Yes, finally, part ten is here. Not quite as long a wait as for part 9 but pretty damn close.
Disclaimer: Gryffyn's mine. Cedar is mine. Kaworu's wings are mine. Everything else isn't. I worship
Akira Toriyama, the creator of genius, and I damn well envy Toei Animation and Funimation and all
those other bloody people that actually own the anime I love.
Thanks: To my soul-sister Nyara-chan, who reads over all of my work before it even gets typed. She's
given me half my ideas, or at least pretended to listen while I was talking them out. It's thanks to her
that anything I write goes further than halfway. Even if she does piss me off sometimes. And just as
importantly, thank you to everyone who writes me reviews. You give me motivation. You let me know
whether the directions I want to take with my stories are working or not. Finally, thank you to R X,
whose site entirely dedicated to the Rei and Shinji romance got me in the mood to keep writing.
Actual stuff that you may want to read:
This part is pretty different than the rest so far. There is a pretty big change in tone. No, I have not gone
lemony, but things happen over a large period of time which may seem like shocking developments in
a short period of writing. If this pisses you off, please bear in mind the fact that I have edited approx ¾
of the odd changes out because they were too drastic.
Enjoy!
Shinji wakened to a soft rustling. Sated, content, he rolled over to see Rei pulling a dusky grey top over
her head. He watched her with a contemplative expression hovering about his deep brown eyes, not
believing that this wonderful, sacred woman had chosen to give herself to him!
As she was smoothing the top down her sides, Rei became aware that Shinji was awake. She slowly
turned. Her eyes, meeting his, were touched with uncertainty.
"Rei," he said, letting his voice be a caress. Or trying to. The actual result was so ridiculous-sounding
that Shinji had to laugh, and Rei to chuckle softly.
The tension was broken. Shinji sat up, grinning warmly. "Are you alright?"
"I am well," she answered, and then out of honesty added, "A little sore. But… I am told that is to be
expected."
"I'm sorry," Shinji apologised quickly. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
She flashed him an odd glance. "There was… very little pain for me, Shinji. Did I not let you know
that?"
He blushed, remembering.
Rei folded her arms over herself. "Shinji- what does this mean? This- this thing we have done? For you
and I?"
Standing- trying to be unabashed at his own nakedness- Shinji touched his love's cheek. "What do you
want it to mean?" he asked tenderly.
"Well… I…" The pale-haired young woman blushed slightly, nervous. "Are we… lovers?" she
finished in a timid whisper.
Shinji drew her closer with his hands on her jeans-clad waist. He could feel the chemistry that bound
them together, and from her tiny tremble, he knew that Rei did too. "I think so," he murmured huskily,
and leaned forward to give her a loving kiss.
Just as he was really getting into it, Rei twisted and spun away. Gave him a teasing look from the
doorway. Oh, she felt so female, so exciting doing that! And from the sight of him, it was working.
"It's late," Rei breathed. "You should get dressed for school. Unless you intend to show up wearing
that?"
Breathing hard, Shinji gathered his scattered clothes and walked to his room with as much dignity as he
could muster- which was not much, especially with Rei's quiet amusement following him. He quickly
pulled on a school uniform and rushed back out.
Rei covered her smile with a hand. "We must be at school in ten minutes, Shinji."
He leaned against the wall, folding his arms. Trying to look mature and confident. Once again, failing
miserably. "Do we really need to worry about school, today?"
"Of course," she smiled serenely.
"C'mon," Shinji pleaded. "At least let me make us some breakfast before we go."
And so it was, that the two young lovers drifted into school an hour late.
Rei paused at the gate. "It will be… odd… to be in class without Gryffyn there."
"It'll be okay." Shinji squeezed her hand. "Whatever he's doing, it must be important."
"Yes." They'd talked about that last night. Anything that could take Gryffyn away from his beloved
denmates had to be very important indeed. They both trusted that their leonavian friend would not have
left without a reason that would satisfy them, too, had they known it; and so had decided not to resent
his leaving.
Shinji smiled at her. "C'mon. We're late enough."
She hesitated again. "Shinji… what will the others think?"
"We don't have to tell them just yet, if you don't want to," he reassured her.
"Kaworu will know."
"He'll keep his mouth shut if we ask him."
Rei sighed. "I do not know, Shinji. This… worries me."
"It will be alright." He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb.
She nodded. "Alright." Then flashed him a tiny, tiny grin. "Let's keep it our secret for as long as we
can, Shinji-chan."
