Having made his decision to stay with Misato, Shinji decided to work extra hard for his big wedding with Misato. It was almost hard to imagine, a women who was his former guardian and even commander would ever turn out to be his official lover. Although, there were times were the sighs were there, but Shinji was too naïve to even see it. And Asuka would never ever live it down criticizing Shinji's stupidity.
As he got out of bed to work, he left Misato a note and kiss. It labeled, "Dear Misato, went off to work my first shift. I made basket in the kitchen, so let's go out for a picnic today, love Shinji."
He may have not have been just as forward as Kaji, but at least his honesty made up for it. As he glance at the picture of him and Misato together, he admired his own growth and change throughout the years. He was now able to smile freely without hesitation or even sadness inside.
He remembered the times where he thought of himself as nothing more but expendable pieces for angel battle. But no matter what, Misato had always served as his shelter for his inner pain even if he didn't want it. And sometimes Misato even went as far as doing as tough love to really snap Shinji out of it. Now he felt like Misato's true emotional support. Whenever there was time when she in absolute distress, he'll always hold her in his arms, just like she once did.
"Hey kid, I need your help for this load!" A worker called out to Shinji.
As he put his photo away, Shinji aided the worker. "I'm coming."
After loading the materials on the Forklift, Shinji aided the worker with more packaging. From tapping to cutting, he loaded different materials inside each cardboard box for the next ten hours a day. And his shifts would usually rotate first, second or even third shift, depending on the work environment.
"So was that your women in that picture, she's quite a gal." The worker admired.
"Yeah, she is quite a character, but I love her, despite her faults." Shinji replied. Now Shinji was starting to talk very positive about Misato. Since the time he was young, he would always criticize, critique, or even lecture her like he was her parent. Each time they were together at home before, it was almost like she was the immature child and he was the responsible adult.
And now literally, they were now full grown adults.
The worker nudged his arm and winked. "I'm really jealous of you kid. You were able to make a fine women like that yours. You better make it last."
Shinji smiled. "It won't be easy, but as long as she's with me, I have no hesitations whatsoever."
"Be honest with your feelings, regardless of age differences. There is no shame or limit to one's own heart." He remembered his doctor's words. Dr. Mina Alkaido had always told him. And because of those words, they have stuck to him like a throne. And it ended with a real positive result towards the end. Shinji even looked back at the photo where Misato and him first met. It was the same photo with revealing tank top, cut off shorts and lipstick kiss on it. That photo alone was enough to really make him chuckle.
In the meantime after coming back from her Parenting Classes and getting tested by Dr. Ritsuko, Misato have decided to stroll through town. While sitting on the park bench, she rubbed her stomach. Soon she was going to give a new life. It was a blessing, but at the same time very nervous. As she stared at her old photo of comforting Shinji's in her arms, she even remembered the old times together. "Now then what will I name you?" She wondered to herself as she continued to rub her stomach.
She truly loved and admired Shinji's growth throughout the years. From the times, she'd always teased Shinji she always was close to him, was all but precious but unforgotten memory. No longer did Misato see that mentally disturbed child that was always dependable on. Now she saw a mature responsible adult, a new lover, and soon to be a caring father. At first, Shinji was the only thing saving her from loneliness and depression. But now, he had become more than just company. He became her whole life.
Misato and Shinji were truly alike in many ways. Both of them were very slow to admit their own insecurities. And both of which were once filled with sorrow, fear, and regret. So much that neither of them wanted to even live in the same world. But now as time went on, Misato could not live without her young lover, nor did she ever feel old around him.
She could only imagine their big upcoming day as she looked at the wedding cakes and bride's dress. Misato was finally going to settle in with a happy life. It was every women's dream to feel very special. And just thinking about it gave her butterflies inside.
As she continued to look around the store, not only did she wonder about the child, but the wedding event. Off course it did not have to be anything big or spectacular, but it had to be special. Misato's fascination of the dress had also received attention of women who either teased, jealous or even admired her.
Trying to avert further attention to herself, Misato quickly asked the sales clerk. "Excuse me, but can I try on one of your dresses please?"
"Right this way madam." The sales clerk led with a smile.
"Thank you again for the ride." Shinji said dropping off at the park as schedule for their date. As Shinji entered the store, he was greeted with simple "welcome" by the sales clerk. Since Shinji was also debating plans for the wedding day, he started to window shop for a while. He started to think what would Misato like out of all this? Before long, Misato had appeared in front of Shinji.
Shinji jaw dropped as Misato presented him in a stunning wedding dress. Surprise came to mind to find Misato here, but at the same time a fine appearance greeted him. Seeing Misato in that wedding dress was like looking at a goddess that descended down from heaven. As Misato faced him, no longer did he ever envision her as a lazy alcoholic slop.
Misato blushed as she saw Shinji, "What are you doing here Shinji?"
Shinji swallowed spit. "My shift ended early so I thought I'd browse around the store for a while, but I never thought I'd find you here." As Shinji had continued to glance at the dress, it made Misato even shyer by the minute. "By the way, you look absolutely beautiful in that dress."
"Thank you Shinji."
Awkward silence took them both for minute, until they remembered where they were as the sales clerk cleared her throat.
After another hour of looking through the store, Shinji and Misato retreated to the night festival.
Yet, the day didn't end there; it was now time for the Fireworks Festival event to celebrate their year together. Shinji watched his lady knock down the many target with a popgun. And seeing Misato's competitive streak really brought out the fire in her. Even if she was no longer employed at Nerv, Misato's experience in firearm never left her.
Shinji had even grabbed another pet to add to the family. A little fish in bag that would be serve as another water animal. Winning Misato that prize had made him to receive a kiss on the cheek. Shinji would have not had second thoughts at first, if Misato have not assured him that Pen-Pen only eats certain fish.
Together hand and hand, they check many of the festivals festivities. They stopped for the ceremonially dance, shared and ate special fried noodles, lighted sparkles, and lastly watched the fireworks shoot the sky throughout the night. The colors of the different fireworks really shined as Misato and Shinji sat close together.
As they stopped at the park under the shade of the tree, both of them watched the moon set from the deep blue sea. Nothing but the whistles of the wind and songs of the birds echoed through their ears. With Shinji in her lap, Misato rubbed her hand through Shinji's hair to his soft cheeks.
"Do you remember this place Shinji?" Misato inquired.
"Yeah, it certainly brings back memories. It was the same place we're we first met. You send me that flashy revealing picture of yours. Not to mention, you drive like you're in a racetrack. And you still do, that much has not changed. I've seen the speeding tickets. Why else did I work those extra shifts?" Looking back, it was the same park that Misato first picked up Shinji. Misato and Shinji both remembered the time like it was yesterday.
"I thought I'd tease you for a bit, since you were young. Well when I first met you, you weren't like other boys. In fact you needed plenty of pampering as I remembered."
"Funny, I don't remember it that way." Shinji blushed with embarrassment. Even if he didn't want to remember it, he knew Misato was right.
"Off course you don't." Misato sarcastically gave him a soft kiss on the forehead that made Shinji go red even more.
Shinji touched Misato stomach. "So have you thought about any names for our child?"
"I'm still considering it, but first I have to know the results from Ritsuko if its boy or a girl first." But I'm sure it will have your charming personality."
"I'm betting your lovely eyes will be passed down to our offspring."
Deeply flattered by his compliment, Misato wrapped Shinji around her arms. "Don't ever change who you really are: my precious Shinji." Before their moment could conclude, a phone call came to Misato's phone.
It was Ritsuko. "I have the results of the test Misato. I know what gender baby you are going to have. You and Shinji come to the hospital tomorrow." And so their anticipation had grew that day.