14

A time for fun

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"When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things." -Joe Namath

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Sunday, September 27th, 2015

Tokyo two

Fuji Q Highland theme park

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"Ok, so one question pups?" Mari said expression full of curiosity, Shinji eyed the crowds moving into the theme park nervously, there were so many people. "Sure, fire away." He returned and met the girl's eyes that seemed to sparkle in the daylight. "Have you ever been tempted to use your power? You know to stop a bank robbery, save a cat from a tree?" Shinji blinked as they lined up in the queue, he was about to answer then stopped himself, could he do something like that? He tried to picture himself in those situations, fighting robbers who were trying to make a getaway. The one fundamental problem was, the bad guys had guns and he didn't. One little mistake and he would eat a bullet, and while he healed fast, Shinji suspected a bullet to the skull would put him down. Rescue a cat from a tree? Well, that one was straight forward and didn't really mean risking life or limb, unless the cat had rabies. He saw the way her eyes danced with excitement, and suddenly he began to suspect the reason for the question. Mari wasn't envisioning him as a hero, as much as she was picturing what she would do if she had his power. Mari would be an elemental ass kicker, stomping the bad guys and saving the downtrodden, and she would look damn fine doing so. He chose not to mention dropping down two flights of the apartment complex a level at a time.

"I guess I never thought about until now." He answered truthfully, "But there would be a huge risk. I'm tough but I'm not invulnerable." Mari considered his response carefully, then tilted her head and slid an arm around him. "You'd make a great hero, maybe just need body armor, and a peppy sidekick." The girl said cheerfully, Shinji snorted in amusement then made a mistake. He pictured Mari in a form-fitting hero outfit, and immediately had a teenage crisis there and then. Mari smirked knowingly and leaning in whispered, "down puppy." Shinji took several deep breaths, and with some effort got himself under control. Elias was their chaperone for today, though the man had promised both kids he would be as unobtrusive as possible. Shinji appreciated that, knowing that the man would be there if they needed him. They finally got to the turnstile and paying for their day tickets headed inside the park. Shinji had only dimly made out the details of the place from outside, but Mari had been infused about this place. The park itself was about ten years old now, built by a rich entrepreneur from America. It was in every way the Disney world of Japan, and it was bigger than he had anticipated. He was both amused and surprised to see the first mascot, a guy in an Eva unit one outfit. Shinji wondered if they had gotten permission for that, somehow, he doubted it. He just really hoped there were no pilot cosplayers, that would be a bit much to stomach.

Mari led the way keeping his arm in hers, and Shinji just let himself go where the girl wanted, finding himself suddenly stood in the queue for Calamity canyon. "Start with something gentler," Mari said, and Shinji let his gaze roam the track. Shrieks of fear or delight came from the ride, and he traced the path of one car as it seemed to plunge down a steep drop. 'Gentler?!' his inner voice yelped, Shinji turned and spotted another roller-coaster and whimpered. 'Yeah gentler. Now shut up!' he admonished the whimpering voice and took a deep breath as they gradually approached the front of the queue. They passed the height check easily enough, and where guided to a recently returned car. 'Of course, the front, sure why not' and he sat down next to Mari, noting the lack of anything resembling a safety harness. Was it his imagination or was Mari completely relaxed, maybe even a little bored here? He grabbed the front rail as the car pulled out, and spotted Mari looking at him in amusement. 'If I want her as my girl, I need to endure this.' He reminded himself, and the track led slowly around and gradually up. The first ramp was curved and he felt the rush of speed, the car careening faster than anything he had ever experienced, well if you discounted Misato's driving.

