked out of the room. "Thank you for tonight Shinji, I had a great time, and thanks for taking care of that guy, but you know he will be back right, he's kinda persistent."
"If he does, I'll handle him. I can defend myself"
.'Have to since we all know how useful section 2 is when you池e about to get your ass whooped.' Shinji thought to himself.
"True based on what I saw tonight, where did you learn that anyway?"
"Well, I basically had hand to hand combat training, it was a requirement in order for me to pilot. On top of that you learn how to fight reeaally well when shit is always trying to kill you."he said.
"Well, I'll see you this afternoon, ok?She said as she turned to the door.
"Ok. Shinji said as he sat on his bed.
"Man I need to get some sleep. He said as he got fully onto the bed and tried to get some rest.
Kodama on the other hand was still wide awake. Kodama knew what was bothering him now, but how could she help him fix it?
She felt like she owed Shinji some type of repayment for getting that jerk off of her.
'Ok let's think, he's basically brooding over a falling out he had. He needs something that will make him feel new, so he won't dwell on the past and look to the future.' Kodama thought to herself.
She thought hard and then out of the blue, his words from their earlier conversation echoed through her head. She smiled as the thought took the form of an idea.
"Hikari is going to be soooooo pissed."She said out loud as she closed her door.
DOD
Shinji was laying in his bed, flat on his stomach, finally sleeping peacefully. Shinji stirred in his sleep, and after a moment his eyes opened slowly.
He gained his bearings after clearing his eyes with his hand. He then pushed the covers off of himself and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He looked at the clock and saw that it was 12:30 in the afternoon. He shrugged and stood up.
He had slept in his clothes, so he was already dressed. Shinji stretched, popping his back before he started walking, grumbling slightly along the way.
"Still to goddamn early to be waking up."He muttered to himself.
Shinji walked into the living room to find Hikari on the couch watching TV with Nozomi.
"Morning."He said as he plopped down next to Hikari.
"Morning Shinji, I see your going for a new hairstyle too?"She said with a smirk. She liked his braid, it made him seem more, elegant if she had to describe it.
"Huh? Oh yeah your sister did it for me, matter of fact where is Kodama?"He said, looking around for her.
"She's getting ready to go out. She said you two were doing something today?"She replied.
"Well I know we were supposed to go for a drive, but that's about it. I should go get ready."He turned around on his heel and started to return to his room.
"Can I come, can I come?"Nozomi finally piped up, barely hiding the excitement in her voice. Ever since the pilot arrived, she had been slowly biding her time until she could bombard him with questions and possibly get the answers for the questions she had pondered for so long now.
Shinji could tell from the gleam in the 12 year olds eye that she had other reasons for tagging along. Shinji almost cringed on the inside, something instinctual told him that if he took this girl came with him, he might just lose his mind.
"Ummmm me and Kodama had something special planned, so maybe sometime tonight we can hang out, just you and me."Shinji said in an assuring voice. At least if he had the girl in a stable environment he could control how the conversation went to his liking.
The girl did not falter in her excited smile as she looked at Shinji with pink tinged cheeks as she heard his voice. It was gentle yet firm.
"Nozomi aren't you supposed to be meeting your friends at the arcade soon?"Hikari spoke.
"Oh geez! Your right."Nozomi said as she leapt from the couch and made haste for the door.
"I'll see you later Shinji!"She said right before she slammed the door closed.
Shinji let out a breath of air. "Wow shes really interested in me."Shinji said as he scratched the top of his head.
"Well who wouldn't be Mr. I save the world on a weekly basis."Hikari said in a mock tone of voice.
"You'd be surprised actually. Anyway where's your sis? I wanted to grab a shower before we left."
"She actually just got out."Hikari replied.
"Awesome."Shinji said as he turned on his heel, and headed down the hall to complete his morning rituals.
After Shinji left, Kodama entered with a towel around her shoulders and her hair still wet , but she was dressed. She was wearing a red tank top with blue shorts that ended right above her knees. She had opted to go without jewelry today.
Hikari was wearing a similar outfit, except her top was a light green along with khaki shorts.
"So where are you and Shinji going today?"Hikari asked, suspicion laced in her voice.
"Nowhere in particular, he simply said he wanted to blow of some steam so I thought a little outing may do him well."She said shrugging her shoulders as she did so.
Hikari seemed pleased with her answer, and let the matter drop. "So what time did you guys get in last night?"Hikari asked. She knew it had to be late since she stayed up until 11:30 waiting for them.
"I'm not sure really, I think it was around 2 or so." She replied as she walked into the kitchen.
Hikari then went back to watching TV. She couldn't really say anything to the girl, she knew she was responsible when she wanted to be, but she knew she wouldn't let anything happen to Shinji.
