We are Wonderful Tonight
Tonight they had plans, so Shinji kept dinner simple. It won't take long to finish cleaning the few dishes they had used. As he worked, his mind began to drift. It has been five years since Asuka, and himself to a lesser degree, had fought off SEELE and saved humanity from a dismal fate. Asuka had been placed on the pedestal as the world's hero. Shinji didn't mind much, afterall he didn't like the extra attention. He also didn't feel worthy because he didn't do it for such petty reasons as saving the world or stopping SEELE. He did it for her. He wouldn't fail her again, and on that he swore his life.
Regardless, the scars between him and Asuka ran deep and would probably never fully heal. He had abandoned her and he had done much worse, but those actions had been temporarily ignored. She had actually been happy to have his help. That didn't mean she did complain during their fight.
Once the combat came to a close, that short and sweet peace also ended. She tore into him verbally and physically. He may have helped save the world, but his pile of sins leading to that point weren't going to be forgiven so easily. Section 2 had to forcibly separate the pilots before Asuka could go through with her promise to make the boy suffer.
It was almost two months after their victory, before she spoke to him again. Well, 'spoke' was an understatement, but it was communication and he was happy to have that. A fiery-angry Asuka was better than one who wanted nothing to do with him. She had elected to stay at NERV facilities or on some world tour to keep distance between them. A couple months later the vitriol had mellowed out and she actually asked to move back in with Misato and himself. The request to come "home" again as she called it, was touching.
Months turned to years. Soon, Shinji found himself heading off to college, and Asuka had decided to tag along. Their living together didn't change much. Their new apartment, and the one that would follow were always impeccably clean, the food always prepared with care, and the laundry done by Shinji. Asuka would have bouts of intense anger at him, but those were happening less often with time.
Sometimes Shinji would lay in bed wondering why she still hung around him. He had become just a normal person. Put him in a crowd and good luck picking him out. She wouldn't settle for something or someone so mundane as him. She was like a supernova, outshining everything around her. As they grew it became painful at times just to look at her. She would even still tease him, wearing skimpy house clothes.
They had both tried being with other people. Shinji had few short romances, but inevitably his mind would focus back on her. Even when she was with some other guy, she would be his priority. That didn't make for long relationships. Asuka always had guys around her. A train of rich and smart and attractive men. It was hard to live with those men around her all the time, and eventually he was frustrated enough to let Asuka hear it.
"Are you going to wash dishes all night?" A slightly annoyed voice broke his reverie and brought him back to the present. Asuka was fresh from her shower with a robe around her and her hair in a towel. "You better get ready. We can't be late."
"Do we really have to go? I mean they just want to see the Great Asuka Langley Soryu. Shinji Ikari is the C-level celebrity more fit for birthday parties, not grand events with heads of state." Shinji then mumbled to himself as she left him for the bedroom, "You are the one who takes forever getting ready anyway."
From the other room came, "I heard that, and yes you do. Firstly, because I say so. Secondly, because we are a team." She always brought out the 'Team' bit when she was railroading him into something he didn't want to do. She knew how to make him give up fighting her and just go along with what she wanted. "Lastly, Misato needs us to keep the pressure up on these people. SEELE isn't gone yet, despite Kaji working hard at it. If there exists a chance for SEELE to gain support of the wealthy and powerful, we need to keep the pressure up. We do that as symbols against SEELE and a reminder of what almost happened. Besides...," She stuck her head out the door and winked at him, "I know you want to see me in a little black dress."
With a sigh Shinji finished the last dish, "Yes ma'am. I'll jump in the shower now."
"I got you! You just want to see me in the dress!" She was laughing from her bedroom. "Ever the pervert, Shinji."
"You know what I meant." Shinji began gathering some of the clothes he'd need. The tux was in its plastic cover from the cleaners, and he unwrapped it and hung it out for putting on later.
"Oh don't be like that Shinji. I'm sure there will be plenty of ladies there wanting to spend some 'Special Time' with the Invincible Shinji Ikari. Maybe a few guys as well." The teasing tone of hers began to get to him.
"Stop it. You know I'm not like that."
"You are too easy to tease Shinji. Anyway I'll probably have my dance card filled tonight. You might have to find a pretty little thing to distract you."
She would and that hurt fresh every time. He was jealous, but letting her know wouldn't do much good. He resigned himself to another night standing by the bar watching Duke-whatever or some other chiseled European guy hit on Asuka.
He was about to get in the shower when she added, "But don't drink too much. I might have a few tonight, and one of us has to drive." He didn't drink much anyway, so that wouldn't be an issue. Not like she could anyway, an ability she picked up from Misato. He on the other hand was a lightweight with alcohol.
