21: A Respite

"I still can believe you're doin' this, Man," Touji sighed as the three boy's walked along the streets of Tokyo-3, "I mean, seriously, you wanna marry her?"

"Believe it, Touji," Shinji sighed for what could have been the thousandth time that day, giving his friend a look, "Is really that strange? Haven't you and Hikari thought about things like that?"

Touji blushed at this, scratching his face in embarrassment, "Well, we...uh..."

Kensuke smirked, "Haven't got to first base, yet?"

"Yeah," Touji sighed helplessly, "I mean don't get me wrong! I love spendin' time with her, but all we seem to do is talk and just hang around...it just feels right..." He gave his friends a hang-dog look, "Does that sound strange?"

Shinji grinned, "That just means you'll have a good life, even if you take your time with the intimate stuff."

"Says the guy that's marrying the girl he's never been on a date with," Kensuke snickered, "Aside from the Christmas party, you guys haven't been anywhere special."

"I've been in the hospital for a week, Ken," Shinji moaned, "What I was supposed to do? Invite her down to the cafeteria for a daily dose of tasteless?" Shinji gagged. One of his biggest problems with the NERV hospital was the food. It was bland, tasteless, and downright nasty. He much preferred Asuka's cooking, much as he liked to cook himself.

"Yeah, but, Shinji, you've been out for a good two days, and this little trip is the first thing you've done outside of dodging Ritsuko at the labs," Touji said, trying to back up Kensuke's point. "Asuka's been happy to have you home, don't get me wrong, but dude! She's been worried out of her mind since before that crazy blonde let you go!"

"He's right," Kensuke smiled, as they turned the corner, "You gave us all a good scare, Bud. It's no wonder she treats you like you're made of glass, now."

Shinji sighed, seeing their point. Asuka had had to put up with a lot because of him. Sure, the dance had been a night to remember, (he still had a copy of one of Mana's pictures) but other than that, it had been him stealing a few quick kisses here and there, or just plain teasing Asuka about a few things. "Jeez, way to bust a guy's balls."

"Hey," Touji grunted, smacking his friend on the shoulder, "Long as you're happy, that's all that matters. What we're tryin' to say is that ya might wanna take Asuka into account. All jokes aside, she is a girl, Shin, and girls like attention from their guys."

"Boy have you got that right," Kensuke muttered, thinking back to a few nights ago when Rei had decided to act out a scene she had read in a book. Oh, Kensuke hadn't minded, not one bit. It was just odd to have to follow a script for such activities. But his mutterings hadn't gone unnoticed by his friends. Shinji and Touji were both giving him a weird look, while Shinji was bordering violence.

"Just what," Shinji grumbled, "Does that mean?"

"Uh..." As Kensuke began to sweat, Touji grinned widely.

"You did the nasty, didn't ya?"

"GEH." The look on Kensuke's face told both boys everything they needed to know. Shinji slung an arm over his friend's shoulder.

"Kenny-boy, we need to have a little chat," he said, and started dragging Kensuke toward a nearby photo booth, "Step into my office for a minute, why don't you."

"Uh, Touji?!" Kensuke begged desperately.

Touji held up his hands, "Rule number one of bromance, Ken, never sleep with your buddy's sister unless he gives you the go ahead to get some head!"

Shinji turned and gave Kensuke a grin that was reminiscent of Asuka's when colossal pain was about to be dolled out. "After we get done, you, me and Rei are gonna have a long talk."

"B-b-b-but wait! Shinji!" Kesnuke yelped as he was dragged inside. Seconds later, to Touji's amusement, a loud ruckus was heard as Shinji, apparently, proceeded to tear Kensuke a new one.

Touji grinned, and snuck up to start sticking money in the slot so he would have the photos for later. Shinji and Kensuke didn't even care as the camera started going off, or that Touji started laughing as the pictures came out. Most were of Kensuke getting pummeled.

A good fifteen minutes later found the three, with a now bruised, and battered Kensuke, in the shopping district. "Remind me why we're here again?" Touji asked, "Aren't we heading toward the jewelry store?"

"Yeah," Shinji said as if it should have been obvious, "I need to pick out a ring for Asuka. Never seen an engaged couple without one, have you?"

Touji sighed, "Ah, I knew it! You're too embarrassed to go on your own!"

"AM NOT!" Shinji snapped, blushing profusely.

"Pegged it," Touji said, "Come on, man, you can't seriously be nervous now, can you?"

"You know, he's got a point," Kensuke said, a slight lisp in his voice due to his fat lip, "You wouldn't have asked her if you were nervous, right?"

"I just...don't know what she'd like," Shinji sighed in embarrassment, "I got her that dress for Christmas, but that was only because I thought it would look good on her...it did, but jewelry is another thing."

"And you think we can help?" Touji asked, jerking his them at Kensuke, "Do we really look like we know about rings and shit like that? I'm a jock and he's - "

"Military minded," Kensuke put in hurriedly.

"Right," Touji said, "So why us?"

Shinji sighed, scratching the back of his head, "Who else was I supposed to ask? Dad's really out of the question because of his work, and...you know...and I really don't think Kaji would be much help, the way things are with Misato."

