Chapter 10: Falling Down the Rabbit Hole

Wednesday, January 07, 2016 (Day 5-7:29)

Katsuragi/Ikari/Soryu Apartment, Tokyo-3, Japan

"Come on!" Asuka snapped, "Hurry up, or we'll be late!"

"Coming!" Shinji assured her as he hurriedly searched for his missing book.

"I swear, if you aren't out this door in twenty seconds I'll…"

"Got it!" Shinji said triumphantly. He stuffed the book in his bag and hurried out the door.

"Took you long enough," she groaned.

"Oh come on," he smiled, "How often are we late? And besides, we have time. We'll be there with five minutes to spare."

"True," she suddenly altered her expression, "I guess…its just habit."

Shinji glanced at her. Of late, Asuka had been very…well, nice to him. The constant was more startling than initial as the memory of Sunday night, or rather Monday morning, became distant.

He shook himself, In its own perverse way, it had been easier to deal with Asuka before, he reflected, You knew what was always coming, and you just had to brace for it. But now…he tried not to grimace as his thoughts whirled around, Now she was…unpredictable. Now I have no idea where we stand…

Wait a second, pal. What we are we referring to?

Well…Asuka and I…

Ah-ha. So now you two are we?

Well…, he glanced at her again. He had had fantasies of her before, in which she was kind, caring and understanding. And in which they had been…well together. Except now, she was on the verge of being that part of his fantasy. She was kinder and more considerate than before. Not quite as much as in his daydream, but an obviously noticeable difference.

He sighed, I still am an indecisive coward though. Sure, I've been more confident. And I even stood up to father. But that was…that was different. I wasn't…standing up against anything directed at me.

So, you're still a wuss?

I…I don't know. I don't what to think. My life…does it really have a purpose? I mean, I helped other people out, and I saved the world, well sort of. But…but why do I matter? What's so special about me? Why would Asuka…like me?

Is that what this is about? the voice chuckled darkly, You're afraid that Asuka will reject you?

I…I don't even know that I like her!

Sure. You can't decide, same as always. Afraid to commit yourself to anything, except when someone directs you. You wouldn't know that you were an Eva pilot, except that whenever they need you, they call you. Blazes, you wouldn't know you were human except that you've been examined and fit the physical make up of one!

Shinji fumed slightly as he waved the voice away, I don't need this!

Sure you don't. You need someone to lead you by the hand and tell you want to do. It's a wonder that you were able to help Asuka without someone telling you to, but than again, even you aren't that blind…

"You've been quiet," Asuka commented.

"I…I've just been doing some thinking," Shinji shrugged, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"About what?" Asuka asked.

"Umm…just…things. I mean, it's been only a few days since…well, since all of this has happened. I just events are just…What I mean is that the impact of…things are just hitting me."

Asuka blinked, "Yeah…I guess. I mean…it's been what? Not even a week yet since I fought those weird Evas, and you…well, merge with Lilith. Geez, what a life!"

Shinji chuckled, "Yeah. You never know what's gonna happen next."

I, he glanced at her covertly again, No idea indeed…

Wednesday, January 07, 2016 (Day 5-7:44)

First Municipal Junior High, Tokyo-3

Hikari sat down, her heart fluttering a bit faster than usual, Today. They said that they would have their answer today.

Hikari fidgeted as she wondered anxiously if the teacher would allow her to go and check quickly, It's not that big of a deal. All if would have to do is to go to the secretary and ask for the letter. It's not like it would take that long.

But why do you have to go now? The letter will be there whenever you go to get it. It's not like you have anything to worry about.

But…I want to know!

Know what? You said it yourself: They can't possibly refuse. There isn't a reason in the whole why you wouldn't get it.

I…I suppose you're right. It's just…It's just that I want to know, so I can put Mitsuda out of my mind…Him and his dirty…offer…

"Hey!" Toji suddenly appeared next to her.

She nearly jumped out of her seat, but managed to not make a fool of herself, "Oh, hi Toji."

"I wanted to thank you for watching Sakura last night," he smiled, "She claimed to not give you any trouble…"

"Oh no," Hikari assured him, "She was fine…Well, maybe she made one or two comments, but nothing too out of hand."

"I thought so," Toji nodded, "She is my sister, so fact that she claimed to be guiltless either means she thought she was, or she was a real hellion."

"Oh no," she shook her head, "She was well behaved. Oh, we did see you on TV."

"Yeah, that's what she said," Toji nodded, "And supposedly, NERV and the U.N. are going to deliver whatever story they concocted today, too."

"You don't think they'll tell the truth?" Hikari frowned.

"I wouldn't," Toji snorted, "Besides, we have to keep anything about the Angels under wraps. At least until they make it back."

"Good morning," Rei greeted them as she entered.

"Hey Rei," Toji waved as he smiled mischievously, "Rumor has it you have another date with Kensuke tonight."

