Kaji's car
Kaji was behind the wheel and Misato was sitting next to him. They were going to Misato's apartment so she could change before her shift starts. She was planning to get back to her home the day before. Last night changed her plans. She was unsure if she was happy or angry at Kaji. Part of her wanted to be as far away from him as possible. There was the other part. A part that wanted to stay at his place. She hated that uncertainty.
Misato started their conversation. "I've talked a bit with Asuka at the hot spring, she knows about Shinji and Kaori. She's not too pleased that I've hired her"
Jealousy. The only word that comes to Misato mind. She saw them exchanging glances at each other when the other one is not looking. More than once. It wasn't a secret that he tried to kiss her. She didn't give that much thought back then. It was funny to watch the teens.
"I think she's jealous but she doesn't understand it. At least it seems she's not mad at him anymore"
"I see. It makes sense now"
Misato was unsure what he was talking about. "What do you mean?"
"You know I went shopping with her right?"
"Yes"
"She tried to kiss me"
"Again?!"
"Relax, nothing happened. She did ask me to take her to my apartment though"
Misato turned to face Kaji. She knew that Asuka had a crush on him. Why did she try to kiss him this time? Kaji seems to read Misato's mind as he said
"You know competitive she is. She always wants to be number one in everything"
"Do you think she will try to have sex with someone?"
"I highly doubt it, I think I was the only option she considered. Also, she's mad you hired Kaori right? Which is good, as maybe she finally found someone"
"It's not funny"
"I'm not trying to be funny"
He smiled. During his time as her guardian, she was focused on her training. Being a prodigy child, she already graduated college. This meant that she didn't spend time with kids her age. She didn't make any friends back in Germany. He thought that her crush on him was a result of her lack of contact with other kids. Her jealousy of Shinji was a nice change.
He noticed Misato worried look. "You seem worried, what's on your mind?"
"I shouldn't leave them alone in the apartment"
He chuckled. "Why, you think they will try something?"
"Either that or they will fight again"
"You know, you can't watch over them 24/7"
He was right. It was impossible to constantly watch over them. What option does she have? Just knowing about Shinji caused Asuka to be down few points. Last thing Misato wanted, was Asuka or Shinji getting emotionally unstable. She cared about them.
"I don't want them to get hurt. You saw how it impacted her score"
"They have similar past. Loneliness best describes it. Even though she has parents, I was her guardian for the last couple of years. We barely visited her parents. She had a phone but never used it"
"Why?"
"She's upset her father remarried so quickly"
"That wasn't in her file"
"Maybe it'll work? They could use a true friend. She didn't have any friends back in Germany"
"Even in college?"
He laughed. "No-one in college would bother hanging out with a child. Plus, as a NERV asset, she had a bodyguard. You know, the mafia looking type, intimidating. Who would approach her?"
"I don't know, what if it doesn't work? They have to cooperate in battle"
"How many friends does she have here?"
"I can think only of Hikari"
"See? They're exactly the same"
"I'm not sure. I'm afraid one of them will get hurt"
He scratched the back of his head. "Well, that's a tough nut to crack. Maybe you should talk to them? See what they want? The other option is to make one of them leave your apartment. But I know you don't want that"
Of course not. That would be even worse. It would mean that one of them would have to leave alone. One of them would definitely feel abandoned. That would be the worst thing she could do.
"I don't know if I know how to talk to them. Last couple of days showed me that I don't know them"
"Do you want me to talk to them?"
"Maybe later. Please stop at the next shop. I want to buy something".
Misato apartment
Misato opened the door to her apartment and walked over the threshold. She didn't hear any arguing, which was a good sign.
"I'm home"
She moved towards the kitchen. There was a pleasant aroma in the air, a mix of sweet and fruity smell. 'This smells nice. Did Shinji decide to make something new?' she thought. He was making breakfast for them since he started to live with her. To her surprise, she saw Asuka and not Shinji in the kitchen. The redhead was standing in front of the stove, preparing breakfast.
"Hi Asuka. I see you're making breakfast for a change". Misato sniffed loudly. "Oh, this smells nice".
Asuka continued cooking. "I want to eat something German for a change. Did you know how hard it is to get any ingredients for German food?" Truth be told, she wasn't good at cooking. She managed to buy ingredients for one of the few dishes she's able to make.
"So what are you making?"
"Kaiserschmarrn".
"Isn't that from Austria?"
Annoyed, Asuka turned to face Misato. Spatula in her hand, she threatened "Don't try to be a smart-ass!"