"So what do you guys have planned for today?"Hikari asked.
Kodama replied quickly, having an alibi thought up beforehand. "Oh not much , I just thought I'd take Shinji out for some fun, he seems really brought down by this whole Misato situation, kind of weird considering what you've told me about her."Kodama replied, her voice going soft at the end.
From what she had heard, Misato was not the most desirable of guardians
"Yea, but you have to understand, Shinji has been through a lot, and he's still come out on top. It's only a matter of time really. Plus it's not like he doesn't have us to help him out."
"True, but Shinji seems like the type to dwell on things, and that only hampers the healing process, and you know sooner or later she'll come looking for him."Kodama said as she flipped the channels on the T.V.
Hikari thought about that one. She did know sooner or later either Auska or Misato would come knocking on her door, and at that point there wasn't much she could at that point. It would be up to Shinji to actually stand up for himself.
Hikari leaned back into her seat as the news played in the background on the t v as the conversation died.
"Hey Hikari".Kodama spoke, gaining Hikari's attention.
"Do you like Shinji?"Kodama asked.
Immediately her face was tinted with pink. "What kind of question is that?"Hikari screeched.
"A simple one. It's just I haven't seen you put this much thought into anybody before. Except that Touji boy you're so smitten with. Kodama shot back.
Kodama knew she was treading on untouched ground, but she just wanted to be sure. She knew Shinji was a more than respectable person, who could hold his own. So if she could pair her sister up with a guy like him, she'd do it without a second thought.
She turned her gaze back to her sister who was shifting uncomfortably in her seat.
"I wouldn't say I like him in that sense, I like him more like a brother, I just think he needs someone to lean on, and I just felt like I was that person."She said trailing off at the end, as if she was unsure of what to say.
"I don't know, it's too early in the morning to be asking me questions like that."Hikari said as she massaged her temples with one hand and waved her sister away with the other.
"We'll I can wait for an answer."Kodama replied.
"Wait for what?"Shinji said as he came into the living room, fresh out of the shower barefoot and dressed only in a pair of jeans and a simple black t shirt.
Kodama looked up at Shinji, his eyes were starting to regain their youthful vigor, but one could still see
the fatigue in him.
"Nothing, nothing, just some girl talk Shinji."Kodama said with a nervous chuckle.
Shinji didn't look all that convinced, but decided to go with it. Before he could reply there was a buzzing in his pocket.
He flipped open the device and spoke. "Hello?"
"Shinji? Are you ok? I heard Misato busted you and you left the house."Ritsoko's voice hailed through the phone.
"I'm fine , and yeeah all of that stuff happened, and before I could control myself I was already on the way out the door."
Ritsuko sighed on the other end of the phone. "Shinji It's fine. Honestly I wondered when you would walk out of that house with what you have to put up with Misato."
"Preaching to the choir. But yeah I'm staying with some friends until I can find a place of my own."
"I hope it's not some one Misato knows because she's been raising all kinds of hell trying to find you."Ritsuko had received numerous voice mails and texts about the boys where abouts, all of them some what frantic and accusing as well as bashing the scientist for giving the boy access to the drug.
.
'Still a good idea in my opinion.' Ritsuko thought to herself.
"Hell if I know her she'll have section 2 looking for you. I'd say you have about a day or two before she finds you."Ritsuko said as she lit up a cigarette.
"Damn it."Shinji said in a droning voice as he drug his hand down his face in an agonizing manner.
Shinji knew he would have to face her sooner or latter, but Shinji preferred later.
"Ok I'll nuke that bridge when I come to it, but for right now mi going to try and evade her the best I can."
"Well good luck, I'll call you and relay any info I get on my end."
"Alright doc, I'll talk to you later."
"Bye Shinji."And with that Shinji hung up, breathing out a sigh as he did so. He turned his head towards Kodama. "Lets go. He simply said before he headed towards the door.
Kodama looked at Hikari and shrugged with a flabbergasted look on her face before she grabbed her purse and left after him.
When the door closed Hikari sat alone on the couch, cross legged and scratching her head. "Man today is going to be weird."
D.O.D
Shinji was walking quickly down the stairs, looking around for anything suspicious. He knew that Section 2 could be very slow when it comes to discretion. With Kodama following close behind him, he made his way to his car.
Shinji unlocked the door and got in, starting the car as he closed the door. "Fucking section 2, fucking German brat fuck, fuck, fuck. Shinji growled as he put the car into gear.
Kodama looked on at Shinji. His shoulders were hunched and he was gripping the wheel tightly as he pulled off from his spot.
