A man sat in a restaurant near the sea,eyes turned toward the ocean as he took a bite out of his food. The place at which he ate was not one in which you would expect to find a man either of his age or of his status,but there was a certain nostalgic feeling to it that kept the man coming back.

Perhaps weirder even was the fact that by presidential order the place had been ordered empty,with only the man sat in it's many ocean-side tables. That was until another man joined him,one younger than him by a few years only and the president of the United states of America.

"Well Starlit, you better have a good reason as to why I'm here in California to meet with you instead of Washington." President Alfred Thompson said, his voice having a tone of annoyance to it that was not so uncommon to hear when he was forced to do something out of his comfort zone, but the man who had been there by the name of Jackson starlit didn't really much give a damn.

"Do you ever wonder about the meaning to human existence?"Starlit asked casually as he took yet another sip of his soup,and though he certainly knew that it did not taste as good as it had in his younger years it still brought back very good memories.

"That doesn't answer my question but if it'll get me rid of you faster than sure starlit,yes,like everyone else on the planet I have." The president said,once again with his voiced laden with annoyance at the man that had summoned him there. Wasn't the president the one supposed to be summoning his treasurer and the not the other way around?

"I wonder what conclusions you've reached about that,the meaning of human existence." Starlit said,the president giving an annoyed huff in response.

"What does it matter to you?"He asked with an edge to his voice that clearly showed his displeasure. "Just get to the point."

"Always so unwilling to go into discussions about human nature,how quite unlike a politician."The older man said. "Then again,it was that cynicism that got you the electoral vote."

"That and the hatred of the public, get to the point."Alfred asked once again.

"Very well. Not far from here is Nerv LA as you're aware."Starlit said,his eyes turning toward the distant city,barely seen in the edges of the horizon.

"You've brought to speak about Nerv."Alfred commented in disbelief. "You brought me all the way across the country to talk about Nerv-Los Angels?!"

"Control yourself,the matters of which I wish to speak are secretive in nature and better not spoken in the halls of Washington,there are those with eyes everywhere." He said.

"If they have eyes in Washington what makes you think they won't have here?"Alfred asked.

"It's simple,the sort of men who put eyes in Washington assume that because they have eyes in Washington they have eyes everywhere and in a truly ironic twist end up with eyes in many less places then they should have." Starlit said. "It is simple human psychology."

"Fine, what is so secretive that you had to take me to a restaurant in the middle of California to speak about?" The president asked with an annoyed look on his face.

"Nerv-Los Angeles is to be chosen for the testing cite of the new Eva-04,is it not?" He asked,the president nodded in response.

"Yes,there's been requests to make quite a show of it. The world's first fully autonomous Evangelion being American is truly a great achievement."Alfred said. "Elaborate on why that is important."

"This test...it's playing god, what will happen is not a great victory for America but a defeat of the likes we have never seen before. Not since New York was submerged under the sea."Starlit said.

"How so?"Alfred asked. "Even if it fails,there's something to be said about 'American ingenuity in our continued attempts to pursue progress', the PR department can fix whatever the issue is if I managed to come up with something this quickly."

"I don't think most will care about 'American ingenuity' when the 2 million residents of Los Angeles are dead." Starlit said. Alfred nearly laughed.

"Are you stupid or something?"He said,rising from his seat. "Look,i don't have time to deal with your neuroses,in 3 months the presidential campaign is starting and I plan on getting reelected without riots in the streets so if you'd please,I've got places to be."

"You believe in Nerv..and yet it was in an attempt to harness the true power of the super solenoid theory that the tragedy of 15 years ago happened." Starlit said as the president was already leaving, the man seemed to freeze at the mention of second impact.

"What did you just say?"Alfred asked.

"Oh,weren't you aware? The source of this 'Autonomous' power is none other than an S2 engine much akin to the one who caused the Katsuragi expedition's disaster." Starlit said. "And that disaster lead to second impact...and that second impact took my wife."

Alfred turned around to look at his brother-in-law. "I didn't know this was personal."

"It is."Starlit assured. Alfred sat down opposing him once again, the president seeming to fade away as he was replaced with the brother to Katia Starlit,formerly know as Katia Thompson before her marriage.

"So you're certain about this?"Alfred asked. The other man nodded.