Misato took a look at Asuka. She was wearing blue shorts and an apron. It was something she didn't see her wear before. Apron was something that only Shinji wear in her house. When Asuka turned to finish breakfast, Misato looked at her back. Asuka didn't have a shirt on, just her bra. She also noticed that Asuka was not wearing her hair clips. 'This is new. Is this for Shinji?'
"You look nice with your new hair style".
Asuka turned and tried to flip the pancake. She blurted, "It's nothing, I didn't feel like putting my clips on today".
In Misato eyes, Asuka looked happy today. That was a nice change, yet a bit concerning. Did something happen when she was away?
"Where's Shinji? He's usually making breakfast"
"Still in his room. He mumbled something when I said I'm going shopping. I think he's still sleeping"
"Sleeping at this hour? You didn't keep him up all night, now did you?"
There was a slight blush from the redhead. She was glad that her back was facing her guardian. "Like I would bother with some little boy!"
'Good, they didn't go that far'
"If I didn't know you better, I would guess you're trying to seduce someone".
"I'm not like you! Trying to seduce him every day with your loose clothes"
Misato snorted with laughter. "Don't try to win teasing competition with me".
"I have a week off school. It's hot today and I just want to wear something comfortable".
"That's why you don't bother wearing a shirt? This calls for attention".Asuka turned to face Misato. "Should I leave you two alone?" She winked. Asuka turned back and flushed at that comment.
'You try to be funny eh?' Asuka decided to strike back. With a mocking voice, she said "When you said you will be back late, I assumed you will be back yesterday".
Misato chuckled. "You know, I'm the guardian here. I should be saying things like this. Not the other way around".
Asuka turned and stuck her tongue out. "Well, I'm not the one coming back home in the morning".
With evil grin on her face, Misato said "Why bother with that bra? You already shown him everything there is on your first day here".
Now beet red, Asuka answered with a shaking voice. "One more comment and you won't eat breakfast!"
"Spoil sport. Told you, you won't win".
A bit of disappointment could be heard in Asuka voice. "I guess Kaji and you are back together?"
Misato sighed. "I don't know, maybe". Walking towards her room, she waved her hand. "I'm going to change my clothes".
"Wake up Shinji on your way".
"I will", she turned to the redhead, "and don't call Shinji a pervert". Asuka turned to face Misato. "You know, he's a guy after all. And, it was you who chose that outfit". With a smirk on her face, she left the room.
While Asuka was finishing breakfast, she was thinking. 'Is it so low of me? To wear this? To make him look at me instead of her?' Is it too much?She was asking herself. Should she go to her room and change? 'Do I want him to look at me?' She decided to leave it as is. She remembered when she met PenPen. That last thought made her blush.
Lying on his bed, Shinji was thinking. Last night was very long for him. He couldn't get any sleep. Pain from his hands was very annoying, but it wasn't the only reason for his lack of sleep. His whole body was feeling strange since diving into the volcano.
'I think I overdid it. But she's safe'
That thought made him smile. She was difficult to deal with and even more to understand. Her presence at Misato's apartment brought color to his life. He liked her, or at least, he felt attracted to her. She was beautiful. Sometimes, he was remembering the moment he saw her naked. It was brief, as she knocked him down soon after. But it made effect on him. He wasn't thinking like that about Rei or Kaori, the other girls he saw naked.
'She's right to call me a pervert'
He blushed at the picture in his mind. That physical attraction made him try to kiss her during their synchronization training. At the end, he didn't kiss her but she found out about the attempt. Her reaction back then made him sure not to try something like this again. He knew that wouldn't go well, she's stronger than she looks. He tried to be her friend.
She often insults him or the things he does. Something similar happened yesterday. This time it felt different. She did yell at him and call him stupid, but for some reason it sounded like she was worried. Afterwards, she helped him. It felt good, even if it's because she's feeling guilty for him being hurt.
He could hear knocking on the door. "Breakfast will be ready soon".
"I'll be there in a minute Misato".
Wearing fresh clothes, Misato entered the kitchen and sat at the table. "He'll join us soon".
Asuka placed a plate in front of Misato.
"This looks tasty. What did you add to it?"
"Apple and cinnamon". She took a plate for herself and sat at the table.
They both started to eat. "This is nice. I didn't know you can cook Asuka". Asuka looked up and saw Shinji entering the room. He was wearing a pink shirt and shorts, usual clothes he wore for sleep. He had dark circles under his eyes, obvious signs he didn't get much sleep. He joined his roommates at the table.
