Neon Genesis Evangelion: Child of Eva
Chapter 10: Joys of Life
By: Damerei A
Disclaimer:
See Chapter 1.
The cool night air blew through his hair as Shinji once again found himself on the balcony overlooking the city and contemplating the recent changes that has occurred in his life. He thought back to how he and Asuka had confessed their feelings for each other just a few days ago and he could admit that he was as happy as he had ever been since arriving in Tokyo-3. However, he wondered how his friends would react when they learned that him and Asuka were going out now. He knew that Touji and Kensuke would probably go ballistic but that was something he could live with as long as he had Asuka by his side.
Shinji was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't hear the sound of the door sliding open behind him. Asuka made her way up behind Shinji and slipped her arms around his waist to embrace him from behind. Shinji almost jumped out of his skin right before Asuka rested her head on his shoulder although she had to lean up to do so since she was sure that he was now taller than her.
"I thought you would've been in bed by now." Shinji said, quietly.
"I couldn't go to sleep and I was feeling lonely so I came to your room to see if I could spend the night with you but you weren't there so I figured you would be out here." Asuka replied. "So, are you going to tell me what's on your mind or am I going to have to pry it out of you?"
Shinji sighed. "I came out here because I needed to think. I was wondering if this was really happening or was the two of us being together was sort of dream."
Asuka giggled. "Baka, I can assure you that the two of us is no dream. Don't tell me that you're having doubts because if you are then, forget it because I'm not letting you go. I've waited so long for someone to love me and I'm not going to lose everything that I've worked so hard to get."
Shinji looked up at the moon. "Asuka, tell me something. When did you first realize that you had feelings for me?"
Asuka blinked at the question and tightened her hold around his waist. "I guess that kinda hard to say so I guess I'll start back from when we first met. I'll admit that my first impression of you wasn't all that good since I saw you as another wimpy little boy that would fawn over me like all the others did but you didn't, which surprised me at first. However, I was really mad at you since I learned everything about you and what you did in the first angel battle. I couldn't believe that a novice like you could actually synch with your Eva on the first try and have such a high synch ration on top of that. Plus, I was even angrier when it took your help just for me to defeat my first angel. After that, I decided that I would prove to you that I was superior to you in every way by showing that I was the best Evangelion pilot. However, no matter how hard I tried you would always pull of a miracle when I was struggling to beat the angel and you would be the one to get all the credit. Actually, I found myself liking the Shinji that was always willing to give his life to protect everyone else like the time you dove into that volcano to save me even though you didn't have any protective armor. The more I saw you act like that the more impressed I became by you but when you weren't in your Eva you would act like a spineless wimp and I hated you for that. I wanted you to always be the brave Shinji that I felt that I could respect and possibly love but it never happened." Asuka sighed. "I guess it took what happened with the fourteenth to see how I really felt about you. I was so at you for leaving because of what happened with the thirteenth but when you came back to save everyone from the fourteenth I found my feelings for you to be very confusing and I didn't know what to think of you anymore. When you came back and started standing up to me like I had always wanted you to do I was kinda scared that I wouldn't be able to stop you if you got really angry with me."
Shinji sighed, heavily. "Asuka, I'm sorry about how I acted but it was so hard for me to control my emotions and I ended up snapping on the first person that insulted me. Unfortunately, you were the one that insulted me most of the time but I would always end up feeling bad afterwards."
Asuka chuckled. "Hey, I'm not really complaining about that since all those times you did give me a chance to find out how I really felt about you. I will admit that I always thought that you were kind of cute but my pride would only let me see all the flaws that you had and not any of the good things about you. I guess it took all of those arguments we had for me to finally realize those things about you and it took me almost losing you to realize how much you meant to me."
"Well, you don't have to worry about losing me anymore. I promise that I will always be there for you and I won't let anyone or anything come between us ever again." Shinji said then, turned in her embrace to face her.
Asuka moved her head back and was now staring into his dark blue eyes. "You better keep that promise baka or I'll make sure that you won't be walking for a long time. Just because I'm now your girlfriend doesn't mean that I can't still beat you up."
Shinji chuckled. "I guess you will always be the violent girl that I first met and I can see why Touji and Kensuke call you a demon all the time."
Asuka frowned at him, playfully and hit him in the chest. "Just because they call me a demon that doesn't mean you can call me by that name. I'm your girlfriend now I expect you to defend me when I'm not around and those stooges start calling me different names. Is that understood?"
Shinji grinned. "Yes, mam."
Asuka surprised Shinji when she leaned up and gave him a quick kiss then, pulled back with a smile. "I have more for you if you come with me."
Shinji didn't even reply as Asuka pulled away from him and grasped his right hand but obediently followed her as she led him back into the apartment. As she was leading him to her room she just hoped that Misato didn't end up catching him in there because he was sure he would probably be dead if she did.
Meanwhile, from a nearby building a girl with silvery-white hair had watched Shinji and Asuka until they went back inside. She smiled for a few brief moments before turning to walk away.
"Soon, we shall meet again and I know you will be surprised, Shinji." The girl said as she disappeared into the building.
Twenty-four hours later, Rei walked down the hallway that led to the Katsuragi apartment. She had just received a call from Misato that she had been invited to attend a party that she was throwing for Shinji. She knew that Shinji wasn't home since she had seen him talking with Ritsuko when she had been leaving Nerv. At first she didn't see any reason why she should go since Shinji wouldn't be there when she got there but decided to go since she would see him eventually.