"Need a cigarette?"Kodama asked as she pulled one out for herself. The boy was obviously pissed and looked slightly homicidal. With that said , she needed to calm him down.
The boy pounded his fist on the console to turn the radio on before taking the offered smoke.(Stylo-Gorrilaz)
He flicked his zippo open and puffed on his tobacco, blowing a stream of smoke out of his nose as he switched into another lane.
"So what was that all about?"Kodama asked.
Shinji sighed before speaking
"Well, a friend of mine told me that my former guardian is looking for me, and she's close apparently. Ritsuko said I had a day or two , but I predict with it being Misato that it will be sooner. He said in a dull tone of voice."
Kodama looked at him with sympathy. "What are you going to do?Kodama asked.
"I'll deal with her when she comes, don't worry about it . Let's just have fun today."He said with a smile.
"So where are we going?"He asked.
"That's a surprise, you just drive, I'll tell you where to go."She said with a mischievous look on her face.
"Awwww crap."Shinji replied.
D.O.D
Kodama had led Shinji all through downtown towards what was simply known as the heights. It was a collection of various stores that dealt in different things. It was a modern Bazaar of sorts.
"Keep your eyes closed."Kodama said as she held her hands over Shinji's eyes. Leading him through the market of Stores and shops.
"Where are we going, I had better not be in a strip club when I open my eyes." Shinji said out loud.
"Oh hush boy, nobodies going to drag you into a strip club."Kodama said rolling her eyes. ' Yet anyway.' She thought to herself.
Kodama smiled as she thought of the look on the boy's face when he realized what they would be doing today, she snickered at the thought.
"Ok Shinji open your eyes."Kodama said as she removed her hands from Shinji's sight.
Shinji's eyes immediately started sending neural information to Shinji's brain , witch was deciphered as a medium sized building with various art pieces drawn all over it in dark blues, blacks, greens and reds as well. On top of the building was a sign that read "Taboo"
Shinji was confused for a while until he was pushed from his back into the store. Shinji's face hit the door with a meaty thump as he pushed it open.
He seemed to be in the lobby of the building. The room was painted a royal purple, the walls decorated with various framed pictures and portraits.
Shinji whirled around with fire in his eyes as he glared down Kodama who was looking at him with an innocent, puppy eyed look.
Shinji responded with a deep animalistic growl.
"Wow some one call the pound on this one."A voice rang out.
Shinji turned around to see a tall woman with long blonde hair in her mid 20's dressed in a pair of boots , jeans, and a green shirt with short sleeves. Shinji had to admit, the woman was beautiful.
She had jade green eyes. She was of average build, having certain 'assets that would appeal to any man.
From her neck to the tips of her fingers the woman was inked in tattoos, various works of art , that were all detailed and blended together so well , they immediately caught Shinji's eye.
Shinji suspected she had more tattoos, in more intimate places, but Shinji was not that bold yet.
"Wow you just walk right in the door and start checking me out don't you."She said as she leaned on the counter she was behind with her elbow, supporting her self with her hand as she gave Shinji a curious look.
Shinji was a bit put off by her posture and actions, but being experienced with women who were weird as shit, he handled it accordingly.
"No ma'am I just like to sample a bit of eye candy when I see it."Shinji said with a wolfish grin.
The woman was obviously put of guard , but smiled any way. "Ahem , so is this the kid you called about today Kodama?"She said to the girl who had been observing the two.
"Yup , this is Shinji. ."
"Nice to meet you."
"So you're the great Shinji Ikari huh? I've heard a lot about you kid. I was actually surprised that Kodama knew somebody such as yourself. Oh and the name is Kate." She said with a smile as she jerked her thumb to herself.
"Nice to meet you , but if I may ask...Kodama what in the hell are we doing here."Shinji said with a serious scowl on his face.
Before Kodama could answer, Kate stepped up. "Come with me into the main gallery. I think that will clear things up."She said with a devious twinkle in her eye.
Shinji shuddered but followed the woman, hoping to get some answers with Kodama in tow.
Shinji followed Kate through a doorway line by black curtains with golden pull tie into a large back room.
The room was filled with the sound of buzzing. Everywhere Shinji looked someone was in some type of chair getting tattooed by an artist holding some type of needle apparatus. Artist stations were every where as their artwork too covered the walls of the room.
Shinji gawked as he put 2 and 2 together. "You brought me here for a tattoo?"He said , stressing the word 'tattoo.'.
"Well yeah, I feel like it will be good for you Shinji. I know what you want. You want to be respected and treated as an equal, you just don't know how to express it. What better way too express it than to show it for all the world to see. Kate is a great artist. One of the best in Tokyo 3! So please?"She said sincerely.
