Standard Disclaimer
First of my stories this year for Zentrodie, and I'm still really digging this one. Just a reminder to those you either forgot or never heard, I also write as Mercaba so if you haven't seen this handle for awhile look for the other as I've likely had either one or two updates for that one ^_^.
X-X
With Nothing Else
Chapter – 7
This was just not happening, Asuka wouldn't stand for it! Three days before the trip to Okinawa and now Misato had the gall to say she couldn't go? Why wait so long, listen to all of Asuka's plans, and even comment on how the new bikini was gaudy and THEN say it wasn't happening? A bitch would do something like that, a real died in the wool bitch! How was she supposed to learn this new culture and country if at every turn she was forced to stay in the same city she could see in any other first world area!
"So what do you have to say to this bullshit, Shinji? You were looking forward to the trip too, or were you lying before?" Asuka huffed and crossed her arms. Her morning coffee was laden with sugar and cream making it look more like chocolate milk warmed her hand. It had been a week since she accidentally saw Shinji and Rei together, and Asuka was finally able to look at him normally. So it helped with her anger when he cowed down, "This is the only trip you'll get in junior high, Shinji. I've already been to the better beaches in Germany, but you've not. Didn't you want to see your darling Ayanami parading herself?"
Picking around his plate of food, dropping a piece of fish to the waiting Pen-Pen, Shinji just rolled his shoulders. Down beaten and listless he replied, "I expected it really. I get followed by Section-2 whenever I go outside my normal walking route to the store. I doubt they'd risk giving me another chance to…" Looking over at Misato, Shinji sulked a little at something that passed between them.
"Well you did run away for a few days, Shinji-kun, and they did get reamed for it," Misato was all smiles. Asuka didn't know what caused it, but something happened between Misato and Shinji and the woman was still all smiles due to it. Swirling her can of Yebisu around in her off hand, Misato patted Shinji with her free one. After a nice drink, "And, as he said, it should have been pretty obvious we couldn't let you leave Tokyo-3 for a week. What if an angel attacked while you were gone?"
It was Misato's higher-than-thou attitude that left Asuka seething. Misato was under Asuka, a lesser woman that got by on looks alone! Asuka never saw Misato do anything sensible or smart, even the last victory had been due to Kaji's saving grace! "So I'm stuck here forever then? What if an angel attacks Germany or America? What if another one attacks at sea or something? Fat lot of good us hiding here would do. And you!" Asuka jutted her finger over at Shinji's hangdog expression. He had tried to run away, why hadn't he mentioned that to her before?
"W-what?" Shinji winced at Asuka's inflection and sudden fixation on him. Scooting out of his seat, he set his half eaten plate on the ground. Pen-Pen quickly assaulted the leftovers with a few 'warks' of appreciation. Gathering up several boxes of food, lunches, Shinji tried to meld into the countertop. But his siding with Misato was evident as he eked out, "And I thought Akagi-san said something about the Eva's attracts the Angels, why that one attacked your boat."
Had Akagi said something like that before and she forgot about it? It was likely, Asuka tuned out Ritsuko a lot. The woman just rubbed Asuka the wrong way too, Asuka hated how Ritsuko flaunted herself for Kaji. But she couldn't let Misato or Shinji see her as uninformed, "Did she say you've tried to run away before? Was this before or after you've become a housebroken and whipped male?" She had to admit her pride in that one. She had seen Rei all but yank Shinji's chain on a daily basis, not like how Asuka got Shinji to loosen up and have fun. Rei was strange, almost abusive in her influence over Shinji, Asuka just wanted him to stand up for himself.
"Now that was to much, Asuka, Shinji is not whipped. Ayanami would have to have one and the ability to use it," Misato tittered and ruffled Shinji's head. The boy went beat red and backpedaled away from her. Watching Shinji flee the room, a wistful grin on her face, "And it was at a bad time for him. Just after the Forth angel. He had a small breakdown in the plug, and we had to reprimand him hard. Don't bring it up again." For a moment the joy on Misato's face shifted to a harsh and cold promising pain if disobeyed.
It stunned Asuka to see it, an upset Misato was truly a force to be intimidated by. But just like that, after Asuka nodded, Misato was back to the beer swilling mess she normally was. Note to self, don't tease Shinji to hard around Misato, the woman was crazy overprotective. "So, if I'm not going to have fun with the people you've forced me to interact with what am I supposed to do?" she polished off her coffee. Adults drunk coffee, hence she forced herself to enjoy it.
"You two could work on fixing your grades," Misato peeked an eye at Asuka teasingly. Gathering up the two lunch boxes Shinji gave her, she scratched her head. "Shinji-kun, why are you making Ritsuko's so much bigger than mine? Not trying to score points with her are you?" her voice was practically singing. Finding Asuka sulking at the table, she did lower her voice less she cause a bigger fight, "I do get updates on your grades, Asuka. I am sorry you can't go, but my hands are tied, commander's orders."
Stupid strange written language! Asuka just couldn't understand the countless symbols, if she could read it she'd have had no trouble. "Fine you tell the pussy whipped boy he can walk to school on his own…I'm taking his master with me. His punishment for siding with you all the damn time," Asuka tried to stomp off, only to be stopped by Misato's iron grip. Fighting to free herself, Asuka cringed as Misato's nails bit into her flesh, "Let GO of me! It's true you two are always siding against me!"
Pulling Asuka in sharply, Misato's expression was neutral, "We side with each other because it's the normally the most sensible answer. But what do you know about Shinji-kun and Ayanami-kun? I'm not liking how those two have been acting last few days, have you seen something I haven't? Tell me what you mean by what you said?" Slowly Misato did let go of the rebellious girl, but did not relent on her browbeating.
"Nothing, I saw nothing, just he lets her walk all over him is all," Asuka huffed and walked off. Damn favoritism, Misato would never act this way for her! Passing Shinji in the hallway, Asuka tossed her head back and held her nose up high. Let him deal with her royal highness queen Katsuragi of bitchdome! Stopping in her room for the memory stick with Shinji's pictures on it, she pocketed it and rolled her eye. Sakura said she'd pay for lunch if Asuka got several pictures, and she hadn't wanted to pay for it. "If that doormat wants pictures of that dork," she could hear Misato and Shinji talking.
They were going over his failing grade in physics, Misato more vocal and animated than she had been with her. Fitting, let those two have each other! When Misato wasn't around, Asuka would get to have her time forcing games and chores on Shinji. Asuka wanted a real man, not some simpering waif like Shinji. And she didn't need or even want Misato's respect, Kaji's left overs could just sit and rot in the fridge for all Asuka cared. She didn't really NEED anybody, not even Kaji. She had her pride, her place as the best Eva pilot, and the respect of the other girls in school. Let the lesser people cling to one another if they needed it! She'd use and exploit them as they deserved.
Knocking on Rei's door, Asuka tried not to call herself a hypocrite as she waited. Inflicting pain on Shinji for hurting her, not the most adult thing was it? But he had to expect something for blindly allying with Misato! "Open up Ayanami, you're coming with me to school today," why was she bothering with this? Well, secretly Asuka wanted to talk to Rei about what she saw. She had to trust this girl with her life, but if she was a freak like she thought it'd be frightful. Girl needed something other than Shinji in her life, borderline obsessed Asuka would guess.
"What do you want?" Rei opened the door a crack and peeked through. Eyebrow raising a little after seeing who had the audacity to interrupt her morning routine, Rei opened the door more. Harshly, "Soryu, why are you infringing on our morning meeting? I walk with Shinji-kun."
Grabbing Rei's wrist, Asuka started walking and practically dragged the girl along with her. "And today you're walking with me instead. He has to talk with Misato about his physics grades, and how he'll fix them over our time NOT going to Okinawa," she had been so excited about that trip! It was something silly, just a few days out away from the city, but she had so wanted to go! Heading down the stairs, her satchel slapping against her rump, the corner brushed up against a very tender area, Asuka could still feel Rei resisting. Growling, "Just come on. He asked me to do this," Rei'd not recognize the lie.