Rei stopped at the door and pressed the doorbell then, waited for someone to answer. She didn't have to wait long as the door slid open to reveal Asuka in all of her glory.
Asuka smirked. "Took you long enough to get here, Rei."
Rei nodded, slightly. "It is good to see you as well, Sohryu."
"Well, come on in. we're almost finished getting everything ready for Shinji." Asuka smiled and grabbed her by the arm.
The pale girl was surprised as she was pulled inside and managed to keep her balance as Asuka practically dragged her into the living room. However, she didn't even react as she saw that Kensuke, Hikari, Misato, and even Touji were gathered in the living room. Although, the former Fourth Child was only walking around due to the fact that he was on crutches since his body hadn't had enough time to get used to the new limbs that he had received a week ago. A quick scan around the room revealed that there were various party items such as a cake, sodas, chips, and etc. Finally, Asuka released her arm as she prepared to announce the arrival of their final guest.
"Hey, everyone, Rei is here so we only have to wait for Shinji to get here and we can start this party." Asuka said, catching everyone's attention.
Misato walked over to her smiling. "I'm glad that you could make it, Rei. I wanted all of Shinji's friends to be here for this since this is a way of making up for everything that he has been through lately."
"Hey, how come you never threw a party for any of the rest of us? We've all been through a lot lately and I think we deserve a party as well." Asuka protested.
Misato sweatdropped. "Actually, this is more like a welcome back party for him even though it is kinda late. I just thought it would be nice to have all of his friends over and for everyone to have fun together."
"Actually, you could've done without the two stooges over there. We'll be lucky if we even have any food left by the time Shinji gets home if Touji the stomach has anything to say about it." Asuka said in disgust.
Touji and Kensuke glare at her.
"Hey, we should be lucky that Shinji is still even alive after living with you for so long. I don't see how anyone could live with a demon like you and still manage to walk around but I guess it's because you treat Shinji like he's your own personal slave. That's why I was cracking up that day Shinji dragged you out of my room so I wouldn't have to see your face anymore. The look on your face that day was absolutely priceless and I would pay any amount of money just to see Shinji put you in your place again." Touji snapped.
Asuka narrowed her eyes even more. "If you must know I already kicked Shinji's butt for that one since he decided to grow a spine for once. If you keep running your mouth then, you won't have to worry about getting used to your new legs because you won't be able to feel your entire body."
Touji gulped and took a step back while Kensuke decided that it wasn't the best time to join in this little conversation. He was already afraid of what Asuka would come up with to deal with him and nothing pleasant even came to mind. He wondered how Shinji managed to get on Asuka's good side while everyone else was just a victim of her mood swings all the time.
"Alright, that's enough you guys. We're supposed to be here for Shinji and we don't need the two of you fighting and ruining the moment for everyone else. Could you two at least try to get along for Shinji's sake?" Hikari pleaded.
"Fine, I'll do this only because of the baka but if the jock makes one smart comment then, I'll break both of his legs again." Asuka replied.
"Yeah, I can try to get along with the demon since it is for Shinji." Touji added.
Misato clapped her hands, enthusiastically. "Well, I'm sure that Ritsuko and Shinji will be here very soon so let's finish getting everything ready for the party. Rei, could you and Asuka help me out in the kitchen?"
The two girls nodded and followed the purple-haired woman into the kitchen, leaving Kensuke, Touji, and Hikari to finish putting up the banners. However, the brown-haired girl would occasionally glance over at the former pilot of Evangelion unit 04 with a dreamy-eyed look. To most people, it would be easy to tell that Hikari loved Touji but being the stooge that he was Touji was completely clueless. Luckily, a twist of fate has caused Touji to have feelings for the freckled-face girl as well but he believed she didn't love him in return. One would see it as comical that the two were in love with each other yet believed the other didn't feel the same way.
"Hey, class rep., could you give us a hand with this banner over here? You're the design expert and we could use your opinion on how this should go up." Kensuke asked.
Hikari looked over at the two. "Um, sure."
The brown-haired girl made her way over to the two boys but noticed that Touji was blushing while Kensuke was grinning for some reason and she gave them a confused look.
"So, how do you need my help?" Hikari asked, sweetly.
"We'll put this banner up and you tell us how you think it looks." Touji replied.
Hikari nodded as Touji and Kensuke began moving over towards the wall. The brown-haired girl noticed that Touji was beginning to struggle a bit as he attempted to balance himself on one crutch but didn't move to help him just yet. She had already had tried to help him earlier but Touji being the jock that he was refused her help saying he could manage on his own.
Kensuke noticed the actions that occurred between the two but he was kinda hoping that the two of them would just tell each other how they felt. He may be a stooge but it was easy for him to notice that Touji was deeply in love with Hikari and that the class representative felt the same way about him. Actually, it frustrated him because the jock would always mention Hikari's name offhandedly but would start blushing because he knew he would be teased about his feelings for Hikari. Heck, even Shinji would be ready to tease the jock whenever Touji would slip like that as if it was his way to pay back for all the times he had been teased about Asuka. However, he pushed the thought of his other friend aside as his mind began to work on a way to get Touji and Hikari to finally admit their feelings for each other once and for all. Perhaps he could even get Shinji to help since the brown-haired pilot would be better at getting the two to open up since he himself was better with computers than getting others to open up. However, as he looked at the two again he began to wonder if there was ever going to be someone out there for him.