The fear was eroded in him by something else entirely, even as the car shot down a steeper dive, Shinji let out a yelp. It was not a yelp of fear though, and beside him, Mari grinned triumphantly. Shinji still held onto the rail, but now was leaning into each plunge, each turn that seemed ready to throw him from his seat. It couldn't really threaten him in such a way, the rail would give out before his grip ever did. Yet as the ride finally ended it was not a relief, because he found himself wanting more, wanting to keep this buzz going. "You're hooked, aren't you?" Mari said chuckling, and Shinji met her gaze grinning like a loon. His gaze tracked to the taller rollercoaster, and he still felt a sense of apprehension. However, if that was where Mari was headed then he was headed too, even if it meant screaming his head off. Sure enough, Mari led him into the queue and as expected he felt his anxiety return. "Don't you ever get nervous?" he suddenly asked the girl, and Mari gave him a knowing look before replying. "Every time, I just don't let it dominate me." Shinji pondered the girl's response, was it possible to live like that? To not let your fears and worry drag you down? Well if Mari could do it, then surely, he had to start trying it for himself.

As it happened, the next ride was faster than the last, the feeling of fear peaked as they reached the top of the first apex, and he shrieked as it plunged them down. A loop flipped them upside down, and he was grateful for the safety restraints holding him in. Mari was shrieking as well, her hands aloft and swaying, the loop ended and they were once more turned sideways then upside down again. His fear was obliterated by sheer velocity, he didn't have time to be scared anymore, and let go of the restraint letting his own arms drift with Mari's. They staggered off the ride the pair of them feeling dizzy, Mari cackling like a lunatic as they did so. Shinji gently shook his head resting on his haunches, and she stooped in front of him a proud smile on her face. Shinji let out a breath and smiled back at her, then suddenly her lips were on his in the deepest of kisses. Shinji's eyebrows were almost in his hairline, as Mari's tongue invaded his mouth. Her hands gently held the side of his head, but he was all but paralyzed by the sensation. They separated and Shinji could only blink dumbly, "come on boyfriend, still more fun to be had." Mari purred at him, and his shaky legs had nothing to do with the rollercoaster. He once again allowed himself to be led, this time onto the log flume ride.

They got soaking wet sitting once again at the front, but Shinji didn't care one jot, for her words to him had made his heart sing. Boyfriend, she had staked her claim to him, and he was he decided, the luckiest guy on the planet. Her fingers entwined with his, and he knew then and there he would follow her wherever. No rollercoaster would keep him at bay now, heck the angels themselves had better watch out now. He had searched in his life for a purpose, a reason to go on living when it had all seemed so pointless. Mari was his latest reason for living, his reason for everything now, even piloting would be done for her. They hit the dodgem cars next, and spent a short while battering other users, Shinji enjoying her simple company now. Mari pulled him over to a throwing game, one of the prizes a large brown-eyed dog with floppy ears. "It's rigged by the way, but I reckon you can give them a shock." The girl whispered to him, Shinji eyed the dog and felt more determination than he ever had before. That dog was coming home with Mari, and he was just the one to foil a fix. He paid the fare and picked up the balls he was expected to throw. He needed to bring down the stacked tins, all of them to win the dog for Mari.

Shinji did a test pitch at what would once have been his normal strength and noted the tins barely budged an inch. Taking a breath, he calculated the exact pressure point, and let rip with his chosen weapon. The tins were sent flying by his throw, not just the ones he had aimed for either, but the two either side of it as well. The man behind the counter, who had up until that point looked smugly confident blanched. Shinji smirked and pointed to the dog, which the now grumbling stall owner duly handed over. Shinji handed the dog to Mari who let out an adoring sound, and the boy received his second snog of the day. Mari's adult kisses were very addictive, and he decided he would do anything to get another one. The crowds and the noise all faded into the background, Mari was the only thing that mattered here and now. They grabbed food at the court and fitted in one or two more rides, and while Shinji had the energy to spare, Mari did not. They stopped on a grassy knoll and lay down, staring up at the rapidly approaching evening sky. "There's a firework display tonight," Mari said trying to stifle a yawn, and she rested her head on his chest. Shinji allowed his fingers to lazily stroke the girl's hair, he felt like he was floating atop the world.