"One hundred percent sure."He said,a tone of certainty to his voice.

"What..what can be done?Even with my power..."Alfred said.

"Order the experiment be done elsewhere, there are already concerns from some parties about the safety of such a thing considering the events in the artificial evolution laboratory years ago."Starlit said. "Nevada for example would only see us loose some military and Nerv personnel."

"I suppose I can try. Don't expect much."

"Do not worry,those within power are wise enough to know when not to flex their authority,the will see it as just yet another 'unpredictable action'."

Yes,that was the nature of those in power,they were always foolish to believe their power was unfading and all reaching when,in truth,it was neither.

A dozen missiles were let loose from motorized vehicles,soaring through the air before they were promptly evaporated by a beam of pink light. Two automated tanks advanced,their software giving them the command to fire,only for their shells to have no effect on the target they struck,again a beam of light,smaller than the last, evaporated the tanks.

Mo Wei looked at the screen with mild interest,the radio chatter that came with such an operation fading into the back of her mind, she was barely aware of it. All she knew was that the test was going well, it was to be expected of course, with no angel to threaten their systems this new Atlas was proving itself just as capable as the last,and the quick progress with which the team at the society worked ensured that it was,in fact,even better.

"I hope you are pleased with the results."Tashiro spoke from beside her,the woman's eyes snapping over to his position, she'd nearly forgotten he was there what with his silence and all.

"They prove that you are not incompetent if nothing else. The machine will serve as an adequate mass production model." She said. "And your funding will be increased accordingly,of course."

"A new mark II model is already within the developmental stage and may be ready for initial prototype construction by the end of the year." Tashiro said. "This would,of course, not intrude with the other projects we've previously discussed."

She rose a curious eyebrow. "So soon? Truly your organization is more effective than I had given it credit for."

"Our super-computer's final stages of completion have only been recently completed,it is natural that our effectiveness would increase tenfold." Tashiro said. "Nonetheless we are still not working at full capacity, Seele greatly hinders our progress."

"It is good then that Seele's plans will come crashing down around them soon enough." Mo Wei said in a confident tone of voice. "The very fact I am infiltrated within them proves as much."

Tashiro nodded and returned to his silence. The man was an odd case among the few members of the Japanese military she knew,his stoic personality was only half the picture, it was perhaps his wit that surprised her most. Behind the face of a man who seemed like his best strategy would be to lob a few bombs at the target and hope it died was in fact a cunning strategist with a brilliant political mind.

It also brought her no end of surprises to hear of the achievement's the blonde American that accompanied him had achieved over the last decade, the list given to her by the Societas Eruditorium had surprised her at just how large a kill-count the man had,he seemed to be able to do it all while making each and every single one of those deaths seem like nothing but mere accidents or pinning them on some other,rival, group.

It made her very glad that she had these men as her allies, they were the only people who could truly bring about an end to the machinations of their enemies. Seele,the very word nearly brought bile to her mouth, her hatred of them was only roused further whenever they spoke about their rhetoric, it was enough sometimes to make her truly wish she could simply grab their necks and squeeze them until they fell limp beneath her fingers.

Unfortunately this was out of her reach,at least for now. Her eyes turned back toward the screen.

The Atlas was only the beginning,yes, the beginning of her country's ascension into true greatness,she would make her family proud,even if it would mean dousing the world in gasoline and lighting it on fire herself.

Most people did not want to be soldiers,most found such an idea to be utterly terrifying to it's very core,the idea that they could have their lives snuffed out at any moment from an errant bullet felt overwhelmingly terrifying to most. Kensuke Aida was not like most.

Perhaps he had something wrong in his brain but for Kensuke Aida the thought of piloting something like a tank or a plane or,in his wildest dreams, an Evangelion into battle brought him joy, few men heard of the common soldier but the tales of those who were exceptional? They stuck,one needed look no further than to the tales of men like Manfred von Richthofen and Simo Häyhä to see as much. Men that were celebrated even after their deaths,men even their enemies learned to fear and respect.

Kensuke wanted to be like those men,he wanted to be feared,to be respected. And yet no one would allow him to be.

"Come on." He begged for what felt truly like the millionth time in that day alone.