Rei flustered, "It…it is not a date. He is merely helping me with my homework because I was unable to attend a large portion of school before the Rebirth."

"Yeah sure," Toji smiled broadly, "Call it what you will."

Rei suddenly had an idea. She returned Toji's impish smile, "Even if what you say is true, I'm not the only one in this position."

"Huh?" Toji and Hikari gaped, than suddenly became aware of how close they were to each other.

Toji made rather large step away, his face burning as Rei chuckled, "I'm sorry, but I must go and sit down."

"She…she's evil!" Toji declared. Hikari didn't say anything, entirely too embarrassed to snap a retort at Toji's remark as Shinji and Asuka entered.

"What's wrong with you two?" Asuka blinked, a look of bemusement playing on her face.

"Err….nothing!" Toji said hurriedly.

"Right, nothing!" Hikari finally managed to speak.

"Sure…"Asuka rolled her eyes, "And I'm dating Shinji."

At that, Hikari's eyes threatened to pop out as Shinji made a strange gurgling noise. Toji merely twitched.

Before anyone could say something, Mr. Uchida entered, "Ah, good morning!"

"Rise, Bow, Sit!" Hikari snapped automatically.

"Ah, Mr. Ikari, Mr. Suzuhara, Ms. Soryu," the teacher smiled cheerfully, "How nice of you to volunteer to return the class's tests to them."

"Yes sir!" they snapped, accepting the load of papers from him.

As Asuka went through her stack her mind rattled around her head like a loose pop can, What was I thinking! 'And I'm dating Shinji.' Where did that come from! Did I say that because that's something that'll never happen?

Who says it won't?

Asuka tried to not faint as she handed a test to a student, I thought I was losing it for a while, but now I know that I've gone and lost it!

I wonder what Shinji thinks of this? a stray thought blew through her troubled mind. A thought, she realized, that really wouldn't have occurred to her a few days ago.

Maybe that's why, she mused, He did help me, and I did let him in. Maybe thinking that he's attractive is natural…

Attractive! I must be out of my pocking mind! Where did that treacherous thought come from!

Just come down, she told herself as she finished her menial task, Just relax. It's not like anything well ever come of this…

How do you know!

Well, I guess I don't. But would it be that bad?

Asuka blinked, slightly shocked at herself because she couldn't answer.

Shinji glanced nervously at Asuka as Class 2-A headed for the cafeteria, attempting to figure out what Asuka had meant by her comment. Part of him wondered if it had been a jab at Toji, who continued to pester them. But he also had to wonder what she was thinking to make a comment like that.

You could ask…

But…

What? You afraid of what it might mean?

He shook himself, No! Well…maybe…

Heh. Look, you won't have any idea until you ask. You would know if this was the old Asuka, but this isn't.

Shinji grimaced; yes, he did know what the old Asuka would have meant by that. She would have probably have hit him too, just because. But…but she wasn't like that anymore.

As they sat down at the table, Shinji, as casually a possible, turned to her, "So…umm…Just out of curiosity…"

"Ah, it was just shock value," Asuka replied quickly, her face slightly red.

"Ah," he nodded, "Okay."

"So you want to go shopping after school?" she asked, deliberately changing the topic.

"Huh?" he blinked.

"Come on!" she insisted, "We've been busy for a week, well, weeks if you count from before the Rebirth, and I haven't gone shopping in forever! You can come along to carry the bags."

"Oh great," he rolled his eyes.

"Come on," she elbowed him, "You need some new clothes anyways. Some of them are getting small on you…" she trailed off, blushing slightly, "That is…I noticed that…well you are fourteen and a half…"

Shinji nodded as he smiled nervously, "Uh, yeah. I guess I do need some new clothes."

"Good grief," Toji rolled his eyes, "You two are getting worse by the day! Now you're newlyweds that aren't fighting!"

They both blushed furiously before Asuka snapped back, "Look who's talking you…" She broke off as she scanned the cafeteria, "Hey, where's Hikari?"

"You mean Toji's girlfriend?" Kensuke grinned as he slid on the bench seat.

"She is not…" Toji bit out as his face colored.

"Oh be quiet," Asuka grunted, "There she is."

Hikari walked over the table and sighed as she sat down, "The secretary in the office is out for lunch."

"Huh?" the rest of circle of friends blink.

"Oh…I just…I went to the office to get a document, but now I have to wait until after school, that's all," she explained quickly.

"Ah," they nodded as Rei joined them and sat next to Kensuke.

"So," he turned to her as he bit into his apple, "What time will you be over?"

"What's that?" Asuka turned.

"Ah…Kensuke is going to help me with my algebra," Rei said, attempting to maintain her composer. It was disconcerting that she kept losing it.

"Really…" she smiled, a twinkle in her eye, "Our tests aren't until Tuesday. You sure this isn't just an excuse to spend more time with the geek?"

Before Rei or Kensuke could retort, Toji raised an eyebrow, "This coming from the one that invited Shinji to go shopping with her?"