Meanwhile, Asuka and Rei were busy helping Misato to put the final touches on the cake she had been starting. Asuka had been surprised that cake had actually come out right but she also remember that Shinji had given Misato a few cooking lessons a few months back. The redhead was glad since she didn't want her new boyfriend to end up getting poisoned after he had promised that they would never be apart.
"Asuka, watch what you're doing. You were the one complaining about me messing up the cake and you're about to mess up the frosting." Misato said, frantically.
Asuka blinked and pulled her hands back to prevent the frosting from messing up the cake. (I just had to start daydreaming about that baka again and look what I almost did. I'm starting to act like those other girls that always gush over their boyfriends for the stupidest reasons.)
"Sorry, I was starting to daydream and wasn't paying attention to what I was doing." Asuka replied, sheepishly.
"Uh huh, I bet you were thinking about Shinji again." Misato said, going into full teasing mode.
Asuka narrowed her eyes. "Why would I be thinking about that baka?"
"That won't work this time, Asuka. I know exactly what has been going on between the two of you lately."
Asuka raised an eyebrow. "Just what are you talking about? Nothing has been going on between us except for the fact that we're really close friends now."
Misato grinned. "Yeah, the two of you have become really close and intimate friends. I guess that was why I caught you with your arms wrapped around Shinji's waist last night out on the balcony. Plus, the fact that you two shared a kiss would make it seem that the two of you are very close. On top of that, I saw you sneaking out of his room for the last two mornings after spending the entire night in there."
Asuka blushed a deep shade of crimson. "You mean you were spying on us all that time?"
Misato nodded. "Did you think I wouldn't realize what was going on between the two of you? Heck, I'm sure that even Rei knew what was happening between the both of you but wouldn't say anything about it."
"Actually, I have known since the start of their relationship. Ika—Shinji, contacted me the next day and I was informed by both him and Asuka of the change in their relationship." Rei said, softly.
The grin fell from Misato's face as she looked at both girls. "So, how long has this been going on?"
Asuka sighed. "We've only been officially going out for two days now."
"Man, how come I'm the last person to know about all of this and I'm the one that teases you two all the time?" Misato mocked groaned then, grinned. "So, what brought about this sudden change? I always thought that you didn't need anyone and with the way that the two of you would carry on I didn't think you two would end up with each other." Misato questioned.
"Well, it is kinda complicated but I can say that it started out with me respecting the baka then, somewhere that respect turned into love. I know you're shocked by this because I know I am. I never thought in a million years that it would be me and Shinji but I guess after a while he managed to break down all of my defenses and work his way into my heart." Asuka replied.
"Well, I shouldn't be all that surprised since Shinji seems to have that affect on people." Misato said, glancing at Rei. "No offense Rei but he has even got you to start talking a lot more than you used to."
Rei nodded, slightly. "It is because myself and Shinji have a lot in common. We were both alone in the world and we have sought each other out as means of support."
(Yeah, the two of you really have a lot in common.) Misato thought.
"What do you mean by support?" Misato asked.
"At first, I was unaware as to how to express myself to others since I had been raised by the commander to avoid any unnecessary human contact. I was taught to avoid all contact such as communicating with others on a regular basis since none of it pertained to my status as an Evangelion pilot. However, things change as Shinji arrived and shortly after his arrival Asuka made her presence as a pilot known. Shinji made many attempts to befriend me but because I didn't understand what his intentions were I tried to avoid him but he caused emotions in me to begin stirring. The more time I spent around Shinji the more I wished to interact with him. However, I was unaware as to how to do so but Shinji offered to help me and I accepted his invitation. I have learned how to better express my feelings and emotions but since I am new to this I have relied on Shinji to guide me whenever I am lost." Rei explained.
Misato nodded. "Well, I'm glad to see that you've opened up and I couldn't think of a better person than Shinji to help you with that."
(It's just like Ritsuko had said. Shinji draws others to him and helps them find their true identity as he attempts to understand himself. At first I didn't know what she meant by that but now I think I do and I'm proud of everything that Shinji has done for me and everyone else.) Misato thought with a soft smile.
Misato clapped her hands together. "Okay, we have to have everything ready before Shin-chan gets here so let's hurry up."
Both Rei and Asuka were surprised by the sudden burst of enthusiasm from Misato but soon followed suit since they wanted to make this special for Shinji as well. Asuka wanted to make this special for Shinji since he was her boyfriend and Rei's reason was because Shinji was like her brother.
Unaware of the thoughts that concerned him, Shinji Ikari walked along side Ritsuko as they made their way through the building and up to Misato's apartment. He didn't know why Ritsuko had decided to accompany him but he wasn't going to complain since he did actually prefer to have someone accompanying him. Besides, if Ritsuko wasn't around him constantly he would probably try to go after his father for revenge what he had done to Rei. The sudden thought of Rei had almost caused the young Ikari to stop in his tracks.
(Ever since that day I have not seen her but we did talk on the phone the day after Asuka and me got together. Of course, it was Asuka's idea that I let Rei in on since it wasn't like she would just tell anyone without a good reason. I just wonder how I will react to her now that I know that she's an angel just like I am because of my father and SEELE.) Shinji thought.