Both Kensuke and Touji looked at each other, "Yeah, he's screwed."

"Thanks a lot you jerks," Shinji grumbled as the pair laughed.

xXx

"I want the work on Unit-01 done by the end of the week!" Ritsuko roared, sending her staff into a frenzy, "The F-type armor took a lot of damage from that last battle, replace and reinforce it with an extra layer of titanium, and get the restricters in place! I don't want Shinji's life in danger because he has to push the sync ratio too high!

"Move Unit-09's construct to the operation bay, we start work on her in one hour! Open up bay six and nine to make room for Unit's 08 and 13! I want them put into stasis until further notice after they get here to ensure all operating systems are functioning normally, and someone find my goddamned cigarettes! Move it people! We only had a an hour's notice of the last angel attack right after the last one! So help me if we get caught with our skirts down one more time - !"

"What about those of us wearing pants?" One of the pluckier technicians asked loudly, drawing a laugh from his fellows.

"Wear a belt!" Ritsuko snapped. "And as soon as prospective Unit-09 is in position, start synthesizing the armor and get started on constructing the Prog-Scythe! Do not wait a moment! Double-overtime tonight boys!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

In the overhead office were Gendou and Kozo, watching the blonde hurricane, "Does she seem a little tense to you?"

"Actually, she seems quite happy, considering," Gendou answered his colleague. "At least she's not moping after the heat from Shinji's enhanced A.T. Field nearly melted Unit-01's armor away. In truth, the armor she installed earlier was a bit faulty, but she was able to synthesize the properly balanced armor this time. It was far too thin, and with the addition of the restriction programming, Shinji's sync rate could hit five hundred and he wouldn't be in danger."

"And how is that even possible?" Kozo asked, "At that high of a rate, the pilot should be dead, or absorbed by the Eva."

"The restrictors allow a high ratio for pilots that have a strong bond with their Eva, which is dangerous, and they also stop the Eva from going berserk," Gendo said, smiling slightly, "They may even stop an Eva from ascending into a pseudo Adam."

"That's something at least," Kozo sighed, "The old men won't like us doing this to their catalyst...what about Unit-13? Have you figured anything out about it?"

"Plenty," Gendo nodded, "It's a monster, plain and simple. The A.T. Field weaponry is state of the art, it has four arms that are controled by a neural link to a dual-entry plug system that allows one pilot to control one set of arms, while both have to be in sync to work the legs. It's around thirty meters taller than Unit-01."

"Good God, why so large?!" Kozo snapped, "What are they trying to do?"

"Not a clue," Gendo said, "I'm just hoping that it is the largest of the Eva series...I still haven't heard anything more of the Armoros."

"What about the spy Kaji mentioned?" Kozo asked, "Have we heard anything about that?"

"Not a word, but after this last battle, I feel that they might make their move sooner than we think." Gendo looked at his second in command, "Be careful, Kozo, we don't know what they might try if they feel threatened."

Kozo nodded, "The same goes for you, Ikari."

"I SAID WHERE THE HELL ARE MY GODDAMNED CIGARETTES?!" Ritsuko roared, "I"M BITCH WITHOUT THEM!"

"You're a bitch with them!"

"WHO SAID THAT?!"

Kozo gave Gendo a small glance, "Was that necessary?"

"I couldn't resist," Gendo smirked.

xXx

"Okay, I admit it," Touji smiled, "That was kinda fun. I mean, who knew lookin' for stuff to give a girl could be so nuts?"

"Think that was bad?" Kensuke asked, "Wait til the girls see what we got them!"

Shinji smirked. It had been easier than he'd thought as well. Now he kept his hand in his pocket, tightly clenched around the ring box sitting there. "Hey, has anyone noticed it's been cooler lately?" Shinji asked, "It's normally hotter this time of year."

"Noticed?" Touji grinned, "It's been great! According to Akagi, that kamikaze angel we killed did something to the atmosphere when it dropped. The weather's getting better all around the world thanks to it's risidual A.T. Field. There's even a little ice forming back in the colder parts of the world!"

Shinji raised his eyebrows, I'll have to ask Abraham about that the next time I see him. "Huh, maybe killing the angels is doing more good than we thought?"

"Man wouldn't that be something?" Kensuke said, "Mankind's greatest threat is Earth's savior due to putting the world's weather back on track!"

Touji laughed as they reached their house, "Now that's something I hope I live to see!"

Shinji grinned and punched him on the shoulder, "Quit talking like that, you're starting to sound like me a week ago!"

"God forbid that start sounding like a suicidal nut!" Touji grinned and ducked under Shinji's next blow, running into the house. He nearly ran into Mari in his attempts to get away from his friend, ducking around her and running up the steps.

"Watch it!" Mari yelled after him. "You nearly knocked my glasses off!" She turned around and smiled at the other two, "And where have you guys been all day?"

Shinji grinned at her, "Just out and about. I needed to stretch my legs." He said, looking around, "Where are the others?"

"Well, Asuka's taking a nap in your room," she smirked as Shinji rolled his eyes about Asuka's new found sleeping quarters, "Rei's studying in her room, and Mana said she's meeting someone in the city today. And I think Misato had something to do at NERV."

