"I'm home."

Shinji had announced walking through the front door. With every step he sniffed the warming sizzling smell of food. The aroma was enough to make his tastebuds go wild. He could almost taste it. Aside from that his lady was the one doing the cooking like an everyday housewife. Having heard Shinji, Misato greeted Shinji with a "welcomed smile" as the baby now took form into her stomach. "Welcome home sweatheart." Misato greeted back.

Shinji gave her a nice peck on the cheek as he wrapped his arms around her body. "Hey babe." He felt the softness of the child lying in deep sleep inside Misato's stomach. With every touch, they could hardly wait for their loving son to be born.

Misato may have been unconformable on the size of her stomach, thinking she was growing fat. But Shinji and the parenting classes and videos assured perfectly that it was only temporary. And Shinji did not think Misato was at all fat even with her constant beer consumption. Frankly, he was almost surprised that those beers didn't have any after effects in her body. Still, he liked her the way she was.

Hard as it was for Misato to give up her everyday beer for a while, she endured for the sake Shinji and her son. Shinji had tried to introduce her to some less alcoholic drinks, but it could not top the real deal. And it did not feel or tastes like the same as the original. Still, he tried.

After dinner and freshening up, the few hours were on TV time, and then it was bedtime for the two. Once again Misato cuddled Shinji like her personal teddy bear. Being very close to her lover, she rubbed her cheeks against Shinji. He would always criticize her at times for her childish behavior, but in a way he also found it really cute and adoring. So he let Misato spoil him all she wanted. It was all because they were together and inseparable.

While Shinji's work hours kept him on a tight leash, he always found ways to spend time with his loving wife. Together the two went for long park walks, watch evening movies, attend night festivals, and went on dinner dates. Shinji knew he would not be around long, so he wanted to make the best of his day with his women, because even if they are separated, their love will not be. With a grasp of Misato's hand, he assured her that they would never be apart even if far away.

As Shinji shared fried noodles with Misato, he started to wonder how everyone else was doing. While Misato leaned her head, Shinji stared at the starry night. Even if they weren't officially close, Shinji still looked at them as reliable allies. Shinji mind was less on Gendo, since he was a loss cause, but at the same time still his father. Asuka was here she would pay him more and more insults and criticism then his ears could possibly take, with Hikari supporting her side as always. Rei would just remain in the shadows, not talking. Keisuke and Toji would maybe tease and flirt with Misato and be extremely jealous with tears on Shinji relationship with the former commander and guardian. Kaji would enlighten Shinji with some grown-up advice, not that he treated Shinji like a kid to begin with. Nevertheless, everyone had their own path and goals to pursue so he knew Nerv would not last forever.

The weeks had passed very quickly as Shinji was boarding the train for work. No one, not even Shinji knew how long would he be stationed there, certainly not forever he hoped. Misato was very reluctantly to see him go as she would not let go of him. The hug was so deep it was like she was glued to Shinji. "I really don't want you to go." She sobbed.

"I know but don't worry Misato; I'll be back before you know it." Shinji said while continuing to rub her hair strains. The hug almost lasted for five minutes as the train called. As he pulled her away, the two locked lips.

"Come on you two, you're already making a scene." Ritsuko advised stopping Misato from chasing after Shinji further. When the final boarding call had announced, Shinji finally separated from Misato. Ritsuko knew it was already hard for both of them, but they had their responsibilities to take care of. "Don't worry Shinji; I'll take care of Misato while you're gone. I'll make sure she does not go overboard with her health."

"Excuse me, what do you mean by that?" Misato asked with coldness.

Ritsuko gave Shinji a push. "Go on Shinji, I'll update you on any progress. And besides, you two will have plenty of time to talk with each other through this long distance." Ritsuko words didn't make Misato feel any better as she continued to sulk like she lost a battle.

As she took her last wave, the train had already left. Ritsuko grabbed Misato's shoulder in concern.

Having saw Shinji off that day, Ritsuko insisted on a girl's day out with Misato. And considering that it has been a while since their last get together, Ritsuko felt it was only natural to keep Misato company now with her lover gone. She may have been below her, but she was still her friend and ally nonetheless. Ritsuko was practically the only one still around Misato and Shinji, while the others went their own ways.

As the waitress placed their coffee on the table, Ritsuko had poured a few cups of sugar to hers and Misato's. Knowing the deepness on her face, Ritsuko didn't need to be a doctor to know what was really going on with her. Ritsuko took a sigh as she flicked Misato's forehead, thus snapping her back to reality. "Come on Misato, Shinji will be back, I'm sure of it." Ritsuko placed her hand on Misato's. "If not then I'll drag him back myself for you by the hair if necessary."

This brought a tear-like smile to her face as Misato stroked her hair. "Your right, maybe I am just over thinking this situation. But seriously, what if a woman hits on Shinji and he ends up falling for her to leave me?" Misato said acting paranoid.