Mari remained still seeming quite content with her position, or content with her boyfriend stroking her hair, it was hard to tell. They'd had a thorough and long day here at the park, his phone beeped and he checked the message, sending a reply to Sato they were awaiting the firework display. They remained where they were quite content, Sato located the pair and took a seat a few feet away, keeping them in visual range. Then as darkness finally descended, the night sky was lit up with a pyrotechnic display. Shinji headed to a stall and snagged snacks for the pair, it had been an expensive day, but it had been worth it. Mari sat in his lap watching the fireworks erupt, and Shinji wrapped his arms around his girlfriend. She pressed back against him letting out a sigh of satisfaction, and Shinji knew his facial muscles were going to be aching later. He pressed his lips to her neck, and Mari giggled as he nuzzled her. Finally, and inevitably the show wound down, and Shinji discovered he was disappointed about that. Today had been an amazing day, and he truly didn't want it to end. They followed their security guard out of the grounds, Mari holding both the dog and her boyfriend close. He helped Mari into the back seat, and then handing the dog to her clambered in next to her.

/

Monday, September 28th, 2015

Nerv central headquarters

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Asuka stood listening to Ritsuko as she went over what was to happen, the German girls gaze drawn to the entry plug being used for today's big test. On the outside the plug seemed like every other entry plug, a long cylinder rounded at both ends and a hatch on the side that slid up and away for pilot access. Inside the plug was where things were different, there was instead of just a single seat, now two seats one backed directly onto another. "Since our request for an additional Eva was denied, we are now improvising at the orders of commander Ikari." Ritsuko continued to explain, beside her Maya Ibuki was taking careful notes. Asuka's gaze was drawn to Ritsuko's fingers, she had little bandages on them covering some injuries. This Asuka supposed explained Ibuki's presence, otherwise, the doctor would have been taking her own notes. It would be a bit cramped in the new plug, whoever was supposed to be in it would be in close physical contact with one another. Asuka felt a frown tug at her lips, this was obviously intended to find a way to get super Shinji back into action. "Asuka your up first, we'll run tests with you and Shinji." Came the words she had dreaded, she was not looking forward to this at all.

Ever since the other two teens had come back from their little date yesterday, they had become insufferable in the extreme. There didn't seem to any separating the pair now if in fact there had been a chance before that. She had walked in on them snogging like fiends several times, the shameless pair not caring who saw them going at it. In fact, she was nearly certain Mari's hand had been down the idiot's trousers on one occasion, a shudder passed down her spine. Boys were just so icky to Asuka, who would want to touch that thing?! If Misato was bothered by the overly amorous pair, the older woman didn't show it, seeming content to let them get on with it. Honestly, what would happen if Makinami got herself pregnant? Surely Misato would find herself in a lot of trouble, yet still, the pair continued to share a room together. Ayanami had even raised an eyebrow at their antics, not quite disapproving, but the girl seemed perplexed by what she saw. Still last night she and Rei had caught up on a movie, the pale girl the only person Asuka found to be a good companion. Rei was a listener more than a talker, and that suited Asuka just fine. She watched as Shinji stepped up and clambered into the plug, Asuka shook her head and waited to be called forward.

Ritsuko called her name and she clambered into the strange plug, Shinji was already in position hands on the primary control yokes. Asuka frowned as she got into place, her chest pressing against his back. "Don't get any idea's third." She snapped in irritation, this was just a little too cozy for her tastes. The boy gave her a look that spoke volumes, and she nodded realizing he had no intentions in that department. The boy was Makinami's wholly and totally, and would sooner swallow nail polish then entertain someone else. "Let's just get this over with." The boy grouched uncharacteristically, it seemed he was no happier with the set up than she was. "Humph, wanting some alone time in here with Mari?" Asuka teased the boy and grimaced at the wicked grin that formed on his face. Asuka shuddered and placed her hands on the secondary control yokes, the two were spaced slightly apart, and further toward Asuka. Sadly, not close enough to prevent her having to press against him, she would have taken any of the other pilots over this. It wasn't that Shinji was utterly revolting, but something about this made Asuka uncomfortable. She swatted her errant thoughts aside and was ready to focus on the task at hand when a thought drifted through her mind. 'should just flub the test'

