The Hallway
Chapter Eight
Balance equal Mediocrity
Neon Genesis Evangelion is owned by GAINAX.
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Misato Katsuragi looked Shinji`s nerves when Asuka joined them in the living room after their journey in NERV. Asuka realized Pen Pen was expecting a strong reaction from Misato because it was making light noises next to her. Shinji didn't look both women, but Misato interrupted his typical numbness.
"Fine. We are here to discuss what you did in the Pilots Room hours ago". Misato didn't show impatience for knowing details and began to talk slowly and severe. Asuka smiled ironically because polite manners reflected hypocrisy according to her.
"You don't need to talk like our boss here". Asuka spoke keeping a strong voice but Misato kept calm and Shinji wanted to overtake the discuss expecting that Asuka could dominate the talking like always.
"You are right Asuka. I am your boss in the office, but here I am your legal tutor". Misato blocked Asuka`s words giving a sense of respect because the German girl felt outside NERV Misato didn't deserve the same treat. Shinji was quiet but understanding that his role in the incident couldn't be leapfrogged. He wanted to run very far, but he did things with Asuka and she was completely focused in defend her actions.
"We didn't fault rules because you don't tell us about that". Asuka looked Shinji for support but he was very rigid and quiet. Misato critiqued Shinji in her own mind because Asuka was carrying the full defense.
"Colleagues cannot have sexual relationships in their job place, and I am not talking about NERV in exclusive sense. Did you have sex in college Asuka?" Misato beat Asuka because the girl shook the head very angry. Shinji didn't believe Asuka attended college being a teenager and asked her about that.
"Stupid Shinji! I told you weeks ago, but you only were trying to touch my breasts and not hear it!" Asuka lost control and Misato only watched their usual disagreement and Pen Pen seemed to be boring like always.
"Okay, it is enough! You were wrong because NERV wasn't a motel, and unfortunately your privacy is over". Misato said exact words to describe the incident and its consequences for pilots and Misato herself. "Intelligence Unit can ask me about your relationship, and eventually Commander Ikari could do it".
"Come on, Shinji`s father is so stupid like his son". Asuka surprised Shinji and Misato losing respect to the Commands composed by Ikari and Fuyutsuki. "Their only repeat what technicians, Ritsuko and you said during a battle. Actually, I can say that Commander Ikari only is acting as a commander like Shinji acts as a pilot".
"They aren't playing their roles in NERV, but someone can act as the better person in the world being a villain, or acting like a smart girl being a very vulnerable person". Misato felt the discussion was being managed by Asuka`s intrigues and Shinji didn't defend his father despite their weak relationship.
"I knew it; this is only about me right Misato". Asuka felt confident to kill the discussion putting her as the driving force to talk but Misato realized it seconds ago and decided to ask Shinji.
"Shinji, did you that having sex was wrong in your job?" Misato wanted to know the counterpart in the discussion but Asuka stopped what Shinji went to say. "Please Asuka, I gave the word to her. Shut up!
"I really forgot that rule Misato". Shinji hide a shy smile and Asuka nodded looking a point to harness the talking again. "I really wanted to do it". Asuka reacted very wrong and walked around Shinji and Misato, but the captain ordered her to seat next to Shinji again.
"Why did you say that?" Asuka inquired her colleague meanwhile Misato watched the scene where both pilots discussed.
"I told you many times that we would need to reveal our relationship". Shinji spoke louder than usual and Asuka reminded those times, but she denied any initiative to have a relationship with Shinji.
"Are you lovers?" Misato asked them, but Asuka said "no" eloquently. Unfortunately, Shinji didn't say anything and Asuka interpreted that silence moment as the same answer.
"Silence is affirmation. You don't have anything to ask us". Asuka left the living room believing that she was right and Misato would decide to stop her inquiry. Shinji stayed there looking the floor because when Misato looked him, he felt intimidated.
"Shinji, I need to know if you are having a relationship because this can disturb you in the job and in your daily lives". Misato changed her voice tone to kindness and Pen Pen moved from its position towards Shinji supported him.
"She is very nice during our…". Shinji stopped because many things should be told, but Misato encouraged him to speak. "Asuka always is ignoring me outside the bedroom".
"I see. You fell in love Shinji Ikari and maybe she wasn't involved in the same way like you. It is complicated but Asuka must have her reasons. Look, I need focused pilots but pilots that live their lives and love is part of life. Maybe Asuka`s wall is part of her cover between life and NERV, and many people choose to isolate home and job, and feelings too". Misato felt comfortable speaking with Shinji because a woman filled many blanks in her mind in that moment. "But the cover can disappear if something disturbs it. Any person wants to evolve or change if things are static. You want to tell to the world your relationship with Asuka because having sex every night in the bedroom isn't enough. It is not complete love, right".
"How did you know many things?" Shinji began to process Misato`s speech and each point matched with his relationship with Asuka.
"A woman said me that balance equal mediocrity because the world evolves when opposite parts struggled to win. A balanced life can be boring and someone can do things for carrying life to the next level, but many people don't desire to change their lives. She told me that when doctors and scientists said that Misato Katsuragi was right after Second Impact, but she had no life. I spent two years of my life completely quiet, and that woman criticized my condition said me that I was comfortable with my life constrained to a little room. I was reaching balance but life was beyond that balance".
"Asuka needs to believe that we don't have a relationship". Shinji didn't know why Misato was smiling after hear those words.
"Well, many women do the same and men too. Maybe, they don't want to force love because a breakup is very painful. But, others don't want to get involved with someone during long time like me and Kaji. Sorry, but you need to struggle with that if you want to have a relationship with Asuka". Misato smiled when Shinji found sense in the words and he asked for the early reason for the meeting. "I don't want to give explanations to your father if he knows your relationship with Asuka. I hope that you can have a normal life as father and son".
"It is impossible".
"Okay, but I told you my hope. But he is your father until death".
