After a long week of work, Shinji lied back in bed. Not a day went by that Misato was not on his mind as they spoke to each other every day. Each word they exchanged was like connected thread of string that could never be broken. Still as far as long-distance relationships go, it could have been worst.

Even if they ran out of things to say at times, Shinji always opened a new subject whether it was relevant or not. Their closeness reflected their bound shared while apart from each other. Shinji heard a knock on the door. He wasn't expecting company, and the rent was already paid for. Holding a bat in his arms, he approached the door with caution.

"Excuse me for sec Misato, there is someone at the door." Shinji said on the phone.

"Hmm, I wonder who could it be?" Misato wondered.

Shinji opened up the door to reveal Misato in flesh. From a young teen to a mature twenty year man eyes widen as she made her way in. He dropped his bat as he grasp for breathe. He didn't know what he did if a burglar had truly come, since he lacked the experience as his wife. "You know, you could have told me you were coming." Shinji said shutting the door.

"Oh but that would ruin the surprise now wouldn't it?" Misato said touching his upper lip with her finger. "Or maybe you're not glad to see little old me?"

"With you, never." Shinji replied, guiding his lover through his temporary home.

It had been so long since they last seen each other as they exchanged a kiss. Both of them were dying for each other's affections. With tongues, it lasted for more than a few minutes. As they held each other in bed, their make out session continued.

"So; are you going to your Yoga and parenting classes as Ritsuko ordered?"

Tired of being reminded, Misato replied, "Yeah, yeah, I'm going as usual."

"So any idea when the baby will be born?"

"Ritsuko said a month from now, which gives us plenty of time."

Shinji felt on Misato round tummy. It was only a matter of time before he born. He felt the kick to the palm of his hand. If he was able to kick that hard, then no doubt he would grow up strong. But certainly not at all like Shinji as the young guy thought. Like most people, Shinji was not a strong and aggressive as Misato or even Asuka.

With every touch, he could wait for his son to be hold again. Sitting in front of the TV with Shinji, Misato rested her head on Shinji chest. To her, it was like her personal teddy bear. No amount of her favorite daily beers could possibly separate her from her lover.

Shinji kissed her neck as she feel straight asleep. Knowing that the baby was still inside, they were limited on the sleeping positions.

The first morning after a healthy good breakfast, the two of them spent the day together. Together, they had visited the latest memorial sights of Kyoto. These sights would include the oldest forest, rivers and temples. However, they weren't the only ones, off the bus appeared a bunch of high school kids, dying for a trip of the City of Ten Thousand Shrines.

"Alright kids, remember to pair up into groups, and don't get separated." The Teacher on the bus announced to the children. "Remember your departure time as well. I expect a full article after that, no goofing around! I mean it!" She yelled as the kids were already gone.

"Yes ma'am!" The children shouted in unison.

"So they say." The teacher sighed at the kids as she took a seat at the nearest park bench.

Watching the teacher's exhaustion and the kids playfulness, made the couple chuckle. As they continued to walk arms linked, the couple started explored more and more of the wonderful sights. "That reminds me. Asuka and I were set to go on this class trip to Okinawa back in school. But you wouldn't allow us."

"Sorry, but your duties as an Eva pilot came first before anything else. And if I recall correctly, you weren't as disappointed as Asuka was."

"Yeah, by that time I have already accepted being an Eva pilot. Unfortunately, I had to deal with her complaining all day that I could barely sleep."

"Well somebody had to be the scapegoat." Misato winked at Shinji. "I'm glad it was you."

"Yeah thanks to you, I most definitely got an earful that night. I mean you know Asuka and I have our differences. Some guardian you were."

Misato landed a kiss on Shinji's cheek, and then lean her head on Shinji's shoulders. "I'm sorry; and thank you for sticking by me no matter what."

The night finally came as the festival had begun. For the last hour, Misato had browse through many different kimonos, trying to find one her size. Off course for pregnant women, sizes were very limited. She had to result in the store clerk to help her pick the right kimono without looking fat in it. Like a little schoolgirl, she went through every nice kimono she could handle, much to Shinji's impatience.

"I swear, this is like shopping with Asuka." Shinji muttered under his breath.

"Sorry, I took so long."

"It's about time, seriously why does it matter if…" Shinji froze at the sight of Misato in a kimono and makeup. Even if he was not attracted to her at first, she was just as lovely as he remembered her. Pink lipstick, velvet eyeliner and a purple and blue kimono to boot were the perfect package. He felt like the luckiest guy having an older woman for a mate.

"I hope it's not too much."

Shinji's anger went away so suddenly. "No, it looks beautiful on you."

Misato blushed after his compliment. "You really think so? You think it doesn't make me look fat?"

Shinji shook his head as he took his wife by the hand. He barely even notice Misato pregnant tummy. Together, they explored the stances of Kyoto festivals. From food to event stance, they were inseparable. The lantern lights lit the whole road they walked in like the yellow brick road.

Parades and dance shows made their eyes brighten. And the excitement took the both of them like a hook. Off course, every date had to have its memories as Shinji grabbed every picture of Misato and him together. Next Misato dragged Shinji towards a shrine. Once there, she made her prayer and wrote her wish. Shinji had done the same.

As the blossoms fell from the trees, Shinji grabbed a flower and tied it to Misato's hair. After they giggled, both had embraced each other in a tightest hug. And then the last moment was concluded with a kiss under the falling Sakura peddles and the stars, both mouth and tongue melting away at each other.

The final was at the Hot Springs. And since today was a special event, the coed hot springs was now open for business. Just like the old times, both had relaxed in warm water environment. This was both Misato and Shinji's stress relief after a day of hard work as the water drench down their bodies. No amount of showers or baths could ever compare to the unique popularity of the Hot Springs.

Soon enough, they were treated to a big feast in their private quarters. Shinji had massaged Misato stiff shoulders. Just like the Hot Springs, it was relaxing enough to rid her of her worries of both herself and the baby. That night as she held Shinji in her arms, she felt like she had everything she needed.

"So; same time next Sunday then?" Misato asked as Shinji saw her off. "I would stay but I still have those classes to attend."

"I know. But I can't wait to see you then."

Misato gave flirting smile. "Not if I see you first." As they held themselves in each other's arms, both gave their final farewell kiss. Even if they were going to be apart again, they knew it would not last forever.