Dearest Mother Chapter 07: Kiss

BW: Here is chapter 07. This chapter is going to include some fluff with Shinji and Rei. A nice break from the serious previous chapters. Now for a serious topic. I previously uploaded this chapter, but it created some controversy at the end, particularly about Asuka's drastic change in character. I had a plot line evolving two jealous guys trying to force themselves on Rei and Asuka being behind it, but I've decided to abandon it. So, now I've re-uploaded it with a change a few things, so people won't complain. I'll also go back and change some other stuff a few chapters back. Oh, and if you see any reviews about rape, those are from the previous version of this chapter, pay no mind to them.

(I don't own anything related the Neon Genesis Evangelion)


Early morning came in an unpleasant way for those living in the Katsuragi residence. Well, with Misato, she isn't a morning person. Meanwhile, Asuka woke up more irritated then she normally does. And Shinji didn't get any sleep at all. This morning, he nearly fell asleep in front of the kitchen sink while preparing breakfast.

"Hey, idiot, wake up!" Asuka yelled at Shinji, swatting him over the head.

"Ow! Okay..." Shinji groaned, now fully awake. He went back to making breakfast and preparing lunch soon after. Asuka went back to her seat at the table with a quiet Misato.

The older woman sat quiet as Asuka tapped her figure on the table impatiently. Despite waking up on the wrong side of the bed, Misato's observation of Asuka and Shinji continued after getting home yesterday afternoon. She's noticed that Asuka is becoming more irritable by the day, and she's taking it out on poor Shinji. Deciding staying out of it is no longer an option as their guardian, Misato asks straight out, "Asuka, what's going on?"

"Hm?" Asuka doesn't really face her guardian, but rather look at her from the corner of her eye.

"Since yesterday afternoon, or rather last week, you've been more snippy and irritable than normal. I know teen drama is the norm nowadays for kids your age, but you must remember-"

"That we're pilots and we're the only ones who can protect humanity from extinction and stand up to the Angels, right?" Asuka cut off snidely.

"W-Well... yes, there's that." Misato coughed, "But, you should also remember that if you've got problems, you can talk to me. I admit, I'm not the best, but I am willing to listen."

"Gee, that's awfully nice of you." Asuka said, not caring in the slightest.

"I'm being serious here, Asuka. If you keep up with this crappy attitude, I guarantee bad things will happen to you later." Misato retorted.

"I'm fine, Misato. I'm just in a bad mood this morning. After a good breakfast, I'll be back to speed with my glamorous self." Asuka said with the ever arrogant smirk she'd have on in weeks to months past.

"Sure..." Misato doesn't buy it. Not a bit. As long as she's known Asuka, she's not one to let grudges go. It must have something to do with Rei's actions during the last operation. If so, then as an adult, she has to make sure Asuka doesn't do something drastic, whatever it may be.

"Breakfast is ready." Shinji said, bringing the plates of eggs, bacon, and toast over to the two women.

"About time, slowpoke." Asuka snapped at Shinji.

"Are you okay, Shinji-kun?" asked Misato, concerned for Shinji's tiredness.

"Yeah. I'm sorry. I didn't get much sleep last night." answered Shinji.

"If you say so." Misato smiled with slight relief, "Don't strain yourself, okay?"

"Okay."

"Are we eating breakfast or what?" asked an irritated Asuka, waiting to dig into her breakfast. Shinji and Misato sweat dropped to that. After a remarkably quiet breakfast, Shinji and Asuka prepare to leave for school.

"We're leaving now." the two announced at the entrance.

"Be careful on your way, and try to get along." said Misato, still voicing concern for their tense relationship.

The two left soon after.

Misato is taking some time off to review the incident during the Twelfth Angel's operation. There's still much she and the rest of NERV as a whole don't know about the mystical power Units 00 and 01 used to escape the Angel. Shinji and Rei not remembering what happened doesn't help much either.

Speaking of Rei, Shinji must be growing closer to her than he is with Asuka. That, among a few others, must be why Asuka is angry with Shinji, and by extension, Rei. Misato sincerely hopes that this "teen drama" doesn't unfold into something bad.