Asuka glared at him as she opened her lunch bag, "In case you forgot, we're living together…"

Toji chuckled, "You realize how that sounded, don't you?"

Asuka stared daggers him, "You know what I mean!"

"You know," Hikari spoke, "You could move out. I mean, you are emancipated."

"Ah…" Shinji and Asuka blinked, glancing at Hikari, than back at each other.

"It's not really possible," Rei told her, "There is a…shortage of rentable apartments. Even the rooms in my apartment building are full."

"Why is this happening?" Toji asked, "I remember you mentioned it earlier, but I still can't figure out why."

"It's because of technology and industry," Kensuke answered, "All of the old cities are sixteen years behind everyone else. That and all of the employees of these cities aren't on a payroll, unless the entirety of the business's operation was in the city. Just because the Angels restored everything to the way it was doesn't been that it will just fit in again. The pieces are there, but the puzzle has changed."

"So everyone that can is moving to a new city…" he nodded slowly, "I see…Wow. I wonder how the brass is gonna cover this up in…How many days do we have?"

The table went quiet for moment, when Shinji answered, "Including today? Twenty-Five."

"Geez," he shook his head, "Sometimes I forget that this is just the calm before the storm."

"Right…" Shinji nodded.

"Oh, by the way," Asuka said changing the topic, "Misato and Ryoji are coming back today. So we should get them something."

"Oh right," Toji blinked, "Did you hear if they found them?"

"Yep," Asuka nodded, "NERV's bringing all of the scientists in and is gonna debrief them. And from what I hear," she said in a hushed tone, "They're going to get instructions on…well, on stuff that they've been doing for the past sixteen years."

"Huh?" Hikari said, utterly confused.

"Oh, I get it!" Kensuke pounded the table, "All the technology has to be explained as well! So…"

"So they have to rewrite history," Asuka finished, and shook her head, "It gonna be interesting in history class next week."

Toji sighed as he wiped his hands and headed back to the classroom. Everyone, well…except for Hikari and himself, had left already. Rei and Kensuke went over his place to study, and Shinji and Asuka had headed for the mall, while he was stuck emptying the trash. Oh well. He was spending time with Hikari.

He shook his head, grinning slightly, I probably like her more than I admit to myself, let alone anyone else…but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy her company.

You know, it would be so bad if you admitted it…

But why now? I mean, sure I like her, but…but now isn't a good time…

Why not?

Why not? Because my life is complicated enough already! I'm an Eva pilot who had to save the world, plus I have to take care of my little sister!

You're just making excuses.

Toji sighed. He never really seemed to win these arguments…It just that he…he didn't really want to have make a commitment right now. And knowing Hikari, that's exactly what she would want.

But why don't you want to make one?

Toji groaned at himself, Enough of this…I have things to do.

Hikari stared at the letter in her hand. The secretary had stopped by the homeroom on her way out and given it to her. Hikari had thanked her and opened it as calmly as possible.

Now she was just trying to keep herself from crying.

It's not fair! she trembled as she clutched the letter, Why did they refuse my request? They had no reason to! Why…why is this happening to me?

She wanted to scream, to curse the principal, the school broad, Mr. Mitsuda and the whole world for destroying her life. But she couldn't. She just felt so tired…so regretful…she just wanted to fade away and leave everything behind…

"Hey Hikari!" Toji entered, "I finished dumping the trash."

"Huh?" she shook herself, trying to jolt herself out of her sudden depression, "Oh, okay. Umm…I think that's it…"

"Hikari?" Toji frowned, "What's wrong?"

"What?" she panicked and turned away, "Nothing's wrong!"

"Hikari…" Toji said warningly.

"It…it's nothing, okay?" she snapped, crumpling the letter.

"Really? Than give me the paper," he challenged.

"Wha…why?" she paled.

"Hikari," he walked up to her and held out his hand, "The paper."

"Toji this isn't any of your business," she said weakly.

Toji nodded kindly, "I know. The paper, please."

She swallowed hard, than slowly handed it to him before walking over to the teacher's desk.

Toji glanced at her before quickly reading through the letter. He frowned, "A request for special permission to work? Why would you need that?"

"Ah…no reason," she answered nervously, "You know…things have been getting a little more expensive…so I thought that a little extra income would be a good idea…but, I have to go now…" she started to head for the door when Toji caught her by the arm.

"Toji!" she squeaked.

"Hikari…" he sighed, "What do you need the extra money for?"

"It's nothing impor−" she tried to pull away.

"Hikari," his eyes flashed, "What?"

She was blushed furiously as she tried to pull away again, but than gave up, "My…my rent is up a little, okay."

"How much?" he asked sharply.

"It's…" she trailed off.

"Hikari," he placed his other hand on her shoulder, "How much?"

She sighed, "I…I won't be able to afford it much longer."

"How much longer?"

