NERV

The children were walking down the hallway on their way to the changing rooms. "This sucks. I cannot go to Okinawa and now I'm stuck with the two of you. On top of that we have a sync test". Asuka was complaining the whole morning. Shinji wanted to say something but wasn't sure what. He was afraid that saying anything would make things worse.

"Hello guys". They turned to see lieutenant Makoto. "It's nice to see you".

"Good morning lieutenant Hyuga" said Shinji.

"Please, call me Makoto. When you're so formal it makes me feel old. I'm heading for the bridge. See you on the test". He made a few steps and turned to face the children. "Oh, before I forget. My younger sister is a new intern here at NERV. She will be in your support team. Please be nice to her. It's her first day". He smiled and walked away.

They walked through the door leading to the changing rooms. Asuka and Rei were first and Shinji was just behind them. Kaori was standing in the middle of the room. She turned to face the door when she heard it opening. She greeted them with a smile. "Hello. I'm new member of the support team. Let me introduce my…" she froze when she saw Shinji walking from behind the other pilots. "Shinji?"

Shinji looked at the girl and said nervously. "Umm… Hi Kaori". Asuka moved her eyes from the girl and looked at the boy. 'Kaori? You have to be kidding me'. She clenched her fist. Anger rose inside her. She wasn't sure why. After all, he's just a stupid little boy. At least that's what she keep telling herself. Rei broke the silence "You were trying to introduce yourself".

"Oh yes sorry. I've got carried away. My name is Kaori Hyuga. Nice to meet you".

"Rei Ayanami, first child".

Shinji looked at Asuka. All of a sudden, she was quiet. She was staring at Kaori. "Asuka?" After a short while she shook her head. "I'm Asuka Langley Sohryu. Second child and the best pilot. Nice to meet you" she said with a fake smile.

"Nice to meet you too".

Rei looked at Shinji and said with her usual calm voice. "Aren't you going to introduce yourself Shinji?"

"Isn't it obvious that they've met before?" smirked Asuka.

Both Shinji and Kaori froze at Asuka comment. 'No, no, no, think girl, think' Kaori was trying to find an answer to that. "Yes. We've met when I was visiting my brother at work" she lied. Rei was looking at the girl. It made Kaori feel uncomfortable. 'What's with that stare? Does she know that I'm lying?' The awkward silence started to feel like it's taking forever. Rei gaze felt like it was piercing through her. 'I can't take it anymore. That girl is terrifying. She doesn't even blink!'. Super nervous, she started to speak "We…". Fortunately for her, she was interrupted by Rei.

"I was informed that we will test new nerve connectors today". Kaori sighed in relief. 'Saved'. Her interrogation was over. At least for now. Few seconds more and she would tell everything.

"Yes I'm sorry. It's my first day here that why I'm a bit clumsy". She reached her bag and took nerve clips. She handled one set to Rei. "Here's your set". She moved to Asuka. "And here's yours". Both Asuka and Rei started to move towards girls locker room. Kaori handled Shinji his set and whispered "We need to talk after the test". He nodded.

"All pilots are in the plugs right now" informed Maya.

"Excellent. We can begin the test". Ritsuko turned on the communication with the pilots. "If you feel any different during the test let us know. We want to gather as much data as we can".

This was a routine test. It's usually boring for the crew. Some of the technicians started to talk. Ritsuko was the one to cut it. "Quiet. Focus on the data".

"Yes ma'am".

Asuka couldn't focus. She was busy thinking. 'Why is she here? Is this some sort of a sick joke Misato?' Images of people were flashing in her mind. Mostly Shinji, but he seems more distant this time. 'Why am I seeing this?'

"How they're doing Maya?" She looked at the young technician.

"Sync ratio stopped fluctuating faster than usually. Looks like those new connectors are working as expected. Rei is at minus two. Shinji is at minus three. And Asuka is at…" Maya looked at Ritsuko. "...minus seven".

Ritsuko turned to Misato. "We were expecting lower ratio for this test". She shook her head. "But not minus seven points. Is there everything alright with Asuka?"

Misato spoke through the comm "Focus on the test. Asuka are you alright in there?"

"Yes Misato. Why?"

"Your score is lower than expected. Try to focus".