(-Rei's Apartment-)

Rei's mornings are just like any other morning. Wake up, get out of bed, shower, grooming, all the regular stuff for any human. Now finished dressing up, she exits her apartment and leaves for school.

During the walk, Rei unexpectedly encounters Shinji and Asuka as they walked to school together.

Shinji seemed noticeably happy upon seeing her. "Good morning, Ayanami."

Taken aback at first, Rei gave a small smile to Shinji, "Good morning, Ikari-kun." she said quietly.

"Morning..." Asuka groaned with a bored expression. Rei turns and stares at Asuka, who sends a sharp glare her way.

Seeing, Shinji could tell that the animosity between these two has grown worse since the last operation. Before things get even worse, Shinji quickly came up with this, "Say, let's all walk to school together." he suggested.

"Pass! Walk with Wonder Girl if you want." Asuka said, walking ahead of the two.

"Uh..." Shinji groaned.

"Ikari-kun, we'll be late." Rei said, not really paying attention to the Second.

"Y-Yeah..." Shinji mumbled, and the two walked together, with Asuka only a few feet ahead of them.

It was quiet, just like the walk home yesterday, and once again, Shinji didn't like it. "Um, wanna walk home together again after school?" Shinji asked.

"If you'd like." Rei said. This is the second time Shinji has asked to do this, yet she didn't mind in the slightest.

Shinji smiled, knowing she's okay with it.

Meanwhile, Asuka, having the ears of a demon, heard Shinji's request to Rei, though she kept walking. Her pace became a little faster.

(-School: Lunch Break-)

Lunch break began once again at school, and everyone in class scrapped to either get lunch from the cafeteria, or setting up makeshift lunch tables in class so they can eat their boxed lunches together with friends.

Rei on the other hand sat at her seat by the window as usual. Normally, she had no interest in eating with others, so no one bothered asking her to eat lunch together. However, someone in class has a different plan in mind.

"Ayanami, here." came Shinji's voice. She turned to him, and to her genuine surprise, Shinji held out a blue boxed lunch to her. "I made an extra boxed lunch for you." Shinji said, "I hope it's not too much trouble."

"N-No. Thank you." Rei said shyly. She's starting to wonder how it's possible for Shinji to make her say 'thank you'. Maybe it's because of her love for him. Whatever the case, she accepts it, which makes Shinji smile happily. As she held the boxed lunch in her hands, her heart started to beat again.

Just as the atmosphere was about to set in, Toji and Kensuke come up from behind and wrap their arms around Shinji.

"What's this, Shinji? Giving Ayanami a boxed lunch? That's so nice of you." said Toji, smirking all the while.

"I thought boxed lunches were only reserved for Soryu and Misato-san. Looks like Ayanami's included too." said Kensuke, examining the contents of the box as Rei had opened it. It looked very standard for a boxed lunch.

"H-Hey, guys!" Shinji groaned.

"That reminds me, you and Ayanami seem to be pretty cozy together, lately." said Toji, "Didn't know you were into the quiet type."

"So, tell us Shinji, when did this development happen?" Kensuke asked, lightly nudging his elbow into Shinji's side.

"It... it's not like that!" a blushing Shinji protested. He began blushing, due to what his friends were saying about him and Rei.

"You must've done something good to get Shinji to make you a boxed lunch. Way to go Ayanami!" Toji gave a thumbs up to Rei, who is honestly confused by what Toji and Kensuke were talking about. "Whatever that red headed banshee's been doing, it's clearly an epic fail."

"Toji, I wouldn't say that so loudly if I were you." Kensuke warned, "After all, Soryu is in earshot, and she hasn't been a happy camper in a while." Kensuke was pointing at Asuka's seat. The "red headed banshee" in question is simply sitting quietly while eating the lunch Shinji prepared for her.

"Doesn't look like she cares, does she? What's the big deal? O-Ow!" Toji felt his ear being pinched.

"Obviously, she's learned to put up with your idiocy." said the annoyed class representative, Hikari Horaki. "Which reminds me. You guys are being quite noisy over here. Care to explain that?" Hikari asked, letting go of Toji's sore ear. He started rubbing to sooth the pain.

"Sorry, class rep. We just got a bit excited that's all." said Kensuke.

"About what?" asked Hikari.