Ritsuko glanced over at the young Ikari and noticed the frown his face. Knowing that he was probably still thinking of a way to get back at his father she decided to pull his thoughts away from the subject.
"Shinji, I was very pleased with the results of your synch tests this afternoon. I never would've guessed that you would be able to set your synch ratio at any depth that you wanted." Ritsuko appraised.
Shinji turned to her and smiled, slightly. "Actually, I didn't know that I could that but when I entered the entry plug it was a feeling that caused me to act on it. I think the connection between me and Unit 01 has grown even stronger now that I'm partly an angel. Plus, the fact that my mother is also apart of the Eva is also a reason for that."
Ritsuko noticed the sadness in his voice. "I'm sorry about your mother Shinji. If there was someway I could I would try to pull her out of the Eva but even my attempts to pull you out failed so I know that I wouldn't be able to get her out."
Shinji grinned. "Actually, your attempts didn't fail it was just that the Eva was never really ready to release its hold on my soul when you tried to retrieve me. She had to make sure that everything was perfect before she let me go."
Ritsuko hmm'd in thought but remained silent. (Shinji is more in control of things than the commander is. With the power of Unit 01 at his very fingertips he could easily destroy the entire Nerv facility if he so much as wanted to. I'd bet he would've probably have already have done it just to get at his father if Misato and me hadn't convinced him we would handle it. However, with the changes in Shinji's demeanor I'm not sure how much longer we can keep him from doing anything that I doubt that he would regret.)
The blonde doctor pushed the thought aside as they reached the door to the Katsuragi apartment. Shinji pulled out his keycard and slid it through the slot as the door slid open a moment later. The brown-haired teen blinked as he noticed that the lights were dimmed a bit but he shrugged it off and stepped inside not noticing the smirk on Ritsuko's face. However, whatever plans for a surprise were ruined as Shinji felt the presence of Rei coming from the living room and for some reason he could hear hushed voices also. He stopped and Ritsuko nearly toppled into him as a result but managed to maintain her balance before giving Shinji a look of confusion.
"Is something the matter, Shinji?" Ritsuko asked.
Shinji shook his head. "No, I just figured out why you summoned me for synch tests and not Asuka and Rei."
"What do you mean?" Ritsuko asked in total confusion.
Shinji turned back to her, grinning. "You guys had something planned for me."
Ritsuko blinked a few times. "Why do you figure that we have something planned for you?"
"Well, that's rather easy to answer. The house is abnormally quiet and I know that Asuka and Misato are supposed to be home right now since the car was still in the garage." Shinji lowered his voice to a whisper. "Plus, I can feel Rei's presence coming from the next room and I think I hear voices."
Ritsuko nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. "I should've expected that you would've been able to felt Rei through your connection as angels. However, Misato and the others have worked hard at this so please at surprised."
Shinji smirked. "I think I can handle that but next time try a little harder."
The blonde woman gave a small chuckle before pushing Shinji forward, gently. The brown-haired pilot was caught by surprise and stumbled forward a bit before regaining his balance. He directed a small glare at Ritsuko before making his way into the living room and trying to remember that he was supposed to act surprised for what ever was in store for him. The room was darkened since the lights were out and the curtains had been closed but he could feel that Rei was very close to him. Suddenly, the room exploded in light as the lights were flipped on and Shinji was forced to close his eyes because of the sudden brightness and stumbled back into Ritsuko, who was having a similar experience.
"Welcome home, Shinji." Misato said, cheerfully.
Shinji squinted at her until his eyes had time to readjust to his surroundings. The sight of Hikari, Kensuke, Touji, Misato, Asuka and even Rei smiling at him greeted him.
"Okay, whose idea was it to try blinding me and what's going on here?" Shinji asked, slightly miffed. He was pretending that he didn't know what was going on but the light had still surprised him.
"What do you think is going on, baka? We're throwing a party for you if you haven't noticed." Asuka said, feigning anger.
"A party?!" Shinji said in confusion.
He took a quick glance around and noticed the different party items. (Okay, maybe I'm not as prepared as I thought I would be.) Shinji thought.
"Yeah, I know it's kinda late but I thought we should throw you a welcome back party. I would've done this sooner but I was so swamped with work that I didn't have time until now. I convinced Ritsu to keep you busy while we got everything ready and now that you're here we can get this party started." Misato said.
With that said, the others began to mingle with each other. Asuka, Rei and Hikari were off talking in one corner while Ritsuko and Misato were in the kitchen leaving Shinji with the other two stooges. Shinji was surprised to see Touji up and around since he thought that the former Fourth Child would be in the hospital for another month.
"Hey, Shin-man. I haven't seen you in awhile so what's been happening?" Touji asked, grinning.
"Um, nothing much really. I was away for a bit for some special Nerv training at a facility in Kyoto." Deciding to change the subject. "Hey, since when did you get your new limbs?" Shinji asked.
"I've only had them for a few days. I'm still trying to get used to have a new arm and leg but I think I can manage for the time being. Dr. Akagi gave me use of these crutches until I had time to adjust to them." Touji replied.
Kensuke looked at Touji and the two shared a grin before looking back at Shinji. Shinji didn't know why but he didn't like the looks in their eyes and instinctively gulped to indicate his nervousness.
