THE MIND OF AN ANGEL
Disclaimer: if you think I actually own Evangelion, then you are wrong! (I don't)
Proofread by Strath and 94saturn, thanks to both of you. You get a pie. And a Monkey!!!
CHAPTER 10: KISS.
Shinji returned home, later than usual, with an improved mood. The house was eerily empty and silent, Misato wasn't home apparently. Not even the warm-water penguin was in sight, probably in his freezer. Shinji noticed the fridge had a note on it, as he got closer he finally made out its message:
Shinji, gone bar-hopping with Ritsuko.
There's food in the fridge, and remember to feed Pen-Pen!
Later!
Shinji sighed, At least she's leaving the house now… With that thought he went to his room, he was glad she wasn't letting her suspension get to her. He picked up his S-dat and lied down on the bed. He looked at the device that had helped him get through tough times…through the crude method of drowning them out. He remembered when he was with Rei earlier; he really didn't want to leave. She comforted him…
I almost died yesterday; have an angel living in my head, and she just makes me…forget. He left the device on the bed and wondered about what had happened shortly after he had woken up. She was still cradling him, but when he woke up Rei handed him his cell. He was relieved. She then explained how Kensuke gave it back to him. He thanked her… he really did.
The entire ordeal of the cell phone had been tormenting him the entire day. He had some how come up with the courage to ask for her number. He took out his cell and looked at its new addition; she was only one call away now. He debated whether he should call her and do something…
Human, your interactions with the blue one are surprising. Where did this sudden courage come from?
He stopped himself from jumping, He would have to get used to Arael suddenly popping in. He really didn't know how to answer. He barely had the courage to talk to her before, and all of a sudden he could call her without thinking twice.
Maybe it's because…I'm comfortable around her…
Berserker, you have been around her for a mere few hours. All of a sudden you believe you have a connection?
He ignored Arael for a few seconds, but he had a point. Maybe they should go on a date? Or just be near each other…
Might as well, he thought, Misato isn't gonna be home for a while. He pushed the call button. And he put his phone next to his ear…
Rei had returned to her apartment a few minutes prior, and had been examining her new clothes. The major had been enthusiastic about getting her new items of clothing. Any clothing. Underwear, formal, casual… Rei had only accepted those which she liked. Unfortunately the major had bought many regardless.
She observed her now full closet and sighed, she would have to adapt to these clothes now. She closed the door to her closet and started to head to her kitchen, but the ring of her cell phone made her stop. She turned to see it ringing on her bed, as she made her way closer to answer.
Could it be the commander, or another angel? Her worries were put to rest when she saw it was Shinji, and answered.
"Shinji?" she asked.
"Umm…hi Rei" he began shyly, "How are you?"
"Unchanged since we left Shinji" Shinji blushed slightly at the response, and at the stupidity of his question.
"Well uhh…Rei, I was wondering whether…." He stopped midway to rephrase his sentence, "Are you hungry?"
The first child smiled slightly and answered "Yes slightly, what do you have in mind?"
Shinji then tried to answer without stuttering "Well uhh…" Dammit! "I was wondering if you uhh… wanted to get something together?"
"That would be… acceptable." Was the short answer he heard.
When Shinji didn't hear her suggest a place, he asked, "Umm, how about the park? I know a noodle place there."
"Very well, shall we meet in the park?" Rei asked in her usual tone.
"Umm yeah, in an hour?" he asked meekly.
"I will see you there then. Goodbye Shinji" she said, her tone slightly…happier? He couldn't tell.
When Shinji snapped from his thoughts he said, "Goodbye Rei."
Rei heard a click on the other line. She closed her phone and looked at the closet.
Perhaps… I will wear something different she thought, and started to search for something… acceptable.
Arael watched as Shinji went through what appeared to be a normal changing/showering routine. But he had seen enough of this human's memory to notice the differences. He had chosen his clothes carefully, and showered more thoroughly than usual. Also, he did not pursue in… certain acts he had done on previous occasions.
Shinji pressed his head on the wall as the water fell on the back of his neck. He hoped this would turn out well. What am I going to say…What am I gonna do? The thoughts raced in his mind. The closest thing to experience was when Asuka kissed him, and that didn't really turn out well.
He really wanted this to go well, but how?
Umm… Arael could ask for a favor?
Hmm?
When I'm with Rei, could you tell me what to do?
Elaborate, human.
Well, I can't ask you what she's thinking, since that would confuse me, he said remembering what happened when he had invited her to dinner, so can't you tell me what she's feeling? What she wants?