"How do you feel?" asked Misato with caring voice.
Looking at his guardian, he asked. "How do I look?"
"Terrible"
He chuckled. "Yeah. That's about right".
"How is your hand?"
Before he could answer, Asuka interrupted, "He hurt his both hands not one! Can't you see?"
He gave a faint smile. "It's fine Misato"
"Hmpf" Asuka put a plate in front of him. She moved her chair next to him. "I'll help you with that". There was a slight nod from the boy. "Did you get any sleep?"
He looked at Asuka. 'She looks so beautiful today' he thought. "Just a little. Normally I don't drink it but I could use some coffee. Can you brew me some, please?"
"Actually, I've bought some frozen coffee. You want one?" He nodded. She put one can from the fridge and opened it. Before putting the can on the table, she placed a straw in it. "Here. It will be easier for you to drink".
"Thank you". He took a sip. "What is this food? It looks and smells nice".
"It's Kaiserschmarrn". She noticed his puzzled face. "It's a type of omelette. I've added some roasted apples and cinnamon on top". She took a fork and a knife. After cutting a piece, she tried to feed the boy. "Here". He took a bite.
"This is really nice Asuka".
She sighed and smiled. "Yeah. There's not many things I can cook. I like this one. And it's easy to make".
"I can teach you", he paused, "I mean, if you want to". He looked at her. "You should eat your breakfast before it gets cold".
"It's fine, don't worry". She cut another piece.
Misato was studying her roommates. 'They look cute together'. Smile appeared on her face. 'But is it ok?' Sure, they should be more friendly to each other. It was difficult for her to get what goes in the redhead mind. Couple of days ago, Asuka was angry at him. And now? She smiles at him. Helps him. Tries to get his attention. Something unthinkable not long ago.
'Her sync ratio is down. If I allow this, will it help? Or will it backfire at both of them?'
Stopping them would mean that one of them would have to move out. She sighed, knowing that, it would make more harm than good. She finished her food.
"Thanks Asuka it was great. Do you guys have any plans for today?"
"I was planning to go shopping. Maybe eat something on the way".
"And you Shinji?"
He looked at Misato. "Not really. Not much I can do right now". He made a faint smile and waved his hand at Misato.
"Oh, right. Sorry".
Asuka interrupted. "I'll take good care of him". Both Misato and Shinji looked puzzled. Looking at them, she realized how it sounded. It made her blush a little.
"I mean, I'll take him shopping with me. He's helpless without me right now. Also, I think he should get some casual clothes. Something more than just school clothes".
Misato rose from her seat. "I'm going to HQ. Buy me some food on the way back". She walked away from the kitchen. "And don't do anything I would do".
Both teenagers blushed. "Misato!" they both said. Misato left laughing. 'Is it ok to leave them alone?' Misato's thinking was that they wouldn't do anything outside her apartment. 'I need to speak to Asuka later'.
After finishing helping Shinji, she ate her breakfast. "So, I'll tend to your hands and we can go?"
Shinji rose from his seat. "I want to do something before that".
"I can help"
He felt perplexed. "I can do it myself".
Annoyed, Asuka replied "Stop with this I don't want to be a burden crap. I've told I'll help".
He looked down. "Umm, I want to take a shower. I-I don't think I would be c-comfortable being naked in front of you" he said with a trembling voice.
'I wouldn't mind'. That thought run through in her mind, leaving her blushing a bit.
"Can you really do it yourself?" He looked down. "Dummy, you don't have to be naked. Leave your briefs on".
"O-Ok" he aid shyly.
"Get your ass to the bathroom" she commanded. "I'll wash the dishes and join you in a sec". He nodded.
Shinji was standing in the middle of the bathroom. When he heard the door opening, he started to remove his shirt. Asuka made a step towards him as he removed his shirt. It wasn't a new sight for her. She saw him without his shirt before. This time however, she could see it from up close. He was skinny but not bad looking. He didn't have much muscles, yet she could see the carving of his muscles. 'He could use few weeks in the gym' she thought. 'Still, not bad'.
When he finally removed his shirt, he noticed that Asuka was not wearing an apron. What he didn't realize was that he was staring at her.
She didn't want to admit it, but she enjoyed when he looked at her. 'So, he does notice me'. It made her smile. Part of her liked when he was embarrassed. She found him cute in that state.
"Your eyes are rather fixed Shinji"
'Oh shit'. He made a step back and looked away. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. It's that…" he tried to explain himself but was cut off.