When they stepped into the classroom, all other looked up at them.
"Are you guys alright?" Touji asked, concerned.
Kaworu grinned slowly. "My, my! Has Cedar seen you two? He'll be very…" His words trailed off at
Shinji's flat look.
"We need to talk to you, Kaworu," Shinji stated. While his denmate was rising, he bowed politely to
the teacher. "Pardon, sensei, but there's a very important matter we need to discuss with Nagisa. May
we return in a few minutes?"
"Oh, as you will," the teacher shrugged. "I don't even bother keeping late notes for you children
anymore. There's always something…"
Outside the classroom, Kaworu finished his sentence. "…disappointed." Laughing in delight, he
clapped them both on the shoulder. "I am so impressed! But I can't believe you didn't let me watch…"
The young lovers, cheeks flushed, exchanged a dry look. Rei spoke first. "Kaworu, although we must
ask for your… cooperation, in… keeping this secret… that is not what we must speak of."
"Well… if you don't want me to tell, I won't- but what's up?" He frowned. "Anything to do with why
you called Shinji home last night?"
Rei's eyes dropped, and she held out the note. "Cedar gave me this when I got home. I don't know
where he is now. And I don't- I don't- know- where…" Shinji's grip on her hand tightened in loving
support.
"… Gryffyn is," Kaworu finished sadly, folding the crumpled note again. "Oh, my very dears. This will
be a terrible loss for us to bear." He stepped forward and embraced both of them tightly, for once not
cheapening his actions with a wanton display, but merely sharing his grief with theirs.
"You were the last of us three to see him," Rei asked gently, "did he not speak of this to you?"
Kaworu touched them lightly with his wingtips, then stood back. "Not a word, Rei-chan. He did seem a
little- restless, maybe, that morning, but he said no word of this." He frowned. "He'd better have had a
damn good reason."
"I'm sure he did," Rei sighed. "But I'd've liked to know it."
The Angel shrugged, brushing feathertips down Rei's arm. "At least this has allowed the two of you o
grow closer. How is it said… there is a silver lining to this cloud."
Rei blushed slightly.
"Well, perhaps now is a good time for us to begin a thing I have long been considering." He smiled a
conspirator's smile. "I've noticed, when I watch your battles, that your AT Fields have enormous
potential… but they are weak and untrained. I wish to train you, both of you, in their proper use. What
say you?"
Shinji grinned. "That sounds very cool."
A small nod was all the reply he received from Rei, but he could see her curiosity and interest building.
This would be fun.
Kaworu fondly stroked Cedar's neck. The kidling had returned to the apartment by himself while his
denmates were at school, much to their relief and happiness, and though he seemed oddly reluctant to
touch Shinji or Rei, he was content to curl up against his companion's side.
"So," the Angel grinned, "our first lesson begins. I'd like you both to take your clothes off and sit on
the floor."
Rei frowned. "Is that necessary?"
"Well… I'd like you too…"
Shinji threw a pillow at his head, then sat in the comfy chair. Rei knelt gracefully on the floor.
Kaworu sighed in long-suffering disappointment. "I'm beginning to think that the three of us will never
share a bed… but to our lesson. Let us begin at the beginning. Show me how strongly you can
independently generate your AT Fields."
They both looked at him. "I can't do that by myself!" Shinji burst out.
Rei added softly, "I can do that only if there is danger. And then only weakly."
"Don't talk about it, do it!" Kaworu urged. "Just concentrate, even as you do with your Evangelion,
and it will come. Trust me. Close your eyes and concentrate."
Closing her eyes, Rei tried to remember the feeling of being within the entry plug, of the thick heavy
LCL that filled her lungs, the calm and confident power of the AT Field that she and the Eva used as
their armour…
Kaworu smiled, sensing the process beginning in her. She was reaching deep within herself, to the link
she knew she could open.
Beautiful cerise eyes opened as Rei spread her field wide.
As if in response, Shinji's field slowly rose.
Both bathed in the light of the souls, the young mostly-humans exchanged triumphant smiles. Kaworu
beamed at them proudly.
The siren went off.
Shinji sprang to his feet, dropping his field in panic. "Oh, damn!" he cried. "Sorry Kaworu-kun, we
have to go."
With a tolerant sigh, Rei stood and walked to the phone, ignoring the dull wail that filled the city, and
punched in several digits. "May I speak to Dr Akagi, please? This is the First Child."