"About the love box Shinji made for Ayanami." answered Toji, smirking at the end when he mentioned Shinji's 'love box'.

"Huh?" blinked Hikari.

"L-Love box?!" yelled an embarrassed Shinji. Meanwhile, Rei looks away from a laughing Toji and Kensuke and protesting Shinji, to hide away her blush. The word 'love' seemed to embarrass her as well.

"It's nothing to be embarrassed about! If you're into her, than woe her!" said Toji.

"Seriously, Toji, it's not what you think!" Shinji protested.

By then, everyone in the classroom was staring at them. They most likely heard what's going on, and began wondering what Shinji sees in Ayanami, or thinking those two goofballs, Toji and Kensuke, are really noisy.

"Ayanami!" Shinji suddenly grabbed a hold of her hand, making her turn to him. "T-This place is noisy, so let's go somewhere quiet!" Shinji immediately runs out of the classroom with Rei and the lunch box in toe, leaving some students confused.

"Oh boy, Shinji's running away." said a calm Kensuke, adjusting his glasses slightly.

"Hehe, he really needs to stop being so shy-Agh, ow!" Toji gasped as he felt his ear being pulled by a peeved off class representative again.

"You're so insensitive!" Hikari scolded.

Meanwhile, Asuka scowled at her lunch, obviously angry. Those two are getting closer by the day. It's almost sickening. Shinji paying more attention to the First. It just went from sickening to irritating. She can't wait anymore. She has to do something.

(-School's Rooftop-)

After escaping the confusion caused by Toji and Kensuke, Shinji and Rei are now sitting on the rooftop of the school.

"T-This should... be a good enough... place to... hide..." Shinji breathed heavily, before turning to the girl next to him, "Man, Toji can sure-" Shinji paused when he noticed how quiet Rei was being. "Ayanami?"

Rei sat quietly with her head down, while she held the boxed lunch in her hands.

"He touched me..." she thought, "Why? I've felt his touch before, but now... my heart's beating again, and I feel warmer than normal... is the how love feels?"

Her face turned red, and her heart beats in her chest once more. Is this what love really feels is like? The warm beating in her heart? The new string of emotions that she never felt before? If so, then one question comes to mind. Does Shinji feel the same way about her?

"Ayanami? What's wrong?" asked a concerned Shinji.

"...N-Nothing's... wrong..." Rei said silently. She almost seemed timid.

"A-Are you sure?"

"Yes, it's nothing." Rei replied. Actually, she wanted to ask him about his feelings, but she became too shy to do so. She felt she should wait until she has enough courage to ask him.

Deciding it was best not to push her, Shinji doesn't inquire any further. He thought a change of topic would be good instead.

"W-Well, now that it's quiet, you wanna try that lunch now?" asked Shinji, "Don't worry. I didn't put any meat in it."

"Hm..." Rei nodded. Moments later, she opened the box, seeing the contents to be an ordinary, healthy lunch, namely rice, some sushi, cut veggies, and tamago.

Rei simply stares at the food in the box.

"I, uh... I hope you like it..." Shinji mumbled, blushing. "Of course, you don't have to eat if you don't want to... I mean..." Shinji, being his awkward self, lightly rubbed the back of his head, trying to keep the mood good.

"Thank you for the meal." said Rei.

"Eh?" Shinji looked to Rei, who showed him a sweet smile, like the ones she showed him before, after defeating the Fifth Angel, Ramiel.

"Thank you for the meal." she repeated, still smiling at him.

Shinji smiled back at her, happy that Rei has accepted his boxed lunch.

Rei's smile. Something about it reminded him of something. He couldn't quite place it, but he didn't care. The fact that she can smile is plenty good for him. When she smiles, it brings him some form of happiness. He's not sure why he feels happy, but he didn't care either. Just being with Rei satisfied him more than anything.

Moments later, she is now eating the food Shinji made. Using the chopsticks, Rei picks up some rice, and places it in her mouth. She becomes surprised by the taste. It's good. No, more than good.

"It's delicious." she said simply.

"Glad to hear it." Shinji smiled. He had his own lunch out, and began eating too.

Some time passed, and they finished their lunches. It became quiet between the two as they sat on the roof.