Falling in step with Asuka, Rei straightened her ribbon and grabbed her satchel with both hands. "If she asked," she relented after a few moments of hesitation. For a few blocks they just walked, no talking, not even recognizing one another. As they waited at a red light, Rei was the one to break the silence, "Why did he ask you to do this?"
"Why do you think he did?" Asuka rattled off instantly. Rei's passiveness made Sakura look positively outgoing! Pulling a book out, the same one that Asuka spotted her reading before, she flipped through several pages, Asuka scowled. Just what was that freak doing now? "You need to talk to more people than just Shinji and those Nerv goons," Asuka tapped her foot impatiently waiting for the light. Rei was NOT better than she was because Rei had a boyfriend! Asuka was just particular, not wanting to be with just ANYBODY available as they were.
Walking through the crosswalk without looking, Rei found the page she was looking for and tilted her head. Showing Asuka the title of the chapter, Rei had a sense of pensiveness about her and almost look conflicted. "I have mentioned my wanting to engage in various other chapters. But I did not think he would want to…he is mine," she looked about for a moment. Eyebrows knitting together sharply, her mouth opened as she started breathing heavier.
Asuka's eyes boggled as she read the chapter header and nearly fell down. Not thinking, she yelled out loudly in the crowd, "He did NOT ask me to be in a three-way with you two!" Her voice was rich and powerful, thankfully nobody from school was around to hear her to start rumors. How could this spore even think she'd want to…that she'd be willing to degrade herself as she had! Face going flush as a few men and women pointed at her mockingly, "Just wanting you to socialize more is all, and that's it. And you don't OWN him…he's his own person. Just because you two are sticking it to each other doesn't mean you have powers over him or anything." But didn't Rei have a powerful hold over Shinji, stronger than either Misato or herself.
"Good, I do not wish to share," Rei put her book away, a small upturn of her lips. If the odd looks and chatter those around them were making affected her, Rei didn't show it. Moving past the residential district and closer to the school, Rei had a spring in her step. Wryly she did turn to Asuka though and said, "And he is mine, as I am his. Based on your psychological profile, you would not be able to understand or appreciate it."
Rei had access to her profile?! What the fuck was this bull? Rei was just another pilot as she was, but Asuka didn't have or even think about reading the others profiles! "What the hell is wrong with you Ayanami? What is there to understand? You're just a freak that likes to have sex is all! So stop acting all smug bitch! You're not better than me, neither is he! Nothing to understand about you other than you spread your legs and think you're better than others! Hell I'm glad I took those pictures of Shinji for Tachibana. Girl is better than you, even if she's a doormat!" Asuka stormed off after her tirade.
Asuka felt the hot stares of the other students on them, but she didn't care. Let them know Rei was a skank! Insinuating she was to stupid to understand the depth of Shinji and Rei's relationship, ha! What relationship? All they did was hang out together in Rei's apartment when Shinji didn't force them out, and Asuka knew what they did at Rei's. So when Shinji wasn't showing what little backbone he had, they were just shagging! Anybody was better for Shinji, he wasn't that bad a guy, than Rei and her social isolation.
Still feeling hot and bothered, Asuka threw herself into her seat and startled the chatting Hikari and Sakura. "That girl is a real freak. You won't believe what she…" Asuka saw both girls quizzically looking at her. Best not to soil the waters of the Sakura and Shinji relationship before it starts. Maybe Asuka would help get Shinji away from that oddity before it got to bad. She'd seen it in college, somebody takes something to far and then the cops come to take the stalker away. Closing her eyes and counting, she did have to keep her anger in check, "Sorry, just walked in with Ayanami and gods that girl deranged."
"Don't mention it Asuka, Ayanami has an odd effect on people sometimes," Hikari was forever the diplomat. Setting aside her papers, back in her satchel, Hikari did the mandatory and faced Asuka and not Sakura. Her hand went out to her previous conversation partner, "Sakura-kun was just talking about the room arrangements for Okinawa. Last day to put in requests before I lock them in." She thumped her pen on the papers on her desk, lists of names and room numbers.
Playing with a small paper toy she made, a bunch of strips cut in various lengths, Sakura tried to hide her anxiousness. "I haven't seen either Ikari-kun or your names on the sheet. Ayanami-san isn't going is she? With her completion and illness record, I'd doubt she'd want to risk it," heart on her sleeve, Sakura wasn't fooling anybody. Somebody wanted to try and earn some points, maybe sneak into a room once she knew it.
"None of us can go, Nerv isn't letting us," Asuka fished out the flashdrive with the pictures. Tossing it over to Sakura, Asuka felt sick at the squeal the girl let out. Teenage crushes, foolish girl with a crush. Sakura didn't really know Shinji, maybe after she did she'd either like him more or break it off instantly. "Don't get caught with those. We give the boys enough hell over pictures of us. Get me some souvenirs?" Asuka went back to Hikari.
Of course Hikari said she would, as did Sakura after she stopped fawning over that stupid data stick. Twenty minutes later, Asuka noticed Rei hadn't yet arrived and didn't until Shinji was with her. The girl waited at the gate for him, how corny! But Asuka doubted it would last, even if she didn't do anything. Rei would push and push until even somebody as laidback as Shinji had enough. So she just sat there and brooded over her failed attempt at getting to Okinawa. She'd try talking to Kaji then over her break from school, so maybe it'd be for the best.
X-X
Her shoulders ached as she hunched over her desk, but Ritsuko persevered. Her day was almost over though, so she had hope. Hope Gendo would want to get something to eat, talk, interact with her outside of just a quick romp on his desk. But he was always so busy with counsel meetings, planning sessions, or any number of other things. That was the real reason they didn't get to do what normal couples did, they were too busy. If, unfortunately, she didn't get what she wanted Ritsuko still had enough to do at home to relax. A fresh stock of hard liquor, the glut of food she bought when had been pregnant, her cats, and movies. Another boring yet relaxing evening alone.
"That is the hope anyway, getting to leave," Ritsuko moaned as she looked at her stack of papers. Misato was sending pages of data back from her little mission at that stupid volcano. Rei had a special session tonight she had to get Maya set up for, and Gendo's black projects. Work never ceased, but it didn't all have to be done now. Ayanami Rei, that girl was becoming more nuisance than anything. Grinding her teeth, Ritsuko looked at her empty coffee cup and junk food wrappers, "Special tests, Dummy Plug, drugs, and the whole Shinji-kun fear…if we didn't need her…"
The phone rang, shrill and startling as it oft laid dormant, it knocked Ritsuko out of her inner fugue. Please any and all gods listening, don't let it be something else to bother! Picking up the pulsating phone, Ritsuko cringed waiting for her little hope to be crushed, "Akagi speaking, what can I do for you?" She waited with bated breath for who was brazen enough to intrude on the sovereignty of her time.
"Akagi-sempai, Maya here, just wanted to verify what I was going to have to do tonight," Maya timidly asked. It was darling how the tech's voice cracked and waived in her insecurity and worry. Gushing just a little bit, "I've never had to run any of Ayanami-kun's special tests like this, but I'm worried I'd do something wrong."
Her chest swelled out brilliantly as Ritsuko took in a deep breathe of relief, it was just Maya. Maya was always so quick to please and so nervous of failing, great quality for a technician to have. In as soothing and calming a voice as possible, "You'll be fine, Maya. I've everything written down, just follow the instructions. If you have any problems call me and I'll step you through it. Ayanami should be in around six, so you've three hours to prepare." Saving her documents, Ritsuko felt her stomach start to ache from the lack of decent food.
A few distorted voices crackled behind Maya, she was in the common room apparently. Making a small eep of aggravation, "Sorry Sempai, its crowded here. The other tech's are complaining about Katsuragi-san's requests today. Do you want me to call you o-or stop over after the tests are over?"
"No need for that Maya, just forward the results to my computer," Ritsuko said offhanded. Shutting off her computer, she gathered up what little work she had to do at home. Just evaluations of the changes in Asuka and Shinji since living together, hardly difficult reading. Hearing a sigh over the phone, must be a lot of going on in the common room, "Maya, just relax, it'll be fine. Look I have to get going. I'm starving and my body hurts all over from sitting all day. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Well her aches were also partly Gendo's fault. Since she had taken care of their shared problem, Gendo had her visit his room the day before for another go. He was not pulling back on his small need to hit.