"For the last time,no Kensuke,i'm not giving you a recommendation as an Eva pilot,that's not even how things work."Shinji said, an annoyed look in his face.

Kensuke sighed. "Is there really nothing you can do?come on!"

"Even if there was something I could do,i wouldn't. You don't know how things really are like out there."Shinji said.

"How can I know how things are out like there if you wont give the chance to?"Kensuke asked, Shinji looked away with a sigh.

"That's exactly the point Kensuke." Shinji said. "I don't want you to know how it's like."

"But.."Kensuke began but was interrupted before he could speak any further.

"No buts Kensuke, i'm not recommending you as an Eva pilot and that's that!" Shinji said,this time more forcefully then Kensuke was used to . He wanted to say something, that it wasn't fair, that Shinji didn't really know how he felt. That he needed this,but his friend would only turn a blind eye at this and call it just him being a nerd.

But truly, really, it wasn't fair. Why should Shinji have to right to make a name for himself, to declare to the stars that he was Shinji Ikari and no one else, why should he have that right when Kensuke was not allowed that same right?

It frustrated him,it frustrated Kensuke that Shinji could only see things from his own perspective and no one else's. So what if he'd had a bad experience piloting Evangelion before? It wasn't as if his experiences were universal, Asuka seemed to enjoy piloting and he'd never heard Ayanami complain before, no. This was different, Shinji just didn't trust him, he didn't trust him to stand beside him with an Eva, fighting side by side. That was what this was, nothing to do with the selfless and heroic image Shinji projected,but his true,selfish, self.

"Fine!"Kensuke shot back after a few seconds of hesitation before stomping off.

He didn't understand, he couldn't. He was the first child after all,and the first child had everything Kensuke Aida had been denied in life.

Fuyutsuki Kozo was not a man with many friends, in fact, one could say that he truly had none if one were not to count commander Ikari among them, this was simply the sad state of the life of a man who had lost far too much over the course of his life.

But among the many things he had lost,the one which still pained him the most was Autumn,the beauty of that once great season had been replaced by the monotony of a constant summer,a season he had quickly grown to hate after an year of and whose unfading nature only roused his hatred for it.

If he never had to see another summer in his life it would still not be soon enough.

"Hey is that.."A man asked from behind. "i think it might be."

There was a soft touch on his shoulder and Fuyutsuki turned around, coming face to face with a man in his late thirties who looked oddly familiar,yet he still could not truly grasp where from. "Excuse me but..do I know you?"

"It's me Fuyutsuki-Sensei, Shirou!" The man said,recognition suddenly washing over the old man's face.

"From the class of 98?" The old professor asked. "It's been a long while..I'm glad to see you've survived the catastrophe of 15 years ago."

"Yeah,not just me but a whole bunch of folk in the class as well, do you remember Futaba?" He asked, Fuyutsuki nodded.

"A rowdy young lady if I'm not mistaken?"He asked with a hint of joking.

"Yup,that's the one,we got married last week!"He declared excitedly. "We're actually here on our honeymoon."

"An unusual place to visit for a romantic occasion."Fuyutsuki said jokingly. "Thought there's something to be said about the sunsets."

"Well we're actually thinking of moving here,you wouldn't believe how low the prices on the houses in the suburbs are what with these angel attacks happening."The man said, Fuyutsuki snorted.

"And you're not worried?"The old professor asked.

"Why should we? I mean,your organization,Nerv is it?It's done really good work Fuyutsuki-sensei."He said. "Well,if I'm not on time for our date the missus is gonna kill me,good to have meet you though sensei!"

"A pleasure as well."He said as the man left without much pause, a smile spread itself across the old man's features. "Truly I'm growing old."

Tick,tick,tick,tick. The clock seemed to go by painfully slowly as Misato Katsuragi looked at it with an anxious look, her date was late,as per usual. Well,to say as much wasn't entirely correct,as of late Kaji had actually been rather timely which served to worry her even more.

Maybe he'd grown tired of her?Maybe he'd been hurt,gotten in an accident? Those were the kinds of thoughts that had filled her mind after a mere five minutes, truly she felt desperate.

Then a pair of arms wrapped themselves around her waist,followed shortly thereafter by a rough voice on her ear. "Sorry for keeping you waiting Katsuragi, work was hell today."