Not one to stand the silence, Shinji tries to think of something to talk about, to stave off the silence. "U-Um... Ayanami...?" Shinji murmured, desperate for a topic of discussion.

Rei waited patiently for Shinji to start another conversation. She understood his shyness. Whatever things he wants to talk about, she finds no harm in indulging. Besides, she finds the awkward conversations oddly enjoyable. Maybe because it's Shinji. Yes, it's because it is Shinji, that these moments with him are enjoyable.

After a while, one thing came to mind, and he unconsciously spoke it aloud, "Have you... ever kissed someone...?"

"What?" Rei honestly wasn't prepared for a question like that.

"A-Ah, I-I'm sorry! I, uh..." Shinji sputtered. He couldn't believe he just blurted that out. All because of what Asuka said to him yesterday. He couldn't stop thinking about it. Kissing Rei. Now he asks if she's ever kissed anyone before. This has become rather awkward now.

Or maybe not. "No, I've never kissed anyone." Rei answered, not really grasping Shinji's embarrassment.

"Oh..." Shinji sighed, relieved he hadn't made Rei mad. He's spend way too much time with Asuka.

"Why do you ask?" Rei asked, curious of Shinji's interest in kissing.

"U-Um... it's like this..." Shinji stuttered, "You see, because she was bored, Asuka asked me to kiss her the other day, and..."

"Did you do it?"

"N-No, I didn't. It didn't seem right. Kissing because you're asked to, or out of boredom." said Shinji, "I mean, kissing is supposed to be done with someone you like, right?"

"I wouldn't know." Rei said flatly. She never thought about either, mainly because it never peaked her interest.

"Yeah, probably not." Shinji slumped, remembering that his father is the one who raised Rei, and her disposition now is the result.

Rei was silent for a few moments before opening up with a new question, "Do you... like Soryu?" Rei asked, somewhat averting her eyes, as if she was shy about saying it aloud.

"Huh? W-Well, I wouldn't say I dislike her." Shinji replied.

"Then, why didn't you kiss her?" she questioned further.

"Huh?"

"You said kissing should be done with someone you like. If you liked her, then kissing her shouldn't have been an issue for you." Rei reasoned.

"Uh..."

"Yet, you didn't. So, did you like her or not?" Rei asked. She hoped she wasn't pressuring him with these questions. But, she was honestly curious, since Yui said she had feelings for Shinji, and she wanted to know how he felt about the Second.

"Hmm... I guess I don't. Sure, she's smart, good looking, and athletic, but her temper kind of wears on my nerves." Shinji said.

"...And what about me?" Rei asked.

"Eh?"

"Do you like me? If so, would you... like to kiss me?"

"T-That's..." Shinji mumbled. To think Rei would ask him something like that. He couldn't stop thinking about it before, and now it looks like she'll let him. It's way too good to be true. It's also embarrassing as heck, but maybe it won't be so bad. Unlike with Asuka, who wanted to do it out of boredom, Rei seemed to want to it because it's what Shinji wants.

Rei saw the hesitation in Shinji, however. She downcast, looking away from Shinji, feeling she somehow put too much pressure on him. "If you don't want to, you don't have to."

"N-No, I'm not saying I don't like you, I-I just..."

"Just what?" Rei asked, curiously.

"Well, I... I've never thought kissing anyone before, that is until Asuka brought it up, and now I can't get it out of my mind. And I'm honestly not sure how I feel about you just yet, Ayanami." explained Shinji. He didn't have the heart to tell her that he can only think of kissing Rei now.

"Is that so?" she asked, "Then, if you were really certain, then you'd do it, right?"

"Um, well, I guess, but... what about you?"

"Me?"

"Would you be okay with me kissing you?" Shinji asked.

Rei paused. Thanks to Yui's guidance, she realized she some growing feelings for Shinji. Whether it was liking or loving him is a question she has yet to answer to. Just like Shinji, she never gave any thought to kissing anyone, and if she did, she'd deem it irrelevant. But, with Shinji in front of her, she thought differently. If allowing him to kiss her made him happy, then maybe she would be okay with it, and that's what she wants, to make sure he's happy because of her feelings for him. "If it satisfies you to do so, then, it's alright with me..." she said while blushing.

