areasontolive5

Author's notes:
This time, stuff besides the Life sucks for Shinji theme I've been working on will happen. Hopefully this will be longer, too, for those who wanted that. By the way, I just want to mention that this will take place throughout the whole Evangelion storyline.
(2) This takes place in a little imaginary space where Asuka has moved in, but the 7th Angel hasn't attacked yet, and will continue from there.
Now, lets get going!
As always, I love getting reviews (positive or negative.) Also, feel free to email me with any questions/comments/suggestions. I'll try to reply as soon as I can.
(3) Sorry this chapter took so long to come out. As this gets happier, and thus, for me, more painful, it get harder and harder to write. If I keep getting these positive reviews, so I know there are actually some people reading this and enjoying it, I'll keep it up. Otherwise, I'd be happy to put this part of my life behind me, and stop thinking about it, because being sad about stuff all the time sucks.
Realistically, if I keep at it, there should be a new chapter every week. I'm no longer inspired to put these out every two days, as I don't really want to be thinking of depressing stuff that has happened to me all the time, so I think that's a better goal.
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As always, a big thanks to all who reviewed. You guys are why I'm still posting.
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A Reason to Live

Chapter 5: Hope and Distraction

By Johnny 05



It had been about another week since he had mailed the letter, and by now Shinji had abandoned all hope of getting a reply. He'd stopped checking the mail, and didn't even leave his room except for Sync tests and school, both of which he tackled with little enthusiasm. It was now 3:45. [The mail's already been delivered,] he thought sadly. [God, why did I even send that letter? I'm so stupid! Why couldn't I just be happy with what I had? I'm just....] That thought was cut off by a sharp rap on the door. I told you to leave me alone! I don't want to talk, Misato! he said loudly, not caring if he sounded rude.
Um, Shinji.., Misato said through his closed door. You've got a letter from...., she paused to look
He was at the door before he knew it, sliding it open to receive the letter with an unsteady hand. Uh, thanks...Misato... he said, voice wavering.
This make you feel any better? Misato said, winking at him.
Shinji could only mutter another thank you and shut the door, before he collapsed onto his bed. [This can't be happening... maybe.... maybe she just responded to be polite! Knowing my luck, she probably just wrote to tell me to leave her alone. Maybe I shouldn't even open it.] Suddenly the stupidity of is thoughts struck him, and he carefully tore the end of the envelope open and extracted the letter. Sitting down on the floor and leaning against his bed, Shinji began to read. He noticed Rei's precise handwriting, which looked somewhat uneven, as he imagined his had. His heart was now beating quickly, and steadily increased as he read.

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Dear Pilot Ikari,
I apologize for the lateness of my reply. I was unsure of what to write, and took time to write this letter. I am still confused about what I feel, but I realize that I must let you know I do not want to lose contact with you.
Perhaps we should talk some time, via the telephone (2323-908-3487-0976) or during school hours, although I doubt the latter is possible.
Please contact me if you still wish to talk.

Rei Ayanami


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[It...she....she doesn't hate me! This could be it! I can make good things happen, if I try! Instead of dwelling on how horrible I am, and how much my life sucks, I did something to change it! Now, look what could happen! Something good can come of my life!] What Shinji felt now was as close to pure joy as he had ever felt. Nothing could go wrong! Any pangs of doubt he had were quickly silenced by the euphoria he felt inside his heart.
He spent the rest of the afternoon watching television with his roommates in a happy silence. He didn't even register Misato's snide comments and grins, or Asuka's confused glances and half-hearted insults. He was just finishing off a grape soda and watching one of Asuka's soap operas (he didn't care which,) when a familiar sound jarred him to his senses; the blaring of the Angel Attack siren.
As Misato drove them recklessly through the empty streets towards Nerv headquarters, Shinji felt mixed emotions. [Figures. Just when things are looking up, this has to happen. But... now I just might have something to fight for.] He smiled confidently, much to the surprise of the other passengers of the sleek blue sports car.


Soon afterwards, he was in his Eva, alongside Unit 02, as they were airlifted to the Intercept Zone. Shinji slowly clenched and unclenched his right hand as Misato went over the mission directives. Shinji was barely listening. He knew what he had to do.
.....In other words, close in and take turns! Misato finished. And with that, the giant restraints unlocked, allowing the red and purple giants to hurtle to the ground, where they found their weapons and power supplies. Shinji had quickly opted for a giant, Eva-sized spear, while Asuka had been instructed to take a Pallet Rifle.
This sucks! the red-headed pilot of Eva 02 muttered. Not only do I have to fight my first battle over Japan with *this* idiot, he also takes the best weapon!
Don't worry, Asuka. I can handle this, Shinji said confidently over the com system.
She was about to reply, when a massive pillar of water rocketed into the sky, dissipating to reveal the Seventh Angel, claws outstretched.
Two cores?!? Misato said worriedly. But it was two late to reach the suddenly brash pilot of Eva 01.

[This one's for you, Rei,] Shinji though as he rammed the control yolks of his Eva forward. Evangelion Unit 01... ATTACK!!!





Afterward
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Hmm, well, the first half was hard to write (I really got a letter like that, once) but the second half was pretty fun. I know Shinji was very OOC, but I wanted to demonstrate how love makes one do some pretty stupid things. And if you watch the episode where Shinji takes on that zebra-ball angel, you'll see that a confidant Shinji is possible, although not very effective. Don't worry. His actions *will* have consequences. Thanks for reading my story up until this point. I really appreciate it :)

Random Stuff
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This is completely unrelated, but I'm thinking of learning to play the electric guitar. If anyone plays, could you let me know if this is a good idea. And yes, I know it's stupid to put this hear. It's late, ok? ^_^

Contact
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Email me at Cklim14@aol.com
or IM me, if you have any questions. I'll try to get back to you soon!