After his shower he went to get dressed, finding Asuka still struggling with what to wear. He chucked to himself wondering how close to late they'd be. He got dressed efficiently, and took a seat in the living room waiting for Asuak to finish. At one point getting tired of waiting, he stuck his head back into the bedroom. He found her putting on what he hoped was the last touches to her makeup.
She noticed him and gave him a glare, she read his anxious face and gave in, "Fine. How do I look?" She did a little turn with a little frown of concern on her face.
She was stunning, of course. Enough neck and shoulder to be appealing, but modest enough. The hem was always shorter on her dresses than he liked, but that was Asuka playing the role. Diamonds dotted discrete parts of her face and neck to not be uncouth. He really only had one response, "You look wonderful tonight."
"Awww, Mr. Ikari you keep that up, a girl might just fall for you." She said playfully, but the blush under the makeup wasn't missed. She then proceeded to examine him like an appraiser at a statue. A few fixes to his outfit later, "And you look acceptable as well." A flash of her teeth made it clear it was more of a tease than a serious jab. "Come on baka, at this rate we might be late." He didn't dare mention how he had been ready almost an hour ago.
They were not late, but only because of Asuka's loose interpretation of things like "STOP" signs and lights that tended to her favorite color. The event was in swing either way, and people in formal wear littered a large area in their own small groups. There was an outdoor area, though with the cooling night air probably wouldn't get much use. A small band played gentle music for some people to dance to. A bar area with a seating area in the back supplied snacks and drinks. The entire building seemed like it was made out of black marble, tan wood, glass, and water features.
Asuka strutted in like she owned the place. She was good at these things. Her unending confidence owned the room quickly. Asuka took his arm in a formal way and started bringing her fellow ex-pilot from group to group. She was working the room greeting people and having a discussion about all sorts of subjects. One group was a discussion on international funding and the economic impact NERV had on the world economy through innovation. Another was a debate on the more recent rise of a trend in art back to realism in their reproduction of the world and the decline of impressionism. One quickly fell into a discussion of designer trends in clothes as apparently Asuka had chosen a quite striking and particularly beautiful dress. He quickly took his typical role of saying a few things here and there, but mostly nursing a drink that would likely follow him most of the night.
He didn't belong in this setting. She was having fun and people were enjoying their time with her, but he could see the looks. Any time she touched his elbow or showed a closeness to him, the guests, particularly the men, would look at him and wonder why she was walking around with him. Now Shinji had earned a bit of pride, and did hold a few conversations on what it was like to pilot in some of his fights, but he was the back-up. Asuka was the star of the show.
In a small lull where his presence wouldn't be missed, Shinji stepped out to make a trip to the bathroom. On the way he put in an order at the bar for two whiskeys. He expected she would need one soon with all the walking and talking. Not long after he returned to the event floor to see a tall, blonde, and obviously well-off man about his age holding a conversation way too close to Asuka. His hand even reached out and touched her arm. Most people wouldn't see it in her face, but Shinji could tell it wasn't a touch that was not invited or wanted. Still, she was in diplomacy mode and was dealing with it the best she could.
Feeling a deep anger start to build, he also ordered a couple shots before taking the drinks that were prepared for him. He put them down quickly, but looking back he found that hand had found its way to her back. Two more shots and maybe he could keep the monster at bay.
It wasn't just Asuka or Unit 01 that had a temper. Shinji's temper was generally buried too deep to be roused. Layers of politeness and a generally easy going personality acted as a safety to it. Certain Angels as well as a drunk fellow who tried to force a physical connection with Asuka could tell you what that rage was like.
A glance back and the hand had wandered lower and Asuka was about to snap. Grumbling, "Time to save the day, I guess. Shame, would have been nice to see the pretty boy lose a tooth or two." Shinji retrieved the whisky glasses and headed back all the while wondering how many machines the man would need to be hooked up to.
There was a story being told about the rich man's yacht in Monaco's harbor for the big Formula One Race. Shinji deftly slid in slightly bumping Asuka aside and away from that dreadful hand. "Really, tell me about it, the race that is." Before the man could react Shinji slid the other whiskey into the offending hand.
The smokescreen laid and a little tug on his shirt sleeve as Asuka passed, "I think I'll just go to check my makeup while you boys chat." The Tug was her little "Thank You".
The two men watched briefly as Asuka walked away, but when the wealthy fellow returned his gaze to Shinji ready to let the brazen former pilot have it, he found Shinji glaring back right into his eyes over the top of a whisky glass.
"What makes you think you can interrupt us?" There it was, the pompous tone of someone who got what they wanted, always.
"Interrupt you, oh no I saved you. Asuka is a very complex woman, believe me I know better than anyone. Now, I can leave when she comes back, but then you have two things to worry about."