There was silence, Arael did not want to get involved in human infatuation, but he complied.
Yes I could Berserker.
Shinji didn't say anything else; the annoyance was very evident in Arael's voice. He finished showering and changed. He grabbed some yen and made his way to the door. Shinji hopped it would turn out well…
Shinji was sitting on the bench around the middle of the park; he had arrived a few minutes ago. Both Arael and Shinji had been pretty quiet, looking at the trees around them. Pigeons wandering nearby, Shinji was getting anxious. He looked down the path to see Rei. He was dumbstruck.
He head never seen her in anything outside her plug suit or uniform. He hadn't expected anything different; he had forgotten she had gone shopping with Misato. She was wearing a buttoned blue blouse, with a short blue skirt. Nothing amazing, but the fact she had decided to wear something else was not lost to Shinji.
He stood up to greet her, but didn't know what to do. She stood in front of him, and he stood in front of her. He stood awkwardly, trying to begin:
"Hi Rei…" he said with a slight blush.
Hug her.
This almost made him jump, but remembered what he asked. He got closer and put his arms around her, she did the same. He could have sworn he heard her sigh, but then she stepped back.
"Hello Shinji, are you… better now?" she asked, a small tone of concern in her voice.
"Yeah, thanks… Is that something Misato bought you?" he asked, not wanting to remember about last night.
"Yes" She answered, "Where to now Shinji?" She looked at him, expecting an answer.
Shinji started to scratch the back of his head as he said, "Well umm…wanna go eat?"
Rei nodded, and Shinji started to lead the way.
Misato and Ritsuko were drinking in their usual place, a small piano tune playing in the background. They had spent time so far with some idle chatter, nothing really important. Misato was glad to escape the mountain of paper work in her room, among other things…
Ritsuko was glad to talk to Misato; the commander hadn't said why he had suspended her. Ritsuko had told him Asuka had survived only because Shinji went to help her.
Misato lowered her glass while she was thinking, then let out a small sigh of satisfaction before asking:
"Rits" began Misato, "As much as I enjoy this, I know you wouldn't invite me unless you have something to tell me or ask me" she turned to Ritsuko, "So what is it?"
Ritsuko chuckled; she put down her drink and looked at Misato. "Oh Misato, you know me too well" She smiled a little and then said, "Misato, I thought you should know…SEELE is bringing Unit 05 and the fifth here"
Misato blinked at that, "The commander asked for them?"
"Nop" Ritsuko took a folder from her purse and handed it to Misato, "SEELE is sending them without consent"
Misato took the folder and started to look through it while Ritsuko kept talking, "The UN got nervous with the last attack, and SEELE got permission to send Unit 05 and the fifth."
"Will Unit 05 have an S2 engine?" Asked Misato, afraid of what had happened to Unit 04.
"Unit 05 has something like the nuclear engine they had prototyped, it still needs a pilot though" Answered Ritsuko, lifting her glass to her lips.
"Does it need an energy cord?" asked Misato, getting to the photos of Unit 05. It looked like 03, but it was green.
"It does, but if it's cut off, it can last for up to 30 minutes" Ritsuko took another sip from her glass before saying, "Also, the pilot has prior military training from SEELE."
"Who is the pilot?" asked the lavender haired woman, flipping through the file.
"Mana Kirishima" was Ritsuko's answer as Misato came to her photo and information. Another child, that wasn't surprising, 15 at the most. She did have training, a year's worth. She had synched well enough with Unit 05, 70. She had brown hair up to her lower neck, and blue eyes.
"Thanks Ritsuko," she said, thinking what this meant. The last Angel had attacked from orbit, and there were still two left. God help them if another one attacked beyond range…
"What are friends for?" replied Ritsuko, putting down her now empty glass and shifting towards Misato. "But that's not all Misato; I wanted to ask you…
"About Kaji" finished Ritsuko as Misato gulped.
Shinji and Rei had finished eating and had returned to the bench where they had started and sat there, holding each other. Their lunch had been eerily uneventful, not really talking that much. Arael hadn't really talked, but Shinji didn't want to bother him. Apparently angels weren't foreign to anger…
Rei had snuggled herself on Shinji's shoulder, sighing in contempt every few minutes. They had been like that for a good half hour, not saying much just enjoying each others company. Shinji had his head slightly leaning on Rei's, just listening to her breath. They had talked a little, about Shinji's visit to the hospital and Rei shopping with Misato.