Shinji looked at the girl and his heart ached .bad. Not because she was giving him her saddest face, but because he knew she was right. He just wanted people to respect him. 'Respect is earned, so in the end it depends on how far I'm willing to go to get it.' Shinji thought to himself.
'Why do I feel like my spontaneous streak is going to get me in trouble?' Shinji thought before shaking his head, his braid waving behind him.
"Ok Kodama, lets do this before I lose my nerve."Shinji said, fire a light in his eye.
"Ok now that that's settled take a seat here. Kate said, motioning to what looked like a modified dentists' chair.
Shinji took a seat in the comfy chair as Kate rolled up to him on a stool with a pencil and large pad of paper."So do you have any idea of what you want kid?"Kate said.
Shinji thought hard before speaking. "Well I want it on my arm, but I only want it to come just past my elbow."
"So a quarter sleeve?"Kate asked pointing to a diagram near her station that described various tattoo jargon.
"Yeah but other than that I don't know."Shinji said baffled. "It really sucks I have to think this shit up on the spot like this. I blame you Kodama."He said crossing his arms and huffing in the chair.
"Yeah I have to say Kodama that is pretty shitty to have something on you the rest of your life that you thought up spontaneously."
"Hey it was supposed to be a surprise , bite me!"Kodama replied gruffly.
Shinji huffed in frustration.
He looked around the tops of the room at all of the artwork posted on the wall. Shinji started scanning the wall for things he thought would work for him.
"Kate, come here for a sec."Shinji said, waving the artist over. As she came forth he leaned in and whispered in her ear, pointing to spots on the walls as he did so.
Kodama tried to listen, but she was out of earshot, and she couldn't see where exactly Shinji was pointing, so he could end up with a tramp stamp for all she knows.
'God that would be a disaster.' She thought to herself.
Kodama was brought out of here musings when Kate backed away from Shinji and nodded.
"I'm pretty sure I can pull that off."She grabbed her sketch pad and started scribbling. You could immediately see the cogs in her mind turned as she drew up Shinji's request, adding her own unique style to it as she went.
Kate was indeed one of the best in Tokyo 3 and she had yet to have a dissatisfied customer. All of her works were grade A and flowed evenly. And from what she knew of Shinji, it would be bad ass.
Kate finished up the last details of her rough draft and showed it to Shinji, angling the board so that only Shinji could see.
Shinji felt his mouth tug into a smirk as he saw what would soon be in his flesh. "Perfect."He simply said.
Shinji took off his shirt to allow Kate complete access to his right arm.
"Alright kid, it might hurt at first."She said as she snapped on her gloves and got her needle ready.
"Don't worry I'm used to it."He said as he stared at the ceiling as the needle neared his flesh.
D.O.D
Misato drummed her hands on the kitchen table that she was currently living at. She had gotten no other reports of Shinji's where about. She ran her hands through her purple locks and let out a sigh,
She had not slept since Shinji left, to her pot head or not , he was still family. So she started up a city wide search for him, but with next to no results. She had went to all of the first places she thought he would go. Touji's house, Kensuke's house, even the train station , but alas she found nothing.
"He really went under the radar this time, the only hope I really have now is if he shows up at school, and I'm pretty sure he knows that as well."Misato spoke, before she leaned back in her chair.
"Why are you trying so hard to find that baka."Auska's voice rang from the kitchen doorway.
Misato narrowed her eyes at the girl as she took a seat at the table across from Misato. Misato took around the kitchen. It had only been gone a day and a half and the kitchen was already destroyed.
'That goes double for the living room.' Misato thought.
"Why are you so focused on what I do? Don't you have more important things to do with your life?"Misato asked gruffly. If Shinji was right about one thing it was Auska's attitude.
"I just don't want a drug addict living under the same roof as me."Auska replied in a condescending tone.
Misato felt her eye twitch with anger . She swallowed slowly before she spoke. "Auska, you really need to watch what you say right now, because I will have your ass out on t he street so quick your pretty red head will be spinning."She said in a low tone of voice that made Auska's hair stand on end.
"I just want to find him so I can try to see where he's at right now or if he's ok . If he wants to live on his own he's old enough now that he can make that choice. I just want to talk to him , that's all."Misato said, as she got up.
It was at that moment that her phone rang from he jacket that was on the back of her chair. She grabbed it and flipped it open.
"Hello?"She asked.
Auska heard a male voice, but she couldn't make out what it was.
"Thanks."She said before hanging up.
She then turned her head to Auska.
"We got a lead on Shinji."
D.O.D
After about an hour and a half, Kate had finished Shinji's tat. But because he wanted Kodama to squirm, he had made her wait in the lobby, and had Kate put a large bandage on it.