"That is you? Hardly. I doubt most people would care if you ended up in a gutter somewhere for a while. You are not important enough to care about." Blonde boy had put some heat into those words, letting the quiet threat speak loudly. He probably could hire some guys to come after Shinji and rough him up, but with post war training to protect them from further attempts from SEELE, Shinji was no push over. All the threat did was boil away more safety layers on his rage.
"It would take me three strikes to have you on the ground now with a broken jaw, snapped knee, and a concussion. The best part is you are right. No one would care, because everyone here knows what happens when you come after Misato's kids. I'd get a night in jail and released on bond. You would spend the next three months in the hospital, and I know people who work at the hospital." That took the wind out of his sails. "But that is the lesser threat between the two I promised. Remember, I saved you. If you want I can put your hand back in the lion's mouth. Do you think for an instant that if she didn't want me to step between you two that she'd let me. Hah! A few more inches and you'd have lost that hand," Shinji paused for the effect and finished, "literally."
Shinji took another swig from his whiskey, but never broke the stare. The liquor was losing the fight holding back the rage, but that look on his face helped. It was a creeping realization of abject fear. His pride started to kick in though, and soon it turned to a scowl.
"Are you boys done discussing cars yet?" Asuka reappeared, laying a not too well disguised look towards their new acquaintance.
"We are through, I think. Right?" A little hiccup and sway.
"Baka, you are drunk. I told you not to drink too much." She took the whiskey from Shinji and deftly placed it on a passing tray.
"It was really good whiskey though. Figured, I'd take advantage." A little more slur in the speech, still keeping the stare going.
"I'm sorry, but I have to take care of my friend. If you would like to discuss business, I'm sure Misato would be glad to meet with you. Excuse us. Let's get you some fresh air, baka." Asuka pulled Shinji from the staring contest. They were almost to the veranda, when they passed the dance floor.
Shinji stopped and pulled Asuka back into a gentle hold and began swaying with the beat. "I feel like dancing. Dance with me."
Asuka tried to keep pulling, but Shinji held her firm. Giving up the fight, "Fine. What were you doing back there anyway?"
"Rich douchebags need to keep their hands to themselves. Bastard was just waiting for me to step aside to sneak in and get all touchy-feely.."
"I was fine."
"No you weren't, but I wasn't either."
"I could have handled it myself, and better."
"I don't care. He was pissing me off."
Asuka sighed seeing the futility of fighting with nearly drunk Shinji. The need to argue seemed to fade and she settled into the embrace and enjoyed the slow dance he led her in. For a song it was just locked eyes, smiles, and the quiet comfort of the touch. Then it was a second and a third song, because why not. It had been a long time since they danced. Shinji's eyes looked weird, as if he was staring into nothingness. Like he was looking right through her into her soul. That is precisely how he felt as well.
In her eyes he saw not just Asuka's normal fire and life, but some deeper light. He was mesmerized by it. So out of character it was for him to do this, that his heart spoke faster than his mind when she asked, "Do you feel alright?"
"Yes, I'm wonderful tonight." Shinji paused for a second while Asuka recovered from the intense blush rolling through her body, and in a move that would make even Kaji blush in envy he continued, "I don't think you realize how much I love you." If asked later, Shinji wouldn't be able to recall if he said that out loud or in his head.
If you could make a person see stars from a compliment alone, Shinji just nailed it. She tried to speak but with a sniff, some watery eyes, and choked voice all she managed was, "Baka."
He pulled her close and they kept dancing. The song eventually faded. Neither could tell you if it was because the song was over or they just didn't care anymore. She was going to break the embrace, but before she could step away, Shinji gently leant over and kissed her. Her smile that followed was that supernova he had trouble looking at. Did people see, or care? Shinji certainly didn't care.
Taking a breath and composing herself back into the woman who could control the room, "Now I know you are drunk, baka. We'd better get you home before the alcohol goes from your head to your stomach."
She led them to the exit, not arm-in-arm like before, but hand-in-hand. He really enjoyed the feeling of their intertwined fingers. The intimacy was soothing. There was a need in it as well that came from her. They were connected in a silent agreement of comfort.
"Keys, baka. You aren't fit to drive."
"Huh?" Not really processing at the same speed he heard things anymore, "Uh, sure." He relinquished the required object.
She wasn't wrong. Somewhere between waiting for the valet to bring the car around, and the front door of their place, Shinji's floating head began spinning and aching. She had to practically do everything for him: hanging his jacket and shirt up, belt and tie on the back of a chair. She voiced some complaints about him not being of help at all. Eventually she brought him to the bed. Once his shirt was unbuttoned, she smirked at the unsteady boy before her. With a gentle push she let him fall back onto the bed.