Silence for a few moments, followed by a very despondent Maya, "Sure thing Sempai. Have a good evening." The line didn't go off instantly, a few hesitation sounds from Maya and then it went off.
Flipping her phone closed, Ritsuko pocketed it with a small nod. One bullet dodged for sure. If Maya couldn't do this simple task, she'd have to stay later to do it herself. And Ritsuko so wanted to go home and relax even just a little bit. But she had a few reports to hand to Gendo before leaving, and her smaller hope he'd want to spend time. Folder in hand, and her additional home work in her bag, she slipped out of her office as quietly as she could.
Not evening bothering to knock on the door, Ritsuko just opened Gendo's office and peeked inside. Nobody there except for the man himself, perfect. If he had nobody else to bother him, it wasn't impossible for Gendo to leave and meet her at her apartment! "Sir, I have those reports on the repairs to Unit-01 and Unit-02. They're both at one-hundred percent and ready for duty," she saw him jerk in surprise and suppressed a smile. It was cute to see the man startled or out of sorts, but she couldn't LET him see that. Last time she made the small mistake of giggling at him, he had gone off quickly, and well…it was wrong of her. Gendo apologized for hitting her as hard as he had, but he was right in saying it was wrong of her. He was stressed, and she only exacerbated it.
"Excellent. Katsuragi just reported in from Mount Asami. She has confirmed an angel in the depths of the volcano and requested an operation to capture the still chrysalis encased angel," Gendo didn't give Ritsuko much head service. His hand scribbled furiously over whatever he was working on, "I've got to get the councils to agree to it before anything gets started on it. But it will be either of those units that goes."
"Oh, so you're going to be busy. I understand," Ritsuko didn't let her disappointment show through. Misato had caused problems for everybody with her crusade against the angels, but a living angel did make Ritsuko's mouth water. Keeping herself strong, she set the reports on Gendo's desk, "I'll start to think up a few solutions. Good luck, Gendo." She still got a thrill by calling his name like that, it was just so personal. Leaving his office, Ritsuko felt sick of her growing hope he'd call out to her to stop her. To tell her something, anything about his feelings.
He didn't. Nothing stopped Ritsuko from leaving his office, so she leaned against hid door after she shut it. Well, she didn't expect much from this, just a small hope of hers that wasn't realized. Keeping her emotions from spilling over, her bitterness swelling, she headed off towards the exit. Maybe she should get a car, stop taking the stupid trains, she'd have a nice place to scream in frustration. Getting out into the open air outside the base however, her phone rang, and Ritsuko felt a tremble go through her. Was…was he calling? "Akagi here," she didn't look at the number calling, didn't want to hope gone.
"Hey Ritsuko it's me," Misato's chipper voice wafted over the line. Never one to mince words or waste time she kept going, "I've got something going on over here at the observation post. Not going to make it back to my apartment today. Mind spending the night at my place? Asuka and Shinji were at odds with each other this morning and I don't want them left alone with each other. I'll give you permission to order Shinji to give you a back and shoulder rub, he's got magic fingers."
For a moment Ritsuko contemplated breaking her phone in half and dancing on the remains. "Misato, I'm tired and just want to go home. Can't we just trust them…" her stomach rumbled again. Since Misato wasn't on base and Ritsuko had no access to Shinji's better lunches. If she went to Misato's she could get a nice meal and it wasn't like Misato's place didn't have things to do. "Can I hit up your cabinet too?" it was give and take.
"Of course you can, just be careful if you let them drink with you. Asuka will try no doubt," Misato prattled on. She talked briefly about what she found and the environment of the upcoming operation. Chipper and upbeat as always, Misato complained and whined about the heat, the dichotomy of emotions.
Having rather talk to Misato than sit lonely and silently on the train, Ritsuko chatted as she sat in the train car. Sure it wasn't exactly what Ritsuko had planned for her evening, but maybe it wouldn't be that bad. Watching a young couple hiding in the corner of the crowded car, Ritsuko blinked as they started going at one another. She wasn't the only one to notice either, several other commuters saw the teens poorly masking their actions. It had been a very long time since Ritsuko felt like that, her times with Gendo were…well not the best. He tried hard, so she'd not fault him, but the pain and abruptness just left her wanting.
"Well Makoto-kun is about to run a few more tests that I better…oh shit I have your lunch with me! Shinji-kun made you a big one that I was going to have taken…sorry," Misato could be heard eating on the other end. Forgotten, sure it was forgotten. Selfish little queen Misato didn't want to miss a meal so just so happened to make Ritsuko suffer for it. No matter, it wasn't that big a deal.
Stepping off the train, feeling the brush of people against her and the small thrill of it, Ritsuko bottled up more rage. "Don't worry about it Misato, accidents happen, talk to you tomorrow," she didn't even let Misato respond before shutting her phone. Misato would always conveniently forget things when it'd benefit her to do so. Favoring the elevator over the stairs, her feet were balls of fiery anger, Ritsuko wondered what an evening with the pilots would be like. She didn't talk much with Asuka outside of tests, but Shinji was pleasant. "It won't be so bad, though I doubt I take Misato up on her offer. How good could a teenager be at that anyway," but the temptation was riding high. Hitting the call button at the door, she had no key to Misato's, she waited for which of the two would answer.
It took a few moments, but sounds of movement behind the door was proof somebody was coming. Movement behind the peephole and the sound of the lock unlatching was followed by Shinji peeking his head out the door, "Hello Akagi-san, um-Misato-san isn't here right now." He looked back in the apartment and opened the door and stopped hiding behind it. Grabbing at the hem of his shirt as his eyes opened a little more, "She's not hurt or anything is she? I gave her your lunch so you should…"
"Calm down, Shinji-kun," Ritsuko calmed the frazzled boy's nerves. Gently passing him and taking her shoes off, she was amazed at how different the son was from the father. Shinji's emotions were so clear and open, Gendo well he was a hard read. "She's not hurt or anything, just not coming home tonight. I'll be staying the night tonight, Misato said something about Soryu and you not having a very peaceful morning," finding the coat hooks on the wall she put her lab coat on one. Shinji truly did spoil Misato with small things like this.
Giving Ritsuko a wide berth, Shinji nodded and accepted the news as he did everything else with quiet resolve. "Well Asuka isn't here right now. She left a message about going out for supper with Kaji-san. I was about to start supper. Since it'll just be you and me, any requests?" Ritsuko finalize noticed the 'kiss the cook' apron he was wearing.
"Anything you make is good for me, Shinji-kun. Don't get a fresh meal unless I stop over here anyway or go out," Ritsuko's eyes danced over the boy. He scampered off to the kitchen, a frightened animal seeking the comforts of its den. And that was the smooth Casanova from all the rumors at Nerv. Ritsuko did know that Shinji and Rei had relations, his comments and Rei's physical was proof enough. But it was silly to think of him taking her all over the base as the rumors said. Falling into Misato's couch, it was FAR more comfortable than her own. Letting out a pleasant sigh, "So what was the issue this morning with Soryu?"
Knife hitting cutting board, cans opening, and running water was the music being made in the kitchen. Boy could really cook up a storm, "It wasn't that big a deal really. Asuka didn't like the fact Misato said we couldn't go on school trip, but I expected it. Then she took Rei-san to school saying I asked her too. Would you like anything to drink while you wait?" Shinji popped his head out from behind the doorway, a prairie dog braving the wild world from its hole.
"Misato says you make a good Bloody-Mary, and I could go for a stiff drink right now," Ritsuko flipped on the television. After her chemical induced regret, Ritsuko found the solace in drinking an easy fit. The life she had in her, what would have happened if she hadn't ended it? There would never be an answer to that other than speculation.
Walking into the room, drying his hands on his pink apron, Misato's gift no doubt, Shinji was giving her a peculiar eye. "Um, not to pry Ritsuko-san, but should you be drinking in your condition? I don't know much, but I've heard on television that pregnant women shouldn't drink or smoke," Shinji braved to express his opinion, even if it was more condescending.