"Ok so your going to want to avoid scratching it for a few weeks, and you have to put lotion on it for about 2 weeks so the ink can set in completely. Kate instructed as she walked him into the lobby.
"Thanks Kate. Shinji said as he reached for his wallet. "So how much do I owe you?
"1800 yen."She simply said.
Shinji's eyes bugged out. "What the hell? Are you kidding me?Shinji asked.
"Yup, and it's non negotiable."She said with a smile.
Shinji laughed at her and handed her a few bills.
"Come back anytime if you want to get some more work done. They say it all begins with one you know."
"We'll see how this one grows on me first. Until then I don't think I want to add anymore."
"Please, my ink is like heroin. Once you get a taste you'll come back for more."Kate said cryptically.
"Ok, we will see about that one."Shinji said scratching the back of his head. "Kodama you ready?"
"Yeah lets head home." She replied, getting out of her seat.
"It was nice meeting you Kate." Shinji said over his shoulder as he and Kodama walked out the front door.
Kate stared at the door for a while before heading back to her station.
D.O.D
"So what did you get Shinji?" Kodama asked as she followed Shinji.
Shinji pulled out a joint and stuck it into his mouth. He had not smoked all day, plus his arm was extremely irritated from his new tattoo, so he needed something to take the edge off.
He lit the joint with his zippo and took a deep draw from it. "You'll see when we get home."
"Oh you just love keeping me in suspense don't you?" Kodama said folding her arms under her bust.
"Sometimes. It depends on the situation really." Shinji replied as he blew dual streams of smoke from his nose as he reached his car.
"So you want to pick up a movie for tonight?" Kodama asked.
Kodama was met with silence as she looked towards Shinji. Shinji was staring hard at something, very hard. Kodama looked in the direction that the boy was staring and she saw a black van parked in a nearby spot among other cars in the lot.
"Kodama , get in the car." Shinji said calmly without moving, with the exception of him smoking his joint.
Kodama asked no questions and quickly got into the car, Shinji following her.
Shinji wasted no time in starting the car. Burning out in reverse from his spot, he spun the car around in a j turn before shifting into first.
"You might want to put your seat belt on." Shinji said as he started accelerating out of the parking lot and onto the main street. Shinji knew he wasn't paranoid. That was a section 2 van, which means he will probably have a lead on his tail at this very moment.
Shinji looked in his rear view mirror to see that there were indeed 2 black sedans following him.
"Oh my god they must take me for a damn fool. As if I couldn't spot black in broad fucking daylight. Ugh, still I better lose them if I want Misato off my trail." Shinji thought out loud.
"Shinji, do you think you can lose them?" Kodama asked.
"Dunno, lets find out!" He said with a viscous grin on his face.
Shinji hit the radio, turning it on once again. (Given Up- Linkin park)
Shinji sped up as he drew more smoke from his dwindling joint, the ash fluttering out the open window as he weaved in and out of traffic. He took another look at his rear view mirror before shifting into third.
"Let's see if you bastards can do 90." Shinji said as he accelerated.
The sedans responded in turn and sped up as well, keeping up with Shinji the best they could. For once section 2 was doing good at something. Every move he made they kept up with, and he knew if they got in front of him he was screwed.
"Oh now you guys want to be useful for some thing."Shinji growled as they got right up behind him. The first of the two cars was right on Shinji's tail as he sped on , his exhaust loud and angry.
The black sedan continued to make haste and tapped the back of Shinji's car, rattling him slightly.
"Ah hell no!" Shinji said as he corrected the slight wobble. He then weaved in front of a big white van before quickly braking and swinging the car quickly around a corner into a side street, smoke lifting from out of the back of the vehicle from the sheer friction of the tires on the pavement.
The white van slammed on his brakes and honked his horn angrily. The sedans were behind the van causing them to slam on their brakes as well.
Shinji looked in his rear view again only to find that the sedans were still on his trail, and dangerously close.
"Ok fuck this, I tried to be nice."Shinji said as he reached over Kodama's lap and into the glove compartment.
"Shinji what are you doing, why do you have a gun.?" She said as he revealed his Glock 21.
"Oh nothing, you might want to close your ears." Shinji said as he tossed his roach out of the window.
Shinji suddenly jerked the wheel sideways to the left as well as simultaneously downshifting, causing the tires to screech as the car drifted sideways and around before Shinji shifted into reverse.
Shinji stuck his left arm out of the window. He took a a calming breath and gripped the pistol firmly before he pulled the trigger several times in quick succession.
The gun thundered in his hand. Rubber bullets impacting their wind shields, effectively splintering them into shards.
Both cars slammed on their brakes, giving Shinji the chance to swerve onto another street.