He managed to remove his shoes with just his feet, socks came soon after. The clean-up will be tomorrow Shinji's problem. Right now he was just concerned about how good the sheets felt and smelt. He would never get tired of falling asleep with her smell. He could hear her cleaning up in the bathroom. His pants were now becoming a barrier between him and the sheets, so off they came and onto another chair they ended up. Under the covers was even better. Asuka had good taste in bedding sheets.
Asuka eventually came back and found a Shinji haphazardly half-snuggled into the bed.
She smiled and sighed, "What am I going to do with you?" Helping him fully into the bed she made sure the discarded pants wouldn't develop any creases and turned off the lights before sliding into bed next to her baka.
Not quite asleep yet Shinji pulled her into a close embrace with her head resting on his chest. Listening to him breathe she asked, "See, was the party really all that bad? You should come more often."
"Mmm, nah. I'll let you take that battlefield. Besides, you'll miss all your chances with those rich bachelors."
She laughed and slapped his stomach, "Shut up, you know they don't stand a chance against you. Anyway, how good am I, right? The Great Asuka Langley Soryu continues to conquer all."
"My darling, you are wonderful tonight."
"I know. Despite your overprotective and drunk tendencies, I think Misato will be happy with the results."
Their bed was a fantastic warm cocoon, especially with Asuka next to him. When they picked the place out, she had instantaneously picked the bigger bedroom. It had a bigger bed, a bigger closet that she needed for her vast selection of clothes, and a bigger bathroom. Misato had no idea at the time that his bedroom was mostly for his clothes and a small desk for his work. It was shortly before moving in that the two started sharing a bed.
"When can we start telling people? I mean, I bought a really nice ring and you can't even wear it." Shinji's words sounded a little lost and far away. He was losing the battle with sleep slowly.
"And ruin my fun messing with heads of the men who think they are lions? Nah, it's great when they think they have me wrapped up, and a quick cold drop just demoralizes them." She smiled drawing little circles on his stomach.
Shinji was on the edge of passing out, "Still the jerks need to know to keep their hands off."
"Yeah." She understood, but when Shinji pulled her tighter to her side it raised a concern in her, "You do know I would never...with anyone else, right?"
He sleepily responded, "Of course, you made a vow and Soryu's always keep their word. Or something like that is what you said. I trust you. Always."
"I love you Shinji, don't you ever doubt that."
"I love you too, Asuka. More than the whole world, I love you."
"Then just wait, a few more months and we get to surprise everyone with a big wedding. I mean can you imagine the look on Hikari and Touji's faces?"
"Heh, yeah. Misato would be pretty mad if we let it slip too early. She's been waiting about as long as we have."
"Good night baka."
"G'night Asuka." He is definitely gone now.
She whispered a threat, "Don't you dare throw up on me in the night. I'll kill you."
"Mmm." is all the response she got.
She fell asleep listening to his heart beat remembering the words, "I don't think you realize how much I love you.". Oh she knew. From the deepest part of her soul, she knew.
A/N: Well, if it wasn't blatantly obvious this is a song-fic inspired by "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric "Slowhand" Clapton. It's one of my favorite love songs. I had the idea while working up a longer project, and I might make this fit within the chapters, but we will have to see how it develops.
I hope I did an okay job of hiding how deep their relationship was before showing my cards. I worked hard to slip in some hints here and there.
I was also inspired by a fic I can't find to give credit for the partial inspiration. Shinji goes to a party and bumps into Asuka. They play like they haven't seen each other in years, but can't keep the charade up all night. It was cute, and really had me thinking that it was going to be a heart twister with her going home to some unknown husband and kids, only to find it was Shinji and their kids.
I might just do a series of these where I take inspiration from something like a song and write a story for Shinji and Asuka to walk through.
I hope if you enjoy this keep an eye open for my series I'm working on. This hits a little closer to what I am doing there, so maybe you'll enjoy that as well. I hit a stumbling block at the start. I know where the early to end of the story is going to go, but getting the story rolling has proven to be tricky. I need the characters in a place to set things up right. It shouldn't be too long before I get a chapter 1 out for that though.
Anyway, thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. Off to my next work.
It's late in the evening
She's wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her makeup
And brushes her long blonde hair
And then she asks me, "Do I look alright?"
And I say, "Yes, you look wonderful tonight"
We go to a party
And everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady
That's walking around with me
And then she asks me, "Do you feel alright?"
And I say, "Yes, I feel wonderful tonight"
I feel wonderful
Because I see the love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize how much I love you
It's time to go home now
And I've got an aching head
So I give her the car keys
She helps me to bed
And then I tell her, as I turn out the light
I say, "My darling, you are wonderful tonight"
Oh my darling, you are wonderful tonight