"Stop"
He gulped. One thought was going through his mind. If she's going to slap him or punch him. She saw that he's nervous.
'Don't call Shinji a pervert' was what Misato said earlier.
"Look me in the eyes Shinji". He did that, not knowing what will come out of it. "You really didn't mean to stare at me like that?"
"I…" He wanted to say he's sorry but her eyes made that impossible. Her beautiful blue eyes. Defeated, he admitted "I wanted to look at you".
She smiled in a victory. "So, you're not sorry?" The boy nodded nervously. "See? It's not that hard to be honest. You know, girls like when they're adored. Still, you should try to look and not stare like that".
She closed the distance between them. He was nervous, she could tell. 'This is just precious', she really enjoyed when he was troubled. She leaned towards him and whispered into his ear "You know, I'm wearing this at home. Which means, it doesn't bother me when you look. So, you can look if you want". It made her flush a bit.
That sentence confused him. 'Why? What happened to you Asuka?' It was the second time in three days that she didn't punish him. It was strange. 'Did some alien abduct you and put a clone in your place?' For the second time, she would be right to slap him. But she didn't. He looked at her, trying to keep his eyes on her head.
She looked down, trying to hide her blush. She noticed something on his chest. It was small, maybe the size of her fist and a bit faint. Part of his skin had a bit different color. It wasn't a scar, more like a mark.
"Asuka?"
She looked him in the eyes. "Is that also from the volcano?"
He looked down. "This? No. It's from last battle before you arrived".
'Before?' She raised her hand, trying to reach his chest.
"Can I touch it?"
A bit confused, he agreed. She took her finger and ran across his skin. I felt normal. It just had a bit different shade.
"Does it hurt?"
He saw her face. 'Why is she asking?' Her touch felt good.
"It doesn't"
He looked at her lips. They looked so soft. He bit his lip trying to focus. He had the urge to kiss her right now. Then, he looked down. 'I'm such a pervert'. Her touch was making him hard to resist.
'Is this his heartbeat?'
He tried to stop her by placing his hand on her hand. "Please stop".
She look him in the eyes. "How did this happen?"
It was unexpected for him. Why did she wanted to know? "I-I don't remember most of it". It was a blur mostly. Some of the memories he had, hurt him.
"My Eva was going up the shaft. When the door opened and I reached the surface, it happened". He stopped for a moment. That was a painful memory. He could still fell it. "Immediately after the angel saw me, it shoot a beam at me. I remember pain from the blast. And-And a hospital ceiling. Misato told me I was unconscious for a couple of hours".
Her eyes went from his chest to his hand. "You're getting hurt in the battle" she whispered. It felt a bit awkward.
"Yeah. I guess I won't last long if I keep this up".
He chucked. All he wanted was to loosen up the tension that started to built up. To his surprise, it didn't work. She had a concerned look. Almost caring? She twitched, being a pilot was what she always wanted but she didn't give a lot of thought about how dangerous it can be.
He gasped. "It's ok. Now we have the best pilot with us" he smiled at her. "Since you arrived, I visited the medical ward only once. That's an improvement".
"Whaat?" she looked at him. She did see some footage of his battles. But they showed her only the parts when he won. She never read the report or bothered to ask if he was alright. Her gaze became uncomfortable.
'Is she's worried about me?' Looking at the tub, he asked "Umm, can we start?"
'Was he really hurt in every battle?' Of course, how could she forget? She was trained to be a pilot for years and he didn't. He was a rookie. She shook her head.
"Yes, sorry. Take off your shorts and get into the tub". He did as he was told.
"Keep your hands outside the tub so they won't get wet".
Now sitting next to the tub, she reached to grab some soap. The boy was sitting inside, a bit tense. She poured some water over him and started to rub soap onto him. She examined him while cleaning, checking his body for any other marks.
'Good. He doesn't have more scars'
After she finished, she handled him a towel. "Get changed and meet me in the living room". He nodded.
Asuka was sitting at the table, waiting. Sight of Shinji chest was worrying her. She arrived couple of weeks ago. Will this mark on his chest stay there forever? How serious was this battle?
'I'll have to ask Misato about that'.
Shinji left the bathroom and headed to the living room. He sat next to Asuka and stick out his hand. She started to unwrap the bandage. 'It's a bit yellow this time'. After removing the bandage, she looked at his palm. She saw few blisters.
"Oww, this is gross"
"Doctor Tanuma said that blisters may form. He said not to break them if they show up".