After Arael told him, he had made towards Rei's hand. He had inched closer, and watched her reaction. She had not made any indication of him to stop, in fact she inched her hand to his. Shinji then took her hand, and she let out a deep breath
A pigeon was nearby, not aware of the battle being fought over it. Arael had been trying to see if he could control the pigeon, and thus influence others more effectively. A sense of pathetic ness filled him; he had failed many times to control the strolling bird. Influencing someone's actions was not beyond him; control was something he had lost. He continued to try; only through practice might he regain some of his old self.
The couple was unaware of the small war being waged in the pigeons mind. It had flown to a nearby tree, eying the couple curiously. The pigeon blinked, and flapped its wings noisily at the sudden presence in its mind. It barely kept its balance over the branch as a voice said:
SUCCESS!
The now manipulated pigeon cocked its head in many directions, and flapped its wings in its place. Arael would have to be precise; he was tired of this date and had an idea on how to end it without questions. The pigeon turned to the location of the couple, and took off towards them. The pigeon flew carefully as it got closer…
And perched upon Shinji's head.
Shinji's head immediately shot up at the sudden weight on his head. Rei lifted her head slightly and looked at the bird upon Shinji's head, like a soldier on top of a fort. Shinji reached to feel what was on his head, but heard flapping and weight gone from his head. Both Shinji and Rei looked at the bird flying away.
How… strange thought Rei as she lowered her vision to Shinji. Shinji had done the same, and they're faces were barely two inches apart. Both of the teens blushed at the proximity from each other, Shinji was about to look away until he heard:
Kiss her.
Shinji blinked at Arael's command, and gulped as he got slightly closer. Rei blinked in surprise at Shinji, but closed her eyes in response. The distance was closed, and they kissed. It was barely a peck, but for both the teens it seemed like a dear treasure. The contact both had been seeking finally came. Shinji's lips parted from hers slightly to look at Rei, he prayed this was better than Asuka's was. He was relieved to see her smile; she snuggled to his shoulder again. Shinji rested his head on hers, enjoying the moment.
Their hands entwined a second time, as Rei simply snuggled with him for some time. The kiss was… enjoyable and found herself wanting another. At the sudden loss of weight from his shoulder, he turned to see Rei looking straight at him. Shinji would have been confused if not for his associate.
Again Berserker.
Shinji understood, and again kissed Rei. He was a bit bolder this time around, and lifted his hand to play with her slightly. Rei let out a small "mmm" as the kissed continued for what seemed like hours…
A pigeon cood, although it was coo of anger. Arael had hoped this would end soon, even though his plan worked briliantly. He toyed with the pigeon, hoping the child would ask him for nothing more.
"Will they cooperate?"
"Yes, we have NASA's cooperation, although costly."
"Good, how soon will the mission be complete?"
"NASA estimates a month, more or less"
"Hmm, they are quick…"
"They want the cash sir, and this will also generate press for them."
"Very well, that will complete itself. What of the fifth?"
"She is ready at any moment, but we will send her with Unit 05 in about a week."
"I wish to meet her before she leaves, to make the objective very clear."
"Of course, sir."
"And the mass production Evas?"
"On schedule as planned, all nine will be ready simultaneously."
"Is Ikari under check?"
"Not to worry, he wouldn't dare to begin sooner than planned."
"Hmm."
"What of the seven-tenth? Should we send him?"
"Patience, he will serve his purpose."
Silence…
"The UN's funding friends, as you know, have enabled us to correct Ikari's mistakes and execute our plan sooner."
"Now, it is a matter of waiting."
They had both walked home as it was starting to get dark, holding hands along the way. Shinji had blushed slightly when people looked at them, but Rei didn't seem to mind. They had made their way to her apartment shortly, and were about to make their goodbyes. Shinji was standing in front of Rei; behind her were the stairs of the gloomy apartment.
"Shinji, shall I see you tomorrow?" She asked, looking up slightly to him.
Shinji contemplated the question, there was no school tomorrow. What else was he going to do?
"Um… sure Rei" he answered a bit meekly, hoping they weren't going too fast.
"Very well, I shall see you tomorrow Shinji" she said, looking at him for a bit longer.
Shinji was about to hug her goodbye, but that little voice that helped him said:
She wishes a kiss.
Shinji then closed his lips on hers, hoping that Rei wanting to kiss him so much was a good indication. Unlike the last one, this was a quick kiss. They parted and Rei gave a slight bow, she then turned around and began climbing the stairs.
Shinji turned around as well, making his way to Misato's. All in all, a very eventful day. He recalled how horrible he had felt in the morning, but Rei…. she just calmed him…
Ignoring the ever present head ache, he climbed the stairs up to Misato's apartment. When he got to the door, he listened to see if he could hear anything. He could almost hear someone crying.