The test in question was for them both to synchronize with unit one's core and at the same time with one another as well. The plug slid into the behemoths back and locked into position, Asuka watched as the LCL flooded the plug and surrounded them. Taking in a huge breath she let it flood her lungs, the sensation was not pleasant but it was a required evil. The idiot let out a choking cough before speaking, "I hate that bit." He grumbled. For once Asuka was not in the mood to disagree, she wanted out of this plug as fast as possible. Her earlier thought returned to her and she grinned slyly, leaning in she whispered in the boy's ear. "Let's just flub the test, get out quicker." To her amusement, the boy just smiled quietly, and she realized that had been his plan all along. Asuka shook her head and bit down her amusement, she knew exactly who he wanted to partner with. "Those big melons of hers pressing into your back, who could resist?" she whispered and was pleased when a blush crept onto his face rapidly. The plug was finalized and the system jumped to life, they could see through the Eva's eyes. "They haven't upgraded the optics on yours?" Asuka asked disbelievingly. They both braced themselves as the announcement came through, "initiating first stage connections."

It never made it that far in the end, as an alarm sounded out and she heard Maya's confused voice over the intercom. "First stage connection rejected!" the woman announced, Asuka huffed and grabbed the boy by the ear. "You could have at least waited till stage two damn it!" she barked, then stopped at the perplexed expression on the boy's face. "I thought that was you!" Asuka blinked and felt a growing irritation, sure she didn't want to co-pilot with this hormonal idiot, but to be completely rejected out of hand by an inferior machine! They tried three more times to initiate a connection, and all three times it was rejected by unit one. The plug ejected and Asuka hauled herself out, "Your Eva sucks!" she yelled behind her. Ritsuko allowed her gaze to travel between Rei and Mari, then sighing loudly she gestured to Makinami. The girl let out a small but enthused, "yay!" and all but leaped into the plug gleefully. Asuka leaned on the nearest wall if Rei was bothered at this change of order she didn't show it. The girl had been scheduled to go second, and a part of her was glad her friend didn't have to, though Asuka was uncertain as to why. They stood waiting patiently as Maya announced the first attempt, "first stage connection established." Came the woman's voice. Next to her Asuka heard Ritsuko mutter under her breath, "Fussy bitch."

/

Elias had called the team together at the apartment they shared, it was directly next door to the Katsuragi apartment. He was pouring over the reports from each member, he nodded in satisfaction as Enzo updated them on the security situation. His own ventures had proven relatively fruitful, the boy had been on his date, and it had been a success. Elias snorted as he recalled his own encounters with women, recalling how little luck he had in that department. He really had not had the time for such distractions, no he was a full-time soldier these days, and the world needed saving from SEELE. He had on more than one occasion considered telling Shinji, informing the boy of the reality of their everyday existence. Would the kid be able to handle such a truth? That free will was an illusion, that they all danced to another tune entirely? Elias could see the boy and his potential, ever since the confrontation with his father, there had been a steely glint in Shinji's eyes. For the first time in his life, Shinji was not trying to please the man, and was now, instead, trying to plot his own course in life. Love had blossomed rapidly between the two teens, he saw the way they looked at each other and knew they would die for one another.