"Oh, really?" Shinji became surprised by that statement, and her apparent blushing.

"Do you... want to...?" she asked, sounding very shy.

"Eh? Y-You mean right here, right now?!" Shinji sputtered.

"If it would please you, I wouldn't mind." Rei answered, still blushing. She found it hard to look at him.

In that instant, Shinji noticed how cute she looked while she was blushing. He unconsciously zeroed in on her small lips. Naturally, she had no makeup like lipstick any girl or grown woman would wear, but her lips looked so soft, her untouched lips. He blushed too.

Before he even knew it, his hands began to move on their own. They grasped Rei's shoulders, tightly. She sat in place, waiting for him to do the deed.

Shinji froze. His first kiss with Rei. His first kiss, EVER! It was about to happen, and the girl he for some reason wanted to do it with is giving him the okay. The problem? Nervousness. He was sweating like mad at the prospect of being able to kiss a willing Rei. Yeah, she's willing, but what's holding him back?

"Are you scared?" Asuka's mocking voice came to mind, "Would you rather do it with the First?"

As much as he didn't want to admit it, that voice did have a point. He may want to kiss her, but he doesn't have the guts to go through with it. He decides to do it, not just for himself, but for Rei too. He eases foreword to Rei. Each second, his lips draw closer to hers.

Suddenly, Shinji felt Rei's shoulders tensing and trembling.

He looked at Rei, surprised. She was blushing deeply, and avoided eye contact with him, suddenly feeling embarrassed that this is about to happen. It was strangely cute. Rei has cuteness in general, being exotically attractive, but this is unusually cute, even for her.

But, as surprisingly cute as her reactions are, maybe it's a sign that she's not as willing as either of them thought.

"Uhh... maybe, we shouldn't do this, after all..." Shinji suggested, releasing Rei and calming himself down.

"...Okay..." she nodded slightly, "...I'm sorry..."

"For what?"

"For putting you up to this. I thought if it satisfied you, that'd be fine, but..." Rei felt ashamed of being not able to make Shinji happy, and being unnecessarily embarrassed.

"Don't worry about it." smiled Shinji, "To be honest, I didn't have the guts to do it anyway. Yep, I'm pretty spineless."

"No. I'm at fault for pressuring you too..." Rei couldn't bring herself to finish. She felt ashamed of herself for not being able to satisfy Shinji. All because she felt shy for some reason she couldn't understand. She knows he likes her to extent, and she's aware that she loves him, but what is the problem with just a simple kiss? Was she scared? Scared of being kissed by the boy she loves? Why?

The two sat quietly, barely even making eye contact for a long time.

Meanwhile, the two figures from the school crept from the shadows, unnoticed by either of the pilots. They were tailing them, hoping to find out what they're up to, but were shocked when they saw Shinji attempting to kiss Rei, and failing miserably.

"Damn you, Ikari! Damn you!" one of the cursed.

"Rei-chan..." the other sobbed.

(-After School-)

School has ended for today, and Rei is making her way home.

As Rei starts going straight home as she always did, she hears the voice of Shinji calling out to her, "Ayanami!"

As soon as she heard him, she stopped and turned to face him as he jogged up to her. The two start their walk to Rei's apartment.

Once again, it's quiet. This time, it's because of awkwardness from both parties. It's no surprise, since they tried kissing, and couldn't come inches towards it with each other.

Shinji tried to think of something, but what can they do? Try drumming up another conversation. That always works. Not only did he want to be with her a lot, but he also wanted to know as much about her as possible. But, what to talk about is the hard part. He wants to be forward, but given his social ineptitude, it's takes a while.

In addition to social ineptitude, the failed kissing scene made things more awkward for them as well.

Shinji glances at Rei from the corner of his eye. Rei's eyes are directed away from him, while her cheeks are bright red.

Things are getting more awkward by the minute, and Shinji can't stand it. There has to be something, anything to talk about, or at the very least, get her attention.

"Um, Ikari-kun, I think I'll be okay on my own from here."

"H-Huh?" Shinji gasped, not realizing he had zoned out. In front of him stood Rei, facing him.