"If…If I pull all of my savings…I'll be able to make the next three or four payments, but that's it…"

"What!" he cried, "That much! That's outrageous!"

"I know…but what can I do?" her eyes started to water, "There aren't any other apartments that I find and afford! I don't have any real options left!"

"Hikari…" he sighed as he shook his head, but than glanced at her suspiciously, "What do you mean by no real options?"

Hikari froze as Mitsuda's…offer came to the forefront, "N−Nothing! I just…I just don't know what to do, Toji!" she tried to keep herself from crying, but tears were starting to trickle down her face.

"Come on," he smiled faintly, "It can't be that bad. Between all of us, we'll figure something out."

Hikari looked up at him, "Toji, I…it's a nice thought, but what can be done? I…I just can't keep my apartment…" she swallowed, "I guess Midori and Ayumi will be alright in foster care…"

"No way!" Toji snapped, "I am not letting that happen!"

"Toji?" she blinked at his ferocity.

"Hikari, I'm in the same boat as you, remember? And I know for sure that giving up your sisters to government to take care of them is the last thing you want to do. And by thunder, I'm going to help you!" he declared.

Hikari couldn't help but smile. This was the Toji that she knew was in there. The one that she…that she cared for, and the reason that she put up with the other one all the time. She did it for this Toji.

"I just have to think," Toji said, thinking out loud, "There has got to be a viable solution…" he turned to her, "We could all chip in. You know, to pay your rent."

She shook her head, "That nice of you Toji…but I can't. Not just because I don't want to be leech off of all of you, but because if…when the government found out, I wouldn't be allowed to keep my sisters because I wouldn't be self-sufficient through officials means. And money from your fiends is not official means."

"Oh," he sighed, "Well…there has to be other way. Maybe we should call Shinji and Asuka and…" He stopped as the wildest and craziest idea formulated in his head.

She'll never go for that! a part of him protested.

She doesn't have a choice!

There has to be another way!

But this at least will give us time…

Toji sucked up his courage and looked at her, "I…have another idea."

Hikari blinked, "Well, what is it?"

"I…I uh, know a place where you and your sisters could stay for a while…as long as you need really. Until another solution can be found, that is."

"Where is this place," she raised a skeptical eyebrow, "Neverland?"

"Ah…no," he smiled, "My place."

"What!"

"Now, just hear me out," he said quickly as Hikari's cherry red face seemed ready to explode, "It's not like this is anything new around here; Shinji and Asuka are sharing an apartment…"

"And Misato Katsuragi is there too!" she protested.

"For how much longer? She's engaged to Ryoji Kaji, remember? I heard from Shinji that she plans on moving into his apartment, and leaving them their current residence."

"But…but…" she sputtered.

"I know, I know," he nodded, "The situation would be sticky at best…but I'm sure that all of the students and staff here would understand, especially since this is just a temporary situation because of your landlord. And my neighbors know me well enough to know that nothing…unseemly would be going on. Not to mention we wouldn't be alone; we would have three little girls there, too."

"But what about…" her blush deepened as she tried to speak.

"Ah. That. Don't worry," he smiled, "Sakura's room is big enough for your sisters to squeeze in. And we can easily convert my dad's old study into a room for you. It's nothing to worry about."

"Yes…but…but how is this different than charity?"

"Simple. You couldn't afford you're old apartment, so you moved into my, where you are able to afford the rent."

"Yes, but…what about…if the school finds out, they'll tell Social Services. And also what about the case officer?"

"Well…we could have Kensuke change your address for you!" he said.

"Toji…" she started.

"Hey, what else can we do? And I'm sure that Mr. Himura will understand."

"But…"

"Hikari, it's alright," he reassured her, "I'm sure that Ken will be able to handle it…and that our ever-helpful case officer will understand."

She opened her mouth, than closed it and nodded slowly, still having reservations, but knowing that she didn't really have a choice.

"Good," he raised an eyebrow, "Besides, you don't have any other real options, do you?"

She blushed at that and nodded.

"Alright, I'm sure that we can get the gang to help you move out this weekend, okay?" he clapped her on the shoulder, "Oh and one more thing."

"What?" she asked in her still dazed state.

"I want something…in exchange for my generosity," he smiled broadly.

Her eyes widened as her mouth twisted, but he continued before he could speak, "You," he pointed her nose, "will do the cooking."

She stared him incredulously for a moment, than slugged him in the arm, "Toji Suzuhara, I'm going to kill you!"

He chuckled as she stared at him severely before she too started to chuckle. It was only a few seconds before both of them were laughing hysterically.

Wednesday, January 07, 2016 (Day 5-16:20)

Toyko-3 Uptown Mall, Tokyo-3, Japan

"Well, what do you think?" Asuka asked, holding up the two shirts.

"Why are you asking me, again?" Shinji asked as he look around nervously, feeling very out of place in the women's department, I never should have let her drag me in here…

She sighed, "That again? Listen, lots of guys help girls pick out clothes!"