Misato tilted her head slightly,enough that a turn of the eyes put Kaji in her vision. "It's alright,you're still early by your standards." She joked.

"Ah,such words will surely break my poor heart." Kaji shot back in an equally joking tone as he let go off her waist,allowing her to turn toward him. "How are you?"

"I'm doing good,better now that I know I didn't dress fancy for nothing."Misato said,Kaji smiled.

"Glad to not have disappointed." Kaji said,sitting down beside her. "I'll have whatever it is you're drinking."

"I'm actually not drinking tonight."Misato said, the man sitting beside her giving a look that questioned her sanity. "Hey,what's with that face?"

He gave slight chuckle. "Nothing,it's just...not so common."

"I decided to give you a chance to actually get wasted this time."Misato joked. "I'll be the one carrying you today."

"Trying to take advantage of me in a drunken state. How unscrupulous of you Katsuragi!" Kaji said,bringing a hand to his chest in mock indignation. Misato just hit him lightly in the arm.

"Don't be an ass. I'm trying to be nice to you."She said, Kaji smiled.

"Well, I gather that you'll also be paying for the date then?"He asked.

"You wish!"She said, Kaji just shaking his head with a smile.

"You'll be the death of my wallet woman." He joked.

The human instrumentality committee was assembled.

"An unexpected situation has occurred." America said,his eyes trailing over to the other members of the committee which looked on either in muted and hidden worry or curiosity. "The President has made a request that the test of Unit-04 be delayed."

"Delayed...for what reason?" The Chairman asked.

"It appears that he is fearful of a failed activation,he has requested that it be moved to Nevada." 'America' said.

"The sub-branch?" Alexei Artyomov, representing Russia, asked. "This will delay the activation at the very least for another week,perhaps two."

"Such moves being played this late in the game." 'France' said. "I fear the worse,truly I do."

"There is no need to be paranoid gentlemen." Mo Wei said. "The president does not have much public support, he probably just fears the worse. It's natural when such a flawed system like democracy is used."

"Are you insinuating something?" America asked with a narrowing of the eyes.

"Merely that the American system of government is foolishly outdated for a world after the impact,even if your nation got the long end of the stick what with only loosing one city."

"Silence!" The chairman demanded. "This is bothersome indeed,but as the representative of China has said there is no need to panic. The plan will proceed as expected,merely delayed by two weeks, such time is not an unfeasible one to wait."

"In fact,it might prove to be to our advantage." The united kingdom said next. "The mass production Evangelions will have more time for their preliminary testing before final completion."

"The time is indeed near." Keel said. "The final rites are already being prepared,soon the safety of the womb of Lilith shall be ours once more and man shall be reborn as a species truly worthy of inheriting the mother earth."

"The end of all injustices is at hand." Mo Wei said. "For mankind's ascension!"

The chant flowed through the room and,unseen, Mo Wei smiled. All according to plan.

Shinji and Asuka were on the train, it was first time they had been on one ever since that particular 'incident' that had involved the first pilot getting an emergency visit to the ER and a permanent and quite nasty scar.

This time,however, Asuka was next to Shinji,in fact she was as close as physically possible to him,her arms wrapped around his as she leaned into him. Shinji had to admit that it felt nice,but it was also incredibly distracting. "W-why are you so close anyway?"

"The last time,if I had been close to you things wouldn't have gone badly."Asuka said.

"I wouldn't say so,we might just both have been hurt."Shinji said. "I'm glad it was me."

Asuka poked him in the stomach. "That's because you're a self sacrificing idiot!"

"Well if it's you I don't mind being self-sacrificing."Shinji said with an honest smile.

"Baka.."Asuka whispered as she snuggled her head into his shoulder. "Besides, don't tell me you're not enjoying this!"

"Of course I am,I'm just not used to you being so lovey-dovey in public is all." Shinji replied.

"Good,you should be glad to have the lovely Asuka Langley Shoryu as your girlfriend."She said in jest. Shinji chuckled slightly.

"And may I know why it is that the lovely Asuka Langley Shoryu wanted to go out today?"Shinji asked.

"Is it so weird that I want to go on a date with you Baka?"She asked,seeming a little offended. Shinji shook his head.

"Not really,i was just wondering if there was some sort of special circumstance." Shinji said.