"From here, we should... part ways." Rei said, sounding a bit hesitant. She knew Shinji wanted to talk, but he's clearly having trouble, all thanks to her failure to satisfy him. She couldn't help feeling it was her own fault.

"W-What? But..."

"Please, don't worry. My apartment is close to here, anyway." Rei said as she turned, "...I'll see you at school..." she bid farewell, and walked forward, leaving Shinji dejected.

He wanted to call out to her, but his voice didn't come. He downcast his head and walked in the opposite direction back to Misato's apartment.

Meanwhile, Rei has her back pressed against the door. Despite her wish to know what love is and wanting to be by his side, she can't even fulfill a simple request to let him kiss her. Now things have become awkward between them, all because she wasn't mentally prepared.

(-Later that Night: Unit 01's Cage-)

"I think I might have a slight problem with this 'love' you spoke to me about." Rei said to Unit 01, while standing in the middle of its cage. She was likely speaking to Yui, whose soul is inside the purple mech.

She couldn't sleep tonight, so she decided to sneak into NERV and see Unit 01, making a report on her findings on love to Yui.

"When one of Ikari-kun's friends said love, I felt strange. The word love seems to embarrass me for some reason. The same applies to Ikari-kun. He became flustered when it was implied that... he liked..." Rei continued, cheeks turning vibrant pink as she went, "He touched me too. He took my hand, and it was warm. It felt very warm. He's touched me before, and I've never felt like this before. It's like when I think of him and my heart beats."

Rei gently put her hand over her breast, feeling her heart beating as the mere memories of today surfaced in her mind. "We almost kissed too. He was asked by the Second Child to kiss her, but he refused, because kissing is supposed to be done with someone you like. He thought that maybe we could do it, but we couldn't. I guess mentally, I wasn't prepared, and neither was he. What can we do...?" she asked, only to be answered by silence.

She has no idea why she comes here, thinking Yui's council will help. She made it that she can hear her, but answering back is probably not possible.

"So, today's topic is "love"." the familiar voice of Fuyutsuki said. Rei turned to her side, and saw the Sub-Commander standing there, hands tucked behind his back as always. However, he has a slight frown on his face. He had a feeling he might see Rei here again, but he didn't expect Rei to talk about love and the like. "Forgive me. I couldn't help overhearing. From what you've told Yui-kun, this implies that you..."

Rei turned her head away, "...Yes... I've fallen in love with Ikari-kun. His mother told me about it while Unit 01 and I were in synch last time."

Fuyutsuki took a deep breath, sighing heavily, "Rei, as astounding, and quite frankly joyous as it is that you're learning about love, you mustn't forget your mission, or where your origins lie." Fuyutsuki said sternly, "You were created from the boy's mother's DNA. You're essentially standing in place of Yui Ikari. You were also given a purpose, which was bestowed to you by Gendo Ikari, the man who leads NERV. Your loyalty lies not only to NERV as a whole, but to Ikari as well. Do you understand?"

"Perfectly..." Rei replied, "But, my origins and the purpose I was given doesn't define me."

"What?"

"I am Rei Ayanami. I'm not Yui Ikari, or anyone else. Only me. And my life is not tied down by one person, or the opinion of others. I want to live my life the way I want to. I want to learn more about love and what it brings. And most importantly, I want to stay by Shinji Ikari's side." said Rei, her voice laced with firmness that could even rival the Supreme Commander. Her hardened expression made the speech even more powerful. It felt like a slap to the face to Fuyutsuki.

He stood there, with a stunned expression on his face. He hadn't realized how much she changed. When could it have been? Was it after their last talk? After the battle with the Twelfth Angel? Whatever the case, this is definitely Yui's influence. He knew that for certain. He may not know Yui's motives or plans for the future, but her contribution to Rei's change reminded him of how she cherished life before her failed experiment with Unit 01.

A smile soon stretched across his face, "Forgive me, Rei. It would seem that I've forgotten that you're a living being as well." he said, "You're right. You're not Yui, only yourself. You have every right to do what you want. However, you probably don't want to tell him the truth about yourself. If he does learn the truth, given his mental state, he might reject you. Can you handle that?"

Rei lowered her head, pondering what to reply. The only she could say was, "I don't know... I want to tell him so many things, how I feel, how my view on life has changed, what I want to do. But, at the same time, I'm afraid of what he might say."