Kaworu started laughing so hard he almost ruptured something. The bemused look on Shinji's face
only made it worse.
"Hello, Dr Akagi?… Yes. May I suggest that you run comparisons between the field patterns that just
appeared on your detector, and the established patterns for the First and Third Children?"
The siren's intensity faded away into dead silence.
"Furthermore, Doctor, I suggest that you program the detector not to respond to my pattern, or Ikari's,
and Nagisa's, as all three are quite likely to be active frequently in the future." Rei fell silent, listening,
then frowned. "I do not think that will be possible, Ritsuko-san… no, I do not… I…"
Kaworu took the phone from her, listening to the frantic doctor's shouted commands:
"You will –not- generate or experiment with the AT Field without –direct supervision- from Nerv
officers! You will –not-…"
"Are you certain, Doctor?" the Angel inquired sweetly, then curtly snapped, "Your pilots are poorly
trained! They have not realised a tenth portion of their strength! If you want them to defend their own
lives, let alone your pathetic excuse for a civilisation, they –must- be properly trained. I am the –only-
one who can do this. If –I- enter Nerv, great harm will result. Therefore I tell you now that I –will- train
these two, in whatever fashion –I- deem appropriate, and I will do it –outside- of Nerv facilities and
Nerv supervision!!!" He slammed the receiver down into its cradle with a viciously triumphant grin.
"Thank you," Rei smiled.
He stroked her cheek with a feathertip. "You're certainly welcome, dear one. So shall we begin again?"
"That was pretty cool," Shinji complemented him. "I can't believe you actually told Ritsuko off like
that."
Kaworu smiled. "Thank you, darling. Now come. Let's see those fields again."
Over the next few months, Kaworu taught the two of them- and Asuka too, for when she heard of the
idea, -naturally- she –had- to be involved- how to do things they'd never dreamed of. How to
strengthen and summon at will their AT Fields into an impenetrable defence. How to project an
extension of their fields like a weapon. Asuka's determination and Rei's natural abilities made their
fields the strongest; yet it was Shinji, whose strength ran quiet and deep… and most of all small… who
unlocked one of the most useful talents of all: true telepathy.
Shinji scribbled a couple more line's work on the Maths problem, before giving up in disgust. The
numbers were swimming before his eyes, refusing to make any sense.
"I hate Trig," he muttered, resting his cheek on his fist. Everyone else in the room was still working
hard on the Maths exercises they'd been set. Just about everyone had failed the test they'd sat the week
before, and just about everyone had heard from their parents- or guardians- about it, so the atmosphere
in the classroom was very serious.
His gaze fell on Rei a few seats in front of him. A smile twitched his lips. He loved her so much!
She was still uncomfortable with being touched- and, he had to admit, Shinji was a little as well- so
they did not make love often… but when they did, it was amazing. So loving, so tender, so passionate.
His eyes traced the curve of her back. The line of her neck when she moved. He wanted to hold her
hand.
Rei turned in her seat, looking at him questioningly.
-I wanna kiss you,- Shinji thought strongly.
Rei blinked. "Wh- what?"
She'd heard his thought. Shinji frowned, then tried to do again what he'd just done. A little channel, a
way of focusing… -I do. You're so beautiful, Rei.-
It was then that she realised that no-one else could hear him. Turning back to her problems with a tiny
blush at his words, Rei tried to communicate through the same path. –Shinji Ikari, you –are- an odd
creature,- she thought fondly.
Shinji didn't catch the words, only the quiet and abiding fondness. He basked in that for a moment,
then replied, -You'll have to think up, beloved.-
The word made Rei smile. It was a favourite of Kaworu's, but Shinji had stolen it for his own use. Not
bothering with words, she sent him a warm wave of affection- and turned back to her work.
Accepting her dismissal, Shinji decided to try this little trick out some more.
Kaworu jumped about three feet high when he felt the beginnings of an unfamiliar type of touch on his
defences, his AT Field slamming into place about him. His crimson eyes instantly flicked to the
window.
"Drop your Field, Kaworu," Shinji said clearly, making everyone in the room look at him… but
curious, Kaworu did drop his field. Shinji clearly directed his thoughts to the pale-haired boy. –A little
nervous, aren't we?-
"Well, there will probably be another attack soon," Kaworu answered, regardless of the attention his
speech was attracting. "But this is hardly the time for conversation, Shinji-chan."