Oh yeah, Shinji was the only one outside of those who conceived it to know of Ritsuko's pregnancy. "It was a mistake from the doctor's office," Ritsuko found that telling lies was easier for her. Lies to Misato, her grandmother, others, and now Shinji they just rolled off the tongue. Finding a nice news station, she settled into the couch and kicked her feet up.
"S-sorry Ritsuko-san! I'm…you looked so happy, I'm s-sorry I'll get your drink," Shinji quickly dashed back into the kitchen. Cabinets opened in rapid succession and clinking of glass bottles as he tried to appease the woman he questioned. It didn't take more than a few minutes before Shinji came back out with the glass of red fluid. "I'm out of celery right now, sorry," he set the glass down and eyed the kitchen.
Patting the couch next to her as she leaned for her drink, Ritsuko was finding his nature quite endearing. "Take a seat, Shinji-kun, I'm not going to bite you. It was a mistake is all, and I owe you for not telling anybody else," she sipped the drink and felt a shiver down her spine. Oh this was tasty, just the right amount to get her started. "Relax, Shinji-kun, I'm over it," a lie, "and since you're on vacation now, if you want to make yourself one have one. Let's celebrate tonight, you and I don't get to have a night to ourselves very often."
"S-sure," Shinji tried his best to accommodate as he was oft to. It took a little while, a solid ten minutes, before his shoulders stopped tensing up. Boy just wasn't used to strangers, he faked good, Ritsuko was just better at seeing through faux emotions than most. Living her life as she did, Ritsuko was an expert in showing fake sentiments so she could see it. A buzzer in the kitchen finally rang after they watched television in silence, "Want to eat in here or at the table?"
Rattling her glass around, Ritsuko was feeling as if she was growing into the couch, this wasn't bad at all. "Let's just eat here, you can change the channel if you want to," Ritsuko handed Shinji the cup for a refill. He took it and blushed when their fingers brushed against one another, and Ritsuko smiled earnestly. Maybe this was why Misato teased Shinji so much and was so fixated on him. Something in the way he acted just made Ritsuko feel appreciated, being dotted on was exceedingly rare.
Coming back with two trays of food, Shinji returned to the kitchen for the drinks. Sitting on the ground, just out of Ritsuko's range, he started eating. "I like the news so I don't mind it," he didn't sound to be fibbing. They ate and chatted of very safe and simple things. School and Asuka from Shinji's end, and projects and Ritsuko's cats from her.
Rubbing her belly, accidentally pulling up her shirt, Ritsuko let out a belch, "My complements to the chef." They both laughed at the erratic showing of brashness from the stoic woman. The evening passed more peacefully than Ritsuko was used to, she could really get to like it. Just simple conversation, nice meal, and pleasant company. On her fourth drink, Ritsuko felt the urge Misato often felt, the one to tease, "Now Shinji-kun, Misato said you'd give me a backrub or shoulder rub if you weren't busy. Feeling up for it?" Knowing Shinji, Ritsuko felt sad realizing Shinji would never turn somebody down.
"I'm not very good, but if you want," he couldn't have sounded anymore reluctant if he tried. But Shinji dutifully turned around as Ritsuko rolled on the couch so she could lay and face the television. His hands lingered in the air over her back for a few moments, deliberating what he should do, then set about task. Fingers trained well from cello and repeated acts with his girlfriend, Shinji played Ritsuko's back like an instrument.
Moaning in a way that was far from appropriate, Ritsuko felt the tension just melt out of her. "Never figured you for a liar, Shinji-kun. You are very good at this, just a little more pressure and…oooh," Ritsuko's toes curled. Letting the boy work his magic on her, Ritsuko's brain shut down, which lead to her problem. After a good five minutes of steady muscle relaxing bliss, she felt the want for a little more directly. Pulling her shirt up, she still had her bra on so she felt fine with it…she forgot her bruises. Shinji's gasp and falling back sobered Ritsuko up quickly, "Oh shit I…uh…Shinji-kun about those…"
"I'm home, whose shoes are these?" Asuka's voice was on cloud nine as she walked in. Her shirt pulled back down in a rush, Ritsuko appeared ever to suspicious. Walking past the couch towards the kitchen, "Akagi-san, why are you here?" Asuka's arrival gave Ritsuko the time needed to collect herself, girl was a little hurricane. She gave Shinji the eye to keep quiet, and he did, but he was suddenly very silent and went to bed early. Asuka then filled the apartment with her tales of Kaji, Ritsuko humored them and drank a bit more. She'd need to talk to Shinji in private.
X-X
Sitting over his homework at a small table, Shinji breathed in the odd smell of chlorine. It wasn't a good or bad smell, just a unique one to him. It reminded him of his inability to swim, another failure in his life that he didn't know if he felt necessary to fix. Watching Rei swim though, well Shinji had to admit the pool had a very nice benefit. She was like a fish or better fitting a mermaid. Moving through the water with such ease and grace it made Shinji envious and bitter. It'd be fun to swim with her, but his fear was bigger.
"Maybe I'll watch her more after I finish," Shinji could enjoy watching her swim for a long time. It was one of the few things in Rei's life outside of what he brought that gave her joy. If it made Rei happy, it made Shinji happy. His conscious needled him though, his physics homework wouldn't finish itself and after he was done he could pamper Rei. Reading the page, the splashing was quite distracting, he tried his best to focus. It was three days into their little vacation, and this was the first time he'd opened his books. Scribbling in his book, "But Rei-chan's been happy, so have I."
Heavy footfalls of bare feet on wet tiles, announced somebody else was approaching. A brief touch of hand on Shinji's shoulder, a smaller hand than an adults which left only one person. Sitting down across from Shinji, Asuka smirked, "Such a dutiful student you are. We've five days before school starts again and here you sit by the pool studying. Even you're m-girlfriend is swimming!" Asuka made a wide sweeping gesture over at Rei.
"I can't swim, but I don't mind letting Rei-san spend her time doing it. She really likes to," Shinji could feel Asuka's weight shift the table. Did it sound a little perverse to say he liked watching he swim, that bathing suit was very fetching on her. It was just a simple white one-piece, but it augmented Rei's complexion and hugged her figure like a second skin. His minute anger over Rei's demanding of all their free time was still there, but he was learning to accept it. Rei was just not comfortable with strangers, had he not worked with her they'd likely never have talked. Peeking up at Asuka, Shinji nearly fell out of his seat, "S-so why a-aren't you studying. Misato-san was pretty adamant about it."
Wearing the swimsuit she had so oft spoke of wanting to model for Kaji, Asuka knew she was showing off. "Not my fault I can't read that garbled lines you call a language. I'll do it later. If I can't dive in Okinawa I'll do it here," she swayed back and forth as she leaned over the table. For a girl that called boys perverts, Asuka was putting on quite the show. Swaying her hips from side to side, her budding breasts wafted about in a very alluring show. Pulling Shinji's book away from him, she looked over it, "Why are you having trouble with this? Don't you have your own private tutor in honor student over there? Or are you two spending to much time distracted?"
"Physics just doesn't make sense to me is all. Rei-san taught me the math behind it, but it's the thought behind it that confuses me," Shinji blushed and reclaimed his book. Asuka had been right on the money though. They had started off going over the theories that he failed on the test, but Rei had started getting frisky. Wandering hands, sitting closer than she needed, and before they knew it they were both in Rei's room. Shaking such thoughts out of his head, Rei seemed to be able to know if he was thinking about her, "I'll get it with just a little more time."
Water on tile, wet and dripping, Rei had removed herself and wasn't leaving Shinji alone with Asuka. Equally splitting her focus between the two, one could tell who she was looking at by her brow. When it was Shinji she was relaxed, but when it was Asuka she bunched up in a small scowl. "What are you doing in flaunting yourself to Shinji?" Rei pulled a seat closer to Shinji and sat down. The water on her dribbled off onto him as she had forgone drying.