Shinji down shifted, toning down the roar of his engine. He stopped at a red light and looked behind him, checking if the coast was clear.
"Ok , I think we should be ok." He said as he situated himself back in his seat. (End song)
"You ok Kodama." He asked looking over to the girl.
Kodama was stiff as a board. Hair wild and frizzled with a terrified look on her face. Her eye was twitching slightly, but other than that she was fine.
"Kodama?"
"What the hell where you thinking!" Kodama burst out, thrusting her arms in the air.
"That I wanted to get the hell away from them. And you shouldn't be complaining, at least you don't have glass embedded in your face ." Shinji said as he slumped into his seat with a pout.
Kodama grunted at the boy. "So what your that scared of Misato that you will actually shoot at some one if they try to take you to her!"
Shinji's eyes opened wide before he responded angrily. "Hell yea. I'll talk to her on my own terms .Meaning when I feel like it. What you think Im scared of her!" Shinji angrily retorted.
"Could have fooled me." Kodama said as she tried to tame her hair.
"Oh no, hell no. I am not afraid of Misato and that's final." He said as the light turned green.
Shinji shifted into first and drove forward. "Oh and just so you know." He said as he ejected the clip into Kodama's lap. "Those are rubber bullets. I couldn't have killed them even if I wanted too. Like I said I just wanted them to leave me alone." Shinji said.
Kodama was shocked. Not only did he out maneuver 2 trained agents, but he managed to create a distraction long enough to get away. 'Seems like there's more to you than I know.' Kodama thought to herself as her gaze fell upon the lad in question.
Shinji pulled off from his spot as the light turned green. He lazily moved down the street as he looked at the citizens and shops he passed. It was almost dark , so the night side of the city was starting to show it's face.
He saw various people dressed up for either a night in the club, bar, or both even. 'I need to get out more.' Shinji thought to himself as he saw a group of scantily dressed girls walking on the side walk, more than likely to have a night on the town.
Shinji turned his gaze back to the street .He felt his body relax as his heart finally start to slow down from his little car chase. He felt himself intake and expel air as he got his jitters under control.
He reached into his pocket to retrieve his pill bottle. He popped the top off of it and pulled out his last joint. His eyes widened slightly.
"Damn it." He said as he put it in his mouth and threw the bottle out of the window. He would need to pick up some more from either Ritsuko or Kaji.
"What's wrong, we're being chased by an attack copter now?" Kodama said sarcastically as she folded her arms under her chest.
Shinji shot Kodama a glare. "No if that were the case we would be fine." He said as he poised his elbow onto the window sill of his door.
"And why is that?" Kodama inquired.
"Because I have a nice moving decoy on hand at the moment." He said without missing a beat. Taking a drag of his joint as he did so.
Kodama's face was scrunched in confusion.'Moving decoy...' Her eyes widened.
"Hey!" She yelled as she punched Shinji in his shoulder. He burst out in laughter with Kodama doing the same.
"So are we good?" He asked.
Kodama sighed."Yeah we're fine, just next time find a better way to deal with it."
"What I like to be blunt." He said letting his words hang in the air.
"Oh you are just a comedian aren't you?" Kodama asked.
"No not really just your resident robot pilot/ get away driver/ butler." He said with a quirky smile.
"You should put that on a business card."
"Maybe. It make one hell of a conversation piece."
Shinji then pulled out his cell phone and punched in a speed dial. The phone rung for a moment before the line was picked up.
"Hello?"
"Hey Ritsuko , I have a small problem.I'm out" Shinji said nervously.
The ciggarette the scientist had in her mouth promptly fell out."Damn, I hadn't expected you to go through it that fast honestly. Hmmmmmm can you make a stop by my office?" She asked.
"No problem, I'll be there in 15." He said.
"See you then." Shinji closed the phone and put it away. He turned to Kodama.
"I have to make a quick stop and then we'll pick up a movie and head home. I know Hikari is probably worried." He said.
"Yeah and I know Nozomi is just dying to ask you questions about being an EVA pilot." Kodama mocked as she snickered.
"Your laughing but I plan to be stoned all night, so it really won't make that much of a difference to me." He said as he stuck his tongue out at her.
"Touche."
D.O.D
Shinji was walking with Kodama in tow back to his car parked in NERV's underground garage. He had quickly met with Ritsuko and gotten his goodies. He took out the new , bigger pill bottle. He opened the top and peered inside and grabbed one.
He took it and ran the side under his nose, smelling it's quality. He felt his nose tingle at it's sweet smell. Ritsuko told him that she had to up the anty a bit a gave him a stronger strain. Something called Kush. 'Strange name if you ask me.' He thought to himself.
"So you good now?" Kodama asked.