"Ikari didn't speak, Nagisa, and you shouldn't either. Do you wish to fail?" demanded the teacher.
"Ie, sensei," Kaworu mumbled uncertainly. Shinji could sense the young Angel's mid buzzing in
confusion as he tried to figure out where those words had come from.
-'Shinji-chan'? We've spoken about that, denmate. I really would prefer that name to be just for Rei-
chan.-
Red eyes shifted in almost-panic: then Kaworu laughed in realisation and approval.
-Yes, this is me, in your head. Hello!-
After a few more moment's confusion, Kaworu latched onto the channel Shinji had found. –You are a
genius, Shinji-chan!- he sent with a strong sense of wonder. –Our kindred have been searching for this
thing for many years, and you find it as simply as a hand finds a breast!-
Shinji blinked at his friend's use of metaphor- but then again, he'd had several months to get
accustomed to it. –Years, huh? What's wrong with them?-
Thoughtfully chewing his lunch, Shinji pretended that he wasn't ignoring Kensuke's explanation of
why one type of gun was better than another. Instead, he was thinking about this new ability that he'd
found. There was just a little bit of potential there…
His reverie was broken by Touji's elbow in his side. "Hey, so, did you see when Rei gave you that
look?"
"What look?" Shinji asked absently.
"Don't pretend you didn't see it," Kensuke pushed slyly. "She just sat up and looked at you for no
reason, and then she blushed, man! I tell you, she was having evil thoughts about you."
Shinji blushed a little himself. "I wish, Kensuke-kun."
"Really! I swear, Rei wants you bad. Even the Ice Queen herself has gotta have some feelings, you
know, and every guy in the school knows they're yours for the taking…" Kensuke's voice trailed off,
his eyes focused behind Shinji.
He could sense Rei approaching, with a tinge to her ki that was… frankly… interesting.
Supremely Rei-like, the pale-haired girl walked up to Shinji. "A word, Third Child?"
"Of- of course." He stepped a little away with her, aware of two curious gazes locked onto them.
"What's up, Rei-chan?" he asked softly.
She took a step closer, not quite touching him, and whispered into his ear. "After school, Shinji-chan.
Broom closet."
He swallowed. It had been a while since she'd been –this- forward. He –liked- it. "Uh… what about
Nerv?"
A smile touched her lips. "Quickly… unless you don't want to?"
Shinji nodded slowly. "Understood," he confirmed gravely, then added in a lower tone, "I love you."
"I know," she whispered, dropping her eyes. She pulled a deep breath into her lungs, gathering up the
strength to speak the next four tiny words. "I love you, too."
It was the first time she'd ever spoken those words. He took her hand and squeezed it gently, sending
his feelings to wrap about her in a warm flood. "Rei-chan," Shinji said, low, fervent, "You are the
single most precious, and beautiful, and wonderful thing in my world. All this pain and suffering and
hardship we've been through… I'd do it all a hundred times over just to have touched your hand once,
just like this."
Rei burst into tears. She flung her arms around him, hugging him fiercely.
Caught by surprise, Shinji held her, rubbing her back with his thumbs. "It's okay, love," he murmured,
and hugged her until she stopped crying.
Then, sighing, she pushed him back, sparing a tiny smile. "Go. Reassure your friends."
He nodded, briefly touching her arm, and went back over to where Touji and Kensuke waited.
Touji lightly punched his arm. "Way to go, man! How'd'ya get her to do that?"
"I, uh…" he floundered. "She was upset. Everybody needs a hug sometimes, even Rei. She's not nearly
as heartless as lots of people think."
Kensuke sniggered. "So now it comes out. He's actually been porking her every night since they
moved in together, huh Shinji?"
Still only feet away, Rei frowned- then shrugged. "What the hell," she said clearly. Taking three
decisive steps forward, the pale girl grabbed Shinji's face in both hands and kissed him thoroughly.
He made a startled 'mph'- then grabbed her around the waist and pulled her tight against him, returning
her kiss passionately.
She spread her hands across his chest. And pushed him away. Flashed an amused look at the other 'two
stooges.' "Happy?" she asked calmly, and left with what could only be described, even from Rei, as a
proud saunter.
Like? Not like? I won't know unless you tell me. Please bear in mind that all of this did happen over
the course of several months. I prefer the term 'character development' to the term 'out of character.'
More soon, I hope… please tell me if there's anything you want to see happen, or you want me to
address further (eg where has Gryffyn gone? and is he coming back?) so that I can consider your
opinion in my future work.