Oh no he told himself.
He opened the door to see Misato sitting on the couch, hands on her face. She continued to cry, unaware of Shinji coming in. She was wearing a more formal dress, and her purse was on a kitchen chair. He didn't need Arael to tell him this time, he walked to her slowly to console her.
Misato wasn't crying as badly as last time, but was still surprised when Shinji touched her shoulder and asked:
"Misato…" but before he could add to the question, she interrupted.
"Shinji, I'm sorry," she stopped to clean her eyes and sniff, "It's just that Ritsuko asked about Kaji…" She looked down and tried to hold herself from crying.
"Do you want me to stay here a while?" Shinji asked, again not needing Arael.
She didn't lift up her head, but only nodded slightly. Shinji made his way to her left side and sat next to her. At first she kept looking at the ground, almost ashamed of counting on him for help. Eventually she leaned her head on his shoulder, wrapping her right arm around him. Shinji put his right around her as well, bringing her a bit closer.
Shinji now knew how important it was for someone to hold you when you feel alone. When Rei held him today, and when he had held Misato, he knew it helped. They didn't talk, the only noise was Misato's sniffles, the contact alone was enough. After what could have been an hour, she finally said:
"Thank you Shinji" She looked up at him, gazing at his eyes. Shinji looked into hers, longer than he should have. Shinji blushed slightly and turned the other way.
"It's nothing Misato" he said, Misato had to looked away, the smallest tint of a blush on her cheeks. She stood up, bowing slightly to him as thanks and went to her room. Shinji stayed in the couch for a bit, wondering why she had left suddenly.
He sat up and went to make himself something to eat, maybe then he wouldn't feel like they were jamming copper wire into his entire head.
Misato closed the screen to her room, and wondered what the hell had just happened. When she looked at him…
She wanted to kiss him…
She rubbed her temples, telling herself:
It was just the moment she began, and then added, Besides I must be horny as hell…
Finishing the thought, she looked at her two options. Paperwork, or sleep. It was barely 9:00 PM…
Ill take a shower instead she decided, fishing the necessary garments from the various places they were scattered on or kept.
Shinji had made himself a small meal of instant noodles. Crude, but they served their purpose. He quickly inhaled them, failing to notice that Misato went to the bathroom. When he finished, he again reflected on what had just happened. He had helped someone, again. He was a coward but a week ago, drowning himself in music. He had changed. Arael had been quite for a long time now, not that he minded. He wasn't used to the sudden voice in his head yet. He had Arael to thank for his changes. Yet something still puzzled him…
Arael?
Yes Berserker?
You have helped me with Rei, Misato…with everything… But I can't help but wonder, if there is another reason you're in my head?
Ahh the human curiosity, it will be the death of humanity itself.
Shinji raised an eyebrow at the response, was he avoiding the question?
Human, I have already mentioned why we fight you, you offer me protection.
But you said you could jump to anyone's mind, you must need something from me specifically…
Arael was quiet, the human had come upon the question quicker than he expected. He considered his options, But he decide to tell the truth.
Your assessment is correct human; I would prefer to stay specifically with you.
Why?
Human, I failed. I failed to begin third impact, and I am barely alive. I have but one reason now to survive…
…My brothers and sisters will NOT prevail.
Shinji was utterly speechless. Arael had said those last words with pain and anger. He hadn't expected this answer.
They will not become the dominant race, and I will help you in any way I can.
Shinji decided to stay quiet; he had touched what may have been a delicate subject. He stood up and headed to his room, opening his screen door. He began changing, he was tired. He hoped the headaches would lessen soon, or he would have to be sleeping constantly. Misato, wearing only a towel around her body, peaked into the room.
She saw that was Shinji changing, a small "oh" escaped her lips. Resisting any comments, she simply said:
"Shinji, thanks again for today." Shinji turned to see at the recently bathed Misato before responding:
"Its ok Misato, goodnight" He made his way to his bed as Misato also said goodbye and closed the door. Shinji lay down on the bed, the headache quickly drifting him to sleep.
Arael was silent. He had told the truth.
Arimisael…Tabris…I am sorry… were the last words uttered by the angel.
AN: Well, I guess I meant mid-February.
WELL here is the longest chapter I've written, I was getting tired of bite sized episodes.
A reminder, this is chapter 10. I don't know why I have to remind you though…
A shout out to Saturn, he's a great help.
As for the next chapter… maybe this month, MAYBE!!! Sometimes I get writers block.
Please leave a review, any and all advice is appreciated. Peace out.
-Squirrel