"Why are you guys looking at me like that?" Shinji asked a nervous edge to his voice.
"Oh, we just remembered something that we wanted to ask you. I told Touji about what we talked about the other day and he's very interested to know how you got on Asuka's good side." Kensuke replied.
"Come on, not this again. I already told you that I haven't done anything so could you please just leave me alone about it." Shinji groaned.
Touji shook his head. "No, I don't think so. Kensuke told me all about how Asuka has been acting around you and how differently she acts when you're not around. You had to have done something for the demon to act like a normal girl whenever you're around and try to defend you when you're not."
"You guys are just reading into this to much. If you really want to know why she has been acting like that then, why don't you ask her yourself?" Shinji suggested as a last ditch effort to avoid this conversation.
"No way, man! I just came out of the hospital and there is no way I'm going to let her put me back into one!" Touji said, his eyes widened in fear.
Shinji didn't wait for Kensuke to answer as the bespectacled boy had the same look of fear. He chuckled because he knew his new girlfriend would hurt them if they had asked her a question like that. Actually, he doubted that even he would've been able to stop her since he knew that she didn't want to feel like someone owned her and that was how his two friends were making it seem.
"YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" Was Hikari's sudden outburst.
Shinji, Touji, and Kensuke looked over at the trio over of girls in surprise and Hikari began blushing, heavily. Kensuke and Touji looked away when Asuka threw a glare in their direction but she smiled, briefly at Shinji and mouthed 'later' to his unasked question. Shinji nodded and turned back to his friends and continued their conversation and the girls returned to their own private discussion.
Asuka narrowed her eyes, slightly. "I thought I told you to keep your voice down. The last thing I need is for the two stooges to find out and start their stupid rants."
"Sorry but I just couldn't help it. It was just so unexpected that I got a little overexcited and I always thought that the two of you would make a really good couple." Hikari said, slightly blushing.
"Well, don't get to overexcited like that again. I want to keep this quiet for the time being but I might just announce that we're going together at the end of the night. I've only been going out with him for two days and I'm still not used to being in a relationship like this." Asuka said.
"Well, I'd say you're one of the luckiest girls in school to be going out with Shinji." Hikari said.
"What do you mean by that? Shinji is lucky that I'm letting him go out with me since he is such a pervert." Asuka said.
Hikari frowned. "Asuka, you know Shinji isn't a pervert so stop saying that. Besides, you may not have noticed but a lot of girls at our school like Shinji and I don't just mean in our grade. Before you came, a few of the upper-class girls had asked him out but Shinji had refused and a lot of them were well sought after girls."
Asuka smirked. "That was because he was saving himself for a girl like me."
"That is not necessarily correct, Asuka. For a time Shinji seemed to be interested in me and I had desired to obtain a relationship with him I could have." Rei interjected.
Asuka blinked a few times. "I hope you were joking about that one, Rei. Because if you even think about going after my Shinji then you're mine."
Rei shook her head, slightly. "I was not, as you said, joking but as I have already explained to you. I view Shinji as an older sibling and I do not wish to establish a relationship with him."
Asuka nodded. "Good because Shinji is off limits to everyone except for me."
Hikari smiled. "You've become awfully protective of your new boyfriend all of a sudden, Asuka. Are you afraid that someone is going to steal him away if you're not careful?"
Asuka shook her head and smirked. "I'm not worried about that. Shinji promised me that he would never leave me and I trust him so I'm not worried about someone coming between us."
"That's so kawaii. I wish I could find someone that would make a promise like that to me." Hikari gushed.
Asuka frowned. "I hope you aren't still waiting for that dumb jock to ask you out. He even more clueless than Shinji used to be and I doubt he even has any feelings for you in the first place."
Rei smiled, slightly. "I would have to say that is incorrect, Asuka. I have overheard Suzuhara's conversations with Shinji and it has been mentioned that he is attracted to Horaki but is unwilling to express his feelings. I believe he requires assistance to do so and I have asked Shinji if he will help if necessary."
Hikari's eyes widened and she smiled with a faint trace of a blush in her cheeks. "Are you sure that was what you heard Rei?"
Rei nodded. "Yes, that was what I overheard and Shinji has confirmed it."
Hikari placed her hand to her chest as a torrent of emotions began flooding through her. To believe that her only crush actually had feelings for her was almost too much for her to bear. Now she only had to figure out a way to get him to actually get him to tell her his feelings and she will be one of the happiest girls in Tokyo-3.
Asuka shrugged. "Well, I guess I was wrong about the stooge. If he actually likes then as your friend I will help you get your man. Plus, I know Rei will help out as well so you can say that it's pretty much in the bag. Right, Rei?"
Rei nodded. " I will assist in anyway that I can."
Hikari smiled and nodded at both girls. "Thank you."
At that moment, Ritsuko and Misato returned from their conversation in the kitchen. The others were still involved in their own discussions and hadn't notice the two adults yet.
"Okay, you guys." Misato called out and gained everyone's attention. "If everyone is ready then, we can start giving out the cake if it is alright with Shinji."
Shinji shrugged, nonchalantly. "I don't really care but I just hope that you don't try to poison us with your cooking."
Ritsuko giggled while the others burst out laughing with the exception of Rei, who had a small smile on her face. Misato's face flushed red until she began to look like a ripe tomato and she balled her hands into fists at her side. Shinji noticed this but made no move to warn the others but he took a few steps back just in case he needed to run away.