Disclaimer: Gryffyn's mine. Cedar is mine. Kaworu's wings are mine. Everything else isn't. I worship
Akira Toriyama, the creator of genius, and I damn well envy Toei Animation and Funimation and all
those other bloody people that actually own the anime I love.
Thanks: To my soul-sister Nyara-chan, who reads over all of my work before it even gets typed. She's
given me half my ideas, or at least pretended to listen while I was talking them out. It's thanks to her
that anything I write goes further than halfway. Even if she does piss me off sometimes. And just as
importantly, thank you to everyone who writes me reviews. You give me motivation. You let me know
whether the directions I want to take with my stories are working or not. Finally, thank you to R X,
whose site entirely dedicated to the Rei and Shinji romance got me in the mood to keep writing.
Actual stuff that you may want to read:
This part is pretty different than the rest so far. There is a pretty big change in tone. No, I have not gone
lemony, but things happen over a large period of time which may seem like shocking developments in
a short period of writing. If this pisses you off, please bear in mind the fact that I have edited approx ¾
of the odd changes out because they were too drastic.
Enjoy!
Shinji wakened to a soft rustling. Sated, content, he rolled over to see Rei pulling a dusky grey top over
her head. He watched her with a contemplative expression hovering about his deep brown eyes, not
believing that this wonderful, sacred woman had chosen to give herself to him!
As she was smoothing the top down her sides, Rei became aware that Shinji was awake. She slowly
turned. Her eyes, meeting his, were touched with uncertainty.
"Rei," he said, letting his voice be a caress. Or trying to. The actual result was so ridiculous-sounding
that Shinji had to laugh, and Rei to chuckle softly.
The tension was broken. Shinji sat up, grinning warmly. "Are you alright?"
"I am well," she answered, and then out of honesty added, "A little sore. But… I am told that is to be
expected."
"I'm sorry," Shinji apologised quickly. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
She flashed him an odd glance. "There was… very little pain for me, Shinji. Did I not let you know
that?"
He blushed, remembering.
Rei folded her arms over herself. "Shinji- what does this mean? This- this thing we have done? For you
and I?"
Standing- trying to be unabashed at his own nakedness- Shinji touched his love's cheek. "What do you
want it to mean?" he asked tenderly.
"Well… I…" The pale-haired young woman blushed slightly, nervous. "Are we… lovers?" she
finished in a timid whisper.
Shinji drew her closer with his hands on her jeans-clad waist. He could feel the chemistry that bound
them together, and from her tiny tremble, he knew that Rei did too. "I think so," he murmured huskily,
and leaned forward to give her a loving kiss.
Just as he was really getting into it, Rei twisted and spun away. Gave him a teasing look from the
doorway. Oh, she felt so female, so exciting doing that! And from the sight of him, it was working.
"It's late," Rei breathed. "You should get dressed for school. Unless you intend to show up wearing
that?"
Breathing hard, Shinji gathered his scattered clothes and walked to his room with as much dignity as he
could muster- which was not much, especially with Rei's quiet amusement following him. He quickly
pulled on a school uniform and rushed back out.
Rei covered her smile with a hand. "We must be at school in ten minutes, Shinji."
He leaned against the wall, folding his arms. Trying to look mature and confident. Once again, failing
miserably. "Do we really need to worry about school, today?"
"Of course," she smiled serenely.
"C'mon," Shinji pleaded. "At least let me make us some breakfast before we go."
And so it was, that the two young lovers drifted into school an hour late.
Rei paused at the gate. "It will be… odd… to be in class without Gryffyn there."
"It'll be okay." Shinji squeezed her hand. "Whatever he's doing, it must be important."
"Yes." They'd talked about that last night. Anything that could take Gryffyn away from his beloved
denmates had to be very important indeed. They both trusted that their leonavian friend would not have
left without a reason that would satisfy them, too, had they known it; and so had decided not to resent
his leaving.
Shinji smiled at her. "C'mon. We're late enough."
She hesitated again. "Shinji… what will the others think?"
"We don't have to tell them just yet, if you don't want to," he reassured her.
"Kaworu will know."
"He'll keep his mouth shut if we ask him."
Rei sighed. "I do not know, Shinji. This… worries me."
"It will be alright." He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb.
She nodded. "Alright." Then flashed him a tiny, tiny grin. "Let's keep it our secret for as long as we
can, Shinji-chan."