Pulling on the top strings of her bikini, Asuka had a wicked grin as she let go and let herself jiggle. "Just talking is all, Honor Student. You're pupil is failing his classes, maybe you're spoiling him to much and not concentrating on the actual task," she cupped her bust and threw her hair back over her shoulder. "Think of it like this Shinji, if you warmed her breasts up maybe they'd grow big enough to match mine. But then again that would be a lot of heat," she gnashed her teeth like a playful dog and walked off leaving them.
"She's just teasing, Rei-chan," Shinji whispered softly. Yes Asuka was a very attractive girl, but that little show was more common to Shinji than he liked to let known. Asuka was just a tease, playing with people's emotions and lives like a game. He was still upset with her for lying to Rei the other day too, she could just get under Shinji's skin so easily. Pointing at the book, Shinji could feel Rei's breath on his neck, "I'm getting it too, so no worries. You done with your swim?" He could smell the stench of chlorine permeating from her.
Closing the book and sitting on Shinji's lap, Rei wrapped her arms around him and rested there. "I am, but I do not like how she shows herself to you. My reading says it expresses interest," Rei nuzzled against his neck. Never one to let a show of dominance slip past her, Rei let her sheen of water just coat the boy she kept in place. "I admit I was worried when she brought me to school before break. With my comment about my reading, I thought you wanted to…I do not wish to share you," she took a little nip against his neck.
"R-Rei-chan, people might see us like this," Shinji pleaded but didn't push her off. Asuka was right there, and Rei was acting as they did in private! Gently grabbing the arm stroking his chest, Shinji held it and pulled it down to her thigh. Best to stop her and yet still show affection, making Rei upset again was not on his itinerary. Nope, Shinji wanted to spend this little break from school taking Rei out to have fun in the city. Spending time at her apartment, while still delicious and new, he wanted to do other things with his girlfriend. "Did you want to get something to eat or…" she continued to rub her nose along his neck…not good he was starting to get that burning feeling.
Her rich voice filled the natatorium as Asuka did in fact let her presence be known, "Look! Rolling back entry!" Wearing full scuba gear, the girl fell into the water with a mighty splash.
Opening a single eye, the one Shinji could see, Rei looked down at the hand he was holding. Whimpering into his ear, "I can feel you warming. It is not due to her correct?" Freeing her hand from his, Rei snaked it through her legs and to Shinji. Pressing her hand against him fully, "Locker room while she is distracted."
"Rei-chan you don't have to worry or feel jeal…," Shinji shut up as Rei pulled away. It wasn't a request it was a demand, Shinji felt Rei's hand wrap around him just a little painfully. It was just her way, Rei didn't know how to express herself well enough to speak her fears. Nodding his head once, he let Rei slip off and pull him along. Letting her lead him to the locker room for the pool, Shinji was hesitant to enter the woman's side but Rei wasn't waiting for him. "We have to be quiet, Rei-chan, if somebody hears us we'll get in a lot of trouble," he didn't want to do this, not here! Exposure was not something Shinji wanted, but Rei was worried and dedicated, a dangerous combo.
Leading him to one of the showers, Rei drew the shade and wrapped her arms around Shinji's neck. "I apologize for this. It is me being…needy…but I do not wish to lose that which I love," Rei used the L word on him. It made Shinji go warm inside and melted any hesitation he had. Much akin to Misato calling him 'Shin-chan', whenever Rei said love in connection to Shinji he just folded. He could yell at Asuka, fight her over the television or who had to do what chore, he could even talk Rei into going out from time to time. But this, well he wouldn't risk losing this feeling.
"D-did you want me to t-take off the suit?" Shinji had to admit it was very fetching. It would have to be quick, and only once, but if only once in the suit was something new. Without a word, Rei answered his question by turning around and presenting herself. Sliding the fabric to the side, she looked back at him with such expression on her face people other than Shinji wouldn't have believed it. With her already dripping with anticipation, Shinji let his trunks fall down. "G-glad I wore these in case I got wet," Shinji's breathing came out heavier and harder. His shirt was wet, but that was fine.
Despite Shinji's request for quiet, Rei wasn't able to keep her voice down enough. Shinji worried as they coupled in the cramped stall. It was to small, he couldn't get good enough leverage, but Rei didn't mind at all. Near the end, Shinji contemplated covering her mouth or putting his fingers in there to stifle her moaning. After the first time Rei asked him to do that, her reaction was one of rapt enjoyment, Shinji found it was a way to muffle her, but he felt odd doing it so didn't offer his digits often. Once Rei had finished, Shinji cradled her against him, hands around her waist, and just held her as she recovered. It was there moments that he really cherished, the afterglow was marvelous.
"Are you ready to go back out to the pool? Misato-san said she'd meet us there," Shinji asked as Rei limped out of his grasp. He helped her clean up a little, doing his best to not touch in any sensitive areas. He spied the locker room before pulling the curtain, thankfully it was empty and he hadn't heard anybody while they had their moment. Handing Rei one of the towels left stacked up, "That was wonderful Rei-chan. I'm glad you suggested it." Not a lie, more a stretching of the truth. Her apartment with the suit…well he might ask about it so he could fully enjoy it. He wasn't without his wantings, just Rei was more upfront with hers.
Draping the towel over her shoulders, Rei thoughtlessly walked out briskly with that little bounce in her step. Satisfied beyond words, Rei just nodded and Shinji and let her smile answer for her. Taking his hand they went back out to the pool area. It wasn't as they had left it though. Misato was sitting at the table Shinji had used, thumping her knuckle against his book, and more horrifying Maya was swimming in the pool with Asuka. Bothered or not by the thought of Maya hearing them, Rei went right over to Misato and stood confidently. "You have word of our mission?" she asked with her softer and forced voice.
"About time you two got here, been waiting for ten minutes," Misato addressed Shinji and not Rei. Waving at the surfaced Asuka, Misato had that irritated twitch in her eyebrow that Shinji feared so. Something was bothering her, and it was going to color everything. Disapproving in stature and countenance, Misato stood up and just watched the two teenagers, but didn't say anything until Asuka waded over to them, still wearing her gear.
She knew, Misato had to know! Shinji couldn't even look at her, Rei was in full on military mode so he got no solace there either. Cracked and unsure of himself, Shinji found himself speaking despite himself, "S-so what is going on Misato-san? You've wanted us here but didn't tell us why." It was a mission, it had to be. But they didn't hear any sirens, so was it being kept a secret? He wanted Misato to stop looking at him so upset, wanted to be anywhere but here right now!
"Yes, now that you've got your mind on important matters," Misato finally did stop glowering at Shinji and sighed. Fixing her hat, she paced about the tiled floor and rubbed her chin with her thumb and forefingers. "We've found an angel in a volcano outside of Tokyo-3. It's still in a chrysalis, so rather than N2 bomb it, we're going to try and capture it instead. One of you will be going down for this while another watches from the rim in case of unexpected results," again Misato's eyes flittered to Shinji.
Closing his eyes as he waiting for the bullet from Misato's verbal gun to go off and peg him. It was going to be him, it always was him that had to the hard missions. For some reason his father would never risk Rei unless nobody else was available. Shinji didn't want to think about that, he tried not thinking about Rei and his father. How his father seemed to focus more on Rei's safety than his own, or how he talked to Rei from time to time yet couldn't be bothered with him. His father would never allow Rei near the volcano, and Shinji's luck would put him in the hot seat, despite Asuka calling out how she wanted to.
Gently but firmly pushing Asuka back down and away from her, the water flinging off the girl got everybody by her hit, Misato finally cracked a smile. "For a change Asuka, I'm going to let you have your way without a fight. Unit-02 is easier to fit with the type-D equipment needed for the operation. Shinji will be the one on site. And Unit-00 will remain in Tokyo-3 in the event of an Angel attack," Misato pointed at each child as she gave them the orders. "Now mission is go early morning, so you'll all remain on site for tests and prep work. Asuka, Ritsuko has a special plugsuit for you to try on so get stepping," Misato lanced both Rei and Shinji…they were NOT free to go.