"What are you saying? You know perfectly well that I can cook since you were the one that gave me a few lessons and you said that my food was really good! If you guys think it's funny then, you can all leave on your own or I'll kick you out the hard way!" Misato yelled.
Everyone except for Rei and Shinji cringed in fear.
"Geez, calm down. I know you can cook but I just thought that I would tease you about it like you would always tease me." Shinji said, holding up his hands. "I know that you can cook but you do tend to make some mistakes every once and awhile."
Misato calmed down some. "Well, if you must know Asuka and Rei helped me to cook so I know I couldn't have messed up."
"Actually, you did mess up on that one. Rei is a pretty decent cook since I had a chance to try her cooking but Asuka's cooking is even worse than yours used to be." Shinji said with a small grin.
The smile that had been on the redhead's face vanished to be replaced by an ice-cold glare as she looked at Shinji. Kensuke and Touji were instantly worried about their friend's health if the German girl decided to go after him.
"How dare you, Third Child? My cooking is no way near is horrible as that stuff that Misato used to make and you should know since you ate my cooking the other day!" Asuka snapped.
Shinji's grin widened as Asuka was unknowingly falling into his little trap. "Oh, so that was your cooking? I was wondering why it tasted it little funny and had a hint of burnt taste."
Asuka's face flushed a deep shade of red until she resembled Misato from a few moments ago and Shinji took another step back towards the door.
"Don't you dare move another step, Third! Now, come here so I can rip off whatever balls you decided to grow!" Asuka yelled and made a mad dash at Shinji.
Shinji laughed and waited until Asuka was almost in reach of him before ducking to the side. Asuka gasped as she narrowly missed tackling him but quickly recovered and charged at him again. Touji and Kensuke cheered each time Shinji dodged Asuka until the two started getting closer to them. Shinji ran away from her ducking behind Misato and the others to keep so distance between himself and Asuka. However, to his surprise as he ducked behind Touji the jock suddenly moved out of the way and Shinji was so shocked that he didn't even react as Asuka pounced on him, knocking him back into the couch. Kensuke moved to assist his friend but a quick glare from the German redhead froze him in his place for a moment before he decided to step back to his original position. Ritsuko was surprised that Misato hadn't moved to intervene and was even more surprised to see that her friend was smiling about all of this.
"Aren't you at least going to help him? You should know that Asuka is really going to try and hurt him." Ritsuko asked.
Misato shook her head, still smiling. "No, I'm not worried about Shinji getting hurt this time around."
Ritsuko blinked at her friend and looked back at the two teens. (Does she know something that I don't.)
Asuka straddled Shinji's waist and gazed down into his face. "So, what were you saying about my cooking, baka?"
Shinji gulped. "Hey, I was only joking. You know your cooking is always excellent."
"Uh uh. You're not getting out of this by trying to be nice to me this time. I'm going to let your friends see exactly what I do to you whenever you get out of line." Asuka said with a devilish grin.
"Hey, come on, demon. This is supposed to be a special day for Shinji and you're already trying to beat him into a pulp." Touji said.
"You're wasting your time, Touji. I doubt that Asuka even has a heart so she wouldn't even consider being sympathetic to Shinji." Kensuke added.
Asuka glared at them. "If you two don't shut up them I'm going to rearrange both of your faces and stuff you in a hole somewhere."
Both boys flinched and shut up quickly for fear of punishment at Asuka's hands. With the two stooges silent, Asuka returned her attention back to her boyfriend but she wondered why Misato hadn't tried to stop her yet. However, she wasn't worried since if she did do something to Shinji she would make sure that it wasn't something that would seriously hurt him. suddenly, an idea came to her and the devilish grin returned to face but this time it was wider which caused Shinji to gulp, nervously again.
"Okay, baka-Shinji. I think we should continue our conversation in private. I don't want the others to see what I'm about to do to you so come along like a good little boy." Asuka said as she got up off of him.
"Asuka, I'm sure that Shinji didn't mean anything by what he said." Hikari protested.
Asuka snorted. "I don't care about that. I have to talk to this baka and I don't want any of you to hear what I have to say or see what I'm about to do."
Without waiting for anyone else to protest, Asuka grabbed Shinji by the front of his shirt, hauling him up from the couch and began dragging him behind her. Everyone with the exception of Rei and Misato were worried about Shinji's health but even Misato had doubts that Asuka might do something to hurt Shinji if he said the wrong thing while they were alone. Rei, on the other hand, watched her fellow pilots with her normal expressionless look but inside she was laughing because of the looks she had seen on in the eyes of both of the pilots. She wouldn't have noticed it if it wasn't for the fact that she had been trained to pay attention to small details but she had noticed that their eyes had a mischievous glint in them and she realized that both of them were playing a joke on everyone. It was because of this that she didn't deem it necessary to worry about Shinji's health or she would've already have stepped in to prevent the German redhead from making any attempts to hurt Shinji. After all, she had long since made a promise to protect Shinji and although it was meant for her to protect him during the battle with the Fifth angel she continued to honor that promise because Shinji had become someone very important to her for reasons she didn't know and for reasons she wouldn't reveal to anyone that asked.
"Oh well, I guess it was nice knowing Shinji while he was still alive." Touji stated.