Shinji smiled and tucked the bottle into his pocket. "Yeah i'm fine, now if I could just take care of this Misato issue." He said with his head cast down ward.
He reached into his pocket and retrieved a pack of ciggarettes he also received from Ritsuko. She looked at him funny when he asked, but complied any way.
He retrieved one with his teeth and lit it with his zippo.
"So I guess we'll pick up a movi-."
"Shinji Ikari!" The garage echoed.
Shinji whirled his head around behind him quickly.
Standing a scant 6 feet away from him was Misato along with Auska. His heart jumped into his throat as he felt uncertainty well up within him.
"Well now or never I guess." He said under his breath as he walked forward, Smoking his ciggarette as he did so."Stay here." He said to Kodama.
"Hey Misato." He said simply as he approached her. He nodded at Auska . "Demon." He greeted.
A snarl appeared on her face. She was poised to leap before Misato put her arm out , stopping her cold.
"Shinji where are you staying?" Misato asked.
"With some friends of mine." He replied without missing a beat. He dabbed some ash off to his side, Misato watching his every move.
"Oh and thanks for the boys in black, as if my day wasn't full of enough excitement." He said sarcastically as he took a long drag off of his tobacco.
"I had to try some way to find you Shinji. You weren't answering your phone and your buddy Ritsuko wouldn't pick up the phone either. You had completely dropped off of the map!"
Shinji turned his head to the side as he blew another torrent of smoke out of his nose. "Well you wanted me out of the house right?" He asked.
"No!" She replied.
"Then what was it." He pressed.
Misato shifted at that, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "Shinji, I didn't want you to leave. I just thought you would just lock yourself in your room and smoke that crap all day. I didn't want it to make you just shut us out completely! That's what it does right? Distracts you from the issues around you ?"
Shinji took the cigarette from his lips. He reached into his pocket and quickly tossed something at Misato.
Her reflexes kicked in as she caught a dark grey object. Misato looked at the object in her hand, it was Shinji's SDAT player.
Misato looked at him in confusion, her face urging him to explain.
"That's my vice. I can put that thing in and not worry about anything that was bothering me . But that was the problem. It's like you said I was ignoring everything and not actually dealing with it, so I could never really move on from the mistakes I've made. Shinji opened up as Misato, Kodama, and even Auska listened on.
"Do you know what I've been doing since I actually started? I actually walk with my head up now. I have dealt with what's been bothering me and come to terms with my life, with the exception of you and satan jr over there."
"Grrrrrrr" Auska growled.
"Shut up." Shinji said as he pointed a finger at her before continuing.
"Now, do you want me around as a pot head, because I'm afraid that's what I am at the moment. It's not a vice per say , just a hobby." He said simply.
Misato was in shock. Since Shinji had moved in with her she could never get him to talk about anything so excessively! He had always dodged around the question , or ignored it out right. 'Maybe …...'
"Will you move back in if I say yes?" She asked.
Shinji looked at Misato then to Auska. His dark blue orbs pierced her sapphire ones. Never had she seen his gaze so intense.
"Let me think about it." He said simply and turned his back and started walking towards his car.
Misato watched as he walked away, his braid swinging side to side as he did so.
"Shinji." She said as she gripped his SDAT player.
Shinji got into the car with Kodama right behind him. He quickly started the car and pulled out of his parking spot.
Tires squealed as he made a hard right turn towards the exit.
Kodama could tell Shinji was torn on the inside. 'He wants to but he just doesn't want to deal with Auska. Can't say I blame him.' She thought to herself. She let Shinji think through his problems as he drove.
D.O.D
Hikari was sitting on the couch with Nozomi. Ever since the girl had arrived home she had been eagerly awaiting Shinji's arrival, glancing from the TV to the door every time she heard the slightest of noises.
The sound of the door opening finally reached the young girl's ears. "Shinji!" She squealed as he appeared in the living room, 3 boxes of pizza in one hand and a brown bag in the other. Kodama came in soon after and plopped herself on the couch next to Hikari.
She jumped off of the couch and ran to him. "How was your day."
"It was ok. I brought home a pizza, I thought you girls would be hungry." He said with a smirk. "Just let me go change and I'll be out." He said
The young girl nodded vigorously as he walked by.
Hikari noticed he had a very distant look in his eyes despite his smile.
Hikari looked at Kodama "So what happened today?" Hikari asked.
"We had a run in with Misato and Auska." She said simply.
Hikari's eyes widened. "Wow so what happened?"
Kodama told Hikari what happened. Shocking the girl with some of Shinji's actions.
"Well at least Auska can't call him spineless anymore." Hikari said.
"Damn straight." Shinji said from behind he couch.