Asuka tried to focus. I proved harder than usual. She saw an image of Shinji. His back facing her. He was walking away. She tried to grab him. Just as she's about to grab him with her hand, he stepped away. 'Don't go. Don'tleave' her mind shouted. She looked around her. She saw people turning and moving away form her. `I don't need him. I don't need anyone`.

"How are they doing?"

Maya looked at the monitors in front of her. "Asuka is falling behind".

"Asuka. Focus".

Misato looked at Ritsuko. "They have a school trip to Okinawa. Of course, I didn't allow them to go".

"You think that had this big hit on her?"

"I don't know but I'll find out".

The test lasted for another hour.

Asuka left the shower wrapped in a towel. She saw Misato leaning against the locker. "What's up Misato?" It was the first time that she saw her guardian in the locker room.

"I was going to ask the same question".

"What do you mean?" asked a bit puzzled Asuka. She moved to her locker and opened it.

"Rei already left. There's only two of us here". Misato sat on a bench in the center of the room. "What's on your mind? You've been acting strange for the last couple of days".

"It's nothing Misato. I just had a bad week. That's all".

Misato rose her voice "That's bullshit and you know it. You're still in the lead but your down five points. Keep this up and you won't be our top pilot for long". Misato knew that Asuka valued herself as a top pilot more than anything. She was hoping that this was the way to reach out to the redhead.

Angry, Asuka shouted "I've said it's nothing! I'll deal with it and show everyone who's the superior pilot!". She slammed the door of the locker. She turned to face her guardian.

Misato looked at Asuka. 'She's so angry'. She patted the bench. "Please, sit down next to me". Asuka looked at Misato. Reluctant, she sat. "I care for you". Asuka rolled her eyes. "I really do. I want to help you, but I can't. I can't until I know what's wrong". She wanted to place her hand on Asuka shoulder but she blocked it.

"Don't touch me!"

They sat next to each other in silence. Misato finally broke the silence. "Is it about that Okinawa trip? Or is it about Shinji?"

Asuka burst out "Why is it always about that idiot?!"

'So it's about him' Misato thought. "You seem angry with him for some reason lately. Did he say or do anything that got you so angry?"

Misato noticed that Asuka started to shiver. "What did he do?"

Asuka sighed. "Nothing Misato. He did nothing" '..he never does' she thought. She felt that tears were starting to form in corner of her eyes. Asuka buried her face in her hands hoping that Misato won't notice her tears.

"You always say to stop treating you like a little girl. You sure do act like one". Misato was hoping for some reaction from the girl. She didn't respond to that. Misato felt that this was going to nowhere. 'This doesn't help. At least I know it's about Shinji'. She stood up. "We'll get back to this conversation. Remember that you can always talk to me Asuka if you need to. Do you want me to do anything?"

"I want you to leave".

"As you wish Asuka". She moved towards the exit. "Don't hate the whole world. It doesn't work. I know. I've been there myself". Misato left the changing room and closed the door behind her. Asuka moved to the floor and cowered. She started to cry hoping that no-one would see her.

Shinji left he changing rooms. He walked through the corridor when he saw Kaori. She walked to him. "There are vending machines there. Want anything to drink?" He nodded. They picked some drinks and sat on a bench next to the vending machines. There was an awkward silence. Kaori was the first one to speak.

"I'm sorry for what happened. For everything. It was bugging me" she was looking at the floor with can in her hand. "I've never expected to see you again".

He opened his can. "I-I was surprised to see you here". He took a sip. "So, Makoto is your brother?"

She turned to face him. "Yes. Why didn't you tell me you're working for NERV?"

"I was running away form it".

"Oh, yes. Sorry"

She started tapping on the can. "I would like to make it up for you".

He gave her a perplexed look. "Umm... you don't have to".

She blurted. "I don't mean like that!" She paused to catch her breath. "I mean, I feel like I've used you".

He shook his head. "I didn't object, did I?"

She smiled. "No, you were rather… proactive". She winked. "I know we can't revert that now".

He put his can on the bench and leaned back. He rested his hands on the bench. "Don't feel sorry. I had… I had a lot of time to think about it. And I don't regret it". He blushed a bit "I've enjoyed it". She giggled. "And sorry for the lamp".

"I've found exactly the same one. Makoto didn't notice". She finished her drink. "Maybe we can start over? I mean, as friends? Or if you don't feel like it, as coworkers?"

He looked at her. "Friends sounds nice".