"Stop saying things like that, Touji. I'm sure that Asuka wouldn't hurt Shinji so please don't start." Hikari said in defense of her friend.
"You're out of your mind, Hikari. I've seen Asuka try to rip Shinji's head off just because he happened to be looking in her direction. I'm surprised that he's still even alive considering that they live together." Kensuke said.
"Well, they have been getting along really well lately so I doubt that we should worry." Misato interjected.
"I bet the demon was doing that just so she could get Shinji to lower his guard so she could get him with no problem." Touji said.
"I can assure you that it is nothing like that, Mr. Suzuhara. Pilot Sohryu and Shinji have been getting along rather well and I have witnessed that they have become even closer…friends." Rei stated. (I still do not like referring to her by her name around others.)
The two stooges blinked at the fact that Rei was standing up for Asuka instead of Shinji. Touji had heard from Kensuke that Rei was very close to Shinji but he had never expect that she would become friends with Asuka as well. This would've caused the poor jock to fall over if the crutches hadn't supported him.
"Rei, what makes you so sure that Asuka wouldn't hurt Shinji?" Ritsuko asked, interested as to why she had defended Asuka and not Shinji.
"Because I know what the Second is thinking and she will not hurt Shinji." Rei replied. (However, Shinji is a pleasant exception.)
The blonde nodded at the answer but any further questions from anyone was interrupted by the sound of the balcony door sliding shut. Touji, Kensuke, and Hikari were debating whether to go see what Asuka was planning and even Misato and Ritsuko began to grow a little curious. The only one not affected was Rei because she had an idea as to what they were most likely to do while alone and a small smile appeared on her normally expressionless face.
Asuka leaned against the glass door for a few moments to listen if anyone was coming then, turned to face Shinji. The brown-haired youth had moved over to the balcony railing and was gazing down at the streets below. The redhead smiled and moved up behind him to embrace him from behind, resting the side of her face against his back. Shinji didn't react but continued to gaze out at the scene that lay before him.
"Shinji, is something bothering you? I hope my little act didn't surprise you that much." Asuka said, quietly.
"No, I was actually playing along after I noticed the look in your eyes but that's not what I'm thinking about." Shinji replied.
"Oh, then what are you thinking about?" Asuka asked again.
"I was thinking about what I wanted to do once all of this was over. What will I do when all of the angels are gone and my purpose has been fulfilled?" Shinji replied.
"Well, you'll still be with me so you won't have anything to worry about much." Asuka said. "Don't forget that you promised that we would remain together and you better keep that promise."
Shinji chuckled, lightly. "Don't worry I will. I don't need you to come searching for me if I ever do leave you because I already know what you would do to me."
Asuka snickered. "Yeah, I would pound you into a pulp and make everyday a living hell for the rest of life."
Shinji smiled. "You still haven't changed much from the girl that I first met and I think that it was your fiery personality that first attracted me to you. It was rather funny that I was attracted to you that way since you were always so energetic and outgoing while I was so reserved and dull."
"Yeah, that is true but you've changed a lot since then. You've actually grown enough backbone to stand up to your father and that's why I like you. You should know by now that I, Asuka Langley Sohryu, don't settle for nothing but the best and I would rather have a slightly temperamental boyfriend than a spineless wimp." Asuka said, teasingly.
"Hey, I wasn't that spineless because I just preferred not to get into any physical confrontations. I wasn't really much of a fighter so I figured that it was better to avoid getting into fights so I wouldn't get beat up. Although, it got really hard to keep a tight rein on my emotions but my former teacher was able to help me with that part." Shinji said.
"So, that's why I could never get you to do nothing but apologize when I used to tease you before the Fourteenth but tell why the big change afterwards?" Asuka asked.
Shinji shrugged. "Actually, I don't know how to explain that part. I just started reacting however I felt and I haven't been able to figure out why but it feels good to let loose sometimes. I see that's why you always want to explode on people all the time when they say something to you."
"Yeah, I guess you could say that was part of the reason why but it was because I had a lot of bad experiences with people while I was in college. Mostly from the boys because they thought just because I was young that I didn't really know anything and would try to take advantage of me every chance that they got. When I came over here the guys didn't act any different so that was why I tried to pound any guy that came on to strong. You were the only guy that I met here besides for the two stooges that didn't try to push yourself onto me and I appreciated that." Asuka said.
Shinji chuckled. "Yeah, you had a real funny way of showing your appreciation."
"Sorry about that but it's all in the past now and I want to make a new future. After all of this is over I want to settle down someplace quiet and probably raise a family." Asuka said.
"Hmm, are you sure that you're still my Asuka because you definitely don't sound like her? The Asuka that I remember falling in love with made it clear that being an Eva pilot was her life." Shinji said.
"Dumpkopf. It's not like we're going to be fighting the angels forever and I do want to make something out of myself after all of this is over." Asuka snaps.
Shinji sighed. "You may know what you want to do when this is all over but I'm still in the dark as to what my future holds for me." (Lilith promised to take me from all that has ever caused me pain and promised that I would be eternally happy but what did she mean by that.) Shinji added as an afterthought.
"You don't have to worry about that because you'll be with me or do you plan on breaking that promise?" Asuka asked, sweetly.