With Asuka on cloud nine, she stuck her tongue out mockingly at Shinji as she skipped off to find Ritsuko. Standing in the crosshairs Shinji felt his hands sweating, "So, did you need anything from us, Misato-san? I'd like to f-finish my homework." With the book on the table it gave credence to his fib, and Rei in her suit it would explain why she was there. He had a small hope she was upset about something else, that they hadn't been found out.
"Maya heard an interesting thing in the locker room, she told me before she got in the pool," Misato put a hand on both teen's shoulder. For a brief moment she tightened that firm hand of hers, Misato was not a weak woman in any regards. Pushing down on them, advancing closer and menacingly she seethed. Lacking any compassion, "I'm disappointed in the two of you. Those rumors about you two does NOT give you free reign to enact them! The base is not the place for the two of you to have sex, and Shinji-kun I doubt this was your idea, especially in the woman's locker-room. Anybody other than Maya, Ritsuko, and myself would have resulted in need for official reprimand. As it stands…Shinji-kun you've full chore duty all week, Ayanami…I can't do anything to you. But get caught again and I WILL tell the commander about it." And with one small head shake, face full of disappointment Misato left the two.
His body unable to respond to the more prominent pain of shaming Misato, Shinji felt Rei dragging him to the table. She told him as they sat, "Do not let her worry you. There are no official rules against us using the locker room. It is just Katsuragi-san being counter to her nature. Her profile dictates she more projecting her past upon us. Now your studies." Rei went into her teaching mode as Maya swam. Shinji never liked feeling bitter or angry at people, but for a moment he felt that way towards Maya and Rei. Rei just HAD to force the issue right then, she couldn't wait to get someplace private. And Maya had to blab…but he could have said no. He could have been more firm, but she would have been upset. Now he made Misato upset instead…he just couldn't win no matter what he did. Can't please everybody, but had he made the right choice? He didn't know.
X-X
It was the part of the job Misato hated, but she couldn't shirk her duty or she'd be questioned. Risking not only his life but Unit-01, Shinji had to be reprimanded for acting without orders. He took it like the trooper he was, but that beat dog expression of his had hurt. This was different than when she teased him, that left him flustered and embarrassed. Her verbal reprimand and formal punishment for risking what he had, it left the boy on the verge of tears by the look of it. Nearly broke Misato's heart, but that was the price of command. Didn't help that the moment he jumped in, Misato's heart rate spiked and she nearly fainted. Damn kid was family now, and what she saw appeared suicidal.
"So this is a hot spring?" Asuka violently brushed past Misato. Clipping the older woman's side, Asuka didn't take Shinji's punishment well either. Words would be said, but Asuka was mature enough or smart enough to know doing so in front of the other staff was a bad idea. No, this was a conversation best made in private. Not that Asuka could ever let her displeasure slip by unnoticed. Wrapping an arm around Shinji's neck, Asuka seemed just a bit more accommodating of her flatmate at the moment, likely only temporary. Passing an elder woman garbed as an employee, she spat out, "Some reward this is for killing an angel, but at least we both get to appreciate it."
Caught between Misato and Asuka, Shinji really hadn't said much since the recovery was complete. Doing what he normally did when Misato and Asuka were at arms he tried to play peacekeeper, "I've never really been to one of these before myself. Not the same as the trip to Okinawa, but still nice to do something different." His whole body was just a shade more red than normal, and the scent of him perspiring lingered in the air.
Seeing a room just off from the changing rooms, Misato wanted to clear the air before they had their little reward. "Come on you two, we need to talk about this now or what's the point of trying to relax," she dragged Shinji who in turn pulled Asuka. She could see what Shinji was trying to do, and bless him for it. If he was upset with her or not, Misato didn't know but at least he wasn't trying to make things worse like Asuka was. Finding the room to be a sitting room, mats on the ground and a tea service, Misato shut the door and pulled at her jacket, "Alright, have your say Asuka, I know you want to. And Shinji, let her get it all out before you say anything."
Stomping through the room once the leash was taken off, Asuka toppled the tea service with her anger. "You punished him in front of the whole staff, excessively harsh to! And for what? For saving my life! If he hadn't jumped in when he did I wouldn't be here right now!" what Asuka was more upset about only she knew. Efficient as ever in facial contortions that equaled hate and anger, Asuka was a tableau of negativity. Accidentally slapping Shinji's chest with the back of her hand as she ranted, "Couldn't you have done it another way than publicly berating him for taking action for once and NOT waiting to be ordered around?"
"In case you don't remember Asuka, we are a military unit," Misato held a finger out at Shinji. She could see him fighting to keep his mouth shut, it was written all over his face. Fighting, Shinji just hated it from what Misato knew, so seeing his flatmates going at it was hard on him to just let happen. Was likely why he apologized so much and didn't resist having others pushing things on him, easier to go along with things than make waves. But right now she had a fiery teenage girl to calm, "I had to act in an official capacity while in front of the forces. If I show favoritism or leniency people will take it as a sign of weakness."
Again Shinji fumbled about debating on talking or not, but it was still Asuka and Misato's floor. "There is following the rules, and there is seeing an opportunity where others don't!" Asuka continued her parade around the room. The paintings on the wall shifted in position, door frames vibrated, and it looked like small impressions were left in the ground where she walked. Grinding her teeth, her fangs bared, "And did you have to go so hard on him though? Shinji is paper thin here, can't take a word of criticism, and you just tear into him. Next time he sees an opening in an angel's defenses he'll doubt now where he could have stolen victory from me!"
"It wasn't that bad, Asuka. And I'm not made of paper. Misato-san is our superior while on missions. What I did was risky, if I fainted we'd both be gone and I didn't have your protective gear. It is a miracle I did what I did," Shinji finally took the gamble and jumped in. Either the attack on his personality or just wanting the fight to end on amicable terms, he stood between the warring tigresses. It didn't take long for the veneer of strength to start to wither though as his extended hands quickly drew inward. Showing Misato the back of his head, was he still anger she didn't know, he spoke to the visually upset one, "I don't regret doing it though, Asuka. You'd have done the same for either Rei-san or me. Now c-can we let it drop?"
For a moment Misato thought Asuka would push the issue, and she doubted Shinji's heartfelt sentiment. "Agreed, lets go relax after an unexpected victory. You two both earned it, and I just want to relax a little. Get moving you two, and no sharing space either, this place is not a mixed bath and I don't want to tell Ayanami-kun of your infidelity Shinji-kun," she winked at the boy and got the blush she so loved. Both teens jumped apart from each other, neither having noticed how close they were until then. Siblings, Misato got such a sibling vibe from those two it was as if they were twins and Asuka stole all the testosterone in utero.
Running out of the door, each flanking Misato as they made to keep apart from one another, the teens were already bickering with one another as they did. 'Don't peek at me' and 'I'm not interested in you like that' clearly heard over the din of the employees talking. Misato had pulled some strings to get the place reserved for all of Nerv personnel involved with the operation. Misato and the pilots had first dibs, and then the rest could come and go as they pleased. A hefty sum was offered, tax right off, so the owner quickly folded. Nobody resisted Nerv for long, but Misato didn't want to flex that muscle to often less public support suffer.
"Still want to talk to each of them alone about this," Misato felt the weight was off though. Asuka had her blow out and Shinji heard why Misato had to berate him. Not her proudest or happiest moment, but a necessary one. Heading over to an older man stocking a small cooler, "Can I get three cans of Yebisu, add it to our tab?" She winked at the man, Misato wondered if he could see her clearly because he didn't react. Just handing her the cans, he offered a toothless grin, "Thanks. And let the others know they can get what they want as well, we'll pay for it all."
With her delicious brew in hand, Misato found the changing room empty and the soft chatter of her wards wafting over the sulfurous air. Still bickering or had they moved on to their other conversations, namely Asuka ranting and Shinji paying her lip service? After her compulsory look for hidden cameras, girl never could be to careful, she stripped and grabbed a towel. Debating on taking off her necklace or not, she opted to keep it on. Not a staunch believer in Catholicism, Misato found she did have a small inkling towards it than Shintoism, her mother intoned that in her. Tracing the cross her hand trailed to her scar, she hated it! Infection from the wound ruined her chance at children, made her ugly, and reminded her of her father.