When they stepped into the classroom, all other looked up at them.
"Are you guys alright?" Touji asked, concerned.
Kaworu grinned slowly. "My, my! Has Cedar seen you two? He'll be very…" His words trailed off at
Shinji's flat look.
"We need to talk to you, Kaworu," Shinji stated. While his denmate was rising, he bowed politely to
the teacher. "Pardon, sensei, but there's a very important matter we need to discuss with Nagisa. May
we return in a few minutes?"
"Oh, as you will," the teacher shrugged. "I don't even bother keeping late notes for you children
anymore. There's always something…"
Outside the classroom, Kaworu finished his sentence. "…disappointed." Laughing in delight, he
clapped them both on the shoulder. "I am so impressed! But I can't believe you didn't let me watch…"
The young lovers, cheeks flushed, exchanged a dry look. Rei spoke first. "Kaworu, although we must
ask for your… cooperation, in… keeping this secret… that is not what we must speak of."
"Well… if you don't want me to tell, I won't- but what's up?" He frowned. "Anything to do with why
you called Shinji home last night?"
Rei's eyes dropped, and she held out the note. "Cedar gave me this when I got home. I don't know
where he is now. And I don't- I don't- know- where…" Shinji's grip on her hand tightened in loving
support.
"… Gryffyn is," Kaworu finished sadly, folding the crumpled note again. "Oh, my very dears. This will
be a terrible loss for us to bear." He stepped forward and embraced both of them tightly, for once not
cheapening his actions with a wanton display, but merely sharing his grief with theirs.
"You were the last of us three to see him," Rei asked gently, "did he not speak of this to you?"
Kaworu touched them lightly with his wingtips, then stood back. "Not a word, Rei-chan. He did seem a
little- restless, maybe, that morning, but he said no word of this." He frowned. "He'd better have had a
damn good reason."
"I'm sure he did," Rei sighed. "But I'd've liked to know it."
The Angel shrugged, brushing feathertips down Rei's arm. "At least this has allowed the two of you o
grow closer. How is it said… there is a silver lining to this cloud."
Rei blushed slightly.
"Well, perhaps now is a good time for us to begin a thing I have long been considering." He smiled a
conspirator's smile. "I've noticed, when I watch your battles, that your AT Fields have enormous
potential… but they are weak and untrained. I wish to train you, both of you, in their proper use. What
say you?"
Shinji grinned. "That sounds very cool."
A small nod was all the reply he received from Rei, but he could see her curiosity and interest building.
This would be fun.
Kaworu fondly stroked Cedar's neck. The kidling had returned to the apartment by himself while his
denmates were at school, much to their relief and happiness, and though he seemed oddly reluctant to
touch Shinji or Rei, he was content to curl up against his companion's side.
"So," the Angel grinned, "our first lesson begins. I'd like you both to take your clothes off and sit on
the floor."
Rei frowned. "Is that necessary?"
"Well… I'd like you too…"
Shinji threw a pillow at his head, then sat in the comfy chair. Rei knelt gracefully on the floor.
Kaworu sighed in long-suffering disappointment. "I'm beginning to think that the three of us will never
share a bed… but to our lesson. Let us begin at the beginning. Show me how strongly you can
independently generate your AT Fields."
They both looked at him. "I can't do that by myself!" Shinji burst out.
Rei added softly, "I can do that only if there is danger. And then only weakly."
"Don't talk about it, do it!" Kaworu urged. "Just concentrate, even as you do with your Evangelion,
and it will come. Trust me. Close your eyes and concentrate."
Closing her eyes, Rei tried to remember the feeling of being within the entry plug, of the thick heavy
LCL that filled her lungs, the calm and confident power of the AT Field that she and the Eva used as
their armour…
Kaworu smiled, sensing the process beginning in her. She was reaching deep within herself, to the link
she knew she could open.
Beautiful cerise eyes opened as Rei spread her field wide.
As if in response, Shinji's field slowly rose.
Both bathed in the light of the souls, the young mostly-humans exchanged triumphant smiles. Kaworu
beamed at them proudly.
The siren went off.
Shinji sprang to his feet, dropping his field in panic. "Oh, damn!" he cried. "Sorry Kaworu-kun, we
have to go."
With a tolerant sigh, Rei stood and walked to the phone, ignoring the dull wail that filled the city, and
punched in several digits. "May I speak to Dr Akagi, please? This is the First Child."