Ritsuko gave Misato a questionable glare. "Misato; do you really think someone like Shinji will benefit pretty ladies with his traumatic past? Not to mention, he was not Mr. Popular at school like Asuka was." Ritsuko took a sip of her coffee. "It's only been three hours since he left and you're already thinking that way?" Ritsuko could not help but chuckle at Misato's paranoid behavior. She was almost acting like a high school girl in a relationship.

"I can't remember the last time you were like this since Kaji."

Sensitive subject, Misato turned her face away from Ritsuko. "Don't remind me, someone as shady as him just does whatever he pleases without caring how I feel."

"You mean the times where you used to always skip class just to have sex with Kaji? Don't get me wrong, he is good looking, but that is all I could possibly say about him. His one-liners were so predictable and just plain corny. I'm sure any women would fall dead in his arms for any of his flattering words."

Misato scoffed. The fact of hearing Kaji's name had made her sick to her stomach even with the baby inside. "That womanizer could fall in a ditch for all care, just because he can't keep his balls in check. Man if he was around right now, I would sock him that cocky smirk off his face." Misato said cracking her knuckles.

Ritsuko took another laugh at Misato, much to Misato's annoyance. "What the hell is so damn funny?"

Ritsuko could not stop laughing. "I'm sorry; I don't mean to laugh at you." Ritsuko tried to hold herself back as much as she could. "I'm just glad to see you're not depressed anymore."

"Who said I was depressed anyway?"

"I don't think Kaji would possibly even think of settling down with you anytime soon even if he was around."

Glad to see Misato smile again, the two had continued their conversations. Subjects would usually consist of reminiscing on their good and bad days, failed relationships, favorite foods, natural habits, certain behaviors, Eva's and Angels, and Nerv outcomes. Together and no longer concern about work, the two females spend time in the Café like the old days.

Through their time together, Ritsuko had even given Misato a Baby Shower present. It was single baby stroller for their newborn child. While deeply flattered by her gift, Ritsuko had perfectly advised Misato that long walks and fresh air was very important upon an infant, therefore, keeping him in the house all day would not be acceptable. As Misato asked, Ritsuko had even gladly accepted the role of Aunt to their child. With a loving hug, Ritsuko now felt she was a part of the family now.

As the work shift had ended for Shinji, the crew and Shinji went to BBQ restaurant. They could smell the sizzling scorching taste of BBQ pork oozing in their mouth as they took a table. After an eight hour shift, their stomachs were craving some nourishment.

"Yahoo! Let's drink until we can't drink anymore." One of Shinji's coworkers shouted with a beer cup in his hands.

Shinji just had the regular drink of soda, due to his disdain for beer or alcohol in general. And he was going to be the one driving, so someone had to be clean for tonight. As he looked at his phone and saw Misato's face, even he was starting to feel a bit lonesome.

This long-distance relationship was going to be a stretch, especially for Misato. He was going to have to get used to not being in Misato's hands for a while. And he knew it was as hard on Misato as it was for him. Even if Ritsuko was there, he knew Misato was going to lonely inside. He could only hope this would not last long, job or no job.

"Come on Shinji, let's go out for karaoke!" Another coworker of Shinji's shouted.

After hours of having fun, Shinji retreated to his private quarters. Both his mind and body were completely exhausted from both partying and working. He felt the softness of his bed as he was prepared to rest. But his attempt came to a halt as he grabbed his phone from the dresser. With one push of speed-dial, he called up Misato.

"Hey." Shinji greeted.

"Hey love; how is it going out there?" Misato greeted back.

"Oh it's the usual, pretty busy work and a high demand schedule, the works. And I think we may be getting more hours and benefits along the way. I think we may also have a huge shipment." Shinji replied.

"They must be really keeping you busy."

"No kidding, now I see how you feel when you were working those intense hours back at Nerv."

Misato laughed. "Yeah, those sure were the days."

"I hope you're keeping yourself stable out there and not causing Ritsuko too much trouble." Shinji joked a little.

"Hey I'm stabled enough wiseguy. Don't think your wife can't take care of herself now that we are apart."

Both Misato and Shinji went silent after that response. Knowing their current situation, it was not the best topic right now. Shinji cleared his throat. "Hey Misato, it's going to be busy but I'll always contact you every day on my progress, no matter what. I'll come back to you, always."

"I know you will Shinji." Misato continued rubbing on her pregnant stomach. "And I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes. As long as you're on my mind, I won't ever feel lonely." Misato took a deep breath. "But you damn well better come back, because I won't forgive you if you don't. And just remember I still have my gun if you ever think or attempt to cheat on me."

Shinji felt drench of sweat run down his face. "I wouldn't dare, not while I have you, honest."

Misato smiled again. "I know you wouldn't because I love you too much Shinji."

"I love you too Misato." Shinji said back. "Well I got to get some rest for tomorrows shift."

"I see; good night Shinji."

"Sweet dreams Misato."