"You're not doing anything indecent in here are you?" Misato called out coyly. Asuka was standing at the edge of the water with a pensive expression, odd for her. Breathing in the rich yet unique fragrance of the sulfur warmed water, Misato just dropped her towel at the edge and waded in. The warmth ate at her body and tension as she sank in up to her shoulders. Sitting up after her initial soak, keeping her hair dry, she cracked a can open, "It won't get any nicer smelling standing at the edge. Might as well get in."
With her dignity challenged, Asuka danced as she was oft to do. "You don't have to tell me that, was waiting for you anyway," she always had an excuse handy. Dropping her towel next to Misato's, Asuka let the woman drink in the view of her. Almost bald down below, just some small vibrant hairs stood out marking her shift into puberty, she didn't show any weakness. Walking around in the water, sniffing like a dog, she was sure to be in up to her waist. Splashing the water against her, Asuka kept her back to Misato, "It stinks in here, but it feels good."
"Be better if you get deeper in, just don't let your hair get wet unless you want to take the smell home with us," Misato sipped her can and savored the experience. Her preference would be not to let the stench follow them home, but she'd not fight Asuka on that. Knowing what battle to take was the important thing with Asuka, as everything turned into one and it quickly became exhausting. She listened to Shinji and Asuka talk to each other through the wall, Shinji made his presence known when Pen-Pen broke in. After a good ten minutes, Asuka slowly made her way over to Misato and eyed her scar, "I got it from Second Impact if you're wondering."
Blinking fast, she hadn't known Misato caught the peek, Asuka waved her hands quickly, "I wasn't looking really. Just t-thinking about…" Asuka's mind stalled looking for a good excuse to blank out. Sitting on the edge of the water, letting her feet dangle in, Asuka gazed out at the picturesque scenery, "Shinji and Ayanami! Well more Ayanami really. She's odd, never expected her to be the possessive and controlling type." Asuka found her distraction and ran with it, speaking low enough that Shinji wouldn't hear unless he was spying.
Splashing and the occasional wark was proof that Shinji was playing with Pen-Pen, Misato felt it safe to talk about that little subject. Opening her third and final can, Misato drank it slow, "Yeah, I've noticed that too lately. Not necessarily a bad thing, unless she starts causing issues like she did the other day more often. Shinji-kun is the type to give, as YOU know well enough." Wasn't hard to see how Asuka treated Shinji as a servant or plaything when needed, at least it was platonic. If Rei started forcing her will on Shinji more though, well Misato wasn't going to have her boy hurt by some unhinged girl's fixation.
"I'm not the only one that makes him do chores! Weren't you the one on laundry this week, and wasn't it Shinji doing them the other day?" Asuka would not let herself be singled out. Kicking her legs out, splashing water all about, yet she kept her legs tightly together and arms close in to thrust out her bust. Challenging Misato's babies was a poor choice as she did the same and Asuka quickly sulked. Trying to look like she wasn't looking, Misato had seen many men try that and fail, "Girl is just strange is all. Reading that sex book, saying she wanted to try more…asking if I was wanting…I'm getting out" Asuka colored from her cheeks down her arms, she rushed away back to the changing area.
Now that wasn't something she wanted to hear, Misato sloshed her way over towards the dividing wall. What was Rei doing to her boy, and he was her boy now! After their talk, Misato had no qualms about claiming family rights on him. Gendo dropped the ball, Misato recovered it and ran it in for a touchdown. Rapping her knuckle on the wood, "Shinji-kun, you not showing Pen-Pen something he shouldn't see are you?" A big sister had to tease her brother, how they showed affection. But was Rei really already buying books on the matter? They were teenagers! Couldn't just plain ol' vanilla be enough…did they have to at all?
"M-Misato-san you shouldn't say stuff like that! What if an employee heard you, or somebody else was over here!" Shinji frantically called out. A loud splash and the sound of water lapping against the wall was all the evidence Misato needed that Shinji fell. For the briefest moments, her body froze as she analyzed the scenario. What if he had fallen, hit a rock, and was unconscious right now? He sputtered and splashed about again, "Sorry about that, turned to fast and Pen-Pen charged."
Relief, again that sense of relief washed over once she realized he was fine. It was odd to have somebody to care for like this, it was different than with Kaji but not bad. "Or so you say, going to have to ask him about that after we get out," Misato teased again. Leaning against the wall she slid back down into the water, now for the hard part. Caring outside of a romantic sense, it had perks and drawbacks. She never worried about Kaji doing silly things, but here she was light headed over a perceived trip. "Shinji-kun, we need to have another talk. About what you did today, and what you did back at Nerv with your girlfriend," she hoped it was an isolated incident.
He was quiet for a few moments, but eventually Shinji's timid voice rang out enhanced by the moisture, "I'm sorry for not asking if I could go in Misato-san, but I didn't think there was time. I heard that her cable was hit and I just acted. W-we don't get along all the time, but I couldn't just let Asuka die like that."
And Asuka calls him a coward and that he has no backbone, Misato chuckled at that. "Shinji-kun, if you ever realized just how strong you are, you'd make any of those girls weak in the knees," Misato said with full conviction. Jumping into a volcano without protection to save a girl that treated him like a servant just because he let her go without trying something, yeah that was courage. Now how to proceed, "I know Shinji-kun, and personally I'm glad you did, just worried is all. You're being reckless, and I don't want to think that. Not going to have a repeat of the Fourth Angel are we, not going to run again?" She didn't get the same vibe as she did back then, he wasn't running.
"I know you had to do that, Misato-san. It was brash and could have turned out a lot worse had things been different," Shinji had just a little sense of pride in his tone. A few warks later, Shinji was splashing again, "I'm getting out Misato-san, getting light headed."
Well hell, Misato was tipsy as she finished her drink. He had to leave before she could broach the Rei issue, but she was likely thinking to deeply on this. Rei was just an odd kid that wanted to perfect everything right? Study was study regardless of the subject. Right? Shaking her fugue out as best she could, she grabbed her towel and left the spring. Just keep an eye on things, make a few questions when Asuka wasn't around just to insure Shinji wasn't getting into dangerous areas. In time they'd get over the newness of it, maybe. Misato had to admit she never stopped enjoying it, just now she knew better. Knew it wasn't worth the issues boyfriends brought into her life, but maybe those two would be different. She hoped for Shinji's sake anyway.
X-X
"We have to play it cool tonight, Ken, alright? Don't go all servant on Nagato like you always do," Touji ordered his buddy. Cleaning up the room they were sleeping in, Touji had high hopes for the final evening of their vacation. The trip as a whole hadn't been nearly as epic as Touji had expected or wanted, but this last evening could prove to redeem it! Rubbing on some deodorant he fixed his hair in the small mirror, "Going to make a play on Tachibana-san or Hokari-san for sure!"
Putting his computer away in his bag, most of his possessions have already been packed up for the trip back in the morning, Kensuke just shrugged. "It's just us hanging out with them Touji, not like your great attempts at hitting on the local girls," Kensuke stretched out on the floor to maximum. The two had gotten lucky with their room, with three to a room normally they had counted Shinji in there number at the start. When he said he couldn't make it, well the school didn't correct the mistake and let them share it without another guy.
Growling as his hair refused to stay in the way he wanted it to, Touji spit on his hands and ran it through his hair. Content that it was at last passable for stylish, "It would have gone better if you tried harder or backed me up like I wanted." Kensuke had totally failed at being a wingman for Touji's attempts at hitting on girls at the beach. Then again, what was he really expected from Kensuke in that regard. "He's not really girl hunter material," Touji muttered as he fixed his shirt. Nothing but striking out with the ladies, and that left Touji more inclined to try harder this evening.
On the whole both teens had been let down by trip that Shinji escaped from. Going to historical buildings, seeing a lot of them being renovated and updated, it was just more school and walking. Where they had hoped to shine through, the personal time, just didn't pan out. All the stores were over prizes, yet both did get Shinji a small souvenir, and Touji's attempt at some 'trip memories' all failed. No matter what coaching and tricks they tried, the other vacationers and locals just didn't take the bait.