Fuyutsuki remained silent for a few seconds before replying, "Don't you believe in him? In yourself?"

"Eh?"

"You should have more faith in yourself. That way, you and perhaps Shinji-kun can learn about each other, love, and how to get past the barrier preventing you from kissing one another."

Rei's face went completely red at that moment.

This made Fuyutsuki chuckle, "Haha! Sorry about that. Anyway, don't think so much about it. Shinji-kun has also grown a great deal." Fuyutsuki slowly turns around and walks away, "If you'll be honest with yourself, I'm certain he'll accept you as you are."

Rei stood silently, agape by the Sub-Commander's words. Taking everything he said in, she turns back to Unit 01, and by extension, Yui herself. "Doctor, I'll try my hardest to learn what it means to live, and I promise to always watch other him, so please, watch over me."

In response, Unit 01's eyes shined brightly for a brief moment. Unlike before, Rei didn't lose her balance from surprise. Instead, a genuine smile appeared on her face.

Meanwhile, Fuyutsuki, hiding in the corner of the door, also smiles. "I don't think Ikari needs to know of this..." he whispered as he walks away.

(-The Next Day: Behind the Gym-)

Behind the school building during lunch, two figures from before downheartedly discuss what they had scene yesterday.

"And the other day... Ikari... and Rei..."

"He almost did it. He almost kissed our Rei-chan!" the other growled, clinching his fist.

Actually, these two are faceless male students in the same class as the three EVA pilots, and a couple of jealous boys who've had a crush on Rei for long time, long before either Shinji or Asuka even showed up. Now, they're faced with a dilemma, and that's the relationship between their precious Rei and Shinji.

"That rotten Ikari, who does he think he is? He may be a pilot, but he has no right to call first dibs. We've had our eye on Rei, so she's ours!" declared the first boy, with black hair. We'll call him Kyo. "We even asked her out once!"

"But, when we did that, she shot us down with zero hesitation." sadly stated the other boy, with light brown. Let's call him Shu.

"Please, don't remind me of that!" Kyo groaned, "My heart still hasn't gotten over that!"

"A-Anyway, it looks Rei-chan and Ikari haven't done anything worth worrying over. He looked like he was about to kiss her and he didn't." said Shu.

"Hmph, must be because he didn't have the balls to do it." Kyo added, smirking confidently, "Me on the other hand, I have bigger balls than him. I'll be the one to steal Rei's first."

"Hey, what about me?" Shu asked, wanting to be Rei's first kiss. The two stare at each other for a while. Suddenly, they get competitive and start playing rock, paper, scissors.

They went through several games, due to Shu believing Kyo cheated on the first game. Eventually, Kyo hit Shu with rock which beats scissors, making him the undisputed winner.

"Hot damn yes! I'm Rei's first!" Kyo gloated.

"Ugh... just promise me you'll let me do it next, okay?" Shu grumbled.

"Hey no problem, we'll just take turns, alright." Kyo grinned.

"That works." Shu smiled.

"But still, Ikari is a problem. We need to get rid of him first."

"Yeah..."

"You guys are pathetic!" shouted a girl's obnoxious voice. The duo turned and saw the Second Child with a not so pleased look on her face. Asuka thought these stalkers were smart, but now she knows they're even more stupid than Shinji, having just watched their display of rock, paper, scissors.

"Wow, it's Soryu." Kyo gasped in shock.

"What's Soryu doing here?" Shu asked nervously.

"Am I that much of a bogie-man to you guys?"

"W-Well, that's..." Kyo vaguely answered.

"Whatever. I don't care if you go after the First, but if you're planning something bad for Shinji, I'm afraid you guys might find yourselves in a very awkward position. Like in the hospital..." Asuka said darkly, making her threat very clear, if the fierce expression on her face is anything to go by.

"Eek!" the two boys ran for their lives, knowing that Asuka can very well kick their asses if she got a hold of them.

Now alone, turns in the other direction, and walks away, flapping her hair behind her head.


BW: And scene. I hope this proved better than the last version. This time, Asuka isn't the instigator. That doesn't mean Kyo and Shu are just one shots appearing in chapter. Now then, until the next chapter.