She sighed in relief "Thank you". She was thinking a bit. "Will I hear any rumors about us?" He looked confused. "I mean, did you tell anyone? I know my brother doesn't know".

He shook his head. "I've only told Misato. She was very inquisitive. But, I've only gave her first name and age. I don't think she knows".

"Misato? You mean Major Katsuragi?" she asked nervously. He nodded. "I think she knows".

He froze "Why do you think that?"

"When we met, she said I'll be meeting the pilots soon. She did that with some strange smile on her face".

He was afraid of this. Mostly because of Misato's teasing. He sighed "I don't think there will be any gossip. But I'm sure there will be teasing from Misato". He stood up and faced her "Does you brother…" nervously, he finished his sentence "...does he know how to use his sidearm?"

She laughed. "Don't worry. He won't".

Misato was lost in thoughts. 'Why she's acting like this?'. Shinji entered the room and asked "You wanted to speak to me Misato?"

"Yes Shinji. I'm worried about Asuka. Do you have a clue why she's acting strange lately?"

"I wish I knew Misato".

"It's bothering you too?" he nodded. "Did you say or do anything that would upset her?"

"I don't know. She insults most of the things I say or do".

She looked at the boy. "Please be honest right now". He nodded. "Did you make a move on Asuka?"

Embarrassed he yelped "What? No, of course I didn't… I…" he stopped for a moment.

Misato frowned. "Shinji?"

A bit red he said. "Well, everyone knows that I did try to kiss her during our sync training. But nothing happened. I swear!" He looked at the floor trying to hide from Misato glare.

'Oh, I've forgot about that'. She sighed "Yes, but that was a while ago". She waved her hand. "Go. I will drive you two home in about ten minutes".

Misato was driving her car back to her apartment. Shinji was sitting in the front seat and Asuka in the back. Asuka was looking through the window. Misato did get a glimpse at Asuka face before they left. It was clear for her that the redhead was crying.

"I'll drive you tomorrow to NERV. We have a swimming pool there. You will be able to use it for yourself. I know it's not Okinawa but…" she was interrupted by Asuka.

"I don't want to go".

"You will all go. I can make that an order. Or if you really don't want to go, it will be just Rei and Shinji". Misato knew that this was a dirty move. "You are not in good terms lately. Maybe you can use this time to settle few things? Or just have some fun?"

"...fine" she said slowly. Asuka was not pleased. Still she thought it would be better not to leave Shinji and Rei alone.

Sunday, NERV

The children arrived at the swimming pool. Asuka and Rei were already wearing their swimsuits. Shinji on the other hand was wearing his school clothes. Rei was already swimming. Shinji was sitting at the table and looking at his laptop. He was thinking about Asuka. He was worried. Asuka approached him.

"Drooling over wondergirl again?"

He shook his head. "No. I was just thinking". He looked at Asuka. She put her hands on her hips.

"Some perverted thought about the doll?" she said contemptuously.

"Actually, I was thinking about you".

This made Asuka blush. "You have some perverted thoughts about me Third?!"

He waved his hands. "No, no. You got this wrong". She looked at him. She wasn't sure if she's upset or angry. "I'm worried about you Asuka. Did I upset you?"

She sighed. "You talked to Misato?" She was sure that Misato was the one behind this.

"I did, but I…" he got interrupted.

She wanted to change the subject. "Why are you in you school uniform? And what's with that laptop?"

"I don't know how to swim" he looked at his clothes. "And I don't own anything else".

She looked at the boy. She admitted that she hadn't seen him wear anything other than school or NERV clothes. 'Why he doesn't have anything else?' She pointed at his laptop. "And this?"

"I'm a bit behind in physics. It's about thermal expansion".

She leaned over the table and looked at his laptop. "Oh this is easy". She straightened up. "When things get hotter they extend. When they are cold down they shrink". Shinji looked at her. She put her hands on her breasts. "Do you think if I warm them, they will get bigger?" She asked with grin.

Shinji thought that maybe he could use this occasion. 'She calls me a pervert. Maybe if I get her to slap me, she will lighten up?' He knew this wasn't a good idea. She's stronger than she looks. Still, he wanted to try. `It won't hurt. Much. Hopefully`.

"I understand Asuka. You can slap me if you want" he muttered. She was surprised. She didn't expect that reaction from the boy. Puzzled, she asked.