"Yeah," he reddened slightly, "but most of them are couples."

She blushed at that, glancing about for any observers before looking back at him, "Oh well, so what? We're…friends, so what's the big deal? Now, the blue one or the green one?"

"Ah…" he shook his head, "Blue, I guess."

"Okay," she turned to replace the green shirt, when Shinji started to laugh, "What?"

"Oh, sorry," he said, trying to control his mirth, "It's just that…well no wonder everyone was asking who you were and what had you done with the real Asuka Langley Soryu."

"Huh?"

"Look at us," he waved his hand, "We're having a conversation; you're seriously asking my opinion; we haven't had a spat in days. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were a replacement, too."

"Oh," she said, seeming dejected.

"Asuka…I didn't mean it like that," he said quickly, "It's just…it just is a little…well, weird."

"Ah, I see," her face brighten, "Well, alright. I can live with that."

Shinji glanced at his watch, "I wonder if Misato is back yet. I never got a confirmed time."

"We could call," Asuka suggested.

"I was thinking that we should head home," Shinji said, "I mean, aren't you done yet?"

"What about you?" she protested, "You've barely gotten anything!"

"I've gotten six shirts, three pair of pants, and a few other miscellaneous items!" he countered, "How is that 'barely anything'?"

"You have no idea how to truly shop," she sniffed, "Fine, let's go."

Wednesday, January 07, 2016 (Day 5-16:45)

Katsuragi/Ikari/Soryu Apartment, Tokyo-3, Japan

Shinji and Asuka arrived at the apartment to find that their former guardian had beaten them home, and was none too pleased about it, "What have you two been! I get home with Ryoji and my dad from an exhausting expedition from the bottom of the world, newly frozen over mind you, and what? No one is here to make us dinner!"

In the background, the two pilots noticed Ryoji and an older man in his mid-forties shaking their heads at the display. The older man, presumably Dr. Keitaro Katsuragi, snorted, "Oh come on, Misato; stop terrorizing them! Besides, we've only been here for about five minutes."

"So?" she asked peevishly, than grinned, "Yeah, fine."

Asuka and Shinji glanced at each other than back at her, "Welcome home," they said dryly.

"Ah, now that's the spirit!" she grinned as she sat down next to her father, "Oh, by the way, this is my dad, the illustrious Dr. Keitaro Katsuragi."

"I don't know abut 'illustrious'," he smiled, "And you must be Shinji Ikari, Gendo and Yui's boy. And you would be Asuka Langley Soryu, Kyoko and Gerald daughter, yes?"

Asuka frowned, "You knew my parents?"

"Oh, on a casual basis," he said, "We weren't close, but practically everyone in the field knew one another. I knew your mother and through her, I met your father. Oh, I heard about her…I'm sorry."

Asuka nodded, "Thank you…Anyways, I need to put this away," She indicated her bags.

"Me, too," Shinji said, "I'll get to work on dinner after this."

As both Shinji and Asuka head for their rooms, Misato turned to Ryoji, "Well…she didn't kill him in our absence. A good sign, I think."

"I don't see what the big deal is," Keitaro snorted, "You claimed that Asuka was a vengeful firebrand with a chip on her shoulder. She certainly didn't seem like that."

"She was like take before we left," Misato grunted, "What happened, I don't know."

"Maybe she and Shinji…made up?" Ryoji suggested.

Misato rolled her eyes, "You mind is in the gutter, you know."

"Huh?" Shinji blinked as he walked in.

"Oh, nothing!" she said quickly, "We were…just noticing that Asuka is…well, acting differently."

"Ah," he nodded, "That."

"Well?" Misato asked shortly.

Shinji shrugged, "I've got to get to work on dinner."

"Hey!" she snapped, but he was already through the kitchen doorway.

"Now that's interesting," Ryoji rocked back, "Shinji's being rather tight lipped about it. No doubt Asuka won't say anything either."

"Maybe Rei or Toji know something," she mused.

"You know Misato," Keitaro leaned on his elbow, "I remember a certain teenager a few years back who didn't like anyone poking into her business…but for the life of me, I can't remember her name…What was it…"

"Dad…" she growled.

"Ah, yes!" he said as he caught his fist triumphantly, "I do believe her name was Misato. Coincidence, don't you think?"

"That's nice Dad," she growled, "But I'm an adult."

"So are they," Ryoji pointed out.

"You," she snarled, "are supposed to be on my side!"

"I'm just pointing out the facts," he pleaded.

"This is a lively discussion," Asuka snickered as she entered.

"Ah, Asuka," Ryoji smiled, "We were just…noticing that you're acting a bit…different than before."

"I am?" she blinked innocently, "I haven't noticed. Anyways, I'm going to help Shinji in the kitchen."

Misato's face faulted as Asuka smiled sweetly and headed into the kitchen. She turned to Ryoji, "What the crap?"