Shinji sighed again and turned around in her embrace to face her. Asuka pulls her head away from his back and stared up into his face once he is face her but never releases her embrace. Shinji reaches up with his left hand and gently caresses her right cheek, which causes Asuka to regard him with a curious expression.
"No, I don't intend to break that promise but I have to figure out what my future holds for me before I decide to settle down. I want to spend the rest of my life with you but I can't be sure if I can do that just yet." Shinji said.
"You're talking like you don't planning living the rest of this war out and it's start to freak me a little." Asuka said, frowning.
"No, I don't plan on dying but I believe someone has other plans for me." Shinji said, cryptically.
"Who would that be?" Asuka asks, confused.
"I can't say just yet but I promise that I will tell you whenever I figure that out." Shinji replies.
He begins to see a cloud of doubt and worry mirrored in Asuka's cerulean blue orbs and decides to try erasing her doubts. The German girl barely manages to restrain from gasping as Shinji lowers his face towards hers. She closes her eyes and purses her lips while tilting her head upwards some. Shinji closes his eyes as well as his lips make contact with Asuka's soft lips and slips his right arm around her while still caressing her cheek. Asuka decides to be bolder as she sends her tongue out to plunge into the warm depths of Shinji's mouth. The brown-haired teen hears Asuka moan as his tongue begins to flick against hers and can't help moaning as well. Asuka deepens the kiss even more as her desire for Shinji begin to overwhelm her and Shinji responds with as much fervor. As the two teens are so immersed in their kiss that they become oblivious to the outside world until a flash of light behind Asuka catches Shinji's attention.
Shinji immediately breaks the kiss much to the disappointment of Asuka and looks behind her before his eyes narrow into slits at the sight that greets him. Asuka opens her eyes to look at him and is confused by the expression on her boyfriends face.
"Shinji, what's wrong?" Asuka asked, quietly.
"Take a look behind you and you'll see what's wrong." Shinji replied, calmly.
Asuka blinks and turns around to see what he's talking about. Her eyes widen for a moment then, narrows as she sees Touji, Kensuke, and Hikari standing in the window. Kensuke has his camcorder aimed at them while grinning like a Cheshire cat while Hikari has an excited look and is smiling at the two. Touji, on the other hand, has a haunted look on his face and looks as if he could fall over at any moment.
"How long have you guys been standing there?" Asuka demands, angrily.
"Long enough for me to get plenty of material to tease Shinji with. I always knew he had the hots for you but I never thought you felt the same way." Kensuke replied, still grinning.
"I think it is so kawaii that the two of you are together. I always thought that the two of you would make a really cute couple." Hikari said, excitedly.
Shinji looked at Touji. "Don't you have anything to say about this, Touji?"
The jock worked his mouth a few times before finally speaking. "I can't believe that you betrayed us to be with that 'demon'. Have you forgotten how she used to always tease you and try putting you down?"
Asuka glared at him even more. "Call me a demon again and I'll land you back in the hospital but this time it will be worse."
"Calm down, Asuka. Yeah, I remember all of that Touji but we've had time to work through all of that in the past few months so there isn't a problem. I know you may not be able to accept the idea but I love Asuka and she feels the same about me." Shinji replied.
"Well, whatever you say but say I didn't warn you. To think that the 'redheaded demon' is even capable of love is totally unbelievable." Touji said.
"Yeah but I have it all on tape and she can't deny it even
if she wanted." Kensuke said, laughing.
"That's it, both of you come here right now. I'm going to make sure that neither of you are able to mention any of this ever again." Asuka snapped.
Before Shinji could react, Asuka pulls away from him and runs at the two stooges. Kensuke manages to get away but the injured Touji can only brace himself as Asuka bowls into him. Madness ensues as Asuka begins to pound on Touji while Hikari tries to pull the enraged German girl off of him.
Shinji laughs to himself and turns to look back out at the cityscape but to his surprise, a silver-haired girl is staring back at him and smiling. Shinji is shocked by this but finds that something feels extremely familiar about the girl but can't figure out where he had seen her before.
(Who is she?) Shinji thinks.
The girl continues to smile at him as she hears Shinji's question echoes in her mind. (You may not know who I am now but you will very soon. Until we meet again, Shinji Ikari, Son of Evangelion Unit 01.)
Shinji can only watch as the girl turns and walks out of his view but he can't shake the feeling that he has met the girl before. He already knows that the girl's identity will be plaguing him for the rest of the night as he looks up at the moon and releases a heavy sigh.
"What is going to happen to me next?" Shinji asks the night air.
To Be Continued.
Well, there goes chapter 10 of Child of Eva. The others have learned of Shinji's and Asuka's relationship but this news is overshadowed by Shinji's brief glimpse of the mysterious silver-haired girl. Who is she and why does she speak as if she has met Shinji before? All this and more will be revealed in the later chapters of Child of Eva.
Next chapter, Rei and Shinji spend some time together and secrets of their origins are revealed. What will the two children think of each other with the knowledge that they will gain? Find out in the next chapter of Neon Genesis Evangelion: Child of Eva: Siblings. C-yah.
Sorry this chapter took me so long but I have been really busy with college and I only have about a few hours out of a week to work on my story. I will continue to write but they will have to come out really slowly and I'm sorry for all my readers that have sticked with me this far. I promise that I will try to get the remaining chapters out as soon as I possibly can and thank you for all of your patience.