"Why would I want to slap you?"

"You call me baka hentai. I thought that's what you try to do. Making me look at you. Or, to make some comment about your breasts". She moved her hands from her breasts. She looked at him. 'I guess I'm the one to blame that you think that'.

"I can make it easier for you Asuka".

Confused, she asked "What?"

He blushed and said. "Your breasts are perfect as they are. They don't need to be bigger". It wasn't a lie. He did think that. He closed his eyes. 'Now this will make her mad'. He waited for a slap. But it never came.

Asuka froze. At first, she clenched her fist. Soon, her anger diminished. She started to blush not knowing what to do. 'Why did he say that?!' She looked at him trying to figure out what to say. She opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, she heard a voice. It was Kaori.

"All pilots are summoned to the briefing room immediately. There's a possible angel detected. Please put something on and go". She left.

Shinji opened his eyes and stood up. He handled Asuka her shirt. "Umm, thanks". They walked towards the exit. "Why did you say that?" she said quietly.

He sighed. A bit nervous, he said "I was hoping that you will feel better if you slap me". She grabbed her left elbow with her other hand. Pinching herself, she said "You shouldn't say things you don't mean".

"Oh, but I do mean it" he started to blush. "And you look great in that swimsuit" he whispered. 'So, this is what it feels like to dig your own grave. But maybe it'll cheer her up'.

Asuka blushed at his comment. 'Baka. Maybe a visit here wasn't that bad after all' she left with a faint smile.

Most of the crew were already in the briefing room. The discussion was going for some time. Misato looked at the door opening. She saw children entering the room. She took a glimpse at Asuka. `Is that a smile?' The kids sat at the table. Shinji looked at his father who was sitting at the back of the room.

Misato looked at her friend. "Everyone is here. We can start Ritsuko". The blonde scientist stood up.

"Some of you already know. MAGI detected an angel. It's dormant for now. Maya please show us the footage".

Young technician nodded. She started playing a video on the screen. It showed an image of some strange creature.

"As you can see it's still in embryo state. Is hasn't matured yet. We're developing a plan to capture it before it matures. It's located inside Mount Asama".

People staring to talk in the room. "Isn't that an active volcano?"

"Yes it is. Since last fight with an angel underwater, we started to work on new type of equipment for the Evas". Doctor Akagi continued "We came up with new type equipment for high pressure environment. We will add active cooling and heat shields. This will allow Eva to descend inside the volcano".

Misato started to speak. "Commander Ikari assigned Eva-02 for this task. We already stared necessary preparations. Eva-01 will be deployed as support but it'll have limited options. We only have equipment for single Eva".

Asuka stood up. "Finally I'll have my solo angel fight. I'll show who's the best pilot!"

Misato looked at the redhead. 'Good. Maybe it'll boost Asuka sync score'. "Ok everyone. That's all. We'll have final briefing before the mission. Dr Ritsuko team needs about seven hours to prepare. All needed personnel will go to Mount Asama. Any questions?"

"No ma'am".

"Good, dismissed". People started to leave the room. Misato asked Shinji to wait. When everyone left, she said "Asuka looks better today. Did something happen at the pool?".

He looked at his guardian. "We talked".

'Yes'. She clapped her hands. "Can you tell about what?"

He wasn't sure if he really wanted to tell. After all, he was trying to get Asuka mad. Also, he didn't like lying to Misato. Then, it struck him. He can tell the truth. Well part of it. Part, that Misato won't believe. He tried to say it as calm as he can. "We talked about her breasts".

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, really funny" she said with annoyed face. "Fine, if you don't want to tell. Just keep it up. It's working".

Notes:

My longest chapter for now. It was fun to write. I was hoping to present Asuka mind in this. Up until now she wasn't sure why she's angry. It starts to eat her. Hope you enjoy it.

Reviews:

SheriffJohnStone – Me too :) story evolves in my mind with every chapter

Taromaru – Thank you. I like the idea of a character not knowing what they have until they've lost it.

11toby - Thanks

HgHg - Thanks

calborghete – Thank you

skyf0x – I have ideas for at least 2 more chapters. I'll see how it goes. I've added some Asuka struggle in this chapter. At this point in the anime, she didn't live long with Misato and Shinji. She's more jealous about not being always first/best at everything. Give her time :)