She started to apply the gel. She touched one of the blisters. It was jelly-like. "Does it hurt?"
"It doesn't"
When she finished, she started to remove the bandages from the second hand. "This looks different. It has some while and black color. Does it feel any different?"
"No"
His look was a bit strange. 'He's hiding something'. What did the doctor say? That hand looks different. "You're a bad liar, you know that?"
He smiled as he answered "I know"
'What? Did he just admitthat he was lying?' But why did he lie? 'I guess he doesn't want me to feel guilty?'
"What are you not telling me?" She could see he was feeling uncomfortable.
"It's nothing. Don't worry".
She finished applying the medication. 'Time to wait for to be absorbed'. They sit in silence. Asuka didn't like that. But what should she say? Reluctant, she decided to start the conversation.
"I had some small talk with Kaori before the angel fight".
He looked at Asuka. "She wants to get to know us better".
"She seems friendly"
"She is"
Asuka took a deep breath. "I know about you two".
'What does she know?' Did she know they slept together? Not sure, he asked "What do you mean?"
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I've heard you talking with Misato last week". There was an awkward silence. She continued "You spoke her name immediately when you saw her. I guess, she's the girl you mentioned to Misato?"
After a couple of seconds, he replied "She is". He wasn't sure what to think of it. They assumed Misato knows. He didn't suspect Asuka to know too.
"Can you keep that to yourself? Please?"
"I haven't told anyone. Misato knows"
"We guessed as much".
She started to apply the second medication. "So, she wants to be friends with me? I don't know a lot of people that jump into bed with someone who they just met" she said with a mocking voice. "Wait, actually I only know two. It's called what? A slut right?"
"Please don't"
She looked at him. "Don't what?"
"Don't talk about her like that"
'You're protecting her?' She felt a bit angry. "What? Truth hurts? You're a guy so I bet you would take any opportunity with any girl".
He sighed. "I wouldn't".
She froze. What did he mean? If she asked him right now, he wouldn't accept her? 'So, she's special to you?' That thought made her more angry. 'What makes her so special?' She finished with his hands.
"Then why did you do it?"
He looked down. "You wouldn't understand".
She was looking at him. 'Is he sad right now?'. Why would he be sad? She heard some stories at college. People were bragging about it. Like about some sort of victory or achievement.
"Then explain it to me".
He turned to face her. 'Why do you want to know? Do you want to mock me?'
"Why should I?"
"I didn't tell anyone, you owe me one"
"If you're trying to blackmail me, I'm only worried how good lieutenant Hyuga aim is"
His response caught her by surprise. She didn't mean to sound like that.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound like I'm blackmailing you. I'm just curious"
Not sure why, but he decided to tell her. He took a deep breath. "I-I run away. You've heard that right?" She nodded. "I wanted to get away from here. Everyone was…", he paused, "using me". He started to look at the table in front of him. "Everyone saw an Eva pilot in me. Expected me to pilot". Why was he telling her this? He didn't know. It was strange but it felt right. She sound worried about him so he felt that he should tell her.
She didn't understand it. 'Being an Eva pilot is something special!' She spent her entire life as a pilot.
"They didn't care about me. Only if I'm able to pilot. People at NERV, people at school". He faced her and gave her a weak smile. "You know, a lot of girls at school asked me out".
'What?! Did you sleep with other girls?' Did he? She didn't recall him talking to anyone else except Wondergirl or Hikari. It wasn't one of them, right? It was bothering her, a lot. Did she know so little about him?
"Did you…" he interrupted before she could finish her question.
"Because I'm a pilot. When I transferred, no-one bothered to talk to me. After they found out I'm a pilot, I was in the center of attention"
'Being in the center of attention is the best part of being a pilot'
"Suddenly, girls started to ask me out. Like if I'm some sort of a prey". She noticed his eyes. There were a bit glassy. This wasn't easy for him. "You know, so they could brag about how they dated an Eva pilot. I turned them all down". He stopped for a moment. All those emotions. Why was he telling her that? "But I had enough, of everything. So I've run away". He started to twitch. "And then, I've met her. You may laugh at me, call me a pervert". He stopped.
She took his hand and started to wrap in bandage. Now calm, after hearing about the other girls.
"Go on".
"Yes, I've took the opportunity. But it was because she didn't know who I am".
Asuka looked confused. "What? You've slept with her because she was a stranger? That's your reason? You could just..."