The two girls almost screamed. Hikari wanted to yell at Shinji but Kodama beat her too it.
"Fuck man that's creepy, didn't your mom ever tell you not to sneak up on people?" Kodama screeched.
"My mom died when I was 4 so no i'm afraid I didn't get that memo." He said as he flipped over the couch, seating himself between the two girls. He had redressed himself in a plain t shirt and black basketball shorts.
Both of the girls flinched at his tone of voice. He hadn't been mean with his words, his voice just sounded so...empty.
"Are you ok Shinji?" Hikari asked.
"We'll talk later, the walls have ears." He said confusing the two other occupants until they looked in front of him.
There seated behind the coffee table across from Shinji was Nozomi, eyes glittering with joy.
'Fuck.' Shinji thought to himself as he got up and went to the kitchen. "Some body had better get in here before I eat all the food." Shinji yelled from the kitchen.
"He wouldn't" Hikari said.
"The hell I won't!" Shinji spoke with a mouth full of food.
The girls hustled into the kitchen and quickly made their own plate and sat at the table.
"Thanks Shinji." Hikari said as she sat down.
"Thank you Shinji." Nozomi said.
"No problem, now I hear some one has some questions to ask me." He said to Nozomi.
"I do. What's it like to pilot an Eva?" She asked before taking a bite out of her slice.
Shinji shifted his right arm before speaking. "It's kinda like putting on a glove, except for your whole body I guess." Shinji replied shrugging his shoulders.
"Is it fun?"
"Not really. But it's something I had to do." Shinji spoke.
"Why do you do it then?" She spoke.
"That's kind of personal." Shinji said trying not to scratch his shoulder. 'Damn this thing itches.' He thought to himself.
Unfortunately for him Hikari noticed his trouble. 'What's he hiding
"Nozomi I think that's enough for now, I'm pretty sure Shinji has to get up early for school." Hikari said.
"Awwwww." She said as she pouted at her sister.
"That's not gonna work. Now throw your plate away and get to sleep, Shinji's not the only one who has to go to school in the morning."
The girl grumbled under her breath , but complied with her sisters wishes. "Night Nozomi." Shinji said.
"Night Shinji." And the girl disappeared into the confines of her room.
"Cute kid." Shinji said as he took another bite of his pizza.
She watched as the sleeves of his T-shirt lift up revealing his banage. Hikari chose this time to speak
"Shinji what happened to your shoulder?" She asked.
"Oro?" He said with a mouthful of pizza.
"Your arm, you have a bandage on your arm." She said pointing to his arm.
"Did you hurt yourself?" She asked.
"No."
"Then what?" She pressed.
Shinji sighed and pulled his arm out of his shirt, revealing his bandaged shoulder. He tore the bandages off and revealed his inked skin. On his shoulder was a diamond shaped shield with Kanji for strength emblazoned sharply on the front. A single combat dagger was placed in the background of it, but it didn't stop there.
On the back of his arm ran an angel wing with feather's drawn in great detail along the length of the back of his arm, going just past his elbow. . Shinji could feel their eyes roaming over his flesh.
"So what do you think?" He asked.
Hikari scooted closer and ran her hand over his raised skin." I can't say I approve , but I have to admit it is nice. It fits you well." She said with a smile.
" I agree." She could see that Kate took her time with it from the detail she saw.
"So what happened with you and Misato." Hikari asked.
Shinji grunted. "We talked, she asked me to come back, and I said I would think about it." Shinji said as he reached down into the brown bag he had brought in earlier. He retrieved a bottle of Bacardi and set it on the table.
Hikari shot him a look.
"What I'll share."
Hikari face palmed.
"I'll get some glasses." Kodama said getting up from her chair.
"So are you going to?" Hikari inquired.
Shinji caught his glass ass Kodama slid it to him. He poured himself a glass a took a swig before speaking.
"I would , but there's a problem." He said before taking another gulp. He felt his chest warm as the alcohol burned down his throat.
"Auska?"
"Yup." Kodama said as she poured herself a drink.
'Can't say I blame him, she is somewhat difficult to deal with at times.'
"We'll you could try talking to her, I know you think it wouldn't do much good, but at least you could say you tried."
Shinji nodded his head. "True." He took another swig. "I might need some of this before hand." He said as an after thought.
Kodama chuckled and Hikari folded her arms under her chest. "What am I going to do with you Shinji?" She asked out loud.
Shinji shrugged his shoulders as he raised his drink to his lips.
BANG!
Shinji stopped mid sip as he heard footsteps pounding on the carpet.
"The fuck?" Shinji said As three figures rushed into his view.
Cliff hanger! Yeah I know I'm evil. Tune in to see whothese mystery men are!