"I still don't know why Chidori wanted to hang out with us tonight. She's been busy with her own class all trip," Kensuke read a manga he left out lazily. Using his left knee as a point, he balanced his right leg on it and bounced with anxious energy. Trying to hide it, Kensuke was somewhat interested in the event that was going to signal the end of their vacation. "Think we should take some pictures for sale?" he always kept his mind on the money.
Checking his watch, they were due any minute, Touji had to steady himself. "Who cares why that bitch wanted to do this, I'm just glad we can have some fun before this ends. We need some stories to tell Shin-man," he had to brag about something! Shinji was expecting to live vicariously through them, and to say they just struck out wouldn't be worth it. Touji owed his best buddy a little more than that, so if he had to lie a little well it was the least he could do. What would they do, no TV or movies in the rooms, but the girls had to have some idea otherwise they'd not suggest it.
"Knock-knock boys, open up quick," Chidori's hand ricocheted off the door like a machine gun. It was against the rules to go into the other sex's room, but they were doing it anyway. After Touji opened it, Chidori burst in with a few plastic bags in hand and drug Sakura in with her while Hikari snuck in quickly after. Tossing Kensuke a bag of snacks, more throwing it at the unexpected boy, Chidori made herself at home in there room. Raucously unveiling a bottle of vodka, she rubbed her cheek against it, "Time for the party to get started boys. And we're not stopping until this is gone. Can't have any evidence."
Gasping as she took the bottle out of Chidori's hand, Hikari did not have a smile on her face. Once a class-representative always one, "How did you get this? I agreed to let you two come over here for some games, I never agreed to liquor!"
"Oh lay off Hokari," Touji plucked the large bottle from Hikari's hands, "it's our first school vacation and it's been boring. Let's live it up tonight." He hadn't expected booze! Maybe Chidori wasn't so bad after all if she had some connection. A little alcohol would make it easier to talk to Hikari or Sakura, get them to relax too. Of the two, Sakura was a true vision of perfection, but Touji's heart did go out for Hikari. "So what first?" he saw Kensuke pulling out chips and soda from the other bags.
Using Chidori and Hikari as walls, Sakura sat between her friends pensively. "I've never drank before, isn't it bad for us? We could get caught," she kept watching the bottle move about. Not wasting any time, Chidori broke the seal and poured a little into some plastic cups and added some soda to it. Bashful, the girl wouldn't look at either Kensuke or Touji directly.
"Never can go wrong with the king game or some cards," Touji sipped his drink and blanched. He'd never get used to the taste of the stuff, but he was not going to let Kensuke's slave master see him weak. Grabbing some chips he pounded a handful, and saw each of his fellow players get a cup. Making a small circle in the middle of the room, Touji saw the girls already in their sleeping attire. Having to wait until after lights out, it was already past ten so it made sense. They all looked so tasty, Hikari in a cotton yellow set, Sakura in red silk, and the vile Chidori just shorts and t-shirt.
Adjusting his glasses, Kensuke had fixed himself on the center girl, "How about we start with cards first? I'd be fine if we skipped the King game." He handed Chidori a bag of chips and the deck of cards, already doing whatever she wanted.
"I've played rummy before, and I saw a show of people playing poker," Sakura added her two cents. Spotting Kensuke's eyes not meeting her face but below it, she shifted away from him and towards Chidori. Sniffing her drink, her nose wrinkled up, but a stern push from her defended got her drinking, "It doesn't taste bad, strange."
As Chidori started dealing out cards and explaining the rules of poker for the group, Touji was happy to see Hikari sample her drink. Alright the party was really starting! Keeping himself drinking slow, his few beers at Misato's was proof he couldn't handle much, Touji got his buzz going. Poker didn't work out to well though, Sakura and Hikari just didn't have poker faces, far to expressive. After a good half hour of playing, and half the bottle of vodka later, Touji was listing as was everybody else.
"Well now that we're relaxed enough to get going, time for the King game," Chidori was by far the most sober. Making the sticks and putting them in the cup she gave it a swirl. "Would be better with more people, but the girls in my class won't be caught dead with you two, and the boys would have already tried dragging Hikari or Sakura out of here," she put the cup in the middle and grabbed one.
Picking her own stick, Hikari's face was so flush Touji couldn't make out her freckles anymore, "Don't say stuff like that Chidori. I'm drawing the…drawing lines with sex! We're to young for-for that. So keep the orders acceptable Suzuhara! Don't go overboard." Hikari nearly spilled her drink as she twirled on the larger boy.
Being the last to take his stick, Touji grimaced as he wasn't the king and that Hikari was even more strict while drunk. "I'll be good cl-Hikari," she was a childhood friend he felt fine right now calling her that. Outside this room, and sober, Touji would have kept it at class-rep. It was all friends right now so no need for formalities. When Sakura's eyes widened and her smile crept from timid to big they knew who was king, or queen as it was, "So what is your orders your highness?"
Looking at her stick with the small crown, Sakura tried to gleam who had what stick but couldn't. After a very unladylike belch, "Number three tell us a secret you've never told anybody. S-something n-naughty."
Moaning pathetically, Kensuke tossed his stick back in the cup and took a stalling drink. Pushing his glasses up Kensuke flushed ever so much, "I've taken pictures of guys to sell to the girls just like I do for the inverse."
The room went up in one big jovial laugh, but Touji had to admit he was a little unsettled by that admission. He'd not let Kensuke around him with that camera pointed at him again. After that they got into the game in earnest. Touji had to take Hikari's socks off with his teeth. Chidori did a small yet alluring dance. Hikari took three really big shots. Kensuke had to take his top off, an order by Touji that really back fired. But as the evening went on, so did the drinking. Hikari was the first casualty, snoring in a very unexpected fashion.
Tittering all about, wobbling like a slowing top, Sakura sat looking at her stick that had the number for on it. Touji asked the question of 'who do you like at why', hoping to get Kensuke to confess why he was Chidori's lapdog. "I…I like your friend Ikari-kun. I really-really do…he's so c-cute and works so hard for us. And the p-picture Soryu-san took of him sleeping you can see his…his…" she just giggled until she slumped over against Chidori.
"And she's out like a light, lasted longer than expected," Chidori laid the snoozing girl down and made a pillow out of some clothing. "Think this is the last round, bottle is empty and I'm tired. So lets make it a good one," she took out another stick from the mess. Only three remained and she drew last.
Kensuke snickered and waggled the king stick about like a pendulum, "Number two…do…do…oh god I can't think…uh why don't you…do whatever you want?" He just tossed the stick and waited.
Damn it wasn't his, Touji pouted as he dropped his stick back on the ground. He was going to cop a feel on Chidori, they all agreed to it and she was more mature than the others. "So what are you going to do, Nagato?" he could hardly keep his eyes open. How could he drink so much soda and be so tired? Was…was she taking her top off? Oh man maybe this was going to be good…he didn't like her but he'd not mind…then Chidori pounced Kensuke like a hungry animal.
"What the…dude what?" Touji tried to get a word in edgewise but nothing doing. Chidori and Kensuke were off in their own world, hell Kensuke didn't seem to be moving normally to sluggish much like a sleepwalker. Fine, whatever, he didn't care! Grabbing his blanket, Touji rolled over by the wall to blot out the sound. It didn't get softer, it got louder, and Touji listened to all of it. In the morning, he found them sleeping close to one another, only then did he learn that Chidori was a worse drunk than he was, just masked it better. And Kensuke knew he kissed somebody, but didn't know who. Touji did, and he knew it went a lot further. But he wasn't going to tell, it wasn't fair! Why was he the only one that…it just wasn't fair!
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Authors Notes
Trying to keep things moving and show a nice gradual change in some of the characters over time. I hate the instantaneous shift that we all see sometimes in anime or shows and it doesn't make sense. Work is FINALLY kicking off for me which means my time writing is going to take a big hit. I'll try my best to keep my updates at the same time, but sadly I can't promise anything.
Well hope you enjoyed, and thanks for reading
Ja mata
Zentrodie