Shinji smiled at this, "Guess that means it's my night to cook." He said, turning to Kensuke, "Go see Rei, I'm sure she'll like what you found - "

"Right," Kensuke said, but Shinji grabbed his arm before he could move.

" - and remember. I wanna talk to you two." Shinji said, still smiling, but his voice was falsely calm.

"Eh..er, right...talking..." Kensuke stammered, and hurried down the hall. Mari raised her eyebrow at his departure.

"What was that about?"

Shinji just shook his head, still smiling and made his way to his room. There he found Asuka, curled up in her usual ball as she slept. Also as per usual, she wore a loose-fitting top and shorts for comfort, giving him a good view of most of her back. Part of him, the nicer half, wanted to let the angel-face girl sleep, but the other half...

He made his way over to the the bed, laying down behind her as her. He snaked his arms around her slender figure, letting his lips drift down and trail across her left shoulder. Asuka shivered at the touch of his lips against her skin, a lite blush coming to her face. "Sh-Shinji?" She mumbled sleepily. His answer was to nibble a trail up her shoulder and neck. "Ah!"

He let up on his treatment, letting her come fully awake. She twisted around and glared at him, almost making him think she was angry for a minute, before snaking her arms around his neck and hauling him down so she could reach his lips. "Welcome back," she whispered against his lips.

"Sorry I took so long," he said, pecking her lips lightly.

"You should be," Asuka pouted, something she pulled off very well as she played with his long hair, "Two days out of the hospital and you completely ignore your fiancee...so rude."

Shinji rolled his eyes, "I haven't been ignoring you." He reached into his pocket, "I've actually been trying to find the right ring for you." Asuka's eyes nearly bugged out of her head as he brought out the small velvet box.

"You...you know you didn't have to - "

"I wanted to," Shinji smiled as they sat up, and placed the box in her hands. "Open it." She did so hesitantly, almost afraid of it might disappear. The lid creaked open, revealing a small ring inside. Three stones were nestled in the golden band on either side of which were small waves etched into the ring, giving them the appearance of wings.

It was simple. Yet, to her, it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. "Oh, Shinji..."

He smiled at her as he took the ring out and placed it on her finger, "I guess this means you like it?"

"Love it is more like it," she smiled, looking back up at him, "This isn't your way of trying to sweet talk me is it?"

"Now would I do that?" Shinji grinned crookedly. Asuka pouted, knowing full well that he would. But it didn't matter to her. She leaned against his chest, once again lost in the sound of his heart. It was such a beautiful sound.

"I can't wait until it's all over," she sighed, looking up at him, "Have you told Commander Ikari, yet?"

"Yeah, he knows," Shinji grinned, "And he asked if you were expecting."

"What?!" Asuka yelped, pushing away from him in outrage, "Of all the - Oooh when I get my hands on him!"

Shinji laughed and pulled her back into his arms, "He was just joking! Honestly, I nearly decked him myself after that comment, but I never expected him to make a joke like that...or that he had a sense of humor!"

"Hmph, well that's no need to insult his future daughter-in-law," she huffed, taking comfort in his arms once more. "He...he is okay with this, right? Us, I mean? This all must seem kinda sudden to him."

Shinji shrugged, "Not really. He and Vice-commander Fuyutsuki actually had a small bet going on whether or not we'd end up a couple or strangle each other...Dad was kinda glad to lose that bet."

Asuka giggled, "I bet he was."

xXx

Mana was not happy at the moment as she faced to man sitting across from her. "You really expect me to pull this off?" She asked, "Without getting caught?"

"Commander Keele has the utmost faith in your abilities, Agent Kirishima." He said, tipping his black hat forward, "We need information, and it cannot come from a secondary source such as yourself...no, we need to interrogate one of the main staff members. If you can, we'd like you to take the vice-commander. He is less heavily guarded than Ikari, yet he is privy to much of the information that goes through the facility."

"I can already tell you what you want to know," Mana hissed angrily, "I haven't been idle this whole time, you know!"

"I am aware of that, Kirishima, but the fact remains that Kozo could know much, much more than your own intel has." He said, ignoring the girl's temper, and looking at her coldly, "You are still a member of our organization, aren't you?"

"Of course I am!" She snapped, not bothering to keep her voice down, and letting her anger be known, "What the hell would give you the idea that I'm not?!"

"Only that you seem rather reluctant to carry out this mission given to you by Keele himself," he said, "I realize that in the amount of time passed, you could and would have grown fond of your fellow pilots, but this is vital to our cause."

"And you can rest assured that I will carry my mission out," she said evenly, an edge of steel coming to her voice, "I'll get you the vice-commander, but after that, I'm done, understand? I'm gone. Disappeared. Never to be seen again. You will leave me alone."

"We know our part of the bargain," he said, "but you must carry out Fuyuytsuki's execution afterward. We cannot have him warning Ikari of our plans."

"Understood," Mana said emotionlessly.

A small respite for our pilots. For one of them, though, the future seems to be taking the dark turn as Mana reveals her true intentions as a reluctant servant of Seele.