His gaze lingered on Saul and he frowned, the big guy was far too well clued into events here, seeming one step ahead of them all. It was obvious that his boss Shaw knew things, he had known about the boy's abilities somehow. Shaw was willing to front the cost of their presence here, almost as if he were positioning pieces on a giant game board. Elias didn't like that feeling, he didn't like feeling as if everything he did was predetermined by another. He sat tapping a pen against his clipboard, they had been pouring over the mission so far. So far it had all been mundane stuff, no attempts had been made on the third child. "I'm not complaining about seeing Mari boss, but what the hell are we here for?" Blaine finally spoke up, the Brit giving voice to Elias's own thoughts. His gaze fell once more on Saul and wondered what secrets the man knew. Elias had no answers to give, and rising made his way out onto the veranda. He could not shake a deep feeling of unease, his instincts as a soldier screaming that a fight was headed his way. He needed to train the boy hard, was grateful he seemed such a quick study, having mastered his paint gun swiftly. His hand to hand skills needed to be worked on, the boy had an advantage, yes, but a more skilled adversary might just best the kid.

Natalya joined him her gaze sweeping the city as she did, "You feel it too?" She asked him, and Elias was forced to admit to his growing sense of unease. "A storm is coming." She let out a grunt at this and nodded, leaning on the rail and turning her gaze to her right. As expected, the two lovers were on the veranda once again, the sound of the telly inside their apartment reaching the outside air. Elias listened as Katsuragi's voice drifted outside, "Asuka, can I borrow your perfume?" this, of course, triggered an immediate and loud negative. The two lovers were pressed together, gently swaying as if in a gentle dance. "Has Blaine given the boy the talk yet?" Natalya enquired, her expression indicating her amusement at the situation. Elias shook his head, "I think he's scared of Mari getting angry at him, especially if he scared the kid away." The woman wrinkled her nose, one eyebrow arched in amusement as she did. "Very little scares our little boss there." Elias almost agreed, but he knew one thing that might well cause the boy consternation. "He'd be afraid to lose the girl. He's gone from thinking he was unloved, to having more love than he knows what to do with." Outside the girl had started to sing, their little dance picking up pace.

His phone beeped and he answered it, Sato spoke to him and he felt his unease increasing with each word. Natalya faced him knowing something was up, but the pair being out on the veranda and dancing now made sense. "Why wasn't I informed right away?" He demanded, voice now loud enough to disturb the two teens who jumped at realizing they had an audience. A guilty look flashed across the kid's face, the realization he had failed to update his security team on this situation. Elias wouldn't hold it against the boy, he had after all been very distracted with Makinami. "I want floor plans for the venue, and I want a full security team ready as well." He listened to the other agent's reply, "Fine pull some strings with the sub commander, get the other pilots added to the venue, but I'm not taking any chances." He hung up, that feeling in the pit of his stomach had just magnified. "The pilots are attending a charity ball, Shinji is the guest of honor." The boy had already added Mari as his plus one, which explained their little practice session. Elias frowned shaking his head, kids no matter how important they were, were almost never invited to functions like this. He turned and headed back inside, and made sure he had everyone's full attention. "I want everyone at full alert, we have a dance to police."

/

Gendo Ikari had been apoplectic when the group had dared to defy him, his efforts to get rid of his unwanted child being blocked. After all, how was SEELE supposed to terminate the boy, if he was surrounded by such well-trained professionals? No, it would have been far easier had the boy been at his teachers, an unfortunate accident and the threat to his creation would be gone. Instead, the boy was going to a charity ball as a guest of honor, Gendo snorted in derision as he reached out and touched the clones tube. It was almost fully grown now; the hair follicles would be the last to arrive. Soon he would summon his other creation, and with the soul transferred he would be reunited with Yui. He paused as a frown wrinkled his brow, a feeling of confusion settling over him. Had that been the plan for the boy, he felt as if he was missing something important. Another coughing fit seized him and he doubled over, he had to fight to get his breath. Then as suddenly as it had started, the fit ended and he could breathe easier. Gendo tried to recall where his thoughts had been but drew a blank, shaking his head he resumed observing the clone. He would have to see Akagi about this, the coughing fits had been growing worse. "No need to worry about it Gendo, soon everything will be right," Yui whispered in his ear, and the thought of visiting the doctor for a check-up vanished. Yui was right of course, there was no need to be concerned now. After all, she had promised him. Promised him that with this clone… he would be able to initiate instrumentality without having to defeat the angels.