"No,it's just because I like you, so be grateful."She said, Shinji smiled.

"I am, I'm really grateful that you're here with me Asuka."Shinji said,leaning his head into Asuka's.

"I'm happy to be here with you as well."She said,a smile in her face.

The mall this time was much more empty then the last time they had gone there, it was natural after all the city seemed to be hemorrhaging citizens each and every time an Angel attacked,which wasn't great for the local economy,yes,but it did mean less crowded public spaces,so that was a plus.

Asuka was,as per usual,dragging Shinji across the mall,thought this time with the added bonus of holding onto his hand as she did,so that was something. Adding onto that, she only had given him two bags of clothes to hold onto in the last hour, it seemed like she really did like him after all.

"What's with that stupid expression of yours first?"She asked, Shinji gave an amused chuckle.

"I was just thinking about how you've only given two bags in an hour,must mean you really do like me."He joked, Asuka rolled her eyes.

"You're exaggerating,i never gave you that much stuff to carry." Asuka said as she averted her eyes,aware of the magnitude of the lie she was telling.

"Yeah,sure you didn't."Shinji 'agreed' sarcastically. "I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be getting more long term damage from the effort I put on my spine with your shopping trips than with that bullet."

"Don't complain so much."Asuka said. "I made Kaji-san carry way more stuff when we were in Germany."

"And now I know why he ran away from you."Shinji joked,though from the glare Asuka gave him he could tell he was stepping over the line "Sorry..."

She looked away with an annoyed huff. "Fine,fine. I'll forgive you this time."

"Thank you, what's next on our list of stores?"Shinji asked.

"Remember that underwear store I brought you to on that day?"Shinji nodded with a slight blush.

"Yeah,what about it?"

"That's where we're headed next."She said, Shinji's blush growing slightly at those words. "Don't get any ideas pervert!"

"Sorry!"Shinji said, shaking his head.

"So you were getting perverted ideas!"She said,giving a playful slap to the back of the head. "Pervert!"

Shinji nursed the spot she'd hit with a pout. "How mean Asuka-Chan,you hurt my heart."

"That would be Asuka-Sama for you Ikari Shinji!"She joked,both looking at each other for a second before laughing.

Shinji was once again forced to wait outside of the changing rooms as Asuka picked out even more underwear. Who even needs that much? He asked himself. His eyes trailed toward the clock on the wall, only 15 minutes had passed but Shinji could have sworn it had felt like an hour at least, maybe more.

Should have brought my SDAT..then again,I haven't been using it much lately. Ever since he'd gotten together with Asuka he'd hadn't found any desire to listen to the old music player, to escape from the world for even a few minutes. No, his world was good now, it was happy. It had Asuka in it and Asuka made it seem like everything would be okay.

"Hey Shinji,can you come here a second."She asked. Shinji sighed as he rose to his feet.

"Need to ask me which looks better again?"Shinji asked from outside.

"Yup,and you better give me a real answer this time!"She said,Shinji rolled his eyes with an amused smile as he opened the curtain. What stood there was not expected, well that wasn't entirely true,he'd expected to find Asuka there,just not in her underwear.

Almost as if on reflex he covered his eyes. "Sorry,i didn't know you still hadn't changed!"

Asuka tilted her head slightly as she looked at him with a weird look. "I know,that's the point,i want you to see which would be better."

Shinji moved his hand away from his eyes as Asuka brought a pair of black underwear over the one she was already wearing,then a green one. "Which one do you think fits best Shinji."

"The—the first one."Shinji said with some embarrassment. "Black suits you."

"Thanks Shinji,i was thinking of taking that one anyway."Asuka said before she looked at him more intensely. "Hmmm,you need new clothes!"

"Me?"Shinji asked pointing at himself with wide eyes. "I've not really got much of a sense of style,most of my clothes are boring like this."

"That's exactly what I'm here for, let me get dressed and we'll go get something for you."She said. Shinji sighed and dropped his shoulders.

"I really don't need anything Asuka,I'm fine with just the clothes I have."Shinji said.

"Nope,you're getting new clothes and that's final."Asuka said in a tone that left little room for arguing unless he wanted to be sleeping on the couch today,or in his room,not that either sounded appealing at all.

"Fine,fine,you win."Shinji relented.