Asuka was pressed to keep her giggles to below an audible level while Shinji rolled his eyes, "You should have seen their faces!" she whispered.

"Aren't you suppose to be helping me?" he whispered back.

"I am," she protested as she handed him a knife.

"Sure," he rolled his eyes again, "You're just antagonizing them, you know. They're even more suspicious now then they would have been."

"So what?" Asuka shrugged, "If they want to make flawed assumptions, they can."

"True, but Misato might try and get the truth out of you," Shinji warned her, "You want to be visiting a shrink?"

"It's not going to come to that," Asuka assured him, "I may be acting a little out of character, but I'm stable."

"If you say so," Shinji shrugged, "But…people will be asking questions; between Misato and Dr. Akagi, someone upstairs is going to notice that your behavior has suddenly changed."

"Yeah and my piloting has improved dramatically," she retorted, "I doubt that the commander will care. Heck, he doesn't even care about y−" She stopped suddenly, shame and embarrassment plain on her face, "Shinji…I…"

"It's okay," he said calmly, "I know: He doesn't even care about me. I'm use to it."

"But you…Shinji, I know what that feels like, so don't go and pretend to shake it off!" she snapped quietly, glancing at the kitchen doorway.

Shinji smiled faintly, "I know…It hurts, but…But there isn't much I can do about it. Besides, with everything that's happened…I'm used to it."

Ryoji sniffed at the plate of food that Shinji set down, while Asuka set down a stack of plates.

"Looks good," the elder Katsuragi grinned, "I haven't had good eating since…well since before you two were born!"

"Dad!" Misato cringed.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing," she grunted, "I'm just trying to use to you being alive."

"Hey, I was dead, too!" Ryoji said.

"You," she eyed, "were dead for a few weeks."

"Time means nothing to the dead," Keitaro grinned, "But fine; no more death references."

Dinner continued smoothly, Misato apparently was continuing to fill her father in on her life; Keitaro would occasionally ask her a question and Ryoji would butt in every so often to 'correct' the story. Shinji and Asuka were generally quiet during the meal, but were glancing at the other individuals at the table and chuckled at the amusing parts.

When they were done, Shinji stood and started to collect the dishes when stood as well, "Here Shinji, I'll give you a hand."

Misato slammed her hand down on the table, startling everyone, "That's it! Both of you: Sit!"

"Huh?" the two pilots blinked.

"Now!" she snapped, at which they complied.

"What's this about Misato?" Asuka sighed.

"You," she pointed accusingly at Asuka, "have been acting really weird! I want to know why."

"Then why am I here?" Shinji asked nervously.

"Because both you of know what's going on, and I am going to get it from one of you!" she grinned evilly.

"Geez, Misato," Ryoji chuckled, "Aren't you going a bit far?"

"Ah, that's my daughter," Keitaro grinned, "Never did know how to take no for an answer." Misato glared at them but said nothing.

"So Misato wants to know our dirty little secret Shinji," Asuka smiled evilly.

Oh no, Shinji thought, I know exactly what she's going to do.

Another part of him sighed, Might as well help. She'll thank me for it later.

"I guess so, Asuka," Shinji attempted the same grin, much to the horror of their CO.

"What did you two do?" she asked through clenched teeth.

"Why Misato," Asuka held her head up as tall as possible, "Myself and Shinji…we…made up."

Misato stared at them, frozen in time as she attempted to rediscover the ability of speech while Asuka and Shinji nearly dropped to floor in laughter.

"Made…up?" Ryoji blinked, "I guess…I always preferred another type of made…" He trailed off as he received a look from his future father-in-law.

Misato finally managed to snap out of her shocked state, "You…You're lying."

"What?" Asuka blinked.

"You wouldn't have made up with him," Misato stated, "Not without something else happening to you. And besides, that doesn't explain your change of attitude. I want to know that that was."

"Whatever it was, Misato," Shinji said calmly, "It had nothing to do with me."

"He's right," Asuka confirmed, "Why, you think that something happened between us?"

"Arrgg," Misato grunted, "Fine, whatever. Go." They stood and took the dishes in to the kitchen.

"Well…" Ryoji smiled.

"Well what?" she looked at him.

"I'll admit that I was thinking the same thing as you were…but I guess not."

"Well…in any event, they're too young for that sort of thing."

Keitaro Katsuragi chuckled, "Ah, I see. Oh!" he blinked as Pen-Pen exited his fridge, "What's this?"

"Oh, Pen-Pen, you're up!" Misato smiled, forgetting her interrogation.

"Wark!"

"Say hello to my dad," she pointed.

The penguin regarded the elder man for a moment, "Wark, wark!"

"And hello to you too, Pen-Pen," he laughed, "I see that you've managed to collect a few odd characters in your little household, Misato."

"Wark!"

"That was hilarious," Asuka grinned broadly as she on her bed.