He stopped her. "No, no. You misunderstand". He made a faint smile. "She didn't know I was a pilot. She didn't do this because I'm a pilot. That's all that mattered back then"
'Why do you hate being a pilot so much?'
"I guess. I guess she showed me that I'm not only a pilot. She made me feel like a normal person. I know it sounds stupid. But, I've decided to stay. I had an honest talk with Misato the next day". He smiled at her. "Now there's a least few people that see me not only as a pilot".
'What's wrong in being a pilot?'
"Do you know why did she it?"
"Sorry Asuka, but that's between us". She finished bandaging his hands. They sat in silence for a minute. "Thank you Asuka". She looked at him. "Thank you for listening. It-it felt good to say this to someone".
That was unexpected. It confused her to say at least. 'Who is she to you really?' She felt a bit stupid. 'I thought you went for the looks'. But he didn't, it was something deeper than that. It made her sad. 'I'm so stupid. Can we share something like this?' She gently held his hand.
"You're welcome. I'm going to change my clothes and we can go".
After sliding the door behind her, she fell to the floor. She was quivering. At first she wanted to be better than Shinji. Then, she wanted to be better than Kaori, that he would prefer her rather than Kaori. But why? She didn't need anyone. She didn't need him. She struggled with her thoughts. He was just a stupid little boy.
NERV Canteen
Sitting at the table, Misato was reading report from the last battle. She was going to get debriefed since the commander was away during the last battle. From the corner of her eye, she saw Kaori approaching her.
"Hello Major, can I eat with you?"
"Yes, please sit down"
"Thank you ma'am"
She took seat in front of Misato, placing her meal on the table. It was a simple salad. Something she enjoyed. She wanted to start the conversation but Misato was first to speak.
"Cut the ma'am thing. It makes me feel old. Major is fine. How were your first days here at NERV? Are you settling in?"
"Good, thank you. Can I ask you a question, Major?"
"You already did, and don't be so formal"
"Oh, yes. Why did you hire me, Major?"
Misato put down her report. She read it more than once.
"Your brother asked me to. You're top of your class and we're always looking for the best"
"It wasn't some other reason, Major?"
"Cut the Major in every sentence"
"Sorry, I'm not used to how people call each other here"
"About the other reason, I found out after I've hired you"
"Are you angry with me?"
Misato looked at the teen. She could see that she was a bit tense. At first she was angry, yet after a bit of thinking she thought it didn't have bad effect on the boy.
"Before I answer, I need three answers from you". Kaori nodded. "First one, did you really had sex with him?"
"Umm, yes"
"Second one. Did you force yourself on him?"
"No, it was at his full consent. I warned him that it would probably be one time thing"
"Third one. What is your current relationship?"
"We talked, and he agreed to start over as friends"
Misato laughed. "So you came all prepared eh? I'm not angry. Three years difference is not that big, although I still think he's too young. Well, I was angry but not anymore. You know, I had a talk with him after you kicked him out. He ran away from NERV, you know that right?"
She nodded, "I know he ran away, but I didn't know he worked for NERV"
"Anyway, he ran away as he felt he was only seen as a tool. Pilot or whatever you name it. When we talked he said, and I quote, There's at least one person that don't see me as a pilot. I thought he was talking about me, that he actually saw that I care about him. But I guess, I was wrong the whole time. He was talking about you. I was sure he'll leave Tokyo for good, yet he stayed"
"I guess that's a good thing? Still, it feels like I've used him"
"I think it's ok. I mean, he wants to be friends right?", Kaori nodded, "I don't recall his score changing. Do you plan to be anything more than a friend to him?"
"Just friends"
"Good, that will make my other issue less complicated"
"What other issue?"
Misato sighed. "Keep it to yourself", the young girl nodded, "Asuka knows about you two. She heard me and Shinji talk. And, I believe she's jealous".
"Asuka? The second child?"
Misato scratched her head. "Yes. The problem is that, I don't think she knows what she wants".
She rose from her seat. "Sorry, I would love to chat more but I have a debriefing soon. Oh and one last question. Was he good?"
Kaori flushed. "I would have never guess, that it was his first time"
Notes:
This chapter took longer to write than I hoped. I rewrote parts of it few times and I'm still not sure about some parts. Thanks guys for reviews. It gave me some ideas. I know, I've rushed the battle scene. I've decided to write part of next chapter before I publish. This is so I can make some amends to this chapter if needed.
Thanks skyf0x, calborghete, Greg242, deathbringer374 and Midsully for reviews.