Kaworu started laughing so hard he almost ruptured something. The bemused look on Shinji's face
only made it worse.
"Hello, Dr Akagi?… Yes. May I suggest that you run comparisons between the field patterns that just
appeared on your detector, and the established patterns for the First and Third Children?"
The siren's intensity faded away into dead silence.
"Furthermore, Doctor, I suggest that you program the detector not to respond to my pattern, or Ikari's,
and Nagisa's, as all three are quite likely to be active frequently in the future." Rei fell silent, listening,
then frowned. "I do not think that will be possible, Ritsuko-san… no, I do not… I…"
Kaworu took the phone from her, listening to the frantic doctor's shouted commands:
"You will –not- generate or experiment with the AT Field without –direct supervision- from Nerv
officers! You will –not-…"
"Are you certain, Doctor?" the Angel inquired sweetly, then curtly snapped, "Your pilots are poorly
trained! They have not realised a tenth portion of their strength! If you want them to defend their own
lives, let alone your pathetic excuse for a civilisation, they –must- be properly trained. I am the –only-
one who can do this. If –I- enter Nerv, great harm will result. Therefore I tell you now that I –will- train
these two, in whatever fashion –I- deem appropriate, and I will do it –outside- of Nerv facilities and
Nerv supervision!!!" He slammed the receiver down into its cradle with a viciously triumphant grin.
"Thank you," Rei smiled.
He stroked her cheek with a feathertip. "You're certainly welcome, dear one. So shall we begin again?"
"That was pretty cool," Shinji complemented him. "I can't believe you actually told Ritsuko off like
that."
Kaworu smiled. "Thank you, darling. Now come. Let's see those fields again."
Over the next few months, Kaworu taught the two of them- and Asuka too, for when she heard of the
idea, -naturally- she –had- to be involved- how to do things they'd never dreamed of. How to
strengthen and summon at will their AT Fields into an impenetrable defence. How to project an
extension of their fields like a weapon. Asuka's determination and Rei's natural abilities made their
fields the strongest; yet it was Shinji, whose strength ran quiet and deep… and most of all small… who
unlocked one of the most useful talents of all: true telepathy.
Shinji scribbled a couple more line's work on the Maths problem, before giving up in disgust. The
numbers were swimming before his eyes, refusing to make any sense.
"I hate Trig," he muttered, resting his cheek on his fist. Everyone else in the room was still working
hard on the Maths exercises they'd been set. Just about everyone had failed the test they'd sat the week
before, and just about everyone had heard from their parents- or guardians- about it, so the atmosphere
in the classroom was very serious.
His gaze fell on Rei a few seats in front of him. A smile twitched his lips. He loved her so much!
She was still uncomfortable with being touched- and, he had to admit, Shinji was a little as well- so
they did not make love often… but when they did, it was amazing. So loving, so tender, so passionate.
His eyes traced the curve of her back. The line of her neck when she moved. He wanted to hold her
hand.
Rei turned in her seat, looking at him questioningly.
-I wanna kiss you,- Shinji thought strongly.
Rei blinked. "Wh- what?"
She'd heard his thought. Shinji frowned, then tried to do again what he'd just done. A little channel, a
way of focusing… -I do. You're so beautiful, Rei.-
It was then that she realised that no-one else could hear him. Turning back to her problems with a tiny
blush at his words, Rei tried to communicate through the same path. –Shinji Ikari, you –are- an odd
creature,- she thought fondly.
Shinji didn't catch the words, only the quiet and abiding fondness. He basked in that for a moment,
then replied, -You'll have to think up, beloved.-
The word made Rei smile. It was a favourite of Kaworu's, but Shinji had stolen it for his own use. Not
bothering with words, she sent him a warm wave of affection- and turned back to her work.
Accepting her dismissal, Shinji decided to try this little trick out some more.
Kaworu jumped about three feet high when he felt the beginnings of an unfamiliar type of touch on his
defences, his AT Field slamming into place about him. His crimson eyes instantly flicked to the
window.
"Drop your Field, Kaworu," Shinji said clearly, making everyone in the room look at him… but
curious, Kaworu did drop his field. Shinji clearly directed his thoughts to the pale-haired boy. –A little
nervous, aren't we?-
"Well, there will probably be another attack soon," Kaworu answered, regardless of the attention his
speech was attracting. "But this is hardly the time for conversation, Shinji-chan."
"Ikari didn't speak, Nagisa, and you shouldn't either. Do you wish to fail?" demanded the teacher.