"Yeah," Shinji agreed, "But I doubt she's done with the matter."

"Yeah, yeah," she waved him off, "But I'm not too keen on telling anyone." She glanced at him, "You won't talk to anyone, right?"

"Of course not," he snorted.

"But what if someone pressures you?"

"I…I said I wouldn't, didn't I?"

"Ah, yes!" Asuka said triumphantly, "My Shinji's got a backbone!"

"Your Shinji?" he blushed.

"Ah…that is…" she colored and looked around nervously when the phone rang, "Hello?"

"Hey Asuka, it's Hikari."

"Oh hi, Hikari!" Asuka smiled, attempting to regain her composer as Shinji started to leave.

"Umm…what are you and Shinji doing on Saturday?" she asked nervously.

"Me and Shinji on Saturday?" she repeated, stopping Shinji.

"What's up?" he asked.

"Well…I need a favor from you guys," she continued.

"Sure, what?" she asked, "And why are you so nervous?"

Hikari? Nervous? Something on Saturday? Shinji's mind whirled.

"Ah…I'm…Ah, I'm moving," she stammered.

"Moving!" Asuka exclaimed.

"Huh, what? Why? Where?" Shinji asked.

"Oh, is Shinji there?" Hikari asked.

"Yeah, he's here," Asuka glanced.

"But…isn't this phone in your bedroom?" she asked meekly.

"Ah…yeah, but we were just chatting, that's all!" she said quickly.

"Oh…okay…"

"Hikari, why are you moving?" Asuka asked.

"Umm…my rent…I can't afford it."

"But…" Asuka blinked, "Where are you going to move?"

"Ah…Umm…"

"Hikari…"

"I'm…uh, that is, me and my sisters are…umm…moving…"

"Hikari!"

"In with the Suzuharas," she answered.

"The…Suzuharas?" Asuka said, horrified.

"Toji's place?" Shinji paled.

"It−It's only temporary!" she insisted.

"But…But why are you moving in with him!"

"It's not just him!" she insisted, "His sister is there too!"

"Sounds like she still has her reservations," Shinji commented from the tone. Asuka nodded.

Hikari sighed as she continued, "Asuka…I don't really have a choice. It's either with Toji and Sakura, or…or I have to give up Midori and Ayumi."

"Can't you get a job?" Asuka asked.

"No," Hikari bit out, "The school refused my request."

"Oh," Asuka said, "I see…Well, we can help. Right Shinji?"

"Huh? Oh, right! No problem!"

"Thanks," Hikari said.

"And Hikari…if you want me to talk to Toji…" Asuka added.

"It's okay! Really, Asuka," Hikari said, "He…He's just trying to help me, that's all. He's in the same situation with Sakura as I am with my sisters."

"Alright…" Asuka relented, "See you tomorrow."

"Okay, bye."

Shinji looked at Asuka, "Well…this is…unexpected."

"Considering that she thought we were 'living in sin' the first time she came over," Asuka nodded, "But I guess she doesn't really have a choice."

Wednesday, January 07, 2016 (Day 5-17:38)

Aida Apartment, Tokyo-3, Japan

"What!" Kensuke gapped, causing Rei to look up from her book.

"You hear me," Toji said over the phone, "Hikari and her sisters are moving in on Saturday. You can help, right?"

"Ah…sure. I guess. But…"

"But why? Because her rent went up…and from what I gleaned from the conversation, her landlord's…offer of assistance wasn't a good one."

"But…why doesn't she try and get permission to get a job?"

"She tried that…They refused; why I don't know. It's just one of their high and mighty judgments. So can you help?"

Kensuke blinked than shrugged, "Okay…I think I remember where her place is…either way, I can look it up in the school computers."

"Oh Ken, one more thing," Toji said suddenly, "Can you…alter her address…"

"You mean, can I hack the school computers and change it without her having to go to the school office with this?"

"That and a few other places…like Social Services."

"Sure," he grinned, "Not a problem." He hung the phone up and sat down across from Rei.

She glanced at him, "What is going on?"

"Huh? Oh Hikari's moving in with Toji…" Rei's eyes widened.

"Ah…along with her sisters," Kensuke added, "She can't afford the rent."

"Oh…I see," she said slowly.

"Umm…" Kensuke glanced at her, "You want to help?"

"Help?" she cocked her head.

"Help with the moving," he elaborated, "on Saturday. You aren't busy are you?"

"I…do not believe so. Normally, I would think that we would be at NERV, but Dr. Akagi needs time to process through all of the data she has accumulated."

"Ah…sounds like she needs help," Kensuke said.

"That's what she has been…ranting about."

Wednesday, January 07, 2016 (Day 5-17:40)

NERV HQ, Geo-Front, Tokyo-3, Japan

"Ikari!" Dr. Ritsuko Akagi bellowed as she threw open the door to the commander's office.

"Doctor Akagi," he replied calmly.