Maybe sleeping on the couch would have been worth it after all. "No,too boring,try the other ones."

"The other ones are just these with a slightly different color scheme Asuka."Shinji complained with a tired expression.

"Are you questioning my fashion sense first?"She asked, Shinji shook his head.

"No,I'm questioning your sanity."He joked. "But seriously speaking,this is getting tiresome you know?"

"Fine.."Asuka relented. "We'll just buy the ones you liked the most and be done with it."

"Well, can you go pay for them I have to go to the bathroom."Shinji said,averting his eyes as not to have her notice his lie.

"Fine,fine. Be quick about it though Ikari!"She said,grabbing the pile of clothes she'd picked for him and heading out toward the poor,poor underpaid worker that had to scan all the items. My regards to you,brave soldier, your sacrifice will never be forgot.

About an hour later they were at that spot again,that same bench overlooking the city which they had visited when Asuka ran way during their training against the twin angels of music and dance. The soft glow of the fading sunlight made the entire place look very romantic.

Asuka leaned against the railing,looking out toward the city. "This is Tokyo-3...I never thought I would see it as anything more than a bothersome place where I was forced to interact with people I didn't like,you know?"

"But now.."She continued,a smile in her face. "I'm happy,happier than I've been in years,maybe ever. Because of you,thank you."

"No need to thank me."Shinji said,approaching Asuka from behind. "You're the one who started this relationship,I've just been playing catch-up."

Asuka shook her head. "If you weren't such a sacrificial idiot I would have never asked to kiss you that day you know?"

"I'm glad I'm an idiot then." He said, slowly putting a necklace in Asuka's neck,who looked down at it. It was a small thing,a golden chain that wasn't really made of gold with one half of a silver heart that shone beautifully in the fading light of the sun at it's end. "Do you like it?"

"It's beautiful...when did you even get this?"She asked.

"When I said I had to go to the bathroom."Shinji said,a smile crossing his face. "I also got one for myself,i thought we could match."

"Baka..you really are a hopeless romantic aren't you?" She said as she turned toward him and grabbed a hold of the sides of his face.

"At least I'm your hopeless romantic."He said with a hint of humor.

"Yes..."She said leaning in. "Mine and no one else's."

And thus they kissed under the fading light of the sun,the beauty of man's greatest city a mere backdrop to the expression of their love.

AN:More cute shit,have I given you diabetes yet?I know I gave them to myself.

Omake time.

Everyone has happy times except Rei

Rei watched as pilot Sohryu and her brother cuddled in the other end of the train, seeming to even forget her very existence as they whispered sweet nothings in each other's ears. Well,she was sure they would warn her whenever her stop came. As it stood she was entertained with a book she had borrowed from pilot Makinami.

Then an hour passed,and two and the sun faded away in the distance and the words on the book Rei had borrowed ran out,her eyes locked onto the spot where pilots Sohryu and Ikari had been mere hours before,nothing.

"This train has reached the end of the line,thank you for following us this far." An automated voice spoke from above her,said voice forcing her to get up and walk trough the empty streets of Tokyo-3,there was just a slight issue.

"This does not feel like Tokyo-3"Rei mused as she advanced throught the empty streets well past midnight.

Then,there was a rumbling sound before rain started to fall from the heaven's like god's fury let loose upon the world. Rei gave a small 'yeep!' as the rain hit her body before running into an open hotel. After a few seconds of deliberation she decided it would best to ask where to get home from there.

"Hello,may I know where I can find the quickest path to the geofront?"She asked,the man in the reception looking at her in equal parts confusion and exhaustion.

"The what?"He asked.

"The geofront sir."Rei elaborated.

"The Geo...front?Oh you mean the geography museum,that's on the other end of the city girly." The man said with a yawn, Rei shook her head.

"No,not the geography museum,the underground geofront."Rei said with an uncommon hint of irritation in her voice.

"OH...THAT PLACE,aint that in tokyo-3 though?"The man asked,causing Rei to tilt her head in confusion.

"Are we not in Tokyo-3?"She asked,the man shook his head.

"Girly,you hella lost,we're in Tokyo-2!"The man said, Rei slammed her head into the reception counter.

The other pilots had abandoned her.

"This is why I hate humanity."

"Me too girly,me too."