"Ie, sensei," Kaworu mumbled uncertainly. Shinji could sense the young Angel's mid buzzing in
confusion as he tried to figure out where those words had come from.
-'Shinji-chan'? We've spoken about that, denmate. I really would prefer that name to be just for Rei-
chan.-
Red eyes shifted in almost-panic: then Kaworu laughed in realisation and approval.
-Yes, this is me, in your head. Hello!-
After a few more moment's confusion, Kaworu latched onto the channel Shinji had found. –You are a
genius, Shinji-chan!- he sent with a strong sense of wonder. –Our kindred have been searching for this
thing for many years, and you find it as simply as a hand finds a breast!-
Shinji blinked at his friend's use of metaphor- but then again, he'd had several months to get
accustomed to it. –Years, huh? What's wrong with them?-
Thoughtfully chewing his lunch, Shinji pretended that he wasn't ignoring Kensuke's explanation of
why one type of gun was better than another. Instead, he was thinking about this new ability that he'd
found. There was just a little bit of potential there…
His reverie was broken by Touji's elbow in his side. "Hey, so, did you see when Rei gave you that
look?"
"What look?" Shinji asked absently.
"Don't pretend you didn't see it," Kensuke pushed slyly. "She just sat up and looked at you for no
reason, and then she blushed, man! I tell you, she was having evil thoughts about you."
Shinji blushed a little himself. "I wish, Kensuke-kun."
"Really! I swear, Rei wants you bad. Even the Ice Queen herself has gotta have some feelings, you
know, and every guy in the school knows they're yours for the taking…" Kensuke's voice trailed off,
his eyes focused behind Shinji.
He could sense Rei approaching, with a tinge to her ki that was… frankly… interesting.
Supremely Rei-like, the pale-haired girl walked up to Shinji. "A word, Third Child?"
"Of- of course." He stepped a little away with her, aware of two curious gazes locked onto them.
"What's up, Rei-chan?" he asked softly.
She took a step closer, not quite touching him, and whispered into his ear. "After school, Shinji-chan.
Broom closet."
He swallowed. It had been a while since she'd been –this- forward. He –liked- it. "Uh… what about
Nerv?"
A smile touched her lips. "Quickly… unless you don't want to?"
Shinji nodded slowly. "Understood," he confirmed gravely, then added in a lower tone, "I love you."
"I know," she whispered, dropping her eyes. She pulled a deep breath into her lungs, gathering up the
strength to speak the next four tiny words. "I love you, too."
It was the first time she'd ever spoken those words. He took her hand and squeezed it gently, sending
his feelings to wrap about her in a warm flood. "Rei-chan," Shinji said, low, fervent, "You are the
single most precious, and beautiful, and wonderful thing in my world. All this pain and suffering and
hardship we've been through… I'd do it all a hundred times over just to have touched your hand once,
just like this."
Rei burst into tears. She flung her arms around him, hugging him fiercely.
Caught by surprise, Shinji held her, rubbing her back with his thumbs. "It's okay, love," he murmured,
and hugged her until she stopped crying.
Then, sighing, she pushed him back, sparing a tiny smile. "Go. Reassure your friends."
He nodded, briefly touching her arm, and went back over to where Touji and Kensuke waited.
Touji lightly punched his arm. "Way to go, man! How'd'ya get her to do that?"
"I, uh…" he floundered. "She was upset. Everybody needs a hug sometimes, even Rei. She's not nearly
as heartless as lots of people think."
Kensuke sniggered. "So now it comes out. He's actually been porking her every night since they
moved in together, huh Shinji?"
Still only feet away, Rei frowned- then shrugged. "What the hell," she said clearly. Taking three
decisive steps forward, the pale girl grabbed Shinji's face in both hands and kissed him thoroughly.
He made a startled 'mph'- then grabbed her around the waist and pulled her tight against him, returning
her kiss passionately.
She spread her hands across his chest. And pushed him away. Flashed an amused look at the other 'two
stooges.' "Happy?" she asked calmly, and left with what could only be described, even from Rei, as a
proud saunter.
Like? Not like? I won't know unless you tell me. Please bear in mind that all of this did happen over
the course of several months. I prefer the term 'character development' to the term 'out of character.'
More soon, I hope… please tell me if there's anything you want to see happen, or you want me to
address further (eg where has Gryffyn gone? and is he coming back?) so that I can consider your
opinion in my future work.