"I've told you, repeatedly, that I need an assistant! So where is he? Or she, I don't care!" she snapped.

"Doctor…everyone in NERV that is qualified and authorized to see that data is occupied…"

"Than get someone else!"

"Doctor…whoever sees this data will have to be informed about the Angels…"

"So?" Akagi snarled, "I don't need a scientist or some brainiac! I need someone to process data!"

"Doctor…it is a matter of security," Ikari said coldly, "If you can find a qualified individual with proper clearance, than we shall see. So long as the individual is not being pulled from somewhere else."

I…am…going…to…kill…Akagi seethed.

Wednesday, January 07, 2016 (Day 5-18:22)

Aida Apartment, Tokyo-3, Japan

Kensuke discreetly glanced at the clock and winced, Why was she still here? Sure she wasn't hurting anything…and it was a little more pleasant having company than being alone…

He turned to her, "So…how is it going Rei?"

Rei glanced at him, "It is going fairly well…I think I'm nearly done."

"Okay," he got up, "I'm going to take care of Toji's request; if you need any help, just ask."

She nodded as he went over the computer, He is annoyed with me.

Not necessarily…though you have been here for several hours now.

Rei grimaced, I don't want him to be upset with me…but…but…

You don't want to go back to the apartment.

She sighed, No.

Rei sat her pencil down and looked over at Kensuke, "What are you going to do?"

"Huh? Oh…Just make a few alterations to Hikari's address in some databases."

"You are going to…hack?"

"Ah…sure, you can call it that," he shrugged.

"That is illegal," she said.

"Well, if you don't say anything, I won't," he grinned, "Seriously…I'm not getting into anything classified…I'm just making a few changes so Hikari doesn't have to explain to the principal that she's living with Toji. It may be their fault, but they'll still frown on it."

"Why is it their fault?" Rei asked as she walked over.

"Because," he said as he rapidly typed, "they refused her request to work."

"I see…" Rei nodded.

"And if the school finds out, they could recommend that the government remove her sisters from her care," Kensuke added, "Of course, I have to hack their database too. Toji and Hikari both have the same case officer, so they'll have to deal with him separately…but if the higher ups find out, it's over anyway."

"I see…but what if you get caught?"

Kensuke shrugged, "I'm helping my friends, Rei; it's worth the risk. Besides, who could catch me?"

Wednesday, January 07, 2016 (Day 5-18:48)

NERV HQ, Geo-Front, Tokyo-3, Japan

"What's this?" Akagi blinked as she set her coffee down as her computer chirped.

"Oh goody," she smiled darkly, "I needed to burn off some frustration." A hacker in her system. What fun.

"Come little chickadee," she tapped her keyboard, "where will you go?"

As she observed the hacker 'moving' through her system, she had to admit that 'he' was pretty good. Unfortunately for him, she had the Magi Server Network.

"What are you up to?" she blinked in surprise as he bypasses the last of the frontal security, but didn't proceed into the more heavily protected files. Instead he carefully sifting through some unimportant data…and then he went for his target.

"The Address database?" she frowned, What was he after? That wasn't even the NERV personal address…it was…

"What?" she blinked. It happened fast, faster than she had expected: He had altered an address…Hikari Horaki.

"What?" she exclaimed, "What's going on here?" she grunted as she put the Magi to work, Let's see who you are…

Wednesday, January 07, 2016 (Day 5-19:01)

Aida Apartment, Tokyo-3, Japan

"Okay, I'm done," Kensuke smiled.

"I see," Rei nodded.

"You done with the algebra?" he asked as he stood.

"Umm…" she flustered.

"It's okay," he assured her, "See if I have any ice cream left, okay? I've gotta take a leak."

She blinked as he quickly ran to the bathroom. She sat there for a moment, than made her way to the kitchen.

He is a rather odd person, she thought as she opened the freezer, What he said earlier…about his friends: 'I'm helping my friends, Rei; it's worth the risk'…

She sighed, I wonder if I'll ever be such a friend to anyone.

He called you his friend…

Rei blinked, That's right…I wonder…

The phone ranged, disrupting Rei's thought process.

After a moment of hesitation, she answered it, "Hello?

"Rei!" Dr. Akagi responded sharply.

"Dr. Akagi? What is it?"

"Umm…this is Mr. Kensuke Aida's number, right?"

"That is correct," Rei frowned, "Why are you calling."

"Who is it, Rei?" Kensuke asked as he entered the kitchen.

"Dr. Akagi from NERV," she answered, handing the phone to him.

"Hello?" he said somewhat hesitantly.

"Mr. Aida," Akagi sighed.

"Yes?"

"Do you just happen to be hacking into a database?"

"What?" he gagged.

"I take that as a yes," she chuckled, "Congratulations, you just managed to catch my attention."

"Great…umm…"

"Listen Mr. Aida…I don't know why you thought it necessary to change Ms. Horaki's address…or to where…but I have a proposition for you…"